Children's author receives the key to the city
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the Henderson City Council recognized Jarrett J. Krosoczka as the 2011 All People Promoting Literacy Efforts author-illustrator and presented him with the key to the city for his contributions in promoting literacy throughout the city. Krosoczka is known for his Punk Farm and Lunch Lady book series.
"Jarrett Krosoczka is one of 25 hottest children's authors in the nation," Mayor Andy Hafen said.
Krosoczka promoted the APPLE Partnership at several elementary schools in Henderson. Schools participating in this program that log the most reading minutes will receive a $7000 reward to purchase materials.
"It's a joy to talk to kids about my books and see plays being put on from my books, kids coming up with great illustrations from my books and teachers dressed up as Lunch Lady," Krosoczka said. "Because of the efforts of the Henderson Libraries and Clark County School District, I've been able to walk into schools and help literature become truly alive for these kids and affirm to them that the writing they're doing in the third grade constitutes that they are authors. My career began as a third-grader when I wrote a book in elementary school."
The APPLE Partnership believes that all children are capable of learning, reading is the basis of all learning, parents and families are the biggest influences on literacy and development and parents are the most important teachers in a child's life.
October named domestic violence awareness month
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, a proclamation was set before the Henderson City Council, making October Domestic Violence Awareness month. The city of Henderson has partnered with private and public organizations to raise awareness of domestic violence. According to Mayor Andy Hafen, domestic violence is a serious issue that needs to be addressed in order to make the city of Henderson a safe place to live, work and play.
"Every day is a struggle to make sure that our victims stay safe and to find resources in the community. Without the support from the city and the city council, our jobs would be impossible. Let's keep fighting to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence," said Kim Del Rossi, victim advocate at the Henderson Police Department and S.A.F.E House.
Las Vegas National Sports Center Amendments
The Henderson City Council approved amendments on Tuesday, Oct. 18, to the zoning and master streets and highways portion of the plan to build a sports complex brought by the Las Vegas National Sports Center.
The amendments include changing the Land Use Policy Plan; rezoning from Clark County to regional mixed use with master plan overlay and relocating; and realigning and removing various street sections within the West Henderson planning area. The project is set to break ground in summer 2012 and calls for four phases. Phase 1 will bring construction of a 17,500-seat arena; Phase 2 is budgeted for a 25,000-seat stadium to house a Major League Soccer team; and Phases 3 and 4 involve a baseball park and 63,000-seat football stadium.
Councilwoman Debra March would like to remind residents that the city is acting with care in regards to this project, and it is protecting the interest of the community. Also, there are more protections in place for the city if the developer does not follow through with the building of the project. The developer is obligated to return the land to its prior state, if there is a cessation of the project. The city still reserves the right to back out of the deal prior to the closing and sale of the land.
Henderson a leader in sustainability
According to the 2011 Green Report, the city of Henderson continues to be the leader in energy efficiency and sustainability. The city initiated programs such as Henderson Knows H2O and a recycling program in conjunction with the University of Nevada Las Vegas to create community sustainability awareness. The Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is nationally accredited and has received recognition for providing recreational amenities for healthy communities.
