MESQUITE, NV (Leisure Services Dept.) – Recreation Center open all night long to host all GRADS!

The Mesquite Police and the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services will co-sponsor this years GRAD NIGHT for the Virgin Valley High School Graduating Class of 2013. 

This event will take place on June 5^th at 10:00PM and go all night, ending at 4:00AM. Students will be in the facility enjoying food, games, activities, prizes and drawings. 

For more information on this year’s Grad Night Event, please contact Kimberly Otero of the Mesquite Police Department 346-6155 

For more information on other programs offered, please contact the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services at (702) 346-8732. Register for youth and adult programs online at: www.mesquitenv.gov or at the Administrative Offices located at 100 W. Old Mill Road. 

We will be receiving our first shipment of Rainbow Trout in slated for the middle of November. 

For more information on restocking schedules and the time of year the hatchery changes Catfish to Rainbow Trout please call the Lake Mead Fish Hatchery (702) 486-6889. 

For more information on this and other programs please contact the Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Services Department at 346-8732. To register for all youth and adult programs online go to: www.mesquitenv.gov and at the Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Services Department Administrative Office, 100 W. Old Mill Road.

First of two planned projects to repave entire Arizona stretch of I-15

Paving work will continue this week on the final phase of a pavement improvement project on the Virgin River Gorge passage on Interstate 15 in northwest Arizona that links Nevada and Utah. 

The following restrictions are in place this week:

·  I-15 narrowed to one lane in each direction from the Virgin River Gorge to the Utah state line (mileposts 13-29) Monday, May 20 to Thursday, May 23 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

·  Speeds will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.

Crews will apply the top layer of asphalt to a 16-mile segment of roadway, with paving expected to be completed by June. 

The $11.6 million project includes removal of a layer of the existing pavement and repaving the roadway from the Virgin River Gorge to the Utah state line on I-15, which is a major commercial and travel corridor that connects Mexico and Canada. When completed, the project will provide smoother, longer-lasting pavement that will improve safety and mobility. 

ADOT remains committed to the I-15 corridor and has budgeted nearly $15 million to repave another 13-mile portion of the highway that extends to the Nevada state line in 2015.

 The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to expect at least a 30-minute delay or greater on weekends. Drivers are also advised to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. 

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.  

For more information, email projects@azdot.gov or call the ADOT project hotline at 1.855.712.8530. Visitwww.facebook.com/azdot or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT. For more information about ADOT projects and programs across Arizona see the agency's latest blog posts athttp://adotblog.blogspot.com.  

Community members are invited to meet with Andy Barton, Mesquite City Manager, at 8:00 a.m., on Thursday, May 30th. This open forum will be held at Scotty’s at Falcon Ridge located at 1024 Normandy Lane.  This is an opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns or to just meet and visit with the City Manager.  

MESQUITE, NV (Leisure Services Dept.) – For both parents and kids, it's never too early to start thinking about summer programs. Parents are concerned with ensuring that their children are engaged in activities that keep their minds and bodies active when school lets out for the summer. Youngsters eagerly anticipate the free time, and simply want to have fun and learn something new. The Mesquite Recreation and Parks Department’s Summer Youth Camps are a solution designed to keep everyone happy this summer. The hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday (No early drop-off or late pick-up). The camp is designed for boys and girls ages kindergarten to 5^th grade.  Must be potty trained.                                                                                                                                         

• The first session of Summer Camp begins June 17 – June 27, 2013, Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Sixty camp spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The camp is designed for boys and girls ages kindergarten to 5^th grade 

• The second session of Summer Camp begins July 08 – July 18, 2013, Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Sixty camp spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The camp is designed for boys and girls ages kindergarten to 5^th grade

 The third session of Summer Camp begins July 29 – August 08, 2013, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Sixty camp spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The camp is designed for boys and girls ages kindergarten to 5^th grade. 

Children are required to bring a towel, swim suit, a sack lunch, a snack and a bottle of water; if your child is not a skilled swimmer they will be required to bring a lifejacket during swim time and will wear it during swim time (Lifejacket must be Coast Guard Approved). Activities will be held at the Mesquite Recreation Center & the Mesquite Campus Deuce facility.

 The pick up and drop off locations will be held at the Mesquite Deuce Campus, 150 N. Suite # 1 (Old Library).   

For more information on this and other programs please contact the Mesquite Recreation & Parks Department at 346-8732. To register for all youth and adult programs online go to: www.mesquitenv.gov and at the Mesquite Recreation & Parks Department Administrative Office, 100 W. Old Mill Road.

First of two planned projects to repave entire Arizona stretch of I-15 

PHOENIX — On Tuesday, May 14, the Arizona Department of Transportation will begin the final phase of a pavement improvement project that began last summer on the Virgin River Gorge passage on Interstate 15 in northwest Arizona that links Nevada and Utah.

After a winter shutdown, crews will apply the top layer of asphalt to a 16-mile segment of roadway now that the weather is optimal for work. Paving is expected to be completed by next month.

The following restrictions are in place next week:

• I-15 narrowed to one lane in each direction from the Virgin River Gorge to the Utah state line (mileposts 13-29)Tuesday, May 14 to Friday, May 17 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Speeds will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone.

The $11.6 million project includes removal of a layer of the existing pavement and repaving the roadway from the Virgin River Gorge to the Utah state line on I-15, which is a major commercial and travel corridor that connects Mexico and Canada. When completed, the project will provide smoother, longer-lasting pavement that will improve safety and mobility.

ADOT remains committed to the I-15 corridor and has budgeted nearly $15 million to repave another 13-mile portion of the highway that extends to the Nevada state line in 2015.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to expect at least a 30-minute delay or greater on weekends. Drivers are also advised to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1. Anywhere outside of Arizona, please call 1-888-411-ROAD (7623).

For more information about this project please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide, contact projects@azdot.gov or call the project information line at 1.855.712.8530. Local media should contact the ADOT Public Information Office atnews@azdot.gov or 1.800.949.8057. Visit us on Facebook or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT. For more information about ADOT projects and programs across Arizona see the agency's latest blog posts.

MESQUITE, NV (Leisure Services Dept.) -- As a swimming pool owner, you know that safety is of the utmost importance, especially if you have young kids using your pool. While it’s crucial to be vigilant about water safety all year long, according to Safe Kids USA, drowning incidents increase by 89 percent from May through August. That’s why May has been named National Water Safety Month, which reminds parents, educators, kids and professionals about the importance of playing it safe in the pool. 

What’s National Water Safety Month all about? The month-long effort is spearheaded by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the American Red Cross, the National Recreation & Park Association and the World Waterpark Association. All of these organizations are dedicated to ensuring that Americans enjoy safe, pleasurable aquatic activities, at waterparks and resorts or in public swimming pools. 

National Water Safety Month puts special emphasis on education about water safety, the importance of swimming lessons, and parental supervision by the pool, following pool rules and using the “buddy system,” reports the WWA. Whether you need guidance on one or all of these topics, all of the sponsoring organizations offer guides and tips for helping your family stay safe while swimming this summer. 

Water Safety tips from the Nevada Recreation and Parks Society "Simple Steps Save Lives" Program

1. Staying close, being alert and watching children in and around the pool

• Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water
• Teach children basic water safety tips
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
• Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa
• If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
• Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors

2.  Learning and practicing water safety skills

• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim
• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency

3.  Having appropriate equipment for your pool or spa

• Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools.
• Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
• If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install door alarms and always use them. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing pools or spas.
• Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water
• Ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know
• Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order
• Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm

For more information on this and other programs please contact the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services at (702) 346-8732. Register for youth and adult programs online at: www.mesquitenv.gov or at the Administrative Offices located at 100 W. Old Mill Road.

MESQUITE, NV (Athletics & Leisure Services Dept.) -- The City of Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Services Department would like to inform the community of our holiday hours schedule for the upcoming holiday that will affect the Mesquite Recreation Center hours of operation and the Mesquite Community/Senior Center. 

We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause; the hours of operation for the

Mesquite Recreation Center Hours will go as follows.

·         Monday, May 27, 2013, Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

§  Memorial Day

The following will be for the Mesquite Community/Senior Center Hours.

·         Monday, May 27, 2013, Hours of Operation: CLOSED

§  Memorial Day

For more information on this and other programs please contact the Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Services Department at 346-8732. To register for all youth and adult programs online go to: www.mesquitenv.gov and at the Departments Administrative Offices located at, 100 W. Old Mill Road. 

First Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year Chosen

Frank Pati, a 78 year old from Mesquite, was chosen to be the very first Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year.

The nominees were considered based on their significant contributions made at the local, state, and/or national level and by excellence achieved through going above and beyond the call of duty, specifically with respect to volunteer work in support of Senior Citizens of the State of Nevada.

Additionally, they were evaluated on the scope and impact of their achievements and the extent to which their efforts benefited and provided inspiration to their community and other Senior Citizens.  The achievements considered were not limited to only one year.

The Nevada Delegation of the National Silver Haired Congress (NSHC) in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization (ASDO) established the Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year Award earlier this year.  The first annual award is for the year 2012 and will be presented at the ASDO Annual Luncheon in May, which is the 50^th Anniversary of Older Americans Month.  They definitely plan on making the award an annual event. The Governor has been invited to present the award.

Mr. Pati is a pioneer in senior softball and is also known as ‘Mr. Senior Softball.’  He is the Founder and Chairman of the Mesquite Senior Games.

Mark Wier, Mayor of Mesquite, summed up Mr. Pati’s contributions like this. “Mesquite Senior Games started humbly with a 50+ softball tournament 18 years ago and progressed into the Mesquite Senior Games in 2002. Frank has single handedly brought teams from 42 states to participate in a number of Senior Games events each year.  Through his vision, commitment and tenacity the program continues to grow and has brought hundreds of senior athletes to our community, many who have made Mesquite their home.  The Mesquite Senior Games contribute to the economic vitality and tourism of Mesquite.  Frank Pati is ‘the Mesquite Senior Games’.”

“You would be hard pressed to find a more beloved and revered man than Frank Pati” wrote Bryan Dangerfield, Director of Athletics & Leisure Services of Mesquite.  He continued “In the past two decades, Frank has not only brought distinction to Mesquite and the state of Nevada through his senior softball tournaments and the Mesquite Senior Games, he has changed the lives of many seniors in giving them a vehicle to stay active and to develop new friendships.”

These several tournaments each year include “the CAN-AM Games which draws teams from Canada and throughout the United States.”

Thus, for his many years of selfless service in improving the lives of seniors and promoting their health, wellness, and fun, Mr. Frank Pati was selected as the Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year 2012.