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Aug. 13, 2026
Hello, friends and neighbors!
I hope you’re all having a wonderful day. It’s time for our weekly newsletter, where we share recent community highlights and look ahead to the events, programs and opportunities coming up in our neighborhood.
Class is back in session! I hope everyone had a great start to the school year and is settling into the early mornings, busy schedules and new routines. As we say goodbye to summer break, I’d also like to take a moment to reflect on some of the memorable moments we shared together as a community.
This summer was filled with unity, connection and fun with family, friends and neighbors. Some of the highlights included:
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The 25th Annual Juneteenth Festival, which brought our community together on a beautiful summer evening filled with music, celebration and a spectacular fireworks display.
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The Fourth of July at Children’s Memorial Park, where I enjoyed spending the evening with family and neighbors while taking in the fireworks.
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Ward 5 Community Safe Night Out at Doolittle Park and the Shaq Courts, which brought families together with Parks and Recreation staff, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, our Department of Public Safety and Las Vegas Fire & Rescue staff for an evening of activities, connection and community healing during a time when togetherness mattered most.
These events and so many others are truly close to my heart. I’m grateful for every opportunity to connect with residents, celebrate our community and create meaningful memories together. As the school year gets underway, I look forward to continuing that momentum and seeing even more of you at upcoming events.
Now, let’s take a look at what’s happening this week! And be sure to check out the “Looking Ahead, Come Join Us!” section below for even more ways to stay connected, involved and engaged in our community.
Wishing you and your families a safe, meaningful and enjoyable weekend!
Warm regards,
Shondra Summers-Armstrong
Matt Kelly Elementary School First Day of School Red Carpet Event
Monday I had the pleasure of celebrating the start of the new school year by welcoming students back to school in style at Matt Kelly Elementary School.
Students were greeted with a special red-carpet experience on their first day back, surrounded by teachers, school staff and community leaders who came together to show their support and excitement for the year ahead.
It was a wonderful morning filled with smiles, encouragement and positive energy. I enjoyed sharing this special moment with Matt Kelly students, families and staff, the city of Las Vegas Youth Development & Social Initiatives (YDSI) team, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Clark County School District (CCSD) Superintendent Jhone Ebert, CCSD Trustee Tameka Henry and a special guest -- Las Vegas Athletics mascot Stomper!
A special thank you to Principal Hall and the entire Matt Kelly Elementary School staff for organizing such a warm and memorable welcome for students. Starting the school year by reminding our young people that their community believes in them is a wonderful way to begin the year.
Here’s to a successful, exciting, and inspiring school year for all of our students!
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Five Years Of Activism With The Las Vegas Chapter
Of The National Action Network
On the evening of Aug. 10, I joined the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Action Network as they celebrated five years of service, advocacy and activism in the Southern Nevada community.
The National Action Network is a leading civil rights organization dedicated to advancing justice, equality and civic engagement across the country. Through community programs, outreach and advocacy, the organization supports justice-impacted families, empowers youth and connects individuals with resources and services, including free legal assistance.
Congratulations to Reverend Robert Bush and his dedicated team on this important five-year milestone. Their commitment to serving Southern Nevada families and strengthening our community has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many. Thank you, Reverend Bush and the entire local National Action Network team, for your continued dedication to serving, empowering and uplifting our community.
It was an honor to celebrate this milestone with you, and I look forward to seeing the Las Vegas Chapter continue its important work for years to come.
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Click on the button below to watch the latest Ward 5 "Access City Council" show!
Matt Kelly Elementary School Back-To-School Event
Matt Kelly Elementary School will be registering students at the Doolittle Community Center. Review the dates below to find the time that works best for your family, and be sure to bring the required documents to make registration quick and easy.
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug.17-19
Doolittle Community Center
1950 N. J St.
NV Energy's Project Reach Senior Expo
If you are age 62 or older and need help paying your electric, gas, water, or sewer bill, United Way of Southern Nevada’s Project REACH Senior Expo, powered by NV Energy, may be able to offer the assistance you need. See below for details.
8 a.m. - noon at each location
Aug 18 - Rio Convention Center
Aug 20 - Aliante Casino and Hotel
Aug 25 & 27 - Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
Learn more by clicking the link!
Food Is Medicine Free Farmers Market Aug. 25
Join us as we celebrate with the Just One Project their expansion of the Food is Medicine Farmers Market that provides the community with fresh, quality food options. Come out and grab some healthy groceries for the whole family.
8-10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
Lorenzi Park
3333 W. Washington Ave.
The Neon Museum Blue Star Program
In recognition of active-duty military personnel and their families, The Neon Museum is partnering with Blue Star Museums for the fourth consecutive year to offer free general admission to those currently serving in the United States military. The offer continues through Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2026.
4 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Neon Museum Las Vegas
770 Las Vegas Blvd. North
Splash Pads Now Open
Splash pad season continues! All city of Las Vegas splash pads are now open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 30.
The water is clean and safe, just like the tap water at home. The water is recycled through the same treatment process used throughout our community, helping conserve one of our most valuable resources.
Find a splash pad near you at LasVegasNevada.gov/SplashPad.
Splashpad at Kianga Isoke Palacio Park at Doolittle Complex
City Reopens Utility Tax/Sewer 2025 Rebate Program
Low-Income Residents Ages 60+ May Make Appointments
Now At Several City Of Las Vegas Centers To Apply
The Utility Tax Rebate Program offered for years by the city of Las Vegas to low-income seniors who reside within the city limits now has higher income limits to qualify. Those who did not qualify before may qualify now under the newly adjusted income limits. New applications may be filed with the city through Oct. 15, 2026, for rebates of franchise taxes and sewer fees paid in 2025. Application forms are not available online; applicants must apply at one of the centers listed below. Residents can call the center they wish to attend for an appointment.
Seniors age 60 and older who qualify may receive a rebate on the franchise tax they paid for local utilities throughout the 2025 year. These utility bills include NV Energy electric power, Century Link or Cox Communications telephone bills and Southwest Gas natural gas charges. The bills must be in the name of the person filing for the rebate. Applicants must make an income of less than 150% of the federal poverty level, which is $23,475 for an individual or $31,725 for a household of two. See the chart for other household sizes.
Applicants must bring copies of all their 2025 local NV Energy, Southwest Gas and CenturyLink/Cox Communications telephone bills, photo identification, proof of income, proof of bill payment and other supporting documentation to fill out an application. Identification and bills must match physical address.
Low-income homeowners ages 60+ who qualify also may apply for a partial rebate of the annual sewer bill on their primary residence located within the city of Las Vegas; bring copies of your bill(s) and proof of payment for the 2025 sewer charges. For more information, call the individual center below you wish to attend. (See fliers below.)
Visions Park Now Accepting Applications!
Are you or someone you know blind or visually impaired and looking for a home designed with your needs in mind?
The new Visions Park community is Nevada’s first apartment complex designed specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired, offering accessible features and supportive services to help residents live independently and comfortably.
Backed by the Blind Center of Nevada, Visions Park is more than a traditional apartment community with accessible features. It is the only community in Nevada built from the ground up with the needs and independence of people who are blind or have low vision in mind. From the architecture and layout to the lighting, flooring, supportive services and location, every detail was thoughtfully designed with accessibility and independence at the forefront.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about Visions Park and how to apply, click the link below.
Safekey Registration Now Open!
If you have children in grades K-5, consider enrolling them in the city of Las Vegas Safekey program. Registration is open and you can register your child by going online to www.lasvegasnevada.gov/safekey.
If you have further questions, please reach out to the Safekey office at 702-229-5437 (KIDS).
Accepting Historic Westside Legacy Park Nominations
The city of Las Vegas is accepting nominations for Historic Westside Legacy Park honorees through Oct. 1, 2026. If you know someone who has made a lasting impact on the Historic Westside community, consider nominating them for next year's induction.
Learn more about the nomination process here and submit your nomination using the button below.
Fremont Street Experience Curfew Guidelines
Downtown Las Vegas is preparing for a busy season filled with events, nightlife and increased foot traffic. To help keep the community safe and maintain a welcoming atmosphere, the city of Las Vegas is reminding residents and visitors about curfew regulations currently in place for minors — especially in the Fremont Street area.
Click the blue button below to learn more about the curfew regulations for minors unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
Make A Difference With AmeriCorps!
Do you want to make a difference in your community while earning a living stipend and education award?
The city of Las Vegas AmeriCorps State and National Program is recruiting individuals who are passionate about education, youth development, workforce initiatives and community engagement. Volunteers serve in schools and community programs across Las Vegas while earning a living stipend, an education award upon successful completion of service, and career-building experience.
Fill out the interest form today and turn your passion into purpose while earning up to a $24,962 stipend and a $7,395 education award. See details at www.Lasvegasnevada.gov/AmeriCorps.
CSN Electric Vehicle Certification Course
Are you looking for a new electrifying career? The College of Southern Nevada has opened registration for their new Electric Vehicle Certification Course. Don't wait -- the next class is Aug. 22. See flier below for details!
Vial Of Life Program
Are you prepared for a medical emergency? If not, the Vial Of Life Program can help!
See flyer below for details!
Brownfield Site Assessment Program
The Brownfield Assessment Program helps property owners better understand environmental challenges on underused or vacant properties to help prepare for possible redevelopment. Addressing these challenges can unlock a property’s value and create opportunities for new development, economic growth and stronger communities. Complete a Brownfield Site Nomination here. Learn more here: https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Grants.
Free Tree Giveaway
Homeowners living in the following listed zip codes may qualify for a free tree or trees through the city of Las Vegas, along with irrigation in the front yard of your home!
To learn more and apply, scan the QR code below or click the link to learn more.
English: www.lasvegasnevada.gov/trees
Spanish: www.lasvegasnevada.gov/arbol
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Findhelp.org has a ton of resources, spanning from food to housing and work assistance, all near you! Just enter your zip code in the search bar to get connected with local resources, complete with addresses, contact information and next steps to get you the help you need. |
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More Than Just Groceries.
A systems approach to fighting food insecurity. They increase access to food, resources and services through the Food For All & Community Connect Programs. |
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Three Square
Families across Southern Nevada are experiencing food insecurity, many for the first time. In response to the growing need, Three Square Food Bank is expanding emergency relief efforts to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.
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The After Market
The After Market is a local grocery store in northeast Las Vegas providing food access in a food desert. As the only grocery store within a six-mile radius of the area, The After Market not only serves the general community, but also provides a food pantry for those in need, eliminating stigma and bringing forth inclusion.
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Local Food Pantries
The Ward 5 team has compiled a list of local food pantries to support residents experiencing food insecurity due to the temporary suspension of SNAP benefit payments. We encourage you to call ahead to confirm operating hours, eligibility requirements and the accuracy of each listing.
Food Banks In Your Area
Clark County Social Services Food Pantry
Southern Nevada Food Banks
Other Local Food Banks
We want you to stay informed on what is happening and what's forthcoming in your community! Use the link buttons below to look for events and view upcoming Planning Commission and City Council meeting agendas.
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Contact the Ward 5 Team: Julius Lightfoot, Nora Lares or Aura Ortiz.
Phone: 702-229-5443
E-mail: Ward5@LasVegasNevada.gov
Follow us on social media!
www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Ward5
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