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Oct. 22, 2026
Hello, friends and neighbors!
I hope you’re all having a wonderful day! Welcome to the latest Ward 5 newsletter, where we share recent community happenings and highlight upcoming events, programs and opportunities to stay engaged in our neighborhood.
This week, I’d like to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer affects the lives of millions of people, including women and men, and raising awareness about the disease, its risk factors and the importance of early detection remains essential.
In the spirit of increasing awareness, here are a few important facts about breast cancer:
- Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women.
- About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, although individual risk varies based on age, family history, genetics and other factors.
- Breast cancer occurs most often in middle-aged and older women, with the median age at diagnosis being approximately 63.
- Millions of breast cancer survivors live in the United States, including individuals currently receiving treatment.
Breast cancer is a serious disease, but early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes. Staying informed, recognizing changes in your body and following recommended screening guidelines are important steps in protecting your health.
For additional information, statistics, educational materials and helpful resources, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Learning about breast cancer and discussing appropriate screening options with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Be sure to check out the “Looking Ahead, Come Join Us!” and “Heads Up! Important Opportunities” sections below for more ways to stay informed, participate and connect with our Ward 5 community.
Wishing you and your families a safe, meaningful and enjoyable weekend!
Warm regards,
Shondra Summers-Armstrong
LVGEA Inaugural Perspective Awards Dinner
Thursday evening, Oct. 15, I attended the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) Inaugural Perspective Awards Dinner alongside Councilwoman Kelley and the city’s Economic and Urban Development team.
LVGEA President and CEO Danielle Casey shared insights into the organization’s outlook and future forecasts for Southern Nevada’s economic landscape before introducing the evening’s honorees. The event brought together business executives, local elected officials and industry leaders to recognize those making innovative contributions to our region’s growth and economic development.
The evening also marked the unveiling of the organization’s new name and brand: Las Vegas Regional Economic Partnership (LVREP).
Congratulations to the 2026 Perspective Award winners for their commitment to strengthening our local economy through investment, collaboration, development and innovative ideas. Their contributions are helping shape a stronger economic future for Southern Nevada.
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City Of Las Vegas And Lennar Groundbreaking
Thursday morning, Oct. 15, Mayor Shelley Berkley and Governor Joe Lombardo joined me, Lennar Regional President Jeremy Parness, and Joy Broddle, Lennar’s representative for the Las Vegas Division, to break ground on The Foundry. This planned redevelopment will bring more than 1,000 townhomes and detached single-family homes to downtown Las Vegas.
The approximately 70-acre project is located on the Grant Sawyer state office building grounds and Cashman Center properties, near Las Vegas Boulevard and East Washington Avenue in Ward 5.
This development represents an exciting opportunity to expand housing options in Southern Nevada by bringing new, attainably priced townhomes and single-family homes to our community. As our region continues to address its housing shortage, projects like The Foundry can help create more opportunities for individuals and families to achieve homeownership.
We’re excited to see this project move forward and look forward to sharing more updates as development progresses. Stay tuned to future newsletters for additional information!
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Ribbon-Cutting For New Cafe Stew Stix
Tuesday, Oct. 13, I joined Tammy Malich, Director of Youth Development and Social Initiatives, her amazing team, and Chef Richard Stewart to celebrate the grand opening of Stew’s Stix Café, the newest café on the Historic Westside School campus.
Stew’s Stix Café will serve breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. In addition to offering delicious food, the café will provide educational opportunities for individuals looking to build valuable skills in the culinary and hospitality industries. Trainees will gain hands-on experience in basic culinary techniques, customer service, hospitality, and the day-to-day expectations of working in a commercial kitchen.
Congratulations to entrepreneur, motivational speaker and “Chef Stew” Stewart on this exciting achievement! Thank you for bringing your talent to the Historic Westside and creating opportunities for local residents to learn from your expertise and experience. We’re excited to see the positive impact Stew’s Stix Café will have on our community!
Patriot Park Cleanup
Saturday, Oct. 10, the Ward 5 team and Get Outdoors Nevada came together for a fun-filled day of community service at Patriot Park! More than 40 community members and nature lovers joined forces to plant 17 new trees, pick up litter, clean park equipment and give the park a refreshing fall makeover.
The energy was high, the weather was beautiful, music filled the air, and everyone pitched in to make the event a success!
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who volunteered their time to help plant trees that will provide shade and help reduce the effects of urban heat in Ward 5, while also keeping our park clean and welcoming for everyone to enjoy.
A special thank you goes to city of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Urban Forester Bradley Daseler and his team for sharing their knowledge and teaching volunteers valuable tree-planting and irrigation skills.
Did you know the city of Las Vegas offers a free tree program for eligible residents in designated areas? Check out the link below to see if your property qualifies and learn how you can bring a little more shade and greenery to your yard!
Fire Station 43 Push-In Ceremony and Open House
Saturday, Oct. 10, Mayor Shelley Berkley and I joined Fire Chief Fernando Gray, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue personnel and community members at Fire Station 43 for a special push-in ceremony welcoming the station’s newest fire engine.
The time-honored push-in tradition dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire engines, when firefighters would manually push the engines back into the station after a call because the horses had to be unharnessed before the equipment could be returned to its place.
I’m not sure if those early ceremonies included a delicious pancake breakfast, but ours certainly did! It was wonderful to see children and their parents interacting with firefighters, climbing aboard the fire apparatus, asking questions and spending time with Sparky, the fire safety mascot. It was a fun and memorable experience for everyone!
The excitement continued as the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue team welcomed visitors for an open house, where community members could meet local firefighters, learn about fire safety and tour the station.
I’m proud to support our Las Vegas Fire & Rescue team as they continue to build strong relationships with the community while working every day to help keep city of Las Vegas residents safe.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this a wonderful event!
2026 City Of Las Vegas PRIDE Parade
Friday, Oct. 9, the 2026 Las Vegas PRIDE Parade made its way down Fourth Street through downtown Las Vegas. This annual event, held in partnership with Las Vegas PRIDE and the city of Las Vegas, celebrates the diversity, visibility and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I had the pleasure of joining the festivities aboard the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue firetruck, “Big Red,” where I greeted paradegoers and enjoyed the excitement along the route. Mayor Shelley Berkley and Ward 2 Councilwoman Kara Kelley joined me as we welcomed the crowds who came out to enjoy the colorful floats, dazzling displays and talented performers.
The PRIDE Parade is an opportunity to celebrate inclusion, show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, and reaffirm our commitment to a welcoming and supportive city for all. I’m grateful to have been part of this special event and to connect with so many community members who came together to celebrate.
Faith-Based Development Summit
Friday, Oct. 9, we welcomed faith leaders from across Ward 5 to City Hall for our second annual Faith-Based Development Summit. The summit focused on opportunities to activate under-utilized properties owned by faith-based organizations and explore how these spaces can help drive investment and development in the Historic Westside.
This year, we took the conversation a step further by welcoming Brooke Page and Juawana Grant from the Corporation for Supportive Housing. They will lead a cohort designed to guide faith leaders through the development process, provide valuable resources, and help turn their ideas for activating their properties into actionable plans.
I’m committed to bringing resources, expertise and partnerships to our faith-based organizations so they can continue to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact in our community. I look forward to seeing these ideas take shape and the opportunities they create for the Historic Westside.
Is your faith-based organization located within the Ward 5 Redevelopment Area? If you’re interested in learning more about the upcoming cohort training and exploring opportunities to develop or activate your property, we invite you to click this link for more information. We look forward to connecting with you!
Stay tuned for more updates!
SNRHA Grand Opening Of
Marion D. Bennett Sr. Plaza, Phase II
Thursday, Oct. 8, I joined Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) Executive Director Lewis Jordon and his team, Congressman Steven Horsford, Commissioner William McCurdy II and other local officials for the grand opening of Bennett Plaza II, a new senior housing community in Ward 5 near Balzar Avenue.
Developed through a partnership involving SNRHA, the State of Nevada Housing Division, Clark County and federal funding, this exciting project represents an important investment in housing opportunities for our community.
Just last year we celebrated the groundbreaking for this development, and I’m thrilled to see it now welcoming residents. Bennett Plaza II offers seniors a welcoming place to call home, with spacious living areas, modern appliances and shared spaces where residents can gather and connect, all designed to support comfortable and affordable living.
It’s encouraging to see projects like Bennett Plaza II come to life in Ward 5, expanding housing opportunities for our seniors and contributing to the continued growth of our community.
Click on the button below to watch the latest Ward 5 "Access City Council" show!
Daylight Savings Time Ends Nov. 1
Dayline Savings Time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 a.m. Prepare to set your clocks back one hour that day!
Children's Memorial Park Cleanup
Join us and Get Outdoors Nevada for a fun day in the sun! We will be partnering to bring this park to life by planting new trees and cleaning up the play areas.
All are welcome to attend; bring your family and friends. Please use the QR Code below to register for this event.
Don't forget to wear your coolest costume as we will be holding a Halloween Costume Contest!
Saturday, Oct. 24
9 - 11 a.m.
Children's Memorial Park
6601 W. Gowan Road
African American Men's Health Summit
Join the Doolittle Active Adult Center and several local health providers for the African American Men’s Health Summit!
This free event is open to the public ages 18 and older and is an opportunity to learn more about wellness, preventive health care and resources that can support a healthier life.
Come connect with health professionals, ask questions and take a proactive step toward your health and well-being. We hope to see you there!
Saturday, Oct. 24
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Doolittle Active Adult Center
1930 N. J St.
2026 Elder's Day Celebration
Join this free celebration of Elder's Day! We have elders in our community who inspire us everyday to live and pass down family traditions. Every year we take the time to honor our elders and ancestors for the wisdom they hold through an afternoon of honor and celebration.
General admission seating is first-come, first-served, with the lobby opening 30 minutes before the program. For more information, call 702-229-4800.
Saturday, Oct. 24
2 - 4 p.m.
West Las Vegas Theatre
951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
SeniorWeen Halloween Costume Party
Seniors, grab your best costume and join us for the SeniorWeen Halloween Costume Party at the Doolittle Active Adult Center!
Show off your creativity for a chance to win first, second or third place in the costume contest. Participants must be 50 years or older and have a city of Las Vegas active adult program membership.
Costumes, prizes and plenty of Halloween fun await! 🎃👻
Get your $12 tickets while they last! RSVP to the center at 702-229-6125 and pay by Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Thursday, Oct. 29
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Doolittle Active Adult Center
1930 N. J St.
2026 Halloween Safe Night Out
Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy and I have partnered again for this year’s Halloween Safe Night at the Doolittle Community Center. This event will be Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. to promote a safe and fun environment for kids to enjoy Halloween night.
The Ward 5 team needs your help with collecting candy for all the mummies, vampires, and even zombies. If you would like to donate, please reach out to my office by calling 702-229-5443.
It’s going to be a spooktacular night!
Saturday, Oct. 31
5 - 8:30 p.m.
Doolittle Community Center
1950 N. J St.
An Evening With Chrisette Michele
Get your tickets to enjoy an evening concert by Grammy Award-winning R&B and soul singer Chrisette Michele. Don't miss the warmth and power of her voice in live performance this one night only. General admission tickets are on sale now, priced at $45. Doors will open for seating at 6:15 p.m.; the concert begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 702-229-4800.
Saturday, Nov. 7
7 - 8:30 p.m.
West Las Vegas Theatre
951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Fire Station 3 Pancake Breakfast
Councilwoman Summers-Armstrong and the International Association of Firefighters Local Union 1285 invite you to join them for the Fire House Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 3! Join your friendly neighborhood firefighters as they prepare a delicious breakfast just for you Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 to 11 a.m. The Fire Station 3 open house will feature a tour of the fire station, home safety demonstrations and the opportunity for you to sign up to have a smoke detector installed in your home.
Saturday, Nov. 14
8 - 11 a.m.
Las Vegas Fire Station 3
2645 W. Washington Ave.
Terry Steele's Here and Now…
The Legacy Of Luther Vandross
This concert stars Terry Steele, the two-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who brilliantly brings to life the classic performances of the late, great soul singer Luther Vandross. You’ll hear hits like “Here And Now,” “Never Too Much,” “A House Is Not A Home” and many more!
The show also features special tributes to Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin! A professional songwriter, Terry Steele has written hits for such megastars as Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Starship, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.
General admission tickets are priced at $15 and on sale now. Doors will open for seating at 6:15 p.m.; the concert begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 702-229-4800.
Saturday, Nov. 14
7 - 8:30 p.m.
West Las Vegas Theatre
951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Reimagining The West Las Vegas Arts Center
Join us as we share more information about the developments underway for the West Las Vegas Arts Center. We want to hear your feedback on the reimagined vision for this community space. This expansion will be coming to the Ward 5 community soon and we ask neighbors to come out to voice what they would like to see for this space.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
5 - 7 p.m.
West Las Vegas Theatre
951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
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. 30, 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.)
Free Pickleball Classes
Come out and show your skills at the free pickleball classes hosted by the Inspiring Children Foundation at the Plaza Hotel and Casino. All ages are welcome; bring your families and friends to these fun-filled events every Sunday from noon to 1 p.m.
Sundays
12 - 1 p.m.
Plaza Hotel and Casino
1 N. Main St.
Becker Technology Center
At Becker Technology Center, youth explore robotics, coding, digital media, fitness and more through programs that build confidence, creativity and career-ready skills.
Whether students are interested in engineering, podcasting, esports or strength training, Becker offers opportunities to learn in a fun and engaging environment.
Kidcaster Lab at Becker Tech
Become an on-air reporter and producer while covering city of Las Vegas youth sports. Join an introductory media production program, where youth learn the basics of podcasting, broadcasting and voice recording. Participants practice scriptwriting, audio editing and speaking clearly on camera or microphone.
Ages: 11–17
Schedule: Wednesdays & Saturdays
Fee: $95
Homeschool STEAM Program
Hands-on learning through robotics, coding, engineering and digital media.
Ages: Middle & High School Students
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays
Fee: $45/month
Free Kids Fishing License
Get outdoors with a free fishing license from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). NDOW is offering youth combination (fishing and hunting) licenses to those 12-17 years old at no cost to them.
This is a great opportunity to get kids outdoors and enjoying Nevada’s waterways!
If you are interested, scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link here.
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).
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.
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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