Citizens of Mesquite,
Thank you for signing up for my newsletter.
In addition to being your council member, I am your representative for the Southern Nevada Health District and I will always update you on the latest news in that area.
This is a busy time of year, and we've been honoring our veterans this week.
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Health News
Last week the Centers for Disease Control approved the pediatric dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Initial administration in Clark County will begin November 10 at its main public health center at 280 S. Decatur in Las Vegas. I’ve been told allotments of doses will be rolled out to medical offices and remaining Health District Clinic locations, including Mesquite.
A total of 37,006 cases of COVID-19 in Clark County have been reported in this age group of which 149 are cases in Mesquite. District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen encourages parents to speak with their health care provider to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their child vaccinated.
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The SNHD is reporting Clark County’s COVID positivity rate remains at 9% which is considered a moderate transmission rate (CDC’s goal is <5%). The District’s testing data is solid to this point in time, but soon massive at-home testing will be available commercially and they are not reported to the SNHD.
The total vaccination rate in Clark County is currently 72%. That rate will decrease as the age 5 to 12 population will be added to the calculations and won’t rebound until that age group becomes vaccinated.
The U.S. reopened borders to foreign air and land travelers on November 8. Travelers to the U.S. are to be fully vaccinated. Remember, vaccination does not prevent you from contracting the COVID virus. It greatly reduces your risk of being severely ill or dying from it. The District strongly asks the public to be vigilant during upcoming holidays. Our rate is still too high to be comfortable.
Vaccination and Testing Links:
Shallow nasal PCR test, self-administered, results usually in 24-48 hours
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Look for the blue van at SNHD Mesquite Clinic, The Jimmie Hughes Campus, 150 N. Yucca Street.
COVID Vaccinations, Booster Shots and Other Immunizations in Mesquite – schedule an appointment
Smiths Food and Drug
Walgreens
Walmart
SNHD Mesquite Clinic
Tuesdays and Thursdays – phone 702-759-1682
Additional COVID-19 resources and information are available on the Health District website at www.snhd.info/covid. |
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Veterans Day
Saturday morning, November 6 was a lovely day to gather at the Veterans Memorial Park.
Forever Strong, Always Serving, Mayor Al Litman recognized all our veterans, particularly those from our police and fire departments for their service to our country and city. Police Officer Carlos Campos delivered an eloquent speech on the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. Beautiful patriotic music in song and bagpipe, honor guard salute and a prayer of gratitude made for a moving ceremony.
Early in my career, I was reminded nearly every day of Veterans Day. My job was at a VA Hospital. To arrive at my office, I passed typical hospital areas: outpatient clinic, administration, pharmacy, cafeteria, and the elevators to the inpatient floors.
As I made my way onward, I passed the spinal cord injury, prosthetics, mental health, and nursing home buildings. At first, it was disheartening to see veterans missing a limb, unable to communicate or being so feeble.
I quickly learned and understood the number one reason we all were all working there, to serve those who have served us. It was an honor and privilege to work for those who served us well.
"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." A. Lincoln
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Later, it was exciting to gather on Mesquite Boulevard to watch the Veterans Day Parade made possible by a host of planners, entries and participants, as well as safety volunteers. |
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As the final entries rounded the corner to Mesquite Boulevard, we could hear and see the lights flashing on the fire department vehicles. Not long after, the Mesquite Fire truck began to pass the first responder vehicle from Beaver Dam. They crossed over and did a three-point U-turn in front of me. They were actually dispatched to a call during the parade! |
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One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite |
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The 15th Annual “One Thousand Flags over Mesquite” tribute is happening now at the Mesquite Recreation Center field to honor those who have served in our nation’s military.
You don’t want to miss this spectacular display of flags open for visiting day and night through November 14 at 100 West Old Mill Road. Walk among them and reflect on the sacrifice of our brave men and women in the Armed Forces.
You are invited to the ceremony on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11 at 6:00 p.m. The program will include the Presentation of Colors, music and remarks from community leaders. The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. where there will be a Flag Retirement Ceremony in addition to a music program and closing remarks.
This is a signature event of our community. I thank the Exchange Club and all of the volunteers who make this moving tribute to our veterans possible.
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A Life Saved
Last week Fire and Rescue Chief Jayson Andrus reported paramedics and emergency medical technicians responded to a call for shortness of breath for a female in her 70’s. As they were leaving to transport her to the hospital she went into cardiac arrest. They began CPR and she regained her pulse with medical treatment prior to their arrival at Mesa View Hospital. As they were cleared to depart, the crew observed her talking to the ER staff. What a wonderful outcome!
Thank you, Mesquite Fire and Rescue, from all of us!
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Boulevard Opening
I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon cutting of the Grand Opening of the new Boulevard Home furniture store on October 27. The line was long to get in the doors for prizes and a peek at the new furnishings.
Best Wishes to Boulevard Home and CEO Marc Wittwer!
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Event For Our First Responders |
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The Mesquite United Methodist Church is holding a silent auction on November 17, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to show how much they appreciate our Mesquite Fire and Rescue and Mesquite Police Department.
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Tracy Beck, City Clerk
You may have wondered what the City Clerk does. This is a large job that requires meticulous attention to detail.
Tracy Beck has been with the City of Mesquite for eight years. As City Clerk, she provides agenda, minutes and support services for City Council, Redevelopment Agency, Virgin Valley Community Education Advisory Board, City Charter Committee, Master Plan Committee, Architectural Review Committee and Mesquite Public Arts Commission.
Tracy also prepares and uploads agendas, packets and minutes to the city, state and other websites. She processes resolutions, ordinances and proclamations and manages all advisory body information. She coordinates codification of ordinances into the Mesquite Municipal Code, is the custodian of the official City Seal and administers the oath of office to all the elected members of City Council and Mayor, all other city officials, including police and fire personnel.
Tracy receives and processes claims against the City, receives and processes all legal subpoenas, lawsuits, etc., provides notary services, handles all public information requests, publishes all public notices and secures the affidavit of the public notice.
That's not all! The Clerk's Office also coordinates all city elections, prepares candidates' information guides, financial filings, voter registration, presents the final canvass of elections to city officials and the public and issues Certificate of Elections.
Tracy also manages Mesquite's Parade of Lights and the Distinguished Citizen award.
She does an amazing job for us.
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Thanksgiving
Our community is known for its generosity and each year provides a free community Thanksgiving feast. It will be held the day before Thanksgiving - Wednesday, November 24 with dine-in from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Face coverings will be required. You must sign up in advance for a meal to be delivered.
Donations in volunteer time and money are welcomed. Food cannot be accepted. If you want to be a sponsor of this event, please make your check payable City of Mesquite Senior Services Division and drop it off at Mesquite Senior Services Center. If you have questions about donations, direct them to Krissy Thornton at 702-346-5290 x 4102 or email at kthornton@mesquitenv.gov.
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If you know anyone who wants to sign up for my newsletter, please refer them to my website, scroll to the bottom and sign up. It is that easy!
Be safe, everyone.
Karen
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