Volunteer at the Parks

Volunteering just feels good. It is also helpful to the community and to the upkeep of our parks in Sun Valley. The District is encouraging residents, groups and organizations to volunteer and assist the District with our neighborhood parks, programs and events. If you have some free time and would like to contribute to the community by helping to keep our parks clean and safe, removing graffiti, assisting with special events or providing an educational program, we are looking for you. As a volunteer you can give as much time or as little as you would like but any time that you can give will be greatly appreciated by the District and the community. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions contact the District at 775-673-2220 or stop by the offices at 5000 Sun Valley Blvd. Everyone benefits from volunteering.

Sun Valley Pool Summer Season

The District is gearing up for the 2012 pool season. The Sun Valley Norma G. Fink Pool Complex is scheduled to open up to the public on Thursday June 7, 2012 to kick off the summer break. The pool will be open for public swimming Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm until 5 pm with swim lessons being offered in the mornings and evenings. The District maintains and operates the pool and parks for the community and encourages everyone to come out and enjoy them. For more information on the pool, swim lessons or any other District facility please call (775) 673-2220.

Neighborhood Center Programs

Senior Activities: The Senior Center is open daily from 9 am until 1 pm. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at approximately 11:15 am. Reservations are required for lunch. Be sure to call 673-9417 by 9am to reserve your meal. Other activities are coffee/snack hour 9 am until 10 am, Bingo from 9:20 am – 11:30 am. Blood pressure checks are every third Wednesday from 10:30 am – 11:30 am and The Food Bank Truck is also every third Wednesday from 9 am – 10 am. Community seniors are encouraged to participate in the activities provided at the Neighborhood Center. For more information call 673-9417.

Head Start: The Sun Valley Head Start School serves children 3-5 years old and has a capacity of 17 children. Head Start offers instructional programs in reading and math as well as social interaction, hygiene and other preparatory skills. Head Start is free to qualified families and runs from September through July, Monday- Thursday with morning and afternoon classes. For more information about Sun Valley Head Start call 335-3852.

Family Resource Center: The Family Resource Center offers several programs for local families. The programs include Referrals to Community Agencies, Emergency Food referrals and Registration for the Commodities Food Program (CSFP). There are Family Literacy Programs along with Adult Literacy (English classes) (GED preparation classes) and Health Service information. The Center is a drop-in center. No appointment is necessary but best to call ahead to confirm that there will be someone in the office to assist you. The Sun Valley Family Resource Center collaborates with local community organizations and programs to assist families with services and resources to improve their self-sufficiency and success. Call 674-4411 for more information.

Learn To Swim

A variety of swim lessons will be offered based on various swim levels. Early swim lesson signups will begin on May 1st for the 2012 pool season. Call the District at 673-2220 to sign up or for more information.

Health & Safety Fair

On Saturday April 28, 2012 from 10 am to 1 pm families throughout the community will be provided with hands-on health, safety and educational opportunities offered by more than 35 community organizations at the Sun Valley Neighborhood Center. As part of Give Kids a Boost, free immunizations will be available through the Washoe County Health District, as well as free booster seats from REMSA’s Point of Impact program and other safety gear from Safe Kids Washoe County. Plan to visit the Fair and the many services that are offered.

Annual Photo Contest

Show off your photography skills and take some pictures around the Valley that captures what the Valley is. Consider people, places, things, animals – whatever you think would be a good subject for a photo. You just may win and have your photo on display at the District office, in the Pipeline Newsletter and win some cash. Entries are due by September 15, 2012 and preferably electronically. For more information visit the District website at svgid.com or call 775-673-2220.

Watching Our Water Use

It is spring time again and most will be watering yards and gardens. It is important to conserve water use every year and this year isn’t any different. The winter months did not deliver the much needed snowfall that is necessary in this high desert region, therefore, conservation is key. We encourage Sun Valley residents and businesses to adhere to the voluntary three times a week water schedule that has proven to be an effective measure in water conservation while keeping yards and gardens healthy. Even numbers (addresses) water Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Odd numbers water Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It is suggested that no watering between noon and 6 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Thanks for helping conserve water in Sun Valley.

Employee Spotlight Meet Karen Pickens

Customer Service Representative Karen Pickens is one of the friendly faces that assist District customers on a daily basis, either at the counter or on the phone. In June, Karen will have been with the District for two years. Some of her responsibilities include posting payments, balance counter checks, receive payments from customers, take applications for new service and make payment arrangements for customers. She also “steps in” for any other duties that may be needed. She said she enjoys her job, meeting new people, working with the public and with her fellow employees. She is a valued member of the staff at the District. Karen has resided in the Reno area since 2005 and is a mother of two and grandmother to three. She has lived many places including Helsinki Finland as the daughter of a member of the United States Air Force. Her hobbies include bowling and she enjoys the Water Park at Wild Island during the summer months. Karen also enjoys getting involved in the local community with the dances and the Sun Valley Veteran’s Day celebration.

Why A Credit/Debit Convenience Fee?

No one likes it when businesses charge us to use our credit cards or debit cards to pay for a service. Many ask “Why do they charge?” The quick and easy answer: Banks charge businesses to process a credit/debit card for transactions. Some businesses choose to either absorb the cost or in most cases pass it on to the customer. At the April 14, 2009 SVGID Tariff Schedule meeting, the District Board of Trustees voted to apply the $1 transaction fee for the convenience of using a debit/credit card to make payments. The transaction fee is added at the time the payment is made, you may ask “Why $1?” Banks charge a different rate depending on several factors including what kind of card is being used. For example, is the card a Visa, Master Card or Discover Card, what bank issued the card (i.e. Chase or Orchard), etc. there are several other factors, however they are technical and not very interesting. If you are interested and would like this information, please ask a staff member to show you a copy of the financial sheet that shows how various banks charge. You will be amazed. As always, if you have any questions, contact the District Office at 673-2220 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Support Local Business & Services

The Valley has experienced a growth in new business and services for the past couple of years…making the community a better place for everyone. It is important to frequent these businesses, for your various needs and also for their services. They have committed to and invested in the Valley and deserve that support. For years Valley residents had to leave the community in order to get the products and services that are now available here. So think twice before you take your business elsewhere, when that same business could be right here in the Valley. Support Sun Valley businesses…they will appreciate it.

Enjoy Springtime in the Valley!