Community briefs

Carson City

Survivors of vets get help with benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has created a new Internet Web site for the surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military.

The Web site is organized into two broad categories - death in service and death after service. It provides visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel.

The site also has information from - and links to - other federal agencies and organizations offering benefits and services to survivors and dependents.

The new Web site can be found at www.vba.va.gov/survivors or by clicking the "Survivors Benefits" button the left panel of www.vba.va.gov.

United Blood Services calls for steady supply

United Blood Services centers around the country are working to determine the long-term blood needs in hurricane-hit communities. There are United Blood Services centers in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, La., near New Orleans, and throughout Mississippi, as well as in Northern Nevada. United Blood Services has shipped some product to the hurricane devastated Gulf states.

Those who have blood donation appointments scheduled are encouraged to keep them; those interested in donating blood may make an appointment by calling (775) 887-9111 and walk-in donors are welcome. Donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

United Blood Services has built up a reserve to help meet emergency needs in Louisiana and Mississippi in the short term. Now, the organization is focused on assuring a long-term, steady blood supply so it can help in the coming months as that region gets back on its feet.

Carson City's United Blood Services office is at 256 E. Winnie Lane.

Speed-dating events planned by singles

The Nevada Singles Social Club will introduce speed dating for singles over 30 years of age. Opportunities to participate will be offered in Reno, Sparks, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Minden and Truckee. Locations will be determined by interest from the participants.

Speed dating involves groups of 12 men and 12 women from the same age group. Women will sit at numbered tables, and every 8 minutes, the men will change from one table to the other to meet another woman from their age group. This gives all participants the opportunity to meet 12 prospective dates in one session.

For information, call, 841-1329 or 849-2727.

Reno

New exhibit opening at Getchell Library

A series of book signings and events throughout the state of Nevada this fall will celebrate the publication of Barbara Vucanovich's memoir "Barbara F. Vucanovich: From Nevada to Congress and Back Again," published this month by the University of Nevada Press.

Vucanovich's 14-year career in the House of Representatives was the capstone of more than 50 years of involvement in Nevada politics.

An exhibit of her papers and memorabilia in Special Collections of the University of Nevada, Reno, Library opens Wednesday.

The exhibit will run in Special Collections (Getchell Library 291) until Dec. 23 and is open to the public. Events will also be held throughout the state, including Carson City in upcoming months.

For information, call 784-6573, ext. 232.