Las Vegas Offers Over 30 Free Christmas Tree Recycling Locations

Issue #017 - December 24, 2023

Author

John Wu
24 Dec

❤️ Inside this issue of SummerSouth Insider..

🔍Spotlight Feature: The Las Vegas Rescue Mission 🔍

📆 Local Events in December 2023

🌞Summerlin South Las Vegas Weather

🎄Las Vegas Offers Over 30 Free Christmas Tree Recycling Locations

🎁🎅Christmas Day Shopping: What Stores Are Open Near You?

🏨MGM Resorts Grapples with Extensive Internet Outage Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

🏒Golden Knights Fall to Panthers in Intense Stanley Cup Rematch

🏈UNLV's Historic Bowl Appearance: Chasing Victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl

🏠Vegas Property Outlook: Higher Rates, Low Inventory Challenge 2024 Market

🏠Summerlin South Housing Market Report

👮‍♂️LVMPD Weekly Statistical Crime Briefing Report (week ending 12-15-23)

👮‍♂️Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

✅ We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

A Beacon of Hope in the Heart of Las Vegas

In the bustling city of Las Vegas, known for its glittering lights and endless entertainment, lies a haven of compassion and support - the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. This December, the mission shines even brighter as it embarks on a heartwarming initiative to gather donations for those in need, proving that the spirit of giving is alive and well in the city of neon lights.

A Mission of Giving

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is not just a charity; it is a lifeline for many. This December, the mission is accepting donations at the Gardens, Trails, Vistas, and Willows Community Centers, inviting the community to share in the joy of giving. The items sought include blankets, winter coats, bath towels, underwear, and essential hygiene products, along with child and baby items like diapers and pajamas. These donations are more than just goods; they are gestures of hope and care for those facing challenging times.

More Than Just a Hand-Out

What sets the Las Vegas Rescue Mission apart is its philosophy of offering a 'hand-up, not just a hand-out.' This approach goes beyond mere charity; it's about empowering individuals. The mission provides meals, clothing, household items, and crucial life-skills counseling, all designed to help people regain their footing in life. It's a testament to the mission's belief in the potential of every individual to overcome adversity with the right support.

A Community United

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission's initiative is a reflection of the community's spirit. It's a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there's a community ready to support its most vulnerable members. The mission's efforts in December are not just about collecting items; they're about bringing people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Join the Mission

As the holiday season approaches, the Las Vegas Rescue Mission invites everyone to be part of this noble cause. Whether it's through donating goods or volunteering time, every contribution makes a difference. It's an opportunity for the residents of Las Vegas to show that their city is not just about bright lights and entertainment, but also about warmth, generosity, and community spirit. Learn More.

December 2023

Sunday, December 24, 2023 - ✝✝ Christmas Eve

Monday, December 25, 2023 - 🎄🎁🎅Christmas Day 🎄🎁🎅

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Thursday, December 28, 2023

 Ice Skating at the Rock Rink: 10 AM - 10 PM 

Friday, December 29, 2023

Saturday, December 30, 2023

 Ice Skating at the Rock Rink: 10 AM - 10 PM 

Sunday, December 31, 2023 - 💃🍾🥂 New Year’s Eve 💃🍾🥂 

Las Vegas Offers Over 30 Free Christmas Tree Recycling Locations

Post-Christmas, Las Vegas residents have an eco-friendly option for disposing of their Christmas trees. The Springs Preserve and the Christmas Tree Recycling Committee are offering free recycling at over 30 locations across Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. This program is available from December 26 to January 15.

As the festive season comes to a close, it's time to think about what to do with your Christmas tree. Instead of throwing it away, why not give it a second life and contribute to a greener Las Vegas? The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program, organized by the Southern Nevada Christmas Tree Recycling Committee, is back in action, offering over 30 drop-off locations for your tree.

The program runs from December 26th to January 15th, giving you ample time to dispose of your tree responsibly. Participating in this initiative is not only environmentally friendly, but it also helps beautify our local parks and gardens. The recycled trees are chipped into mulch, which helps conserve water, reduce dust, and improve soil moisture.

To take part in the program, all you need to do is remove all decorations, lights, and tree stands from your Christmas tree. It's important to note that flocked trees (those with artificial snow) cannot be recycled, so please make sure to check before you drop off your tree.

Key drop-off locations in Las Vegas and Clark County include Bruce Trent Park, Desert Breeze Park, various Lowe’s stores, Mountain Crest Park, Nevada Division of Forestry Nursery, Springs Preserve, Sunset Park, Sunny Springs Park, and UNLV Rebel Recycling. Additional sites in Boulder City, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Southern Highlands, and Summerlin are listed on Springs Preserve’s website.

If you're unable to transport your tree, the service 'Move It' offers tree pickup for a $25 fee. This convenient option allows you to contribute to the recycling program without the hassle of transporting your tree.

Last year, the program saw a significant increase in participation, with nearly 17,800 trees recycled. This resulted in more than 145 tons of mulch, which is a testament to the community's commitment to sustainability.

So, let's work together to make Las Vegas a little greener this holiday season. By participating in the Christmas Tree Recycling Program, you're not only helping the environment but also supporting the conservation of our local parks and gardens.

For more information on the program and a complete list of drop-off locations, visit the Springs Preserve website.

Christmas Day Shopping: What Stores Are Open Near You?

With Christmas right around the corner, you might want to check the list of what stores are open (and closed) twice. Here's a rundown of how major chains are operating this Christmas Day.

Walmart will be closed on Christmas Day — and reopen at 6 a.m. Dec. 26. Target will also be closed on Christmas, and reopen at 7 a.m. Dec. 26. Costco warehouses in the U.S. are closed on Christmas Day.

Many CVS Pharmacy locations will operate with normal hours on Christmas, but some non-24 locations may be closed or have reduced hours. Customers are encouraged to call ahead or double-check local hours online. Most Walgreens stores will have adjusted hours of 9am-5pm on Christmas Day, with 24-hour locations remaining open. Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas, but hours can vary, so it's best to check ahead online.

Most McDonald’s locations in the U.S. are open on holidays like Christmas, but hours vary by location. Consumers can use the chain’s online store locator to confirm. Many Kroger stores are closed on Christmas Day, although that can vary depending on store division and location. Many Albertsons stores will be closed on Christmas, but there will also be locations that remain open with adjusted hours. Select pharmacies may also be closed or have different hours.

Here are some other grocery, convenience, and retail stores that are closed on Christmas Day: ALDI, Harris Teeter, Home Depot, IKEA, Jewel-Osco, Lowe's, Macy's, Meijer, Publix, Rite Aid, Sam's Club, Sprouts Farmer's Market, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods.

Some stores that are open on Christmas Day (or have select locations that are) include Safeway, Sheetz, and 7-Eleven. Remember to always double-check local hours online or by calling ahead before heading out on Christmas Day.

MGM Resorts Grapples with Extensive Internet Outage Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

On December 23, 2023, a digital disruption shook the foundation of MGM Resorts' operations. This cyber-surprise party, suspected to be the work of a sneaky cyber-squirrel, left the company's internet services feeling a bit under the weather.

Affected by this digital hiccup are the online booking systems, digital key technology, and gaming machines that have all been taken for a wild digital rollercoaster ride. Guests and staff alike have been left scratching their heads and wondering if this is a sign of the digital apocalypse.

But fear not, dear reader! MGM Resorts is on the case, working hand-in-hand with law enforcement and external cybersecurity experts to solve the mystery of the digital disturbance. Their mission? To not only fix the current issue but also to build a digital fortress to keep future cyber-squirrels at bay.

In the meantime, guests at MGM Resorts are experiencing the joys of a digital detox. Digital keys are taking a much-needed vacation, gaming machines are taking a digital siesta, and the online booking system is enjoying a digital spa day. In response, the resort is encouraging guests to pick up the phone and give them a call for assistance.

MGM Resorts assures guests and stakeholders that they're doing everything in their power to address the digital disruption and restore order to the digital kingdom. They're working around the clock to ensure the safety and security of their systems and to keep their guests' experiences as smooth as possible.

This digital drama at MGM Resorts is a gentle reminder that cybersecurity is no laughing matter in the digital age, especially in the hospitality sector. As the digital dust settles, updates will be provided to keep everyone informed on the progress of this digital adventure.

Golden Knights Fall to Panthers in Intense Stanley Cup Rematch

The Vegas Golden Knights faced a setback in their Stanley Cup rematch against the Florida Panthers, losing 4-2. The game, a revisit of their historic first Stanley Cup win, was held at the Amerant Bank Arena and was marked by intense physicality, leading to multiple penalties for fighting.

The match began with a scoreless but eventful first period, highlighted by a brawl between the Knights' Keegan Kolesar and the Panthers' Ryan Lomberg. The second period saw more action, with Knights' captain Mark Stone scoring early, followed by a tie from the Panthers' Sam Bennett. Gustav Forsling's slap shot put the Panthers ahead, but Pavel Dorofeyev's wrist shot equalized for the Knights just before the period's end.

In the final period, a series of penalties gave the Panthers a power play advantage, leading to goals from Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, bringing the score to 4-2. The Knights' attempt to recover by emptying their net in the final minutes was unsuccessful.

The game concluded with a brawl involving players from both teams, resulting in misconduct penalties for Alex Pietrangelo, William Karlsson, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad. The Golden Knights left the ice visibly frustrated, facing a loss that highlighted their power play vulnerabilities.

The Knights have a three-day break before facing the Anaheim Ducks, concluding their four-game road trip. This match offers a chance for the team to regroup and address the issues seen in the Panthers game.

The loss against the Panthers showcased the Knights' struggles in their power play, an area that has been a concern for the team throughout the season. Despite their overall success and current position in the Western Conference standings, the Knights will need to address these power play issues in order to maintain their competitive edge and continue their pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

As the Knights prepare to face the Ducks, they will look to learn from their mistakes in the Panthers game and make the necessary adjustments. The upcoming match against the Ducks presents an opportunity for the Knights to bounce back and prove their resilience, as they continue to fight for a top position in the league.

UNLV's Historic Bowl Appearance: Chasing Victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl

UNLV (9-4/6-2) is set to play their 14th game this season, marking a historic first in the program's history. They will face off against Kansas (8-4/5-4) in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix. This game holds great significance for the Rebels as it showcases their growth and determination to establish a formidable football program.

This game will be a milestone for UNLV as it's their inaugural appearance on ESPN or ESPN2 since 2021. Previously, the team has been featured on CBS and FOX. This increased exposure on a major sports network could potentially attract more fans and recruits, further strengthening the team's profile.

The last time the Rebels played on grass was on Nov. 5, 2022, at San Diego State. Their most recent game in an MLB stadium was in 2002 at Qualcomm Stadium, home to the Padres. Playing on grass could provide a different experience for the players and may require some adjustments in their game strategy.

UNLV is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2013's Heart of Dallas Bowl. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, coaches, and staff, as they strive to become a competitive program in the college football landscape.

This season's nine wins are a rare achievement for the Rebels, last seen in 1984 with Randall Cunningham as the quarterback. The Rebels have shown remarkable improvement this season, and their success on the field has been a source of pride for the team and its fans.

In Arizona, the Rebels have a 2-5 record, with the last win against Arizona State in 2008. The team will be looking to improve their record in the state and make a statement in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

UNLV boasts a 3-1 record in bowl games, potentially tying with FAU for the second-best bowl game win percentage with a victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. A win in this game would not only improve their record but also solidify their reputation as a formidable opponent in bowl games.

Vegas Property Outlook: Higher Rates, Low Inventory Challenge 2024 Market

Las Vegas real estate agents are keeping a close watch on the Federal Reserve's actions, as they anticipate substantial effects on the local property market in 2024. Mike Roland, from Platinum Real Estate, is expecting the Fed to cut interest rates three times, starting in the second quarter of 2024 and continuing into 2025. Lee Barrett, the President of Las Vegas Realtors, predicts a slight decrease in the federal funds rate, currently between 5.25 to 5.5 percent, but not as low as the 4.1 percent in December 2022. As of December 19, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average stands at 7.2 percent.

Barrett believes that the new normal will be characterized by higher interest and mortgage rates, which he estimates will hover around 6.5 to 7 percent in 2024. The Las Vegas Valley real estate market is facing its most challenging year since 2008, with a shift towards a buyer's market anticipated in 2024. Redfin's analysis suggests this shift due to easing pandemic-driven inflation and mortgage rates, along with increased home listings.

However, the local market is suffering from low inventory and a lack of affordable housing. Homeowners who bought properties at lower rates during the pandemic are reluctant to sell due to higher mortgage costs. Despite the drop in sales, sellers are not reducing prices, leading to a market lock-up. Nationally, home prices might decrease by 1 percent in the latter half of 2024, marking the first decline since 2012.

Housing affordability has become a significant issue nationally, with home prices having risen by 20 percent since 2020. The average buyer now needs to earn around $109,868 to afford a mortgage. Barrett emphasizes the importance of inventory levels for predicting market trends, noting Southern Nevada's consistent low supply since 2016. November's figures show a continued decrease in housing supply, with median home prices at $450,000, a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year.

There are several scenarios that could unfold in 2024. Roland suggests possibilities like the Fed maintaining steady rates, a potential recession, or continued rate hikes if inflation persists. High demand and low supply could dramatically increase the market, with investors and cash buyers potentially driving prices higher. About 15 percent of Clark County's single-family homes, mostly owned by investors, are now rental properties. Steve Hawks, another local agent, expects a drop in the overnight funds rate and a potential surge in buyer demand and prices if rates fall.

In conclusion, the Las Vegas real estate market in 2024 is expected to be influenced by the Federal Reserve's actions, with varying opinions on the potential outcomes. The shift towards a buyer's market, low inventory, and the need for more affordable housing are all factors that will shape the market in the coming year.

Summerlin South Housing Market Report

*Median Sold Price By Bedroom Count

This is the middle price for which all homes in the area were sold based on the number of bedrooms. Half of all the homes sold were below this price, and half were above.

Visit here to see the entire report.

Statistical Crime Briefing

Summerlin Area Command - Week Ending: 2023-12-15

Courtesy of The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The entire report for all Area Commands may be viewed here.

Courtesy of @LVMPD_Summerlin

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Summerlin South area residents in an upcoming issue of SummerSouth Insider?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "SummerSouth Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Summerlin South together!

👇Select an option below:

✅ Own a local Business? Apply to be featured.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🙌 We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know someone who lives in the Summerlin South Area and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share SummerSouth Insider with them!

It’s simple! 👇👇👇