Events help to build communities

American author, business consultant and speaker Clifton Taulbert said: "Taking the time to build community, to get to know your people will have long-lasting benefits."

True to his comment, the opportunity to build community for residents of many area homeowner associations abounds as 2016 comes to an end. These HOAs have planned holiday-focused events planned for residents and, in some cases, non-residents.

"Our community events give residents a chance to meet their neighbors and connect with like-minded families and individuals who share their same interests," Randy Ecklund, executive director of the Summerlin Council said in a statement. "For many Summerlin families, our community events are traditions that mark the seasons and the holidays. Families who brought their children to these events years ago are now bringing their grandkids."

Summerlin's Downtown Holiday Parade continues every evening starting at 7 p.m. through Christmas Eve. Santa is available for photos in Downtown Summerlin's Winter Wonderland, near the Pavilion and Rock Rink, an outdoor ice skating rink on the northwest side of the property. For a full list of activities, holiday hours, prices and more, visit www.downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

"Events certainly build a sense of community as they bring residents together," said Cheryl Persinger, vice president of marketing for Cadence. "Cadence looks forward to hosting many events for our residents."

Cadence, a 2,200-acre master-planned community in Henderson, hosts its inaugural Cadence New Year's Double Dash on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Open to members and non-member of the community, the event consists of the last 5K of 2015 and the first 5K of 2016. A portion of the proceeds benefit the American Heart Association. People interested in the runs can visit www.cadencenv.com to register.

The Mountain's Edge Master Association encourages connections during its several holiday events.

"Getting residents engaged and connected with the association is one way we do that (build community)," said the Mountain's Edge Association in an issued statement. "We host a wide variety of events for our residents of all ages."

The HOA's many seasonal events include an annual holiday decorating contest, cookie decorating party, Together we CAN Food Drive and the community's annual ice skating excursion.

Within the Lake Las Vegas community, residents and visitors can choose from events such as its Santa visits, Christmas Express Train rides and strolling carolers. Santa will also join kids of all ages on the LaContessa Yacht for cruises on the lake. These events occur Saturdays through Dec. 19. A portion of the proceeds from the cruises will benefit local charities.

The HOA also welcomes Bogdan Ota, a "Norway's Got Talent" finalist. Ota's a free concert at 1 p.m. Dec. 13 includes accompaniment by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, featuring conductor Geoff Neuman. Open to the general public, the free concert will be held at 8 Strada Di Villaggio in Henderson.

Lake Las Vegas closes out the year with fireworks and a cruise around the lake. A free fireworks show will begin at midnight from MonteLago Village. The La Contessa Yacht will set sail at 11 p.m. for a 75-minute cruise around Lake Las Vegas and viewing of the New Year's Eve fireworks show at midnight. Tickets are $25 per person (must be 21) and include a complimentary flute of champagne.

"We find community events are great ways to bring our residents together to meet each other and establish a sense of 'community,' " said Peg Lozier, general manager of the Lake Las Vegas Master Association. "This is true for our long-term residents and those who are new to Lake Las Vegas or considering moving here."

To help those in need, Providence is partnering with Bozarth Elementary for Macy's Believe promotion supporting the Make-a-Wish foundation and with Three Square, Southern Nevada's food bank providing food assistance to area residents. This year the community is on target to surpass last year's goal of more than 2,000 pounds of donations.

The Inspirada, Anthem Highlands and Madeira Canyon communities have joined together to serve the needs of area families. Teaming up with Nevada Aging and Disability Services, Grants for Grands and Angel Tree, the Inspired Holiday Helpers Charity Drive asks community members to donate gifts for both children and elderly adults.