MICKI BARE Advertisement

Competition with superstores is the first reason I conjure up in favor of playgrounds in the middle of malls. Superstores with food, clothes and electronics at prices that can't be beat may seem a convenient way to shop, but they do not offer much entertainment for young children forced to tag along.

Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of distractions for bored kiddies in a superstore. There's the electronics department in which children tall enough to reach the controls can play demo versions of the hottest new video games for hours. Children waiting for their turn on the video game demo can watch the latest movie on multiple flat screens -- some in high definition.

In the toy section, there might be a loose ball to bounce down the puzzle aisle or an unsecured tricycle to ride up the board-game aisle. On a really good day, there might even be a radio controlled airplane inexplicably unwrapped and loaded with fresh batteries.

But time on the demo game can be scarce at times. And what if the high def movie of the day doesn't appeal to your brood? There are times when toy aisles offer little more than an array of tightly packaged, neatly organized new toys. What is a restless child to do? What are the parents of the restless child to do?

Enter the playground-enhanced mall experience offering more fun in an area specially designed for play.

Maybe competition with superstores was not the motivation. Maybe the playgrounds are being built to offset the calorie-packed food courts. Truth be told, since the inception of fast food we Americans have been tipping the scales. And kids are no exception. Parents who eat value meals have kids who eat fun meals. "Value" and "fun" are merely new ways to say it's full of preservatives, calories and cholesterol.

We say we're going to walk off the extra calories and fat by shopping another hour or so longer. Unfortunately, our paychecks fall short of the ability to shop off a burger, fries, soft drink and gourmet cookie. Since the kids are too tired to shop after a big lunch, the family usually calls it a day once the chocolate shakes are consumed and heads home to watch "American Idol."

Enter the playground-enhanced mall experience offering more activity located just a few feet away from the greasy slice of pizza.

I could be way off-base. Maybe competition with superstores and the negative impact of food courts had absolutely nothing to do with mall playgrounds. Maybe the real reason behind the phenomenon is directly related to marketing demographics.

Are adults making their own retail decisions? Are teens the driving force behind retail sales? Or could it be that the reason Americans buy so many electronics, clothes, jewelry and half-caf, skinny mocha lattes has everything to do with the influence of the youngest generation?

There could be spreadsheets out there that demonstrate a preschooler-driven marketing force. Mall people could be privy to the fact that the type of blouse a mom buys or the brand of hammer a dad prefers is directly related to the interests and happiness of their youngster. Maybe there is a direct correlation between child entertainment while shopping and amount of dollars spent on a shopping trip.

Enter the playground enhanced mall experience. More fun for the little ones makes for enthusiastic adult customers translating into additional dollars spent.

Then again, usually the most obvious answer is the correct one. Clearly, mall playgrounds have evolved out of the mall-walking trend. Retired persons walk malls before the stores open their gates. Working persons walk malls during the lunch hour. It seems lots of people, spanning multiple generations, walk the malls rather than frequent the city parks.

Can you blame them? The weather is always favorable in the mall. No rain. No snow. No wind. The terrain is always consistent in the mall. No rocks. No hills. No unfortunate pet droppings.

Where there are adults walking, there should be kids playing. Therefore, mall playgrounds were inevitable.

Enter the playground-enhanced mall experience. More playing for the kids fits perfectly with adults putting in a lap or two.

The reasons, whatever they are, behind the mall playground fad are truly not important. The real issue here is the impact that playgrounds will have on all those teenagers who live to hang out at the mall.

Now that grandma is doing laps around the playground where Junior and his kindergarten posse are climbing across the stone bridge toward the slide, the mall is no longer a cool place for that independent teenager.

Micki Bare is a columnist for the Arkansas News Bureau and the Courier-Tribune in Asheboro, N.C., and author of the book, "Relative Expressions." She lives in Asheboro with her husband and three children. Her e-mail address is mickibare@inspiredscribe.com.

Beta Sigma Phi

The Beta Xi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi will meet at 6 p.m., Feb. 20 at Lori's home.

Sandi will present the cultural program and we will discuss the Beta Sigma Phi convention in Reno in June.

For more information call Karo, 727-0680.

Roads workshop

The Nye County Public Works Department invites the public to attend this year's 2008/2009 Fiscal Year Annual Roads Workshop at 5 p.m., Feb. 21, Bob Ruud Community Center.

All 2008/2009 petitions have been received and will be considered for chipseal. This is an information gathering workshop only and no decisions will be made by the board at that time.

Teen night

The Nye Communities Coalition in partnership with St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church is hosting a teen night, 6-9 p.m., Feb. 22, Seemoore's Too!

Middle school through high school aged students are invited for free food, karaoke and games.

For more information call Julie Platson, 537-1115 or the NCC office, 727-9970.

Free art classes

The Pahrump Arts Council will offer free art classes for young people as a bi-monthly program.

The February classes begin 11-2 p.m., Feb. 23, at the Pahrump Valley Museum on Basin Road.

Two classes will be held. Milo Reckow, a portrait artist and Carol McGovern, known for polymer clay art will teach.

All supplies are provided.

Call 751-6776 or 751-5282 to register or get more information.

Pre-registration is a must.

Democratic convention

The Nye County Democratic convention will start at 10 a.m., Feb. 23, at the Ramada Inn Tonopah.

Call 764-5650 for more information.

Golden years luncheon

The Ms. Senior Golden Years USA will have a fashion show and luncheon Feb. 23, at the Saddle West Hotel and Casino to introduce the contestants to the board of directors and the queen's court.

There will be a raffle for the "Big Purple Basket," which contains a three-day stay on Lake Mead in a houseboat, a Valley Electric $50 power credit, wines and a picnic donated by Pahrump Valley Winery, stationary from B & C Printing, Phoenix car detail and wash, chocolates and more.

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. You do not have to be present to win.

Tickets may be purchased from Ms. Senior Golden Years Queens Court, the Chamber of Commerce and Saddle West registration desk.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the fashion show.

For more information, call B.J. Hetrick-Irwin at 727-7011.

Vendor workshop

The Town of Pahrump code enforcement division will hold an informational workshop for any vendors who want temporary sales licenses, at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 25, in the Bob Ruud Community Center.

A handful of different speakers will be on hand to provide information on licensing requirements including the Nevada Division of Health.

AARP driver safety

Take the AARP driver safety program. The two day class is 9-1 p.m., Feb. 27 and 28.

Call your insurance agent to see if they offer discounts for participation in the program.

Call Tom at 727-3858 for registration.

Lincoln Day dinner

The Pahrump Valley Republican Women are hosting a Lincoln Day dinner Feb. 29 at Mountain Falls Golf Club. Governor Jim Gibbons and First Lady Dawn Gibbons will be the guests of honor.

Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m.

Cost of participating is $60 per person, $110 per couple or $550 per reserved table. Tickets are available now.

Call Stella Owens at 209-5048, Reita Whiteman at 513-2545 or DeAnna Brown at 253-9896 for more information.

Home buyer Seminar

A free home buyer seminar is scheduled 2-4 p.m., Saturday, March 1 at the Pahrump Community Library.

Trish Rippie, from Help-U-Sell Realty, is sponsoring the seminar designed to help local home buyers capitalize on the current low home prices due to the foreclosure crisis.

Ms. Senior Nye County Pageant

The Ms. Senior Nye County Pageant for 2008 will be held April 4-5 at Saddle West Hotel and Casino.

Any ladies at the elegant age of 60 plus may enter. Everyone has a talent and dancers, singers, comediennes or any other stage performances are welcome.

The winner of the pageant will continue to the Ms. Senior Nevada State Pageant to be held at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas at the end of August.

Call Scotty, 727-0309, or Val, 537-0468 for more information.

Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library will meet at 9:15 a.m., March 1.

Keith Froehling will speak on his books, "Seizing Your Success" and "Living the Life You Love."

He will also discuss publishing your own book.

Computer users group

The Pahrump Computer Users Group will meet at 1 p.m., March 3 in the Pahrump Community Library meeting room.

The program will include a presentation of utilizing software for genealogy and researching family history and open office and portable applications software.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

Call 727-1246 for more information.

Kiwanis Black Tie Affair

The Kiwanis Club of Pahrump Valley will have the 3rd annual Black Tie Affair starting 6 p.m., March 8, in the Pahrump Nugget Banquet Hall.

There will be a no host bar, live music until 8 p.m., and a buffet dinner.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Formal attire is requested.

Call 751-3879 or 209-3752 for more information.

Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club Scholarship Program. The Kiwanis is a 501(c)3 foundation.

Pahrump Gunfighters

The Pahrump Gunfighters have moved. They are now located on the Stagestop Casino property, 100 Stagecoach Road.

The Pahrump Gunfighters are looking for new faces and talent for their old-time skits and shootouts.

The next performance will be at 1 p.m., March 30.

If interested in joining, call Rev. Joe at 537-1424.

Rummage sale

Spring is coming. It's time to clear out those closets and the garage.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church will hold the spring rummage sale, 9-4 p.m., Friday, April 4 and 9-3 p.m., April 5 at the church, 650 S. Blagg Road, between Wilson Road and Highway 372.

Set-up will be April 2 and 3.

If you need more information or help getting your items to the church, call 727-8478.

Landscape tour

The Parump Valley Garden Club second annual landscape tour will be April 26.

Applications are being accepted for homes to be included in the tour.

If you have done something interesting to your yard, either yourself or with a professional, contact Carla at 751-0532. Feb. 15 is the deadline for consideration.

Bull ride needs vendors

The PBR Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tour has room for vendors at the show to be held May 3, at McCullough Arena.

For more information, go to www.silverstaterodeo.com or call 751-1094.

Marines League convention

The Marine Corps League Nevada State Convention will be held May 9-11 at Saddle West Hotel and Casino.

Local Marines are soliciting ads for printing in the program book.

Please make checks payable to The Marine Corps League Detachment 1199, c/o Ed Cima, P. O. Box 5481, Pahrump, NV 89041.

Call 727-1193 or 910-9345 for more information.

VEA Scholarship program

Valley Electric Association will award six educational scholarships to assist qualified individuals in furthering their education.

Two full-time vocational/technical scholarships and two part-time continuing education scholarships will be awarded.

Visit the Web site, www.vea.coop for more information or stop by the office for an application.

Library calendar

The Pahrump Community Library is located at 701 East Street, and is hosting the following events in February:

Winter reading program starts Tuesday, Feb. 5.

This year's theme is "Read with Clifford, the Big Red Dog!"

No sign-up is necessary. Classes are available for all ages: Little Pups (age 2-3)

Tuesdays, 9:15-9:45 a.m. (parent/guardian must accompany child); Red Pups (age 4-5) Tuesdays, 10-10:45 a.m.; Big Reds (5-12 and morning kindergarten) Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Craft Class (5th grade & up) Wednesdays 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Computer classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and include introduction to computers, beyond basics, Internet and email and genealogy. Times vary and sign-up must be in person at the library. No sign-ups by phone. Classes are free and space is limited.

The Pahrump Community Library offers home bound delivery service for anyone who is unable to visit the library. Call 727-5930 ext. 12 for more information.

Call 727-5930 for more information.

PVHS T-shirts

The Pahrump Valley High School Renaissance class is trying to collect old PVHS T-shirts from anyone who is willing to donate. They are making a quilt to display at the school and in businesses throughout the valley to demonstrate how PVHS has changed.

The type of T-shirt doesn't matter as long as it is from PVHS. Clubs, sports, music, homecoming, and any others are appreciated.

All donations should be turned in to the A building office, the main office or Room B-28 by April 1.

Free vehicle tow away

Desert Towing is offering a free towing service to help Pahrump residents clean up their property.

Removal of unwanted or abandoned vehicles is free of charge.

Call 751-1230 for more information.