Community briefs

Douglas County

Apply now for the Senior Citizens Law Enforcement Academy

The Douglas County Sheriff's Department is accepting applications for the 2005 Senior Citizens Law Enforcement Academy. Attendees will be instructed in uniformed patrol, criminal investigations, emergency vehicle operation, handgun safety, narcotic and gang investigation, communications, corrections and the criminal justice system.

The 40-hour block of instruction begins March 23. Classes are 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays for 10 weeks at the Douglas County Sheriff's Department in Minden.

Class size is limited to 50 students. Applicants must be at least 50 years of age and a resident of Douglas County. Applicants must be willing to submit to a local background investigation and be free of any felony convictions.

To reserve a seat in the academy, contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Department at 782-9902, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Carson City

Give blood, get lunch, and a gift from Harley

Harley-Davidson is holding a blood drive from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today in the parking lot. Each donor will receive a free movie ticket, a free meal from KFC and a gift from Harley-Davidson.

Call Patty Hurt, 882-7433, to schedule an appointment.

Test out scuba diving for free Saturday

The High Desert Divers Dive Club and Strictly Scuba Dive & Snorkel Center of Carson City will sponsor the third Bring-a-Friend-to-Diving event at the Carson City Aquatic Center on Saturday. This is a free opportunity to try scuba diving in the swimming pool with instructors certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Participants must be at least 10 years old and in reasonably good health. A parent or guardian must sign the paperwork for those under 18, and certain medical conditions may require a doctor's permission to participate. Participants will be scheduled throughout the afternoon, beginning at 12:45 p.m.

For information or to schedule a time, call 884-3483.

Families needed for student exchange

Host families for foreign exchange students for the 2005-06 school year are needed.

Cultural Homestay International is a nonprofit organization that has been placing foreign exchange students in American homes since 1980. The students are high school juniors and seniors from Europe, Asia and other countries.

They are selected for their scholastic abilities, English language skills and recommendations from their school principals and teachers. They have their own spending money and insurance. The Web site www.chinet.org provides more information. Descriptions of students, their backgrounds and interests are also available.

Host families do not have to have teenagers or be a specific age to participate. For information contact Nancy Turner, 882-0267 or E-mail nancyttcc1@msn.com for an application.