Calling all veterans: the city of Henderson needs your help to work with your peers.

The Henderson Municipal Court is seeking volunteer veterans to serve as mentors for defendants enrolled in Veterans Treatment Court. Mentors help coach and guide veterans through the court treatment program.

Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative sentencing program for military veterans charged with misdemeanor crimes while struggling to readjust to civilian life. Many wrestle with substance abuse and mental illness that appear to be related to military service. Veterans Treatment Court focuses on the veteran’s underlying issues and provides access to resources that enable successful compliance with the court’s orders.

Lesley Cohen was appointed earlier this week to fill the Nevada State Assembly seat abruptly vacated by April Mastroluca in November.

Mastroluca, a Democrat, recently had been selected to a third term representing District 29 in Henderson when she resigned weeks after the election, citing family reasons.

Cohen will serve on the Education, Judiciary, and Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining Committees in the 2013 legislative session.

“I’ve always deeply cared about my community, and the state of Nevada,” Cohen said. “I am excited to serve in Carson City, and I look forward to the opportunity to work on issues that will have an immediate and long-term impact on all Nevadans.”

Henderson residents with a message for the mayor or city council can deliver it directly Thursday night at a community meeting.

Mayor Andy Hafen and Councilwoman Gerri Schroder will host Neighborhood Connections, a town-hall type gathering for the residents of Ward I. City of Henderson staff will be in attendance from 6-7 p.m. at Heritage Park Senior Facility, 300 Racetrack Road, to answer questions and provide information to residents as well.

The event is designed to encourage dialogue between neighbors and city leaders regarding projects and questions that pertain to the city of Henderson. Neighborhood Connections is held quarterly to enable city leaders to meet and interact with the residents of each of the four wards within the city of Henderson.

For more information, visit cityofhenderson.com.