autism

The countdown to Turkey Day has begun, and living in Carson City gives us plenty to be thankful for: Beautiful views, our own deer herd, great shops, yummy restaurants, talented actors, artists, and craftsmen, and wonderful people. Get in the spirit of giving with a new tattoo from Hooligan’s Ink to benefit the Austin House. For something less permanent, drop off a turkey at one of the contenders in the Salvation Army’s Battle of the Bars. Giving your time is valuable, too. The Muscle Powered Trash Mob meets once a month to help keep Carson’s trails clean and litter-free.

Ready for the weekend, Carson City? The weather should hold up on Saturday, but no promises on Sunday. Hit the slopes if you are so inclined, several Tahoe resorts have opened for the season. Runners should head out to Washoe Lake State Park for the first of the Be Bold, Run in the Cold series sponsored by Ascent Runs. If you prefer something warmer, head to Crossroads Lounge for their Grand Re-opening. It’s under new ownership and is sure to have something to keep you toasty.

SATURDAY:

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City. The temperatures will be brisk, but nothing a scarf and sweater can’t help guard against. The real cold shows up late Sunday and brings with it a good chance for snow. Mary Poppins would advise we bear it with a spoon full of sugar.

One last weekend until Nevada Day, and the ghosts and ghouls are coming out of the woodwork. Learn our haunted history with the Downtown Ghost Walk. For thrills and chills, don’t miss the Second Annual Carson Creepy Short Horror Film Competition in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. For a complete list of all Halloween activities this week go here.

SATURDAY:

Ready for the weekend, Carson City? Don’t miss out on the annual Pumpkin Patch at Seeliger Elementary. This event featuring crafts, games, and music is always fun. Learn about the Basque Culture at the Nevada State Museum. This month’s Family Fun Saturday features presentations and activities. Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevadans are hosting a free Legal Aid Fair in the Sierra Room of the Community Center for those of you with questions about civil, non-criminal, matters.

SATURDAY:

• Seniors Swim Free at Paradise Salon and Spa: Executive Pointe off College Pkwy (7am-5pm, except during class times; 55 and older; indoor adult warm saltwater pools)
• TMDTC Dog Agility Trials at Fuji Park (7am-7pm)
• HOSA: Future Health Professionals Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Applebee’s (8am-10am; $10, includes: pancakes, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and juice/coffee)
• Bikes for Badges to benefit the family of Deputy Sheriff Carl Howell begins at the Carson City Sheriff’s Department: 911 E Musser St. (8am-10am Same day Registration of cyclists $25; 10am-11am Ride Prep and Safety Briefing; 10:45am kick stands up and head to Chester’s Harley Davidson Reno; 12pm Music, lunch, entertainment, auctions, etc.)

Hello, Carson City. I'm suffering from an internet outage and want to make sure I get this information to you. I truly apologize that it is without my usual links or banter, but my little tablet can only do so much. As always, there is a great time to be had in Carson City, so please take a look at my list, grab your friends and family, and enjoy our great valley!

SATURDAY:

The Dog Days of Summer have hit town, so grab your favorite four-legged friend and have fun. CASI is hosting the ‘pooch plunge’ at the Carson Aquatic Center so that your pooches can beat this late September heat. Join the Nevada Humane Society at Lake Tahoe Brewing Company for the first annual ‘Brew-paw.’ Adoptable pets, a raffle, and more await. Don’t miss out on the downtown walk Sunday following coffee and mimosas at Adele’s. The ‘wag-n-walk’ will end up at the Visitor’s Center where you will be rewarded with a special pet tag.

Do you like shopping, Carson City? Check out the Vintage Fair at Du Sorrella downtown. The last Farmers Market of the season is at Third and Curry, so get your fix of fresh fruits, veggies, honey and more before the leaves fall. Wild Horse Children’s Theater is hosting a huge Warehouse and Multi-family sale; if you need a Halloween costume, you won’t want to miss it. The Teixeira Pavilion at Mills Park is where you’ll find the Autumn Earth Spirit Faire with vendors, workshops, and more.

Ready, set, GO! Whether you want to watch camels race, or hot air balloons light up the sky, this is a great weekend in Northern Nevada. If cool cars are more your style, join the Freaks of Nature Car Club at a show and shine in the parking lot of Yogurt Beach in North Carson. It’s root, root, root for the home team as the WNC Wildcats play a double header at Harvey Field.

SATURDAY:

This column dovetails my last one concerning mental health care in Nevada.

The recent zeal to bring attention to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has rightfully brought the topic to the fore. But I feel that the media blitz has been at the expense of other equally severe mental disabilities, the awareness of which have waned and suffered. However good the intentions toward autism coverage may be, this attention has consequently overshadowed other developmental disabilities that are just as critical to treat, and equally heart-breaking.

During this year’s legislative session, my wife and I approached our state legislators about resources for Nevada’s most underserved population: The mentally ill.
There is a health crisis in our state, one which has grown into an epidemic across the nation, but one that is especially endemic right here in the Silver State.
Having lived more than twelve years in a state that seems to cater to many human vices, this comes as no surprise to me.

Don’t be scared. I know you’re going to take one look at this list and get overwhelmed with all the things going on in the area. I’ve written an overview of some of the bigger things here, but take a look below for a complete list of everything that the Carson City area offers.

SATURDAY:

• California Free Fishing Day
• Revolution Dog Sports Rat-tacular Barn Hunt and BattleBorn Bonanza Jack Russell Trials at Fuji Park
• NAA Exhibit by artist Deborah Foster at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Third and Curry Farmers Market; Live Music (8:30am-1pm)

This last weekend of August is filled with ways to celebrate your community. Carson Animal Shelter Initiative, better known as CASI, hosts their annual Bark, Whine, and Dine Fundraiser at Fuji Park. Animal lovers can also head to Carson Catalina Apartments for a rummage sale that benefits the Carson Tahoe SPCA. The Carson City Sheriff's Office young Explorers will host a fundraising car wash; The Marine Corp League can be found at the north Carson Walmart; half of the donations received will go to Deputy Howell’s family fund. And don’t miss out on the drought-friendly water balloon ice bucket challenge raising funds for ALS at Butler Meats on Sunday.

SATURDAY:

• Car Wash fundraiser for Carson City Sheriff’s Office Explorers at Unique Sounds: 3080 Hwy 50 East (10am-2pm)
• Virginia City Ferrari Hill Climb
• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• Rummage Sale fundraiser for Carson Tahoe SPCA at Carson Catalina Apartments: 700 Hot Springs Rd. (7am-ish until?)
• Annual Outreach and Fundraiser by the Marine Corps League of Carson City Silver State- Detachment 630 at the Walmart store on Retail Drive (8am-5pm; half of the donations go to the family of fallen Carson City Sheriff’s Office Deputy and former U.S. Marine Carl Howell)

During this year’s legislative session, my wife and I approached our state legislators about resources for Nevada’s most underserved population: The mentally ill.
There is a health crisis in our state, one which has grown into an epidemic across the nation, but one that is especially endemic right here in the Silver State.
Having lived more than twelve years in a state that seems to cater to many human vices, this comes as no surprise to me.

Hold on to your hats, Carson City, summer isn’t ready to quit us just yet. An aviation air show at the Minden Airport, the coin show and fair at the Nevada State Museum, and a fishing derby for the kids at Little Washoe Lake are only the tip of the iceberg. The Pavilion at Mills Park is where you’ll find the annual Carson High Football Boosters Fundraising BBQ. The Quicksilver Dog Agility Trials are always fun to watch, and they’ll be at Fuji Park all weekend. Carson Lanes has family fun indoors and out all day long during their Bowling Blast-off.

It’s a blast from the past weekend. Get started with some history at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch with the Naughty Tea Mistresses. A walking tour of our haunted past begins at the corner of Third and Curry with the Downtown Ghost Walk. Celebrate Prohibition-style at the Brewery Arts Center: the annual Speakeasy Swing Dance Party wants to see you in your finest zoot suit or flapper dress. Head back to the Eighties at Living the Good Life; DJ Bobby G is spinning the hits from yesteryear.

After the Friday wind and rain, we are supposed to see some clear skies: but don’t quote me on that. You know how the weather here can be. The Third and Curry Farmers Market vendors are tough, though, so your weekly dose of fresh produce will be waiting for you either way. Don’t miss the autumn plant sale at the Greenhouse Project booth. The Carson City Historical Society hosts their second yard sale of the season at the historic Forman-Roberts House on North Carson Street, so have fun treasure hunting.

SATURDAY: Jazz and Beyond

• Ascent Runs: Genoa Peaks Mad-A-Thon: Ultra 55K; Marathon 26.2M, Half-Marathon 13.1M -Begins at Nixon Park in Genoa (6am; all runners must check-in)
• Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks

I apologize, Carson City. You have some decisions to make. There is quite a bit going on whether you want something family friendly, adults only, indoors, outdoors, or a combination of it all. The weekly Farmers Market at Third and Curry St. is always a good way to start the weekend. Yummy food, a bounce house for the kids, and beautiful flowers are hard to argue with. Keep reading for enough fun to make your head spin!

SATURDAY:

• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• 21st Annual Silver Dollar Car Classic at Mills Park (8am-4pm show and shine, music, and vendors; Registration 8am-11am; Pancake Breakfast 8am-10:30am; Judging until 4pm)

Thunderstorms are on the horizon, so seize the day and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here. Muscle Powered has organized a monthly trash mob to help keep our trails clean, join them at US Bank to help out. The Ghost Walk returns: meet behind the Firkin and Fox for some local haunted history. Teens will enjoy a ‘Night at the Library’ with pizza and games. And as always, the Nevada State Railroad Museum beckons: this week with rides on the Steam Train available.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5; Everyone Welcome)
• Muscle Powered One Hour Trash Mob: located at the south side of East College Parkway near the I-580 overpass where the multi-use path meets the sidewalk. Parking is available at US Bank/Dotty's Casino (8am-9am; Gloves, trash bags, and water will be available)
• Weekly Live Auction at Good Time Auctions: 3579 E Hwy 50, Suite 211 (Preview 8am-3pm; Live Indoor Auction 3pm)

A new computer and software system created by a Carson City man using interactive avatars to help those on the autism spectrum with social, conversational and motivational skills made its debut at the 2015 National Autism Society Conference this month in Denver.

I hope you’re hungry, Carson City. Hungry and adventurous. The annual Chili Cook-off and Craft Fair hits Glen Eagles this weekend, and there will be plenty to sample. If you need something cold to drink, head to 7-ELEVEN for a free small slushee from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. in celebration of Seven Eleven Day. The Farmers Market is always a good bet on Saturday mornings for sampling all the yummy stuff that grows nearby.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Young Eagle Flights (Weather Permitting; open to ages 8-17; registration 8am at the Airport Terminal Building, orientation 8:30am; free) Coffee and Donuts (8am-12pm, all welcome) at 2500 E. College Pkwy
• Garage Sale to benefit CASI (Carson Animal Shelter Initiative) at 611 Marsh Road, located at the end of East Fifth St. (8am-?)

Happy birthday, America! Today we celebrate our independence, and what better way than with a carnival. You might as well stay at Mills Park all day, the fireworks display starts when it gets dark. Tune into Magic 95.5FM and you’ll hear the choreographed music to go along with the oohs and aaahs. Where ever you choose to watch fireworks, please be safe. There are thousands of visitors in the Northern Nevada area this weekend, and law enforcement will be out in full force.

SATURDAY: Independence Day

• Free Swim for Active and Retired Military at the Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm; outdoor pools only)
• Freedom 5K Fun Run/Walk and Concert in the Park with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra at Heritage Park, Gardnerville (5K, $20 per person and family rates, free for active/retired military; register 7am-7:45am; Run/Walk begins 8am, Patriotic costumes encouraged; 8am Carson Valley Lions Club Pancake Breakfast $7; Free Kids Obstacle Course 8am; Free Concert begins 11:30am)

Bikes, and cars, and brews: oh my! Downtown Carson is awash in activity on Saturday. Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly features the Extreme Motor Officer Training Challenge, vendors, a brewfest, moustache competition and more. The Karson Kruzers are hosting their annual car show at Fuji Park, but will be making their way downtown after it’s over, so there will be plenty of cool cars to admire. Mojo Green takes the stage at 7 p.m. and you can head into the Carson Cigar Company to enjoy Reno’s newest Pink Floyd Tribute Band, Scarlett Moon at 9 p.m.

SATURDAY:

• Karson Krusers’ Run Whatcha Brung Car Show at Fuji Park (registration 7am-9am; show and vendors until 6pm; parade to downtown 6pm)
• Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers Fundraising Yard Sale on Ophir Circle, off Richmond (8am-3pm; help send them to perform at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom)

The solstice couldn’t come at a better time: we need some long days to get through all the fun stuff Carson City has crammed into one weekend. The annual Powwow at the Stewart Indian School runs Friday through Sunday, so you’ll have plenty of time to see the dancing, peruse the crafts, and eat an Indian Taco. Don’t miss the Fly-in and Open House at the Carson City Airport: fun for the whole family. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of Carson City’s favorite events: the Taste of Downtown. Music, food, and more from Carson Mall to Williams Street. Have a great time, and be safe.

I don’t mean to make this hard on you, but you have some decisions to make. All day, all night, all weekend long, there are numerous activities throughout our area. Take a good look at the list, grab your friends, family, and kids, and have a great weekend. The Experimental Aircraft Association is hosting the Ford Tri-Motor this weekend, and has Young Eagles flights for the kids: registration and orientation is at 8 a.m. Head over to Eagle Valley Golf for free family golf day.

Wednesdays are good for music in Carson City. Nothing like a good jam to get you over the workweek hump. Start out at lunchtime with blues at Comma Coffee. Enjoy music with dinner at Living the Good Life or Glen Eagles. The party is at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, though. Tonight they are hosting a Canadian country-tinged, psycho punk rock n’ roll band called The Creepshow. Named as “One of the top bands you need to know about” by Alternative Press, a band like this doesn’t wander into our valley often.

WEDNESDAY:

• ’New Work’ by artist Pasha Rafat at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E. Proctor St. (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

First things first. Saturday afternoon could be expecting some wet weather, so be prepared. I can’t predict what events may be affected by it, or if the rain will even show up. No worries for you wine walkers, though, downtown will be hopping: rain, shine, or blizzard. Head over to Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery and wish them a happy fourth anniversary, Jeffery will be serving up one of his signature Sangrias. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church won best wine walk stop last month and will have live music. Don’t forget to spend some time inside Westside Pour House: ARTistically INKlined pop-up gallery returns and proves that tattoo artists are first, and foremost, artists.

SATURDAY:

• Street Vibrations Spring Rally: Downtown Reno
• Reno Tahoe International Film Festival – go to www.RTIFF.org for schedule and locations
• Sierra Lutheran High School's 13th Annual Golf Classic at the Silver Oaks Golf Course (7am Check-in, Shotgun start at 8am; $125 for a single player or $400 for a team of four)

It’s the first Wednesday which means that Comma Coffee is hosting an art reception for their Backseat Gallery. Don’t miss the exhibit by Su Limbert in the Legislative Gallery, the session is over and the exhibit closes at the end of the week. While you’re downtown head over to the BRIC building on Proctor for the BRIC Art 5 exhibit. By the Nevada State Museum you’ll find the Nevada Arts Council: their gallery is exhibiting Pasha Rashat.

WEDNESDAY:

• All Day Golf Special at Empire Ranch Golf Course ($33 includes cart)
• Wings of Freedom Tour Honoring WWII Veterans: P-1 Mustang, B-17 Flying Fortress, and B-24 Liberator on display at the Minden-Tahoe Airport: 1146 Airport, Minden
• ’New Work’ by artist Pasha Rafat at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. One day closer to the weekend, and one day closer to June. Carson City truly shines in the summertime with events like the Taste of Downtown, Blinky Man, and the Fathers’ Day Powwow at the Stewart Indian School. New to hit downtown this year is Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly: sure to be a fun time.

WEDNESDAY:

• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)
• ‘Forevermore’ by artist Su Limbert at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building

Get over the mid-week hump with some live music. Dave Leather will entertain with some lunchtime Americana and Blues at Comma Coffee. The weekly Jazz Jam at Sassafras enjoys the return of the talented Tristan Selzler. Popular duo, Tany Jane, plays at Living the Good Life. Enjoy Joe LaChew at Z Bistro or Terry and Craig at Glen Eagles during dinner. The Carson High School Choir is at Bob Boldrick Theater this evening for their end of year performance.

WEDNESDAY:

• ’New Work’ by artist Pasha Rafat at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)