Carson Middle school

When talking with students, Brian Williams compares their lives to being dealt a hand of cards. Some cards are health or illness, wealth or poverty, strong families or dysfunctional ones.

“You can’t control the cards you’re given, and you can’t hand them back in,” he told Eagle Valley Middle School students Monday afternoon. “Sometimes people look at their cards and think, ‘This is a horrible hand, there’s no way I can win.’ But there are always people who can take a terrible deck of cards and come away winning.”

Since 2011, the Carson City School District has seen a long list of accomplishments including free full-day kindergarten at all schools, a mobile device for every student in grades three through 12, a school-based health center and increased accessibility to courses in science, technology, engineering arts and math.

The Carson City School District is inviting the public to help refresh its strategic plan, which sets the vision for students, staff and parents.

While the inaugural Epic Rides Carson City Off-Road mountain bike race series may have been a boon to the local economy, some downtown businesses struggled to stay out of the red last weekend because of what they felt were excessive road closures for the first-time event.

Mile High Jazz Band Association, in cooperation with Carson Middle School presents a one-week Jazz Camp with sessions for middle- and high-school musicians, June 6-10, in the band room at Carson Middle School, 1140 W. King St. in Carson City.

Much love to the Mothers in our valley, and those that we love like Mothers. Treat that special lady to a day at the Carson Hot Springs. She gets to ride free with a child at the RSVP Spring Carnival. Travel to Virginia City and back on the historic Virginia and Truckee Steam Train. Brunch, bingo, and BMX racing are just a few of the other things that Sunday has to offer.

SUNDAY: Mother’s Day

I am not even going to attempt guessing what weather we have in store. The west side of the Sierras are notoriously unpredictable. You are much better off betting on the Kentucky Derby; and the Firkin and Fox is just the place to cheer on your favorite horse.

The changing of the monthly guard is happening. The first of May is Sunday and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Music, theater, sports, shopping and more will be abundant in the valley this weekend, so make sure to take a good look at this weekend’s list for all of your fun options.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Bill Migan and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Coffee and Donuts with EAA Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8:30am-12pm, all welcome)

We know better than trying to predict springtime weather in the Sierra foothills. A new wave of showers is expected Monday, but it could show up whenever it likes. Rain or shine, Earth Day in Reno’s Idlewild Park is always fun and informative. See Marlon Brando on the big screen as Galaxy Theater offers two showings of ‘On the Waterfront.’ The Carson City Symphony welcomes guest soloist, Albert Lee, to the stage during today’s Spring Fling Concert.

SUNDAY:

Into every life a little rain must fall, and we just got plenty. The tulips and lilac blooming around town will be pleased. Unfortunately, it could make for soggy feet if you’ve got any outdoor activities planned. Lucky for us, plenty of fun can be found indoors. Hit the Carson Mall for Cowgirls and Lipstick or learn about rare coins at the Nevada State Museum. Meet author Joe Crowley at Browsers' Corner Book Store or read to therapy dogs at the Carson City Library. There's something for everyone on this list, so take a look and have a great weekend, Carson City.

Sunday is fun day. Get ready for springtime flowers with the Anniversary Sale at Greenhouse Garden Center. If you can’t wait for your own flora to grow, join a ranger at Washoe Lake State Park during their Wildflower Walk to the Deadman’s Creek gazebo. Let the little ones burn off some energy at the Carson Car Center’s Grand Opening: free hot dogs, hamburgers, and a bounce house make for a fun time.

SUNDAY:

The final event of the Senior Project happens April 18 and Carson High School reserves the entire school day to these momentous, rigorous, relevant, and result driven speeches. The excitement at CHS is intense as these seniors dress for the occasion, dawning everything from professional business attire to scrubs depending on the nature of their projects. Though college and career are just around the corner, a feeling of anticipation, excitement, and soon-to-be graduation flows through the air at CHS.

After that cold snap earlier this week, it’s time to go enjoy the sunshine. Spend the afternoon cheering on the WNC Wildcats as they take on Salt Lake Community College. You’ll find the softball double-header at Livermore Sports Complex off Edmonds; baseball is played at the Harvey Field at Western Nevada College. Take a look at the weekend summary for all the fun stuff this valley has to offer.

SATURDAY:

Happy Anniversary, Mile High Jazz Band. Every second Tuesday they play a concert at Comma Coffee, and have for fifteen years. Help them celebrate. Grab your dancing shoes and head to Carson Lanes and learn some country line dancing. Kids won’t want to miss Craft Day at the Carson City Library: all supplies are free and waiting. It’s an evening of illusion at the Brewery Arts Center. Be dazzled and help raise funds for the Carson Middle School Band Program.

TUESDAY:

Sundays can be lazy, but with this list of things to do, they needn’t be. BMX Racing has returned for the season and can be found at the Livermore Sports Complex off Edmonds. Fall down the rabbit hole and find yourself at the Community Center for the matinee of Alice in Wonderland Jr. Check out Children’s Day on the Comstock in Virginia City for food and family fun.

SUNDAY:

• National Library Week

What a wonderful community we live in. Music, theater, hiking, biking, wining, dining, walking, TED-talking, animal loving, state governing, and so much more are available in our valley. The days are getting longer and there is so much in store for us in the coming weeks and months as we journey into summer. Take a good gander at my list of what’s going on in the Carson City area. It is always arranged chronologically by start time.

SATURDAY:

Carson City residents are invited to "An Evening of Illusions," a benefit for the Carson Middle School Band and Orchestra program, on Tuesday, April 12, at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City.

Garry and Janine Carson from Las Vegas are back on tour with a brand new stage illusion show, with 100 percent of all ticket sales supporting these dedicated CHS music students.

Let someone else take care of Sunday breakfast. The Elks Club throws open its doors for their monthly pancake breakfast which runs today, Sunday, until 11 a.m.
Challenge someone to a mini tournament during Carson Lanes Breakfast and Bowl. You will not want to miss this month’s CASI Bingo day at the Senior Center. Someone will walk away with $1000. Let the Tibetan Monks teach you inner-peace at the Brewery Arts Center. Two workshops today are offered as part of the Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour.

SUNDAY:

This beautiful weather is no April Fool’s joke, so get out and enjoy the sunshine. Ascent Runs begins their half marathon series today with a race through Carson Canyons, and it is sure to get your heart pumping. The Downtown Business Association wants to see you at today’s wine walk. Once you’re around Telegraph Street, you’ll see some throwbacks from a by-gone era courtesy of Naughty Tea Mistresses, the First Nevada Cavalry, and more.

SATURDAY:

• Rummage Sale at St. Paul’s Lutheran Family: 1201 N. Saliman Road. (8am-1:30pm)

The spring thaw has arrived, and my event list is getting longer. Carson City has some fun stuff happening this weekend, so please take a look. If you haven’t made it to see Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s production of Disney’s The Aristocats, Kids, or the Carson High spring musical, ‘Kiss Me, Kate.’ what are you waiting for? Keep your eyes peeled for Girl Scouts, this is the last weekend of cookie sales.

SATURDAY:

I hope everyone had a great time yesterday. I also hope you are ready for the party to continue. The Brewery Arts Center has Celtic duo Men of Worth playing in the Black Box Theater, folk singer/songwriter Liam Kyle Cahill is at Living the Good Life, you'll find the Whitehats performing at the West Side Pour House, and Sassafras has a night of rock with Year of the Fist and Double Header. Those who love dance should check out World Dance Open Floor at Comma Coffee or the West Coast Swing night that Yaple's Ballroom hosts every third Friday. Let's kick off this weekend right, Carson City.

Carson Middle School's annual Chili Bingo Night takes place on Friday, March 18, in the school's cafeteria. The event begins at 6 p.m. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to Carson Middle School Band program which is raising money for new instruments, storage space and upgraded percussion.

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner and the celebrations have begun. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada has crafts and Irish dancers. Carson Lanes is hosting their annual Pot of Gold Tournament. The Downtown Reno Leprechaun Crawl is always a crazy time. Take a look at this weekend summary to find the fun for miles around.

SATURDAY:

More than $14 million will be dispersed statewide to 20 schools awarded funding from the Nevada Ready 21 digital learning initiative, the Nevada Department of Education announced.

The Nevada Democratic Caucus is today at 11 a.m. throughout the state. A caucus, where registered Democrats and party leaders meet to begin registering preferences for the presidential nominee, is being at various locations. To find your caucus location, click here All eligible voters that will be 18 by election day are able to participate, and if you havent registered to vote you may do so at the caucus location. Carson Now will be in attendance, so check back later for updates on the process.

Got kids? Plenty of fun awaits. Start out at Dunkin Donuts for their Community Celebration complete with face painting and more. Love on a Leash at the Carson City Library will give them a chance to practice their reading skills with a non-judgmental furry friend. Celebrate the Asian New Year with crafts and music at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. Take a look at the whole list for a weekend filled with activities for those young, old, and in-between.

SATURDAY:

It is my pleasure to take over for Angila Golik as the new “Senator Square” column writer, which for me is right up there with winning an election, winning a game, and winning a prize in a contest all at the same time. Though I will not be reporting on cures for warts or offering advice on marriage, I will be delivering current news and upcoming events for Carson High School.

UPDATE: 4:40PM: Power lines reported down at King Street near Carson Middle School. Motorists should avoid the area.
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UPDATE 2:50PM: Power lines are reportedly down at 5th and Saliman. Avoid the area.
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UPDATE 1:52 PM: Carson City Fire Department and Public Works were called to the area of North Carson Street at Arrowhead where a tree has fallen and was blocking lanes of traffic and power lines on the road. Carson City Sheriff's Office deputies were called to assist and redirect traffic. All motorists should avoid the area.
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High winds have whipped through Carson City this afternoon knocking down trees, snapping limbs, and dropping fences.

The tree is the first photo fell at around 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Nevada and Seventh Street blocking both lanes of traffic. In the second photo, this tree fell on King street near Tacoma at around 12:15 p.m., bringing down a large pine and reducing traffic to one lane across from Carson Middle School.

We have some incredibly talented kids here in Carson City. The jazzier ones will be performing at the Community Center tonight with the Mile High Jazz Band in an extravaganza of music. Enjoy some of our valley’s views with the Parks and Rec Easy Walk along the freeway multi-use path. Dinner plans are easy; Mystique is holding a grand opening tonight downtown, so go see what deliciousness they have to offer.

TUESDAY:

• Kit Carson Toastmasters Weekly Meeting at Grandma Hattie’s (6:30am; for info call Frank 775-885-7579 or KitCarsonToastmasters@gmail.com)

Carson Middle School hosted a jazz workshop Saturday for middle and high-school-aged students at the campus on West King Street.

Licks and riffs on saxaphone, guitar, and even a xylophone could be heard from the front door as everyone took interest in Mr. Kline's instruction. Enthusiasm and energy could be felt with every note played as these kids showed a hunger to learn all they could during the free, four and a half hour workshop.