State Legislature

Bike to work week comes to a close, and there is one heck of a party to celebrate. Leave a little extra time this morning to get to work safely, and get some free coffee if you're sporting a helmet. This evening, McFadden Plaza will be filled with riders, games, raffles, and music courtesy of the Whitehats. Stick close to downtown and you'll be rewarded with World Dance at Comma Coffee, or some laughs with Comedian Milt Abel at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget.

FRIDAY: Bike to Work Day/Bike to Work Week

It’s a perfect day to wander around. The Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk along Main Street Gardnerville kicks off its season with a Mardi Gras theme. Take an easy hike with Muscle Powered along Voltaire Canyon, and your leashed, friendly dog is invited to join. Congratulations to the Battle Born Business Center; their Grand Opening Celebration includes a live reggae band. The Carson High Bands take to the Bob Boldrick Theater stage in their final concert of the school year; go cheer on the award-winning Blue Thunder. You won’t want to miss a special night with the Novelists at Sassafras.

It looks like spring just skipped right by us this year. It took a while, but we’re finally on the upswing towards summer. Celebrate with some fresh produce from the first-of-the-season Sierra Chef Farmers Market in Gardnerville’s Lampe Park. ‘Explore Summer Programs’ at the Carson City Library will introduce you to some options for your kids during the long break. Muscle Powered invites you to participate in their ‘Ride of Silence’ to bring awareness to the importance of sharing the road; meet at Telegraph Square at 7 p.m., and don’t forget your helmet.

We’ve reached the mid-point of May, which puts summer just around the corner. I suspect there are plenty of students, and teachers too, that are counting down the days. The Carson High HOSA team is headed to their National Conference soon, and lunch or dinner at Chili’s will help get them there, just mention fundraiser to the server. We also have a T-Shirt fundraiser today at Firehouse Subs and Battle Born Ammunition & Firearms, LLC. The fundraiser is for Makayla Warner who is battling a rare kidney disease.

TUESDAY:

All good things must come to an end, and that includes the weekend. What is beginning, however, is Bike to Work Week. Please remember to share the road with those braving the potentially icky weather during busy commute times.

And just like that, the mercury has slid back down the thermometer. You'll want to have a jacket handy for the RSVP Spring Celebration Carnival at Mills Park, but otherwise, most of this evening's fun takes place indoors. Only four shows remain if you'd like to see Western Nevada Musical Theater Company's production of 'Nice Work If You Can Get It.' Brewery Arts Center hosts rising comedian, K-Von, for a night of laughs. Get on the dance floor at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Betty Rocker and Raksha Paksha take the stage at this free show. Keep reading - the weekend has just begun.

I’m in love with sunshiny days. Unfortunately, something cloudy is around the corner, so please embrace what today gives us – as Northern Nevadans, we know that the weather is fickle. Thursdays offer up karaoke at Westside Pour House and Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar – too much fun for a weekday. You may have noticed the hullaballoo at Mills Park; the annual Mothers’ Day Carnival opens tonight, and all of the rides are only one dollar each thanks to the generosity of Dick Campagni’s Carson City Toyota Scion.

Bike month rolls right along with an evening ride under the big, beautiful moon this evening. You’ll need a helmet and bike light, of course. The evening will be just as nice Thursday, when the annual RSVP Spring Carnival opens at Mills Park. Head to Dayton for the next installment of this month’s Historical Society Lecture Series as Kay Winters reminisces on life as a farmer’s wife in the 1950s and 60s. Ev Musselman rocks the stage at the Max Casino and you’ll find John and Cherie Shipley leading the jazz jam at Living the Good Life.

WEDNESDAY:

Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet. I can tell you where to find some fun, down on Carson Street. Mile High Jazz Band at Comma Coffee is the hot ticket tonight. Such a beautiful day in store, they’ll probably be in the courtyard. Our rivers and reservoirs are filled to the brim: if you ever wanted to learn more about fly-fishing, this is probably a good time for it. The Carson City Fly Fishing Club meets monthly at the Carson City Airport and is a perfect choice for those who already love or are curious about the sport.

TUESDAY:

And the pendulum of crazy weather returns to something spring-like. Granted, the lawns and gardens in Carson City are loving this wet stuff, I just want the sunshine to stay put. The brewery at the corner of Proctor and N. Carson Street will soon be opening as ‘The Union’ and is seeking staff for what promises to be an exciting downtown venture for chef, Mark Estee. A job fair today and Tuesday will have hiring managers on hand to fill the front and back of the house. Wildfire Awareness Month is honored at the State Legislature today.

Get your fill of sunshine today, we’ve got a wet wine walk weekend coming. The stars will be shining bright tonight, though, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company debuts its spring musical ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It’ complete with amazing choreography, melodies, and an exceptional cast. Cinco de Mayo parties all over town offer up food and drink specials, in addition to the fun times that can usually be found on a Friday night. Start the day with a cup of joe or a yummy blended drink at Dutch Brothers Coffee and you’ll be helping find a cure for ALS.

So many things deserve to be in this first sentence: do I mention the annual West Side Bike Month Cruiser Ride, make a Star Wars pun about May the Fourth, or focus on the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony? What I love most about Carson City is our ability to be outdoorsy, patriotic, geeky, and none of the above - all at the same time. If you don’t find something you absolutely have to check out in today’s “Things to Do”, please look at my list again in a day or two, or sometime next week.

More beautiful weather is on its way. If I seem a little excited about a little bit of sunshine, its because I am, especially after this very long, gray, wet winter. Today we celebrate the Arts in Nevada at the Legislature and salute the painters, potters, makers, sculptors, singers, dancers, actors, writers, poets, and musicians that capture all that is Nevada in their work.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. The valley is abuzz in blooming flowers and happenings. Tag along with one of the guided planned walks today; the afternoon one will prove more challenging, but perfect for getting ready for summer. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club showcases a different film each month: catch Bette Davis in ‘Of Human Bondage’ tonight at the BAC’s Performance Hall. Even more awaits if you keep reading, including Penguin Taco Tuesday at Westside Pour House.

TUESDAY:

Finally it feels like spring, and not a moment too soon. Mondays aren’t quite as bad when it’s a beautiful day. The first day of May kicks off Bike Month in Carson City. Muscle Powered has some fun rides to celebrate the annual event, including the Celebrity Bike ride tomorrow and the costumed Westside Cruise on Thursday. Go HERE for more information.

Hang in there, Carson City, spring is coming. If you can make it through today you’ll be rewarded with warming temperatures, with Sunday starting a nice little run in the 70s. Celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting at Mills Park, and if you’re one of the first fifty arrivals you’ll get your own sapling to plant. Afterwards, take a stroll with the Carson City Historical Society and learn about the history of our big downtown trees. Tonight, Carson Comedy takes over the Carson Nugget and the Brewery Arts Center as Dan Gabriel and Chris Franjola bring the laughs.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is once again coordinating the collaborative efforts of federal, state and local fire services, public safety agencies, community organizations and others to participate in Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month throughout May.

I hope you didn't blow away. Yesterday's wind gusts were fierce. Take it easy today and enjoy what Thursday has to offer. The monthly lecture at the Nevada State Museum brings Levi Strauss to life. A hike along the Wellness Trail with Muscle Powered will get the blood flowing. Let Chili's take care of dinner and you'll be lending a hand to the Douglas County Special Olympics.

THURSDAY:

• -- Local Government Day AND Alumni Day at the Nevada State Legislature

Today has quite a bit going for it, hard to believe that it’s a Wednesday. Learn more about the Craft Brew industry in Nevada and how to support its growth at the ‘Free My Beer Festival’ at Fox Brewpub. Fritch Elementary School is the beneficiary of tonight’s ‘McTeacher’ Night fundraiser at the South Carson McDonalds; both drive-thru and dine-in orders count. It’s Red vs. Blue in the Morse Burley Gym at Carson High School. The traditional basketball game between Democrat and Republican legislators also raises money for local seniors.

As the week rolls along, it’s easy to get excited about the weekend. Genoa’s Cowboy Festival takes over the tiny town with music, poetry, artisans, food, and fun and the Comstock hills will roar to life with motorbikes during the annual Virginia City Grand Prix. While you’re waiting, enjoy a jaunt with Muscle Powered along the Carson River or take an Easy Walk to the Pioneer Cemetery. Tonight, songstress Canyon White will take the stage at Living the Good Life.

TUESDAY:

Monday’s starting out a little damp and chilly. Got to love that Northern Nevada weather, right? Expect the temperature to yo-yo between 50s one day and 60s the next all week, with a breeze and some rain thrown in the mix. Author and meditation instructor Molly Dahl leads a workshop designed to help participants create healthier, more balanced lives at the Adam’s Hub on West Proctor Street. No reason to get the Monday blues, but you can head to karaoke at the Fox Brewpub if you want to sing them anyway.

MONDAY:

• -- YMCA Day at the Nevada State Legislature

The State of Nevada Housing Division has raised the household income limit for its Home Is Possible programs, making even more Nevadans eligible for down payment assistance. Since the programs started in 2014, the income limit has been $95,500. In keeping with Nevada’s rising incomes, the limit has been raised three percent to $98,500.

Have you ever had one of those weeks? Well, thank goodness it's Friday. Carson City will help you decompress and forget your troubles. Students, K-12 and University, will enjoy the free swim day at the Carson Hot Springs. The Carson Nugget is turning into quite the downtown hotspot with a different headlining comedian each Friday, in addition to live music in two places. Check out their newest offering, the Beer Bar, during tonight's grand opening. So much more awaits you today, you'll just have to see what strikes your fancy.

FRIDAY:

Carson City is smoking hot when it comes to great things to do today. Capital City Farm Days takes over Fuji Park with information and presentations for area schoolkids. The Youth Strings Program is ready to dazzle you their Spring Fling Concert tonight at the Community Center. Photographer Fred Howland goes black and white at a special show at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. Join Sassafras in welcoming Country singer/songwriter Savannah King for a special one-night only show. You’ll want to keep reading, this is just a small preview of the day’s offerings.

THURSDAY:

Do you believe in magic? The Friends of the Carson Middle School Band Program hope you do and come out to enjoy an evening of illusion at the Community Center. Earth week kicks off at Western Nevada College with a clothing donation drive for Big Brothers and Sisters. Learn about various organizations, Carson City history and heritage, and enter the free raffle at tonight’s ‘Explore Culture and Diversity’ event at the Carson Library. Join the boys of J and M Productions for another fun night of karaoke at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge.

WEDNESDAY:

The Carson Visitor’s Center has put together a great art walk pamphlet that helps you explore our downtown culture. The Legislature is home to a few rotating galleries; you’ll find lots of local art at the Brewery Arts Center; and Capital City Arts Initiative sponsors shows at the Courthouse, Community Center and in the Community Development building by City Hall. Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors activities, today has something to offer.

If these April showers are indicative of anything, it’s that we will have impressive May flowers. The drizzle continues off and on for at least the next day or two, so keep your umbrella handy. Get the week off to a fun start with Karaoke at Fox Brewpub. Kick up your heels at El Charro Avita, the High Sierra Swing Dance Club hosts their weekly night out. Find some inner peace as you meditate with the Dharma Zephyr Sangah Sitting Group.

MONDAY:

• -- Douglas County School District Spring Break

The week winds to a close, but the events are all gearing up. Today kicks off the three-day High School Rodeo at the Douglas Fairgrounds, and if all goes well, it should remain dry for our local ropers and riders. Kids will want to test their skill at the ‘Pitch, Hit, Run’ Competition at the Boys and Girls Club. Secret Agents are the topic at the monthly Mike Thompson Lecture at the Plaza Hotel if you’re looking for intrigue.

Strike a pose, Carson City, it’s the Nevada Library Association’s Snapshot Day. Try to swing by today to help your Library capture the many reasons we enjoy them; you may just find something new to explore. Carson High Performing Arts opens their show ‘Godspell’ tonight in the Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Break a leg to our young thespians; they’ll be performing Friday and Saturday, as well.

Easter weekend is almost upon us and there are a multitude of egg hunts and festivities to choose from. Whether you live in Carson City, Dayton, or Douglas County or fancy the Easter bonnet and pet parade in Virginia City, there’s something in your neighborhood. Take a look at my Easter guide HERE, and go have a great time with the kids.