V&T Railway begins early bookings for 2020 season: Steam trains, wine and beer tours, Polar Express and more

If you’re anything like me, there are still plenty of last-minute preparations for the holiday. Luckily the shops and businesses around Carson City are there with open arms. Find something one of a kind at the Carson Mall Craft Fair, drop it off at the Rainbow Girls Assembly #7 gift wrapping booth, and grab lunch while you wait. Breakfast with Santa at the Fox Brewpub serves as a toy drive for area kids and as no-fuss way to get start the day with a full belly. Read on for a weekend full of holiday happenings.

SATURDAY:

Winter is off to a slow start, especially in the Lake Tahoe basin, with snow totals well below normal for late December.

The Ron Wood Center in Carson City is distributing their annual Christmas dinner food baskets this week throughout Carson City. The baskets are being gifted to local foster families and the elderly, as well as to recipients recommended by Juvenile Probation and Safe School Professionals.

It is difficult to avoid getting caught up in the frenzy of the holiday season. Trying to keep up with all the social engagements, shopping lists, gift-wrapping, baking, and decorating can cause a person to lose sight of the simpler joys of the season.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety Capitol Police Division partnered Thursday with Toys For Tots for the annual toy donation event held at the State Capitol Building in Carson City.

There are some fairly excited kids throughout the valley. This last Friday before Christmas marks the beginning of winter break. The Carson City Library invites everyone in the community to participate in the annual Winter Read-a-thon with a goal of 90,000 minutes read (or listened to) over the next two weeks. Sign up on-line or at their kick-off event this afternoon. Comedian John Mencarelli headlines Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget, and you’ll find the Rebekah Chase Band on stage in their Loft. Even more awaits, so read on and have a great day.

Friday, Dec. 22

The Capital Cab Company delivered more than $2,000 worth of toys Thursday to the Ron Wood Center in Carson City as a yearly contribution to Toys for Tots.

As I write this last column before Christmas, I know I’m supposed to be full of holiday spirit but I’m going to get personal. The last two weeks have been challenging. It’s making me struggle to find the meaning of this season. So I ask for your help despite the fact you may need to break out the tissues.

A 28-year-old Mound House man was arrested Wednesday for felony suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.

Thursday, December 21 is the winter solstice, making it the longest night and the shortest day of the year. With Christmas just a few days away, the holiday activities are still going strong. Share your wish list with Santa at Red’s Old 395 tonight and you’ll walk away with a free photograph. Your ugliest sweater is invited to make an appearance at the Carson Cigar Company; bring a white elephant gift if you’d like to participate in the gift exchange.

The Carson City Planning Commission approved a special use permit Wednesday for a marijuana distributor to relocate its business.

The 14th annual Holiday With a Hero campaign culminated Wednesday in Carson City at Walmart after months of fundraising. At least 240 homeless children from across the Carson City School District met with Santa Claus before being paired with first responder heroes for a Christmas shopping spree.

Nevada added 1,800 jobs over the month in November, bringing total employment to 1.35 million, a gain of 35,100 jobs since November of last year that amounts to a growth rate of 2.7 percent, compared to 1.4 percent nationwide, according to figures released Wednesday by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.