Carson Valley

I really can’t keep up with the changing weather reports around here. I think we are expecting snow, so you’ll want to be ready for anything. Our County Clerk’s office is holding an open house to show off the new voting machines we’ll be using for this year’s elections.

Don’t think that you have to wait until the weekend to find something to do. Our shiny, ‘new’ library is showing ‘Hidden Figures,’ a movie about NASA during the Space Race, and the black female mathematicians behind the scenes. The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is thrilled to bring an update about their efforts to restore the 1881 Carson and Colorado Railroad Depot. Wired Wednesday is a group of film-makers, photographers, and digital artists that is responsible for the great short film contests throughout the year. They always welcome anyone interested to join their ranks.

I know we were expecting yesterday to be cold, but that was downright bitter. More of the same can be expected, with a possibility of snow tomorrow. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy indoors. If you have a talent to show off, don’t miss the last live audition for the upcoming ‘Carson’s Got Talent.’ If you can’t make it, submit your audition online HERE.

Thank goodness that there won’t be any school traffic on this very cold and icy morning. Presidents Day is a day off for the kids, so let them stay in their warm beds. Dollar days at the Gold Dust West and Carson Lanes Bowling Alleys can be a fun activity if you venture out. The Proscenium Players are still looking for members of their Repertory Theater troupe, so don’t miss their last audition event this evening. The Empty Bowls Project Soup Fest is a delicious part of the Silver and Snowflakes Tree Lighting Ceremony in December, but the planning begins now.

GARDNERVILLE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada received 850 sweatshirts for every member of their Carson City and Carson Valley locations thanks to local donors like Phil and Penny Wright, longtime Carson Valley residents.

Enjoy Saturday's sunny skies and mild weather as big changes are coming with a strong cold front set to move through the Carson City area Sunday, dropping temperatures and bringing some light snow showers, according to the National Weather Service.

MINDEN, Nev. — Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will be the keynote speaker at an annual fundraising dinner in Douglas County this Sunday.
The Douglas County Central Committee is hosting the Lincoln Reagan Dinner and Fundraiser at the Carson Valley Inn on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There is absolutely a little bit of everything this weekend. There’s somewhere to volunteer, somewhere to eat some fundraising pancakes, join in an Asian New Year Lion Dance Parade, Beer Crawl in downtown Carson City, and get your Zumba on. I think the eclectic mix of happenings is one of my favorite things about our corner of the world. Whether it’s the International Film Festival, the Vagina Monologues, or telescope viewing at the WNC Observatory: you can’t tell me there is nothing to do.

SATURDAY:

Gong hei fat choy, Carson City. Today kicks off the Asian New Year, the Year of the Dog. Explore a new culture at the International Film Festival at the Community Center. The afternoon offers independent documentaries, and this evening brings a renown Mexican Film about the life and times of iconic actor and comedian, Mario Moreno. Take a gander at the newly refreshed Carson City Library during their Grand Re-opening celebration. Start your weekend with some comedy, live music, swing dancing, or karaoke.

Join us for a 5-mile loop hike on a trail south of Genoa called Fay-Luther. This is a wonderful trail built by the Carson Valley Trails Association winding up the foothills of the western mountains for beautiful views to the east and up the Carson Valley.

Valentine’s was yesterday, but you can fall in puppy love any day of the year. CASI, the Carson Animal Shelter Initiative, does some great things for the shelter animals in our valley. Learn how you can get involved during their monthly meeting at the Nevada Humane Society. The International Film Weekend brings a slice of life from around the world to our own Bob Boldrick Theater. You’ll get the chance to see some great independent documentaries, in addition to award-winning films from other cultures.

Today is traditionally a day to celebrate sweethearts, but there are those who eschew the trappings of what they consider a ‘Hallmark holiday.’ However you choose to spend the day, you’ll find some options here. Show some love to local non-profit ‘Food for Thought’ by grabbing a yummy beverage at Dutch Brothers coffee today. Battle Born Social is hosting a Un-Valentine's Roaring 20s Party and hoping to see some zoot suits and flapper dresses while they serve era-inspired cocktails and appetizers.

This Fat Tuesday is full of things to do. Head to the Fox Brewpub for their ‘Taco ‘bout it’ Fundraiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence: a portion of taco sales today will benefit the organization. Learn about Nevada silver screen icons like Marilyn Monroe, aliens, and the King of Rock and Roll during a CCAI Nevada Neighbors presentation by long-time film reviewer, Robin Holabird. Sierra Nevada Forums brings experts from various backgrounds to shed light on difficult and complex topics facing our society.

Brrrrr. That chilly winter air has finally made an appearance, so pile on the layers and stay cozy. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that some white stuff sticks to the mountains. Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, so you’ll want to make reservations if you’re planning on dinner with your sweetheart. The Be Mine Gift and Craft Fair at the Carson Mall is a great place to find something unique for your one and only.

The Community of Carson City, and anyone in the world with access to the internet, now has an opportunity to visit CHS. Carson High School’s new Digital Media class launched their Senators Now webpage Feb. 1.

You can probably scratch ‘hitting the slopes’ off this weekend’s list of options, but you can hit the ‘hill’ instead: Prison Hill, to be exact. You’ll find the start and finish line for Ascent Runs’ ‘Love Can Be Cold’ 5 or 10K at the Prison Hill Southern Trailhead. If you’d rather crawl than run, Virginia City’s ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ Saloon Crawl might be for you. Find something special for your special someone at Artsy Fartsy’s annual Champagne and Jewelry Show or at the Valentine’s Craft Fair inside the Carson Mall.

Carson City Parks and Recreation is stepping up to the plate with pizza and a movie if you are looking for a way to get out without the kids in tow. You’ll want to register for Parent’s Night Out before all the spaces are filled. Hit the town and discover what new restaurants have popped up this last year. Enjoy live music at Living the Good Life, Bela Vita Bistro, or at the historic Genoa Bar. Teens are welcome at the Boys and Girls Club for a night of dancing, music, and a chance at raffle prizes.

FRIDAY, Feb. 9: Things to do in Carson City

With Valentine’s Day next week, some people may be in a scramble to find just the right gift for their someone special. Carson City has got you covered. Check out the work of R. Fox tonight during an artist reception this evening at the Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. The new Espresso Yourself Café inside Brewery Arts Center is filled with local art, and locally made chocolates. Their grand opening is on Saturday, but you’ll find them open now.

You won’t find this Wednesday lacking when it comes to stuff to do, explore, and enjoy. The annual Carson High Talent Show always delights and thoroughly entertains the audience. Comma Coffee is hosting a reception for their newest display, the ‘Break These Chains Live Free’ Art Exhibit, featuring the winning pieces from a high school contest designed to bring awareness to human trafficking. A cute new shop downtown, Rustically Divine, celebrates it’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting.

A very happy Tuesday to you, Carson City. You’ll find some great family friendly options today including Storytime Adventures at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada or Family Game Night at Battle Born Social, that also includes a free meal for kids. Father-daughter night at Chili’s restaurant promotes communication and quality time, and will get you a free dessert, as well. Our local Classic Cinema Club features a ‘new’ old flick every month; don’t miss their showing of Casablanca tonight, it’s one of Humphrey Bogart’s best performances.

The Pine Nut Mountains Trail Association is pleased to announced that it is a grant recipient from the 2018 Nevada Off–Highway Vehicle Registration Program for use in supporting numerous clean up events.

CARSON CITY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada named Mia Liao the 2018 Youth of the Year at its annual awards banquet and kicked off a year of celebration in honor of its 25th anniversary.

There doesn’t seem to be any ‘brrrr’ in this February so far, and this week won’t buck the warm weather trend. A new exhibit can be found at the CCAI Gallery on the second floor of the Carson City Courthouse: Writing from Mars, by Rick Parsons, is on display until May 23. Red’s Old 395 is known for their happy hour with great drink prices and yummy appetizers. Martinis are half-price today if you need to unwind.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of Feb. 5-11, 2018. Road closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work. Please follow detours.

It’s hard to believe that it’s winter with these balmy temperatures. Take advantage of this beautiful day at the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk; grab a friend, a light jacket, and enjoy. See what the Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s elite performance troupe will be showcasing at an upcoming competition during a special presentation at the Carson Mall. If your bookshelves are looking a little bare, head to Dog Eared Books on Fairview where their fill-a-bag parking lot sale will have your reading list well supplied. Read on for a weekend full of happenings.

SATURDAY:

CARSON CITY — The Nevada State Museum and the Northern Nevada Children’s Museum are teaming up for a community celebration of Chinese New Year on Saturday, Feb. 17.

February is jumping right in. Join CCAI in celebrating the newest Courthouse Gallery exhibit: ‘Writing from Mars’ by Rick Parsons opens today with a reception at 5 p.m. Le Cirque Vagabond brings their rock sideshow revue, Asylum, to the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall for a special performance; no one under 18 will be admitted. Choose from a number of venues hosting bands, karaoke, or DJs for a fun night out. If you’d like to be a performer yourself, consider auditioning for PPI’s newest venture, The Producers.

On Monday, Feb. 5, the Nevada Department of Transportation will begin preliminary utility work as part of an upcoming project to install a traffic signal on U.S. 395 at Airport Road and improve other highway intersections in the Carson Valley.

January just kind of flew by, it seems every weekend had an extra day attached. Well, now that it’s February that means we’ve got a wine walk coming up this weekend. The big Patriots versus Eagles battle is just days away, as well, so you’ll want to visit a sports book if you plan on placing a few bets. Get some amazing views of our valley during the Muscle Powered Hike along the Ormsby Fire Road, behind the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Ev Musselman makes an appearance at the Feisty Goat Pub, bringing some music into the little hide-away tavern.

Many a romantic tune has been written about the moon: Blue Moon, Dancin’ in the Moonlight, Fly Me to the Moon. Channel the rare blood blue moon eclipse into something creative and enter the ‘Tell Me You Love Me’ Short Film Competition that begins today. Get a beautiful view of the full moon in picturesque Washoe Valley during a guided hike at the state park, just make sure to reserve your spot first. Something sweet is in store today at Baskin Robbins; they are celebrating ‘31’ with $1.50 scoops all day, and with the spring-like weather, ice cream might not be a bad idea.