dance

Are you ready to enjoy yourself? The weekends aren't the only time for fun in Carson City and today’s line up proves that. Have some laughs for a good cause at the Brewery Arts Center with Comedienne Kat Simmons and help raise funds for Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP.) They are the ones that sponsor the numerous carnivals at Mills Park throughout the year, in addition to coordinating volunteer programs and helping seniors stay independent.

Can I just designate this Steve McQueen Day? After all it is his birthday, but it’s so more than that. The Great Escape, one of McQueen’s most iconic films, is based the true story of 76 Allied prisoners of war and how, on this day in 1944, they began breaking out of the German camp Stalag Luft III. I wonder if the casting directors knew of the connection.

In life, we think of milestones as birthdays or anniversaries. Children’s birthdays are celebrated with great fanfare. The house is packed with kids. There are gifts and cake galore. And the inevitable challenge of ‘how many kids will a bounce house hold’ is issued and met. Celebrations are enablers of joy, hope, and excitement. Here’s a novel idea. Wouldn’t it be cool to celebrate life achievements like kids get to celebrate birthdays?

Nothing takes the edge off a Monday like a cute puppy on National Puppy Day. The one pictured is no longer that little, but he’s mine; and, no, you can’t have him. If you are looking for a dog to call your own, check out the Nevada Humane Society: they have several pooches (and kitties) looking for their forever homes.

It’s that time of year at Carson High School when many of our organizations and clubs are participating in state competitions. Over the next month, I will be reporting on the results of these competitions.

State History Day results: The Northern Nevada National History Day contest was held on March 14 at the University of Nevada, Reno and Carson High School sophomores produced fantastic results. All first place entries qualify to move on to the national contest.

It’s a good weekend to be a kid: the Kerak Shrine Circus is in town! Well, it’s in Reno, but that isn’t too far of a drive for elephants, clowns, and cotton candy. Also in Reno, but intended for a slightly older audience, is the Lady Luck Tattoo and Art Expo, coincidentally held at Circus Circus.

For the outdoorsy-types you can join in the March to End Senior Hunger 5K in Dayton; the 5K Glow Run benefitting the Western Nevada College Softball Team; or join a ranger at Washoe Lake State Park for a guided hike.

It’s the International Day of Happiness and I hope song and dance make you happy. Carson City is awash with live music and theater tonight. Local favorite Stereo Galaxy teams up with Southern California performer, Loc Lion, for a show at Sassafras. You’ll find the Remains at Westside Pour House, and Jaime Rollins keeps it rollin at Living the Good Life. Just Sayin’ is this months featured talent in the Brewery Arts Center’s Eclectic Electric Series.

On this day in 1931 our state legalized gambling; what laws will they be making today? You can always head over to the Legislature building to sit in on a committee meeting or an Assembly session, eat in the café, or track down your representative to voice your opinion. But there is quite a bit more available in those halls.

I hope everyone is feeling okay this morning; lots of fun was had throughout town yesterday. Please be aware that schoolchildren are celebrating Nevada Moves Day today, and there will be several little ones walking or biking to school.

Enjoy a nice dinner tonight, complete with live music, if you head to Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, Glen Eagles, or Living the Good Life. The Carson City Symphony is looking for bassoons, French horns, and violas to join them at rehearsals tonight.

Former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee, is coming to Carson City, and one resident, in particular, is tuning up his voice for the conservative icon's visit.
Singer Rick J. Radecki has been in northern Nevada for just over two years now, but is already making a name for himself and his special brand of music — a mix of Romantic Standards and Classic Country, with just a hint of a Broadway Show Tune and Patriotic favorite stirred in.

The sixth annual Genoa Cowboy Festival will be held April 30 to May 2 in the Town of Genoa, Nev. Previous Cowboy Festivals have attracted thousands of visitors to the picturesque community located in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Genoa, widely recognized as Nevada’s oldest town, is a short 45-minute drive south from Reno and in close proximity to South Lake Tahoe.

Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green. Carson City definitely gets in on the game with festivities all over town. Corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and live music abound. I've included a short YouTube video of Tom and Mary Kay Aufrance who will be performing at Red's this evening.

May the Irish hills caress you.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for free ice cream day at Dairy Queen. Hopefully that will take the edge off of Monday.

A weeklong St. Patrick’s Sale at Browser’s Book Store kicks off today. Everything is half off and benefits the Friends of the Carson City Library.

MONDAY:

• WNC Spring Break
• Alzheimers Advocacy Day at the Legislature

Friday night saw the beginning of Spring Fling Week at Carson High School with the Sadie Hawkins Dance. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported FBLA’s efforts to raise money for the March of Dimes. The next week is filled with events for student to celebrate springtime.

If you have the kind of luck that brings rain as soon as you wash your car, please drive over to Squeaky’s Car Wash at the corner of Highway 50 E and Lompa Lane. It’s their opening weekend and they are offering free car washes and raising funds for the Carson City Community Counseling Center.

If you consider yourself adventurous, then the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry in Virginia City is for you. It’s not nicknamed the Testicle Festival for nothing! If you need some liquid courage, take part in the Ball Breaker Saloon Crawl. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade heads down C Street at noon.

Are you ready to paint the town green? St. Patrick’s Day quickly approaches and there will be plenty of Irish action throughout town. The festivities start this weekend with the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest in Virginia City, complete with a parade and saloon crawl.

It’s finally here, Nevada’s Big Give. Nevada’s Big Give is a 24 hour online donation push for non-profits, charities, and causes around the state. Plus, a world record attempt at the longest speech is taking place at the Brewery Arts Center. Ian Hill is raising money for the girls of CPAC soccer; they have been invited to represent the USA in a competition being held during the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada.

It’s finally here, Nevada’s Big Give. Nevada’s Big Give is a 24 hour online donation push for non-profits, charities, and causes around the state.

Gardnerville artist Sonia Carlson hosts a free Chinese Calligraphy workshop at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19 as part of the Nevada Arts Council’s “Work of Artists” series at the Nevada Legislative Building in Carson City.

The event runs until 5 p.m. in Room 3100. All “Work of Artists” presentations are free and open to the public.
Growing up in Zhangzhou, China, Carlson learned calligraphy in school and folk dances from her family.

The middle of the week, and if you’re like me, you are still adjusting to the time change. Get the blood pumping with some live music. Head to Sassafras for a Jazz Jam headed by Tom Miller, or maybe to Living the Good Life where Mick and Lynne will entertain you. Cowboy boots are not required if you want to get in on the country line dance lessons at Carson Lanes. If you’re a musician, the Carson City Symphony is looking for violinists and French horn players to join them at their rehearsals.

There’s a good chance that you are viewing this on a phone. I think that Alexander Graham Bell would be blown away with how far his invention had come in the 139 years since he first said ‘Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you’. Today is the birthday of the first telephone call."

The athletics program at Western Nevada College is facing drastic cuts. A group is forming to seek ways to fundraise and keep our Wildcats in the game. Head over to the Legislature Building this morning at 10 a.m.; you’re looking for room 2149.

The first harbinger of spring arrived over the weekend, Daylight Saving Time. That’s bound to make this Monday a little sleepier than usual, but there’s good news: it’s National Napping Day! Take back that hour you lost with a cozy catnap, a midday siesta, or a quick snooze and you’ll be bright-eyed in time to watch the sunset at seven.

If you’d like to catch Congressman Amodei at the Chamber of Commerce’s Soup’s On luncheon this week, make sure and RSVP today. This is sure to sell out, as everyone wants to know how the local boy is holding up in Washington.

Happy Friday, Carson City. Grab a bite at Meek’s Lumber at their first Friday BBQ for lunch, or at the Lions Club Crab Feed at Fuji Park tonight. Cheer on the Western Nevada College Wildcats as they battle Salt Lake City Community College on the softball and baseball fields.

We have almost made it to the weekend. Let visions of the Downtown Wine Walk, CASI’s Woof, Wine, and Whiskers, and the kick-off of Carson Comedy at the Carson Nugget keep you buoyant until then. Just don’t be in such a hurry to enjoy the weekend that you miss out on what Thursday in Carson City can offer.

National Grammar Day is celebrated across the United States each year on March 4, as established in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar. I've attached a Weird Al Yankovic song that I believe best pokes fun at the sentiments of the day.

Yes. You are looking at a bunny with a pancake on its head, but I can explain. Today is National Pancake Day, so head over to the International House of Pancakes for your free short stack and donate to this year’s charity, the Children’s Miracle Network. It is also National ‘I Want You to Be Happy Day.’ Pancake Day and trying to share a smile, ergo silly picture of a bunny with a pancake on its head. Find your own way to share some happiness today.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

It’s never too cold, too wet or too hot
To pick up a book, and share what you’ve got
You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild
To pick up a book, and read to a child...
― Anita Merina, 1997

High Sierra Swing Dance Club presents its monthly dance party March 28th at the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom, 449 W. King St., Carson City. At 6:30 p.m., Jeffrey Munson will teach a lesson in intermediate West Coast swing. Social dance is 7:30-10 p.m. This month we have the added feature of a live band playing for part of the evening. "Two and half Margaritas" is a local band comprised of dancers. Partners are not required. Lesson $7 for HSSDC and any swing dance club members or $10 for nonmembers; dance $7 for members of swing clubs and $10 for nonmembers.

Just a reminder that proficiency testing is this week at CHS. Students taking the proficiency tests will begin their school day at the regular time of 7:45 a.m., while those not taking the proficiencies will start their school day at 10:30 a.m. The following tests will be given on the assigned days — March 2: Math; March 3: Reading; March 4: Writing; and March 5: Science. For more information about these testing times and days, please contact the office at 283-1910.

Mr. Carson High

Keep up the snowy thoughts, Carson City. We desperately need the water, the ski resorts need visitors, and those mountains are so much prettier with a blanket of white. Wildcat Softball on Saturday is weather pending, so it’s too early for me to call it canceled.