Gold Dust West

I don’t mean to make this hard on you, but you have some decisions to make. All day, all night, all weekend long, there are numerous activities throughout our area. Take a good look at the list, grab your friends, family, and kids, and have a great weekend. The Experimental Aircraft Association is hosting the Ford Tri-Motor this weekend, and has Young Eagles flights for the kids: registration and orientation is at 8 a.m. Head over to Eagle Valley Golf for free family golf day.

First things first. Saturday afternoon could be expecting some wet weather, so be prepared. I can’t predict what events may be affected by it, or if the rain will even show up. No worries for you wine walkers, though, downtown will be hopping: rain, shine, or blizzard. Head over to Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery and wish them a happy fourth anniversary, Jeffery will be serving up one of his signature Sangrias. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church won best wine walk stop last month and will have live music. Don’t forget to spend some time inside Westside Pour House: ARTistically INKlined pop-up gallery returns and proves that tattoo artists are first, and foremost, artists.

SATURDAY:

• Street Vibrations Spring Rally: Downtown Reno
• Reno Tahoe International Film Festival – go to www.RTIFF.org for schedule and locations
• Sierra Lutheran High School's 13th Annual Golf Classic at the Silver Oaks Golf Course (7am Check-in, Shotgun start at 8am; $125 for a single player or $400 for a team of four)

Thanks to the support of local agencies, businesses and the community, Concert Under the Stars, A Benefit for The Greenhouse Project has grown exponentially since its inception. Of course, this summer's Carson City event is no different. It is through the generous financial and material support that The Greenhouse Project, and also Capital FFA Chapter are able to succeed.

It’s a Railroad kind of weekend in Carson City. The historic 1885 Glenbrook Steam Engine will be on display Saturday, all steamed up with the Inyo at the Nevada Railroad Museum. You will want to arrive before the dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. to get the best photos. The V and T Steam Engine #25 will be running all weekend if you want to take a ride. It’s also opening weekend for the Virginia and Truckee that departs from the Eastgate Depot for Virginia City. Roundtrips sell out fast, so make sure to get a reservation if you want to go.

SATURDAY:

• Memorial Day Specials at Empire Ranch Golf Course (free 18 holes with Military I.D.; free bucket of balls if wearing red, white, and blue; free draft beer if wearing camouflage)
• Coffee and Donuts with EAA Sierra Chapter 403 at 2500 E. College Pkwy (8:30am-12pm, all welcome)
• Early Spring Farmers Market in the south parking lot of the Greenhouse Garden Center (9am-1pm)

Bundle up, Carson City. We aren’t afraid of a little wind, are we? The Dangberg Home Historic Ranch is celebrating our infamous Washoe Zephyr this weekend with kite making, demonstrations, and more. The Friends of the Silver Saddle Ranch would love to see you at their open house on Saturday; if you’re an early riser, join them on a 7 a.m. bird walk. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is hosting their annual Cops and Kids Open House, so head to the courthouse for some fun.

SATURDAY:

• Bird Walk at the Silver Saddle Ranch: Carson River Road (7am)
• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Pancake Breakfast at the Chapter Building: 2500 E. College Pkwy (8am; $5; Everyone Welcome)

Are you a supporter of the United States military, specifically the Sea Services? We need the Community to show that support, learn more about the wide array of missions conducted by the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

The Carson City Council of the United States Navy League meets on quarterly basis conduction a dinner, meeting and informational speakers that talk about the various duties the Sea Services provide. This quarter’s Dinner and meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at the Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino, Carson City. The Social hour will start at 5:30 PM and Dinner will begin at 6:30PM.

Happy Mother’s Day, Carson City! Several family friendly events are occurring around town this weekend. Take a ride on the McKeen Motor Car at the Nevada State Railroad Museum or the Ferris Wheel at RSVP’s Spring Fair and Carnival. A Harmonica and Strings Concert at Empire Elementary School showcases what some of our talented students can do. Get up early and head over to the Carson City Airport if your youngster has any interest in planes: Young Eagles flights are happening today if the weather permits.

SATURDAY:

• 23rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive (leave your donation of non-perishable food items at your mail box for mail carrier to pick up)
• Greenhouse Project Annual Spring Plant Sale and Live Music with Hick’ry Switch at the Carson High Greenhouse: 1111 Saliman, off Robinson –behind the buses (8am-1pm)

Have you picked your pony yet? The Kentucky Derby is today, but that is far from the only thing running today. Chili on the Comstock is hosting their inaugural Fun with the Runs 5K Saturday at 10 a.m. The 1926 Edwards Motor Car is running, too, and ready for rides at the Nevada Railroad Museum. The wine walk is always a good time, and with Mother’s Day next weekend, it can’t hurt to peruse the shops before you run out of time to pick the perfect gift.

SATURDAY: Kentucky Derby Day:

22 is 22 Too Many: WNC Veterans Suicide Awareness March: park south of Bully’s Restaurant, walk continues up College Parkway to Western Nevada College (10am)

Genoa Cowboy Festival: Cowboy Breakfast hosted by Douglas Lodge #12 F&A Masons -Served in the historic lodge building ($5; 8am to 12pm; Pancakes with syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage and coffee; Proceeds benefit the Masons’ local scholarship programs)

Can you believe that it’s the last day of April? The last few months have zipped right along while we were waiting for winter, but now it’s time to start embracing spring before summer arrives. The annual Genoa Cowboy Festival kicks off tonight with a Barn Dance and Bar-be-que, and Virginia City hosts its famous Chili on the Comstock competition this weekend, but Carson City has a great line up of fun for you, as well, this weekend. Start out with some great live music tonight with the Trippin King Snakes at Carson Cigar Co., Chris Costa at Living the Good Life, or Glen Eagle’s regulars, Terri Campillo and Craig Fletcher.

THURSDAY:

• Outdoor Pools: Half-Price for Everyone at the Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm)
• Fifth Annual Dining Out For Life at Adele’s (25% of proceeds donated for breakfast, lunch, or dinner)

Can you believe that it’s the last day of April? The last few months have zipped right along while we were waiting for winter, but now it’s time to start embracing spring before summer arrives. The annual Genoa Cowboy Festival kicks off tonight with a Barn Dance and Bar-be-que, and Virginia City hosts its famous Chili on the Comstock competition this weekend, but Carson City has a great line up of fun for you, as well, this weekend. Start out with some great live music tonight with the Trippin King Snakes at Carson Cigar Co., Chris Costa at Living the Good Life, or Glen Eagle’s regulars, Terri Campillo and Craig Fletcher.

THURSDAY:

• Outdoor Pools: Half-Price for Everyone at the Carson Hot Springs (7am-10pm)
• Fifth Annual Dining Out For Life at Adele’s (25% of proceeds donated for breakfast, lunch, or dinner)

Just remind yourself that these April showers bring May flowers, and the balmy spring weather is returning in just a few days. This weekend has indoor and outdoor activities aplenty, so you can choose the degree of wind and rain you want to deal with.

Thursdays get busy in Carson City. You can choose the Legislative Showdown Basketball game at Carson High and watch the battle of the Donkeys vs. Elephants. The WNC Wildcats take on the College of Eastern Utah this afternoon on the baseball field. The monthly Francis Humphrey Lecture Series at the Nevada State Museum features a slide-show and talk about various geothermal features around the world. Or you can enjoy a performance at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center as our talented student string musicians present their Spring Fling concert. Check out the list for even more.

THURSDAY:

• Nevada Physicians’ Day at the Legislature
• ‘The Observation and Conclusion’ by artist Joseph Watson at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E Proctor Street (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

What gorgeous weather we have this weekend! Head over to Eagle Valley Middle School for a rummage sale benefiting their LEGO Robotics Team; you may find something fun for your patio. The Spring Fling Stop and Shop at the Plaza Hotel will help you spruce up your wardrobe. Or head up to Silver City for the big closing sale at Doodad’s Emporium. If you find yourself in Gardnerville, the First Annual Summer Splendor Showcase and Expo features vendors galore.

SATURDAY:

• Last Day to buy tickets for High Sierra Swing Dance Club Spring Ball Dinner and Dance on April 25 ($35; To reserve a will-call ticket, call Rika at 530-307-8937 or Idie at 775-443-8870 by; no tickets will be sold at the door.)
• Escape From Prison Hill Half Marathon and 10K begins at the Silver Saddle Ranch (8am-12pm; Half-Marathon: Packet Pickup/Race Day: $50, 10K: Packet Pickup/Race Day: $40)

Like it or hate it, social media is the most effective way to advertise. Some local businesses don’t use their computers effectively to reach out to new customers and keep current customers coming into their business.

If you can email, you can reach out to customers. Let them know the special of the day, the launch of a new product or just remind them now and then you are there and welcome their business.

Not all businesses need to have a web presence, but they do need to learn how to build and maintain a Facebook Page and Twitter.

Where to begin? How about with a Slurpee? 7-Eleven is having a ‘bring your own cup’ day and if your vessel fits through a ten inch cut-out hole, then you can fill it up for $1.49. Get creative! Take that slushy treat with you to the kick-off of the Carson City BMX season at the Livermore Sports Complex. Play some games at Nerdvana as they celebrate International Tabletop Day, or enjoy the bounce house, face painting, games and more at the WNC Deaf Fun Day to cap off Deaf Pride Week.

SATURDAY:

• EAA Sierra Chapter #403 Young Eagle Flights (open to ages 8-17; registration 8am at the Airport Terminal Building, orientation 8:30am; free) Coffee and Donuts (8am-12pm, all welcome) at 2500 E. College Pkwy
• Gigantic Sale to benefit local charities at St Paul's Lutheran: 1201 N. Saliman (8am-1:30pm; fill a bag $3 starts at 12pm)
• Spring Craft and Vendor Faire at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church: 1837 Mountain St. (9am-3pm, free)

Reserve your seat for this year's Jefferson Jackson Dinner with the Carson City Democrats featuring Master of Ceremonies Frankie Sue del Papa and speaker Nevada Democratic Senate Minority Leader Aaron Ford. The dinner is on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at the Gold Dust West.

Ticket Prices are $55, or $50 for two or more if pre-paid; at the door the prices are $65, or $60 for two or more. Tables seating eight people are available by advance pre-paid only for $400. Call the CCDCC for more information or to reserve your tickets: 775-841-3367.

It’s a good weekend to be a kid in Carson City. Easter egg hunts, bounce houses, fun and games abound: I’ve made family friendly events easy to find by putting them in bold in the list. It’s a good weekend to be an adult, as well, with the Downtown Business Association wine walk and a few adults-only egg hunts.

The sun is shining, the flowers blooming, the birds chirping, the wind gusting, and Carson City is hopping! Easter fun can be found this weekend at the annual EGGstravaganza at Carson Tahoe Medical Center, the Children’s Museum, the Carson Mall, and the Brewery Arts Center.

Head over to Mills Park for the Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration, complete with military vehicles, exhibits, and more. For demonstrations from soldiers with an even older history, the Nevada Civil War Volunteers will be in Dayton Saturday.

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.

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.

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.

The wine walk is on the top of the weekend to-do list for many of you, but Carson City has a lot more going on. Ascent Runs is hosting a 5/10K and a half marathon at C-Hill on Saturday. You can register at the race, just make sure you aren’t late. Youth Football season has arrived with sign-ups for SYFL and Pop Warner on Saturday. Cheer on the Western Nevada College Wildcats as their Baseball and Softball teams battle against Salt Lake City Community College.

Now part of the ruling party in Washington, D.C., U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei of Nevada's second congressional district, which includes Carson City, will bring to light what is happening in the nation's capital since the election and give his unique insight into changes, if any, now that the Republicans are in charge of both the House and the Senate.

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.

“Act out being alive, like a play. And after a while, a long while, it will be true.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

Birthday boy Steinbeck has it right. Carson City is what you make of it; plenty going on, but it won’t come to your home and ask you to get involved. Music, art, theater, dance, hiking, biking, wining, dining, volunteering, sports, and more are available in our area.

Applebee’s is the place to be for dinner tonight if you want to help the 2015 Carson City Leadership Class raise funds for the children’s area of the Carson City Library. You do need to bring the flyer with you if you want Applebee's to donate a portion of your bill. Print it out or grab a copy at the Library’s youth desk.

Such beautiful weather this week. True to Nevada luck, the chill returns in time for the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that the storm front brings some precipitation our way. One place it’s seasonally appropriate is the Nevada Artist Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center. They will be hosting an artists’ reception for their new Winter Art Show Saturday evening.

Kick up your heels, it’s finally Friday. World Dance Open Floor will be dancing for donations for CASI tonight at Comma Coffee. The Brewery Arts Center is hosting Mixed Company as part of its new Eclectic Electric series. The party is at Remedy’s; the blacklight body paint Mardi Gras Masquerade starts at 9pm, with the talented Lynzie Ruecker doing free body paint and music by DJ Justincredible.

It’s National Love Your Pet Day, so give your pooches and kitties some extra love.

FRIDAY:

It’s been a long time coming, but the building of a new, state-of-the-art multi-million dollar animal shelter will become a reality within a year. Ground breaking is expected in March.

The new shelter will be funded through bonding resulting from the 1/8 cent sales tax increase that took place on October 1, 2015 with additional funds raised by CASI — Carson Animal Services Initiative — the organization pledging $200,000 to be used as a community “donation.”

Where to start? This weekend is chock-full of options. The local 4-H club is hosting their annual Fabric and Rummage Sale at Fuji Park. The Annual Feast of Chocolate, hosted by AAUW, is Saturday afternoon at the Plaza Event Center. The Vagina Monologues and One Billion Rising are both raising awareness this V-Day weekend for women’s issues.