Mike Thomas

The next installment of the Mike Thomas Lecture Series is 'Gettysburg' at the Plaza Hotel, Friday, Oct. 14 at 7pm. Don’t miss the story of the pivotal battle of the Civil War. Doors will open at 6:30pm, the lecture will cost $5 and light appetizers will be served.

The Mike Thomas Lecture Series is sponsored by the Plaza Hotel and Events Center, 801 S. Carson St. in Carson City.

The weekend is here and you’ll find plenty to do in Carson City and the surrounding valleys. Run from zombies in Virginia City as the REDRUN obstacle race returns. Find the perfect pumpkin at the annual Seeliger Elementary Pumpkin Patch. The long-awaited Animal Shelter has been built and is now home to adoptable pets waiting for a home: take a tour at their open house after the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting. Keep reading and you’ll find a great way to enjoy the weekend.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt: today’s clue at http://www.nvdaytreasurehunt.com/

Welcome to the weekend, Carson City. Happenings, going-ons, and to-dos can be found all over. Early birds catch the Great Reno Balloon Race, while night owls can enjoy karaoke and live music. Kids won’t want to miss out on the Young Eagle flights at the Carson Airport, just make sure to get there on time. Learn about Roswell at the WNC Observatory or meet Author Sandie LaNae at Artsy Fartsy. Our valley offers something for everyone, keep reading and see.

SATURDAY:

So many wonderful things happen as the summer winds down. Glow Patrol, camels, ostriches, not to mention the return of all things pumpkin. Enjoy the last of our balmy evenings with the Mark Castro Band on the stage at Living the Good Life. Let Mike Thomas wow you with tales of ‘Undersea Wonders’ during his presentation at the Plaza. Rockabilly takes the stage at Sassafras when the Scoundrels from Vegas get started around 8:30 p.m. Meet Michael Malley at the artist reception celebrating his exhibit 'Silver State Swimmer' in the Community Center Sierra Room.

Historian and lecturer Mike Thomas will talk on “The Roswell UFO Incident” on Saturday, Sept 10 at Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College.

The weekend has arrived and there are festivals everywhere. A Basque Festival and Picnic can be found in Gardnerville. Bowers Mansion hosts a Bluegrass Festival for the 31st year. Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival returns to King Beach for the weekend. The Annual Jazz and Beyond Music Festival has infiltrated the whole valley with musicians. Check out the Douglas County Junior Rodeo or Carson Valley Ag Day in Gardnerville. Continue on down the list for all of the area’s happenings.

SATURDAY:

Unidentified Flying Objects and man’s migration to space are topics of discussion at the Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory in the coming weeks.

Historian and lecturer Mike Thomas will talk on “Colonizing Space” on Saturday, Aug. 13. Learn about the U.S. space plans for the eventual exodus of mankind to new worlds.

Compared to the last few weekends, Carson City is downright sleepy. That just makes it much easier to get around town and explore. Head to Mills Park for the First Annual Polynesian Festival in the Marv Teixeira Pavillion. Glen Eagles welcomes back the Regional Chili Cook-off this weekend; get your fill of some amazing grub and help raise funds for Honor Flight Nevada. Catch one of last few performances of Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s Aladdin, Jr. Continue reading for other great ways to spend your time.

SATURDAY:

The next installment of the Mike Thomas Lecture Series is "The Roswell UFO Incident" at the Plaza Hotel, Friday, July 8 at 7pm. Doors will open at 6:30pm, the lecture will cost $5 and light appetizers will be served.

This slide show presentation will include many photos Mike has actually taken himself during his visit to the site.

The Mike Thomas Lecture Series is sponsored by the Plaza Hotel and Events Center, 801 S. Carson St. Carson City.

Let’s go to the Fair, Carson City. Mills Park is hopping with activity: a carnival, car show, exhibits, music, and a return of the Rendezvous. If you have kids, don’t miss this month’s Young Eagle Flights at the Carson Airport, just make sure to sign up by 8 a.m. Start your day at the Third and Curry Farmers Market, and don’t forget to make your artistic mark on a handcrafted bowl for the Empty Bowls event. Read on for all of your weekend options.

SATURDAY:

Midnight Madness has descended upon the valley, bringing with it a 72 hour softball tournament at Centennial Park. Don’t be surprised to see more cyclists on the road: an unofficial pre-ride for Epic Rides is this weekend. Head to the Nevada State Railroad Museum to see the Glenbrook all steamed up. Take a look at the whole summary: there’s a whole lot of fun to be had around town during this three-day weekend.

SATURDAY:

What a wonderful community we live in. Music, theater, hiking, biking, wining, dining, walking, TED-talking, animal loving, state governing, and so much more are available in our valley. The days are getting longer and there is so much in store for us in the coming weeks and months as we journey into summer. Take a good gander at my list of what’s going on in the Carson City area. It is always arranged chronologically by start time.

SATURDAY:

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner and the celebrations have begun. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada has crafts and Irish dancers. Carson Lanes is hosting their annual Pot of Gold Tournament. The Downtown Reno Leprechaun Crawl is always a crazy time. Take a look at this weekend summary to find the fun for miles around.

SATURDAY:

Just what is a comet, and how does it work? The Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory invites the public to a free lecture about comets on Saturday, March 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Just what is a comet, and how does it work? The Western Nevada College Jack C. Davis Observatory invites the public to a free lecture about comets on Saturday, March 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

It’s Presidents Day weekend with a Valentine’s Day cherry on top. There is still time for some shopping if you’re looking for something for your special someone. Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery hosts its annual Champagne and Jewelry party Saturday and offers some amazing hand-crafted bling for your sweetheart. Carson Mall is another great bet for last minute gifts. Several crafters, vendors, and shops make it easy to find something unique. The annual Feast of Chocolate returns to the Plaza Event Center; raising funds for scholarships has never tasted so good.

SATURDAY:

The clock is ticking for last minute shoppers. Luckily, Carson City has great options for everyone on the list. Telegraph Square in downtown will be hopping with a Santa parade, vendors, and a pirate ship, in addition to great shops. The Brewery Arts Center is hosting a weekend-long art sale with one of a kind options throughout the campus. Art is a great gift, and making it is even more fun. Carson City Pottery is holding an open house today; a gift certificate for a pottery class is perfect for all skill levels.

SATURDAY:

Ready for the weekend, Carson City? The weather should hold up on Saturday, but no promises on Sunday. Hit the slopes if you are so inclined, several Tahoe resorts have opened for the season. Runners should head out to Washoe Lake State Park for the first of the Be Bold, Run in the Cold series sponsored by Ascent Runs. If you prefer something warmer, head to Crossroads Lounge for their Grand Re-opening. It’s under new ownership and is sure to have something to keep you toasty.

SATURDAY:

Ready for the weekend, Carson City? Don’t miss out on the annual Pumpkin Patch at Seeliger Elementary. This event featuring crafts, games, and music is always fun. Learn about the Basque Culture at the Nevada State Museum. This month’s Family Fun Saturday features presentations and activities. Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevadans are hosting a free Legal Aid Fair in the Sierra Room of the Community Center for those of you with questions about civil, non-criminal, matters.

SATURDAY:

• Seniors Swim Free at Paradise Salon and Spa: Executive Pointe off College Pkwy (7am-5pm, except during class times; 55 and older; indoor adult warm saltwater pools)
• TMDTC Dog Agility Trials at Fuji Park (7am-7pm)
• HOSA: Future Health Professionals Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Applebee’s (8am-10am; $10, includes: pancakes, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and juice/coffee)
• Bikes for Badges to benefit the family of Deputy Sheriff Carl Howell begins at the Carson City Sheriff’s Department: 911 E Musser St. (8am-10am Same day Registration of cyclists $25; 10am-11am Ride Prep and Safety Briefing; 10:45am kick stands up and head to Chester’s Harley Davidson Reno; 12pm Music, lunch, entertainment, auctions, etc.)

After the Friday wind and rain, we are supposed to see some clear skies: but don’t quote me on that. You know how the weather here can be. The Third and Curry Farmers Market vendors are tough, though, so your weekly dose of fresh produce will be waiting for you either way. Don’t miss the autumn plant sale at the Greenhouse Project booth. The Carson City Historical Society hosts their second yard sale of the season at the historic Forman-Roberts House on North Carson Street, so have fun treasure hunting.

SATURDAY: Jazz and Beyond

• Ascent Runs: Genoa Peaks Mad-A-Thon: Ultra 55K; Marathon 26.2M, Half-Marathon 13.1M -Begins at Nixon Park in Genoa (6am; all runners must check-in)
• Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks

Bikes, and cars, and brews: oh my! Downtown Carson is awash in activity on Saturday. Battleborn Brews, Bikes, and Bubbly features the Extreme Motor Officer Training Challenge, vendors, a brewfest, moustache competition and more. The Karson Kruzers are hosting their annual car show at Fuji Park, but will be making their way downtown after it’s over, so there will be plenty of cool cars to admire. Mojo Green takes the stage at 7 p.m. and you can head into the Carson Cigar Company to enjoy Reno’s newest Pink Floyd Tribute Band, Scarlett Moon at 9 p.m.

SATURDAY:

• Karson Krusers’ Run Whatcha Brung Car Show at Fuji Park (registration 7am-9am; show and vendors until 6pm; parade to downtown 6pm)
• Youth Theatre Carson City Showstoppers Fundraising Yard Sale on Ophir Circle, off Richmond (8am-3pm; help send them to perform at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom)

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.

All are invited to enjoy free weekly star viewing on Saturday evenings throughout the year at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College Carson City campus.

Enjoy a free lecture at 7:30 P.M., May 23, 2015 by WNC Professor Mike Thomas about The Milky Way at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College, Carson City Campus. 2699 Van Patten St. Carson City, NV 89703

Enjoy a free lecture at 7:30 P.M., May 9, 2015 by WNC Professor Mike Thomas about “Infinity and Beyond” at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College, Carson City Campus. 2699 Van Patten St. Carson City, NV 89703

All are invited to enjoy free weekly star viewing on Saturday evenings throughout the year at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College Carson City campus.

Science demonstrations are offered on the second Saturday even of each month by WNC Professor Tom Herring.

Enjoy a free lecture at 7:30 P.M., April 25, 2015 by WNC Professor Mike Thomas about the Early Years of Space Exploration at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College, Carson City Campus 2699 Van Patten St. Carson City, NV 89703

The ‪Mike Thomas‬ ‪‎Lecture‬ Series presents The Future of Earth on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. in the Sierra Room of the Plaza Hotel and Event Center at 801 S. Carson St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes appetizers and a no host bar.

The Future of Earth is a highly speculative topic examining the possible scenarios that could spell out the end of our planet. This is a fascinating, and perhaps chilling, presentation.

The next installment of the Mike Thomas Lecture Series is 'Tesla: Eccentric Genius' at the Plaza Hotel, Friday, Feb. 13 at 7pm. Doors will open at 6:30pm, the lecture will cost $5 and light appetizers will be served.

The life of Nicola Tesla is the story of one of the greatest minds in history. He was a troubled man, fighting his own demons, while expanding the limits of science with ideas far beyond his time.

'Man-made Wonders', the follow up to Mike Thomas’ 'Natural Wonders' lecture, comes to the Plaza Hotel and Event Center, 211 E. Ninth St., on Friday, Jan. 9. This free lecture is filled with many beautiful images of his picks of the amazing of works of man. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the lecture begins at 7 p.m.

Happy Friday, Carson City. Many people in our area have Facebook accounts, but not everyone, so I am pleased to bring you the event list that is featured on my Facebook page, I love Carson City.

Every week, as I have for the last two years, I follow the pages of local businesses and organizations, search website calendars, and compile a list of anything and everything going on in this community. Some of it is family friendly, some is just for adults, but all of it is nearby.

Mike Thomas is a very engaging, knowledgeable lecturer who will be discussing Kit Carson and John Fremont "Pathfinders of the West," Friday, Sept. 12. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Lecture begins 7 p.m. in the Sierra room of the Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center.

His lectures have been entertaining, thought provoking, informative and even humorous. His delivery of the subject matter is precise and leaves you wanting for more.