roots

Magic, cuisine and live music will raise the roof this winter with the opening of The Loft Theatre, a new all-ages performance theater and dining venue in the heart of South Lake Tahoe.

The Loft is a first for the California side of Tahoe South that combines a theater, with nightly live entertainment, a lounge and restaurant for families and adults. Located on the third floor of the Heavenly Village Cinema, the $1 million complex features 107-seats, a separate dining area serving authentic Italian cuisine, bar and lounge.

Today is Veterans’ Day: a day to commemorate the men and women of the Armed Forces that have fought, and possibly died, for our country. Thank you for your service. Several places around town are offering something special for our Veterans today: free coffee, free breakfast, free lunch, etc. You’ll need to bring proof of service. Tonight, everyone is invited to the party. Check out the Junebugs at Living the Good Life. The Portland pop-folk band returns for a night of fun and dancing.

You’re invited to a FREE “Roots of Liberty” two evening seminar, Nov 11 & 12, 6PM -9PM, presented by KrisAnne Hall, an incredibly passionate speaker at Silver State Charter High School, 788 Fairview Dr., Carson City.

It is important to know not only what your rights are, but why you have them. KrisAnne travels the country teaching the Constitution and the history that gave us our founding documents. KrisAnne will connect the dots for you like no one else can!

As of Saturday, I am retiring as the Outdoor Editor for Carson Now and a very special outdoor photographer (my wife Elaine) will also be retiring.
It's been a great run, full of great memories, but sooner or later all good things must come to an end, and Oct. 31 is that special time for the two of us.

One last weekend until Nevada Day, and the ghosts and ghouls are coming out of the woodwork. Learn our haunted history with the Downtown Ghost Walk. For thrills and chills, don’t miss the Second Annual Carson Creepy Short Horror Film Competition in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. For a complete list of all Halloween activities this week go here.

SATURDAY:

Here is a comprehensive list of fall festivals, Halloween parties, and fun for all. Items in italic are for those 21 and older only.

Friday Oct. 23:
-- Carson City Pumpkin Patch at Red Horse Ranch: 4849 Cochise St (10am-6pm; free admission)
-- Pumpkin Patch Harvest Festival with Hay Slide, Kiddie Land Straw Maze, Farm Animals and more at Corley Ranch: 859 Highway 395 South, Gardnerville (11am-4pm; free admission on weekdays)

Halloween has arrived, and with it a week full of fun activities that are family friendly.

Friday Oct. 23:
-- Carson City Pumpkin Patch at Red Horse Ranch: 4849 Cochise St (10am-6pm; free admission)
-- Pumpkin Patch Harvest Festival with Hay Slide, Kiddie Land Straw Maze, Farm Animals and more at Corley Ranch: 859 Highway 395 South, Gardnerville (11am-4pm; free admission on weekdays)

People look at me funny when I say “Plant now” in October. This is the best time of year to plant trees, shrubs and even perennials. While this goes against common sense with winter’s low temperatures coming, trust me, plant anyway.

Liz Penniman has shown in galleries in New York, London, San Francisco, Houston, and throughout Texas and California. Her artistic roots are influenced by the San Francisco Bay Area Figurative Movement, and her education at the Art Student's League of New York focused first on classical portraiture and later on abstract expressionism. She currently lives and works in the North Tahoe/Truckee area and participates in The Reno Art Salon and Critique Circle.

Lake Tahoe artist Liz Penniman’s paintings have appeared in some of the world’s largest cities. Now, the seasoned artist exhibits her latest abstract art at Western Nevada College in Carson City.
Showing now through Nov. 7, Penniman’s collection titled “Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings” appears in the WNC Main Gallery.

Cooperative Extension’s Dr. Heidi Kratsch is a specialist in water efficient landscaping and has written a book on the subject – Water Efficient Landscaping in the Intermountain West. In a recent class, she provided techniques to conserve water without damaging the landscape.

Urban Roots is holding their annual fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 4. The event takes place from 4:30 to 8:30pm in the FarmHouse at Urban Roots, 3001 W. Fourth St., in Reno. This special event features local food, drinks, art, and presentations to showcase the sustainability of garden education in northern Nevada.

Hungry, Carson City? Grab some fruits or veggie at the Farmers Market in Carson Tahoe Hospital’s parking lot. Or grab lunch with the Chamber of Commerce; speaker John Ralston joins them this month. Grab a burger or hot dog at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s weekly luncheon and learn more about what this neat club does. Call the Gold Hill Hotel if you want to join them for dinner tonight; the weekly lecture series has resumed.

THURSDAY:

• Carson High School Homecoming Week
• Street Vibrations Fall Motorcycle Rally
• 15th Annual BikeFest at the Carson City Harley Davidson: Live Music, Beer Garden, Stunt Performers, Vendors, and more (9am-?)

RENO – The National Guard Association of the United States bestowed several awards to prominent Nevadans at the organization’s 137th national conference in Nashville, Tenn. earlier this week. All were nominated by the Nevada chapter of NGAUS.

Rowan Brothers return to Carson City Sept. 24, on the Veranda at Cafe at Adele’s in what is becoming something of an annual tradition. The music starts at 6 p.m.

Each year about this time, Lorin Rowan and Chris Rowan bring patrons an evening of music that includes both new and old original songs and an array of everything from rock and pop to Americana and bluegrass.
Well versed in many genres and presented accoustically with beautiful harmonies, an evening with The Rowans is always a delight.

“This is something we always look forward to,” Lorin said.

Happy Thursday, Carson City. I hope you’re ready for some fun. If you find yourself in Gardnerville, don’t miss out on their Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk, and wear your hula skirt – it’s Hawaiian themed. Here in town, you’ll find karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar and Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge. Practice your improv skills at the Brewery Arts Center. You’ll enjoy country DJ Lisa at Living the Good Life. Erin go bragh at the Firkin and Fox with their ‘Halfway to St. Patrick’s’ Party. If you enjoy a nice cigar, you won’t want to miss out on the ‘Best in Show’ party at the Carson Cigar Company.

THURSDAY:

• National Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport (8am-4:30pm; $17 general admission)
• Last day of Industrial Art exhibit at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

Every year, Joe Hedrick has all the jockeys sign an injury and death waiver before they even think of climbing onto the back of a camel's hump.

Today, being hungry can be helpful. A benefit for fallen Deputy Carl Howell takes place today at Betsy’s Café inside Slot World with all café proceeds going to his family. This afternoon you can beat the heat and support the Western Nevada College Foundation at Yogurt Beach. If you're hungry for something a little different, try the Improv Workshop at the Brewery Arts Center. You'll be thinking outside the box in no time.

THURSDAY:

Feel like dancing, Carson City? Living the Good Life has gone country for the evening with DJ Bobby G spinning your favorite western songs. If you need to brush up on your line dancing skills, Beercade is the place to go for free lessons. It takes two to tango, but you don’t need a partner to learn to salsa at El Charro Avita tonight. If you’re more song and less dance, you can choose from Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or the Feisty Goat Pub for karaoke. Fandango kicks off a month of Throwback Thursdays tonight with crooner Rick Radecki singing hits from yesteryear.

THURSDAY:

• Fall 2015 Back to School week at Western Nevada College; go here for a list of activites
• Victor Sandblom's "Wind on the Sea, Tracks in the Sand" at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building

Last week I wrote about root weevils eating leaves. This week’s pests are the elm leaf beetles. While elms are hardy drought tolerant trees for arid Nevada, they are plagued by elm leaf beetles every year. By this time of year, the trees look half-dead with white to brown ragged leaves.

Looking for a reason to hit the town? Head over to Living the Good Life where Jimmy and Jack are sure to entertain. If you’d rather be the entertaining one, then sign up to sing at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or at the Feisty Goat Pub: it’s Karaoke night. Get your country fix at Beercade, and learn to line dance. Learn about bats and their habitat at the monthly Francis Humphry Lecture at the Nevada State Museum. If you already know it all, Trivia Night at Alatte Coffee and Wine Bar in the Carson Nugget might be for you.

THURSDAY:

The mood has been somber in Carson City this week. The news of Sheriff Deputy Carl Howell’s shooting death has rallied the community, beginning with a large candlelight vigil held last Saturday at the Capitol. Today the officer will be laid to rest after a funeral service at the Reno Convention Center. A procession will leave the Carson City Courthouse at 9 a.m. and travel north along Carson Street. Various fundraisers have begun for the wife and four children that Howell leaves behind. For more information on the procession and how to donate, please go here and here.

THURSDAY: Jazz and Beyond

• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• Fundraiser for Officer Carl Howell at the Café at Adele's (all day; 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Officer's family)

I love August in Carson City and it’s because of Jazz and Beyond. Music everywhere. The Tahoe Ridge Winery is hosting Jazz Van Gogh, a guitar and flute duo. You’ll enjoy some time in the evening sun at the Comma Coffee Courtyard with Brent Johnson and The Call Up listening to some bluesy roots rock. You won’t want to miss Carl Sonny Leland at the Performance Hall of the Brewery Arts Center. The boogie-woogie hall of famer will show you what fun can be had with a piano. That’s not all you’ll find going on in Carson today; check out the list for the whole scoop.

THURSDAY: Jazz and Beyond

• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• ‘Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada’ in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)
• CCAI Exhibit: BRIC Art 5 at the BRIC: 108 E. Proctor St. (8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm)

Community Roots and The Dayton Farmers Market will host a book signing Thursday, August 13 during market hours of 3 – 6 pm with noted local authors Laura Tennant and Jack Folmar.

The authors’ new book, Images of America: Dayton is the first book written about the community in more than 50 years. The book traces the early days of Dayton, and captures the founding spirit of the community. Market goers can purchase a copy of the book and have it signed with all proceeds benefitting the Dayton Historical Society.

The 2015 Carson City Jazz and Beyond music festival heats up Thursday with multiple performances around town to hit all the right notes and music styles with piano jazz, blues, roots and smooth jazz at three different venues.

There are many definitions of the word “pest,” and personal perceptions of pests can often be very different. A pest might be annoying (ants), damaging to plants (rabbits), a health concern (ticks) or a cause for fear (black widow spiders). However, relatively few pests cause significant injury to plants, so pesticides are rarely needed.

Jimmie Ray’s Black Train – A Tribute to Johnny and June, Trains, America and some friends – A Musical Journey Back in Time – The Man, The Music, The Memories - Is coming to the Piper’s Opera House for the third year; this time as part of a fund raiser for the Kiwanis Club. Theater.

This show is designed to more than a concert but an experience. In 2003 the world has lost both American roots legends, Johnny Cash and the beloved June Carter Cash.

Hot August Nights is off and running in Reno, but there’s no need to leave the valley for a good time. Tahoe Ridge Bistro and Winery is hosting its monthly ladies night. You won’t want to miss DJ Bobby G at Living the Good Life. The Brewery Arts Center Improv Workshop welcomes a special guest: instructor and actor, Michael Lewis. Dancers will want to head to El Charro for Salsa lessons or Beercade for their weekly Line Dancing Night.

THURSDAY:

• Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks
• Back to School at Carson Hot Springs (Free 17 and younger admission per paid adult; outdoor pools only; 7am-10pm)
• ‘Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada’ in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

The River Wranglers will be at the Dayton Farmers Market on Thursday, August 6. The market takes place from 3 – 6pm in the Community Roots parking lot.

The River Wranglers organization inspires young people to learn about the importance of our area rivers and share that knowledge with others.
During the Dayton Farmer’s Market members will provide hands on demonstrations to educate shoppers about the importance of conservation and other efforts to promote healthy rivers in our area.

Let’s all go to the Fair! The grand opening and ribbon cutting is at Fuji Park at noon. Funnel cakes, clowns, rabbits, circus games and more await. If you’re a classic car lover, then the Plaza Hotel is the place for you. The annual Silver Dollar Car Classic kicks off tonight with music and more before it moves on to its traditional place at Mills Park. Jelly Bread is in town and playing a free show at Sassafras, and celebrate your July birthday at the Carson Cigar Bar with their monthly birthday bash.

THURSDAY: