Sassafras

Several people are enjoying yet another three-day weekend. This time it’s to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?” One way to observe the MLK Day of Service is to participate in the Clothing and Food Drive for homeless veterans. Drop-off locations are at FISH on East Long Street and the RSVP office on Northgate. The Healthy Community Coalition’s monthly cooking class and demo features Mediterranean food and is open to all comers. You’ll find the ice rink open at 10 a.m.

I wish everyone luck keeping their triskaidekaphobia at bay. The number thirteen is nothing to fear, even when it falls on a Friday. (I’m not going to lie: triskaidekaphobia is one of my favorite words and I very rarely get the chance to use it in a sentence.) Mother Nature has thrown us for a loop this week, and we deserve the chance to enjoy the break in the storm. Take the family down to the Library for their game corner, or cheer on the talented cast of ‘The Lion King, Jr.’ at the Community Center.

I hope everyone enjoyed the few hours of sunshine Wednesday, because we’re in for it now. Hopefully, the snow won’t cause as much flooding. I feel compelled to include the disclaimer that all of the following events are subject to change: this storm has the potential to wreak some havoc, so stay safe out there. Kids with cabin fever will enjoy story time at the Carson Library. Adults, get out of the house and enjoy some live music at Living the Good Life or Sassafras. Local McDonald’s restaurants hope to see you this evening: a fundraiser for the family of Ashley Bursey runs from 4 p.m.

Mystique Restaurant and Lounge, located at 318 N. Carson Street downtown, has closed permanently, owner Yvette Barrett said Tuesday.

The restaurant closed Saturday, Jan. 7, she said, and will not reopen.

After a brief pause in the rain yesterday, the storm has returned. I write this list with trepidation, as localized flooding is still affecting homes and businesses around town. Everything on this list is subject to cancellation. It’s back to school for the kids of Lyon County and Carson. Jacks Valley Elementary is closed, but all other Minden/Gardnerville students are headed back. Stay safe out there, and thank you to all the city and state staff, volunteers, and good neighbors that are working hard to keep the damage to a minimum.

TUESDAY:

Get ready for a cold one. We get a short reprieve from the wet stuff, but the thermometer isn’t expected to inch above freezing today. Be safe on the roads out there, it could be icy. Tonight’s a great night for some local talent. Check out local songwriters at Comma Coffee and warm up with some hot cocoa, coffee or tea. A to Zen holds a weekly Open Mic, but mixes it up a little the first Friday of the month: dress to the nines and bring something for a potluck. The BAC Blowhards will have you in stitches at Improv Night at the Brewery Arts Center.

FRIDAY:

Am I the only one suffering flashbacks to the Flood of ’97? It is soggy out there with no signs of letting up soon. Please drive carefully, some of those puddles may be deeper than they look. If the kids are getting cabin fever on their winter break, head to the Carson Library for Lego Club this afternoon. Thursday always offers karaoke: the boys of J and M Productions host it at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. If your motorcycle is feeling neglected in the garage, head to Battle Born Harley for their monthly Bike Night, and commiserate with fellow riders over a game of pool, a pint, or some darts.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Snowy days make the perfect backdrop for a day curled up with a book. If you’re participating in the Library Winter Read-athon, tear yourself away from your cozy spot and go log in your hours this afternoon.

The week just keeps chugging along, and with it the last few days of 2016. If you haven’t yet, go check out the Nevada Christmas light show off Stephanie Way in Minden. Kids will have fun at Lego Club at the Carson City Library this afternoon, but it’s adults only for Trivia Night with Geeks who Drink. Bundle up, lace up your skates, and enjoy a spin around the Arlington Square Ice Rink. If you’ve had a birthday this month, head to Carson Cigar Company to celebrate with the Trippin King Snakes.

THURSDAY:

Just a few days left before the big day. Get your fill of holiday music as the Ninth Annual Christmas Carol Play-along for Strings returns to Carson Mall. Even if you don’t play an instrument, voices are more than welcome to contribute to the tunes. Wintertime is perfect for curling up with a good book, join the Library’s Winter Read-a-thon to win some great prizes. Carson Cigar Company is throwing a party featuring Ev ‘Cheese the Knife’ Musselman of the Tripping King Snakes: they’ve been selling raffle tickets to benefit Food for Thought, so head down to support this great charity.

The countdown continues. Just one weekend is separating us from Christmas, so go enjoy the friends, family, and holiday cheer that surround us. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada welcomes a special visit from Santa and offers fun crafts for the kids. Browse the sale in their gift shop and consider a membership for a year full of free entry. The talented kids of All About Dance perform at the CVIC Hall in Minden. Handel’s Messiah will fill the rafters of Corpus Christi Church when the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus take to the stage. Continue reading for even more options.

The Carson City Library has something in common with the epic spaghetti western ‘The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly’: they are both 50 years old. Celebrate the classic film and our classy library with an afternoon showing of the movie. Join Cherie Shipley at the Brewery Arts Center; the annual ‘Joyful Noise’ Community Holiday Show is full of cheer for all ages. Our high school and middle school student orchestras invite you to their free winter concert at the Community Center this evening. Living the Good Life welcomes singer/songwriter Liam Kyle Cahill back to their stage tonight.

Brace yourself, Carson City. We could be in for some wet and windy weather this weekend. The more adventurous of you will be participating in the Be Bold, Run in the Cold ‘Run with Rudolph’ 5/10K near Western Nevada College. If you’d rather be indoors, the Carson Mall is hosting a Holiday Craft Fair, and at noon will celebrate the grand opening of Ogres-Holm Pottery. Celebrate a Country Christmas with Mary Kaye and the Kaye Sisters in Genoa or get your Celtic fix at the Brewery Art Center with a performance by County Clarke. Read on for local fun for young and the young-at-heart.

The weekend is just hours away, but first let’s enjoy Friday. Join in the spirit of giving during today’s drive-by food drive. There’s a drop-off location nearby whether you’re in Carson City or Carson Valley. Wild Horse Children’s Theater heads into their second weekend of performances, so you’re running out of time to catch Elf Jr. – The Musical. Sassafras will show you a good time tonight: Whatitdo hits the stage at 8 p.m. Local favorite, Antsy McClain, brings a whole trailer park full of fun to his Christmas show at the Brewery Arts Center.

FRIDAY:

It’s a winter wonderland out there, but it does come with unique perils. Please give yourself extra time to get where you’re going, the roads may be slick. The weekend is quickly approaching bringing fun events like the State Railroad Museum’s Santa Train, a special performance by Antsy McClain at the Brewery Arts Center, and the return of the drive-through Living Nativity at the United Methodist Church. If you’re itching for the chance to get your picture with Santa, head to Red’s Old 395 tonight. Stretch your vocal cords with karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar or at Living the Good Life.

Tonight’s the night! With one flip of the switch all of downtown joins in the Christmas Spirit. The Silver and Snowflakes Festival includes carols, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and of course, the lighting of the Capitol. Don’t forget to head to the First Presbyterian Church for the Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. You’ll get a handmade, hand painted ceramic bowl to keep and lots of yummy food to keep you warm. The talented kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater hit the stage for opening night of ‘Elf Jr.

December has arrived and it brings a plethora of holiday cheer. Gardnerville kicks off the weekend of lights with their Heritage Park Tree lighting, caroling, and fireworks. Carson City, Genoa, and Minden follow suit Friday with their own lighting festivities. Karaoke at Living the Good Life and Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar are the perfect place to bust out your rendition of ‘Santa Baby’ or ‘Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.’ Bundle up if you’d care to join Muscle Powered on their easy hike around Riverview Park. Read on for all of today’s happenings.

THURSDAY:

Today is the National Day of Giving, a day to think about the charities that help make our communities a better place. Choose your favorite non-profit and put them on your gift list; help them help others. Do yourself a favor and get one step ahead of flu season with the vaccination clinic at the Carson Library today. It’s a chilly day, but it’s always hot on the dance floor: country dance at Carson Lanes or swing dance at El Charro Avita will get your blood pumping.

The turkeys have been cooked, the dishes done, and the largest shopping weekend of the year is off and running. Show some love locally during Shop Small Business Saturday. Great little shops, restaurants, and services offer something unique for those on your gift list. Gift Certificates are never a bad way to go either: who wouldn’t want a massage, a night on the town, or maybe some music lessons? Santa has returned to town and can be found at the Carson Mall or at Billow’s Embroidery. Keep reading and you’ll find some great ways to spend this holiday weekend.

Some of you will be braving the stores today, searching for the Black Friday deals. Some of you will be enjoying time with the family and friends that have come to visit. Show off our great valley with a trip to the State Railroad Museum: the McKeen Motor Car is up and running. Enjoy opening night of Pinkerton Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Community Center. The Candy Cane Express in Virginia City begins its run today and is perfect for little ones. Live it up at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint tonight. Groove Session is the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

FRIDAY:

Start the day making something beautiful. The Muscle Powered Trash Mob descends upon our new downtown for some clean-up and coffee. Kids will enjoy the Tales and Wags program at the Library where they get to read to therapy dogs and acquire a new book in the process. It’s a Carson/Douglas Army/Navy rivalry as the JROTC programs hit the field at Carson High for a game of flag football. Keep reading and you’re sure to find something that sounds fun.

SATURDAY:

It’s finally Friday. The annual Salvation Army Turkey Drive runs 6 a.m. until six this evening: drop off your donation at the Max Casino in Carson or at the C.O.D. Casino in Minden. Get to know Supervisor Karen Abowd during her monthly walkabout at the Community Center; head inside to get a peek at the new art exhibit in the Sierra Room while you’re there. The Craft Fair at Carson High School is a local favorite: over 125 vendors, music, and pictures with Santa. It starts tonight and continues tomorrow.

With Thanksgiving just one week away, it’s hard not to get excited: food, friends, family, and a long weekend. In the meantime, stay busy with something fun to do right here in our valley. Natalie Blaver invites you to sing along with karaoke at Living the Good Life. It’s adults only for ‘round the world’ trivia night at the Carson Library with Geeks Who Drink Trivia. The colorful Nevada character, Alexander Parker Crittenden, is subject of tonight’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum. All aboard the Polar Express.

This is the final week to order pies baked fresh by talented Carson City area chefs from local restaurants in time for Thanksgiving. All proceeds benefit the Northern Nevada Dream Center Reach the Hungry program.

I’m not trying to rush you, but the holidays season approaches. As such, the holiday craft fairs, bazaars, and bake sales have arrived. You may as well start looking at that gift list to see who would enjoy something one-of-a-kind and locally crafted. If not for gift giving, these fairs are an excellent way to find fun ways to decorate your home. Other than that, the weekend is kind of quiet, but you'll want take a look at the list and see what catches your fancy.

SATURDAY:

Wondering what to do with yourself? Take advantage of the mild weather with Muscle Powered’s easy hike along Sedge Road on the east end of town. The Salvation Army Bell Ringers will be hitting the streets soon; head over to their job fair today if you’d like to be one of them. Karaoke makes an appearance at Living the Good Life and at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar for those who need to sing. The Marine Corps League Silver State Detachment 630 is celebrating 241 years of the United States Marine Corp with a party at Westside Pour House. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

October is behind us and this November weekend kicks off the holiday season with craft fairs, art shows, and plenty of fun. Get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions by participating in the first of the ‘Be Bold, Run in the Cold’ 5 or 10K runs that Ascent Runs is sponsoring. Wine walk your way into autumn in our newly renovated downtown. Have a great weekend, Carson City, and keep reading for all of the local happenings.

SATURDAY:

Join Northern Nevada Dream Center and support Carson City area families in need this holiday season as dozens of the region's best chefs from local restaurants donate their time and talent to bake fabulous Thanksgiving pies for the sixth annual Pie to the Rescue.

The arts are alive in Carson City. Head over to the Carson Mall for the three-day Fine Arts Faire. With over 25 artists, photographers, and artisans featured, you may just find a creation you can’t live without. For a view of the natural beauty our area has to offer, consider the hike along the Deadman’s Creek Trail with Muscle Powered this afternoon. Feeling a little adventurous? The Carson Victory Rollers are recruiting Derby Girls and officials: join in the fun with their New Skater Program beginning tonight. Keep reading and you’ll find a fun way to spend your day.

Excitement surrounding the new Shoe Tree Brewing Company in Carson City has been building all summer long as brothers Jeff and Paul Young have been working to complete their new brewing facility and tasting room located on the Carson Hot Springs Resort property.