Western Nevada College

May the force be with you while attending a “Star Wars Retrospective” lecture on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Western Nevada College’s Jack C. Davis Observatory on the Carson City campus.

The public is invited to Mike Thomas’ free lecture that will summarize the previous six films and provide attendees with a better understanding of the storyline in advance of the release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada is aiming high for the future. The Club has brought on a new chief professional officer, turned earth on its new Carson City teen center in October and partnered with a local marketing firm to create a new website and marketing plan.

Construction management instructors Bob Ford, Nigel Harrison and welding instructor Randy Naylor at Western Nevada College have played critical roles in building the sets for Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company’s production of “Mary Poppins" that runs this weekend in Carson City.

The Polar Express takes its first trip of the season today, and I hope you got your tickets. The annual event always sells out. Check here for ticket information; you may get lucky. Take the kids to the Carson City Library for weekly story time and check out CCAI’s Industrial Art Exhibit while you’re there. Today is the last day it will be on display. Hear stories of Old Virginia City at the Gold Hill Hotel. Or take a trip to the Nevada State Museum: the bombing of a Basque village during the Spanish Civil War and the affect it had on the United States is the topic of this month’s Francis Humphry lecture.
THURSDAY:

• American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout: Take a One Day Stand Against Tobacco at Western Nevada College (college campus is smoke-free for the day)
• ’Lines and Fields: Abstract Narrative Paintings’ by Liz Penniman at the Western Nevada College Main Gallery in the Bristlecone Building

We have plenty of things to look forward to this weekend: Mary Poppins' final shows, the annual Craft Fair at Carson High, the opening of the Polar Express. Just don’t forget that fun can be had every day in Carson City. Tonight, enjoy line dancing at Carson Lanes. Ladies enjoy pool and drink specials at the Ormsby Club. The ever-popular Geeks Who Drink trivia game makes its weekly appearance at Lake Tahoe Brewing Co. And Living the Good Life is proud to bring Liam Kyle Cahill to the stage as part of his acoustic folk rock ‘Turkey Tour.’

WEDNESDAY:

• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Anna Louise Darden and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)

You could almost bet on strange weather in Northern Nevada. The Sierra Valley Forums are hoping to answer some of your questions about the extreme weather at the Brewery Art Center this evening. Get to toe-tapping at El Charro’s tonight; beginning swing dance lessons are on the menu. Flex your mind with trivia at Living the Good Life. Get your jazz fix at Sassafras: Rocky and Judith are hosting a jam.

TUESDAY:

• Kit Carson Toastmasters Weekly Meeting at Grandma Hattie’s (6:30am; for info call Frank 775-885-7579 or KitCarsonToastmasters@gmail.com)
• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

All aboard, Carson City. The Polar Express returns to the Virginia and Truckee Thursday. This annual tradition features hot chocolate, caroling, and a read-along of Chris Van Allsburg's Christmas story, in addition to a visit to Santa at the North Pole.

David S. Cook reached the end of his journey Oct. 12, 2015 at Renown South Meadows Hospital in Reno. Born May 24, 1950 in Las Vegas to Robert E. and Jeanette (Stanton) Cook, he was fourth generation Nevadan. He graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1968.

Western Nevada College Baseball continues to add players to the NCAA Division I ranks. Three more players have signed letters of intent. DJ Peters, Josh Mill, and Matt Young have added their names to the long list of players to move on in Wildcats history.

No need to wait for black Friday or Small Business Saturday to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Western Nevada College’s annual Craft Fair is today, as is Santa’s Village at the Carson City Senior Center. Support local artists and crafters while finding a one of a kind gift for your loved ones. If you have a book-lover on your list, a book signed by local author Ken Beaton is easy to acquire. Browser’s Corner is holding a meet and greet with him this evening.

THURSDAY:

One deserving student veteran at Western Nevada College won’t ever forget Veterans Day 2015. For the third time in a year, WNC has donated a refurbished automobile restored by students and faculty to a community member.

Gil Tapia embodies today’s CNC, or computer numerical control, machine shops: Neat and well groomed, smart and ambitious. From his neatly tucked in CGI polo shirt to his perfectly trimmed hair, he represents the precision and quality his employer is known for.

Western Nevada College’s acclaimed arts and humanities exhibition about the costs of war will visit Reno, November 30 to January 15. “Always Lost: A Meditation on War” will be on display at the Washoe County Administration Complex, 1001 E. 9th St., Building B.

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.

Do you want to build a snowman, Carson City? That may be ambitious with our first dusting of snow, but I’m sure you could finagle a snowball or two.

Many believe that government is increasingly responding to the agenda of special interests and not acting for the common good. I am holding steadfast that our local government needs to be: of the people, by the people, and for the people.

It was rainy last night in our valley, but this evening should see some snow. A winter wonderland isn’t always easy to drive in, so please slow down and be careful. Monday always brings karaoke at the Firkin and Fox, so go sing your heart out. Football lovers will probably be watching the Bears-Chargers game. For those of you with swing in your step, head to El Charro Avita for intermediate dance lessons and the High Sierra Swing Dance Club’s weekly ‘night out.’

MONDAY:

The Carson City Leisure Hour Club continues the celebration of its 119th year on Wednesday, November 18 with recognition of the five Leisure Hour Club scholars at Western Nevada College. The meeting is preceded by a buffet dinner at 6:30 in the Carson Nugget Capitol Ballroom.

Most crimes against people can be prevented with situational awareness. Former Special Agent Julie Lombard, a long-time Defensive Tactics Trainer for the Federal Government, will be here to discuss some basic strategies that could save your life, as well as help you recognize your own strengths and weaknesses. Don’t miss this FREE seminar.

The event is Tuesday, Nov. 10, 5:30 p.m. in Cedar 100 (Western Nevada College)

Questions?

Before you catch a chill, head down to the Community Flu Shot Clinic held this afternoon at the Fire Station by the Carson City Airport. Warm up from the inside at Tahoe Ridge Winery’s monthly Ladies Night: Women In Need Of Sanity. Crooners Jimmy Mallett and Jack Clifton are just the recipe for a hot time at Living the Good Life. . Rick Radecki sizzles as he returns with his Flashback Thursdays show at the Casino Fandango. Things get spicy at El Charro Avita: salsa dance lessons are tonight.

THURSDAY:

Bundle up, Carson City, our balmy Autumn is gone. Today is going to be chilly. Warm your soul with some artwork at one of our many exhibits around town. Don’t miss the Backseat Gallery Artist Reception at Comma Coffee. The rotating exhibit changes monthly, and they celebrate the new work every first Wednesday. Music is another great way to warm the heart, so catch the musician’s open mic at Sassafras or a jazz jam at Living the Good Life. Get your karaoke on at Crossroads Lounge on Winnie Lane; it’s under new ownership.

WEDNESDAY:

If you didn’t attend the performance of the Carson Chamber Singers on Sunday, don’t miss their encore this evening at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Red’s Old 395 is the place to be if you want to catch Carson City’s Classic Cinema Club’s showing of Royal Wedding with Fred Astaire. Living the Good Life starts up a weekly trivia and bar games night this evening, and their menu is chock-full of yummy options. Country Line Dance at Carson Lanes or beginning swing dance at El Charro’s are for those who want to kick up their heels.

TUESDAY:

Let it rain. We enjoyed a perfect Nevada Day weekend: not too cold or hot, and the wind didn’t pick up until long after the floats left the parade route. Halloween was enjoyed by all with trick or treating at the Governor’s Mansion, the annual Blinky Man Halloween ride, the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Brewery Arts Center, and costumes galore. It’s time to move into November, though. Daylight savings time has ended and there is talk of snow.

Are you ready for this? Nevada Day weekend has arrived and brings with it a downtown filled with friends, neighbors, and fun. Hot air balloons, the annual beard contest, the parade, tours of the Governor’s Mansion, and more make this time of year amazing. The carnival at Mills Park, and the Pow-Wow at the Carson Colony take the festivities to the next level.

SATURDAY: PARADE DAY!

• Nevada Day Classic 8K Run/Walk (same day registration: $40 from 6:30am-7:30am on the second floor of the Carson Nugget Casino; 8am racers begin at Telegraph Square: W. Telegraph and N. Curry Streets; costumes encouraged)
• BAWN Pancake Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 (6am-10am; $6/$3 kids)

As the state of Nevada expands its manufacturing base, it also seeks to expand and enhance technical training opportunities for area residents. To that end, Western Nevada College has received a $150,000 Science and Technology grant to prepare residents for the new technical jobs.

Nearly half the total went to Western Nevada College in Carson City. The school received $150,000 to build a Mechatronics Training Center and ...

The kids can get a jump start on the Halloween festivities today at the Carson Tahoe Medical Center. The annual Spooktacular Stroll is a fun time not to be missed. Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel or win your sweetheart a prize at the RSVP Carnival that opens today at Mills Park. It’s Family Night, so all rides are only one dollar. Enjoy dancing with DJ Bobby G at Living the Good Life or learn to salsa dance at El Charro’s. Celebrate your October birthday at Carson Cigar Co. with music by the Trippin King Snakes.

THURSDAY:

Happy Wednesday, Carson City. One of my favorite weekends of the year is just around the corner. Nevada Day is something special here in the capital city: the parade, beard contest, fam fest, and so much more. Go here for the official Nevada Day website and here for a schedule of events, courtesy of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce. Parade day falls on Oct. 31 this year, and when that happens, trick or treating in Carson City gets bumped up a day to Friday. If you can’t wait that long to wear your costume, head to Carson Lanes for their Halloween Line Dance Party.

WEDNESDAY:

• Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Here's what's going on today in the area.

TUESDAY:
•*Kit Carson Toastmasters at Grandma Hattie’s (6:30am; for info call Frank 775-885-7579 or KitCarsonToastmasters@gmail.com)
•*’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)
•*NAA Art Exhibit by Mark Kyle and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
•*Artists Walter McNamara and Lynda Yuroff featured in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council: 716 N. Carson St. (8am-5pm)

The Nevada State Museum celebrates El Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Day of the Dead is a multicultural celebration of life through death. In this wholesome family holiday, participants learn to deal with death in a healthy way by celebrating the lives of dear ones that has passed away. This year’s keynote address, Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life by Deborah Stevenson, curator of education, begins at 11 a.m.