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Senator Square: CHS family made up of artists and cheerleaders, mountain bikers to band members

Carson High School offers more than an amazing education, it provides students from around the capital city with new opportunities every year to participate in multiple clubs, organizations and events. Let's take a look.

There's art classes taught by teacher and local artist Mike Malley, cheerleading for both girls and boys with coach Sheila Story, to the new CHS mountain bike team with coach, Gary Casselman. How many high schools have an orchestra, wind ensemble and jazz band taught by Bill Zabelsky? There's also a Greater Nevada Credit Union branch on campus.

It would take an incredible amount of time to list the myriad classes offered at CHS and the connection between Carson High School and Western Nevada College. Never before have students been able to potentially graduate from high school with both a diploma and an associate’s degree. It is a great time to be a student at CHS.

Capital City Arts Initiative and Mike Malley
An artist-centered organization committed to the encouragement and support of artists and the arts and culture of Carson City, Nevada and the surrounding region, CCAI announces its exhibition, Silver State Swimmer, with artwork by local artist and CHS art teacher Michael Malley at the city’s Sierra Room located in the Carson City Community Center at 851 east William Street. The free exhibition is available to the public from July 11 - November 10, 2016, weeknights Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., and CCAI will host a reception for the artist on Friday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. Questions: call 775-283-7421 or visit arts-initiative.org.

Carson High Mountain Bike Team
On Sunday, August 28, in Tahoe City the Carson Senator Mountain Bike Team competed in the first race in the inaugural season of the newly formed Northern Nevada Interscholastic Cycling League. Carson's Mallory Otto placed 3rd in the Junior Varsity girls, Taylor Jenkins placed 3rd in the sophomore girls, and Tobin McRae placed 2nd in the sophomore boys. These results, with the rest of the team’s excellent effort, earned CHS third place overall. The team's next race will be the Iron Horse Roundup in Reno at Hidden Valley, Sept. 10.

CHS Cheerleading Camp
The CHS Cheerleaders are hosting an annual Senatorette Camp for girls and boys in grades K-8 on Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. This includes a dance and cheer, along with valuable team skills taught during camp. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

All participants will perform for their families at 11:45 a.m. on the day of camp and then again on Sept. 16 at the CHS varsity football game which begins at 7 p.m. at the CHS Football Field. The cost is $30 per cheerleader, and no cost for those with special needs. Also on the same day, Sept. 10, Capital Ford and Ford Motor Company is hosting a Drive 4 UR School Event at the CHS North Parking Lot at 8 a.m. For each person who drives a new Ford, the company will donate $20 for a total of $6,000. Drivers must be a minimum age of 18, and only one driver per household is allowed. The whole experience take less than 20 minutes, and 300 drivers are needed. All proceeds will benefit Carson High Cheer and Safe Grad for the Class of 2017. Questions? Call Sheila Story at 775-283-1675.

Credit Union Education Branch Celebrates CHS
GNCU is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Education Branch located inside CHS during the month of September! All Carson High School students are eligible to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of ten $25 gift cards; plus, all CHS students may also take advantage of a free $10 "Gift of Membership" to open a new account! Contest rules and entry forms are available at the GNCU Education Branch, so stop by any time during the month.

Recycled Art Contest
The 2016 Division of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Program’s Statewide Recycled Art Contest is in its third year. Nevada residents from Kindergarten to adults, to students working on a class project, may participate. First place receives $250, second place $100, third place $50, and $200 goes to winners of the class project. Submissions are due by Oct. 23, and winners, selected by panel, will be announced on or before America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, 2016. Go to NevadaRecycles.nv.gov for entry forms and rules, and attach up to two photos of artwork. For more information, contact northern and southern recycling coordinators Patty Moen at 775-687-9466 or Rachel Lewison at 702-486-2850 x268.

Student of the week
The CHS student of the week is Teri Ann Kness. Teri is in 12th grade and is a very helpful upperclassman. She is always ready and willing to help any teacher on campus with errands and tutoring students, even on her off period. Teri is involved in Link Crew, and acts as a Teacher’s Assistant. She is very busy after school with work, and Teri has a great and busy last year of school left. Teachers and students alike thank Teri Ann Kness for everything she does for CHS!

Senior Spotlight
This week, the senior spotlight is on Jiavanna Wong-Fortunato. Jia consistently pushes herself both in and out of the classroom. She is taking a rigorous course load filled with AP courses as well as courses in pharmacy practice and advanced web design. Jia is a talented athlete and committed member of the CHS community. She is involved with several clubs at the high school and community service organizations throughout Carson City. Additionally, Jia holds an office in Health Occupations Student Association, SkillsUSA and Future Business Leaders of America.

She has competed at the state and national level for all three groups, earning herself and her team several first and second place state titles and sixth place at nationals. Jia is also involved in National Honor Society, the Interact Club, Key Club, and she runs for both CHS cross-country and track.

Outside of her school and club responsibilities, Jia enjoys running as well as spending time doing web design and community service. She has worked with the Salvation Army, Austin’s house, and the Kiwanis club. She plans to attend a prestigious university where she will major in pre-medicine in order to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. CHS congratulates Jiavanna Wong-Fortunato and cannot wait to see what her future holds.

— Senator Square columnist Phil Brady is an English teacher at Carson High School in Carson City, Nev.

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The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees will host a meeting at Carson High School at 1111 N. Saliman Street. At the meeting the district will discuss their plan to merge Carson High School and Pioneer Academy.

Join us for our 60th Anniversary + Spring Art Reception on May 18, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free for all, as well as on-site and nearby parking.

Originally opened during the height of the mining boom of Virginia City, Nevada, the Delta Saloon started serving in 1880. Having seen its share of history, and creating its own, the property is under new ownership with Jim Grimes, VC Delta Saloon, LLC., a fourth-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno and Sparks, Nevada.

Celebrate Carson High School Class of 2024! And, keep them safe.

Since 1988, Safe Grad has helped prevent fatalities related to graduation night intoxication by offering a FREE, safe, and sober all-night party for graduating high school seniors.

Southern Utah is lucky to be gaining one of Carson High’s most extraordinary students, Arene LeBlanc. She is an outstanding student who has overcome so much from her freshman year and now consistently demonstrates exceptional academics, leadership skills and a commitment to community service.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Service restored.

Douglas County is experiencing a temporary disruption in the non-emergency dispatch phone line. This disruption solely affects the non-emergency dispatch line and does not impact access to emergency services via 911. In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to continue dialing 911 for immediate assistance.

Looking for something for you kiddos to do this summer that includes exercise, fun, and team building? Look no further than the Carson Baseball Summer Camp!

In a systematic approach to improve water quality, Lyon County Utilities will be conducting water main flushing Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14-15 in the Rose Peak area (roughly between Flowery Avenue and Sheep Camp Road) in Dayton, Nev.

The 2nd annual Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival is returning May 17-19 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. This is a free community event that benefits the Center for Hope and Healing.

Each year, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office hosts an open house event as a way to connect families, deputies, non-profits and more. This year the event takes place Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nevada State Police has identified a Northern California man who died in a fatal crash last month on I-80 in Fernley.

Carson High School will host its First Annual Art Expo, showcasing the talents of its student artists in photography, graphic design, drawing, painting and ceramics Thursday, May 16, from 5-7 p.m.

A 40-year-old man was arrested Wednesday for suspicion of carrying a concealed knife without a permit, a gross misdemeanor offense, and misdemeanor disturbing the peace, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Hello fellow anglers. Depending on where you were for the opening day season, the waters were high on the rivers and some lakes still had not iced out yet. But yet the strangest thing about it was. There were about half of the expected anglers that ventured out. I noticed the campgrounds were only half full.

Check out the free Senior Health Fair from 8 am to 12 noon this Thursday, May 9 at Casino Fandango Grand Ballroom in Carson City.

More than 70 vendors, a record number, will share valuable information about their programs and services. Participate in raffle drawings, interact with service dogs, donate blood, and have quick access to important vaccines. Pick up our fifth edition of the Senior Celebration magazine and a Community Resource Guide.

Following a capacity community turnout in March, Grassroots Yoga Center is offering its second Self-Care Wellness Fair Saturday, May 18. The center is located at 195 E. Winnie Lane.

Students at Fritsch Elementary School in Carson City were swinging for success with their participation in the San Francisco Giants Junior Giants initiative. The free, non-competitive and innovative baseball program for boys and girls ages 5-13, focuses on education, health and bullying prevention, providing a holistic approach to community sports.

Nevada Humane Society, Carson City branch's Pet of the Week is Valkerye, a one-year-old shepherd mix who still has a big puppy heart. She enjoys playing with children as she is used to living with them.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.
Click on flyer for details.

Sierra Nevada ENT, a trusted provider of clinical and surgical care since 1995, is excited to announce its transition to Carson Tahoe Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), effective May 14, 2024. This expansion reflects our continued commitment to growth, innovation, a holistic care approach, and our dedication to delivering high-quality, state of the art patient-centered care to our community.

CONNECTIONS Gathering in May with special guest Mark Collie

CONNECTIONS Central announced that musician, actor, and philanthropist Mark Collie will be the guest storyteller at the May 16th CONNECTIONS gathering at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City. CONNECTIONS Central is a new organization that uses the power of storytelling to promote stronger, happier and healthier relationships that enrich lives and build community.

Food Bank of Northern Nevada is asking for the community’s support on Saturday, May 11 as it joins the National Association of Letter Carriers for the Stamp Out Hunger food drive.