Gold Dust West

The snow came, it sat, it melted. Luckily the dry roads make for easy commutes. Carson kids don't have school today; it's a scheduled professional day, so that will make the commute easier, as well. You'll find all day bowling specials at Carson Lanes if you're looking for something to do with the kids. Lunchtime at A to Zen features some live music with CW, Dave Leather, and Dr. Bones. Karaoke at the Fox Brewpub is a family-friendly affair.

I’m going to apologize right now. I can’t anticipate what this storm system will throw at us, so some of these planned events could get cancelled. One event that is never afraid of Mother Nature is the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk. Come rain, shine, or blizzard, you’ll find can sip, stroll, and discover starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Carson Hot Springs aren’t afraid of a little snow, and a special visit from Megan the Mermaid will make the icy hot experience more memorable. Keep reading to see what this slushy weekend has to offer.

SATURDAY:

The snow finally fell, and continues to fall. The Carson City and Douglas County School Districts have closed all schools due to the weather; Lyon County Schools are on a two hour delay. If you do have to head out, give yourself extra time to travel. Take a look in today’s happenings for family friendly options at the Carson Library or the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. A celebration of new art exhibits and local artists can be found at the Carson City Art Gallery, in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, and in the Brewery Arts Center.

As I write this, the snow has not yet begun to fall. I cannot predict whether we’ll see one inch or seven inches on the valley floor over the next few days, but wet roads make for a more dangerous journey. Please stay safe out there. Muscle Powered has already cancelled today's planned hike in Washoe Valley. If you do venture out this evening, head downtown. You’ll find karaoke at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar, the Roska Collective in the Sage Lounge at Battle Born Social, and all you can eat wings at the Fox Brewpub.

Happy Wednesday, Carson City. If you’ve got anything outside that needs doing, the smart money would be on tackling that today. There is a hefty storm brewing and this is the last dry day we’ll see for a little while.

If you know where to look, every day is National something-or-other day. Today gets pancakes, and the International House of Pancakes is celebrating accordingly with a free short stack. It is a fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Network, so leave something for the organization in addition to the tip. CASA, Court-appointed Special Advocates, is always looking for more volunteers to stand up for children. Join them for coffee and find out more about this great organization.

It’s no secret that I’m ready for spring, but I’d like to see a little winter show up first. Seems that I got my wish this week. We’ll get a nice dusting here in the valley, with a few inches in the mountains. Roads will be slippery, especially that bridge to Reno, so keep the driving to a minimum.

February is coming to a close, and we’ve got the chance at a nice weekend. Explore a new trail with Muscle Powered as they take on the Fay-Luther Trail south of Genoa. If you’re in a theater kind of mood, catch the Proscenium Players’ production of ‘Love Letters.’ See what the Nevada Artists Association has been up to during their Grand Re-opening and Winter Art Show Reception this afternoon. Read on and see what options the weekend brings.

SATURDAY:    

• — Flying Pig Flea Market at Fuji Park (8am-3pm; $1 admission, kids free) 

It’s been a cold week, and today is no exception, but you can have a hot time tonight. Live music, comedy, and karaoke are just some of your nightlife options. It’s family BINGO and Chili night at Carson Middle School: get some grub, maybe win one of the great prizes, and help the CMS Band Program raise funds. Dayton has a BINGO night of its own. Head to Dayton High School to get in on the action. It’s opening night for the Proscenium Players. Their production of ‘Love Letters’ runs for one weekend only, so get your tickets early. Stay safe out there, and have a great weekend.

I really can’t keep up with the changing weather reports around here. I think we are expecting snow, so you’ll want to be ready for anything. Our County Clerk’s office is holding an open house to show off the new voting machines we’ll be using for this year’s elections.

With the recent school shooting in Florida, the timing of the next Carson City Chamber Soup’s On! luncheon scheduled at the Gold Dust West on Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m. couldn’t be timelier.

Don’t think that you have to wait until the weekend to find something to do. Our shiny, ‘new’ library is showing ‘Hidden Figures,’ a movie about NASA during the Space Race, and the black female mathematicians behind the scenes. The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is thrilled to bring an update about their efforts to restore the 1881 Carson and Colorado Railroad Depot. Wired Wednesday is a group of film-makers, photographers, and digital artists that is responsible for the great short film contests throughout the year. They always welcome anyone interested to join their ranks.

I know we were expecting yesterday to be cold, but that was downright bitter. More of the same can be expected, with a possibility of snow tomorrow. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy indoors. If you have a talent to show off, don’t miss the last live audition for the upcoming ‘Carson’s Got Talent.’ If you can’t make it, submit your audition online HERE.

Thank goodness that there won’t be any school traffic on this very cold and icy morning. Presidents Day is a day off for the kids, so let them stay in their warm beds. Dollar days at the Gold Dust West and Carson Lanes Bowling Alleys can be a fun activity if you venture out. The Proscenium Players are still looking for members of their Repertory Theater troupe, so don’t miss their last audition event this evening. The Empty Bowls Project Soup Fest is a delicious part of the Silver and Snowflakes Tree Lighting Ceremony in December, but the planning begins now.

There is absolutely a little bit of everything this weekend. There’s somewhere to volunteer, somewhere to eat some fundraising pancakes, join in an Asian New Year Lion Dance Parade, Beer Crawl in downtown Carson City, and get your Zumba on. I think the eclectic mix of happenings is one of my favorite things about our corner of the world. Whether it’s the International Film Festival, the Vagina Monologues, or telescope viewing at the WNC Observatory: you can’t tell me there is nothing to do.

SATURDAY:

Gong hei fat choy, Carson City. Today kicks off the Asian New Year, the Year of the Dog. Explore a new culture at the International Film Festival at the Community Center. The afternoon offers independent documentaries, and this evening brings a renown Mexican Film about the life and times of iconic actor and comedian, Mario Moreno. Take a gander at the newly refreshed Carson City Library during their Grand Re-opening celebration. Start your weekend with some comedy, live music, swing dancing, or karaoke.

Valentine’s was yesterday, but you can fall in puppy love any day of the year. CASI, the Carson Animal Shelter Initiative, does some great things for the shelter animals in our valley. Learn how you can get involved during their monthly meeting at the Nevada Humane Society. The International Film Weekend brings a slice of life from around the world to our own Bob Boldrick Theater. You’ll get the chance to see some great independent documentaries, in addition to award-winning films from other cultures.

Today is traditionally a day to celebrate sweethearts, but there are those who eschew the trappings of what they consider a ‘Hallmark holiday.’ However you choose to spend the day, you’ll find some options here. Show some love to local non-profit ‘Food for Thought’ by grabbing a yummy beverage at Dutch Brothers coffee today. Battle Born Social is hosting a Un-Valentine's Roaring 20s Party and hoping to see some zoot suits and flapper dresses while they serve era-inspired cocktails and appetizers.

This Fat Tuesday is full of things to do. Head to the Fox Brewpub for their ‘Taco ‘bout it’ Fundraiser for Advocates to End Domestic Violence: a portion of taco sales today will benefit the organization. Learn about Nevada silver screen icons like Marilyn Monroe, aliens, and the King of Rock and Roll during a CCAI Nevada Neighbors presentation by long-time film reviewer, Robin Holabird. Sierra Nevada Forums brings experts from various backgrounds to shed light on difficult and complex topics facing our society.

Brrrrr. That chilly winter air has finally made an appearance, so pile on the layers and stay cozy. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that some white stuff sticks to the mountains. Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, so you’ll want to make reservations if you’re planning on dinner with your sweetheart. The Be Mine Gift and Craft Fair at the Carson Mall is a great place to find something unique for your one and only.

The Carson City Council of the United States Navy League will hold its first meeting of the New Year on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino in Carson City.

The social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.

Our speaker will be Lt. Col. Adrian Armold, USMC, Executive Officer, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Pickle Meadows, CA.

Lt. Col. Armold is a 20-year veteran of the Marine Corps with assignments to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

You can probably scratch ‘hitting the slopes’ off this weekend’s list of options, but you can hit the ‘hill’ instead: Prison Hill, to be exact. You’ll find the start and finish line for Ascent Runs’ ‘Love Can Be Cold’ 5 or 10K at the Prison Hill Southern Trailhead. If you’d rather crawl than run, Virginia City’s ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ Saloon Crawl might be for you. Find something special for your special someone at Artsy Fartsy’s annual Champagne and Jewelry Show or at the Valentine’s Craft Fair inside the Carson Mall.

Carson City Parks and Recreation is stepping up to the plate with pizza and a movie if you are looking for a way to get out without the kids in tow. You’ll want to register for Parent’s Night Out before all the spaces are filled. Hit the town and discover what new restaurants have popped up this last year. Enjoy live music at Living the Good Life, Bela Vita Bistro, or at the historic Genoa Bar. Teens are welcome at the Boys and Girls Club for a night of dancing, music, and a chance at raffle prizes.

FRIDAY, Feb. 9: Things to do in Carson City

With Valentine’s Day next week, some people may be in a scramble to find just the right gift for their someone special. Carson City has got you covered. Check out the work of R. Fox tonight during an artist reception this evening at the Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. The new Espresso Yourself Café inside Brewery Arts Center is filled with local art, and locally made chocolates. Their grand opening is on Saturday, but you’ll find them open now.

You won’t find this Wednesday lacking when it comes to stuff to do, explore, and enjoy. The annual Carson High Talent Show always delights and thoroughly entertains the audience. Comma Coffee is hosting a reception for their newest display, the ‘Break These Chains Live Free’ Art Exhibit, featuring the winning pieces from a high school contest designed to bring awareness to human trafficking. A cute new shop downtown, Rustically Divine, celebrates it’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting.

A very happy Tuesday to you, Carson City. You’ll find some great family friendly options today including Storytime Adventures at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada or Family Game Night at Battle Born Social, that also includes a free meal for kids. Father-daughter night at Chili’s restaurant promotes communication and quality time, and will get you a free dessert, as well. Our local Classic Cinema Club features a ‘new’ old flick every month; don’t miss their showing of Casablanca tonight, it’s one of Humphrey Bogart’s best performances.

There doesn’t seem to be any ‘brrrr’ in this February so far, and this week won’t buck the warm weather trend. A new exhibit can be found at the CCAI Gallery on the second floor of the Carson City Courthouse: Writing from Mars, by Rick Parsons, is on display until May 23. Red’s Old 395 is known for their happy hour with great drink prices and yummy appetizers. Martinis are half-price today if you need to unwind.

For many, today is all about the big game. For others, it’s just about the commercials. For some, it’s no big deal at all. Either way, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find where to watch and where to bet on your favorites. Today is your last chance to audition for the upcoming production of ‘The Producers,’ so swing by the Brewery Arts Center if you’d like to be considered.

It’s hard to believe that it’s winter with these balmy temperatures. Take advantage of this beautiful day at the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk; grab a friend, a light jacket, and enjoy. See what the Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s elite performance troupe will be showcasing at an upcoming competition during a special presentation at the Carson Mall. If your bookshelves are looking a little bare, head to Dog Eared Books on Fairview where their fill-a-bag parking lot sale will have your reading list well supplied. Read on for a weekend full of happenings.

SATURDAY:

February is jumping right in. Join CCAI in celebrating the newest Courthouse Gallery exhibit: ‘Writing from Mars’ by Rick Parsons opens today with a reception at 5 p.m. Le Cirque Vagabond brings their rock sideshow revue, Asylum, to the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall for a special performance; no one under 18 will be admitted. Choose from a number of venues hosting bands, karaoke, or DJs for a fun night out. If you’d like to be a performer yourself, consider auditioning for PPI’s newest venture, The Producers.