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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.

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.

In this week's edition of It's Your City, host Cortney Bloomer talks with local actor Tom Strekal about the upcoming two-person Proscenium Players Inc., performance of "Love Letters' which runs Friday through Sunday, Feb 23-25, at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City.

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.

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.

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.

That's why Certified Physician Assistant Tamara VanDyke opened Skin Cancer & Dermatology Institute in Fallon, in addition to offices located in Carson City and Reno. "I've had a few clients walk in with concerning conditions and they let it go," she said. "The challenge of opening a new location ...

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.

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.

The weekend is over and we are just a few days from February. Let me be the first to remind you that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If you have a romantic dinner in mind, make those reservations now. Start the week with some swing in your step; the High Sierra Swing Dance club will even get you started with some new moves. Sing the workweek blues away during karaoke night at the Fox Brewpub.

MONDAY:

Sunny days in the fifties are okay for spring, but we still need some winter to come our way. Take advantage of the warmer weather during a Winter Hike along Carson Valley’s Pinion Trail with Muscle Powered. Song and dance kids will want to audition for the upcoming performance of ‘Willy Wonka, Jr.’ If you’re a fan of song, but possibly too old to join the Youth Theater Carson City cast, check out the monthly jam in Silver City at their historic School House. All instruments are welcome, in addition to vocalists and those who just want to listen.

The mountains are finally wearing a beautiful winter coat, with even a little more to fall before tomorrow, but Carson City just got a dusting. That means the roads are slick, so give yourself some extra travel time until the sun gets a chance to melt it off. The Roska Collective wants to help you kick off your weekend early with Techno and Tequila at Battle Born Social downtown. The Bella Vita Bistro in the Carson Mall adds Thirsty Thursday Karaoke to the mix.

It’s back to school for the students of Western Nevada College, and they’ll have the traveling exhibit ‘Geographical Divides: Finding Common Ground’ to enjoy in the Bristlecone Building’s Main Gallery. There’s a storm in the hills, and it might just make it into the valley, so bundle up and drive safely. Tonight, everyone is invited to the Healthy Communities Coalition’s monthly cooking class; you’ll learn to make a meal, and then sample it. Learn how to find your center with the Dharma Zephyr Sitting Group. Beginners begin at 5:30 p.m., and those with practice meet at 6:45 p.m.

Something wintery is on its way: prepare for a blustery afternoon and a rainy evening. But don’t let a little precipitation ruin your plans. The monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India will be visiting until Sunday and have several workshops and rituals in store. The Roska Collective is kicking up our downtown nightlife up a notch with a Tequila and Techno night at Battle Born Social. Sunni Frost and Cedric Williams are back on the Living the Good Life stage. Their vocals will turn an ordinary evening extraordinary.

“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke those words, and they still ring true today. A community is what a community does, and ours is filled with people that do amazing things for others. As we stand at the beginning of a new year, consider getting involved with a local non-profit: FISH, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, and the Nevada Humane Society are just a few of the great organizations in our valley.

Happy Thursday, Carson City. Today has plenty to offer, it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. Meet local author, Mark S. Bacon, at Browsers Corner Book Store; he’ll be signing copies of his newest book and share some insight into the writing process. Artist Andreana Donahue will make an appearance in the OXS Gallery at the Nevada Arts Council during a reception to honor her exhibit, Wintering Over. The Carson Victory Rollers are looking for new members of their roller derby team.

This Monday might feel a little manic. The Carson and Lyon County kids are back at school (Douglas County starts up again tomorrow.) Rain is expected all day long, so indoor activities are your best bet. Inquiring minds will enjoy the ‘NASA at your Library’ program, just make sure to register online if your kid would like to participate. The High Sierra Swing Dance Club is back on the Eleventh Frame Lounge dance floor after a few weeks of holiday hiatus.

The first weekend of the year approaches, and that means our monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk. It’s never deterred, come rain, shine, or tornado, so make plans with your friends now. Get a jump on any healthy resolutions by joining Muscle Powered on today’s hike along Prison Hill; just be prepared for the trek and great photo opportunities. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint has snared touring band, The River Arkansas, to play some Americana roots on their stage; a perfect dinner and show.

It may be Monday, but the next one on the way is Christmas. If you still have some loved ones on your holiday shopping list, the Craft Fair at the Carson Mall is sure to have something for everyone. Monday also means football. Watch the Falcons take on the Buccaneers at Living the Good Life. You’ll find good food, good drinks, and the game on all of their screens. Put some swing in your step at Carson Lanes. The High Sierra Swing Dance Club meets weekly to learn some new dance moves and put them into action. Santa has been spotted at Red’s Old 395: from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Students probably didn’t even notice them, unless they were curious about a group of people wearing yellow, blue and red vests on a recent morning at Western Nevada College.

It’s the beginning of another work week, and a chilly one, at that. Take an hour to get yourself grounded and ready for what life throws your way during ‘Motivation Monday’ Yoga at the Adams Hub. Learn something new in the kitchen at this month’s cooking demo and dinner at the Dayton Community Center.

It was at one time the mightiest voice in Nevada journalism, and could make or break powerful men with just one sentence printed on a Hoe steam press, located in the basement of the Territorial Enterprise building. After a long and distinguished career the T.E. building is being sold once again.

The Nevada Day parade, with all of its corresponding events, is my favorite thing that Carson City has to offer. Normally, I would just have the complete listing of everything Saturday has to offer in my weekend event summary, but Parade Day offers a few challenges. Namely, there is just so much going on in downtown Carson City that creating a separate listing seems easiest for all of my readers. Whether it’s the bloody marys, the beard contest, or running into long-lost friends that gets you there, it's going to be a beautiful, sunny day.

Translated to English, the La Ka Le’l Be Powwow means, “The People’s Gathering.” Organizer Martin Montgomery expects this year the name will be more appropriate than ever.

It’s always a good day to try something new. If you enjoyed the recent production of ‘Nightfall with Edgar Allen Poe’ then head over to the Proscenium Players monthly meeting and learn how to be involved with their upcoming plays. Jump, jive, and wail with the High Sierra Swing Dance Club at Carson Lanes. They hold a beginning and intermediate dance class before an evening of open dancing. The Vikings-Bears rivalry can be seen on ESPN during tonight’s Monday Night Football Game; cheer on your team and fill up on great food at Living the Good Life.

MONDAY:

October might bring to mind everything pumpkin-colored, but Carson Tahoe Health would rather you ‘Think Pink.’ The annual kick-off to Breast Cancer Awareness Month returns to Red’s Old 395 with yummy appetizers, cold drinks, and plenty of pink. The Washington Redskins take on the Kansas City Chiefs tonight for Monday Night Football. If you haven’t decided where to watch, the football party and buffet at Living the Good Life is a new option. Take your competitive nature to Carson Cigar Co. for their Tabletop Game Night.

RCM Realty Group, a Carson City based, privately owned company, announced it has acquired the real estate sales operations of Bradway Properties, also in Carson City, on Sept. 26 as the latest piece in its planned expansion.

By the end of the week we will enjoy the brief return of warm sunny days and hear the roar of the many bikes in town for the annual Street Vibrations Fall Rally. For now, keep a sweater close at hand. Venerable Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim is a Tibetan Buddhist monk of the Gelug order born in Amdo the eastern region of Tibet. Learn about Tibetan Astrology from him this evening at the Brewery Arts Center. Most every tavern in town will have their television tuned to Monday Night Football. Grab some friends and watch the Cowboys battle the Arizona Cardinals.

MONDAY:

It’s back to work and back to school today, but the kids of Carson High School have Homecoming Week to enjoy. The annual Bonfire celebration takes place by the football field tonight at 7 p.m. Western Nevada College is celebrating Constitution Day with a series of films and a student panel. Shake off the back-to-work blues at the Fox Brewpub – it’s karaoke night. Monday Night Football is back in full force. Tonight, watch the Saints battle the Giants at home on ESPN, or at any number of our local casinos or taverns.

MONDAY:

As you drive through Carson City today, the flags at half-mast are a somber reminder of the lives lost during the attack on the World Trade Center. If you’d like some time to reflect, the memorial in Mills Park is the perfect setting. Learn how to lend a hand to the next generation during a volunteer workshop at the Senior Citizen’s Center: reading help is needed and the volunteer commitment is only one hour a week. They say laughter is the best medicine, and funny-lady Kat Simmons is the prescription.