photography

Oh, the weather out there is going to be frightful. A blustery storm is on its way in today, so you may want to bring in that inflatable snowman. Heading outside will be rewarded though. Ladies will find great specials at the Ormsby Club and Carson Cigar Co. Live music will be playing at Glen Eagles and Living the Good Life.

The Carson Library offers some great activities for the kids and Craft Tuesday today is one of them. While you’re there, head across the street to Browser’s Corner Book Store to check out the holiday offerings at their craft fair. ‘Break a leg’ to the talented students of Carson High Musical Theater: their Winter Ensemble Concert is at the Community Center tonight. Jazz and poetry return to Comma Coffee: the monthly performance of the Mile High Jazz Band begins at 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY:

The countdown to Christmas has begun. Our downtown is aglow in holly jolly lights and looks amazing. The weekend was jam-packed with holiday cheer: Silver and Snowflakes, the Holiday Crawl, craft fairs, and the Railroad Museum’s Santa Train. Monday’s offer some fun times, as well, with swing dancing at El Charro’s or karaoke at the Firkin and Fox. Shopping and wine await at 'Ladies Night Out' at the Holiday Inn Express in Minden. It's a benefit for the Family Support Council of Douglas County.

MONDAY:

Happy Sunday. There’s still plenty of weekend left. Craft fairs at Carson Lanes and the Carson Colony are sure to have something for that hard to buy for person on your list. Fight the chill with chili at the Carson Bulldog Wrestling Club’s Chili Cook-off at Yogurt Beach. Sing some holiday songs at the Holiday Karaoke Sing-along Party at the Carson City Library. Dayton lights up its tree tonight at ‘Our Park,’ so dress in your ugliest sweater and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies at their ‘Small Town Christmas’ celebration.

SUNDAY:

Have you been naughty or nice this year? You’ll have no problem finding Jolly Old St. Nick this weekend. At Debug Computers where, in exchange for a donation to Holiday with a Hero, you can get a photo with the man in red. The Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum is a good place to grab a candy cane, some hot cocoa, and tell him what you’d like to find under the tree. Photographs with Santa are available at the Carson Mall Wednesday through Sunday. Genoa’s annual Breakfast with Santa has three seatings beginning at 8:30 a.m.

SATURDAY:

I love Carson City. Our downtown makes every season special: flower baskets in the summer, daffodils in springtime, the changing leaves of autumn, and winter means the Nevada Christmas tree at the Capitol. Tonight is the night when the light switch gets flipped. Join Santa and our community tonight at the annual Silver and Snowflakes tree lighting. Enjoy carolers, hot cocoa, and more in Telegraph Square during the Christmas Faire. Don’t miss the talented members of Wild Horse Children’s Theater: they’ll be singing at 4 p.m.

What a weekend in store for us: the Silver and Snowflakes Tree Lighting, the wine walk, Holiday with a Hero crawl, and more. First things first, though, Thursday fun stuff. Bundle up and head to Gardnerville for the Christmas Kick-off at Heritage Park with Santa, a tree lighting, and fireworks if the weather cooperates. Empty Bowls is hosting a preview night at the First Presbyterian Church; for a donation of $25 or more you get first pick of the handmade bowls that members of the community have made and decorated over the past year, and that includes admission to the soup fest tomorrow.

Don’t let hump day get you down, Carson City. Lunchtime blues with Dave Leather at Comma Coffee will get you through the workday. Geeks Who Drink trivia at Lake Tahoe Brewing Co. is a fun and silly way to pass an evening; and you can win prizes. Get some shopping done at the Carson Mall, and don’t forget your Hawaiian shirt: Hawaiian Santa will be there for photos. You’ll want your cowboy boots for line dancing at Carson Lanes.

WEDNESDAY:

Carson City Symphony does some great things: one of which is the Strings in the Schools program. Join our talented STRAZZ students tonight at the Community Center as they perform the annual ‘This is not a Christmas Concert’ concert. Sassafras will be filled with some swanky jazz; Judith and Rocky are hosting this week’s jazz jam. Santa has been spotted at Red’s Old 395 and, naughty or nice, little boys and girls will get a photograph to take home. Stick around and enjoy Janet Leigh in Holiday Affair with the Carson City Classic Cinema Club.

TUESDAY: National Day of Giving Charity Drive

• Kit Carson Toastmasters Weekly Meeting at Grandma Hattie’s (6:30am; for info call Frank 775-885-7579 or KitCarsonToastmasters@gmail.com)
• World AIDS Day: Free HIV Test at Carson City Health and Human Services: 900 E. Long St. (8:30am-12pm, 1pm-4:30pm)

It’s the last day of November, and there has been no shortage of wintery weather. Take advantage of the season by hitting the ice at Arlington Square. The weekday afternoon special for elementary and middle school kids includes free skate rental and hot chocolate. Watch the Ravens take on the Browns at Empire Ranch Golf Course, and partake in their weekly buffet. Get into the swing of things with the High Sierra Swing Dance Club’s night out at El Charro Avita.

MONDAY:

Sunday is always ideal for relaxing: comfy pajamas, turkey leftovers, and setting up decorations around the house are all good ideas. The football season is in full swing and you’ll find the game on just about everywhere. You have one last chance to catch the Nutcracker this year, so head to the Community Center this afternoon. Grab the whole family for a free concert at the United Methodist Church. Holiday favorites sung by women’s choir ‘Bella Voce’ will get you in the spirit.

SUNDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Anna Louise Darden and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Raiders Booster Club at the Eleventh Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes (vs Miami Dolphins; 10am; for more info contact Rick Good at 775-267-4271)

The long weekend continues, along with great shopping, friends, family, and fun. It’s Small Business Saturday, which is a great time to explore our downtown shops, and the local businesses throughout town. Don’t miss the Christmas Kick-off at Evergreen Gene’s, complete with a visit from Santa. Carson Valley Inn hosts its annual Kandy Kane Holiday Craft Fair. You will also find great Nevada items in our Museum Gift Shops and at the Chamber of Commerce’s Artisan Gallery.

Small Business SATURDAY:

Today is a day for leftovers and crazy shopping. If your family is in town, take them down to opening day at the Arlington Square Ice Rink. The Railroad Museum of Northern Nevada has rides on the McKeen Motor Car special for this weekend. Pinkerton Ballet begins its annual run of the Nutcracker at the Bob Boldrick Theater tonight. Get inspired for your own decorations at Candy Cane Lane: Carson Valley Inn’s drive-thru light show. Happy birthday to the Blue Bull; beer and cocktail specials start at noon.

FRIDAY:

Long time community events coordinator Fred Nietz, whose company Arlington Group Events started the very first Silver and Snowflakes Tree Lighting for Carson City Mainstreet, now in its 25th year, passed away Tuesday at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. He was 71.

It’s hard to believe that Christmas morning is just one month away. First things first, however, is Thanksgiving. This weekend is shaping up to be a great time for hitting the slopes, but not so great for the holiday travelers with more snow expected for today and tomorrow. Enjoy a pre-turkey day evening at Living the Good Life: DJ Bobby G will keep you on the dance floor. Sassafras is your bet for live music with a blues/funk trio: the Wesley Orsolic Band.

WEDNESDAY:

The annual Turkey Trot is a fun 5 or 8K run around the west side of town Thanksgiving morning. Costumes, silliness, and good times had for all. Sign up this afternoon at St. Teresa school. Living the Good Life is a good go-to for Tuesday night fun with bar games and trivia. Pizza lovers should head to Brugo’s for their weekly beer specials and a special tasting with High Sierra Brewery.

TUESDAY:

• ’Divergence’ by artist Katie Lewis at the CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse: 885 E. Musser (8am-5pm)

It’s Monday, but this week should fly by. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, so you probably want to start thawing your bird. There are still many organizations collecting food for families, so consider dropping off a frozen turkey at Salvation Army, or something non-perishable in one of the many bins around town. If helping kids is a passion, you’ll want to attend the informational meeting at the office of the Court Appointed Special Advocates this evening. CASA is always looking for people who’d like to make a difference to a child.

MONDAY:

The countdown to Turkey Day has begun, and living in Carson City gives us plenty to be thankful for: Beautiful views, our own deer herd, great shops, yummy restaurants, talented actors, artists, and craftsmen, and wonderful people. Get in the spirit of giving with a new tattoo from Hooligan’s Ink to benefit the Austin House. For something less permanent, drop off a turkey at one of the contenders in the Salvation Army’s Battle of the Bars. Giving your time is valuable, too. The Muscle Powered Trash Mob meets once a month to help keep Carson’s trails clean and litter-free.

Happy Friday, Carson City. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly suggest tracking down some tickets for Mary Poppins. The cast and crew of the Western Nevada Musical Theater Co. knock it out of the park with this production. Carson High School’s annual Craft Fair begins tonight; a plethora of crafters, artisans, and vendors will be there to help with your holiday gift list. It’s West Coast Swing night at Yaple’s Ballroom, so put on your dance shoes and kick the weekend off right.

FRIDAY:

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.

Whovians won’t want to miss on the painting and trivia party today at Van Gogh and Vino with a special Dr. Who theme. If you find yourself to the east of Carson, head by the Holiday Craft Fair in Dayton. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint makes a good choice for dinner tonight; they’re hosting an all styles jam with Xing Bridges. Good luck to the athletes competing in today’s Special Olympics Bowling Tournament in Reno.

SUNDAY:

Ready for the weekend, Carson City? The weather should hold up on Saturday, but no promises on Sunday. Hit the slopes if you are so inclined, several Tahoe resorts have opened for the season. Runners should head out to Washoe Lake State Park for the first of the Be Bold, Run in the Cold series sponsored by Ascent Runs. If you prefer something warmer, head to Crossroads Lounge for their Grand Re-opening. It’s under new ownership and is sure to have something to keep you toasty.

SATURDAY:

Go Big Blue! The Carson Senators head into the varsity football regional finals against North Valleys High School. Bundle up and cheer on our high school. Sierra Lutheran High School’s theater department is presenting Borrowed Time; break a leg. Mary Poppins returns for its second weekend at the Community Center. The Western Nevada Musical Theater Company has outdone themselves this season, so hurry and get tickets or you may miss out.

FRIDAY:

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:

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.

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: