piano.

Reno native Dawn Wells, who starred as Mary Ann in the popular 1960s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island,” died Wednesday of causes related to COVID-19 in Los Angeles, according to her publicist. She was 82.

Editor’s Note: Margarita Portillo-Hernandez is a school social worker and safe school professional at Eagle Valley Middle School in Carson City. The following is her report:

This year has been extremely challenging and with the impact of Covid; many of our families are struggling to ensure they can celebrate Christmas. However, generous community members have come together determined to help these families have a Christmas celebration not even Covid can stop.

The Carson City Symphony, directed by David Bugli, will open its 37th season with a virtual community music and dance project celebrating Carson City history, the “Hank Monk Schottische” virtual performance project. Instrumental musicians and dancers of all ages are invited to participate.

The 2020 Jazz and Beyond Festival continues with a series of live-streamed, streamed, and virtual events from August 30 to September 27, 2020.

The first event, on Sunday, August 30, at 3:00 p.m., features The Jazzettes - Cami Thompson, Erika Paul, and Julie Machado - three wildly talented singing musician friends who may change the way you look at Jazz.

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region. The American Cancer Society is hosting a poker run Saturday at Mills Park, and a free lacrosse clinic for kids ages 6-12 will be held at John L. Harvey Field. The Nevada Humane Society is virtually hosting its annual “Adopt a Duck” fundraiser for interested participants. Combined with train rides and live music, there’s plenty of excitement going on over the weekend! Read on for more information.

The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company is used to building big Broadway productions this time of year, generally drawing from 6,000 to more than 7,000 people from 20 states and Canada. But there’s a bit of a problem.

Roots Raconteur Ray Bonneville returns to Silver City in February for a one-night performance accompanied by acclaimed instrumentalist Richie Lawrence on keyboard and accordion.

The Carson Nugget and Food For Thought, a Carson city nonprofit that is dedicated to feeding children in need, teamed up this fall and launched a winter coat drive that culminated Monday where dozens of children were able to pick their new jackets and parkas and enjoy a holiday brunch among friends and family.

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region over the next three days. Events include the KTVN Share Your Christmas Food Drive at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City and at Minden's Carson Valley Inn, Homestead Holidays at the Silver Saddle Ranch and more. The Polar Express Train Rides are sold out for the rest of the year, but Santa Train express rides are steaming up at the Nevada State Railroad Museum over the weekend. Read on for details.

Enjoying the mix of sunshine, clouds and the overall late fall conditions around the capital city? More of the same is expected Wednesday into Thursday, with another system due in time for the weekend. Activities around Carson City include an educational discussion on dementia presented by the Alzheimer's Association at the Carson City Library, a moonlight walk to C-Hill, a "Get Fit with Fight Camp" at Yaple's Ballroom, art showings, a Carson Valley Community Theatre audition call for two plays, classes and more.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Sparks is pleased to present an evening of new and traditional Christmas music. Adam and Alissa Teachout Brian Gallagher and Angelese Pepper will perform using piano, marimba and cello. There will be some singalong as well.

Embrace your holiday spirit with favorite Christmas and holiday music, including Nutcracker, Let it Go, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Clocks, and O Holy Night. Featuring Ben Gallagher and Alissa Teachout on piano and percussion, tenor vocalist Adam Teachout, and Angelese Pepper on cello. This concert is for families and individuals of all ages. December 13, 2019 7:00 PM at the Valley Christian Fellowship Church 1681 Lucerne St. Minden, NV. Tickets available in advance at eventbrite.com or at the door.

Carson Valley Community Theatre will be holding auditions for two new productions, Putnam County Spelling Bee and "Nunsense II," on Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. Mark your calendars and come to The Annex, 1572 Hwy 395 in Minden to audition for one, or both, productions.

The Brewery Arts Center, Carson City’s premiere epicenter for the arts since 1975, is thrilled to announce the line-up for their fundraiser “Evening with the Divas”, a once in a lifetime event in which four great talents take the stage at the Performance Hall for one incredible evening.

What better way to celebrate the holidays, and get into the Christmas spirit than to sing Christmas songs with your local community. If you've ever wanted to share your talent with others, come on down to the auditions and
be prepared to sing a song with accompaniment. Piano sheet music, CD or a tape, and a cappella can be accommodated.

Good morning and happy Sunday Carson City. Today is Sept. 15, 2019. Activities include the Silver State Art Festival at Fuji Park, a Charters of Freedom presentation in the Ormsby Room of the Carson City Sheriff's Office, bike rides, train rides, a film viewing at Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City and more. Enjoy the day.

Good morning Carson City and happy Saturday! It’s going to get hot again today with a high of 93, but don’t worry, as we get out further into the week the weather will turn more autumnal with highs in the 70s. It could be the last hot day for a while, at least until a freak 90s+ hot day in November followed by a week long blizzard, so enjoy it while it’s here!

Today on the docket we have the farmers market, a Celtic fair at Dangberg Ranch, craft shows, and more! Check below to see the events throughout the weekend:

Saturday, September 14

Heading into the weekend, there’s a bevy of activities around the Carson City region packed with excitement over the next three days. Events include the Silver State Art Festival at Fuji Park, suicide awareness walks in Carson City, a Celtic faire at Dangberg Home Ranch, the ninth annual Edible Pedal bike ride at Bowers Mansion, train rides in Virginia City and much more!

Having made it through the first day of school in Carson City, it is onward and upward as we head into Tuesday, August 20, 2019. Events around the area include fitness hikes and bike ride, a free floral design class at Silver City School House, art showings and Congressman Mark Amodei at Casino Fandango. Also featured is the launch of the Jukebox International Film Festival at the community center, a jazz quintet performance at Comma Courtyard and the 115th birthday celebration of Count Basie as part of the Jazz and Beyond music festival. Enjoy the day.

Heading into Monday, August 19, 2019 and that means one thing if you're a teacher, parent or student: It's the first day of class across Carson City School District campuses. Welcome back. Make it a safe, enjoyable experience as this day will create memories that will last a lifetime. Activities around the capital city include talks, art showings, jazz at the Bob McFadden Plaza and more. Enjoy the day.

TOCCATA-Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus opens its concert series at the elegant Genoa Lakes Golf Club Ballroom at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31st with a special program.

The U.S. Open returned to Pebble Beach earlier this month and all the talk was about the par three cliffside 7th hole, a charming peninsula that sticks out into the ocean 100 yards below the tee box, and looks ever so inviting -looks that are deceiving. With a stiff onshore breeze you might want to tee off with a three iron. With no wind, which is rare, you might want a wedge.

The Tahoe Symphony Orchestra, also known as TOCCATA, helps you celebrate the Fourth of July spirit with family and friends, close to home. Our 14th annual “BOPS” concert, conducted by Maestro James Rawie, is a delightful summer event that we perform at Carson Valley United Methodist Church in Gardnerville on Sunday, July 7 at 4 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Rusty Young by his own assessment, was born to play music. With half a century of performing, recording and touring with his band Poco, which he co-founded in 1968 with Jim Messina, Richie Furay, Randy Meisner and George Grantham, he’s made good use of his gift.

Sierra Lutheran High School, in collaboration with Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School and Mt. Cross Ministries, has released its 2019 Summer Programs registration. Collectively, the three entities will offer seven unique summer programs, including two week-long overnight programs.

Sierra Music Society continues its fine Artists In Concert programs with “Sister Acts: From Opera to Broadway” on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 3 pm.

The concert will be at St. John’s Presbyterian Church located at 1070 W. Plumb Lane in Reno, NV. This wonderful afternoon of music will feature two gifted young artists: Soprano Alyssa Caplan and Mezzo-Soprano Anna Caplan accompanied by Carol House on piano.

Capital City Arts Initiative’s relationship with Carson High School made it possible for Caleb Cage, a West Point graduate, U.S. Army veteran and author to visit with CHS students where he read one of his short stories from his 2017 book "Desert Mementos: Stories of Iraq and Nevada" and then fielded questions about writing and his background.

Roots Raconteur Ray Bonneville returns to Silver City for one exclusive show at the historic Silver City Schoolhouse, 385 High Street, on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.

Home Ranch for the Holidays, a celebration of the season that includes a vintage toy exhibit, music and treats, returns to Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With winter weather having arrived, it seems only appropriate the last Friday of November is when Carson City celebrates the holiday season in a big way by ringing in the spirit of giving with the annual Silver and Snowflakes Festival of Lights.