• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Senator Square: Helping to give Carson City students in need a merry Christmas

Many in Carson City do everything they can to help the less fortunate, and those opportunities never cease being opportunities. With this in mind, the holidays are here, the semester at Carson High School is almost over, Christmas vacation, also known as winter break, begins Dec. 19, and there is another opportunity to be generous for those who have plenty.

This semester has been the quietest ever at CHS, but Carson City School District students are, like their older brothers, sisters, and friends, still as excited as ever for Christmas; however, Santa’s sleigh might not be landing on the roofs of some of the homes in Carson City unless this reliable community steps up and either purchases gifts for less fortunate students, or jumps on board with those already striving to make the Christmas of those in need a merry one.

Yes, everyone is busy checking off gifts on their lists, and what a blessing it is to be able to purchase those gifts. But what about the lists of those parents who have become unemployed due to Covid? What will happen to their children? How might the haves help the have nots? Well, some of these needs are being met at CHS with clubs like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

They are climbing into Santa’s sleigh with the gifts they are purchasing, donating, and wrapping for many kids in Carson City. When all is said and done, most will probably keep trying to beat the clock; however, if that is the case, spend all this energy helping others this holiday season, but do not forget to stop and smell the chestnuts roasting too because a bad mood is always a choice away.

CHS clubs and staff are participating again this year in the annual Angel Tree program spearheaded by Margarita Portillo-Hernandez at Eagle Valley Middle School. Over 400 students within the CCSD have been identified as those in need for the Angel Tree adoption.

Of the many students in need this Christmas, 30 of these students have been adopted by CHS, and Gifts will be delivered to the families the week before Christmas vacation on or before Dec. 15. CHS clubs and teams have been participating for many years, and these “Angels among us” are making Christmas brighter for the community: CHS Baseball team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, HOSA, Language Arts Department, the Administration team, Blue Crew, and CHS Leadership.

So please jump into Santa’s sleigh by sharing the haves with the have nots in order to help make their Christmas unforgettable.

LEADERSHIP RAISES MONEY FOR MADD AND SPONSORS TALKING LOCKER
This month, CHS Leadership students are raising money for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Alcohol.org writes, “Since 1980, MADD reports they have helped to cut drunk driving deaths in half, saved around 350,000 lives, and helped more than 850,000 victims; today, there are several hundred local MADD chapters spread throughout the US, Canada, and Brazil.”

Not only is Leadership raising money for MADD, they are bringing back the Talking Locker. Leadership student Emma Hataway is in charge of the Talking Locker, number 709. Started last year, the Talking Locker is a convenient way for students to anonymously, or with contact information, deposit a note with either suggestions, questions, or comments about, well, anything.

Hataway will answer those questions once-per-week. According to CHS Leadership adviser and Physical Education teacher Ann Britt, “As you all know, things are much different this year, and Leadership is focusing some of its efforts on service projects, and one of them is to host a fundraiser for different causes and charities each month.” For more information about how individuals in the community may participate, please call Ann Britt at 283-1769, or email her at abritt@carson.k12.nv.us.

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES SELLING CHRISTMAS TREES
Christmas trees are available to support FCA and may be purchased at the Lift Christmas Tree lot located across the street from the Ormsby House in downtown Carson City, the corner of Carson Street and 6th Street.

Christmas trees are available through Dec. 23, Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tree varieties available are the Noble, Nordmann, Douglas, Fraser, Organic, and Silver Tip. Purchases benefit both buyer and supplier as all profit goes directly to FCA in order to assist CHS lead adviser and science teacher Ty McMillen as well as other FCA campus groups in the area.

The goal of FCA is to foster unity and support. FCA members serve one another, share Christ with others through word and deed, and encourage others to share him as well. So come purchase a tree for Christmas and support FCA student members at the same time.

TECH TALK PANEL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FREE TO EVERYONE
The audience is middle and high school female students; however, anyone may attend the webinar. Palo Alto Networks will be hosting a Tech Talk panel of female IT leaders Dec. 8 at 3:00 p.m.

They will be sharing their journeys of how they got to where they are today. There will be a “Live Question and Answer” session with prizes as well. The panel is open to anyone with a focus on students who are or may be interested in a career in technology.

Please go to the following email paloaltonetworks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZucooCbRQFad0e__8TK6tQ

For more information about this event, please contact Jaynie Malorni, Social Studies and Financial Literacy Multicultural Digital and Distance Learning World Language Co-Adminstrator, Nevada Digital Learning Collaborative Nevada Department of Education Office of Standards and Instructional Support, at 702-486-8398, 702-473-0140, or email her at jmalorni@doe.nv.gov.

PARTNERSHIP CARSON CITY HOSTS TEACHER AND SENIOR SHOPPING DAY
Partnership Carson City's event, being held Dec. 5, states, “We appreciate and see all that you do for our community, school district, and students, which is why we want to give back to you.”

In collaboration with donations of supplies from Joann's Fabrics, PCC is hosting a teacher and senior citizen shop day at the Partnership Carson City office, 1925 North Carson Street. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., teachers, staff, counselors, and school district employees are invited to come and shop for supplies. Supplies range from holiday and seasonal decorations, art supplies, scrapbooking supplies, gloves, mittens, beanies, and many other assorted supplies.

Those attending the event will be required to follow proper social distancing guidelines, and masks will be required. Please bring personal bags for collecting items. Small donations are welcome but not required. Again, PCC and Joann’s Fabrics appreciate all that teachers and seniors do for the community, and they want to show gratitude by giving back to the Carson City School District. For more information about this event, please do not hesitate to reach out and call Youth Program Director Samantha Szoyka at 841-4730 x 201.

WELLBEING SURVEY FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND TEACHERS
The Nevada Department of Education has teamed up with school districts and charter schools throughout the state to launch a Nevada School Wellbeing Survey. There are three separate surveys, one for families and caregivers, one for students, and one for school staff and educators. All three may be taken in both English and Spanish and include links to a variety of resources.

The information shared in this survey will help local schools, the district, and Nevada acquire a better idea of what students need and how to plan for a successful second half of the school year. It is hoped individuals and families will take five minutes to share their voices by completing the survey, which may be accessed at NVSchoolWellbeingSurvey.org.

CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER OF CHS PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Becoming a member of the Carson High School PTA comes with so many benefits. Receive discounted entry to CHS events, games, concerts, etc., and student members, those who are seniors, may apply for college scholarships from the PTA.

Programs needing oversight are the Reflections Art and Literature Contest, College Life Interview Panel, Senior Projects, Staff Appreciation, support for CHS departments, teachers, and clubs, grants for teachers, and scholarships for students.

The best part of this is there are no requirements to become a member. Having a child, who is a student within the Carson City School District, is not even necessary. To submit a membership form, please go to either carsonhighschoolpta.weebly.com The cost is only $6 per member per school year, so for less than the price of a single fancy coffee drink, become a part of making CHS better for all students.

ATHLETE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The CHS Athlete in the Spotlight is Kedre Luschar. Regarding her inspiration to become an athlete, Kedre said, “My parents inspired me to become an athlete because they were also athletes when they were younger.” Kedre grew up playing softball, volleyball, and basketball, and she knows being a successful athlete requires dedication to the sport as well as dedication to her education.

Kedre maintains a 3.7 GPA, and she said, “My goals during the remainder of my time in high school are to continue working hard so that I am prepared for to play for Oregon.” To up-and-coming female athletes, Kedre said, “If you are afraid of the future, you do not deserve to be successful.” She then added, “Do not be afraid to fail, because it is what makes you stronger; also, just have fun while playing your sport.” Congratulations to Kedre Luschar on being nominated CHS Athlete in the Spotlight.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Jaden Earle, a senior, is the CHS Student of the Week. Nominated by his Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror English teacher, Jaden stands out as a student interested in protecting the lives of others as his goal upon graduation is to become a firefighter. Many CHS seniors were somewhat relieved when they heard the Senior Project, a CHS graduation requirement, was cancelled this year due to Covid.

Jaden, on the other hand, was disappointed because this would have been an opportunity to further his desire to learn the requirements, firsthand, of fire science. His teacher said, “Jaden never misses class, is doing well in all of his classes, never misses turning in an assignment, immediately drops what he is doing to lend a hand, and always answers posed questions with a serious response.” Congratulations to Jaden Earle on his nomination as the CHS Student of the Week. Employees within Carson City School District nominate the CHS Student of the Week, and it is often the students’ teachers who do the nominating though anyone in the district may do so by sending an email to pbrady@carson.k12.nv.us.

SENIOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Jaden Anderson is this week’s Senior in the Spotlight. Jaden is one of the many outstanding seniors at CHS, and she is focusing her future on the study of Information and Media Technologies with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Jaden earned her CHS Academic Letter by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.868 and weighted GPA of 4.568. Along with taking senior courses of Honors Government and Economics, as well as three Advanced Placement classes, Calculus, American Literature and Psychology, she works as an afterschool tutor at CHS with students with disabilities.

Jaden is participating in her 4th year of Future Business Leaders of America and previously placed 4th in Nevada in her Social Media campaign, which allowed her to compete at Nationals in Baltimore, MD. Jaden’s commitment to excellence and outstanding performance on the ACT, scoring in the 97th percentile, ensures she will fulfill her dream of being the first person in her family to attend college. Next year, Jaden intends to be studying Communications at USC, UNR, or Tufts. Congratulations to Jaden Anderson on choosing to be successful as both a student and human being. — Contributed by CHS Counselor Dori Draper.

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

Top Stories

... or see all stories

GreenUP!, an environmental education non-profit working with local businesses, asks the community to support sustainable dining by bringing their appetites to Carson City Green Dining Restaurants while the banner flies now through Sunday, March 31.

Mark Twain Days Festival is back this year, May 10-12, with some big changes. Visit Carson City approached the Brewery Arts Center and asked them to partner for the planning of the second year of the festival, which is held in honor of Mark Twain, our region’s most famous writer.

These two photos by Nancy Sawyer, taken early Tuesday night over the Carson City sky, shows a magnificent array of rolling waves, like they were taken from pallette to canvas.

Spotted three birds, possibly turkey vultures or golden eagles, behind Buzzy's Ranch Road in Carson City early Wednesday. This is possibly part of a spring mating ritual. Bring your small pets inside.

Celebrating its Spring Fling Bunco fundraiser, Soroptimist International of Carson City will begin with a stuffed baked potato bar including bacon, butter, sour cream, broccoli and a side salad at 5:30pm. A no-host bar will be available. At 6:30pm the fun begins including prizes for top Bunco achievers.

United Federal Credit Union is expanding its footprint in Nevada. United opened a new branch in Minden on Monday, March 18, 2024. United has been operating in Nevada since 2009. The Minden branch is United’s ninth location in the state.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around the capital city.

The Hangar Tavern is Carson City’s newest bar that offers casino gaming machines, which opened up shop about two months ago off Airport Road.

The airplane-themed business is split sectioned, with the tavern taking up space on one side, which includes several seating options and multiple flat screen televisions for watching sports, while gaming takes up the other half.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is granting local workforce boards $5 million to address barriers to employment.

The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director David Bugli and Assistant Conductor Brian Fox, presents a concert, "We Got Rhythm," on Sunday, April 28, at 4 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E William Street in Carson City.

Carson Middle School English Teacher Rhonda Holloway, Seeliger Elementary Fourth Grade Teacher Toni Nielson and Mark Twain Fourth Grade Teachers Kylie Jensen and Alyson Haas were recent recipients of the “Apple Award” from the Delta Kappa Gamma NU Chapter in the total amount of $500. There were more than 14 total applicants. Delta Kappa Gamma is an educational organization of teachers who support other teachers.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is investigating a battery which occurred at a Carson City bar on March 17, 2024. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has obtained surveillance footage of the incident and is attempting to identify the suspect in the pictures above.

On Tuesday, March 26, at approximately 7 a.m., the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and East Fork Fire responded to the 900 block of Arrowhead Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos for a report of an unconscious individual lying on the side of the road.

Another early spring storm system will move into the Carson City area and surrounding counties Wednesday bringing gusty winds, valley rain and mountain snow to the region, according to the National Weather Service.

A saturation event was organized last week by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Office of Traffic Safety, and Sheriff's Traffic Enforcement Team to improve traffic safety in the Mound House area.

Women's Drum Circles for all levels, or no experience, of drumming continue this Saturday, March 30, beginning at 10 a.m. at Dark Willow Emporium in Carson City. With fun, creativity and supportive community, the HealthRhythms protocol offers evidence-based improvement in well-being and empowerment.

According to Redfin, home prices in Nevada were up 9.7 percent year-over-year in February 2024. At the same time, the number of homes for sale in the state fell by 20.8 percent. While home prices are on the rise, the supply of homes for sale is not meeting demand, creating what is considered a “tight” housing market across the Silver State.

Each year, the Chamber’s Leadership Institute class embraces a class project to enhance the quality of life within our community. Some of the projects have supported the needs of our charitable nonprofits while others have benefitted the citizens-at-large through public enhancements within the cemetery, on public trails, senior center, library, children’s museum and more.

Shovels turned Monday in Carson City at a ceremony to launch the beginning of construction for a new $18.4 million fire station and emergency operations center.

Inde the Belgian Malinois dock diving dog of Carson City is ready to make a big splash again, this time in a national favorite pet competition.

The Carson High School Senators ski team wrapped up its 2024 campaign by qualifying for state and sending two to compete at nationals. Thomas Callister and Madalyn Lind Smith represented CHS at nationals as members of the Tahoe Basin race team. As a team, both boys and girls took first place at the Western USA Championships at Mammoth on March 14-15.

Hello fellow anglers. I wanted to pass along some information I received from Tiffany Ellis who is one of the chairpersons on the Douglas County Kids Fishing Derby committee. The Kids’ Fishing Derby is to return in June 2024 as reimagined callback to previous years.

With continued interest and a growing community throughout the Carson City area since having launched a year ago, Connections Social Gatherings bring locals together every week for story sharing, conversation and inspiration.

The Capital City Community Band awarded its Carson City Community, Richard Doede Scholarship to Zach Carpenter at its Salute To Young Musicians concert on Sunday.

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team members, the Nevada Division of Forestry and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, will continue burning piles on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe this week, conditions and weather permitting.

In the Truckee Community Recreation Center, Heather and Michael Llewellyn hosted an extensive exhibition about the health of our forests in "FOREST FIRE." In this video, they give us a tour of the show and include vital information about our forests and adjacent ecosystems.

A 53-year-old woman was arrested Saturday for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery, DUI and reckless driving, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Sam Sedillo, Fisheries Biologist for The Nevada Department of Wildlife in Washoe and Storey counties, will be the guest speaker at the next Rotary Club of Carson City meeting. The public is invited to attend the meeting which takes place March 26th at noon in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom.

State funding for free school meals including breakfast and lunch will end May 30, 2024. In an effort to support student meals in school, the Carson City School District Food and Nutrition Services department is asking parents and families to apply for free and reduced meals (educational benefits).

My first visit to a dentist here in the Lake Tahoe Village of Incline, was to see the intrepid Doctor Cherry away back in 1983. I had heard that he was very good at his craft, and that he sometimes practiced pulling teeth on iron rakes.