Carson City Nevada News - Carson Now - Your one stop for Carson City news

Pine Nuts: Commencement address from past: Save money, read, travel and always pack a change of underwear

Jeff Munson — Mon, 27 May 2024 00:35:05 +0000

By McAvoy Layne

Over the years I’ve had the distinct honor of delivering a few commencement sermons to some great graduates. So I dug down into a dusty bin to find out if any one of those ancient relics holds any water today. I shall share Sierra Nevada College here (abbreviated) and let you be the judge.

For the class of 2006 I have some good news and some bad. The good news is, as Bergson tells us, “Life, in all its color, warmth and complexity, is far greater than any intelligible formulation of it.”

The bad news is, after today, the word “party” is no longer a verb. You are now a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent. So keep in mind what our friend Mark Twain advocates, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

Yours will be the first generation whose foremost responsibility, whose foremost obligation, will be to stand up in an over-heated environment and shout, “Fire!”

It will take an intellectual process to predict the impact that greenhouse gasses will have on our environment in the year 2100.

You have the intellect to make the predictions and deal with the problems. And, to facilitate this process, Sierra Nevada College will soon unveil the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, just behind us here, 45,000 square feet of scientific space dedicated to the study of our Alpine ecosystem.

I come today equipped to offer our graduates one hundred life lessons, but will spare you, and offer five for your consideration.

Life lesson #1: Money, you might be surprised to find out, money is not for throwing from the back of trains. Save your money. Don’t gamble. But if you do gamble, don’t split your tens. And don’t waste time on Keno, it’s a 17% house-hold.

Life lesson #2: You must travel, far. St. Augustine tells us, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” In your travels you will eventually come to appreciate what Mark Russell discovered: “The rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.”

Always pack a change of underwear in your carry-on.

Life lesson #3: Read good books. The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.

Today’s literature is mostly about sex and not much about having children, whereas life is the other way around. And when you consider having children, remember this caveat from Martin Mull: “Having children is like having a bowling alley installed in your head.”

For life lesson #4 we can thank Marcus Aurelius: “Waste no time debating what a good man should be…be one.”

And as an addendum to life lesson #4 we can turn to Robert Frost: "You have freedom when you’re easy in your harness."

For those who aspire to go into acting, I offer life lesson #5 from George Burns: “Acting is about sincerity. If you can fake that you’ve got it made.” George used to call me on my birthday, God rest his beautiful soul. And I asked him the last time I spoke to him, “George, I understand you’re still going out with young women...why!?” He said, “Because their stories are shorter.”

Yes, on that note, I can hear William Hazlitt, an Essayist from the 1830’s, shouting these words to our graduates of today: “Look up, laugh loud, talk big, keep the color in your cheek and the fire in your eye, adorn your person, maintain your health, your beauty and your animal spirits.” 

Sierra Nevada College class of 2006: Have a good life — have a good time — and God’s speed.

— For more than 35 years, in more than 4,000 performances, columnist and Chautauquan McAvoy Layne has been dedicated to preserving the wit and wisdom of “The Wild Humorist of the Pacific Slope,” Mark Twain. As Layne puts it: “It’s like being a Monday through Friday preacher, whose sermon, though not reverently pious, is fervently American."

Go here for the spoken word version of this and other columns.

NDOW's wildfire rehab, restoration programs to be highlighted at Carson City Rotary meeting

Jeff Munson — Sun, 26 May 2024 22:34:31 +0000

Event Date:

May 28, 2024 - 12:00pm

By Denise Clodjeaux

Katie Andrle with the Nevada Department of Wildlife will be the guest speaker at the next Rotary Club of Carson City meeting. Andrle, who is NDOW’s Western Regional Habitat Division Supervisor, will discuss the agency’s wildfire rehabilitation and restoration programs and how they benefit wildlife.

The public is invited to attend the meeting which takes place Tuesday, May 28, at noon in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom, 449 West King Street, Carson City.

Andrle will also explain how the program is funded, the methods used to rehabilitate habitats after a wildfire, and the agencies pro-active efforts to reduce wildfires. She will also address NDOW’s goal to restore habitat to benefit all wildlife, including big game, upland game, sage-grouse, pygmy rabbit, and mule deer among other species.

Anyone interested in attending the meeting should email carsoncitynvrotary@gmail.com.

Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery in Carson City to celebrate 13th anniversary with party

Sun, 26 May 2024 20:32:52 +0000

by Jeffery Pace

Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery in Carson City is celebrating its 13th year in business and would like to say "thank you Carson City" by inviting the community to an anniversary party Saturday, June 1.

Music by "Stones Throw" will begin at 12 p.m., but the World Famous Sangria will start pouring at 10 a.m. with delicious cupcakes by "Dessert First Custom Cakes."

The yard will be filled with amazing local artists such as, Mixed Mood Candles, Wild Sierra Soaps, 2 Glassy Beaches, Nina Sattely with her Stain Glass, and Karen Barrenechea with her abstracts in oil.

Please mark your calendars now and join us as we celebrate 13 years in business. Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery is located at 405 N Nevada St, Carson City.

Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Dakota Cramer switches gears to achieve success

Jeff Munson — Sun, 26 May 2024 18:31:06 +0000

By Cary Jordan, Pioneer Academy Counselor

Character, gratitude, kindness, grit, determination and persistence aren’t qualities that are captured in Pioneer Academy’s four-point school grading scale, but if they were, the May Pioneer Academy Senior in the Spotlight would definitely be a 4.0.

When teachers and staff nominated senior Dakota Cramer, these were a few of the many characteristics that flowed from their descriptions of her. So, it is a pleasure to honor her with this recognition.

Dakota joined Pioneer as a ninth grader and has completed almost all of her coursework at Pioneer, with a short school stint done out of state. Coming out of middle school, Dakota said she lost her motivation and drive to be a great student.

She stated she did just enough to survive but didn’t do what was needed to thrive. That all changed a little over a year ago when she realized the importance of school and a different approach was necessary. When asked what made her switch her thinking, Dakota referenced a home visit her counselor made that showed her how much people cared about her success.

Hearing this message and receiving more daily reminders from her Pioneer teachers that “she matters,” Dakota made a decision to be a better student and gradually began to apply the skills to do so.

When asked what she felt was holding her back her first couple of years, Dakota said her lack of motivation and procrastination were the most difficult to work through. She was very appreciative of the Pioneer teachers who didn’t give up on her.

“They pushed me to meet my potential when I doubted what I could do,” she said. “They believed in me which helped me believe in myself.”

She continued to explain that with teachers like Mr. Echebarria, who made his English lessons relate to student’s lives, it helped her understand how important school was to help her develop in to the person she wanted to be.

Today Dakota is about to graduate and step out on a new adventure to continue school at Western Nevada College. She plans to get her associates degree, and then transfer to a university to study business and marketing or veterinary medicine. She said she has a passion to help animals in need but would like to possibly combine her interest of business and marketing in a future career.

Though she said she is a bit nervous and apprehensive about stepping out in the world, she said she feels prepared and ready to take on new experiences.

Pioneer has had the pleasure of working with Dakota for the majority of her four years of high school, and the teachers and staff witnessing her transformation are confident in her future. We are excited to see her take on her next adventure.

— All students named as a weekly Senior Spotlight are featured at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Carson City. The Rotary Club of Carson City is a vibrant and dedicated group of professionals and community leaders committed to making a positive impact. The club welcomes individuals who are passionate about service and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking and fellowship.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice: A Veteran's Reflection on Memorial Day

Jeff Munson — Sun, 26 May 2024 16:33:45 +0000

By Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering

As Memorial Day approaches, we take the time to reflect on the significance of this holiday and the sacrifices made by countless service members. One such veteran, Chuck Staley, offers a touching glimpse into his life and the traditions he upholds to honor those who have given their all for our freedom.

Chuck Staley's military journey began at the tender age of 17 when he joined the Army, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his country. Over his 20-year career, he became an integral part of the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in three major combat conflicts: Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Reflecting on his service, Chuck states, "It was my honor to serve. I would do it all over again if I had the chance."

The motivation to join the military was ingrained in Chuck from a young age. Growing up in the South, where patriotism was a cornerstone of his community, he was inspired by the images of the Vietnam War and the stories of soldiers who had made the ultimate sacrifice. "Watching the Vietnam War on TV when I was a kid and hearing about the soldiers who died overseas meant something to me," Chuck recalls. This early exposure solidified his resolve to contribute to his country's defense.

Memorial Day Traditions
For Chuck, Memorial Day is not just another holiday; it is a day steeped in personal and collective memory. Each year, he, his wife, and his son travel to Sacramento National Cemetery in Dixon, CA, to pay their respects to his stepfather-in-law, Tillman Jeffrey, a helicopter pilot. The family honors Tillman by carrying his uniform jacket, pouring his favorite Scotch on his headstone, and sharing fond memories. "We each take turns expressing our remembrances and saying his name because the most important thing is to keep his memory alive," Chuck explains.

This act of remembrance is not limited to his family. Chuck notes that the cemetery is filled with hundreds of people, all there to honor their lost loved ones. "It's a community event where everyone who lost someone in service comes together to remember. Even if you haven't lost someone, it's important to remember that the freedom we enjoy was paid for by those who made the ultimate sacrifice," he emphasizes. 

How to Celebrate and Honor Memorial Day
Chuck’s heartfelt traditions offer a guide for how we can all honor Memorial Day in a meaningful way. Here are some ways to celebrate and honor this important day, inspired by Chuck's practices:

Visit a Cemetery:
Like Chuck and his family, you can visit a local cemetery, especially those with veterans' graves. Participating in ceremonies or simply placing flowers and flags on graves is a powerful way to pay respect.

The American Legion: Sacred Places Database

Participate in Community Events:
Many communities hold Memorial Day parades and ceremonies. Joining these events helps foster a sense of unity and collective remembrance. Chuck describes how these gatherings bring hundreds of people together, all honoring their loved ones. 

Join us at Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City on the 24th of May at 4 p.m. for the placement of flags on the headstones of veterans.

We will meet in the middle of the cemetery and pass out bundles of flags. Flags are to be placed in the upper left corner of each headstone marked of a veteran, approximately 2 inches above the corner.

We will return on the 27th of May at 4 p.m. to remove the flags and return them to storage.

Location: Lone Mountain Cemetery, 1044 Beverly Dr, Carson City, NV 89706
Website: Carson.org
Contact: John Hefner
Phone: 775 720-6995
Email: csmjvh@Hotmail.com

Thank you to the staff at Lone Mountain Cemetery for allowing us to hold this remembrance. 

Share Memories and Stories:
Take time to share stories about the service members you know or have learned about. Chuck and his family reminisce about Tillman Jeffrey, ensuring his legacy continues. You can do this with family, friends, or through social media to spread awareness.

USAA: Poppy Wall of Honor

Support Veterans' Organizations:
Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion often organize Memorial Day activities and provide resources for honoring fallen soldiers. Volunteering or donating to these organizations can make a significant impact.

The American Legion: American Legion Family again at center of Memorial Day observances Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW): Ace Hardware Honors Fallen Heroes with 1 Million American Flags Donation.

Moment of Silence:
Incorporate a moment of silence into your day to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members. Chuck suggests that even during a barbecue or family gathering, taking a few minutes to acknowledge the fallen is a meaningful act of remembrance.

Educate Yourself and Others:
Use Memorial Day as an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the holiday. Share this knowledge with others, especially younger generations, to ensure the true meaning of the day is not lost.

Fly the Flag
Displaying the American flag is a simple yet powerful way to show respect and honor those who have served. Ensure the flag is in good condition and displayed according to proper flag etiquette.

Engage in Acts of Service:
Honor the spirit of service by engaging in community service or helping a veteran or military family in need. Acts of kindness and support can be a tribute to the selflessness of those who served.

A Message to All
In his closing thoughts, Chuck offers a powerful message: "Those people who are in the ground and are not with us any longer, we at least owe them that remembrance of their name or their act of service. It's about honoring their sacrifice and ensuring that their legacy lives on."

As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, let us take inspiration from Chuck Staley's heartfelt traditions and reflections. Let us remember the true cost of our freedom and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. Whether through participating in community events, visiting a cemetery, or simply taking a moment to say a silent prayer, each act of remembrance helps to keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive.

Carson City area road report for week of May 27 to June 2

Jeff Munson — Sun, 26 May 2024 16:05:15 +0000

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 27 to June 2, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

— 2nd Street between Carson Street and Curry Street will be closed to westbound traffic from April 8, 2024 to June 30, 2025 for construction.

Lane restrictions are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:
— Curry Street between Adams Street and Park Street will be reduced to a single lane from June 3, 2024, to June 14, 2024, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

— Pinto Court near Saliman Road will have shoulder work on Tuesday, from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

— William Street between Roop Street and Saliman Road will have shoulder work on the eastbound side of the street. The bike path will be closed and trucks will be entering and exiting the roadway from Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

— Winnie Lane between Mountain Street and Carson Street will have shoulder work on the South and Northside of Winnie Lane from Tuesday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Two arrested in Carson City shooting, victims flown to hospital

Jeff Munson — Sun, 26 May 2024 14:27:06 +0000

Two were arrested following a shooting that happened late Saturday night where two people were taken by air ambulance to the hospital, according to the Carson City Sheriff's Office.

The suspects arrested early Sunday morning and have been identified as Juan Martinez Jr., 22, and Jaquelinne Fuentes-Gomez, 24, of Carson City.

The condition of the victims is unknown at this time, however Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said the injuries were appear to have been non-life threatening.

The suspects were booked for two counts battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm, discharging firearm into an occupied structure, and two counts child endangerment with a deadly weapon, according to a sheriff's office in a news release.

Deputies were dispatched at around 10:20 p.m. Saturday to the 3400 block of Woodside Drive in east Carson City. Several callers alerted dispatch to a shooting that occurred in the area. Two victims were reported to be shot and in need of medical aid.

Deputies arrived and located two victims. They administered lifesaving aid and were flown by medical helicopter to Renown hospital in Reno. The suspect was reported to have fled the area with a female accomplice, still armed with a handgun, according to CCSO.

An "exhaustive search was conducted over the following several hours" according to the release. At around 2:30 a.m., members of the Carson City Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Team located the two suspects, hiding in a trailer, in the 3700 block of Reeves Street. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

The victims are not being identified, however, they are in stable condition. Both suspects are being held on $40,000 bond.

'Big Deal' exhibition that highlights gaming featured at WNC Carson City campus art gallery

Sun, 26 May 2024 13:10:38 +0000

by Sharon Rosse

Artist Joan Arrizabalaga celebrates Nevada’s gaming industry with her large embroidery and mixed-media slot machines in the "Big Deal" exhibition.

The Capital City Arts Initiative’s exhibit is in Western Nevada College’s Bristlecone Gallery, 2201 W College Parkway, Carson City. The show opened on May 15, 2024; the gallery is open to the public, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The artist’s reception will take place on Wednesday, June 26, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m; the artist’s introduction is at 5:30.

Arrizabalaga said, “My present work is concerned with games and gambling. I am interested in how people are involved with temptation, risk, and winning. Using certain symbols, talismans, and behaviors to realize our expectations fascinates to me. This activity is present in everyday life and seems to go well beyond the more straightforward casino world. Everything can be a gamble and I see the use of the magical world to gain success, help us win, or keep us safe. I also like all the mechanisms and paraphernalia concerned with gambling.

“’The roll of the dice’, ‘easy money’, ‘the luck of the draw’, ‘manna from Heaven’, and ‘dealer’s choice’ are all expressions that I use as metaphors in my art. I like the familiar faces of the playing cards for my characters because they are subconsciously recognizable even out of context. The Joker is very important. He has many parallels, like the trickster in Native American lore.

“I work with all kinds of materials depending on where the piece is leading me. I will start in a certain way and then allow the piece to evolve. Often it has a life of its own. I like to use classical references in unexpected and humorous ways and to juxtapose the old with the new. My homage to the Old Masters comes in part from their knowledge of what God looks like. Myths of all kinds, western and historical references, and personal experiences all blend together in my fascination for what we worship, our superstitions, and the search for luck.”

Joan Arrizabalaga has been creating and showing her art for over four decades. Arrizabalaga creates both sculptural pieces and flat work using clay, wood, metal, fabric, machine and hand embroidery, and found objects. Known for artwork about Nevada and the Casinos, she also makes use of common gaming materials such as felt, dice, and cards.

Arrizabalaga has participated in many group and one-person exhibitions at the regional and national levels, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada, and studied with Marguerite Wildenhain at Pond Farm Pottery, Guerneville, California. Living in London, England, for 3 years in the 1970s, she was much inspired by the life and times, glitter, glitz, and art of the British Rock and Roll world. As wardrobe mistress and dresser to the stars at Harrah’s Reno, Arrizabalaga got a closer view of the classic casino finding a great source for ideas. Her art can be seen in numerous private, corporate, and public collections.

Arrizabalaga has received the Nevada State Council on the Arts “Artist of the Year” award.

Josie Glassberg wrote the essay for the exhibition — available soon online and in the gallery. Glassberg is a freelance writer whose work has regularly appeared in Double Scoop Art News, the Reno News & Review, and Fibonacci magazine. She attended St. Olaf College for printmaking and enjoys writing about art in the West when she’s not busy with her main gig as a garden teacher.

Carlos Ramirez, a former Western Nevada College Latino Leadership Academy student, provided a Spanish translation of the show’s wall text.

Western Nevada College is a component of the Nevada System of Higher Education, with campuses in Carson City, Douglas County, and Fallon. CCAI is an artist-centered nonprofit organization committed to community engagement in contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, illustrated talks, arts education programs, artist residencies, and online activities.

The Initiative is funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, John and Grace Nauman Foundation, Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Kaplan Family Charitable Fund, Southwest Gas Corporation Foundation, Steele & Associates LLC, and CCAI sponsors and members.

For additional information, please visit CCAI’s website at www.ccainv.org.

Carson City Sheriff: Two shot at Woodside Drive residence

Jeff Munson — Sun, 26 May 2024 06:17:04 +0000

The Carson City Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that happened Saturday night in the 3400 block of Woodside Drive in which two people were injured.

An adult male and adult female suffered non-life threatening injuries in the shooting that happened at around 10:30 p.m. and were taken to the hospital, said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong. Following a search, two people were arrested for their suspected involvement in the shooting. They are identified as Juan Martinez Jr., 22, and Jaquelinne Fuentes-Gomez, 24, of Carson City. See latest update here.

Stewart Father's Day Powwow returns June 14

Sat, 25 May 2024 23:14:10 +0000

By Sarina Nez

The Annual Stewart Father's Day Powwow at the former Stewart Indian Boarding School Campus located at 5500 Snyder Ave in Carson City, returns June 14.

There will be over forty Native American arts and crafts as well as food vendors, competition and social dancing.

Festivities begin Friday June 14 at 6:30 pm and continue Saturday June 15 beginning at 9 am with a Stewart Alumni Brunch at the Stewart gym (Alumni please RSVP at snez@nic.nv.gov or 775-687-7605).

Grand Entry for the powwow is at 1 pm, with a dinner break from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.

On Sunday June 16 grand entry is at noon. We look forward to seeing you there!