Story time

Bike Month in Carson City always brings fun community activities, including the annual Celebrity Invitational Bike Ride. Strap on a helmet and join some of our town’s notables on a ride through the historic west side. Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery is holding a reception for Jean Kvam, whose oils, pastels, and pottery will be on prominent display. The Historical Societies in Dayton and Douglas County are hosting lectures this evening: you just have to decide between learning about the Nevada Women’s Project or artist Hans Mayer Kassel.

This week is just flying by and the weekend is just around the corner. Mothers’ Day is this Sunday and there will be plenty of ways to spoil Mom. A trip to Virginia City on the V & T Steam Train is always memorable. The annual RSVP Spring Celebration Carnival opens tomorrow in Mills Park.

It’s Bike Month in Carson City, and the ladies’ Tuesday bike ride up Ash Canyon has returned for the season. You’ll need a helmet and a trail-ready bike if you’d like to join in. A hike up Goni Road with Muscle Powered will be worth the views and a good work-out. Mile High Jazz Band has teamed up with vocalist Jakki Ford for this month’s performance; you’ll find them tonight at Living the Good Life. Learn more about how the internet affects our lives during the free presentation by Sierra Nevada Forums.

TUESDAY, May 8: Things to do in Carson City

Not a cloud in the sky, and yet we have been hit by a perfect storm: Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby Day, and the monthly wine walk have all collided. Let me tell you, downtown is going to be hopping, not to mention the Early Season Farmers Market making its seasonal debut in the parking lot at W. Musser and N. Nevada – just behind Due Sorella. Take the kids down to Bailys Pond at Fuji Park for the annual Tom Brooks Memorial Kids’ Fishing Day. A trip to the train museum comes with the opportunity to ride on the Historic McKeen Motor Car.

Oh, wow. May is starting off with a bang. Today is jam-packed with options for families, adults, and everyone in-between. The True Grit: Carson City Big Read kicked off yesterday, and today you’ll find the original 1969 version of the film playing at the Brewery Arts Center. The Children’s Museum hosts a Friday Fun Night with a True Grit Buckaroo Sing-a-long. Your options hardly end there. With live music, improv and comedy, theater, karaoke, and some pre-Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout Carson City and beyond, you’ll have plenty of reasons to hit the town.

You may have noticed a few blue porch lights in your neighborhood; it’s a way to offer support for our local law enforcement officers. Today, those who have lost their lives in the line of duty will be honored at the Law Enforcement Memorial on the Nevada Capitol grounds with a ceremony, presentation of the colors, and taps.

The Nursing program at Western Nevada College is one of the state’s best. Attend today’s informational meeting and walk away knowing everything you’ll need to do for a career in the medical field.

I’m ready for spring. My allergies don’t seem to be as enthusiastic, but I love watching our valley awaken from its gray winter slumber. Muscle Powered’s guided hikes are a great way to explore our town and learn about the many trails hidden in the hills. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club gets an extra-special visitor at tonight’s film viewing; STRAZZ, the Carson City Symphony’s Youth String Orchestra will be performing before ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ lights up the screen. Sandie LaNae and Arlene La Ferry are the featured authors at Browsers Corner Book Store this evening.

I may be dating myself, but I’ve got John Denver’s voice stuck in my head singing ‘Plant a tree for your tomorrow.’ It’s Arbor Day, so Mayor Bob Crowell will be doing just that, planting a tree in Mills Park. The kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater continue their successful run of Junie B. Jones at the Brewery Arts Center - it’s their final weekend, so don’t miss out. Maddie’s Adoption Days is a state-wide event trying to find forever homes for dogs and cats; you’ll find several local shelters and rescues participating in the free adoption days.

The Carson City Symphony’s Youth Strings Ensemble takes to the stage today for their spring concert, Music is for Life (Goes to the Movies), where you will hear them perform selected scores from our favorite cinema classics like James Bond and the Sound of Music. Teens can learn more about Geology during today’s STEM program at the Carson City Library, and those with a Sewing Certification can join in today’s workshop and walk away with a handy zippered bag.

It’s Denim Day in Nevada, which is just a way to show support for the survivors of sexual assault and bring awareness to the issue. Your early morning coffee might even come with a specially made heat sleeve in honor of the occasion. The Carson City Library is continually bringing something new to our community. Today, you can get certified to use their laser cutter and engraver in the new Maker Space, or you can get a dose of some international flavor. Their Diversity in Action program features Peruvian and Latin American Folkloric music, and is suitable for all ages.

The Senior Center recently hosted ‘Carson’s Got Talent,’ so they know the caliber of performers hidden in our midst. Auditions for their annual show, Senior Follies, continue this evening and are open to all ages. CCAI’s art exhibit in the Community Development Building on E. Proctor features work from several high school artists. Join them in celebrating this young talent at a reception tonight. The day should be gorgeous; a hike with Muscle Powered is the perfect way to embrace the spring.

‘Break a leg’ to the talented kids in Wild Horse Children’s Theater. Their newest production, ‘Junie B. Jones, Jr.' opens at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall tonight. The Reno Coin Club has returned to the Nevada State Museum for it’s annual National Coin Week celebration with lectures, demonstrations, and foreign coins for kids. It’s a BINGO kind of night. Dayton High School is raising funds for their Safe Grad Night with a huge raffle and plenty of family-friendly BINGO fun. Join the Carson Victory Rollers roller derby girls at Battle Born Social for a Friday Night BINGO Bash.

I’ve been lied to before, most often by my weather app on my cell phone, and yet, I still look to it for truth. If it's to believed, springtime arrives tomorrow. I think we are all ready for some warmer, sunny days. Western Nevada College is hosting a reception for the student artists whose work is now adorning their gallery walls, go take a gander. You’ll probably want to layer up if you join Muscle Powered on today’s hike from Ash Canyon to Kings Canyon. It might be a little chilly, but the views of our valley are worth it.

The international jewel that is Lake Tahoe is just a short trip up the hill. Save your gas money and head to the Carson City Library for a presentation on our beautiful lake and the diverse ecosystem that makes it special. Lending a hand to the Boys and Girls Club can be as easy as lunch or dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings; their annual Team Up for Kids Community Day raises funds for our local organization. Put some swing in that thing during Jazz Night at Living the Good Life, just get there in time for their delicious dinner menu.

Well, we won’t see any wet stuff today, but the clear skies could mean a nip to the air. You can join Muscle Powered for one of today’s two walks, but I won’t blame you if you’d prefer an indoor activity. Join the Carson Library for coloring night; they have plenty of pictures to choose from. Bobbie Ann Howell is at the center of today’s Artist Reception at the Nevada Arts Council. You’ll hear her discuss her exhibit ‘Vistas and Viewpoints.’ Head down to Pizza Factory to lend a hand to Mark Twain Elementary School: just make sure to mention you are there for the fundraiser.

Hold onto your hats, Carson City, we’re in for a busy weekend. Several events over the last few weeks were re-scheduled due to weather: today you’ll find the make-up for The Greenhouse Project's Early Spring Plant Sale and the Carson High Safe Grad 5K Run/Walk. Get your Roller Derby fix with a scrimmage and a Junior Victory Rollers bout against Santa Cruz. The Bob Boldrick Theater at the Community Center is where you’ll find ‘Carson’s Got Talent.' Cheer on your favorite local performer and help raise funds for the Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels Program. You’ll have to keep reading, this is just the tip of the fun-time iceberg.

You’re going to have some choices to make today. Just how much fun are you looking for, and what kind? Live music takes over at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, Bella Vita Bistro, Living the Good Life, and the Brewery Arts Center. Belly laughs can be found at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget on Fridays and Saturdays. A Father-daughter dance at the High School in Dayton is sure to thrill some little princesses.

Well, so much for spring. Stay warm today as the wind whips into town. It’s National Library Week, and the Carson City Library isn’t shirking its duties with the Lego Club, Story time, and a sewing class in its Makerspace all happening today. They have also brought in renown speaker, author, and innovator Milton Chen to lead a panel discussion on education inside of the Brewery Arts Center’s Performance Hall.

For the last several months, the Galaxy Theater has been playing a movie from yesteryear on Sundays and Wednesdays. This week’s ‘Flashback’ is the disco classic ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ in all its polyester glory. For those interested in a nursing career, Western Nevada College is hosting an informational meeting that will cover what can be expected for those enrolling in the educational program. Now that spring is more or less here, Carson City BMX is back on the track. You’ll find their races on Sunday mornings, but Wednesdays are for practice.

SILVER SPRINGS, Nev. – Fort Churchill State Historic Park is offering a variety of ranger-led programs during the month of April. Programs highlight the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.

Congratulations go out to the Mile High Jazz Band; they’ll be celebrating 17 years of monthly performances during tonight’s gig at Living the Good Life. If you’d like to learn more about drones, those little flying robots, then tonight’s installment of the Sierra Nevada Forum is for you. They’ll be covering the versatility of drones, and fully expect you to be surprised. Chili’s Restaurant welcomes Mother-son duos for a night of quality time. Super-hero costumes are encouraged, and bring a camera, Darth Vader will be there for pictures.

TUESDAY, April 10: Things to do in Carson City

With soggy weather here, some cancellations are inevitable. One thing you can count on, however, is the monthly Downtown Business Association’s wine walk; it’s a rain, shine, or blizzard event. Stay dry and well-fed with the Kiwanis annual BINGO Spaghetti Feed at the Carson Senior Center. The Brewery Arts Center hosts some pretty amazing vocalists for their newest fundraiser, ‘Evening with the Divas.’ Keep reading for even more Carson City, Carson Valley, and Dayton options.
SATURDAY:

Well, the expected rain didn’t show up overnight, but that doesn’t mean it’s not on its way. The brand-new Friday morning walk with Muscle Powered is weather permitting and will meet at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center instead of Fuji Park if it’s wet out. You’ll notice a sea of blue downtown after noon as the annual pinwheel planting for Child Abuse Awareness takes place; the community is welcomed to lend a hand. It’s aviation night at the Children’s Museum with paper airplanes and pilots on the agenda.

Break a leg, Carson High Drama. Tonight, is opening night for their spring musical, The Secret Garden. There’s something special going on at Carson High for our community members over 50: the annual Senior/senior Friendship Prom is free to attend and a great reason to dress to the nines. Sportsman’s Warehouse celebrates ‘Ladies Night’ with raffles, games, and giveaways. The Friends of the Carson City Library have invited local author Ron Bell to the Browsers Corner Book Store for a special meet and greet and book signing.

The annual Father-Daughter Ball at Carson High School is just days away. Tickets have been flying off the proverbial shelf, and you aren’t going to want to miss out. Go online HERE so that you and your best girl are ready for a night to remember. Karaoke at Caterpillars Hookah Lounge features the hosts from J and M Productions; with over 25,000 songs to choose from, you are bound to find the right tune for your mood.

A very happy Tuesday to you. The Classic Cinema Club is changing it up a little tonight. Their showing of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is going to begin an hour earlier than usual, due to its length. Don’t worry, though, the trivia portion will take place during intermission, instead of before the film. The Carson Valley Trails Association is hosting their annual meeting and social in the Douglas County Community Center. If you’re curious about exploring the hills south of Carson, this is the perfect place to learn more.

Happy Easter Carson City and surrounding towns. Most of today’s happenings are Easter related, with a spattering of reoccurring events. It's opening day for Carson City BMX. It's two-wheeled fun open to all ages, so go see what all the fuss is about. For the adult crowd, the annual Easter Party at Carson Cigar Co. is a relaxing way to avoid the sugar-addled kiddies. Read on for details of today's events.

SUNDAY:

We’ve got a beautiful spring weekend to enjoy. I’d like to make this easy on you: if you are only looking for Easter-related fun, you’ll find it all HERE in my list of everything Easter. Those events are also included in this list, but there is so much more going on. Take a hike with Muscle Powered, get down to some live music, or cheer on your favorite roller derby girl.

Easter weekend is just hours away. If you haven’t yet decided on an egg hunt or celebration, check out my list of everything Easter HERE; I’ve included events in Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton, and of course, the Virginia City Parade. Start today out with some Dutch Bros. coffee for a good cause.