Tahoe and the Three Bears - A True Tahoe Tale

This blog was written by Eydie Scher about her close encounter with a family of bears. Thanks Eydie.

Once upon a time in the year 2006, there were three bears, a momma bear, and two big brown bear cubs. Jordan, Alli, G-ma and their dog, Dazzy were walking back from Chambers Landing on the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

Suddenly, without warning, there was a bloodcurdling scream. It's G-ma. She spies two bears walking on top of a fence and one poking its head through the bottom. The bears were looking back at this strange screaming creature. “Stop G-ma!” yells Jordan. He and Alli grab her and back her up to safety. The three humans, the dog, and the three bears stare at each other. Jordan holds tight to Dazzy's leash.

Soon, more humans emerge on the scene. Alli, Jordan and G-ma are mesmerized by the antics of the 3 bears. Momma bear is on the dumpster foraging for food. We name her Big Bertha Bear. The cubs are Betsy and Benji bear. They playfully put on a show.

One thing is missing. Jordan, Alli and G-ma quickly walk home and return with a camera. Momma bear is walking the fence. Pictures are quickly snapped. Jordan, Alli and G-ma are very excited. Jordan and Alli have never seen bears up close and not in a zoo. They look so cuddly. The kids warn G-ma not to even think about it.

Later that afternoon, they are taking a walk around the block. Another scream. This time, the missing family member is spotted. Poppa bear is hanging out in the middle of the street. He eyes the humans suspiciously. He parades around nearby houses. He is named Bubba Bear because of his enormous size. His attention is locked on a huge raccoon. Ricky Raccoon is 3 feet long. He has those tell-tale circles around his eyes. Will they fight? They circle each other. Around and around they go. Cautiously, the humans watch. The raccoon slowly slinks away. But look! Bertha, Betsy and Benji are running towards Poppa Bear. The bear family is reunited, all four of them. Together they stalk away and disappear into the forest of trees.

Jordan, Alli and G-ma return home and take in the pumpkin that was on the porch. They love seeing the bears, but do not want them visiting in the house.

Nevada Day Parade

About 35,000 people stood or sat along Carson Street to watch horses, marching bands and politicians at the Nevada Day parade.
Good weather and the upcoming elections helped inspire a record turnout Saturday in Carson City, said Ron McKimmy, vice president of the Nevada Day board of directors.
"It's better than it has been in years past," 16-year-old Carson City resident Sara Peterson said. "The floats look like more time was spent on them."
Pageant queens from all over Nevada waved as they rode on the hoods and trunks of cars. Bagpipers serenaded crowds with Scottish tunes.
"The Burning Man entries were the hit of the parade," McKimmy said. "The steam-
powered Victorian house stole the show."
The two-story "Neverwas Haul," powered by a locomotive engine, was just one of the floats with ties to the annual celebration in the Black Rock Desert to be on desplay at the parade.
Cari "Diva-Licious" Lockett, the leader of Burning Man group Diva Den, said the number of Burning Man performers has increased all three years it has been a part of the parade.
"We've gone exponential," Lockett said. "It started with one art car and a dozen people. The next year, it was two cars and 24 people, and this year there are six art cars and approximately 70 people."
The parade was also a venue for people to promote their causes or passions, as was the case for the Sierra Nevada Llamas and Alpacas.
The proud owners led their animals down Carson Street to correct common misconceptions about llamas and alpacas.
"We get tired of hearing 'do they spit?' 'do they bite?'" said member Toni Pearce of Sierra Valley, Calif.
Owner of Carson Valley Alpacas Ellen Goldsmith, 59, of Gardnerville said the typically load-bearing animals make great pets. They can be house-broken and their fur can be spun into clothing. Pearce said she also uses the calm animals as therapy for residents of the Fountain Assisted Senior Living.
"It's a real tactile experience, and they get to tell their families the llama came to visit," Pearce said.

Club show pick: Cosmic Braincells at Abby's

The club: Abby's Highway 40, 424 E. Fourth St., 322-9422
Who's playing: Cosmic Braincells. Reno's consummate jam band, Paisley Braincells, make up the backbone of the reunited-for-a-night Cosmic Braincells. When Cosmic Freeway broke up in 1999, members of the long-running Paisley Braincells joined a couple of the Freeway members in a new band. By 2004, Cosmic Braincells had reverted back to Paisley Braincells (pictured), but for this free show, at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 27, those missing Cosmic members return.
What's flowing: The Big Lebowski (a white Russian with Effen cherry vodka); chocolate martinis with Van Gogh; on tap are Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams and Michelob, along with 69 bottled beers.
Also this week: Chalice on Oct. 28; Musicole on Nov. 3-4

Can't Stop, Won't Stop: Amazing DJ collaberation at Satellite

Two of Reno’s mightiest D.J.s collided into a mass hysteria of wild sounds and spins at Satellite cocktail bar and lounge on Saturday night. Although there was an uncomfortable chill outside, the heat from the fierce collaboration of Dj AFS and Fernie Fresh made the lounge too hot to handle.

The show started at 10 pm sharp and for more than two hours the duo went non-stop. The two popular Reno DJs treated the crowd to a special free show of a 2x4 DJ set featuring remixes of Cory Heart’s’ Sunglasses at night’, New Order’s ‘How does it feel?” and TV on the Radio’s ‘Staring at the Sun’

Dj AFS is Andrew Snow, a 2006 UNR graduate of the Nazir Business School who has been DJing in Reno for years. Originally from Las Vegas, Snow has always been fascinated by music. He’s known in Reno for spinning the most infectious remixes in bars like Satellite, Tonic and XOXO on Fridays nights, a funky bar on Wells Ave that opened earlier this year and has become incredibly successful. Snow was voted number 2 this year for the best Dj in Reno in the Reno News and Reviews best of 2006 just under EJ da DJ.

Fernie Fresh is Ernie Upton, DJ and member of Reno/Sacramento’s amazing hip-hop group Who Cares. Upton is wildly popular for his slick writing styles that constructs the powerful lyrics to his songs for Who Cares and his artist abilities featured on the walls of The Green Room bar and Record Street Café near the University. He’s famous for the adorable ‘sad bear’ that was created as the face of Who Cares.

It was inevitable that these two giants of music would collaborate to create an incredible fresh sound that was just what Reno needed. Their performance at Satellite on Saturday was nothing short of fantastic, but unfortunately the bland crowd at Satellite could only slightly shake their hips.

You could see it in their eyes that they wanted to dance, that the music was calling them but they failed to get funky. Only two, myself and my best friend took a turn on the dance floor while the rest stood around and sucked on their mojitos.

The hit of the night was when the duo played Africa Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force’s 1980s epic groundbreaker-‘Planet Rock’. Who else would play this historical piece of work but two greats who know what good music is. Of course once I left, a bunch of girls crowded the floor and started to dance, Snow told me early Sunday morning. Once folks get a few drinks in their system, the music hypnotizes them to the dance floor.

If you missed this awesome dance party don’t let it break your heart. Although it’s a rough night to go out, Monday’s at Tonic delivers DJ AFS and Fernie Fresh featuring Indie, down tempo and funk. Treat yourself and go see them, don’t forget to get your dance on.

Friday's to do list from RGJ

Here are some events posted from the RGJ update list:
Have a good weekend!

Michael Feinstein: The crooner performs at 8 p.m. today and Saturday in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $55, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300.
Poetry, Peace and Music: The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at Dreamer’s Coffee Shop, 17 S. Virginia St. Free. Details: Chris at 843-8026.

Kneebody: Adam Benjamin on keyboards, Shane Endsley on trumpet, Kaveh Rastegar on bass, Ben Wendel on saxophone and drummer Nate Wood perform jazz and hip hop at 9 p.m. today and Saturday at Moody’s Bistro & Lounge, 10007 Bridge St., Truckee. Free. Details: 530-587-8688 or www.moodysbistro.com.

Oktoberfest & Beer Tasting: The Al Gruber Band performs while attendees sample German desserts and ales, lagers, pilsners and stouts from 7 to 10 p.m. today at the Carson Valley Inn, 1627 U.S. 395, Minden. Cost: $49. Details: 783-6665 or www.cvinn.com.

Tahoe Forest Hospice Benefit: Featured speaker is John Muir historian Barbara Mossberg for this event with hors d’oeuvres and a dessert buffet at 5:30 p.m. today at the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn, 1920 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, Calif. Cost: $75 per person. Details: 530-582-3534.

Choosing Victory: World-champion sit-skier and gold medalist Candace Cable talks as part of disability awareness month at 7 p.m. today at the Western Nevada Community College, 2201 W. College Parkway, Carson City. Free. Details: 445-3275.

Nevada State Museum: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum at 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. today for the price of admission. Located at 600 N. Carson St., Carson City. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Cost: $5, $3 seniors, free for children 17 and younger. Details: 687-4810.

Nevada Singles Social Club: This group meets at 7 p.m. Fridays at Mo and Sluggo’s, 110 Telegraph St., Carson City. Open to all singles ages 40 and older. Free. Details: Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Nevada Singles Social Club, PO Box 6846, Gardnerville, NV, 89460 or e-mail Junette at nevadasingles@yahoo.com.

Duct Tape Wallets: In celebration of Teen Read Week, Turi Becker teaches how to make a wallet from duct tape from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today at the Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center St. Open to all teens. Free. Details: 327-8300.

Annual Pumpkin Carving Day: All ages are invited to carve pumpkins at 4 p.m. today at South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway. Bring medium sized, gutted pumpkin. Carving tools and patterns provided. Free. Details: 851-5190.

Armchair Travel: Receive information on travel in different countries at 2 p.m. today at South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway. Free. Details: Kathy at 851-5191.
Teen Party: A party for all who participated in Teen Read Week is at 3 p.m. today at Mendive Community Library, 1900 Whitewood Drive, Sparks. Free. Details: 353-5989.

Open Mic: Todd South hosts an open mic specializing in original music from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays at Walden’s Coffeehouse, 3940 Mayberry Drive. To perform, sign up at 6 p.m. Free. Details: 787-3307.

Reno-Sparks Mingling Singles: Professional, business and retired singles get together at a welcome party from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays at Amelia’s Restaurant, 655 S. Rock Blvd. Free. Details: Leola at 746-4904.

Senior Dance Club: The senior dance club hosts dances with a live band performing pre ’50s music from 8 to 10:45 p.m. Fridays at the Senior Citizens Center, Ninth and Sutro streets. Cost: $5 members, $6 all others. Details: Alma at 786-2301 or Merle at 747-1972.

Friday Storytimes: Storytime is featured at 3:30 p.m. Fridays at Duncan-Traner Community Library, 1650 Carville Drive. Free. Details: 333-5134.

Beginning Techniques for Argentine Tango: Learn this dance from 7 to 8 p.m., practice from 8 to 9 p.m. Fridays at Let’s Dance Studio, 1151 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks. Cost: $35 four-week class, $10 drop-in. Details: 351-1400 or www.LetsDanceReno.com.

This Weekend: DJ Dance party SPECTACULAR!

This guy is all over the place!

DJ AFS is a busy DJ these days in the Reno nightlife. Not only does he have a weekly set at XOXO on Friday nights with "Reno's Biggest Indie Dance Party". Every Friday, XOXO is packed with Reno's hip youth dancing up a storm to AFS's fabulous non stop hits.

DJ AFS is Andrew Snow, a graduate of the buisness school from UNR who has been DJing for years. He's wildly popular in the Reno nightlife scene for his outrages hits and mixes. He was even voted 2nd place for the best DJ in Reno on the Reno RN&R best of guide.

This Saturday is going to be insane, DJ AFS and Fernie Fresh (Ernie Upton of Who Cares) will deliver the hottest hits and wildest rhymes for their fabulous 2x4 DJ Set. Best of all no cover! It starts at 10 pm at Satellite bar and cocktail lounge at 188 California Avenue.

If you love music, and some wild and eccentric entertainment-you best be there!
photos by of Andrew (right) and Ernie (left)by Me, Alexis Gray

Grimes Castle provides thrills

Grimes Castle gates opened for the first time on Friday the thirteenth and by Saturday night nearly 1,000 people had walked, ran and screamed their way through 4,000 square feet of the horrific halls. The screams echoing through the Carson City building, Saturday, were as consistent and ear-piercing as one would hear at a wild rollercoaster ride.

Valerie Kelly moved from south Florida to Carson City to haunt Grimes Castle as Grand Witch, after hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma scared her out of her home. She said frightening Northern Nevadans has been well worth the move.

Two girls told Kelly at the entrance to the castle, Saturday night, that they weren’t afraid, but by the time they reached the end, they were hugging each other and screaming.

Theresa Kelly, Valerie Kelly’s mother, said she hasn’t had the guts to venture in to it.

“I’ve been here from the building of it, you would think I’d be brave enough to go through it,” Theresa Kelly said. “But after hearing the screams and seeing the white faces I haven’t worked up the courage.”

A cast of more than 30 volunteers douse themselves in blood, inflict fake wounds on each other and scream themselves horse for the sheer enjoyment of inflicting terror.

Michael Curtis has always adored Halloween. He’s volunteered in haunted houses and even constructed his own home haunt to scare the children in his neighborhood. But that hobby became too expensive for him so he said he’s delighted to volunteer for Grimes Castle as a grave robber.

“It’s almost like I feed off of their adrenaline rush, when I scare people and all of a sudden their adrenaline is pumping my adrenaline starts pumping -- it’s like a high that I get all through the night,” Curtis said.

For the Hogans, Halloween is a frightening family affair.

The Grimes Castle director and make-up artist, Dan Hogan, has worked as a Halloween fiend since he was a teen, He fondly remembers the time a news camera crew was following 46-year-old man and his two sons through a haunted house in southern California. Hogan was standing perfectly still in werewolf costume when the father walked up and said, “Oh look son, it’s fake.”

“I immediately went into character and he dropped to his knees screaming, ‘Mother of mercy, help me! Please don’t hurt me,’” Hogan said. “Then I scared him completely out of the haunted house and into the parking lot.”

The shrieking man abandoned his two children in the haunted house while Hogan and the news crew trailed him.

“That’ll stick with me forever,” Hogan said laughing.


His wife Bree Hogan said Halloween decorations fill their living room, kitchen and the front of the house this time of year. She said she once scared a high school football player into wetting his pants in front of his friends.

They’re passing the tradition on to their 5-year-old daughter McKenzie Hogan, who’s been outfitted with three gaping lesions to her head. She introduced herself with a hiss then a smile.
“Scaring someone is an art,” Dan Hogan said. “We won’t just scare you, we’ll mess you up for life.”

He said in designing a haunted house, there’s more to creating the ability to terrify, than just installing guts and gore. The Grimes Castle has a mythology involving mad scientists, experiments on clowns and ghost hauntings.

“It all depends on the room and how the victim was killed,” Dan Hogan said. “Some victims look better slashed. Some victims look better beaten.”

The Borrelli family came to enjoy the Halloween spirit.

“I like being scared,” Michelle Borrelli said.

“That’s why I come, to watch them run,” Glen Borrelli said of his wife Michelle and his daughter Megan.

They wandered through the castle of long, dark hallways, mad scientists’ laboratories and cemeteries to be bombarded with the insane ramblings of clowns and ghosts.

“No clowns!” Megan Borrelli said as she ran out of Grimes Castle

“Look at her – she’s shaking,” Michelle Borrelli said as her 12-year-old daughter Megan held out a trembling hand.

“She practically dragged us out of some of the rooms,” Glen Borrelli said. “I wanted to enjoy the scenery.”

“You just about broke our fingers,” Michelle Borrelli teased Megan while massaging feeling back into her hand.

Castle doors open at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays until Oct. 31.

More on the Web:
Visit their Web site.

Post a message for the castle dwellers at:
http://www.myspace.com/grimescastle

Video on the way:
Due to technical problems I haven't been able to produce the video that I shot. As soon as we resolve these difficulties, I'll post it well in time for Halloween.

Exciting explorations -- The way to Sierraville

Eydie Scher wrote this blog of her venture to see Tahoe's beautiful fall foliage . If you’d like to write about any trips of your own send it to me at klarsen@rgj.com and I’ll post here. Thanks Eydie.
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It's another perfect fall day in the Sierra. Fall foliage is dazzling. You've been to Tahoe and ingested its incomparable beauty. Did you ever wonder where route 89 North takes you? We live off of 89 south. The sign to Sierraville intrigued us.

I looked it up on the interent. Exactly 3 sites came up. Was it that small? Was it worth the trip, the gas, the being stopped by road work if it had no activities, nothing to see, to do, or even places to eat? We went anyway.

On the way off to Sierraville, we were stopped by roadwork. Since the guy stopping us had nothing to do, we chatted. What's there to do in Sierraville? Nothing, we were on a road to nothing.

Where was the Lake Region? I had heard about it. 45 more miles would take us there. We stopped at the Sierra Hot Springs Hotel. A small airport borders the property. We knew it was an airport since that's what the sign said. The Hotel was old world charming. Yes, we could partake of the springs for a fee of $12.00 per person. Clothing is optional. Um, we did bring bathing suits but hey, we're not prudes and will go with the flow. We didn't. Our dog was the determining factor. She wasn't allowed on the property, not even in our car. We left.

Our stomachs were growling. A passerby informed us there were not eats on the way to the Lakes. A sign said “Dead Man's Curses” ahead. Although pretty, the curves kept coming. For 15 miles, the road lived up to its title. Don't try this during the winter! Dazzy was not pleased. Finally, a sign pointed to Lakes Road. An old rest stop complete with a general store and a diner like restaurant looked inviting. Wow, the food was fantastic. The ice cream sundaes, and malteds looked even better. The place had one waitress, one cook and one register person for the general store. The waitress gave us info on the lakes and the best ones to stop at. We vowed to stop again on the return trip.

After sharing the fries with our dog, we headed for our first lake. There are 15 so the waitress's friendly advice was most helpful. Salmon Lake is probably the most beautiful in terms of scenery. Islands dot the center. Gold Lake is the largest in the chain. Boating is restricted to small boats. Ha, there would be no way to trail our 26' boat up this way. Boaters were out fishing. Trout are supposed to be the premier fish. Hiking trails are everywhere.

The Sierra County Visitors Guide lists all the hikes and lakes and yes, all the interesting stuff to do. We picked it up at the restaurant, not before. It also lists historic buildings and just about anything you need to know about the area. It maps it all out. Contact the Sierra Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-200-4949 for the booklet.

Continuing on the Lakes road links you up with Route 89. We took that back since there are no dead man's curses on it though we missed our return date to the diner. Out in the middle of nowhere, on our way back to Sierraville, we passed a large estate development complete with golf course. We hope it had a shopping center inside since there were none on Route 89. Don't these people have to eat? One cannot live by golf alone or maybe they can. We surmise they must be 2nd homes. What would they do during the winter? Ski areas are not in abundance up there.

A town called Sattley whizzed by. It had 350 inhabitants. I wonder if that included the horses.

We didn't stop in Sierraville and continued south on Route 89. We met the same work crews. We reached Truckee. It is a bustling city in comparison to anything we saw today. It was a nice trip. The Sierra is so diverse. We appreciate the magnitude of this vast mountain area. It's worth the trip. Be sure and have lunch at that place in Bassetts, just before turning onto Lake Road. Say hello for us.

We've been to this one before and you probably have also. It is the hike up to Eagle Lake above Emerald Bay. Surprisingly, it was fairly crowded. It was a perfect choice on another gorgeous fall day in Tahoe. The last time we did the hike was in early July. The falls were gushing. This time, it was pretty quiet. The water looked calm enough to swim in. We kept climbing the 1_ miles to Eagle Lake. Dazzy does it 3 miles. She runs up and back.

Wow, another picture postcard stared us in the face. The lake mirrored the reflection of fall colors. If you go, do it soon. Hiking down in snow is not for us. We are at that stage of life when we don't want to break anything. It takes too long to heal. But we plan to ski again this winter and yes, the shovels are waiting!

What's happening this Friday

Now that we're past the hump day -- Wednesday -- and getting closer to the weekend I'm posting this list to help you get started on your weekend a little early. So enjoy.

Argenta: This musical trio features John Lenz, Phillip Ruder and James Winn in concert at 8 p.m. Oct. 13 in Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. Cost: $13, $8 university students, seniors and children. Details: 784-4278.

Govt. Mule: The roots-rockers perform with opening act Donavon Frankenreiter at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Grand Sierra (formerly Reno Hilton) amphitheater. Cost: Tickets are $29.50, available at the Grand and Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.com at 10 a.m. Aug. 19. Details: 789-2000.

“I’m Sorry the Bridge is Out, You’ll Have to Spend the Night”: Carson Performing Arts presents the Capitol Stars in a musical that features Dr. Frankenstein, Count Dracula, the Wolfman and the Mummy at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Carson Community Center, 851 William St., Carson City. Cost: $9, $8 seniors and $7 for children. Details: 887-2290.

“Real Magic”: Kalin and Jinger perform illusions at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays at the Magic Underground at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Cost: Friday and Saturday $25.95, $20.95 seniors and students, $15.95 children 12 and younger. Sunday $19.95, $14.95 seniors and students, and $9.95 children. Details: 324-6007 or renomagic.com.

“Baja Princess”: This musical comedy takes the stage at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 13-14 at the Off Broadstreet Theater, 305 Commercial St., Nevada City, Calif. Cost: $19-$23. Details: 530-265-8686.

“A Night of Spirits”: The Muscular Dystrophy Association for Northern Nevada sponsors this fund-raiser that features a masquerade ball with dancing and food beginning at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Tannenbaum Event Center, 2007 Mount Rose Highway. Cost: $50 per person, table for eight is $600. Details: 333-6789.

Music and Magic: This benefit for the Shakespeare Animal Fund features strolling musicians, a chocolate fountain, appetizers, champagne and a silent auction from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Circus Circus Ballroom, 500 N. Sierra St. Cost: $35 per person or $60 for two. Details: 342-7040.

Mark Twain Chautauqua Performance: McAvoy Lane appears as the former writer for the Territorial Enterprise newspaper in Virginia City at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Western Nevada Community College’s Virgil Getto Hall, 160 Campus Way, Fallon. Free. Details: 423-8330.

Adult Dodgeball League: Resister through October 13. Teams consist of 6-10 players for the six week season open to both men and women. Games are held on Sunday nights Oct. 22 to Dec. 3 at the Sparks Recreation Gym, 98 Richards Way, Sparks. Cost: $150 per team. Details: Tony of Sparks Parks & Rec at 353-2376.

Enneagram workshop: Julius Rogina, Ph.D. and Ken Schaeffer, M.A., M.F.T. will present a workshop on the Enneagram Oct. 13-14 at Galilee Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The Enneagram identifies nine different personality types and how we interact with the world. The workshop will focus on opening yourself to greater inner freedom. Cost: $200. Details: 787-8062 or email kschaeffer@rsar.net.

Friday Storytimes: Storytime is featured at 3:30 p.m. each Friday at Duncan-Traner Community Library, 1650 Carville Drive, Reno. All ages welcome. Free. Details: 333-5134.

Nevada Singles Social Club: This group meets at 7 p.m. every Friday at Mo and Sluggo’s, 110 Telegraph St., Carson City. Open to all singles ages 40 and older. Free. Details: Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Nevada Singles Social Club, PO Box 6846, Gardnerville, NV, 89460 or e-mail Junette at nevadasingles@yahoo.com.

Entertainment Discount Book: The 2007 coupon book that offers two-for-one discounts on restaurants, shops, travel, sports and family activities in the Reno, Lake Tahoe, Sparks and Carson City areas is on sale to benefit the Temple Emanu-El. Cost: $25. Details: Estelle at 746-5305 or Linda at 825-5600.

Western Nevada Community College Gallery: “Ceramics at WNCC” features clay sculptures and functional pottery in a reception from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 18 and showing Oct. 9 through Nov. 9. A reception for oil painter Raymond Craig Whitehill takes place from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 18 for the exhibit “From Subdivision to Perididdle” that shows Oct. 16 through Nov. 9. Located in the Bristlecone Building on the Carson City campus, 2201 W. College Parkway. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Details: 445-3238.

Open Mic: Todd South hosts an open mic specializing in original music from 7-10 p.m. each Friday at Walden’s Coffeehouse, 3940 Mayberry Drive. Those who would like to perform need to sign up at 6 p.m. On Saturdays local and touring musical acts perform from 7-10 p.m. Free. Details: 787-3307.

Reno-Sparks Mingling Singles: Professional, business and retired singles get together to meet other singles and for some fun events held locally. A welcome party takes place from 6-10 p.m. each Friday at Amelia’s Restaurant, 655 S. Rock Blvd. Free. Details: Leola at 746-4904.
Silver Dollar Chorus: All men who love to sing are invited to join the chorus. Rehearsals are at 7 p.m. each Thursday at Classic Residence by Hyatt, 3201 Plumas St. Free. Details: Norm at 747-5452 or Art at 424-3357.

4-H Guinea Pig Club: The new 4-H club meets from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Douglas County Coorperative Extension office, 1329 Waterloo in Gardnerville. The club is open to youth of all ages. You do not need to own an animal to join. Details: (775) 784-4848.

Vintage Wine Shop: Has more than 50 wines open and available for tasting at 6135 Lakeside Drive. Every Friday from 5-7 p.m. taste eight different wines for half off the normal price of a tasting. Serving complimentary Truckee sourdough bread with artisanal cheeses. Cost: 69 cents to $15 per wine pour. Details: 824-9463.

Senior Dance Club: The senior dance club hosts dances with a live band performing pre ’50s music from 8-10:45 p.m. each Friday at the Senior Citizens Center, Ninth and Sutro streets. All persons, couples and singles ages 55 and older are welcome. Cost: $5 members, $6 all others. Details: Alma at 786-2301 or Merle at 747-1972.

Beginning Techniques for Argentine Tango: Learn this dance from 7-8 p.m. then practice dancing from 8-9 p.m. each Friday at Let’s Dance Studio, 1151 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks. Cost: $35 four-week class, $10 drop in. Details: 351-1400 or www.LetsDanceReno.com.

Narcotics Anonymous Groups: There are no dues or fees for membership. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs. Call for meeting information. Details: 883-5110 or 322-4811 or www.na.org.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Caregiver Support: A support group for Alzheimer’s/dementia family caregivers meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the second Friday each month at the Sparks Senior Center, 97 Richards Way, Sparks. Details: Alzheimer’s Association at 786-8061.

f-1.4 Camera group: Club members are willing to train anyone who is interested in photography regardless of their skill level at no charge except minimal annual dues. Details: Bob at 331-9006 or in the Fernley area Jack at 575-6210.

TOMORROW
Bill Engvall: The blue-collar comedian performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall. Cost: Tickets are $35, $45 and $55, available through Ticketmaster outlets and the Silver Legacy, www.silverlegacy.com. Details: 325-7401 or (800) 687-8733.

Raw Live: WWE matches include John Cena vs. Edge, Triple H vs. Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy vs. Nitro beginning at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Lawlor Events Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Cost: $22-$62. Details: 784-4444.

Ricky Nelson Remembered: Matthew and Gunnar Nelson perform a tribute to their father at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline. Cost: $27.50. Details: 800-427-7247.

In Memory of Rachel Corrie: Narrator Priscilla Barton-Wu and actor Meredith Richardson perform a tribute to the life of this Israeli singer at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the First United Methodist Church, 209 W. First St. Free admission with donations accepted on behalf of the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice. Free. Details: 324-4198 or www.nevada-shakespeare.org.

Donner Party History: A gathering of Donner Party historians, descendants and history buffs discuss the question of cannibalism beginning with a breakfast meeting at 8 a.m. followed by a seminar from 3-5 p.m. with a banquet at 6 p.m. Oct. 14, a brunch takes place at 9 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Boomtown Casino, Interstate 80 and Garson Road, Verdi. Cost: $20 seminar only, all meetings $99. Details: Frankye at 747-1139.

Fall Fest Craft Fair: This event includes a large selection of jewelry, beadwork, crafts, foods and baked goods for sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14-15 at the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gymnasium, 34 Reservation Road. There will also be a raffle. Free. Details: Ramona at 425-3561.

Flights for Kids: The Truckee Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association offers children ages 8-17 free rides for those that never flown in general aviation aircraft to register between 8-8:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at the Truckee Tahoe Airport, 10356 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, Calif. Pancake breakfasts are also available and open to the public. Details: 530-587-4811.

Psychic Fair: Attend free workshops with experts in intuitive and mystic arts from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 and 9:30 a.m. 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. Also featuring raffles for readings, shopping spree or crystals taking place as well as entertainment. Cost: $35 at the door or $27 in advance at www.vickiegay.com or Mystic Rose, 20 Hillcrest Drive. Early admission before 11 a.m. is two tickets for $10. Details: 324-2872.

Civil War Era at the Mansion: Take a tour of the mansion to learn about the life and times of folks during the Civil War from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Bowers Mansion, 4005 Old U.S. 395 N., Washoe Valley. Complete with music from that era performed in the parlor. Cost: $5, $4 seniors, $3 children ages 16 and younger. Details: 849-1825.

Wilbur D. May Museum and Arboretum: Learn how to make paper from fall leaves in this free papermaking workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 14. “Wild Women, The Works of Their Hands” exhibit features an artists demonstration day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 7 and a reception from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 27 with a sale happening Oct. 27-29 for this exhibit on display through Oct. 29. Located in the Rancho San Rafael Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Cost: $6.50, $5.50 children ages 3-12. Details: 785-5961.

Run 4 Recovery: A two-mile fun run and walk, plus a 10K begin with registration from 7:30-8:15 a.m. Oct. 14 with the races at 8:30 a.m. at the Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks. Register online at www.active.com or in person on race day. Bristlecone Family Resources sponsors this benefit for community programs for addiction and substance abuse. Cost: $25. Details: Tracy at 544-8479.

Art Reception for Numan: Lovers of bronze sculptures or art in general are invited to a reception for Numan in the John Ben Snow Gallery at 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway. Free. Details: 851-5190.

East Fork Gallery: A reception takes place for woodworker Frank Temple from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 14. Each piece of this collection is finished to museum quality, signed and numbered. The gallery features paintings, porcelain, pottery, photography, graphics and seasonal gifts. Located at 1503 U.S. 395 North, Suite K in Gardnerville. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Details: 782-7629.

Disaster Creek: Explore the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness on Oct. 14 with the Sierra Club on this moderately strenuous 14-mile hike with a 1,500-foot gain. Learn about the disaster and how to overcome it. Free. Details: Ridge at 853-8055 or Dan at 883-4151.

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Literary Basket: Friends of Washoe County Library present a live auction conducted by Cory Farley and also a silent auction to benefit libraries throughout the county at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Highway, Sparks. Tickets available at all Washoe County Libraries. Cost: $10. Details: 972-4328.

SCORE Seminar, Planning & Financing Your Business for Success: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Ansari Business Building, room 101, University of Nevada, Reno. The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is sponsoring a full day seminar presented by professional experts. Lunch included. Cost: $50. Details: 784-4436 or www.score-reno.org.


COMING UP
World Music Concert: The Foundation Orchestra performs international symphonic selections with a gala reception at 6 p.m. followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Eldorado Convention Center, 345 N. Virginia St. Also featuring The Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band, soprano soloist Lynn Rubel, recorder soloist Bruce Kanzelmeyer and traditional Japanese dancer Miyuki Okayama. Cost: $30, $20 FOA members, seniors and students. Details: 348-1818.

Buckland Station: The Sierra Club sets out for a 7-mile hike on Oct. 15 from Historic Buckland Station going downstream along the lower Carson River to view riparian habitat. Return on segment of Pony Express Trail route. Learn some history of the area. Free. Details: T.A. at 530-2935.

Tahoe Rim Trail Associations: Certified guides from this group offer a 9-mile hike to Marlette Lake on Oct. 15, contact John Lusk at 831-0503. Free. Details: Tahoe Rim Trail Association at 298-0012 or www.tahoerimtrail.org.

Relay Peak Past Waterfall: Climb the peak at 10,400 feet above sea level on Oct. 15 with the Sierra Club. Visiting the rocky waterfall within view of majestic Mount Rose on this 10-mile hike with a 1,900-foot gain. Free. Details: Gary at 746-0771.

Huevos Rancheros Ride: Join the Procrastinating Pedalers on Oct. 15 for this family ride along the Truckee River Bike Path that includes breakfast at the Alamo Truck Stop in Sparks. The ride is suitable for road and mountain bikes and children are welcome. Free. Details: Glee at 323-0696 or Sue at 323-8887 or www.pedalers.org.

“Clickets” Knitting Group: Learn how to knit by instructor Jan Peters from 1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Highway. All ages welcome. Free. Details: 424-1800.
Teen Internet Scene: As part of Teen Read Week, learn about community Internet sites and share favorite Internet hangouts at 3 p.m. Oct. 16 at Mendive Community Library, 1900 Whitewood Drive, Sparks. Free. Details: 353-5989.

Finding Information on the Internet: Those with some Internet experience can learn further practical searching techniques from 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Internet Branch Library, 301 S. Center St. For adults. Free. Details: 424-1800.

Queensryche: The progressive-rock band plays at 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St. Cost: Tickets are $35, available at the Hilton and Ticketmaster outlets. Details: 789-2000.

University Jazz Big Band: Talented jazz students perform favorite selections under the direction of Andrew Heglund at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Nightingale Concert Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno. Free. Details: 784-4278.

Job Fair for Teens: A person in a specialty career presents what it takes to enter that career at 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway. Call for the featured career. Free. Details: Brent at 851-5191.

Outdoor Teen Sports Tournament: As part of Teen Read Week, this friendly competition features basketball, football, soccer, track and more at 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at Mendive Community Library, 1900 Whitewood Drive, Sparks. All teens are invited to play. Free. Details: 353-5989.

Family Fun at Northwest Library: Join Scott Marshall & In-Tune Tales for spooky songs and stories at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Northwest Reno Library, 2325 Robb Drive. Free. Details: 787-4100.
Dark Star Orchestra: The Grateful Dead tribute band plays at 9 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Crystal Bay Club in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of show. Details: 833-6333.

Teen Drawing Contest: As part of Teen Read Week, show your artistic skills at 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at Mendive Community Library, 1900 Whitewood Drive, Sparks. Prizes awarded in several different categories. Free. Details: 353-5989.

Voter Forum: The American Association of University Women and League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada and the Nevada Women’s Lobby present a ballot issues discussion from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 19 at Reed High School, 1350 Baring Blvd., Sparks. Free. Details: Byllie at 327-4856.
Michael Feinstein: The standards crooner performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 20-21 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Cost: Tickets are $55, available at the Nugget, Tickets.com outlets or 800-648-1177. Details: 356-3300.

Tahoe Forest Hospice Benefit: Featured speaker is John Muir historian Barbara Mossberg for this event with hors d’oeuvres and a dessert buffet starting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn, 1920 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, Calif. Cost: $75 per person. Details: 530-582-3534.

Easy Star All Stars in Tahoe!

If you might have noticed, I put together a rather colorful blog about the River Roots Reggae festival a few weeks ago and created my own little top five list of MUST hear Reggae albums. Two that I included in my list were Radiodread and Dub side of the Moon by the Easy Star All Stars. I ranted and raved about how hip and imaginative the albums were and how much I loved them.


GUESS WHAT?

The Easy Star All Stars will grace the stage in Tahoe on Monday October 16th!! They'll be playing at the Tahoe Biltmore in Crystal Bay, tickets are $15 dollars in advance and available at Recycled Records, Mad About Music Tahoe locations and renegadeshows.com. For more Details call: 530-583-2801.

This show should be excellent, you don't have to be a hardcore Reggae fan to like them. I'm not and I love them!! Take a listen on their website, or read the article by Mark Earnest and watch a video of their performance!

Jam band calendar

Steve Holzer regularly gathers a list of his favorite bands playing in the area and I've been fortunate enough to land on his email update list. For those who find jam bands sublime, this is a calendar to check out. According to his blog, he's seen about 1100 bands, 2000 shows and 2130 films; been to 45 hot springs, many brew pubs and hiked everywhere in northern California. He also takes fabulous photos of these events as you can see at his Web site. I'm just passing on the knowledge. Thanks Steve.

Steve's events:

Hi there again!

Hope you're doing well & had a great weekend! Woe to everyone who missed the North Mississippi Allstars & Frame of Mind utterly kick ass at the Crystal Bay Casino! Sorry to send another update so soon, but 2 rather worthwhile upcoming shows in the next 2 weeks were announced after I sent the last one.

In an unfortunate battle of benefit shows on Sunday, Oct. 15, the second Reno to Africa Benefit will be at noon at the UNR Manzanita Bowl at 9th & Virginia. For 6 hours of great bands (listed below in order of when they're playing) it's only $5, including food. ALL proceeds go to feed starving Malawis & other Africans. The first benefit was lots of fun, it's supposed to be 71 & sunny & there'll be a drum circle afterwards.

Old School Freight Train has also been added on Oct. 26 at 10 p.m. at the Crystal Bay Casino Lounge. They're an excellent bluegrass band that backed David Grisman in Reno last year & it's FREE!!

Also, don't miss Blue Turtle Seduction at Ciao (7111 S. Virginia) after Mule on Friday! They're starting late & will end real late.

• Oct 13 2006 8:00 p.m. -- GOV'T MULE & DONAVON FRANKENREITER @ RENO HILTON THEATRE

• Oct 13 2006 9:00 p.m. -- BLUE TURTLE SEDUCTION & FRAME OF MIND @ CIAO RENO - $7 (?)
  

• Oct 14 2006 10:00 p.m. -- MISSION PLAYERS @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
  

• Oct 15 2006 12:00 a.m. -- LA MOSCA/DRINKING W/ CLOWNS/OUCH MY TOE/PUFFERBILLY/KEYSER SOZE/JAHZILLA RENO TO AFRICA BENEFIT @ UNR MANZANITA BOWL - $5 incl. food
  

• Oct 15 2006 1:00 p.m. -- FRAME OF MIND/SOL JIBE BENEFIT FOR JOAQUIN CRUZ @ GREAT BASIN BREWERY - $10
  

• Oct 18 2006 10:00 p.m. -- DARK STAR ORCHESTRA @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $25 adv/$30 DOS
  

• Oct 21 2006 9:00 p.m. -- REBIRTH BRASS BAND & LONDON STREET @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $12/$15
  

• Oct 24 2006 10:00 p.m. -- PERPETUAL GROOVE @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
  

• Oct 26 2006 10:00 p.m. -- OLD SCHOOL FREIGHT TRAIN @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
  

• Oct 27 2006 9:00 p.m. --TISHAMINGO & HELLBOUND GLORY @ CRYSTAL BAY CLUB $10 ADV/$12 DOS
  

• Oct 27 2006 9:15 p.m. -- BLUE TURTLE SEDUCTION/TRACORUM/TRESPASSERS @ EVERGREEN LODGE
  

• Oct 28 2006 5:30 p.m. -- BLUE TURTLE/TRACORUM/TRESPASSERS/ADAM BURNS @ EVERGREEN LODGE - $15
  

• Oct 28 2006 9:00 p.m. -- FRAME OF MIND @ GREAT BASIN BREWERY - $10
  

• Oct 31 2006 10:00 p.m. -- ERIC MCFADDEN TRIO @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
  

• Nov 3 2006 9:00 p.m. -- JOHNNY WINTER & SHANE DWIGHT BAND @ CRYSTAL BAY CLUB - $25 adv/$27 DOS
  

• Nov 4 2006 9:00 p.m. -- JOHN POPPER PROJECT @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $25/$30
  

• Nov 24 2006 8:00 p.m. -- GREGG ALLMAN @ RENO HILTON THEATRE
  

• Dec 1 2006 10:00 p.m. -- ON THE ONE @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
  

• Dec 9 2006 10:00 p.m. -- MOONSHINE STILL @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - FREE!!
  

• Dec 10 2006 9:00 p.m. -- STANTON MOORE TRIO & THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS @ CRYSTAL BAY CASINO - $17/$20
  

Lastly, I added my pix of moe. @ Montbleu; Garaj Mahal, Dirty Dozen, Absynth, Jeff Jones, On the One @ the Squaw Funk Fest; & Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes @ Whiskey Dicks to http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h183/wowfotografix/. I hope to post pix of Jeff Beck, the Duo, Dr. John, Mission Players, English Beat, Tony Furtado, Sam Bush & Rusty Strings by this Thursday night. For newbies, please also check out http://wowfotografix.blogspot.com/, which has hundreds of pre-May pix.

Have a great week & I hope to see you at Mule & BTS on Friday!

Peace, love & hippieness,

Steve

Kenya in Pictures

On Tuesday evening at Sundance Bookstore, Reno Gazette Journal Photographer Candice Towell presented her breath taking photos of her month long stay in two Kenyan villages. As written by Kristin Larsen in a previous blog, Lifewater International, the Maasai American Organization, and International Development Missions recruited Towell to document the remote villages in southwest Kenya. She stayed in two distinct villages: Rabondo and Megwarra.

Her slide show had a huge turnout, not enough chairs were available for the curious viewers. Candice brought photo prints for sale along with hundreds of beautiful hand made jewelry and art from the Luo tribe of Rabondo and the Maasai of Megwarra. All proceeds for the jewelry and pictures went towards a fundraiser to help the communities with social skills, clean water, technology, and educating the young girls.

Candice was in Kenya for over a month, taking pictures and practically living and breathing the culture and lifestyle of these remarkable people.

The Rabondo Community project was founded by Timon Bondo, known as "“the Godfather of Rabondo".
Timon has dedicated his life to helping Rabondo by bringing higher quality of education. He left Rabondo in the mid 1960s in search for a better life but returned years later to help his home village. He returns 60 days out of the year to hold meetings and progressively better the community.

Here'’s an excert from Candice'’s story:

"Today he (Timon) resides in Minneapolis, and in 1996 he became a U.S. citizen. About 10 years after settling into the comforts of the American lifestyle, he made a return trip to Rabondo.

"“I had let myself think that things would be better" he said, “but they were in terrible shape and I thought I cannot leave this as it is." He didn'’t. He returns at least once a year.

In 1998, he founded the Rabondo Community Project. He raised $150,000 and used most of it to build a secondary school. The students and faculty named the school St. Timon'’s Secondary School in honor of him. It opened two years ago and is the nicest building in the village, even though it lacks doors, glass in the windows, electricity, water and plumbing.

Prior to Timon’s help, Rabondo residents didn’t go to secondary school because there wasn't one."

Candice's pictures are heart warming as well as heart breaking. She visited the schools that were illuminated only by the light outside. The children were eager to learn; the girls all sat in the front remaining completely quite. Candice said that the girls were less educated than the boys but sat in the desperately wanting to learn.

She visited the village's dispensary where many pregnant women and other sick patients lay waiting for help. Babies died quite often from malnutrition and many more from tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS. Many have blisters near their mouths due to HIV. Many of the children had small growth of red hair on top of their brown and black curls and bloated bellies resulting from malnutrition. The eyes of the elderly were turning blue from glaucoma. There is no doctor in Rabondo, only volunteers.

Although it is not easy to give money to individuals in the villages because hundreds more will beg, Candice does help out one thirteen-year-old boy in particular Kenedy. Kenedy, according to Candice, was a sweet boy who followed her and her group around. Unfortunately he suffers from epilepsy and has about 4 seizures a day, sometimes up to 30 minutes each.

From Candice's story:
"Kenedy’s family cannot afford the medication he needs because a month’s supply costs $25 — about twice the average monthly income in Rabondo. And he can’t attend school because the floors are cement and the risk of head injury is too great.

So he spends his days helping his mother in the field and around the home. His older brother, Danish, 17, attends St. Timon’s Secondary School and teaches Kenedy new things he has learned."

Candice felt so much for this boy that she actually pays for his medication. He is currently doing much better thanks to her efforts.

There is so much more from her amazing story and you can read her award winning story here at RGJ.com
Her efforts have influence me to want to travel to Kenya maybe this summer and do my part as well. I have always been fascinated with Africa and I think it would be good for me to help them as much as I can.

Please visit Candice's photo gallery for more pictures of Robondo and other fantasic photos.

"I think of the people often and worry about their future. But through all of the suffering I witnessed, there was hope. The hope is rooted in the idea that — in this village at least — good souls are slowly, steadily progressing through education and good will."
-Candice Towell


More Links from Kristin's blog:

Her photographs have been published by numerous publications including World News and U.S. News, and Stern Magazine. She has earned regional and national awards. See Towell’s photographs and learn more about Rabondo in the premiere issue of NEED magazine this October: www.needmagazine.com

For more information about Candice Towell visit: www.ctowellphotos.com

Or read her award-winning photo essay, Inside Rabondo, on the web: www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2004/05/15/70860.php

For more information about the NGOs, Rabondo and Megwarra visit: www.rabondocommunity.org, www.maasaiamerican.org, www.lifewater.org or www.intdevmissions.org

Video: Reno Fashion Show

Models strutted and sashayed down the runways of Reno for a good cause. This fashion show had a higher purpose other than elevating the high heel or this year’s fashion accessories. Hair was piled high, ratted, curled and gelled to raise money to help families pay for their children’s cancer treatment. So raise a Champaign glass and an eyebrow to salute these gorgeous creatures parading down the catwalk. I could tell you all about it, but frankly fashion is best expressed with visuals.

Beautiful Black and White Ball benefit for an important cause!

Sharp, distinguished tuxedos and elegant shimmering dresses crowded Harrah’s Reno convention center on Saturday, October 7th for the 2nd Annual Black and White Ball of Northern Nevada.

Nearly 400 people attended the gala for the 1400 HIV-AIDS patients that will benefit from the occasion. There was a fantastic three-course dinner featuring red, pink, and white bottles of wine at every table. This year’s event included silent auctions with all proceeds going to patients, comedian Miss Coco Peru, and a special presentation by the Reno Dance Company who performed “Broadway Blasts”, a tribute to Broadway classics.

Black and White balls have been a tradition since the 1920s, but the Black and White balls created to help HIV-AIDS patients have been running since the mid 1980s and started in San Francisco, said Treasurer Gerard Griner of The Northern Nevada Black and White Committee. This is the second year that the Black and White ball has been brought to Northern Nevada.

The Colin Ross band featuring Mig O’Hara played smooth jazz tunes to the chatty guests to enjoy during their delicious dinner.

MAC makeup was also at the event selling their new line of “Viva Glam” cosmetics in which 100% of proceeds go to the MAC AIDS funds to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“This is a great event,” smiled Jeannette Chiappero of Reno who attended the event. “I go to a lot of functions but they don’t have entertainment like this.”

The ball was presented by organizations such as Northern Nevada H.O.P.E.S, The Sierra Foothills Aids Foundation, The Northern Nevada Black and White Ball Committee, and this year’s special sponsor, Nevada Aids Foundation (NAF).

Chanel and Trixxxi, two beautifully dress lovely ladies served as hostesses for the event greeting guests as they arrived through the door. “Wonderful, fabulous it’s so much fun,” giggled Channel with her shiny ice blue dress. “I love being a hostess.”

Vicky Wright, chairwoman of the Black and White Ball committee opened the show and presented the guests. “Last year we made around $150,000 with the three hundred and twenty five people that attended,” said Wright, “This year we have around four hundred people and we are hoping to exceed our previous goal.”

Trudy Larson, member of Nevada AIDS advisory task force, HIV specialist and professor at UNR school of Medicine graced the stage with a standing ovation from the hundreds of guests. “This event is helping with where we are at and where we are going.” She said proudly.

“Trudy is a fabulous speaker and this is event is lots of fun,” said Wendell Norris of Reno who also attened the event. “There’s great entertainment and it’s for a super cause.”

The beautifully hand made quilts that stood high on the center stage wall this year were made from Reno/Sparks locals in memory for 88 people who have died from AIDS in Reno and Sparks. The quilts last year were from Northern Nevada as well but Wright said they used Reno/sparks residents for a more local touch.

One of the most heartbreaking moments at the event was when special guest speaker Jeanne White-Ginder gave her powerful speech about AIDS. Jeanne White-Ginder made national news in the 1980s when her 13-year-old son Ryan White contracted AIDS through blood-based products used to treat his hemophilia.

“Because of AIDS, my life changed over night,” White-Ginder began speaking to a hushed crowd. “Sometimes with the love of your children, you can do things you thought you never could. Because I’m a mom at least I tried.”

She showed a film that was made around the late 1980s early 1990s about her son and his battle, his inspiration, and the awareness he brought to thousands of people about the then little known horrific epidemic.

“We have drugs, treatments, and care now that is greatly needed to continue through the Ryan White CARE Act” According to Ryanwhite.com, the Ryan White CARE act is “the nation’s largest discretionary investment in the care of people with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White CARE Act funds primary health care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS who lack health insurance and financial resources for their care.”

Even Republican representative Jim Gibbons attended the event, hoping to “make this cause successful.”

Mayor Gino Martini was welcomed with great applause for returning to the Black and White Ball this year. Last year Martini proclaimed November as the Northern Nevada H.O.P.E.S. month. This year, Martini announced that October 7th would be Nevada Aids Foundation Day, a chance for all citizens to honor all individuals of northern Nevada with HIV.

The crowd was also entertained by the comedy styles of Miss Coco Peru; an uplifting act that brought smiles and chuckles during a heart felt time.

The event was fantastic without a doubt, bring hope and care to many who are in constant battle with this devastating disease. At only it’s second year being held in Northern Nevada, the Black and White ball has been proven successful with its important cause to one huge step closer at finding a cure for AIDS.

Who Cares at Fritz!

This Saturday, October 7 at 9pm is going to be nothing less than amazing. Reno/Sacremento hip-hop giants Who Cares will be playing at Fritz Bar and Grill. They will be joined by fellow Sacremento electric indie rock band Young Aundee
and Kyoto Beat Orchestra, a trip hop jazz group also from Sac-town.

Fritz is located across from Church Fine Arts building at the Universty of Nevada Reno on Virginia. It's a tiny place but real fun and welcoming. It's a great place to drink beer and hear awesome bands of every genre. I went there towards the end of the summer if you remember for the Red Hot Radio/Beercan show! So come on down to Fritz, get your weekend hip hop on!

Video for Black Rock rocket launch

Here's the video I promised from the Tripoli Rocketry Association's 15th annual 'Balls' experimental launch.
I bet you want to know why it's called "Balls." Watch the video to find out.








This YouTube version is lower quality than the file that will appear on RGJ.com tomorrow. So think of this as a pre-screening or a preview. The added detail may make it worth another look tomorrow.

What’s happening today:

Thursdays may not be seen as the most exciting day of the week. For most, it doesn't have the free-time potential of Saturday or Sunday. It may not have the foot-loose and fancy-free, I-don't-have to-work-tomorrow feeling of a Friday, but for those of you lucky enough to have some free time on a Thursday, here's a lengthy list of events to peruse.

Onstage:

"And Then They Came For Me": This play remembers the world of Anne Frank in performances at 7 p.m. Oct. 5, 8 p.m. Oct. 6-7, 2 p.m. Oct. 8, 7 p.m. Oct. 12, 8 p.m. Oct. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad Street, Nevada City, Calif. A free seminar about the production happens from 5-6 p.m. Oct. 6. Cost: $24 Thursdays and Sundays, $22 seniors, $19 students and $11 children. Also $26 Fridays and Saturdays, $24 seniors, $22 students and $14 children. Details: 530-265-8587 or www.foothilltheatre.org.

Music:

Oak Ridge Boys: The country band plays at 8 p.m. Oct. 5-7 in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Cost: $50. Details: 356-3300 or janugget.com.

Mofro: The Southern rockers perform at 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Crystal Bay Club Casino in Crystal Bay. Cost: Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 on show day. Details: 833-6333.

Attractions:

Animal Ark: The 38-acre sanctuary allows up-close viewing of predators from North America and exotic cats from around the world. Visitor amenities include glass-viewing areas, educational displays, animal demonstrations, picnic areas, guides and a gift shop. Located at 1265 Deerlodge Road. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and on holiday Mondays. Cost: $6, $5 seniors, $4 ages 3-12, free for 2 and younger. Details: 1-775-970-3111 or www.animalark.org.

Ferrari Farm Cornmaze and Pumpkin Patch: The large cornmaze has pumpkins and decorating items for sale. Activities also include hayrides, a bounce house and farm animals. Open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday every day through 5 p.m. on Halloween Oct. 31 at Mill Street and South Rock Boulevard. Cost: Cornmaze $5 per person, children ages 2 and younger are free. Hayrides $3 per person or $10 per family. Bounce house $1 per child. Details: 856-4962.

Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center: “Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon” light show 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until Jan. 2007. “The Human Body Film & Exhibit” shown all week long 1 p.m., 3 p.m. 5 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturday at 7 p.m. “Black Holes” shown all week long 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. “Adventures of the Cardboard Rocket,” an up close look at each of the planets of our solar system for kids, is shown 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. “Dark Star Adventure,” about a girl and her robot who get lost in space shows on Saturday and Sunday at noon. Cost: $5 for adults, Children and seniors for $4, children and under are free. Details: 784-4812.

Galena Creek Park: The 440-acre park is nestled in a forest area with Galena Creek flowing through. The day-use park features sled runs, hiking, self-guided nature trails, picnic areas and a group picnic facility. Located at 18350 Mount Rose Highway. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Details: 849-2511.

Go-Kart Center and the Ultimate Rush: The center at the Grand Sierra Resort offers three go-kart tracks and an 18-hole miniature golf course, plus the Ultimate Rush thrill ride. Those ages 12 and older can drive the karts, younger children can ride as passengers. Combine sky diving and bungee jumping with the Ultimate Rush free fall attraction. For $25 per person, get hoisted to the top of a 180-foot tower, pull the ripcord and fall to within six feet of the ground. Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. daily. Cost: Go-kart racing $6 per five-minute race, miniature golf $5. Details: 786-5278.

Sierra Safari Zoo: The zoo features a liger named Hobbs, an offspring from a male lion and a female tiger. The zoo has bison, coati, fallow, monkeys, wallabies, mountain lions, bobcats, llamas, lemurs and alligators. Located at 10200 N. Virginia St. Call for directions. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost: $6, $5 seniors and ages 3-12, children 2 and younger are free. Details: 677-1101.

Other:

Family Nature Programs: Families with children ages 4-12 can attend the fall nature programs at 4 p.m. on Thursdays through Nov. 9 at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road. The programs include the apple harvest on Oct. 5. Learn about bats on Oct. 12. Dissect a pumpkin on Oct. 19. Learn about owls at 8 p.m. Oct. 26. Discover falling leaves on Nov. 2 and the migration of turkeys and geese on Nov. 9. Cost: Free. Details: 828-6612 or www.washoecountyparks.com.

Celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival: Learn to make a masterful Chinese Dragon Mask and much more from 4-5 p.m. Oct. 5 at Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. All ages welcome. Cost: Free. Details: 352-3200.

Tales from Nevada: Fred Horlacher presents tales from the Emigrant Trail and the Sagebrush Hills of Nevada from 4-5 p.m. Oct. 5 at Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Highway. For ages 10 and older. Cost: Free. Details: 424-1800.

Fall Flavors Cooking Class: The Taste of Home Cooking School of Greendale, Wis., presents comfort foods for autumn days with ideas for soups, stews and pies at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Rose Ballroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Tickets available at Citadel Broadcasting, 595 E. Plumb Lane. Cost: $10 in advance. Details: Darrell at 325-9114 or Jean at 325-9138.

Heartrace Speed Dating: Singles can meet others starting with sign-ups at 5:30 p.m. and beginning at 6 p.m. each Thursday at the Siena Hotel Spa Casino, 1 Lake St. Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Details: Sandra at 250-0178.

NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People meets at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at 50 W. Liberty St. in the Bank of America Building, Suite 201. Details: 322-2992.

Vino and Vitality Fall Festival: This event features food, wine, entertainment and a silent auction to benefit the Solace Tree organization from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Cavanaugh’s Furniture, First and Sierra street. Cost: $50 per person or $90 per couple. Details: 324-7723.

Foreign Films: The department of foreign languages and literatures presents movies every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Getchell Library’s basement at the University of Nevada, Reno. The R-rated Mexican film “El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba” shows on Oct. 3. The German film “Fareway So Close” plays on Oct. 5. The Spanish film “Espana Otra Vez” shows on Oct. 10. The R-rated South African film “In My Country” screens on Oct. 12. Cost: Free. Details: 784-6055 or www.unr.edu/cla/fll

Lions Club luncheon meetings: The club joins together for a luncheon meeting at noon each Thursday at the Harrah’s Reno Convention Center. Cost: $12 for lunch. Details: 853-2262.

Republican Women of Reno: This group meets for lunch at 11:15 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Airport Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, 1981 Terminal Way. Cost: $16 in advance, $20 at the door. Details: 321-9586 for reservations or 853-1244 or 848-1099.

Blood Drive: Donate blood from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, until 7 p.m. on Wednesday or from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday or by appointment at United Blood Services, 1125 Terminal Way. Details: 324-6454.

Today: Salon holding fund-raiser today to help sick children

Get new do while doing good.

Aslan, a Reno hair salon will celebrate its fourth anniversary splitting 100 percent of the proceeds between the Make A Wish Foundation for a child's wish and Kaelyn Marie Paxton who suffers from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. That's sure to put spring in your step and bounce in your hair.

From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m. on Oct. 3, Aslan’s stylists will be providing Kerastase treatments, cuts and styles, and mini Mirabella makeovers, in addition to food and drinks, a silent auction and a raffle for prizes. The 2006 Aslan Anniversary Celebration for Charity will take place at the salon located at 635 Sierra Rose Drive, Reno Nevada. The goal this year is to raise $12,000.

Aslan owner Tamera Schnarr said she could think of no better way to celebrate her salon’s fourth anniversary than another charity event.

“Previous years have been so successful that we decided to make this a tradition,” said Schnarr. “What better way to celebrate a year of great business than to give something back to our community and children in need.”

The 2005 celebration raised $9,000.00 for wishes for two local children. Zach, a six-year-old Reno boy who is fighting leukemia got to share the Disney trip of a lifetime with his family. Gabriella, a fourteen-year-old Reno girl who is waiting for a kidney transplant due to lupus-related kidney failure got to travel with her family to meet the star goalie from her favorite soccer team.

Kaelyn Marie Paxton was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was two years old. Her treatment includes having a tube inserted in her chest that provides chemotherapy to combat her leukemia. Kaelyn has been in and out of hospitals for the last year and half being deprived of many of the fun things normal three-year-olds get to experience. Recently, the chest tube that provides her chemotherapy became infected and Kaelyn has been in intensive care since September 15, 2006. Money raised by the Aslan event will be put into a trust fund to help her family care for her medical needs and hopefully a much needed family vacation when she is released from the hospital.

Proceeds from the event will also go to grant a wish to a child through the Make-A-Wish foundation.

“These wishes bring hope, strength and joy to these wonderful children and their families,” said Jim Parry, Executive Director of Make A Wish Foundation Northern Nevada. “Thanks to Aslan and its generous customers, the money raised will fund a wish and a brave child and his family will get a respite from hospitals, pain, fear and the daunting challenges presented in treating their respective life-threatening diseases. “

Aslan began the tradition in 2004 when they raised $7,800 to benefit Jaden Murphy Tessier, the three-year-old son of an Aslan employee, who suffers from a congenital heart defect. A portion of the money raised also went to the local chapter of the American Heart Association.

Rocketeers in Black Rock have 'Balls'

Approximately 200 rocket enthusiasts were on the Black Rock Desert to blast rockets thousands of feet into the sky for the 15th annual National Research Launch of the Tripoli Rocketry Association – called "Balls." The name says it all.

"If you've got the balls to fly it, this is the place to do it," said Wedge Oldham, designer of one of the most powerful rockets at this year's three-day event.
The association had to acquire wavers from the Federal Aviation Administration for the opportunity to launch experimental rockets as high as 100,000 feet.

On Saturday, the highest-flying rocket soared an estimated 80,000 feet. It was constructed by Gene Nowaczyk of Missouri.

Oldham, Jeff Anesetti, both of Los Angeles, and several friends and family members built a rocket designed to generate 2,850 pounds of thrust force for seven seconds. That’s enough to lift a small car into the air.

Size matters

Rocket power is classified by a letter of the alphabet.

Most model rocket motors bought in hobby stores are A, B or C motors, event officials said. Every rocket motor letter designation doubles the amount of power of the previous letter.

Oldham said high-powered rocketry begins at H motors and the highest certification available, a level three, is for M, N and O motors.

“We’re one of three people that are flying a Q motor (at Saturday’s event),” Oldham said. “It’s a significant event in rocketry history today...We’re not the first, but we’re one of the few people who are doing it on the planet.”

The event provides a venue where rocket professionals can create new motor sizes.

“One of the main learning tools in rocketry is, surprisingly enough, how did your last flight fail,” Oldham said. “If you have a successful flight, you really don’t learn anything.

“On my last project, two of the fins sheered off...as it went through the sound barrier,” he said. “So in this (rocket’s) fins we made beefier fins.”

Blastoff

All projects are reviewed and approved for safety before launch by the Tripoli Rocketry Association. But that doesn’t stop the unexpected from happening.

The rocket created by Team Numb from Portland, Ore., disintegrated in the sky sending a parachute, smoke tracers, and parts of the rocket’s body in separate directions. The team wandered across the dry lake bed picking up debris.

The Tripoli Rocketry Association can boast that some of the most famous names in rocketry are members, including Ky Michaelson of Bloomington, Minn. He was the first amateur to launch a rocket into space in May 2004.

It soared 72 miles at 3,420 mph, Michaelson said. He recovered most of the rocket the next day about 26 miles downrange of the Black Rock launch site because it held a tracking device.

“Our reason for doing it was to open the doors for the private sector to get into space,” Michaelson said. “Now consequently there are a number of people lining up to put rockets into space and because of our efforts they are able to work with Washington, D.C. and do that.”

He said it took two-and half-years to get a permit that previously hadn’t existed from the government, and he didn’t know what he was getting into when he started the $700,000 venture.

But he’s given up his rocketry hobby.

Michaelson said that now that he has accomplished his dream, he’s content to let others to pursue theirs.

MORE:
See Liz Margerum's photo gallery. The above photos are hers.

I'm producing a video of the event as well to be posted some time after Tuesday. So check back.