Creative exertion

Quite often I get the urge to either create something artistic, or climb out from behind my desk to do something that requires real exertion. So here are a couple of events to help people with the same aspirations as me.

Create:

Self-publishing
Featuring Patty Cafferata, Jack Bacon and Lisa Mortara. Learn about the positives and negatives of self-publishing. When: 11 a.m. Saturday. Where: Sundance Bookstore, 1155 W. Fourth St. Cost: Free. Details: 786-1188.

Filmmaking Workshop
Learn about elements of film such as directing, editing and acting. For those interested in shooting independent films and submitting them to festivals. When: 9 a.m. Feb. 24 Details: Neil at 674-7608.Cost: Free. At: TMCC Dandini Campus 7000 Dandini Blvd. Read more details about this in Forrest Hartman's blog at Local filmmaking class and more

Watching Film, Writing Film
Register by Feb. 23 for this class to learn about screenwriting techniques. Explore genres, structure and characters. Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays March 3 through April 7. Information at wdce.tmcc.edu. When: 4 p.m. Friday. Where: TMCC Meadowood Center, 5270 Neil Road. Cost: $119. Details: 829-9010.

Be active:

Beginner Backcountry Snow Camp at Lake Loon
Pack into Loon Lake and learn about winter camping, navigation, shelters, avalanche awareness, and stay warm, dry and hydrated. Call for time, place and equipment list. When: noon Saturday, Feb. 24 to noon Sunday, Feb. 25. Where: Cost: Free. Details: Ted Lenzie (916-985-6144).

ATV and Motorcycle Rentals
Guided tours and rentals for ATVs, dirt bikes or street bikes. Maps and route planning offered. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Pickup and delivery is available. Visit www.bigvalleytours.com. When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Where: Big Valley Honda, 2225 Market St. Cost: $75-$160 per day. Details: 322-4311.

Kids and families create:

Hip Hop Jazz Dance Grades 2 thru 8
Enjoy this fast action class while dancing to favorite pop artists. Learn basic hip hop dance techniques with both stretching and conditioning. Three different four-week sessions available. When: 3:40-4:40 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23. Where: Rollan D. Melton Elementary School, 6557 Archimedes Drive. Cost: $49. Details: 353-5780 or https://ssl.washoe.k12.nv.us/community_ed/index.php.

Mardi Gras Family Ball
The evening will feature dancing, Mardi Gras activities, games, mask-decorating competitions, cake walks and raffles. When: 6 p.m. Feb. 23 Where: Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St., Carson City. Cost: $5 per person or $20 per family (limit 10 family members). Details: 775-884-2226.

Volleyball for Girls:
This camp is designed for girls in grades 7-8 who want to learn volleyball. They will learn and practice the skills they need and play games to help get ready to play at the middle school level. Please bring a snack on Friday & lunch Saturday. When: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 ; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; Where: Swope Middle School, 901 Keele Drive. Cost: $56. Details: 353-5780 or https://ssl.washoe.k12.nv.us/community_ed/index.php.