Minden Hosts Hometown Fourth of July

Minden Town Manager Jenifer Scott, back left, Town Board member Matt Bernard and Carson Valley Pops Orchestra conductor Elizabeth Eubanks would like to invite the community to Minden's Fourth of July celebration. Also getting ready for the event are Tyson Saunders, 11 and Kobe Saunders, 4.

Jim Grant photo

 

 

From a kids' bike parade to a concert of patriotic music, the Town of Minden is putting the emphasis on “hometown” for its July Fourth Celebration.

The free event is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4 at Minden Park.

“We've been talking about it for a year, ever since the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra asked to use the CVIC Hall as their home court,” said Matt Bernard, Minden town board member.

In exchange for free use of the rental space, the pops orchestra agreed to perform four concerts throughout the year.

The July 4 concert, in the Minden Park gazebo, begins at 12:30 p.m.

Bernard said Town Manager Jenifer Scott and the office staff developed the plans from last year to make the event last much of the day.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., children can bring their bikes, scooters, tricycles, wagons — almost anything with wheels — to the park where they can get help decorating with free supplies provided by the town.

At 11:30 a.m., there will be a patriotic bike parade around the park. Other children's activities include a bounce house and “water fun.”

The historic fire truck and calliope also will be on display at the park.

“I love that stuff,” said Bernard, who grew up in Minden.

He emphasized that the day is open to the public, whether Minden residents or not.

The orchestra, under the direction of conductor Elizabeth Eubanks, performs at 12:30 p.m.

Food is available for purchase from Kevin Mary who will be barbecuing under the banner of Minden Meat and Deli.

Guests are invited to bring picnic lunches and asked to provide their own lawn chairs.

The town will serve free red, white and blue ice pops and apple pie.

A special tribute will be offered to veterans who will be able to take advantage of seating under a shade structure.

Students in the Douglas High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program will serve as the color guard.

“We're trying to create a real hometown feel to it,” said town Senior Secretary Trish Koepnick. “Next year, it will be bigger and better.”

DETAILS

What: July Fourth Hometown Celebration

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4

Where: Minden Park.

Information: 782-5976 or www.townofminden.com.

1st Annual Duck Derby Winners ...

Duck Derby Winners!

1st place: duck # 104 - Cathy Mikulski
2nd place: duck # 11 - Trena Roush
3rd place: duck # 272 - Mike Gularte
Lame Duck: duck # 556 -Robert Compton

Business Race - Rapunzel's Salon 

Church/Service Club - Carson Valley Methodist Church

1 Free Night at Lakeside Inn: duck # 935 - Sarah Watson
1 Free Night at Lakeside Inn: duck # 152 - Chris Hart

1-Hour massage by Massage by Jasmine: duck # 865 - Kaleb Perish
1-Hour massage by Massage by Jasmine: duck # 622 - Sunny Bryant

$10 Giftcard to Mmmm Yogurt - duck # 812 - Phillip Greaves
$10 Giftcard to Mmmm Yogurt - duck # 350 - Kyra Simmons

$20 Giftcard to Bed, Bath & Beyond - duck # 803 - Rebecca Winter

Wild Island Family Fun Pack - duck # 654 - Laurie Sundeen

Thank you to everyone who purchased ducks!

Ducks Race Toward The Finish Line

Lucky Duck is appearing today during the Carson Valley Duck Derby at 1 p.m.

Special to The R-C

 

More than 1,000 ducks will take to the waters of Willow Creek today for the Carson Valley Duck Derby.

The Sierra Nevada Women's Active 20-30 Club of Douglas County is sponsoring this year's race previously hosted by the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

The water levels are up, and people can expect a fun, family event,” President Leslie Batistich said. “None of this would be possible without the support of Big George Ventures.”

The community race begins at 1 p.m., followed by the business class race and service clubs/churches at 2 p.m.

Ducks are available for purchase until 11 a.m. today at the Duck Derby booth in Lampe Park.

A single duck costs $5, a quack pack of 20 ducks is $20 and a flock of 13 ducks costs $50.

Prizes are awarded to the first, second and third duck across the finish line, as well as the last duck to cross the finish line.

Prizes include a grill from Minden Grill, glider ride from SoaringNV, a ski/snowboard season lease package from CV Sports, Reno Aces tickets with ceremonial first pitch, Wild Island tickets and many more.

Derby mascot Lucky Duck will be at the first race cheering on contestants and posing for pictures.

The 20-30 club raises funds via a variety of events throughout the year, and the Carson Valley Duck Derby is now their largest fundraiser.

A majority of the proceeds will go toward the back to school shopping spree in August for underprivileged and special needs children.

A portion of the money will also be donated to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

“We thank the food closet from the bottom of our hearts that we can carry on such a great community event that they started years ago,” Batistich said.

For information on the event or becoming a volunteer with Active 20-30, visit www.sierranv2030.org or call 783-8676. 

 

via Record Courier 

Swing Into Carson Valley Days

The Vertigo swing at the Carson Valley Days carnival at 

Lampe Park on Wednesday.

Shannon Litz

 

 

Despite last minute adjustments to the parade lineup, Carson Valley 20-30 Club President Tommy Lovell said everything is ready to go for the 2012 Carson Valley Days celebration this weekend.

The carnival opens at 3 p.m. today in Lampe Park with Celtic rock band Young Dubliners taking to the stage at 6 p.m.

The downtown Gardnerville street celebration heats up at 8 p.m. with The Bootleggers performing on the back deck of Buckaroos.

On Wednesday night, hundreds of special needs children enjoyed a carnival night all to themselves courtesy of the 20-30 club.

“We do it because the Carson Valley 20-30 Club is for the children in the Valley. This being our big weekend, it's an easy way to give back to the kids,” Lovell said. “We try and give them a night when it's easier for their families to bring them. We love doing this for them.”

Wendi Fauria whose son Dave, 9, has autism has been coming to the special needs night for five years.

“Special needs kids don't like large crowds and waiting in lines, so it's a really neat thing he gets to do,” she said. “It's so great they provide food and the wristbands aren't cheap normally so it's very nice they do this.”

Former 20-30 club member Woody Visbal waved at his son Malachi who was riding the Dive Bomber. Malachi also has autism.

“He loves it. It gets him out of his own world for a while,” Visbal said as his son pulled him away to the next ride. “It brings him even more to life.”

Gardnerville resident Shannon Mosby brought her two sons and niece to the carnival.

“It's wonderful. I love it,” she said. “We just moved from California. This year my three nieces will be in the parade.”

Autumn Haberland had her hands full with three boys running around the park.

“We couldn't come to the carnival if it wasn't for this,” the Gardnerville resident said. “The kids are having a blast, and I'm looking forward to the parade.”

Carson Valley Days veteran Samantha Trumpower loves everything about the annual celebration.

“It's the one time a year you can see people you haven't seen in years,” she said.

The Gardnerville native was enjoying sharing the tradition with her nieces, nephew and brother Wednesday night.

“This is awesome,” she said. “It's less lines and they can have fun and go on more rides.”

Saturday activities start early with the walk, jog, run at 8 a.m. followed by the parade at 9 a.m.

Highway 395 will be closed by 8 a.m., so be sure to get your spot before then.

Cyndee Joncas is the grand marshal of this year's parade that has more than 85 entries. The theme is “Irish Celebration.” 

 

via Record Courier

Friends Seek Prayers - Funds For Sick Child

Friends are raising money for 15-month-old Daniel Hammer who is 

having transfusions for a viral suppression of bone marrow.Special to The R-C

 

 

Friends of Gardnerville Ranchos toddler Daniel Hammer are raising money to help pay medical expenses

Sandy Thornton said 15-month-old Daniel started bleeding from the mouth on May 5.

The family, consisting of parents Chris and Sarah and sister Natalie, lives in the Gardnerville Ranchos and attends Damascus Road Christian Assembly.

“His parents took him to the ER and then he was transferred to Renown Hospital,” she said. “He has been in and out of the hospital for 11 days since then.”

Thornton said doctors thought Daniel might have an auto immune disorder.

“Then they discovered he had a viral suppression which attacked his bone marrow,” she said. “This caused a very severe case of aplastic anemia. Since then, Daniel has had four platelet transfusions and two red blood cell transfusions. He needs a bone marrow transfusion as his own marrow is failing. His sister Natalie, aged four is being tested for a match.”

Thornton said the transfusion may require Daniel to be at a California hospital for a minimum of 30 days after the transfusion.

“This will cause Chris and Sarah to be faced with many financial difficulties,” she said. “Little Daniel, in spite of this, is a very joyful little boy and loved by all who know and see him.”

Thornton said the family's parents, friends and congregation of Damascus Road Christian Assembly are asking for prayers for Daniel. His family has set up a trust account for anyone who wants to help with expenses.

“Daniel will have his first trip to Oakland Children's Hospital this weekend,” Thornton said. “He will have his fifth platelet transfusion, and will have a Broviac Port surgically put in, along with many other tests”

Daniel Hammer's Trust Fund is at any Greater Nevada Credit Union, Account No. 921646. Californians may donate at Wells Fargo Account, in Daniel's name, account No. 2606830723. 

 

via Record Courier

Boys and Girls Club of Carson Valley Gets Donation For T-Shirts

Sierra Nevada Women's Active 20-30 club members Felicia King, Nicole Riley, Lauren Spires, Lisa Taylor and Leslie Batistich with Branch Director Shannon Harris and many Boys and Girls club participants.

Special to The R-C

 

The Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Women's Club has been a supporter of the local Boys and Girls Club of Carson Valley for many years. Recently they donated $700 to the club to assist in their purchase of T-shirts to be worn by their 380 participants during summer field trips. For more information on the local Boys and Girls Club, visit their website at www.bgcwn.org.

Active 20-30 International is a nonprofit organization providing young adults with an opportunity to make a difference in the life of special needs children in their communities. The Sierra Nevada Women's Active 20-30 Club No. 730 provides young women between the ages of 20 and 39 the forum and tools to positively affect underprivileged children in Douglas County. Sierra Nevada women support such agencies as Austin's House, Backpack Buddies, the Boys & Girls Club of Carson Valley, the Family Support Council, Kids & Horses and other organizations with a priority in assisting special needs children. The local Active 20-30 chapter of Sierra Nevada No. 730 works on carrying out this mission for the children of Douglas County.

For information on the event or becoming a volunteer with Active 20-30, visit www.sierranv2030.org or call 783-8676. 

 

via Record Courier

Billy Rubino - How He Inspires Douglas High

 

Billy Rubino talks about his time at Douglas High School on May 25.

Shannon Litz

 

The superficialities of high school can be difficult to shake off for those teenagers trying to become adults. There's drama, posturing, pettiness.

But there's nothing fake about Billy Rubino's smile. It cracks wide, stays bright as he walks, and seems to warm anybody he passes in the hallways of Douglas High School.

“Don't let the drama and all the pressure get to you,” he said. “Just go about your day with a smile on your face.”

Billy is a 21-year-old student who is graduating as a Tiger tonight on the school's softball field. Not only will he be receiving his diploma, he will be speaking during the ceremony, joining a handful of classmates who made it through speech auditions.

He has good reason to be speaking. Anyone who talks to Billy can't help but smile.

“His smile is his signature,” said DHS speech therapist Enid Webb. “If I'm having the worst day, I look at Billy, and life is good. There are adults who don't get what he gets. He's beyond his years in understanding when it comes to appreciating life. He's had such an impact on students and teachers alike.”

“He worries more about cheering up others than himself,” added Kelly Lusardi, special education department chair.

Billy knows his smile is a valuable resource.

“When you smile at someone, every person feels good, and they want to do more,” he said. “It's contagious. It makes people who are having a bad day have a very good day.”

Smiling is easy for Billy. It's his most natural feature. Speaking, however, is little more difficult for the young man. The fact he's giving a graduation speech is more impressive when one considers his childhood.

Billy didn't go to school until he was 10. The early years of his life were rather rough. He and his older brother created their own language to cope with reality. Because they didn't have any formal education, no storybooks, no ABC's, they developed their own system of signification that involved some verbalizing and some signing with hands.

“We used some words to represent things,” said Billy. “And gestures. We used our hands a lot. My brother and I were left alone so much that we had to create our own language to understand each other.”

Lusardi said it's a remarkable phenomenon.

“He once told me he would dream and think in the language they created,” she said.

When he was 10, Billy and his brother were placed in a foster home in Alpine County. Soon after, Billy started the first grade at Diamond Valley Elementary School. He was 11. His brother, four years older, was placed in the third grade.

“We used our own language briefly. We started speaking a little better,” Billy said. “I got picked on and teased. Instead of being mean, I took that as, ‘I can do better.'”

For ninth grade, Billy went to Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School. He was 18.

“I handled that very well. I met a lot of new people and made good friends,” he said. “I was sociable.”

It wasn't until Billy came to Douglas High that he felt fully accepted. He started running cross country as a sophomore and has run every year since. He tried track, but it didn't work out.

“Track and me never got along,” he said with his trademark grin. “I loved it here. There were a lot of people I didn't know, but I got to know them over the course of the years.”

Billy quickly fell in love with Douglas High's culinary arts program. He decided he wanted to be a chef. In fact, he's working as a bus boy and dishwasher at the Stonefly Restaurant in Markleeville. He's already been throwing dough and cooking pizzas.

Billy also has a tendency to ride his bike long distances, a single-gear bicycle. When he needed to study for the High School Proficiency Exam, he rode all the way from Markleeville to Minden.

“It's 28 miles,” he said. “Fifty minutes to get down here, and one hour and 20 minutes to get back up. That's the new record I have to beat.”

Preparing for graduation, Billy is somewhat of a rockstar on campus. He's shared his speech with some student groups and staff members, and he draws wild applause wherever he goes.

At the same time, he knows his success has not come easy — he's had to work hard for it.

“Do your best and always turn in your homework on time,” he said. “Don't quit what you're doing. Try to look for the brightness in people.” 

 

via Record Courier