Community Briefly July 6

Fire apparatus wanted for V.C. muster parade

The Virginia City firemen's muster committee is inviting privately owned fire engines, as well as those from area fire departments, to participate in the muster weekend kick-off parade on the morning of July 16.

Those interested in participating in the parade may enter their fire apparatus online by visiting the muster website at http://virginiacitymuster.tlcurtis.com, or by showing up for staging near the historic Fourth Ward School on C Street at 8 a.m. There is no fee for participating in the muster parade.

This will be the largest gathering of antique fire apparatus in Nevada, with competition governed by the California Firemen's Muster Association that was formed in 1974 to standardize competition and safety rules. The muster competition is designed to give spectators a view of what it was like to respond to and fight fires "way back when." The two-day competition is open to the public at no charge.

The Comstock Firemen's Museum/Liberty Engine Company No. 1, a non-profit organization that has hosted several firemen's muster in Virginia City beginning in 1981, is hosting the firemen's muster as part of its celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Virginia Fire Department.

The fire companies of Virginia City and Gold Hill held contests in the early 1860s through the 1870s, testing their hand-pumped and steam powered fire engines to see who had the best, fastest or most efficient equipment and firefighters. For more information contact Steve Frady at 775-813-6911.

Senior outing trip for July

Happy Senior Tours will go to Harveys on July 12.

The bus will load at 7:45 a.m. at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 901 Beverley Drive, and return to the center at 4 p.m.

Cost is $17. The casino will give each guest $10 in free play plus a food voucher for the day.

To register contact the senior center at 883-0703.

Seminar season in full bloom

Greenhouse Garden Center continues it's slate of free seminars in July.

David Ruf, owner of the center, teaches most of the seminars. Greenhouse is located at 2450 S. Curry St. in Carson City. Call 882-8600 or go to www.greenhousegardencenter.com.

• All About Composting, 11 a.m. July 9, Downtown Farmers Market at 3rd and Curry streets.

David Ruf will repeat this popular seminar at the Downtown Farmers Market. For information, e-mail marrone1012@yahoo.com.

• All About Pond Plants, 9 a.m. July 9, taught by Ruf

Cool pond plants make a beautiful summer pond. Beyond water lilies, water hyacinths, and cat tails there are many unique and interesting pond plants, both annual and perennial, that can be great additions to your pond environment. Reservations are not required but be sure to bring your sunscreen as the seminar will take place at the center's outdoor demonstration pond.

• Xeriscaping With Native Plants, 9 a.m. July 16

Ruf will discuss creating a Great Basin garden that is drought tolerant and low maintenance. Reservations are not required.

• All About Lavender, 9:30 a.m. July 30. Guest speaker Mike Campie, owner Campies Lavender Patch

Campie is a local lavender grower who has developed some newer strains of lavender that perform very well in our Northern Nevada climate. He will also talk about making essential oil and soaps from lavender.

Auditions planned for 'Anne Frank' production

The Brewery Arts Center and The BAC Stage Kids will host an open call for young actors, singers and dancers, grades 7-12, for its upcoming production of "The Diary of Anne Frank." Auditions will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Maizie Harris Jesse Theatre at the BAC, 449 W. King St., Carson City.

Auditioners should come prepared with a one minute dramatic monologue. Callbacks will immediately follow the open audition and will include vocals and movement. Tuition is $95. Some scholarships are available.    

The performance dates for the production are 7 p.m. Aug. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 2 p.m. Aug. 14 and 21.

For complete audition information including roles to be cast and rehearsal information go to www.breweryarts.org and click on BAC Stage Kids.

For more information, call 775-883-1976.

Want to keep kids entertained and educated this summer?

Western Nevada College Community Education division is offering noncredit classes this summer for school age children. The weeklong classes will help kids to stay engaged in math and writing or explore other fun activities. Cost: $85 per session.

Classes meet Monday-Friday, July 25-29, including:

• Anime Cartooning (CFK 1069): Students will learn the Japanese art of cartooning and create characters, storylines and comic strips. For students, grades 5-8. Meets 8 a.m.-noon.

• Solar Cooking and More (CFK 1350): Solar cooking is the simplest, safest, most convenient way to cook food without consuming fuels or heating up the kitchen. Learn about solar cookers and how to cook creative and nutritious food using the sun's energy. For students, grades 4-8. Meets 8 a.m.-noon.

• Spirit of 1776 (CFK 1845): This summer marks America's 235th birthday. Participants learn about our founding fathers and historical facts. And create patriotic arts and crafts. A morning and afternoon session is offered; 8 a.m.- noon or 1-5 p.m. For students, grades 3-6.

• Math Games (CFK 2307): The class is ideal for kids who like games or want practice with math. Participants learn to play fun math games using cards, dice, online resources and more. Meets 1-5 p.m. For students, grades 3-5.

• Land Sailing (CFK 2856): Provides an introduction to Blokard Land Sailing, a safe and quiet sport that can be done anywhere. This will be a small class of no more than 10 students. Meets 1-5 p.m. For students, ages 8-12.

• PADI Seal Team (CFK 2857): The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Seal Team offers an introduction to the world of diving and swimming. Class meets 8 a.m.-noon. For students, ages 8-12.

• Creative Writing (CFK 3200): Includes group interaction, creative exploration, fun projects and independent thinking. Students will build a writing portfolio with samples of their creative writing. Class meets 8 a.m.-noon. For students, grade 3-8.

• Guilty or Not-Guilty? (CFK 1927): meeting Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-5. The class will explore the order of the courts in a unique way. Students will examine actions and evidence from fairy tales to determine if the characters were accurately portrayed. Meets 8 a.m.-noon. For students, ages 8-12.

For information/registration, call 445-4268.