Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels: Silver to NV Energy for corporate volunteerism

The Nevada Appeal's "Silver Dollar" and "Wooden Nickel" feature recognizes positive achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out others that missed the mark.

SILVER DOLLAR: To NV Energy, which has just received the 10th annual Governor's Points of Light Award for its corporate volunteerism. In 2010, NV Energy employees gave more than 24,000 hours volunteering in various community and civic groups.

WOODEN NICKEL: To the Carson City Transportation Department for the disappointingly treacherous conditions on city streets Friday morning. Even well into the morning traffic rush on the town's main drag, Carson Street, travel was hazardous at best. A little more sand and salt might have gone a long way toward safer travel for all.

SILVER DOLLAR: To the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department, whose careful purchasing and revenue-enhancing practices this year will enable the city's Arlington Ice Skating Rink to be self-supporting. In previous years, the city has had to subsidize the rink.

WOODEN NICKEL: To the Occupy Wall Street participants in Oakland, Calif., whose violence this week has undermined any credibility or sympathy the group may have engendered.