Community briefs

Carson City

One-on-one training offered from Astronomical Society

The Western Nevada Astronomical Society is conducting seminars and providing one-on-one training for novices at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada Community College, 2699 Van Patten Ave. The Davis Observatory is open to the public every Saturday night, except July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 12 and Oct. 8, beginning about one hour before dark. WNAS volunteers will specifically address novice issues. After dark, participants will look through a number of different telescopes and discuss the night sky. Bring a telescope or just your curiosity and prepare to be introduced to the fascinating hobby of astronomy.

For information contact Jack L. Davis at 888-9197 or visit the WNAS Web site at www.western-nevada-astronomical-society.com.

iPod drawing slated for blood donors

With summer upon us and the rapidly approaching Fourth of July holiday, United Blood Services is offering a drawing for an I-Pod Shuffle to be presented to a lucky blood donor.

The drawing will be held today. Winner does not need to be present and will be contacted by phone.

All donors will also be entered into a drawing for a four-day, three-night Carnival cruise and you can receive a ticket to see this year's Reno-Tahoe Open. Ask for your ticket when you come in to donate between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. today.

Stop by United Blood Services at 256 E. Winnie Lane, Carson City, to donate and enter the raffles. If you prefer to schedule an appointment please call 887-9111 (you are welcome to walk in to donate). Online appointments can be made at www.bloodhero.com.

Douglas County

Art organizations host holiday show

This July 4th weekend, Carson Valley Inn in Minden is hosting an art show presented by the two local art associations, Nevada Artists Association of Brewery Art Center in Carson City and Carson Valley Art Association of Carson Valley. This is a first of its kind at the casino and the first combined effort of both local organizations. The show will be from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday

All one hundred paintings were created by local artists from both art associations and represent the best in the area.

For details, call 783-6102.

Virginia City

Comstock kicks off Fourth of July event with parade at noon

Virginia City's Fourth of July spectacular will start off with an old-fashioned, all-American parade down C Street, more activities throughout the day and finishing with a fireworks display.

The parade will begin at noon with line-up at 11 a.m. at the Fourth Ward School.

Late entries are welcome.

Grand marshals will be the Captain and Tennille, singing stars of the 1970s and '80s and Washoe Valley residents.

Featured in the parade will be the Red Rock Hounds, a hunt club from Reno; the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band; Beauregard, the dog who drives a model T Ford; and the Comstock Civil War Re-enactors, who will hold a fierce battle at the end.

David John and the Comstock Cowboys will offer a free concert at 6 p.m. in the Delta parking lot.

About 9 or 9:30 p.m., there will be a huge fireworks display, lasting nearly a half-hour.

For information call the visitors center, 847-0311.

Stagecoach

Horse show offers classes in halter, English and Western

The Mid-Summer Open Horse Show at 9 a.m. July 9 will offer a wide range of classes. There will be halter, English and Western performance, driving, fun and speed classes. The horse show, sponsored by High Desert Horsemen, will be at 11225 Silver Lane, in Stagecoach.

For information, contact Margy Hamilton at (775) 629-0807 or visit www.hdhorsemen.org for entry forms and information. Check the web prior to the event in case of inclement weather.