Allergen-free foods on the Net

Regarding the recent coverage in the Appeal about a new allergy policy enacted by the Carson City School District, a reader from New York wrote in about her baking company called Divvies, an Internet-based business providing foods made without peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and milk.

Her inspiration was her son, Benjamin, who has allergies to seven food ingredients.

"The philosophy behind our business is that we want eating to become an inclusive experience for those with food allergies, instead of exclusive," she said. "'Made to Share' is our tagline, and our products are so delicious that those without food allergies love Divvies, too."

The bakery can be reached at (914) 533-0333 or at www.divvies.com. I was intrigued by the chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting - although not the price - $21 for a dozen.

Still, this could be the thing some parents need. You can also get a dozen cookies, available in a slew of varieties, including Chocolate Chip Divvies, delivered to your door once a month.

First Family Fun Night

The wildfire smoke, thunder and lightning kept people away.

But still, some 55 of the 80 people who RSVP'd came Tuesday for the first Family Fun Night in Carson City.

"I think the families got to see they could have a fun evening in doing something active that they could do together as a family," said Barbara Singer, superintendent for the Carson City Department of Recreation, which hosted the event along with the Carson Wellness Coalition, formerly the Carson Area Coalition on Obesity. "We did parachute games, water-game relays, sack races and other games, and the parents played, too."

Bikes and helmets were provided free of charge to families, and three rides were led through the park. A survey given out afterward sought responses on what could have been done better or differently.

The Department of Recreation and the Coalition will discuss the results at their next meeting and determine whether to hold similar events. Port of Subs sandwiches and water were served, as well as cherries, carrots and celery. Pete Pradere of the Port of Subs in Eagle Station contributed to the night's success, as did Michele Cowee of Sierra Dietetics, Barbara Howe of the coalition and Sharon Vonnegut, who gave water.

Summer Band Camp

The Carson City Parks and Recreation Department and Vivo Band Instrument Repair are sponsoring a band camp as part of a summer-enrichment program. The camp, which is for students who have played an instrument for at least one year and are entering grades 6-8 in the fall, will be at Seeliger Elementary School from 8:30 a.m.-noon July 31-Aug. 4.

Students can participate in jazz band, concert band, small ensembles, music theory and songwriting. A concert featuring both bands, small ensembles and soloists is scheduled for noon Aug. 4. The directors for the band camp are Richard and Carol Doede, retired band directors from the Carson City School District.

"Band Camp is an excellent way to get ready for school band in the fall, and provides students with an opportunity to meet other young musicians from Carson City and the surrounding areas," Richard Doede said.

Students from Douglas County and Dayton are invited. Tuition is $85. Call the Doedes at 883-2219.

• Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.