Plenty of fun ways to help the community this summer

It's starting to get busy here in Carson and Douglas, and I want to get everything in, so let's get to it.

First, a wonderful and peaceful Monday to each of you, and may we take a moment to remember all our loved ones today. Please say a prayer for the safety of the service men and women still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is something we get used to seeing every day, but we should never forget these individuals.

Ray Masayko sent me a great e-mail concerning Flag Day presented by the Carson Lions Club. The club will hold Flag Day presentations at Fritsch and Mark Twain elementary schools.

This is not only an educational but a patriotic experience for our children. Each student will be presented a small flag and a fact sheet with the Pledge of Allegiance, our flag's history and etiquette when handling the flag.

State Treasurer Brian Krolicki is the guest speaker for Thursday, and Gov. Kenny Guinn will be guest speaker Tuesday.

It is important to continue to remind our children that our flag is not just a thing flying in the wind, but the symbol of our fight for freedom. It represents us, and we all should be very proud to be here.

Flag Day presentations

When: 8:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday

Where: Mark Twain and Fritsch elementary schools

Contact: Ray Masayko at 882-4661

Beginning Thursday is a treasure hunt, called "Puzzle Me Carson City," to benefit gifted-and-talented educational programs for the Carson City School District.

There are 12 puzzles, each taking a day or weeks to solve, depending how good you are. Check out all the details online.

If you are the first person to solve the puzzle, you win $20; and if you combine all the puzzle solutions, you could win $1,000 with the final answer.

Puzzle Me Carson City

When: Registration 8 a.m.-noon June 1

Sign up: www.twdive.com/puzzle.htm or at Java Joe's Coffee Shop, 319 N. Carson St. Or call (775) 883-4004.

Cost: $15

I never get much information from Douglas County and am happy to help out when I can.

The 13th annual Summerfest Carnival at Lampe Park benefits the Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670. It brings 11 rides, from a train for toddlers to more energetic rides for older folks.

The carnival provides 50 percent of the funding needed to support youth and veteran programs, Boy and Girl Scout troops, Explorer Post and Christmas baskets for the needy.

You can get ticket books in advance.

Summerfest Carnival

When: opens 4 p.m. July 26; noon July 27-30

Where: Lampe Park, Gardnerville

Web site: www.mindendouglaselks.org

Cost: Advanced sale, 30-ticket books cost $15. On-site sale, $1 for single tickets, or $10 for 12. An all-day pass costs $20 on both Wednesday and Thursday, or trade in one presale ticket book

Contact: 265-4523

My friend Kelli Seals sent a urgent e-mail for assistance. She is helping to find counselors for CAMP LOTSAFUN, which gives special-needs children a caring, safe and fun environment.

As a counselor, you can help children enjoy a very special summer to remember always. Children with developmental disabilities can and should enjoy a traditional camp setting and experience a fun and happy summer.

My friend Amber, who is turning 16, has signed up to be a counselor and can't wait to help out. The camp is an experience that helps both the campers and counselors grow and learn.

CAMP LOTSAFUN

Web site: www.camplotsafun.com

When: Weeklong sessions run June 19-Aug. 4

Contact: Hettie at 827-3866 or 825-2267 or e-mail hettie@camplotsafun.com

Next week: Mentoring Minutes and Saddle up! Stay tuned!

• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.