Toys for Tots will benefit from two fun fundraisers

There's a fun event going on this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Empire Ranch Golf course. It's a benefit for Toys for Tots, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to them ... 100 percent. What is it, you ask? A "putting tournament" for all ages, kids to grandparents. All you need is $10 per team (two people), a putter, and a desire to help start off the Toys for Tots season. It's a nine-hole, two-person, alternate-shot forum, with lots of prizes and fun. Nils Sharpe, the gentleman who put this together, says "Grandma (or Pa) can show up with her 5-year-old granddaughter and compete with the best of them." Call 885-2100 for additional details or to sign up, give up three hours of your time, and have a ball (bad pun intended).

•••

Also working for the same cause will be the Nevada State Railroad Museum. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 21, they will be a drop-off place for toys; and if you come on the first day, you can get a free train ride for every toy you bring (that's the day after Thanksgiving for those who need a reminder). This program is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, and has become a staple of the Christmas season. And thanks.

•••

Speaking of the NSRM, they are having their 35th annual symposium this weekend. Railroad buffs from all over the world come to Carson City to convene and discuss railroading (687-4942 for details). Railroad cars, the V&T, nuts and bolts, you name it, are objects of discussion. If you have an interest, call and become one of the fun-loving "foamers."

•••

Carolyn heard this one: "A guy sticks his head into the barbershop and asks, 'How long before I can get a haircut?' The barber looks around at all the customers already there and says, 'About two hours.' A few days later, the same guy comes in and asks the same question, 'How long before I can get a haircut?' Again, the barber looks around and says, 'About three hours.' This happens a few more times, until the barber, overcome with curiosity, asks his friend, 'Hey, Bill, follow that guy and see where he goes. He always asks how long it will take to get a haircut, but then he never comes back.' A little while later, Bill returns, laughing hysterically. The barber asks, 'So, where does he go?' Bill looks up, with tears in his eyes, and says, 'Your house.'"

•••

Our deepest condolences to the family of the late Bill Dolan. His "Past Pages" column was a wonderful reminder of Carson's past, and it was always fun to read of things that happened in Carson 10-20-50 years (or more) ago. We're grateful that his son and daughter are going to carry on. -30-

•••

We were questioned by a parent of an AYSO child, "Why was our soccer game canceled? We were told it was because the coach didn't find someone to man the concession stand." The kids on both teams were disappointed, as were the coaches and parents. So, for anyone that knows, is it a prereq for playing soccer? Or couldn't they just play with the stand closed? Inquiring minds want to know.

•••

And our other mystery is solved. Last week we asked how to contact the twins who had appeared on the "Extreme Makeover" show. Sheila Byington of Minden had come across some family photos and could not connect with them. Several people called or wrote and gave us tips, and, sure enough, one of the twins called (the pet groomer), and we gave her the number to call to get her pictures back. Case solved. And thanks to those people who responded. We appreciate it.

•••

If you want to be in "showbiz," get ready to audition for Proscenium Player's "The Fix," a musical about an extremely dysfunctional family in Washington, D.C. Auditions will be held Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center (775-848-8543 for information). Directed by Jeff Whitt and Elizabeth Tonkinson, it will be produced by none other than Carolyn Tate (let's see ... that name sounds familiar). you will need a 1-minute song and readings from the script to try out. Break a leg!

•••

This Friday, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will be featured in a free concert at the Community Center at 7 p.m. If you have never been to one of their concerts, you should make it a point to get there. Tickets are available at the Greenhouse Garden Center, Purple Avocado and the Chamber of Commerce. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., but if you're not there by 6:50, your seat will go on stand-by. Puts new meaning to the saying, "Be there, be square." The Carson High ROTC will provide the colors.

•••

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, may we offer the following advice: "Miss Beatrice, a kind and lovely lady and the church organist, was in her 80s and had never married. One day, her pastor came to visit, and, as Miss Beatrice prepared tea, he noticed a condom floating in a bowl on her Hammond organ. Somewhat shocked, he tried to ignore the 'floater,' but his curiosity got the best of him as he pointed to the bowl and asked, 'Miss Beatrice, I wonder if you would tell me about this?' 'Oh,yes, isn't it wonderful? I was walking through the park a few months ago and saw this little package on the ground. The directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet, and that it would prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven't had the flu all winter?'" (Thanks to Mollie Sanders and DeeAnn Parsons for this "helpful hint.")

•••

Father Jerry Hanley (NOT the pastor in question), Helaine Jesse and her nephew, Ryan Jesse (and "somebody's" grandson) all have birthdays this week (and Kurt Garrett had one last week) ... Ryan's is the only one we can give the age on, 19. The others would take up too many numbers. And congratulations on another "birthday": Spencer Clark Russell Fitzpatrick made his debut on his dad's birthday, Sept. 29 (a "happy birthday" to him from Norm Alexander). Happy b-days to all.

•••

And for those of you getting ready to vote, take the time to get informed. An uninformed voter is as good as Osama bin Laden's unwashed underwear.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.