Briefly

Gov. Jim Gibbons has asked Nevadans to lower all flags to half staff today in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, as proclaimed by President George W. Bush. All flags displayed at state and federal buildings are to be flown at half staff for the duration of the day. All Nevadans are encouraged to respect this tradition by displaying flags at half staff at their homes and businesses.

The President has proclaimed the week of May 13-19 Police Week, and Gov. Gibbons has issued a similar proclamation for Nevada.

Since 1861, 101 officers have died in the line of duty in Nevada.

Carson City

Coaches, instructors needed for senior computer class

Volunteers are needed to assist with the computer classes offered at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.

Coaches and instructors are needed. Difficulty of courses range from beginning to intermediate.

Those interested may e-mail ccclc@gbis.com or call the senior center at 883-0703, ext. 222.

Sign up now for natural history tours at state museum

The Nevada State Museum in Carson City is featuring a special Natural History Curator's tour featuring the natural history collection which highlights some of the state's amazing plants and wildlife some of which is not currently on public display.

The tour, led by Dr. George Baumgardner, Curator of Natural History, will offer an up-close look at some of the museum's hidden treasurers at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. May 25.

The museum is at 600 N. Carson St.

For reservations, call 687-4810, ext. 237. Regular museum admission applies.

Concert at capitol Saturday to benefit hepatitis education

The Nevada Hepatitis C Task Force and the State of Nevada Department of Health are sponsoring "An Afternoon of Enjoyment at the Capitol" from noon-4 p.m. Saturday.

There will be live music by Waiting for T.I.M. and The Hep Cats; donations accepted, raffle and silent auction.

Proceeds will be used for hepatitis education in Northern Nevada. There will be free food and refreshment.

For information, call (530) 577-3111 or 825-7434.

Virginia City

Opera company sponsors Sinatra tribute

Nevada Civic Light Opera Company is presents "Ol' Blue Eyes is Back, The Songs of Sinatra,", starring Frank Carrabetta and his swinging combo. As an added treat, members of Nevada Civic Light Opera will appear as guest artists performing hit favorites from Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Judy Garland and more.

Two performances will be given at in Piper's Opera House in Virginia City, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25 for preferred seating. Tickets are on sale at 887-5601 or at www.nvclo.com.

Reno

UNR celebrates graduation with week's worth of ceremonies

Orvis School of Nursing Convocation will be 4 p.m. Thursday at the Nightingale Hall, Church Fine Arts Building on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Call 682-7150

Also on Thursday is the Senior Scholars Reception 6 p.m., Jot Travis Student Union Alumni Room. Call 784-6620.

ROTC Commissioning will be 10 a.m. Friday at Legacy Hall. Call 784-6751

University of Nevada, Reno Golden Reunion dinner is 7 p.m. Friday at the Siena Hotel, Spa Casino. Call 784-6620.

Advanced Degree Commencement Ceremony is 4:30 p.m. Friday at the University Quadrangle. As part of the Advanced Degree Ceremony, the following awards will be presented: Honorary Doctorate Degree, Regent's Awards: Distinguished Nevadans; Regent's Scholars.

The Class of 2007 will celebrate graduation at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the University Quadrangle.

Program gives reason to junk those junipers

As part of Nevada Wildland Fire Awareness Week, May 19-25, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is teaming up with Moana Nursery, Reno Fire Department and Waste Management to encourage residents to replace junipers close to their homes with less flammable plants. Residents can pull out their junipers and exchange them for a free 5-gallon replacement plant at Moana Nurseries in Reno from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday. Moana Nursery is donating 50 free pre-selected shrubs at each location, (1100 W. Moana Lane and 11301 S. Virginia St., Reno) available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each household may receive one free plant.

To learn more about protecting your home from wildfire, visit www.livingwithfire.info or contact Ed Smith at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 782-9960 or e-mail him at smithe@unce.unr.edu. Living With Fire is an interagency program coordinated by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.