Community briefs

Carson City

Donations in Blue Piggy Banks go toward Safe Haven project

The Carson City Elk's Lodge No. 2177 is placing Blue Piggy Banks out to raise funds for the Nevada Elk's State Project, Safe Haven.

Safe Haven provides funding to private homes throughout Nevada that are open 24 hours a day for the placement of children taken from dangerous situations or are battered or abused.

The pigs will be out until after the Nevada Day Parade. To send in a donation, mail it to: Carson City Elks Lodge, 515 N. Nevada St., Carson City, 89703, be sure to put blue pigs in the memo line. Call 882-2177.

Volunteers needed at Children's Museum

Children's Museum of Northern Nevada needs volunteers who can replace electronic components in various exhibits like our "Walk-on Piano" and who can help us layout/install sensors that activate voices pre-recorded on chips. Call 884-2226.

Railroad Symposium under way; sign up now

The Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum are accepting registrations for the 36th Nevada Railroad History Symposium, today through Sunday. A fee of $60 covers registration for today and Saturday sessions and tonight's reception at the State Railroad Museum. The fee for the Saturday banquet is $40 for members and $55 for nonmembers. For information or to register, visit www.nsrm-friends.org or contact 687-4942.

Douglas County

Evening of music and dessert

The Carson City Symphony and Raven Ridge Media will present an intimate, elegant evening of Music and Dessert 7:30 p.m. today at a private home in Jacks Valley, south of Carson City. General admission to the House Recital is $20; Symphony Association members $10; and children age 12 and under $5. Seating is limited. Tickets are available at Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., online at ActivityTickets.com, or can be reserved at 883-4154.

Ghost walks tonight in Gardnerville

"Haunted Gardnerville Ghost Walk" tours are presented at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 tonight. Meet at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1477 Highway 395, in Gardnerville. Tickets are $5 per person. For information, visit www.visitcarsonvalley.org or e-mail info@carsonvalleynv.org or contact 782-2555.

Carson Valley Inn's Oktoberfest tonight

The Carson Valley Inn's annual Oktoberfest & Beer Tasting is 7-10 p.m. tonight in the Shannon Ballroom. The event features a wide variety of beer, food and the Al Gruber Band.

Cost is $49. Information is at the Carson Valley Inn hotel desk, www.cvinn.com or by calling 783-6679.

Washoe Valley

Park rangers ghost hunting at Bowers

Mysterious stories, a ghost photo, crystal ball and psychics dare brave souls to join Bowers Mansion Park rangers in search of ghosts and secrets in the mansion and graveyard.

Washoe County Park Rangers John Keesee and Darrel Baldwin will lead Ghost Walks at the Mansion 6 p.m. today and Oct. 26. They'll share strange stories about the place and people who lived there. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children under 17 accompanied by a paying adult. Call 849-1825.