College community makes recycling a priority
In a variety of small ways, Western Nevada College is making a difference to the local environment, one that can be seen throughout its campuses in Carson City, Douglas and Fallon. As the year comes to a close, the college Recycling Committee took stock of what has been accomplished during the past year, and the small steps are starting to make a big difference.
Scattered around the campuses are bins for recycling plastic, aluminum, paper and telephone books. A growing number of students and faculty members are using reusable thermal drink mugs in the college cafe, instead of plastic or paper. Funds raised by sale of the mugs fund recycling equipment such as paper recycling bins.
Some of the impacts:
• A half-ton of telephone books have been recycled, saving the equivalent of 8-9 trees.
• Six tons of newspapers, magazines, catalogs and office paper have been recycled since January.
• Revamped heating and cooling systems at the Carson City campus are projected to save $45,000 to $50,000 per year with more efficient usage.
• College employees are now able to make donations into a special account at the WNC Foundation that will support recycling efforts.
• An environmental film festival on campus last spring netted $580, which is earmarked to purchase trees and shrubs for the campus.
Driver's education courses scheduled
New driver education courses for teens ages 15 and older will be offered at WNC campuses in Carson City and Douglas over the Christmas holiday break. Cost: $110. Classes will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, Dec. 21, 22, 28 and 29.
Young drivers will learn safe driving techniques through lectures, class discussion, guest speakers, and films that cover Nevada driving regulations, basic vehicle control, and driving maneuvers in various situations and environments. Nevada state law requires new drivers under age 18 to take a 30-hour New Driver Education course if one is offered within 30 miles of their home.
New drivers should be aware that non-commercial license fees are now $25 for first time testing. There is a new $10 retest fee each time the written or behind-the-wheel driving skills test is retaken.
To register for the non-credit class, fill out the online WNC application at wnc.edu/drivereducation, then print out and mail or fax (445-3148) the form to WNC Admissions, 2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89703. Processing usually takes two days, and students may then call 445-4458 or proceed with Web-REG to confirm registration and pay for the class.
More information: 445-4458.
Holiday Chorale performs Tuesday night
Choirmaster Bill Zabelsky will lead Western's chorus in "Sounds of Winter" on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Aspen Building's Sarah Winnemucca Hall.
The traditional German folk carol "Ring Merry Bells" will be performed, along with Handel's "Awake the Trumpets Lofty Sound," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas," done as a jazz piece. There will be other contemporary winter and holiday music to round out the evening, plus the Douglas High School Madrigals performing a few numbers at the beginning of the concert.