Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels: Dollars to the growth of Latino programs at schools

The Nevada Appeal's "Silver Dollar" and "Wooden Nickel" feature recognizes positive achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out others that missed the mark.

Silver Dollar: The growth of Carson City's Association of Latino Families, which during the past five years has transitioned from a small group of volunteers into an organization focused on increasing parent involvement in education.

Association founder Leticia Servin updated the school board last week about the group's progress. Among the association's offerings are health programs for families, education programs for parents and leadership organizations for students.

Wooden Nickel: Gas prices recorded hefty increases in May.

The price of a regular gallon of gas in Nevada jumped 40 cents, the biggest gain of the year. During the first week of June, a gallon cost an average of $2.60 compared to $2.20 a month before, according to AAA.

Silver Dollar: For the first time in six years, not one Carson City business checked for alcohol compliance sold alcohol to an underage decoy. On May 30, every one of the 27 businesses checked passed the test.

That's reason to celebrate, but perhaps with a steaming cup of coffee rather than anything stronger. We applaud the positive sign in the ongoing effort to eliminate the sale of alcohol to underage patrons.

Silver Dollar: Virginia City, the center of the Comstock Lode silver strike, polished up its shining silver history last weekend to kick off its sesquicentennial celebration.

While the recent activities marked the official high point of Virginia City's 150th year, further events are scheduled in 2009 - including plans for a "Christmas on the Comstock." For information on the sesquicentennial, go to www.visitvirginiacitynv.com or call 800-718-7587.

Silver Dollar: A bucket full of silver coins for Jeane and Patrick Mulreany, longtime owners of the Carson Valley Inn. After 25 years, the couple recently announced they are selling the Douglas County landmark business to the owners of Bodines in Carson City.

The family-run business has been an integral part of Carson Valley life during the past quarter century and the Mulreanys became known as strong community supporters.

Editor's note: Do you have a suggestion for a Silver Dollar or Wooden Nickel award? Send your idea to editor@nevadaappeal.com