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: To RSVP, the retired senior volunteer program that presents the carnival and fireworks show tonight at Mills Park. Not only does the entire community benefit from the patriotic display, but the money raised at the carnival goes toward keeping seniors in their homes with the help of volunteers. It's a win-win. Be sure to go out tonight and celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. And everyone be safe.
Silver Dollar: To former South Lake resident Jaycee Lee Dugard, who won a $20 million settlement from the state of California in the wake of her two-decade ordeal at the hands of kidnapper Phillip Garrido. We hope the money is able to provide her with privacy, peace and healing, three things she and her children deserve.
Silver Dollar: To Carson High sophomore Caitlin Cosens. Caitlin placed second in the photography category of the national Skills USA competition held last month in Kansas City. Said her photo instructor Brian Reedy, "Everything I asked of her, she did. That's what makes winners." Bravo to this talented and hard-working young woman.
Wooden Nickel: To residents who do not properly stow their trash, and attract bears into neighborhoods. Storey County has had 10 bear calls last month, and a bear was spotted not long ago rambling through Virginia City. Carson City has had its share of bear run-ins, too. It's not just a matter of safety for humans, but for the bears as well. Bears that get addicted to human garbage can very well end up being euthanized. It's cruel indeed to let that happen just because a homeowner can't keep their trash under wraps.