Northern Nevada Briefly June 10

Balloons cause power outage

A power outage in North Carson City on Tuesday was caused by mylar balloons hitting power lines, an official said.

Faye Anderson, spokeswoman for NV Energy, said about 70 homes on Bonanza Drive, North Sutro Terrace, South Sutro Terrace and the north end of Goni Road were affected from 11:43 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Booksigning for children's picture books on Saturday

Local author Mary Jean Kelso will sign books from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Borders Books on Topsy Lane.

Kelso's newest children's picture books are "RV Mouse" and "Andy and Spirit Meet the Rodeo Queen," about a special needs boy and a therapy horse that was once a wild Nevada mustang.

Kelso is the author of many children's illustrated books as well as several young adult and adult novels.

Dayton resident releases music collection on CD

Northern Nevada musician-composer Bob Gardner is featured in a CD promotional performance 6-7 p.m. June 15 and 17 at Borders Books, Carson City.

Gardner plays guitar, piano, bass and sings on his CD, "Anonymity." The nine-song collection is a blend of Santana-style guitar, jazzy piano, classical music and progressive rock.

Gardner goes by the stage name of Tunesmith's Apprentice. "Anonymity" may be digitally downloaded through Amazon, iTunes or CD Baby. Discs are available at Borders on Topsy Lane and at live performances.

For more information go to www.tunesmithsapprentice.com.

Pets on parade in Virginia City

Virginia City Pet Parade begins at noon Saturday at the Virginia City Jerky Co., 204 South C St., and heads down to the Bucket of Blood Saloon. Lineup will begin at 11 a.m. and late entries are welcome.

There are prizes donated by area businesses for winners in many categories including Most Unusual Pet; Cutest Child-Pet Combo; Cutest Adult Pet Combo; Most Creative Costume; Most Humorous Pet; Best Performance; Best Dressed Pet; Pet Owner Look-a-like; and Yappiest Pet.

Contestants can pre-register by calling 775-847-4768, or downloading an entry form at www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com.

Completed forms can be faxed to 775-847-4744, or send via e-mail to comstockwriter@yahoo.com.

All animal types are welcome, but they must be controlled by leash, reins or be carried by the owner.

Each animal's owner is responsible for cleaning messes. Pets must have appropriate social skills.

For more information go to www.VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call 775-847-4386.

Nevada railroads talk tonight

The Carson Valley Historical Society's next lecture will be given at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center at 7 p.m. today.

This lecture will feature Frank Ackerman talking about railroads in Nevada. Ackerman is knowledgeable about the history of railroads in Nevada, including the "Virginia & Truckee" Railroad.

He will talk about train robberies and the moving of gold and silver from mines to shipping areas. Admission is free to members, $3 for non-members. For more information call 775-782-2555.

Reading program starts Saturday

Saturday will be the Carson City Library's annual Summer Reading Program Pancake Breakfast Kick-Off, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Carson City.

The breakfast will be held from 8-10 a.m. on the front lawn of the library, and each child that attends will receive a free goodie bag. Tickets are on sale at the library for $3 for kids younger than 12, $6 for adults and $15 for a family ticket.

Contact Amber Sady, Youth Services Librarian, at 887-2244 ext. 1012, or visit the library's website at carsoncitylibrary.org