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 Kathy Bartosz and Partnership Carson City, for working to educate the public about the little-known (at least to most parents) effects of the incense "Spice," which is available at convenience and liquor stores, but when smoked has a similar effect as marijuana. The synthetic drug has been linked to at least two deaths. The more knowledge parents have about what dangers lurk in the corner store, the better equipped they'll be to keep their kids safe.
Silver dollar: To C.K. Baily, the local conservationist we can all thank for being the driving force behind the creation of the fishing pond at Fuji Park, which opened Saturday. Hopefully his legacy will last for generations, as the kids out fishing for trout today will grow up to take their own kids and grandkids to the ol' fishing hole.
Wooden nickel: To the fact that there is no official event where the community can gather to commemorate 9/11 in Carson City. We put out the challenge here, that somebody organize a candlelight vigil or other gathering for next year, the 10th anniversary. It's the right thing to do.
Wooden nickel: Conversely, a wooden nickel to those who would put the day of Sept. 11 in a box, and criticize those who would hold a festival or other lighthearted event on that day. The best way we as citizens can fight terrorism is to keep celebrating our American lives. And that includes throwing a party, even on Sept. 11.