Western Nevada College: ‘Always Lost’ exhibit continues to impress nationally

The WNC arts and humanities exhibition Always Lost: A Meditation on War continues to inspire visitors around the U.S., offering a poignant and sobering reflection on the costs of war. It is currently installed in the Library Gallery at Mesabi Range Community & Technical College in Virginia, Minn., through March 21. This is the exhibition’s 18th venue.

In addition to the Wall of the Dead, which depicts the faces and names of all U.S. military war casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001, the exhibition features Pulitzer Prize-winning combat photography (courtesy of The Dallas Morning News) and literary work by northern Nevada writers that honors and illustrates the sacrifices of those who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

“It’s a powerful experience that is authentic and meaningful,” said Mesabi Range College Dean of Student Affairs David Dailey. “I don’t know if anyone who walks in walks out feeling the same way about what vets did for us.”

Dailey learned of the exhibit from Minnesota resident Cheryl Softich, mother of Army SPC Noah Pierce, who took his own life after serving two tours in Iraq. Pierce’s poetry about his combat experiences and his personal story are featured in the exhibition.

“As we spoke, she told me how powerful the exhibit is,” Dailey said. “Moreover, how meaningful it would be to her, and her son’s memory, if Mesabi Range College could exhibit this work.”

Dailey is himself the son of a wounded veteran. While emotionally invested in the project for personal reasons, he said the display puts a face and a name to the casualties of war and will surely affect everyone who views it, including students, veterans and the public. “It takes up the entire gallery” at the Virginia campus, he said.

“It’s a humbling and gratifying experience to bring the exhibit to Virginia and the Northland,” Dailey said. “If people want to see an exhibit that is done with exceptional class and solemn pride for veterans, they are going to want to come and take a look at it.”

— By Amy Roby, with permission from Mesabi Daily News staff writer Angie Riebe

Dancing with Stars to raise funds for nursing students

The second annual Dancing with the Stars: Carson City Edition is getting ready to swing. The energetic and colorful dance competition is Saturday, Feb. 22, at Carson High School.

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong will join Miss Nevada Diana Sweeney and other celebrity dancers for the fundraiser. Others include Carson High School math teacher Jennifer Walls, Carson Tahoe Cancer Research Center Supervisor Ann Proffitt, Carson City Mayor Robert Crowell, Adele’s Restaurant & Lounge owner Charlie Abowd, Nugget Casino General Manager Star Anderson, Carson City Supervisor Jim Shirk, and meteorologist Jeff Thompson. Lake Side Properties owner Kimberly Seifert was originally cast as a contestant, but instead, she will perform during a halftime ceremony. Her place in the competition will be filled by Susan Crowell, wife of the mayor.

Proceeds will help WNC nursing students attend the learn skills at the National Student Nursing meeting on April 9-13 in Nashville, Tenn., as well as tips for the NCLEX exam and disaster preparedness training.

“We are very excited as it is coming together,” said Ila Bottoms, WNC’s NSNA president who is helping to organize the event.

Advance tickets can be purchased from the Associated Students of Western Nevada at WNC’s Carson City campus, 2201 West College Parkway; and at the following area businesses: The Purple Avocado, 904 N. Curry St.; Yaples Ballroom Dance, 315 N. Carson St. and Especially For You, 1218 Eddy St.

A year ago, Furlong upped the stakes by challenging District Attorney Neil Rombardo to a personal competition.

“We had an absolute ball. We had a friendly political competition going on and that really added to the event,” Furlong said. “It was a lot of fun bantering back and forth about who was going to win.”

The judges decided that neither Furlong nor Rombardo deserved bragging rights, leaving the friendly foes in a deadlock. Their subplot provided little challenge to Miss Carson City Vanessa Macias, who with her partner, Ivan Ochoa, claimed first place and the mirror ball trophy.

Without Rombardo in this year’s field, Furlong has set his sights on some new competition: Crowell and Abowd.

“We’re picking our battlegrounds now,” Furlong said. “I’ve seen the mayor dance, and he’s really good. He beat me once before, and I want a rematch.”

Furlong’s track record shows a willingness to organize and contribute to community events.

Even though Carson City’s sheriff since 2003 admits that his dancing ability is so-so, he embraces the opportunity to do something positive for his community.

“Call me old-fashioned, but I do realize how much we can do in this community when we play together,” Furlong said. “Nurses, doctors, the arts, all of these folks kick in their part. For every ounce I give them, they give tons back.

“Public safety goes a long way when we have good relations in the community.”

Tickets will cost $15 at the door and are available for $12 in advance. VIP tables that seat eight people are $400. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dancing starting at 7 p.m.