May the 4th be with You storytime at the Library

This Saturday, the Douglas County Public Library Minden branch hosts several special Star Wars-themed events in celebration of May 4.

At 10:30 a.m., join Darth Vader for and all-ages story time and other Star Wars activities. At 12 Noon, the library screens the PG-rated film, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

Through May 4, patrons are invited to visit the Minden branch and take part in a Star Wars scavenger hunt.

Also, don’t miss tonight’s free vegetable gardening informational presentation by Jessica Gardner, Horticulture Outreach Coordinator with the UNR Extension. This free session takes place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and is open to all; children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Visit the calendar page at library.douglascountynv.gov to find more information about these and other upcoming events at the library.

The Minden Library is located at 1625 Library Lane. Connect with the DCPL on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, or call 775-782-9841.

Wind Down Wednesdays are back

Starting May 8, Wind Down Wednesdays return to Heritage Park, 1447 Courthouse Alley in Gardnerville.

CV Flyte mobile bar owners Shannon Allen and Kylie Koerner launched WDW in May 2022 with a vision to provide a welcoming place for the community to meet and relax mid-week. Following the success of that initial event, its now held monthly May through October, with organizers denoting this month’s event as “the official kickoff to summer.”

The event is hosted in partnership with The Cultural Arts Foundation of Douglas County (cafdc.com), which schedules the musical talent for each event. The gatherings offer food, drinks, entertainment, and fun, with a food truck lineup that varies month to month.

“We are so thankful to continue the series with the foundation as our nonprofit partner sponsoring all the music,” said Koerner. “Shan and I truly appreciate it every time we are stopped by someone in the community telling us how much they love the WDW series. We hope to be able to continue offering this event and giving our community a place for family friendly fun for years to come.”

Wind Down Wednesdays take place from 4-8 p.m. June 26, July 24, Aug. 21, and Sept. 25, and Oct. 23.

Sweep the Town May 11

Main Street Gardnerville’s annual Sweep the Town event is scheduled 9 a.m.-noon May 11.(mainstreetgardnerville.org/event/sweep-the-town/).

Volunteers are invited to help “clean, repair, and improve public spaces air other areas…that have been neglected vandalized, or misused. Cleanup projects can involve all kinds of public spaces-parks, empty lots, schools, trails, sidewalks, and even parking lots, to name just a few.” Preparing Heritage Park Gardens for the rapidly approaching growing season is another area of focus this year.

MSG Program Director Jen Nalder said more than 80 volunteers participated in the 2023 event. Those combined 288 volunteer hours went toward beautifying downtown spaces and removing more than 8 tons of debris, much of which was silt left over from the previous year’s heavy snowfall.

Nalder expressed gratitude for the volunteer efforts snd said they really go a long way in preparing downtown for summertime events and the increased pedestrian traffic.

All are welcome, and participants are encouraged to bring a broom, work gloves, sun hat, sunscreen, and a friend. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Town of Gardnerville/MSG parking lot, 1407 Main St., to sign a liability waiver and receive a job assignment before heading out. Coffee from DST and other light refreshments will be served.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.