Carson Valley Methodist Church hosts piano concert on Sunday

On Sunday Carson Valley United Methodist Church will host a musical experience which has been shared around the world.

Tim Baley, a Carson City resident, will perform a piano concert accompanied by a slide presentation of some of his art work. Entitled "Reflections Americana," the program will cover songs from the past to the present, from coast to coast, while more than 175 slides depict our American heritage.

Tim Baley is truly an unusual individual. When he was quite young because of mental and physical handicaps, including cerebral palsy, Tim's parents were told that there was "no hope of a meaningful life outside of an institution."

Fortunately, they did not heed the doctor's advice. In 1979, when in his 20s, Tim announced, "I want to be a concert pianist," and today he has reached his goal, many times over.

From a child who could barely touch his two index fingers together, he has become an incredible musician. He performed on television with Liberace and Steve Allen in addition to several White House performances and others at the Pentagon, NASA and the Kennedy Center. He recently returned from a tour in Australia.

In 1986, another of Tim's talents was revealed when he began to paint. Since that time, one of his paintings was chosen to be hung for the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Capitol, and he was chosen to exhibit his work in the Very Special Arts Gallery (an affiliate of the Kennedy Center) in Washington, D.C.

Due to the length of the program there will be only a single service at 9:30 a.m.

There will be Sunday School through second grade, although the program is appropriate for any age. A free-will offering will be taken after the service.

There will also be a barbecue at 11 a.m.

Tim and his parents will be there. Meat, beverages and paper goods will be provided and everyone is asked to bring a side dish to serve eight. The community is invited to both the concert and the barbecue. The church is at 1375 Centerville Lane in Gardnerville. Call 782-4600.