Off the Couch/Calendar of events

Today

-- Friends of the Carson City Library sponsors a used-book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the library, 900 N. Roop St. Hardcover books are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents. Call 887-2244.

-- Funtime Theater presents a murder-mystery dinner, 7 p.m. today and Saturday at the Delta Saloon, 18 S. C St., Virginia City. $40 per person, includes dinner and show. Call 240-5762 or visit members.aol.com/Funtimetheater.

-- English author Lee Sturgeon-Day presents a two-day workshop on life planning through exploration of the seven stages of personal biography at the Mountain and Garden Bed and Breakfast in Woodfords, Calif. 6:30 p.m. today and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Registration $60 per person, call Diana Mitzner at (530) 694-9691.

-- English author Lee Sturgeon-Day is guest speaker at the Markleeville Writers' Circle noon-1 p.m. Free to the public at Markleeville Library. Call (530) 694-2120.

-- Champion Motor Speedway Car Show at Carson Mall during regular mall hours. Includes drivers signing autographs from 6-8 p.m. today; 4-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. Call 267-0505 or 884-3045.

-- Nevada Music Educators Association 2003 All State Conference through Saturday. Showcases all-state ensembles of top high school musicians from around the state. Call 283-1600.

-- Blues Groove performs at the Carson Nugget Show Lounge 8 p.m.-2 a.m. today and Saturday. Call 882-1626.

-- Tommy Bell performs at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret Lounge through Sunday. Call 782-9711.

-- Turquoise performs at the Carson Valley Inn Cabaret Lounge, Minden. Call 782-9711.

Saturday

-- St. Peter's Country Store Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, corner of Minnesota and Telegraph streets. Features a large collection of books and records, plants, collectibles and "near-new" items. Call 882-1534.

-- Children's Museum of Northern Nevada 2003 Jester's Jog. Signup at 8 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m. at the Pi-on Plaza Resort and Casino. Includes fun run for kids, 2-mile walk, 2-mile run and 10k run. Call 883-3361.

-- Annual Presbyterian Spring Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.. First Presbyterian Church, corner of Division and Musser streets. Half-price buys after 11 a.m., $2 per-bag specials at noon. Items include furniture, crafts and antiques. Call 882-1032.

-- Used-book sale, 9 a.m. to noon at St. Teresa's School, 567 S. Richmond Ave. Proceeds benefit the school library. Call 882-2079.

-- Easter crafts day at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St., 10:30 a.m. for children ages 7 through 12. Cost $2 per child. Call 884-2226.

-- Second Hand Lil sale, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carson City Elks Lodge, 515 N. Nevada St. Features gently used formal wear for women, nicer clothing, career/business dress, accessories and home decor; a fund-raiser for local hearing-impaired programs. Light buffet luncheon from 11:30-1:30 p.m., $3. Call 883-5132.

-- Roberts House Museum Spring Tea, 11 a.m., 1207 N. Carson St. Cost $12 per person, includes "Eye of the Needle Exhibit. "Limited seating, prepaid reservations requested. Call Paula Cannon at 887-8865.

-- Soroptimist International of Carson City's Comedy Night, 7:30 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St. Features Laura House and Lord Carrett; doors open at 6 p.m.; $25; hors d'oeuvres and no-host bar available. Call 883-2211.

-- The Carson City Sheriff's Department will fingerprint children free of charge, noon, west entrance of the Gottschalks department store, 1443 S. Carson St. Call 883-8888.

-- 12th annual Mountain Oyster Fry at the Bucket of Blood Saloon parking lot. Cooking starts at 10 a.m., judging and tasting at noon. Call 847-0311.

Sunday

-- McAvoy Layne performs "The Ghost of Mark Twain," 2 p.m., Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St., $15 general, $12 BAC members, seniors, $5 students w/ID, children younger than 12 are free. Call 883-1976.

-- Douglas County Republic Women's Fashion Show, 11 a.m. at the Carson Valley Inn, Minden, $21 per person; reservations required. Call 265-6658.

-- Young at Heart potluck and social at Douglas County Senior Center, 2300 Meadow Lane, Gardnerville. Doors open at 11 a.m.; bring a desert, salad or entree to serve six to eight and your favorite game. Call 783-6455.

-- Violinist Michael O'Neill is featured soloist with the Carson Valley Sinfonia at 4 p.m. at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School, 701 Long Valley Road, Gardnerville. Free, open to public. Call 267-3495.