Throwers take second in league

Topaz Ranch Estates newly formed dart team, Topaz Joe's Throwers, Tony Norfolk, William Minteer Jr., team captain, Ole Chavez and Bill Minteer Sr. were in second place, coming into the Carson Valley Dart League playoffs that took place at Silver Strike Bowling in the Gardnerville Ranchos, Tuesday. Up against their toughest competition, an undefeated team sponsored by Silver Strike, the Throwers made a stand, fought their best fight and still maintained their second-place league standing during the final play-off game in an 11-team league for the 2005-06 Carson Valley dart season.

The first-place winning team, once sponsored by the now defunct Highway 395 Club, was sponsored by Silver Strike Bowling for the finish of the tournament. They remained undefeated through the season, even when faced with the stiff competition playing against the Topaz Joe's Thrower's.

On May 13, a trophy banquet will take place at the Silver Strike, to award the top teams and acknowledge all the teams who participated in the 2005-06 season. The fledgling league consists of: two teams sponsored by The Full Belly Deli, Jethro's in the Gardnerville Ranchos and The All Stars from Carson City; two teams sponsored by Silver Strike Bowling, The French Bar and Iggie's and Squiggie's at Holbrook Junction; the now displaced Valley Bar team and the Topaz Joe's Thrower's from TRE.

The Carson Valley League is looking for more teams to compete against next year. Anyone who would like to participate in the fun - find a few dart lovin' buddies, someone to sponsor the team and you are in. Just be prepared to give up every Tuesday night from the middle of November until each team has had a chance to eliminate their competition.

Topaz Sagehens Rummage and Bake Sale

The Topaz Sagehens, a local, non-profit, service group, is organizing its 30th Annual Rummage and Bake Sale to take place May 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park Building. They are accepting donations now and the collection point is in a new location this year.

The Blue Sage Storage, unit 96, (way in the back), located just off Highway 208 on the right heading east toward Wellington, is the collection point for any unwanted items you may wish to donate to the fundraising event. All the proceeds from this sale go to fund community charities and civic organizations like the Topaz Ranch Estates and Topaz Lake volunteer fire departments, a Douglas High School scholarship fund, as well as many other worthy causes in the area.

The weekend's events will include chili dogs and delicious desserts for hungry shoppers and the added bonus of fantastic raffle prizes for all the bargain hunters. Get there early as the best always goes first. For more information contact Sagehen President Micki Joye at 266-1025.

Spring Community Clean-Up coming to TRE

According to Ole Chavez, "head honcho maintenance person" at Topaz Ranch Estates Water Co., there will be another Spring Cleaning Day in TRE, the date is yet to be announced. Last year's Clean-Up day was very successful and it gives everyone a chance to dispose of things that are hard to get rid of to say nothing of the open land clean up done by wonderful resident volunteers. To make this a successful event, we all need to "pitch in." For more information or volunteering to help with the event, call Topaz Ranch Estates Water Co., 266-3000 or 266-3212 but remember, the date is yet to be announced.

Open burning

Open burning is still in effect for the area. Go to the Douglas County Sheriff Substation, located at Holbrook Junction in the Direct Med Urgent Care Center to apply for a permit and more information.

Fire department fundraiser barbecue

The TREVFD fundraiser barbecue will take place this year at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Center since renovations to the TREVFD No. 4 fire station will not be complete in time for the event. Live music will again be provided by the Motifs, who have donated their time and musical talents every year to this event. There will be raffles, great food and wonderful music to dance to. Make plans now to join in the fun at this community fundraising benefit, something to support our community. Our local fire department is our lifeline to save homes and lives in this rural area we live in. You never will know how important they are until that one time that you need these volunteers the most. They give their time and their lives to be there when we need them, so, now is the time to show appreciation and support the job they do for all of us.

Take off those studs

until next winter

Something to remember for all of us who have survived this winter of snow, wind, sleet, ice and crummy winter weather. Those of us with studded snow tires - as much as we would love to hold on to the security of having them in case of the unexpected, heaven forbid, late spring snow storms, yes it could still happen - they have to be replaced with regular tires by April 30. Time to let go of the security blanket.

Until next time, keep on keepin' on.

n Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com