Sagehens do their good work

The Sagehens gathered for their annual Christmas party in the buffet room at Topaz Lodge and Casino in December. The non-profit, community service group has been together for more than 30 years and have dedicated a lot of hard work to bettering the community not just in the Topaz area but have provided scholarships for Douglas High School students and donations to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet, improvements for our fire department, building the park and helping with funds to establish the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park Building or just a helping hand for members of our community in need. This has been some of the goals of the Sagehens.

"We get together several times a year for our major fundraisers," LaVerne Jory said. "But we also get together just to have fun, enjoy potlucks and good company."

With a membership of more than 60 strong with over half of the membership actively participating in club projects and events, for a small community, that says a lot. The Sagehens are open to new members so if you would like to be member of wonderful group of women who like to get together and just have fun, meet new friends and do great things for our community then give Janice Roberts a call at 266-1076.

n There is no doubt that our area is growing. Did you know that our area has a wonderful informational Web site? I didn't know it until today. LaVerne Jory told me about it so I logged on to see what it is all about. All I can say is beautiful, informative and very organized. Make sure to visit www.topaznv.com for endless possibilities to get the word out about community activities and events.

n The first tenant has moved into the brand new Arden Square at the corner of Albite and Highway 208. Alice Raymond is opening a quilting shop called Quilters Quarters and it looks like it will be another comfy place to gather and have a good time. Alice will be offering classes, supplies and her expertise.

"I have been quilting for two years with the Pine Needlers, a quilting club in Smith Valley, and I saw a need to provide a place to get supplies for our craft," Alice said.

She will host a grand opening of her business from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 2-3. There will be door prizes and refreshments so come on down and welcome Alice to the community. The new store is located at 1490 Albite Road, Suite 6, and the phone number is 266-4350.

n The historic little red roofed A-frame has taken on a brand new look, not just on its exterior, but the interior as well. The A-frame has been divided into two cozy offices. The front half is the new home of Sierra Coast Mortgage and Nancy Bauer. In the back are the offices of M. Scott Realty run by LaVerne Jory, broker-salesman and property manager. Jory is also a licensed notary with over 30 years experience in the real estate business.

n With the weather as great as it has been for the last few days, remember that the Topaz Lake Fishing Derby is still in full swing and there are plenty of tagged fish in the lake just waiting to be caught. Be an instant winner of some big money for the lucky angler who snags the $1,000 tagged beauties in the lake.

n Topaz Joe's Bar and Grill will be having a special live entertainment event next Friday and Saturday night with the one man band of Schizoid Johnny starting at 8 p.m. both nights.

With the days getting longer, and the time to "spring" our clocks one hour ahead in March fast approaching, visions of outdoor fun are filling my day-dreams in anticipation of warm spring days. Camping, boating, rides on the quads, exploring old historic mining sites and other fun places to go out and about in the mountains around us. There will be many adventures, a little bit of history and a whole lot of fun in the days ahead and I will share them all with you.

Until then ... we will just 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