by Sharlene Irete
People Editor
What does Carson Valley mean to you? Is it the scenery, the people? The past two Carson Valley Almanacs have had A Day in the Life features that have given residents opportunities to take photos of what is important to them in the place where they live.
The date for the 2009 Day in the Life of Carson Valley feature is Aug. 22, which means Friday is the day to take photos of what happens on a summer day in the Valley.
The photographs Douglas County Library Technician Maggie Rusmisel contributed to the 2007 and 2008 issues included Carson Valley landscapes of ranches and mountains, horses and cows in fields and children enjoying the park. She said a photo of a bale of hay with the sign, "Hay $7," was one of her favorites.
"That's what we are " what this valley is about," Rusmisel said.
Rusmisel is taking part of the day off from her job at the library to take photographs for the Day in the Life of Carson Valley.
"The plan of attack is I'll first wander my neighborhood of Fish Springs and look for what's interesting and unique about where I live," she said. "School is starting around that time so I'll try to incorporate that into my pictures.
"I just wait until something catches my eye. Then I come to work. I'll take photos of people enjoying the library because that's what's important to me."
Rusmisel took up photography in 1978, took a few classes in darkroom work and is the photographer for the Douglas County Public Library. Even if Aug. 22 is a rainy day, she will be out taking photos.
"Rain changes the mood and this valley has many moods. Windy days are challenging. Last year it was so windy I got knocked into an electric fence, which was kind of shocking," she said.
"I'm looking forward to taking pictures Friday. I hope other people send things in too. Everybody sees things differently and have different things that are important to them. They can capture what's important to them and send it in. It's about the story we tell."
You don't have to be a professional photographer to contribute to the Day in the Life feature for the 2009 Carson Valley Almanac. Photos may be taken with digital or film cameras. Images may be sent to The R-C by e-mail as high-resolution digital JPEG files, can be submitted on CDs or as photographs from developed film.
"Take lots of pictures that day," said R-C photographer Shannon Litz. "Get the names of the people in the photos and describe what they're doing."
Litz responds to everyone who submits something for Day in the Life. Call her at 782-5121, ext. 209, with any questions on how to contribute to the Almanac feature.
