Valley briefs

Staff Reports

Pinkerton's 'Nutcracker' opens Friday

Pinkerton Ballet Theatre presents their 22nd annual production of "The Nutcracker Ballet," 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Carson City Community Center.

Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell, Carson City District Attorney Neil Rombardo, and Nevada State Sen. Mark Amodei perform the role of Mother Gigogne.

Tickets are $23.50 general, and $19.50 seniors and students, available at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., Carson City, (775) 883-1976, ext. 117, at www.brewery arts.org, or at the door. Group discounts offered. Information, (775) 230-1915.

Max's gift tree benefits shelter animals

The second annual Holiday Gift Tree to benefit dogs and cats at the Douglas County Animal Shelter is Monday through Friday, Nov. 29-Dec. 20 at Max's Pet Supplies in the Raley's shopping center in Gardnerville. The event is sponsored by DAWG and Max's.

Max's owner Kori Snyder has a tree decorated with ornaments of gift suggestions for the shelter's dogs and cats. Last year's event was a success in bringing pet food, collars, treats, and toys for the shelter's pets waiting for good homes. Donation receipts are available at Max's.

The Douglas Animal Welfare Group is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization with the mission to promote the adoption of homeless dogs and cats at the Douglas County Animal Shelter on Dump Road, off Pinenut Road at Highway 395.

Information on adoptable dogs and cats at 782-9061 or 267-7325, or www.dawgrescue.com

'Guys and Dolls Jr.' auditions begin Tuesday

Auditions for the Pau-Wa-Lu Players production of "Guys & Dolls Jr." are Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 at the Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School cafetorium, 701 Long Valley Road, Gardnerville Ranchos.

Auditions are 3-6 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Callbacks are 3-6 p.m. Dec. 2, open to sixth- to ninth-grade students of the Douglas County School District.

Prepare a one-minute song with instrumental accompaniment. Auditions consist of the song, a brief dance combination, and cold readings.

Mandatory music rehearsals are 3-6 p.m. Dec. 13-16. Mandatory dance rehearsals are 3-6 p.m. Jan. 3-14. Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays the last two weeks of January.

Choreographer is Erin McDowell from last year's Pau-Wa-Lu Players production of "Grease." Performances are Feb. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13.

There is no cost to be a part of this production. Information, TOAD Artistic Director Kris Garrett, (775) 219-3577.

Weekly blood pressure checks begin Tuesday

Merrill Gardens at Gardnerville will hold free weekly blood pressure clinics for the public starting 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, at Merrill Gardens at Gardnerville, 1565-A Virginia Ranch Road, behind the Carson Valley Medical Center.

"High blood pressure most often has no symptoms, so a significant number of people who have it might not realize it," said Katie Nichols, assisted living supervisor at Merrill Gardens at Gardnerville. "Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke, so it is important to monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis."

Information, 782-3100.