WNC News & Notes: Students celebrate Hispanic heritage

Western Nevada College students of Hispanic ancestry celebrated their culture last week by participating in Hispanic Heritage month. A number of WNC students participated in an essay contest with the theme, "What Hispanic Heritage Means to Me."

According to Lupe Ramirez, who advises the college Latino Student Club, Maira Ibarra was named winner of the contest. Ibarra and other members of the Latino Club met with Gov. Brian Sandoval, Assemblyman Pete Livermore, Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, and Assemblywoman Debbie Smith at the Governor's Mansion.

Latino Student Club seeks talent show acts

WNC students and community members are invited to audition for the annual "Show Your Talent" contest, sponsored by the college Latino Student Club. Auditions are Friday, Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m., Marlette Hall, Cedar Building, WNC Carson City. There is no cost to audition.

The talent show will be Friday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m., at the Carson City Nugget. Admission to the show is $8 adults, $5 for any student with school ID card, and $4 for youth and senior citizens. Children under age 5 are admitted free. All proceeds from the event will help fund WNC student scholarships.

For information, 445-3344.

Direct marketing workshop on tap for small farmers

Challenged by today's industrial food system, many small farms are looking for new and creative ways to sell their products directly to consumers. Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers a workshop on "Direct Marketing for Small Farms" Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at WNC Carson City. Cost is $35 when registering by Thursday and $45 after Thursday. Lunch is included.

Participants will learn how to develop and execute a simple, effective marketing plan to fit their small farm enterprise. Industry experts will present sessions that include branding and authentic messaging, media relations, effective signs and displays, Facebook and social media, and more. They will discuss sales options including farmers markets and farm stands, restaurants, subscription farms, u-pick, and other direct-marketing opportunities.

Featured speaker Vance Corum of Farmers' Markets America is a direct marketing specialist who has assisted small farm entrepreneurs and farmers markets for more than 30 years. He is coauthor of the book "The New Farmers Market."

Jonathan Wright, food and drink editor for the Reno Gazette-Journal and RENO Magazine, will present ideas on how to make friends with the media, learn interview skills and get pertinent messages to the public.

The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program that teaches alternative farming methods. Funding for this project is provided by the Washington State University Western Center for Risk Management Education and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

For information/registration, contact Ann Louhela at 775-351-2551 or louhelaa@wnc.edu.

Learn about Jules Verne at Davis Observatory

Take in a "Star Party" at the Jack Davis Observatory on Saturday evenings, for a free and fascinating event that is "out of this world." Telescope viewing of the evening sky follows a 7 p.m. lecture by Michael Thomas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming topics include:

• "Jules Verne, The Father of Science Fiction" on Saturday: Learn about the life and work of the man who turned the world's view toward space. His books have captured the imagination of many generations. Learn how Verne's creations of fictitious futures have turned out to be accurately prophetic in many ways.

College craft fair offers wide variety of art and handicrafts

WNC hosts its annual fall craft fair, Thursday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., at WNC Carson City.

Local vendors will offer handmade crafts in booths that fill the Bristlecone Building main hallway. In past years, offerings have included clothing, art, ceramics, jewelry, photography, foods, and more. Proceeds will help fund professional development activities for the college staff. Information: Shelly Bale, 445-3266.

College closed for Nevada Day Observance

Western Nevada College campuses will be closed on Friday, Oct. 28, in observance of the Nevada Day holiday. Classes and services resume Monday, Oct. 31.