Teri’s Notebook: Enjoy fall in Northern Nevada through 2 worthy causes

As a reporter covering education, and anything else that pops up, I never know where I’ll be from day to day. But on day’s like Thursday, I’m pretty lucky.

I met up with Carson High School biology students who were doing some restoration work in an area known as Quill Canyon in west Carson City. Such a beautiful day in such a beautiful area.

It was one of the moments when I realized — again — how fortunate we are to live where we do. While we all get caught up in our everyday responsibilities, our eyes fixed on our computer screens and our minds planning and twisting with angst.

But in less than five minutes from the dark, artificial chill of my office, I was surrounded by sagebrush, willows and aspen trees. And I felt the shackles of my mind fall away and my vision expand. I snapped some photos with my phone so you can see what I’m talking about.

As a disclaimer, I should note wandering out into the great outdoors during the workday also has its drawbacks — I returned to the office with wind-blow hair and kind of sweaty, just in time to cover the political debates that evening.

Fortunately, as fall bursts into Carson City with its colorful crispness, there will be plenty of perfect days for connecting with nature. A week from today, there will be a couple of great events — depending whether you prefer to run or cycle — to choose from to get outside and get active.

The 6th annual Cancer Sucks 5K will begin at 8 a.m. at the Sierra Nevada Association of Realtors, 300 S. Curry St.

The run will weave through Carson City’s scenic west side. Registration fees are $30 for individuals 18 and under, $25 per person for teams of eight or more, and $20 for runners/walkers 17 and under.

For more information, to register or for sponsorship opportunities, visit SNARCancerRun.com or contact Heidi McFadden at heidimcfadden@outlook.com.

The Tour de Toni will showcase Genoa and the surrounding area. The 26-mile bike ride will go from Genoa’s Mormon Station to the California state line via Highway 88, culminating with a barbecue and festivities in the park. There will also be a shorter family fun ride to Wally’s Hot Springs and Back.

The Toni Langson Rotary Youth Scholarship Fund was founded in honor of Toni Langson, former president of the Carson City Sunset Rotary Club and strong advocate of youth education. The scholarship supports the RYLA High School Leadership Camp, Rotary Eighth Grade Leadership Program and the Rotary Youth Exchange programs.

To register or for more information, go to tourdetoni.org.