“Weird Reno” discussion with authors Sandie La Nae and Arline La Ferry

Author Sandie La Nae and Nevada Historical Society docent Arline La Ferry will discuss their book, “Weird Reno,” in a free presentation at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park in Minden.

The first book in their “Weird” trilogy, “Weird Reno” is a collection of curiosities researched from numerous media sources from the mid-1800s to the early 21st century. La Nae and La Ferry introduce audiences to the mysterious, amusing anecdotes, interesting tidbits and some notable Renoites from Reno’s past and present.

Sandie La Nae lives in Carson City and is the author of several books with themes about the historical and the paranormal. Her writings include books about the historic Dake House in Genoa and the old Genoa Bar, as well as the St. Charles Hotel and the Sweeney Building in Carson City. She’s a published poet, a psychic and spirit sensitive, and host of her own local television show.

Arline La Ferry, a resident of Reno, has been a docent with the Nevada Historical Society since 1985. She’s currently a library docent engaged in researching projects. La Ferry has worked on many research projects throughout Virginia City, Carson City and Reno. She has also assisted in genealogy projects for private citizens, historical investigations for local media, advised major television production companies and assisted many local authors in their research.

The free event is held outdoors at Dangberg Home Ranch, located at 1450 Highway 88, about 1/4 mile north of the Carson Valley Veterinary Hospital. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or use one of the park’s chairs. The book will be available for purchase at a discounted price.

The presentation is the first in the park’s Ferris Family Speaker Series, named in honor of the family of Margaret Ferris Dangberg, the wife of ranch founder Heinrich F. Dangberg. The series is sponsored by Bently Ranch, SoaringNV, The Record-Courier, Douglas County, Alpen Sierra Coffee Company, and the Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation. Alpen Sierra Coffee Company is providing complimentary coffee for visitors throughout the series.

Upcoming speakers in the series include SoaringNV owner Laurie Harden presenting “Gliders” on May 16; Christina Thomas presenting “Songbird: The Story of the Paiute People” on May 23; author and historian Michael Makley with a presentation on “William Sharon and John Mackay” on May 30; Chauatauquan Michael Fischer portraying Carson Valley rancher Heinrich F. Dangberg on June 20; and Kim Copél, in a chautauqua portrayal of Lillian Virgin Finnegan, the creator of Genoa’s annual Candy Dance event, on June 28.

For more information, go to dangberghomeranch.org, or call 775-783-9417.