Back-to-School Bash set for Aug. 7

Northern Nevada Dream Center has partnered with LifePoint Church and Shine - A Jesus Church to host an upcoming Back-to-School Bash giveaway event.

The goal is to collect enough school supplies for 500 students in need across the Douglas County and Carson City school districts, which will be distributed at two local events planned for Saturday, Aug. 7.

Anyone interested in supporting the effort is invited to make a material or financial donation. Visit the NNDC Back-to-School Bash webpage at nndreamcenter.org/back-to-school/ to provide a monetary contribution. The webpage also details a specific list of needed items that includes binders, folders, markers, flash cards, and lined paper for those who wish to purchase supplies.

Parents who attend the bash will also receive a gift bag, and donations of small toys such as sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and jump ropes; hard candy; and $5-$10 gift cards to places such as Target and Walmart are welcomed, as well.

Items may be dropped off at any of the following locations:

LifePoint Church, 1095 Stephanie Way in Minden

Wink’s Silver Strike Lanes, 1281 Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos

NNDC, 3579 Hwy 50 East, Suite 211 in Carson City

Shine - A Jesus Church, 3690 U.S. 395 South in Carson City

Office Depot, 222 Fairview Drive in Carson City

Backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed at two drive-through events on Aug. 7, both from 5:30-7 p.m. The Douglas County bash takes place in the Wink’s bowling alley parking lot, and the Carson City bash takes place at Mark Twain Elementary School, 2111 Carriage Crest Drive. Both events are first come, first served.

NNDC Treasurer and board member Jess Grant said the center is committed to meeting the needs of local communities, and they are excited to join with partner organizations to help kids have a good start to the upcoming school year.

Other Back-to-School Bash sponsors are: Ashlee’s Toy Closet, Firehouse Subs, Genuine James Gaskets, Kona Ice, Prime Lending, Trader Joe’s, and Yogurt Beach.

Questions about the Back-to-School Bash may be directed to NNDC at 775-443-4090 or via email at info@nndreamcenter.org.

Summertime is June Bug season

Though it’s mid-July, that doesn’t seem to matter to the June bugs I’ve seen recently during my evening walks.

The tan, oval beetles I’ve come across have distinct white stripes down their backs and measure about an inch and a half long. This particular June bug species is aptly named the Ten Lined June beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata).

While these beetles are harmless to humans, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources website (ipm.ucanr.edu) details the damage Ten Lined June beetle larvae cause to trees and other vegetation by feeding on the root systems of plants. Females lay their eggs underground, and it takes the beetle two years to mature from egg stage to adult. Adult beetles emerge from the soil during the summer months, which explains the recent sightings.

On two separate occasions over the past week, I’ve stepped over a beetle on the sidewalk. My friend, Tim, told me that if you pick one of these beetles up, it will hiss at you. I told him I’m more than happy to take him at his word on this.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.