Sertoma golf tourney Aug. 20

Carson Valley Sertoma hosts their 2nd annual golf tournament for charity on Aug. 20 at Carson Valley Golf Course, 1027 Riverview Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with tee off at 10 a.m.

Format is a four-person scramble of 18 holes with a cart. The tournament is open to players of all levels and includes golf and cart, lunch provided by CVGC, and an awards presentation.

The event features a $10,000 Hole-in-One contest on Hole 17. Other holes will offer a chance for prizes, and golfers can compete for awards in categories including Closest-to-the-Pin, Longest Drive, and Top Team. Players will also have an opportunity to purchase packets that provide mulligans, raffle tickets, and entry into the “Longest Marshmallow Drive” contest.

Those who’d like to join the fun but aren’t interested playing can Sponsor-a-Hole for $125. The Hole 17 sponsorship is available for $150.

Raffle items include gift baskets with a number of unique prizes; golf accessories; and a Gold Dust West grand prize package that includes a one-night stay in a spa tub suite, breakfast and dinner for two, and four games of bowling.

Pre-registration for the tournament is required and must be completed by August 12. Players can sign up individually for $100 and be assigned to a team or register as a foursome for $400. Foursomes with a hole sponsorship are available for $475.

For online registration, visit eventbrite.com/e/carson-valley-sertoma-golf-tournament-tickets-354924347277?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. To pay by check, go to carsonvalleysertoma.org/golf-registration.html, print and complete the registration form, and mail it with payment to CV Sertoma, P.O.Box 1546, Minden, NV 89423.

Questions about the golf tournament can be directed to Carson Valley Sertoma President Kathy Johnson at 775-783-4367. Anyone wanting to contribute a raffle prize can connect with Johnson to arrange for pickup of donated items.

Sertoma means “Service to Mankind,” which reflects the local club’s mission “To meet the needs of our community through volunteer service.” Nationally, Sertoma clubs aim to “improve the quality of life today for those at risk or impacted by hearing loss through education and support.”

Local members donate their time to various community events and provide financial assistance to many area organizations and non-profits. Recently, Carson Valley Sertoma awarded more than $25,000 in vocational and academic scholarships to a number of Douglas High School’s 2022 graduates.

The club meets on Fridays at 7 a.m. at the COD Casino, 1593 Esmeralda Avenue in Minden, and meetings are open to all. For more information, visit carsonvalleysertoma.org.

Return of the praying mantises

While doing some outdoor cleanup last fall, I found a praying mantis egg sac on a juniper branch. For safekeeping, I kept the egg sac tucked away in our potted herb garden all winter in the hopes that it would hatch come spring. I’ve checked it now and again for signs of life but never have seen any movement.

Last week, however, I was delighted to find four praying mantis nymphs crawling around in different areas of the backyard grass. I moved each tiny mantis to a different shrub to keep them away from the lawnmower and hope they each find a cozy place to make a home.

Praying mantises are of huge benefit in the yard, as their predatory behavior helps control insect pest numbers naturally. Plus, they’re just really cool to watch. Seeing the return of these garden friends is always a welcome sight.

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