Thank-you Letters for Oct. 26, 2022

Fall Fest was a great event

Editor:

There was something for everyone at this year’s Fall Fest.

This is an event that, if planned correctly, sticks in everyone’s mind for a long time. Folks who attended Oct. 1 will remember this particular Fall Fest for some time.

The Coffin Races were a hoot. 

The variety and quality of the vendors and stores represented clearly reflect the diverse aspects of our community. 

What could be better than Carson Valley Medical Center handing out free water bottles and water? 

From stores like Sage selling creams and lotions, Jacques Gems, Dance Workshop, the new store Luminary Books, insurance services from State Farm, and re-habbed furniture from Black Bear Designs, the needs and interests of the folks who attended were completely covered.

A big shout-out to Monique DeHavilland who directed the day’s entertainment. From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., the stage was never without a performer. 

Dance Studios, Karate Studios, and a great collection of performing artists, from country western singer Mike O’Connell to the popular Dr. Margaret Dixon and her fun music and fun band The Scarlet Verbs, on to Mo’z Motley, and then Nikki Ray, on to Jakota Wass, the air was filled with the sounds of some great music. 

Even more great was the fact that all of the performing artists are locals. A large thank-you to Todd Whear and the Cultural Arts Foundation of Douglas County who donated funds to help pay for the sound and the performing artists. 

A big congratulations to the hardworking Director of Main Street Gardnerville Jen Nalder and her staff. With her energy and creative force, she has taken Fall Fest to a new high. 

Coordinating an event of this magnitude requires a high level of effort and the requisite people skills. These are qualities she has in abundance. In a conversation with our popular Director of the Douglas County Historical Museum Dennis Little, he mentioned his love for and the importance of community events like Fall Fest. 

Bringing folks young and old together with a Spirit to celebrate the beauty of where we live as well as enjoying the entertainment that is local and really good is the best way to live.

Like so many others I am so glad that I was a part of Fall Fest. It was a particularly great day in Gardnerville thanks to Jen Nalder and her staff’s efforts. 

Joe Hooven

Minden

Thanks for supporting 4-H

Editor:

Douglas County 4-H would like to give a huge thank-you to all the supporters, volunteers, and community members that showed up to our Annual Pingo event on Oct. 15. 

4-H continues to serve the youth of Douglas County and beyond, connecting them to their communities and facilitating important life-skills.  Our deepest gratitude to the sponsors of this event including a $500 donation from the Active 20-30 Club of Carson Valley, all the Bingo equipment from the Kiwanis Club of Carson Valley, and over 30 pumpkins from Costco of Carson City. 

Other sponsors included the Carson Valley Swim Center, Shoe Tree Brewing Co., Ironwood 8 Cinemas, Thai Jasmine, Joe Benigno’s Tree Services, Sakura Sushi and Poke Bowl, Max’s Pet Supplies, Eastern Sierra Feed, Carson Valley Arts Council, Fresh Ideas, Café Girasole, Starbucks, Chocolate Shoppe, Dollar Tree, Lost Bandidas Tack and Apparel, Laura Bridwell Photography, Ellie Fuller and Jamie Sanchez. 

Thanks again and we look forward to seeing all of you again next year.

Patrick Flynn

Douglas County 4-H 

Gardnerville

Thanks for supporting golf team

Editor:

The Douglas Girls Golf team would like to thank Principal Mike Rechs, Athletic Director John Glover, Human Resources Director Joe Girdner, Superintendent Keith Lewis, and School Board Member Robbe Lehmann for showing up to support them during their high school state tournament. Golf is typically an unsung sport at the high school and recognizing them in the way you did means more than you will ever know. Thank you again. Go Tigers! Back-to-back state champs.

J.D. Frisby

Coach

Minden

Thanks to Arts Council for array of talent

Editor:

I want to thank the Carson Valley Arts Council for bringing in a diverse array of performers to our valley.  It is nice not to have to drive a long distant to see the top quality entertainment this nonprofit organization provides.  

I particularly enjoyed the Kaki Kai concert this past Friday.  Kaki King rewarded us with a magnificent percussive and jazz-tinged energetic show.  

Her special multimedia performance kept everyone mesmerized.  Her educational assembly at a local school enhanced the students understanding of the vast array of musical styles.  

I can’t wait for their upcoming concert by Nathan Aweau, an award-winning Hawaiian singer, songwriter, and guitarist on Nov. 11. Kudos again to this volunteer organization for increasing our students’ exposure to the arts and providing a wonderful evening of quality music right here in our local community.  

Judy Larquier

Jacks Valley

Carson Valley Pops a great show

Editor:

The night of Oct. 1 proved to be a jewel of entertainment under the baton of not only our esteemed Conductor CJ Birch but also with the  addition of Associate Conductors Michelle Powers and Larry Bolin.    

After playing homage to our beloved  “Star Spangled Banner,” the orchestra broke into a stunning rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hauntingly beautiful and evocative “Phantom of the Opera.”

“Guys and Dolls” followed and brought cheerful, wonderful reminiscences — particularly to seniors — in the nearly full auditorium at the CVIC Hall in Minden. 

Likewise, the John Moss arrangement of “Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes” was warmly appreciated with fond memories.

The exuberant and fast-paced “El Relicario”  — one of the most respected and well known paso dobles composed by José Padilla — was energetically performed and brought the concert attendees into a lively  and colorful Spanish interpretation presented by the Pops Orchestra. It was much enjoyed by those in audience – both old and young.

After intermission, the orchestra continued its prestige performance with the  wonderful music  of Duke Ellington, Albert Selden’s “When I Fall in Love,” and everyone’s favorite — “A Salute to the Big Bands.” 

At the conclusion of the Pops Orchestra performance, a medley of familiar music from “Evita” was enjoyed.

The Carson Valley Pops Orchestra invites you to attend the free Holiday Concert 7 p.m. Dec. 17 in our Minden CVIC Hall.

Robin Sarantos

Minden