Hawk Talk Fall 2012

Photo by Deanna Hearn

Fall 2012 | Wingfield Springs Community Association Newsletter

H

ere’s hoping you are all had a good summer and that this finds you well. For the Association and the Board, this will be a busy time. We have Board elections coming up and will have three seats up for election. Our last Hawk Talk provided an application for all that are interested in running for the Board. Hopefully, those interested have submitted your applications, which were due by September 28th.

One of the Board’s most challenging meetings each year is the budget planning session. The Board will have completed this task by the time you receive this newsletter. We expect that we will be able to keep our expenses related to our three main contracts comparable to what they were last year. These include the Patrol, the Landscape and the Management contracts. These three contracts make up the bulk of our expenses each year.

The 2012 budget is balanced. No additional monies are required.

Various Board accomplishments the past few years include: Meetings continued to become more interactive.

Installation of dog bag /trash stations was completed.

Patrol alert signs were posted throughout our neighborhoods.

The water agreement with Red Hawk was closed, ending negotiations, which yields predictability to the management of this precious resource.

Reduction of overall water consumption from 300 ft/acre to 170 by initiating water conserving projects.

Over 100 dying trees were replaced.

Painting/repairing of deteriorating fences along Wingfield Rd. was done. Additional fence improvements will be included in future phases.

Attended Sparks city planning and council meetings to make Vista Blvd. expansion a priority, helping fast track implementation of the project.

Negotiated with the RTC for over $300,000 of landscape improvements and a $500,000 sound wall along Vista Blvd. at their expense.

Negotiated our top three contracts, improving service levels with no increase in cost for either our landscaping or our management companies. We reduced costs by $40,000 when we contracted with our new patrol service.

Added rock to cover dirt in distressed areas. We instituted various landscaping upgrades throughout Wingfield Springs.

Reorganized the DRC to streamline the process for homeowners to get projects approved easier and faster.

Worked with ASN to enhance our understanding of the Reserve/Budget process, thereby helping us adjust our code of accounts which facilitated our ability to free up funds for community projects.

Budgeted for Christmas lights and the annual holiday party.

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • •

We hope you agree with us that our Board has been very active and hands on. We look forward to your continued support in the future.

Hope to see you at our next meeting at the Red Hawk Events Center October 25th at 6 pm.

Lou Dauria, PRESIDENT, WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Community

manager’s report

A Wingfield Springs

Community Association Newsletter WSCA Board of Directors PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER DIRECTOR

Lou Dauria, eplus@aol.com Denny Jensen, craynut@att.net Donna Chaffer, donna.chaffer@yahoo.com Bob Denis, calraisin@yahoo.com Ray Case, rcase3349@charter.net

Handy Phone Numbers & Information ASSOCIA SIERRA NORTH Telephone: Facsimile: Answering Service:

(775) 626-7333 (775) 626-7374 (775) 832-0888

ssociated Management is pleased to announce that we have changed our company’s name to Associa Sierra North to reflect the expanded markets that we now serve. Transitioning from Associated Management, Inc. to Associa Sierra North, we are both forging a tighter connection with our parent company and with the people living in the geographic area we’ve loved and served for so long. You will notice a new look, and a renewed commitment to offer the best management and financial services in the area.

We have also moved our office. Our new location is 10509 Professional Circle, Suite #200, Reno, NV 89521 (The Mount Rose building—it’s a two story building on freeway side of Professional Circle).

Our phone number is the same, (775) 626-7333. But now we have direct numbers also. To reach my direct line, call (775) 334-7449. Emails have also been updated. To reach me, your board, or for general Wingfield Springs inquiries or concerns email to: wfsservice@associasn.com The Association will be implementing a formal HOA Email program. This will allow the HOA to offer better communications with the community while still keeping down costs. By Nevada law, the HOA must have your signed authorization form on file in order to send you certain information via email in lieu of US mail. Please note that correspondence regarding your individual account will still be sent by US Mail, but general correspondence, updates and notices will be sent via email. The board encourages as much participation as possible in this program. Additional information regarding this program will follow in the near future. We hope you will sign up!

Sincerely, Associa Sierra North, An Associa® Member Company

Melissa Robertson, CMCA®, AMS® Nevada Certified Supervising Community Manager

(After hours, weekends & holidays)

Website: www.associasn.com Email: wfsservice@associasn.com Office Hours: 8 am–5 pm Monday through Friday; the phone lines shut down at 4 pm on Friday.

WINGFIELD SPRINGS COMMUNITY PATROL (775) 722-6270 Please call immediately for water related issues. Call 911 for emergency services; ambulance, fire, police.

Red Hawk Swim & Fitness Center Wingfield Springs Realty David’s Grill at Red Hawk Red Hawk Golf Club Sparks/Washoe County Animal Control

(775) 626-8699 (775) 626-4700 (775) 626-1000 (775) 626-4599 (775) 322-3647

Please note: Views expressed in HawkTalk are not necessarily the opinions of WSCA, its board members or Associa Sierra North. The editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles for content and space constraints.

Advertising in HawkTalk is paid for by the individual advertisers. WSCA does not necessarily endorse or support any of the advertisers. Advertising monies collected are used to offset the printing costs of each HawkTalk.

Advertise Your Business in

90 day shelf life

HawkTalk

Quarterly newsletter Available online with links to all advertiser’s websites

For more information: Kathy Hess 775.746. 4138 | kathy@justimaginemktg.com

HawkTalk is supported in whole by advertising. Newsletter published by: Kathy Hess, Just Imagine Marketing and Design (775) 746-4138 | kathy@justimaginemktg.com

Page 2

HawkTalk | Fall 2012

2012 ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTIES

P

lease join us to celebrate the December Holidays on Saturday, December 8th at the Red Hawk Events Center; this event is sponsored by the Wingfield Springs Community Association.

In an effort to accommodate as many guests as possible, there will be a brunch party from 10 a.m. through 12 noon and a lunch party from 2 p.m. through 4 p.m. There will be food and beverages for the adults as well as a special buffet for the children at each party. There will be a check-in table at the entrance; Allie will be checking you and your guests in as you arrive.

Wingfield Springs owners, residents and their immediate family members are invited to attend free of charge; each family/guest may attend either the brunch or the lunch party. In order to allow a maximum number of Wingfield Springs’ residents to attend, please do not include non-family members. Children 12 years of age and under can decorate holiday cookies, make a holiday craft, and visit with Santa Claus. Children must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend.

There are always families in need of a helping hand during the holiday season. The WSCA Board of Directors approved conducting a food drive during the Annual Holiday Parties; the Evelyn Mount Community Outreach Food Drive was chosen. Each attending guest is encouraged to bring an item from Evelyn’s wish list:

grocery gift cards

turkeys

hams

cornish game hens

potatoes – fresh and instant

rolls / bread

marshmallows

yams / sweet potatoes

canned vegetables

macaroni & cheese

mushroom soup

chicken soup

canned dried onions

turkey gravy

brown gravy The Evelyn Mount Community Outreach Food Drive will provide the collection barrels.

Reservations must be made in advance no later than 12 noon on December 5th to asanchez@associasn.com. Please indicate which party and the number of children and adults that will be attending.

Please remember you will be required to provide your name and number of guests which will be verified on the RSVP list by Allie at the check-in table.

Volunteers are needed to help with the cookie decorating table.

Family is why we do it all.

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HawkTalk | Fall 2012

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Page 3

The following information is a summary of the activities of the community patrol for the period of June 19–September 18, 2012.

132 House watches.

1 Sparks Fire Department on site.

7 Sparks Police Department on site.

COMPLAINTS 1 Complaint of kids throwing watermelon into her back yard.

1 Complaint of kids throwing rocks into her back yard.

1 Complaint of kids fishing in the pond.

1 Complaint of kids riding dirt bikes through the property.

1 Complaint of kids smashing bushes with baseball bats.

1 Complaint of kids playing in the street setting off car alarms.

1 Complaint of youth throwing trash off bridge.

5 Youth complaints: 1 youth hiding in park, 1 youth running in undergarments, 1 youth placing items in street to interfere with traffic, 2 youth outside after hours.

1 Complaint of juveniles in the park after hours.

2 Complaints of youth placing cardboard animal cut outs in road to interfere with traffic.

19 Dog complaints: 13 barking, 3 running loose, 1 lost, 2 chasing and attacking pets.

5 Animal activity complaints: 3 dogs found, 1 lost cat, 1 badger in yard.

1 Complaint of persons walking their dog without a leash.

1 Complaint of someone dropping a dirt pile in front of their home.

1 Complaint of a vehicle doing over 65 miles per hour through the property.

5 Complaints of door bell ditchers.

1 Complaint of a neighbor’s back yard which is extremely dirty and they have large dogs.

1 Complaint of their family member stalking them.

1 Complaint of a neighbor being loud. Officer responded; a small child’s birthday party.

1 Complaint of a vehicle throwing smashed soda cans into the street.

6 Complaints of residents hearing fire crackers/gunfire.

1 Complaint of their neighbors dead front lawn.

10 Noise complaints: 3 after hours talking, 2 loud noises, 1 party, 2 loud music, 2 youth playing instruments.

3 Complaint of home covered in toilet paper.

1 Complaint of trash can and trash on street.

1 Complaint of items in yard not belonging to resident.

9 vs of solicitors on site, one left merchandise on residents porch.

1 Complaint of trash can missing from home.

Page 4

1

Complaint of neighbor throwing plastic bottles of urine into backyard.

1 1

MAINTENANCE ISSUES 35 Reported irrigation issues.

1 Resident called and informed dispatch of a side walk being raised due to water damage.

1 Report of a broken fence.

56 Reported broken sprinklers.

1 Report of overgrown weeds.

1 Report of dead grass.

4 Reports of tree issues: 3 trees overgrown and 1 tree branch in common area.

1 Report of lanterns off hinges.

1 Lampost in road, exposed wiring, Sparks Police and NV Energy called.

VIOLATIONS 18 Violations of RV’s/motorhomes: 1 RV parked in the driveway, 17 RVs parked in the street.

20 Violations of boats: 9 boats in the driveway, 11 boats in the street.

87 Violations of trailers: 19 trailers in the driveway, 68 trailers in the street.

37 Open garage doors.

27 Vehicle violations: 1 car broken down, 7 vehicles blocking access, 1 car in cul-de-sac, 10 cars, 1 commercial vehicle, 1 ATV, 1 trunk open/5 parked wrong.

49 Trash cans out.

2 Report of unauthorized signs: 1 party, 1 open house signs.

2 Persons in park after hours.

1 Garage sale.

1 Trash piled on side of house and sidewalk.

2 Resident burning shrubs, tree branches and wood.

VANDALISM 2 Reported tagging.

1 Reported graffiti on home.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 1 Report of a home break in.

14 Reports of suspicious persons.

10 Reports of suspicious vehicles.

1 Report of a residents vehicle being vandalized.

1 Officer found a vehicle with all doors open. Officer secured the vehicle.

1 Report of vehicle door found open.

2 Reports of front doors to a home found open.

1 Report from resident stating she woke up to someone walking through her home.

1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 7 1 1 1 2 1

Report from resident stating she saw two suspicious juvenile males trying to break into her vehicle.

Report from resident stating that he had his license plates stolen off of his vehicle.

Report of unknown number of subjects pulling wooden pallets into a drainage on the golf course.

Report of males photographing rocks after hours.

Report of a car broken into, nothing stolen.

Report of a male trespassing on lawn and appearing to be intoxicated.

Persons running behind vehicles in motion.

Report of a male using bow and arrow.

Report of heavy smoke smell.

Report of tools stolen from truck.

Report of resident’s truck being tampered with.

Report of gas smell.

Report of resident’s doorbell being rung constantly and no one there.

Report of bird hanging from a clothesline in a ditch.

Report of a broken window from inside of vacant residence.

Males carrying gas can, no ID, Sparks Police called.

Vehicles idling: 2 were waiting for construction job to start, 5 left site.

Report of damaged flower beds and stolen BBQ utensils from yard.

Deceased animal in road, animal control called.

Report of a missing youth last seen at Raley’s.

Reports of vehicles with doors open.

Report from Red Hawk Security regarding burning smell, officer responded, no fire.

MISCELLANEOUS 1 Reported vehicle accident on site.

1 Reported home having an interior flooding issue.

1 Reported vehicle drove through a garage door.

1 Reported missing/found dog.

1 Reported domestic disturbances on site.

1 Officer witnessed a vehicle run a stop sign: Officer made contact and resident was verbally aggressive.

1 Officer checked on residents who’s home was broken into several times: Resident very grateful to officer.

2 Request for officer to deliver package.

1 Officer assisting stranded motorist.

1 Cell phone found and returned to owner.

1 Tagging on electrical box.

1 Reno Rentals renting a unit and staff in and out of site.

2 Residents arguing over shared broken fence.

1 Report of lost keys by residence.

HawkTalk | Fall 2012

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Page 5

Stakes should not protrude into the canopy where they can damage tender branches.

Photo by Leslie Lyles

Much is at “Stake”

By Holly Bromley, B.S. ISA Certified Arborist #WE-5339A

F

all is approaching rapidly and the pace and rhythms of the busy summer months are about to change. Work is slowing and gears are shifting from the hectic activities of summer landscape maintenance. That said, there is still plenty of work to be done before snow removal is the only landscape task at hand.

Among other fall tasks are the planting of new trees. Not only is the cooling weather perfect for new tree planting, but garden centers and nurseries have great discounts this time of year. Along with the planting though is the issue of whether or not to support the new trees with stakes. Do they really need it? And if so, what is the proper way to do it to ensure optimum health of the tree and its root system?

First, trees don’t naturally need stakes. There’s never been a case of a naturally sprouted tree requiring a stake for proper development. Of course, digging up the tree, putting it in a container or binding the roots in burlap to replant it is anything but natural.

Supporting trees with stakes until established is often, but not always necessary.

Furthermore, even when staking is necessary, if the stakes are left on too long or are improperly installed, they can cause more harm than good. I like to use the analogy that stakes are like a full leg cast on a person. The cast serves a purpose to aid in healing, but once the break is healed the cast comes off. If a cast were left on for years, all the muscles in ones leg would atrophy and the person would not be able to walk on their own once the cast was finally removed. Staking, in a sense, does the same thing to tree if its strength is artificially provided by restrictive stakes—the trunk and its root system are weakened.

Understanding the purpose of staking trees is critical to doing it properly. Of course the primary purpose is to ensure that the tree does not topple in the wind while waiting for the roots to develop enough to support it unaided. But in order for the trunk and roots to develop properly, the tree must be allowed to sway in the wind. The movement of the tree as it sways stimulates cell growth in the trunk, therefore aiding in the development of a stronger, well tapered trunk. Additionally, root growth is stimulated as the tree moves, thus helping to provide proper anchorage for the tree—it turns a root ball, into a root system. Improper staking actually hinders both of these processes.

When staking is required, it is best to use the least restrictive support necessary.

One stake placed outside the root ball on the windward side of a smaller tree that can’t stand on its own may be plenty. For larger trees that must be staked, two stakes placed Page 6

When stake ties are left on too long they can strangle the trunk. The bulge above the strangulation was formed from trapped photosynthates that were unable to travel to the roots.

perpendicular to the prevailing winds with ties set 6 to 8 inches apart will allow the trunk to sway sufficiently to stimulate root growth and strengthen the Photo by Holly Bromley trunk without allowing the tree be blown over.

So, which trees really don’t need staking when planted? The smaller the tree and root ball, the less likely it is to need support. When there is very little canopy and the root ball will hold firmly in the soil with moderate winds, staking is unnecessary. Also, the more protected from the wind the tree is, the less stakes are needed.

Evergreens that have a relatively large root ball and their center of mass low to the ground, such as pines and spruces, also rarely need staking unless they are in a high wind area. In such a case, the stake ties should be attached in the bottom third of the tree, where they can lend the most support to the tree’s root system.

Do not leave stakes on too long as it will not only weaken the trunk and root system, but will strangle the trunk over time. Ideally, most stakes should be removed after the first full growing season. Fall is the perfect time to remove the stakes that have lent support to trees that were installed the previous year. The best time to remove tree stakes is after the leaf drop so that there is less movement of the canopy in the wind. And since significant root growth occurs in the dormant months, stronger root growth will be further stimulated, increasing the anchorage in the soil.

There are few things to remind your planting crews of when it comes to properly staking trees. It is imperative to, NEVER leave a central “nursery stake” on trees at planting. These are meant for added protection during transport and will damage the tree if left on. Stakes should always be driven into the ground outside of the root ball to prevent unnecessary root damage and they should be short enough not to rub on and damage the trees scaffold branches. Finally, make sure that the tie material is soft enough not to damage the tender bark and is not applied so tight as to cut off the vascular flow in the trunk as the tree grows.

Proper staking, along with good planting and watering practices, is essential to ensuring the long term survival of new trees. After all, the goal of planting a tree is for it to thrive and survive to maturity.

HawkTalk | Fall 2012

s y a d i l o H e Th ! g n i h c a o r are app

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Wingfield Springs Community Association

2012 Meeting Calendar

Date

Meeting

Time

Location

October 16th

Agenda/Budget Workshop

3:00 P.M.

Board Room

October 16th

Executive Session/Hearings

5:00 P.M.

Board Room

October 25th

Board Meeting

6:00 P.M.

Event Center

November 29th

Annual Meeting

6:00 P.M.

Event Center

Workshops will be held to review the agenda items of the next scheduled board meeting. Homeowners are welcome to attend workshops. No action (vote) will be taken by the Board on any matter discussed or reviewed at a workshop.

All dates, times and venues are subject to change. If the Red Hawk Board Room is not available, the hearing, workshop, or executive board meeting will be held at Associa Sierra North (ASN) at 10509 Professional Circle, Ste. 200, Reno, NV 89521. Workshop and meeting notices will

I

t is that time of year again.

Coupon books for 2012 are being mailed out in December. Please contact Associa Sierra North at 775626-7333 if you did not receive them.

Please make your quarterly assessment payment checks payable to Wingfield Springs Community Association. Payments are due by the first day of the month, and are considered late if not received by the last day of the first month of the quarter in which it is due. The late fee charge is $10.

If you are on ACH (automatic withdraw) and have moved financial institutions, it is important that you update the Association/Assessment contact information with your new bank to ensure your quarterly payments are received.

Lastly, please remember that it is the responsibility of the Owner to notify the Association by contacting Associa Sierra North in writing of any change of mailing/billing address.

Page 8

—Snow Maintenance— r e m in d e r

The City of Sparks Section 12.16.035 regulates the Maintenance of sidewalks.

A. Property Owners shall be responsible for the general maintenance of a sidewalk in the public right-of-way that abuts the property of the owner, including, without limitation, sweeping, removal of snow, ice and weeds, and maintenance preventing any grass, shrubs or trees from encroaching upon the sidewalk.

B. In the event snow and ice on a sidewalk become so hard that it cannot be removed without likelihood of damage to the sidewalk, the person or entity charged with its removal shall cause enough sand or other abrasive to be put on the sidewalk to make travel thereon reasonable safe. (Ord. 1349 § 1, 1982.)

Please do not move snow from your driveway or walkway onto the sidewalk or street.

All of the streets in Wingfield Springs are maintained, including snow removal, by the City of Sparks with the following sub-association exceptions: 1. Bella Vista; private streets 2. The Fairways; private streets 3. Tavo Valera; Aston Circle is maintained by the City of Sparks, the courts are maintained by the Tavo Valera Homeowners Association The Association cannot remove snow or ice from the city maintained streets. Please call the city at (775) 353-2271 to request snow removal.

Photo by Deanna Hearn

Assessment Payment Reminders

be published in each HawkTalk newsletter. HawkTalk will be mailed at least ten (10) days before each board meeting.

Board meeting agendas will be posted on the Association’s website the Friday before each board meeting. You may also obtain an agenda copy by calling ASN at (775) 626-7333.

HawkTalk newsletter articles and suggestions are due to ASN at least four (4) weeks before each Board of Directors meeting.

HawkTalk | Fall 2012

COMMUNITY NOTES & REMINDERS

»Winterizing Your Irrigation System

It is about that time to winterize your irrigation system. This generally involves: z Turning off the below ground water valve. z Setting the control timer in your garage to the “off” position, OPTIONAL. z Turning off the 2 valves on the back-flow preventer. (The upside down “U” shaped assembly that comes out of the ground on the side of the house). z Opening the bleed screw. z Covering the entire assembly with an insulation blanket. (These are available at most hardware and home improvement stores) Note: Owners in Bella Vista and The Fairways court homes need only to complete item 5 by covering the entire assembly with an insulation blanket. The landscape maintenance company in each of these sub-associations will complete items 1, 3 and 4. It is not necessary to complete item 2.

This does not guarantee against problems, but it substantially decreases the chances of damage to your system. These are general instructions, you should check with your system installer for specific winterization recommendations. Also, you should disconnect all exterior hoses from the hose bibs.

»Exterior Home Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations may be installed fourteen (14) days before a holiday, and shall be taken down within fourteen (14) days after the holiday.

December holiday decorations may be installed fourteen (14) days before Thanksgiving, and shall be removed by February 1st. December holiday decorations may not be lit any sooner than the day before Thanksgiving.

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HawkTalk | Fall 2012

775-690-9411 Page 9

Protecting Plants From Winter Damage

begins in the fall

By Leslie Lyles, M.S. Stewardship Horticultural ISA Certified Arborist #WE-1220A

3 Key Things:

W

e’ve had a wonderful summer and beautiful mild fall, so protecting your client’s plants from winter’s damage is probably one of the last things on your mind. However, now is the time to start preparing plants to help reduce winter injury. There are three key

things that can be done this fall to help keep landscape plants healthy and lessen damage from winter injury.

1) Irrigation Chores.

2) Avoid Pruning Before Plants Go Dormant!

3) Spray With Anti-Transpirant.

First, there are several irrigation chores that

“Additional irrigation will

shouldn’t be neglected. Before shutting down and draining irrigation systems, advise your clients to run

build soil moisture and help sustain the plants going into winter.”

their irrigation programs through several extra cycles; this can be easily done by using the ‘Manual Start’ feature on most irrigation time clocks. Additional irrigation will build soil moisture and help sustain the plants going into winter. Also, once the plants have dropped their leaves and gone dormant it is still important to water landscapes if natural precipitation is lacking.

Supplemental fall and winter watering is particularly important for young landscape trees and evergreens. A good rule of thumb is to deep water to a depth of at least eight inches if there has been less than a half inch of precipitation in a three week period.

Second, avoid pruning trees and shrubs in the fall before they go dormant! I can’t stress this point enough. Pruning stimulates growth; if plants are pruned before they have been signaled that ‘winter is coming’ the plants will respond by using up energy reserves to continue growing, at a time when they should be storing energy for the winter. The new growth will inevitably be damaged when winter arrives and stored energy reserves that the plant relies on for growth in the spring will be depleted.

Finally, to protect sensitive plants and evergreens, consider spraying them with an antitranspirant such as Cloud Cover® or Wilt Proof® this fall. Anti-transpirants can be purchased at your local nursery or home improvement store and will help protect plants from winter desiccation. Plants that would benefit from extra winter protection include any newly planted evergreens, broad-leaved evergreens such as rhododendrons, laurels, euonymus and photinia, as well as delicate plants such as heavenly bamboo and roses.

Remember, before you put your clients’ landscapes to rest for the winter, there are a few key chores that you can do now that will improve the health and beauty of their landscape next year. A healthy landscape will ultimately improve your client’s satisfaction with your services.

Page 10

Avoid Pruning!

HawkTalk | Fall 2012

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FALL 2012 EVENTS FERRARI FARM PUMPKIN PATCH

SCHEELS KIDS KLUB: CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Monday, October 29, 9:30 am–8:30 pm 4701 Mill Street, Reno Ferrari Farms pumpkin patch offers fun for the entire family! You don’t have to leave town to enjoy a day of autumn adventure. Conveniently located along the Truckee River, Ferrari Farms invites you to come get lost in a corn maze, pick through the pumpkin patch, ride our mechanical bull, take a hayride, jump around in the bounce house and see our farm animals!

Monday, November 26, 6–7 pm Scheels – 1200 Scheels Drive, Sparks Create an ornament for the Scheels Christmas Tree! Please meet in the Scheels Training Rooms. Ages 4–12 are encouraged to attend. All kids will receive a FREE ride on the Scheels Ferris Wheel.

TRICK OR TREAT SAFELY AT SCHEELS! Wednesday, October 31, 5–7 pm Scheels – 1200 Scheels Drive, Sparks Play games! Get candy! Have fun! Scheels would like to create a safe atmosphere for your child to Trick or Treat in. Join us on Halloween!

Wear your costumes and you’ll receive a FREE ride on the Scheels Ferris Wheel!

CATCH A RISING STAR - DUELING PIANOS Friday, November 2, 10 pm – Saturday, November 3, 2 am Silver Legacy Resort Casino – 407 North Virginia Avenue, Reno Beginning Sept. 28, Friday and Saturday evening shows begin at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm followed by outrageous Dueling Pianos at 10 pm.

After the comedy, keep your seat, order a cocktail and continue the fun as the piano players keep the party going till 2 am...AND admission is free! Tuesday through Thursday, comedy show times remain at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Make it a complete night out with Dinner & A Laugh packages. Starting at just $20.50 a person, the package includes dinner at one of four fabulous Silver Legacy restaurants and tickets to a show at our Reno comedy club. The Dinner & A Laugh package is not available on Saturdays or Holidays.

24TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE, WINE & ROSES FESTIVAL Saturday, November 3, 7–10 pm Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village The 24th Annual Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival is a fundraiser benefitting Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA. Sample decadent chocolate creations by 10 of Tahoe’s finest culinary artists and taste wine varietals from 10 wineries. Dine on appetizers and bid on tantalizing live and silent auction items. This year’s theme is One Night in Havana: Paradise Under the Stars in celebration of our community’s cultural diversity.

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Saturday, December 1, 8 am–5 pm Washoe Valley Christian Church Fellowship Hall 145 Esmeralda Drive, Washoe Valley Over forty original artists and crafters will be selling their handmade wares along with food and entertainment.

JAZZ NIGHT Wednesday, December 5, 6–7:30 pm Orozko Lounge – John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks Join us every Wednesday night from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Orozko Lounge for the Nugget Jazz Night! These weekly shows are free so get here early.

Spend a well deserved evening out and relax with live jazz each week in the beautiful atmosphere of the Orozko Lounge (click here for location maps). There is no cover charge and parking is free and easy in our parking lot west of Orozko just across 14th Street or valet at the hotel’s main entrance.

A.V.A. BALLET THEATRE AND THE RENO PHILHARMONIC’S NUTCRACKER Friday, December 7, 8–10 pm Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts 100 South Virginia Street, Reno Mark your calendars now for this spectacular holiday tradition. For tickets call the Pioneer Center box office at (775) 686-6600 or on-line at pioneercenter.com. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 11 am to 6 pm.

For more information call A.V.A. Ballet Theatre at (775) 762-5165 or on-line at avaballet.com or call the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts at (775) 686-6600.

NIGHTINGALE STRING QUARTET Friday, December 14, 7:30–9:30 pm Nightingale Concert Hall, Church Fine Arts Building University of Nevada, Reno – 1335 N. Virginia Street, Reno The University of Nevada-Reno’s string quartet-in-residence performs an exciting and eclectic program of Haydn, Schnittke, and Dvorak. Join us for an intimate evening of chamber music.