r-2018-12-06

december

6 -1 2 ,

2018

for the books literacy nonprofit comes to reno see arts&culture, page 16

New directions on an old street

s e rv i n g n o rt h e r n n e va d a , ta h o e a n d t r u c k e e

2 | RN&R | 12.06.18

EMail lEttErS to rENolEttErS@NEwSrEViEw.CoM.

Slipe ’n’ slide Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Winter weather has finally arrived in the Truckee Meadows, with several days of storms but not a lot of snowfall—though the roads have been slick here in the valley a few times already.

Warnings and driving tips that are issued by media outlets each year as winter sets in may seem tedious to some, but statistics concerning traffic accidents in the snow make them worthwhile, nonetheless. Take for example, numbers from the Federal Highway Administration, which reports that, “Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.” The results is that more than 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 are injured in vehicle crashes on bad roads in the U.S. annually.

As Truckee Meadows’ population swells and roads become more and more packed, being conscientious drivers takes on greater importance, especially when the roads are bad. On Tuesday morning, commuters headed east on Interstate 80— many to jobs at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center—were delayed by several fender-benders and spinouts. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Still, it’s cause to take a pause and think about how to drive safely on slick roads. With that in mind, here are few things to consider.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid having your gas line freeze-up.

Know whether or not your car has antilock brakes and what that means. ABS will automatically “pump” your brakes for you if you apply them while your vehicle is skidding or sliding. If you don’t have ABS, practice pumping your brakes to get a feel for it.

Don’t put radial tires or winter tires on only the front or back axle of your vehicle, as it can increase your risk of losing traction while braking or cornering on wintery roads.

If you want more information on winter driving safety, visit this Nevada Division of Transportation website: bit.ly/2hwMGpK.

—Jeri Chadwell je ric @ ne wsrev i ew . com

Housing, lack of Re “Downward housing spiral amid prosperity” (Left Foot Forward, Nov. 29): LYFE Recovery currently has a very effective program in collaboration with United Health Care, MyConnections program. We currently house 18 previously homeless individuals and could house many more at a fraction of the cost the city spends trying to clean up after them out on the streets.

The savings are in the $100,000s so far in Medicaid spending alone in just eight months.

While the city shuffles people from shelter to shelter, we are housing people, who then become stabilized, acquiring employment, going back to school, participating in vocactional rehabilitation.

We have operated in the city since January 2017, have brought the idea to many, including all city council members and the mayor, but none of them have shown any real interest, so we have gone on to operate without support, but very high efficacy.

Stacey Payne Sparks

Fictional version of Queen Re “Bites the dust” (Film, Nov. 8): I feel as though you may have misunderstood the point of the film [Bohemian Rhapsody]. You are focusing primarily on the accuracy of timing throughout the film, which was not what was meant to be focused on.

Freddie’s bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor were involved in the making of the film, and, obviously, they knew the real time frames of everything that happened and could have had the movie changed, but let it be in order to make sure the movie continued moving along.

As for the fact that the movie was made to be PG-13, Brian and Roger wanted the film to focus more on the

Jessica Santina, Todd South, Luka Starmer, Bruce Van Dyke, Ashley Warren, Allison Young Our Mission: To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages employees to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare.

To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live.

Editor Brad Bynum Associate Editor Jeri Chadwell News Editor Dennis Myers Special Projects Editor Matt Bieker Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Contributors Amy Alkon, Kris Vagner, Bob Grimm, Andrea Heerdt, Holly Hutchings, Shelia Leslie, Josie Glassberg, Eric Marks,

Creative Services Manager Christopher Terrazas Editorial Designers Maria Ratinova, Sarah Hansel Publications Designer Katelynn Mitrano Web Design & Strategist Elisabeth Bayard Arthur Ad Designers Naisi Thomas Sales Manager Emily Litt Office Manager Lisa Ryan RN&R Rainmaker Gina Odegard

deCember 6, 2018 | VoL. 24, ISSue 43

music and Freddie’s feelings rather than highlighting the other aspects of his life that were often discussed in the media. In regards to the dramatization of Freddie’s relationship with Mary, I agree that it was a bit dramatic, but after all, it is a “tribute” movie and not a documentary.

I do agree that the scenes that were not accurate to Freddie’s real life (such as selling the van for studio time and how he met Jim) should have been more true to life, but overall I think the movie was very well done. I do wish that the movie could have been a little more true to life.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and if you are interested in watching a completely accurate depiction of Freddie’s life, many documentaries are available for your viewing pleasure.

Vanessa Charles Via email

Hug problems Re “Out of school” (cover story, Sept. 6): My children went to Hug High School years ago. They are in their 40s and 50s now. If you don’t have a good support system, you won’t have a good school.

With the current principal “who swears like a sailor,” that doesn’t set a good example.

Lauren Ford definitely should be removed from Washoe County’s public school system. She obviously can’t manage the students at Hug, nor the other personnel in the school. She is vulgar.

I think Mrs. Olsen is getting a raw deal.

We need whistle blowers to fix the problems and we need competent leadership.

Helen Howe Lemmon Valley

Dialectic guy Many who read Asimov’s “Foundation trilogy”—which finally became a “heptalogy”—feel the urge to actualize, on Earth’s single-planetary scale, the mathematics of psychohistory that

Advertising Consultant Myranda Thom Distribution Director Greg Erwin Distribution Manager Bob Christensen Distribution Drivers Alex Barskyy, Corey Sigafoos, Gary White, Joe Wilson, O.C. Gillham, Marty Troye, Timothy Fisher, Vicki Jewell, Olga Barska, O.C. Gillham, Rosie Martinez, Adam Martinez President/CEO Jeff VonKaenel Director of Nuts & Bolts Deborah Redmond Director of People & Culture David Stogner Director of Dollars & Sense Debbie Mantoan Nuts & Bolts Ninja Norma Huerta Payroll/AP Wizard Miranda Hansen Accounts Receivable Specialist Analie Foland

Sweetdeals Coordinator Skyler Morris Developer John Bisignano System Support Specialist Kalin Jenkins N&R Publications Editor Michelle Carl N&R Publications Associate Editor Laura Hillen N&R Publications Editorial Team Anne Stokes, Caroline Harvey Marketing & Publications Consultants Steve Caruso, Joseph Engle, Elizabeth Morabito, Traci Hukill, Celeste Worden Cover Design Maria Ratinova Cover photo Matt Bieker

Asimov fictionally invoked for the galactic scale. One group that felt this urge has worked out a system of seven psychohistorical dialectical equations, using a new mathematics of their discovery, that represents a beginning for the construction of a predictive psychohistorical mathematical model for and in the real world.

That group published their work via www.dialectics.org. I have become one of them.

Miguel Deton Terminous, Calif.

ConTenTS

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Why Are The “Shen Yun Performing Arts” Undesirable Last year, Falun Gong put on the so-called “Shen Yun performing arts” in New York and encountered boycott from local Chinese. They put up banners outside the performance theater that read “Resist Shen Yun, say no to cult politics, and stay away from the cult Falun Gong!”, “Shen Yun is the propaganda tool of the cult Falun Gong”, etc. Why are the “Shen Yun performing arts” undesirable?

Hidden cult background On Yelp, a well-known comment website in the United States, Ray T, a netizen in Sunnyvale, California, accused the “Shen Yun” advertisements of “the propaganda show of Falun Gong”, “because those ads are not real”. The performance group “fooled around with the audience for a hidden purpose”, and this was a great irony of its self-claimed doctrine of “truth”. Eric B from Portland, Oregon, said, “Shen Yun is all about Falun Gong and supports it. If they had told the truth, I would not have been surprised or disappointed... I found that the advertisements before their performance were totally lies.” According to Shen Yun Gala: Fraudulent Marketing and Inferior Performance translated and edited by Xu Li, American netizens expressed their feelings about a Shen Yun gala that the cult Falun Gong held in the Radio City Music Hall of New York on the popular website City Search. They pointed out that the Shen Yun gala lured audience through fraudulent propaganda and the performance sucked. Netizen Rubabega said, “I want to say to all the media that posted those fake advertisements: Shame on you!” Korean KBS canceled the performance contract signed with the “Shen Yun Art Troupe”, also because it covered the fact that it actually belongs to Falun Gong. Why did it try to cover this up? Because Falun Gong is so notorious!

Tricks during the live performance The cult played so many tricks during the “Shen Yun” performance. Firstly, the followers were asked to the vacant seats and even those from other places were transferred by car to come to rescue. Secondly, “confederates” were mixed with audience to cheer for the performance. Some netizen said bluntly, “I think they must have put some of their confederates among the audience, because I found some people applaud so passionately when the performance was particularly boring.” Thirdly, “rehearsed” and selective “live interviews” were arranged. Joseph J from San Francisco, California, revealed, “In the halfway and at the end of the performance, some of the audience was interviewed and the interview was recorded. The questions were cleverly designed and written in advance. But to my surprise, only the whites were interviewed.” Matsuo U, another netizen from San Francisco, simply debunked the intention of the cult with unmistakable disdain.

“I didn’t pay more than two hundred dollars to hear what they tried to promote, and the propaganda in the performance was so blatant.”

Evil performance According to John Fleming, a performing arts critic of the St. Petersburg Times, “The Shen Yun gala convey messages of the cult Falun Gong in songs and dances.”

In some shows, “They claimed to be greater than the Buddha because they were

leaders or prophets reincarnated from God. Those leaders and prophets preached that followers could live eternally if they acted fanatically.” Bob Keefer, an art column writer for the Register-Guard (the second largest newspaper in Oregon, USA), thought that the “Shen Yun” performing arts were vulgar and creepy. “Shen Yun dances were mixed with bad cult shows.” Jamie Gumbrecht, a reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, quoted a commentary from the newspaper on his blog that watching the “Shen Yun” performing arts felt like “being stunned by a Taser”; “They (critics) were surprised to find that some violent shots were advocated in a musical performance and acrobatics, especially one involving a stun gun and another showing a mother and a child being attacked.” The performance was full of poorly fabricated plots and terror. Lisa and Doug (an IT security engineer) from Georgia took their daughter Briana to the “Shen Yun” show and were very disgusted with the bloody show full of “kicks, beating, and even killing”. “Fortunately, Briana is too small to understand that.” Donna from Chicago criticized the plot of having “an actor killed... And such scenes pop up repeatedly” on her blog, and her “eight-year-old child” was badly disturbed.

Poor performance “Shen Yun” was criticized not only for its evil content, but also for the poor art.

As Dmitri Granoff, a Ukrainian writer and scholar, quoted the comments from audience, the “Shen Yun” performance aroused disgust partly because of “the low professional standards of actors and the troupe.” Eric Hung, an associate professor of American music history, noted that the Falun Gong actually showed “oldfashioned genre, that is, the style of Chinese model opera”, although it claimed that “Shen Yun” displayed the Chinese traditional culture. Zhimo Lvyu (“纸 磨吕于” in Chinese), a Japanese professional folk artist and traditional magic performer, bought an expensive ticket to watch the “Shen Yun” performance.

His overall impression was that it was “barely” an art. He “even fell asleep 30 minutes after the show was started. I dozed off so badly that I had to say sorry to those sitting around me.” Foreign viewers reacted strongly to the performance and gave their comments on the Internet. When Steven Rowe talked about “Shen Yun” on his personal website, he pointed out that it was not as good as a circus.

Jasmine1 said that it was “the worst performance, not worth the ticket!” He said, “I left halfway because it sucked.” Porkadell thought that “Shen Yun” was “strongly political and unnecessarily lengthy” and it “should not have been put on in the Radio City Music Hall”; Aaron Hartwell felt that the “Shen Yun” performance “was very boring and repetitive. The whole gala simply repeated religious and political subjects” and was “very disappointing”; Madlip simply repented, “This is the worst show I have ever seen”; H1ghroller commented that “Shen Yun” was “low and boring” and suggested others “not watching it because it’s completely a waste of money!” To quote another netizen, “There was a new church scene that was creepy. It would be such a pity if it were not made into a Disney-style ‘traditional’ Chinese song and dance film.” What an irony.

A PAid AdvErTiSEmEnT

4 | RN&R | 12.06.18

by matt bieker

Ready for the snow? asKed at the lOving CuP, 188 CalifOrnia ave.

Paul OlsOn Salesman

I’ve been ready for the snow. I’ve got my boys here. We’re pregaming before we head to Squaw [Valley] tomorrow. We’ve got four guys headed up to Squaw. One guy doesn’t know where the hell he’s going, but he’s just going to chase three guys that have skied here their whole lives.

Kristina COrCinO Server

Definitely. I have dogs, so I have to make sure I at least get the front steps taken care of, so I’m not slipping while I’m trying to take them out. I’ve fallen a couple times, which is a lot of fun.

ale x ander shutz Bartender

Its names are legion We’re not clear on why the name of the Reno airport is a concern of Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak.

We are quite certain, however, that he is blundering in without adequate knowledge of the terrain.

The airport was once called Reno Municipal Airport, then—with arrival of customs facilities—Reno International Airport. In the 1970s, its governing board changed that name to Cannon International Airport, and all hell broke loose. The Cannon at issue was U.S. Sen. Howard Cannon, then an incumbent Democrat whose fans at the airport thought they were honoring him. The change was sprung on the public, either because the governing board chose to do it that way or because local journalists did not give the public advance word, generating wide anger. At any rate, the resentment over the “issue” was so pronounced in Washoe County that it may well have cost Cannon his reelection in 1982.

Later, the airport was renamed Reno Cannon International Airport. Still later, Cannon’s name was dropped entirely from the airport and attached to the terminal building, where it remains. (One confused federal directory calls it Reno/Tahoe Cannon International Airport.)

Then the governing board screwed things up again.

With Reno’s attraction as a tourist destination waning, the board decided to piggyback onto Tahoe’s greater appeal and embarrassed the community by changing the name to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. There it remains, a prominent case of false advertising.

Now Sisolak, the governor-elect, is trying to get Reno to go back into the water by naming the airport after Paul

Laxalt, a former governor and U.S. senator who once lost a race to Howard Cannon. Sisolak also wants Las Vegas’s McCarran International Airport renamed for Harry Reid.

We don’t see any particular reason to name public works after politicians. Howard Cannon got lots of federal resources for the airport. But that was his job. It wasn’t anything above or beyond his responsibility as senator. Pat McCarran’s name is on the Las Vegas airport for the same misbegotten reasons. And there is even less reason to attach Laxalt’s name to an airport. He served during a significant era as governor, but was an undistinguished senator and certainly was not associated with aviation issues. There is a major building in Carson City named for him.

If public works are going to be named after individuals, it should be for those who do go above and beyond, such as Walter Van Tilburg Clark, Evelyn Mount, Joe Crowley.

It would also be a good policy not to name anything after living persons (the policy used on postage stamps). That would allow some time to pass to decide whether there is enduring reason for naming. Even then, there is a danger of naming things in the emotional aftermath of deaths.

Washoe County once had a problem with school board members naming schools after themselves. Legislation was introduced to curb the practice. It did not pass, but it sent a message to the school board, which knocked it off.

It would be nice if a clear public policy for naming things in Nevada were written. In the meantime, Sisolak as governor-elect has better uses for his time than repaying political debts by naming airports. Governing is approaching, remember? Ω

Yes. I can’t wait to go up and go snowboarding, play in the snow with my dogs, and I can’t wait to drive in the snow because it’s a lot of fun. I grew up my whole life here, and it’s really fun to drive in the snow, even though some people here don’t know how.

r äde hendrix Cook

Fuck no, I hate the snow. I don’t ski or snowboard, and I’m just not a fan. It makes my commute to work shitty, and I don’t like it.

I need to buy a new pair of shoes because all I wear is slip-ons right now.

Matías rObles Social worker

I am not prepared for the snow. I need to buy sweaters. I probably need new tires or something, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m from Southern California, so I guess I know more about earthquake preparedness than preparing for the snow.

12.06.18 | RN&R | 5

Win 2 tickets to

“saved by the 90’s”

Live at the Virginia street Brewhouse!

December 29 @ 10:00pm Virginia St. Brewhouse 211 N Virginia St Reno, NV 89501 United States http://renobrewhouse.com/event/ live-at-the-vsb-saved-by-the-90s/

A

$24 value

(Tickets are $12 each)

Each week we will be giving away

4 pairs of tickets!

To Enter: -Email contest@newsreview.com -Put “Saved By the 90s” in the subject line -Include your full name, daytime phone, and birth date (this event is 21+) -Deadline to enter for each week is Sunday at 11:59pm -Tickets can also be purchased half-price on our Sweetdeals website!

6 | RN&R | 12.06.18

by SHEILA LESLIE

Personality disorder It’s been fascinating to listen to Nevada Republican leaders describe the reasons behind the shellacking they received on Nov. 6. The state chair, Michael McDonald, claimed the election was stolen by the Democrats’ “shenanigans.” He said “fingers on the scale” allowed “too many people” to vote, echoing President Trump’s absurd assertion of massive voter fraud featuring immigrants who went out to their cars, changed shirts and marched back into the polling place and voted again. Confronted with zero evidence of voter fraud in Nevada, McDonald later backtracked, saying he wasn’t serious and never dreamed anyone would take him at his word. He now says he submitted his resignation directly to the president who rejected the gesture, asking him to stay on, although it’s hard to see how the election could have been much worse for the Republicans.

Assemblymember John Ellison from Elko also endorsed the “too many people voted” theme as the underlying cause of the GOP’s defeat. He told the Elko Free

Press that “outside factors” influenced several unspecified races, stating “I’m unhappy with interest groups that piled that amount of people together to get them to the polls.” In other words, get out the vote efforts are suspect only when they motivate Democratic-leaning voters. But when more people vote, Republicans lose, which is why the GOP is so focused on making it more difficult for poor and minority voters to register and vote.

Mark Amodei, our hapless U.S. House member in Northern Nevada, told the Nevada Independent that it was “political polarization” combined with the Democrats’ superior turn out the vote operation that produced Nevada’s blue wave. He expressed surprise that the churning economy was overlooked by voters who should have given Trump and the GOP the credit for their improved quality of life. Amodei, like most Republicans, insists on pretending that the tax cuts, which benefited corporations and the already wealthy, were equally helpful to those of us in the middle on down

who aren’t experiencing much economic improvement, just the soaring cost of housing and roads clogged with traffic.

He also blames the media for being “too focused” on Trump’s personality, arguing that we should ignore his verbal excesses, i.e., lies. Amodei brushes off the President’s “personality” as an unimportant problem, using it as a synonym for Trump’s outrageous behavior. It’s another GOP talking point: Trump just embellishes and exaggerates, he doesn’t really lie. It’s called personality.

But Trump’s words and actions continue to be very dangerous and immoral. Last week, he again declared there was no climate change crisis, panning his own administration’s annual report, the National Climate Assessment, released on the Friday after Thanksgiving in an effort to bury its extremely negative findings. Trump then showed he still can’t distinguish weather from climate, tweeting during an East Coast storm: “Brutal and Extended Cold Blast could shatter

ALL RECORDS - Whatever happened to Global Warming?”

I felt like tweeting back, “You can’t possibly be this ignorant”—and yet, he has repeatedly demonstrated he is.

Trump also told the world he doesn’t believe the CIA’s report that the Saudis murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, despite a brutal tape of the crime. And he further undermined our country’s rapidly diminishing record on human rights by tear-gassing vulnerable women and children waiting at the border to apply for asylum.

Even Ivanka could hardly believe it, although she later tried to excuse it.

Conservative Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin rejects the Republican fables about Trump, writing “The moral nihilism inherent in this Republican defense of Trump (i.e., nothing he says matters) is indicative of the intellectual and moral rot that has destroyed a major political party.”

But Amodei and the Nevada GOP aren’t worried about Trump. It’s just his personality. Ω

12.06.18 | RN&R | 7

by Dennis Myers

Former rGJ home trade planned

Wildfires in Nevada are getting hotter and longer. courtesy/bureau of land management

The University of Nevada, Reno is expected to trade the old Reno Gazette Journal building at Second and Stevenson streets to obtain property that is currently the site of the Nevada Historical Society.

The RGJ built the plant on Second Street and moved there from its Center Street offices. Then, it built and moved to a new plant on Kuenzli Street, which itself is now up for sale. The Second and Stevenson building came into the hands of UNR after it served as the home of Nevada School of Law at Old College.

Old College held its first classes in the former classrooms of St. Thomas Aquinas School on Arlington Avenue. Then, Gannett Newspapers donated the empty RGJ building for a new Old College home and took a $2.5 million write-off. It was named the Nelson Building, after Club Cal-Neva owner Warren Nelson, who provided much of the money for Old College. But the law school never obtained American Bar Association accreditation and folded. Title to the property was transferred to UNR, which used it for “lifelong learning” classes.

The historical society building on the UNR campus belongs to Nevada State Land. UNR will get it and two other parcels inside the campus, plus $773,625 in cash. The trade has been approved by the Nevada Board of Regents but still needs legislative approval and approval from the Board of Examiners, made up of the governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. The society, which has been becoming more cramped, would then move to the Second and Stevenson building.

Why us?

On Nov. 2, the Reno Gazette Journal reprinted a USA Today editorial calling on more spending on suicide prevention, a follow-up to the newspaper’s series on the problem. “If a killer roaming America left 47,000 men, women and children dead each year, you can bet society would be demanding something be done to end the scourge,” the editorial read in part. “Well, such a killer exists. It’s called suicide, and the rate of it has steadily risen. Yet the national response has been little more than a shrug.”

What’s remarkable is what is happening elsewhere—suicide is in decline. The same week that the editorial appeared, the Economist was on the newsstands with a cover illustrating the drop in suicides.

The magazine editorialized: “Among most Western countries, [suicide] rates have been falling for decades. In Britain, for instance, the rate peaked in 1934, during the Depression. But elsewhere, the decline has happened more recently. China’s rate started to come down in the 1990s; in Russia, Japan, South Korea and India rates have all fallen significantly in the past decade. Western Europe’s rate is still declining slowly. America is the big exception: its rate has risen by 18 percent this century. Twenty years ago, America’s rate was half China’s. Now it is twice China’s. But the net gain is still huge. The drop in the global rate has saved 2.8m lives since 2000. Three times as many as have been killed in battle in that period.”

—Dennis Myers

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Hot Federal report cites Western heat If the national Climate assessment was created by the U.S. government in hope of getting different results than those produce by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, that hope has been dashed, several times.

The latest NCA, issued on the day after Thanksgiving by the Trump administration to reduce its visibility in news reports, found that very, very hot weather is becoming more common and very cold weather less so; that climate change is causing twice the normal wildfire damage to the Southwest, and it includes Nevada in its definition of the southwest; and that the rise of coastal shores will force migrations inland.

This is the fourth NCA since 1990. Three hundred people from 13 federal agencies worked on the report.

The agencies included the Pentagon, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of State, Environmental Protection Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

On the Southwest, it has this to say: “Climate changes will increase stress on the region’s rich diversity of plant and animal species. Widespread tree death and fires, which already have caused billions of dollars in economic losses, are projected to increase, forcing wholesale changes to forest types, landscapes, and the communities that depend on them.

“Tourism and recreation, generated by the Southwest’s winding canyons, snow-capped peaks, and Pacific Ocean beaches, provide a significant economic force that also faces climate change challenges. The recreational economy will be increasingly affected by reduced streamflow and a shorter snow season, influencing everything from the ski industry to lake and river recreation. …

The region has heated up markedly in recent decades, and the period since 1950 has been hotter than any comparably long period in at least 600 years.”

University of Utah biologist William Anderegg told a Salt Lake television station, “These are not predictions anymore. These are observations. We can already see the future playing out around

us as we see more wildfires, lower snowpack, and more droughts.”

The inclusion of Nevada in the Southwest by the researchers is worth examining. In the past, scientists have told us that the Great Basin is an unusual terrain formation and it is uncertain what the impact of climate change on the basin will be. Some have even said it could be colder in the future. More research is needed, they said.

But the new NCA does not take that anomaly status of the basin into consideration. It names Nevada, which is almost entirely within the Basin, as a Southwest state and thus assessed as one, though Nevada is normally treated as part of the Intermountain West. We asked a couple of scientists if there could be something askew in the model used by the NCA where the Great Basin is concerned.

Erica Fleishman, director of the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands at Colorado State and a University of Nevada, Reno PhD, said she does not see anything “off kilter” about the model. She acknowledged the “few weather stations in Nevada” but said that “does not affect the inferences the assessment has drawn,” which she considers sound.

Glenn Miller, a professor of agriculture, biotechnology, and natural resources, said the linkage of Nevada with the Southwest bothers him.

“Like California, I have always thought that Nevada is two states,” he said. “Whatever the models will predict, I do feel that Northern Nevada and Southern Nevada—and the Southwest States—will be impacted differently. I do not know if either will get more or less water, but both areas will be warmer. I have asked the same questions to modelers at [the Desert Research Institute] and in Geography at UNR, and they either say they do not know, or that there are differences in the general rain patterns in the South verses the North.”

ClImate eConomICs Nevada already knew it was facing serious problems as a result of climate change. A study published in the journal Science last year was titled “Estimating economic damage from climate change in the United States.” One of the authors of that study, University of California researcher James Risinig, told us, “There is certainly a lot of uncertainty about the impacts in that region, but we can give some general sense of what to expect,”

he wrote in an email. “Across the state, unless With the Trump administration headed by there is strong action to curb emissions, there a climate change denier, state governments are going to be heat-related deaths that are have become more important in the political about on-par with current vehicle accident dynamics. States and cities are shaping their deaths (13 deaths per 100,000 [people] per policies in compliance with Paris and Kyoto year), and considerable increases in per-person agreements rejected by the White House. energy expenditures (the equivalent of $250 In 2007, Arizona, New Mexico, California, per person for current wages). We also expect Oregon and Washington formed a coalition increases in violent crime and decreases in the to promote emission curbs. Nevada was not productivity of workers. All told, these invited to join because its policy stance impacts will cost Nevada about 4 was considered relatively primitive percent of its total income.” and undeveloped. That would He further said that by be unlikely to happen today.

“Reduced mid-century—and the century Two years with Republican stream flow and is already 18 years gone— majorities in the Nevada “Nevada is expected to have Legislature gave way to returns a shorter snow warmed by about 3 [degrees to Democratic majorities. season.”

Fahrenheit], irrespective of Climate skeptic Dean Heller climate policy,” Rising wrote. was defeated for reelection and “By then, labor productivity will be Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei down about a half percent, and there is voting with Democrats on climate will be about 5-10 deaths per 100,000 people issues more often. per year. That’s going to be a loss of about 1 The Sandoval administration has long percent of Nevada’s GDP. The rate of impacts been supportive of programs for alternative increase in the second half of the century, about energy and reduction of emissions. three times faster.”

Few journalism entities in Nevada He said Reno’s moderate growth has covered the NCA report. We were able to actually shielded it from some of the impacts find only one article, by Brian Bahouth on of climate change and that Clark County will the Nevada Capital News website. suffer more. That is no consolation to the rest Donald Trump’s reaction to the report: “I of the state, since Clark County taxes support don’t believe it.” Ω services in rural Nevada.

Meanwhile, changes driven by climate change are changing the Sagebrush state—by The National Climate Assessment can be read at reducing the sagebrush, for one thing. https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/ Cheatgrass is pushing sagebrush out.

Coming down

The Silver Club building in Sparks, vacant for three years, is being demolished. Since the end of the recession, the Sparks downtown has seen the rise of several apartment buildings, creating forbidding canyons and removing open space, which cramps special events. This will remove a darkened structure, but the city hopes it will then be “redeveloped.” The Silver Club closed in 2009, then briefly reopened as Bourbon Square in 2015.

PHOTO/DENNIS MYERS

12.06.18 | RN&R | 9

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ADVERTISE IN RN&R’S

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Every year, the RN&R features a local shopping section for five weeks during the Holiday season. Our objective is to give small, independent retail businesses a fighting chance during a time when people are actively making choices for spending money on gifts. Ads will run in the November 21, 29, December 6, 13 and 20 issues. This section and discounted ad rates will only be available to locallyowned businesses.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO RUN IN OUR DECEMBER 13 & 20 GIFT GUIDES CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION. 775-324-4440

WWW.NEWSREVIEW.COM

RENO’S NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY. ON STANDS EVERY THURSDAY. 10 | RN&R | 12.06.18

tahoe

by JeRi ChaDwell

j e ri c @ne w s re v i e w . c o m

Storm clouds sat low on the mountains west of Reno on Dec. 4, days after several storms dropped feet of snow at ski resorts in the Tahoe Basin.

Snow job Tahoe storms A series of storms that rolled through the region last week and into the weekend brought the first significant snowfall ski resorts around Lake Tahoe have seen this season. Some resorts reported more than a foot of snow during the second storm in the series, which tapered off Saturday and was followed by several days of cold, clear weather. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe reported between eight and 10 inches of snow from the second storm, while Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows reported a full foot.

Before the storms, some resorts had runs open, using entirely manufactured snow.

But as of Dec. 2, resorts in the South Lake area were reporting piles of fresh snowfall, including nearly four feet at Kirkwood Mountain Resort and three feet, nine inches at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Both Heavenly Mountain Resort and Sierra-atTahoe reported more than two feet.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service and snowcasters like Open Snow’s Bryan Allegretto are, as of press time, forecasting a dry weekend, with another storm possibly pushing into the region on Dec. 10.

According to Allegretto, long-range models show high pressure potentially building off the coast—but storms could hit the region or pass to the north.

There’s no way of knowing how much snow will fall, and stick, in the Sierra this winter. Some years, heavy snows don’t come until late. Last year, the winter snowpack in the Tahoe Basin was at 29 percent of normal until early March, when large storms brought it up to 78 percent. During the winter of 2011-2012, news reports noted it didn’t snow at all until Jan. 20.

Waiting for fresh snow can become tedious in this region, especially for skiers

PHOTO/JERI CHADWELL

and snowboarders—but with the help of several resources, it’s possible to keep an eye on potential storms and stay up to date on where the freshest flakes have fallen.

Located at Donner Pass, UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab is a research field station that’s been keeping records of precipitation, snowfall, snow depth and air temperature since its construction in 1946.

On the lab’s website (wrcc.dri.edu/weather/ cssl.html), visitors can find not only historical data about storms and snowfall for various years but also real-time weather data.

For those with a greater interest in the region’s weather history than it’s current forecast, Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin’s website is a worthwhile, entertaining resource. There, McLaughlin, who’s lived at Lake Tahoe since 1978, keeps an archive of weather-related stories about topics ranging from individual winter athletes like skier Dick Buek, known as the Mad Dog of Donner Summit; to California’s first mid-summer ski tournament, held at the Sugar Bowl ski resort near Donner Pass on July 4, 1932.

People who care more about learning when the next storm might dump fresh powder at the region’s various ski resorts have several resources to which they can turn for information. Open Snow is a website featuring blogs from snow forecasters in mountain resort regions around the nation. For Tahoe, the forecaster is Bryan Allegretto (See, “Cast a drift,” Tahoe, Oct. 18, 2018). Allegretto’s in-depth snow forecasts come out daily. Find them at opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe.

Another resource for current information is a website called On the Snow, where people can find daily snow reports for the Lake Tahoe region, as well as detailed information on specific ski resorts, including operating status, the number of lifts in operation and the total acreage currently open to skiers and boarders. Visit onthesnow.com/lake-tahoe/skireport.html. Ω

12.06.18 | RN&R | 11

Get

! t r sho

Time for our annual micro

The

fiction

competition!

’s 95-word fiction contest Write a miniature story that’s exactly 95 words long.

We want exactly 95 words, as counted by LibreOffice, Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

Email submissions to contest@newsreview.com with the subject line “Fiction 2018.” Put each story in the body of an email because we won’t open attachments. We require the author’s name, email address and phone number listed above each story. (That stuff won’t affect word count and will be removed before judging.)

Titles are acceptable, without affecting word count, but not required.

Stories must be received before Jan. 16, 2019.

Here’s an example: Lieutenant Nishiyama’s unit searched for Viet Cong soldiers in a village near the Laotian border. As expected, they found nothing. No hidden enemies.

A solitary, elderly woman was cooking rice. The smell made Nishiyama homesick.

Nishiyama called to the translator: “Tell her I’ll trade two packs of American cigarettes for a bowl of that rice.”

It was delicious.

“Ask her for more.”

“She’s not poor enough? You’ve got to eat all her food?”

“What? There’s enough food here for a dozen men.”

Nishiyama looked at the woman.

“Hey Captain, we better search this property again.” *This year’s story example is based loosely on a story told by Vincent Okamoto in Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s 2017 documentary series The Vietnam War.

Looking for inspiration? Check out last year’s winners here: www.newsreview.com/reno/short-cuts/content?oid=25735902

12 | RN&R | 12.06.18

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Photo//Matt Bieker

he idea of portioning Reno into separate “districts” is not new. The idea has been bandied about between the city government and various shadowy developers for years, with mixed success. The branding of midtown has been the most successful, but there has also been talk of the fountain district, the Tessera district, West 2nd district—all meant to capitalize on the individual neighborhoods’ distinct—or sometimes contrived—identities.

But East Fourth Street, the three-mile stretch of asphalt between downtown Reno and Sparks, has struggled to rebuild its own illustrious past as a major transit hub and business magnet for the past two decades.

Now, as the number of breweries and bars in the area has swelled in the past five years, a new coalition of business owners has decided to take an active role in determining the future of their neighborhood by establishing it as the Brewery District.

“In the ’90s, if you told us we were going to be working on Fourth Street when we were growing up, we would have been a bit concerned given the reputation that we all had of Fourth Street,” said Will Truce, co-owner of the planned Black Rabbit Meads and one of the lead instigators of the Brewery District Business Coalition. “But, then again, when you drive down here with your eyes and mind and heart wide open, you can see the incredible architecture that’s also pretty unique for Reno as well.”

Truce and his partner, Jake Conway, have been making home-brewed mead, an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey, for the past several years. After leaving their jobs

as teachers at South Carson High School last year, they decided to pursue their dreams of opening a meadery and tasting room.

“We had been thinking about this area before, if not dreaming about it a little bit, because of the growth of the breweries around here … and also just how much space that you could have in a building as well,” Truce said.

Truce and Conway are in the process of building out their space between The Depot and Lead Dog Brewing Company. They believe the combination of a historic pedigree, proximity to downtown and relatively low price point for larger facilities tick all the boxes on a prospective brewer’s checklist.

“You pretty much need 5,000 square feet, for our understanding, to have a, you know, a good production facility and a tap room to really get off the ground,” Truce said.

The Brewery District Business Coalition started in earnest in September, when, during one of their weekly meetings, the dozen-plus members put the name to a vote. The name, Truce said, pays homage to Fourth Street’s past, specifically the old Reno Brewing Company, established in 1903, while not excluding other types of business.

“Even the folks that have nothing to do with brewing beer themselves were enthusiastic about it because a brewery district says so much more than just the fact that people brew there,” Truce said. “There’s a culture of brewing, right? There’s an industrialness that’s to it. There’s the craftiness to it. There is a sense of historic Americana to it. There’s a sense of localness to it, you know. All of these things transcend the actual brewing of alcohol.”

In establishing that new identity for the area, Truce said they modeled their efforts after the success of the midtown businesses coalition, and received input the th from, among others, Jessica continued on page 14 Schneider,

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owner of Junkee Clothing Exchange.

They have created a website and social media presence to promote the included businesses, something Truce believes will create a unified messaging platform.

“Someone that’s going to Nevada Sunset Winery versus, let’s say, Davidson’s Distillery might be a bit of a

“a brewery district says so much more than just the fact that people brew there.”

Will Truce

different demographic, and yet, through the website and social media advertising them all, they’re now hitting those other demographics that they wouldn’t necessarily be doing,” Truce said. “But there’s also just a wonderful camaraderie that comes with being part of a business organization in which you can help each other out.”

Love thy neighbor

While Steedman and Delisle, and most of the other business owners interviewed for this story, said they have never felt unsafe in their properties, and their interactions with homeless citizens have rarely been confrontational, the presence of the shelter might contribute to the perception that Fourth Street is dangerous. Steedman believes that moving the shelter farther from downtown’s associated vices would benefit not only the burgeoning Brewery District, but the homeless as well.

“You’ve got to move them out of the environment because you’re not helping them find solutions [to problems] that nobody really wants to address as far the mentally ill,” Steedman said.

Noah Silverman is one of the co-founders of the Reno Bike Project, another long-time fixture of East Fourth Street. It left it’s location last November for a new space on Grove Street but came back to a new location on East Fourth Street this past June.

In 2014, Silverman also had a hand in an attempted revitalization event called “Positively Fourth Street.” The event focused on bringing a community-oriented vision to the neighborhood, instead of the more business-minded approach of the Brewery District.

“We constructed a temporary bike lane,” Silverman said. “We had a little farmers’ market. We had a pop-up record shop. We had, like, kids’ activities in an alley and live music.”

The event proved too labor intensive to replicate without more businesses to participate at the time, but Silverman also agrees that the homeless shelter remains Fourth Street’s biggest hurdle.

“I personally don’t think the challenges are going to go away unless the homeless shelter moves,” Silverman said.

“And we’re an organization that serves that population. But the challenges, like

our staff having to deal with people with mental illness or ... people breaking in and stealing shit. Even now with our new spot, it’s still just consistent and constant.”

While the city grapples with the issues of finding more space and services for the homeless, the Regional Transit Commission (RTC) hopes the recent completion of the $58 million Fourth Street/Prater Way Bus RAPID Transit Project can offer some solutions.

“The addition of a new rapid line on this corridor was important to get residents who live along the corridor to have more access to education and job opportunities,” said Michael Moreno, Public Information Officer for the RTC. “The residents of the homeless shelters don’t have means of transportation. So, many of them do use public transportation. They’re familiar with the bus routes and schedules so that they can get to where they need to go. We work closely with the Volunteers of America and Catholic Charities … so that we can meet those needs as best as we can.”

Moreno was also present in some of the Brewery District’s public meetings in order to allay the concerns of business owners who had to weather almost two years of construction that deterred patrons since the transit project’s inception. The Brewery District, in conjunction with the RTC, is planning the Celebration on the Corridor event on Dec. 8 to officially mark its completion, and the inclusion of the new Lincoln Line (named for Fourth Street’s historic designation as The Lincoln Highway).

“The Lincoln line in is a new bus rapid transit service that we are debuting on Dec. 14, which will span the corridor from RTC Fourth Street stations into downtown Sparks at RTC Centennial Plaza,” Moreno said.

bad rep Mike Steedman is a long-time resident of Fourth Street and currently runs Nevada Sunset Winery with his partner, Alynn Delisle. Steedman has seen several revitalization efforts come and go over the past few years, each one petering out due to either a lack of cooperation, or active disruption from the city. And the Volunteers of America shelter on Record Street has long put Fourth Street’s bar patrons in close proximity to Reno’s homeless population.

“With the Reno Sparks Business Corridor Association, Mayor Cashell swore that he would never put in the homeless shelter in downtown,” Steedman said. “And there was a lot more businesses here. Now it’s coming back around, and they put it down here against all the advice of everybody.”

Brandon Wright stands in front of his distilling equipment at The Depot.

Photo//Matt Bieker

That camaraderie makes sense to a degree, but too much cross-promotion could be considered counterproductive to businesses that are essentially rivals, selling similar products to a limited clientele. There are currently at least 13 breweries in Reno alone, each vying for their space in the craft beer boom. But Bryan Holloway, co-owner and brew master at Pigeonhead Brewery on Fifth Street, says that craft beer drinkers are far from loyal—at least in their neighborhood.

“It’s probably, like, maybe five percent of our customers or people that just come to our tap room,” Holloway said. “They don’t just sit at one [brewery] and drink for all afternoon, or whatever they’re doing, you know. They like to go to three or four or five or whatever, whatever’s in that area, and hit all of them.”

The general consensus between brewers east of Center Street, Holloway said, is that a greater concentration of breweries in one place encourages patrons to make the rounds instead of picking favorites. Plus, said Holloway, the brewers’ individual specialties are varied enough to keep things interesting for even regular craft consumers.

“Oh, we all do different things,” Holloway said. “Like, we’re known for 14 | RN&R | 12.06.18

our lagers here, you know. Lead Dog does hazy IPA, and The Depot has their own niche in the market with the restaurant and everything, too. So we’re all a little different.”

But even with a willing clientele, it’s worth asking if it’s sustainable to peg Fourth Street’s future to the craft alcohol market. A bevvy of articles like the Washington Post’s “The craft beer industry’s buzz is wearing off” have been published this year, bemoaning craft beer’s slowing national market trends. But Brandon Wright, partner and head brewer at The Depot, said there’s been no sign of stalled sales in Reno. In fact, he needs more room for the future.

“Our brewery’s expanding considerably,” Wright said. “So, we are in the process of building a brewery that’s five times the size of what we’ve got now— literally in our parking lot over here.”

After two years of contract brewing for Battle Born Beer Company, The Depot is planning a standalone expansion to its brewery facility to brew both its own house recipes as well as Battle Born’s. Wright hopes to have the project completed by summer of 2019.

“That should not only expand our brewing capacity substantially, but the distilling operation, we’ll also be able to step up,” Wright said. “We’re typically doing four or five runs of whiskey a week, we’ll start doing 12 runs of whiskey.”

If the future of craft brewing is a sturdy foundation for the Brewery District, the biggest potential roadblock to Fourth Street’s revitalization might come from an inability to shake its sordid reputation.

“I went to school at the world brewing academy that splits its time between Chicago and Munich, Germany,” Wright said. “My nickname in brewing school was ‘Fourth Street,’ because the only thing that my American friends and colleagues in brewing school knew about Reno is, like, ‘Don’t go on Fourth Street.’”

Long distance With talk of opening a new women’s and family shelter on Glendale Avenue in Sparks, the Lincoln Line could theoretically provide a link between new housing and the services on Fourth Street that the homeless community depends on. But some of the city’s homeless residents say that added distance does more harm than good.

“How many homeless people have money to get on the bus?” said Emily Garcia, who has been homeless with her partner Adam Reinhardt, a combat veteran, for the past two years. “We’d have to go a couple miles from all the way over there to here by 11:30 to eat lunch at all. So, it’s going to be harder for people if they’re, like, seven miles down the street to get to a library or get something to eat.”

While the proposed new Glendale location would include an on-site kitchen, which Garcia said would help, decreasing the proximity to downtown jobs or library services would also be counterproductive.

“There’s going to be more homeless because they’re like, ‘Well, I’m not going to walk this far and try to make it to work on time,’” Garcia said. “You’re late a couple times, you’re going to get fired anyway.”

Fourth Street’s new ADA-compliant sidewalks are meant to increase foot traffic, but they’re also less than helpful “when you’re going to get a $500 ticket for sitting on the sidewalk,” according to Reinhardt.

They also regard the name “The Brewery District” with a certain irony.

“Open container ticket, $123,” said Reinhardt.

And as far as separating the women’s and men’s shelters, a position VOA Director Pat Cashell has advocated for in the past, to Reinhardt and Garcia, it’s out of the question.

“I’m not going to leave her by herself,” Reinhardt said. “I’m going to take care of her.”

“Totally,” agreed Garcia. “And even still, like if it was a men’s shelter over here and a women’s shelter over there.

Well, I’m still going to sleep outside because I want to wake up with my dude. I’m not going to have to search for him every day.”

Even as the new businesses clash with unresolved problems on East Fourth Street, the Brewery District is gaining more and more members. Piper Stremmel, who grew up in Reno but spent the last 20 years abroad and in the Bay Area, moved back to town last year and took over the lease on the old

Lincoln Lounge building, which was sold earlier this year. She knew it was the right property for her new hotel, The Jesse.

“I’m wanting it to feel very historical,” Stremmel said. “The name of Jesse came from Jesse Lee Reno. I’m trying play up on the city and the area and sort of embrace it more than get away from it.”

The property will house about six king-sized rooms with a bar on the ground level that guests will check in at, much like the motor lodges and boarding houses of Fourth Street’s heyday. Stremmel said the authenticity of the neighborhood attracted her to the area.

“I had wanted to be on Fourth Street,” she said. “I wasn’t holding out for it necessarily. I love the industrial vibe Fourth Street has. I’m really interested in, sort of, industrial parts of town.”

Stremmel said she isn’t bothered by the presence of the homeless shelter, although she could see how it could be a problem for some of her future guests.

She said she was also unaware of the Brewery District Business Coalition before she found the property, but she’s excited to have the breweries as her neighbors and get involved herself.

And while she doesn’t have a completion date on the Jesse yet, her biggest hope for the future of Fourth Street is that things just stay the same.

“i personally don’t think the challenges are going to go away unless the homeless shelter moves.”

Noah Silverman

“I guess I hope we don’t start tearing down the old last remaining buildings in favor of new builds along that street,” she said. “I sort of hope that the buildings that have been there and remained there, sort of remain in their original form.” Ω

The Brewery District will hold a Celebration on the Corridor, Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

12.06.18 | RN&R | 15

Members of Spread the Word Nevada, teachers and volunteers put on a school “adoption” event at Rita Cannan Elementary School on Nov. 8 that involved skits and passing out five books to every kid in every grade.

PHOTO/JERI CHADWELL

ast month at two Washoe County elementary schools, every student in every grade was given five books, new or gently used, with which to start their own personal libraries. It was just a few thousand of some nearly five million books that have been distributed to students by a nonprofit called Spread the Word Nevada.

Rita Cannan Elementary School in Reno and Greenbrae Elementary School in Sparks were the first in Washoe County to be “adopted” by Spread the Word, which has distributed some 4.8 million books to more than half a million children in Nevada since its founding in Clark County in 2001. The group gives away nearly 60,000 each month, at least one to each student at the schools in which it operates.

The organization was founded by Lisa Habighorst and Laurie Hartig—both of whom have experience in the education system, Habighorst as a teacher and Hartig as a librarian. When the pair started Spread the Word Nevada, they hoped to build a program that would work with a handful of schools in Clark County’s low-income communities, where both women had noticed that children often lacked funds to purchase books during school book fairs. Over the course of 18 years, the number of schools their organization has adopted has grown to more than five dozen.

“It’s crazy,” Habighorst said from her Clark County office during a Nov. 26 phone interview. “On Friday, we take on our 58th school here, and next Wednesday our 59th— so two more before the holidays.”

In Washoe County, Spread the Word is, so far, offering its programs in just the two elementary schools. But Habighorst said her organization has identified an additional 20 schools to which it intends to expand.

“At this point, we really need volunteers and book donations and people invested in the community who want to see us grow up there,” she said. “I’m hoping we can take on those schools as soon as possible.”

L

Word gets around

by JERi ChadWEll j e r ic @ n e w s r e v i e w . c o m

Nonprofit brings books to Washoe County kids

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Word of mouth After receiving their initial five books apiece to start keep-at-home libraries, students at participating schools get two visits per month from Spread the Word. At each, kids have an opportunity to get at least one book. The first is a monthly event held during school hours.

The second is another monthly program called “Breakfast with Books.” Students can bring their family members to a continental breakfast at the school. The organization gets the opportunity to talk with kids’ guardians about the importance of reading at home, and each attending family member receives a book to take home on behalf of their student. It adds up to potentially thousands of books per month, per school.

Habighorst said expanding to new schools will require the establishment of a regular supply of book donations and volunteers to distribute them.

“And financially—we need money to grow to those next schools,” she added.

“We’ve got these two schools covered, but for us to grow we’re going to need some financial support to get into those other schools.”

While most of the books the organization distributes are donated and often used, there are costs associated with things like cleaning, storing and transporting them. In Clark County, Spread the Word keeps a 13,000-square-foot warehouse for cleaning and storing its books.

In Washoe County, Habighorst thinks they’ll be able to make do for a few years in a 2,500-square-foot space on Gentry Way. In it, they keep an office space and a book cleaning room where volunteers erase marks and wipe down pages in used books, and a warehouse where these books are stored, along with select new ones chosen from popular titles to pique the kids’ interest.

“That’s one of our goals,” Habighorst said. “We want them to be popular books. We want the kids to read. Obviously, a lot of our children are struggling with reading, so if you hand them a book they’re not even interested in, it’s not going to happen.”

The group gets most of its new books from a clearing warehouse in Washington D.C. called First Book.

“We don’t even have to pay for the books,” Habighorst said. “They’re donated by the publishers. They’re overstock runs

that they can’t sell or have too many of, and they donate them. We just pay shipping to get them to Vegas. They usually cost us 50 to 60 cents apiece.”

Ordering from clearing warehouses like First Book—which also helps distribute things like snacks, coats and sports equipment to low-income schools—is an affordable way to mix in glossy-covered, new books from contemporary authors. However, Habighorst stressed that Spread the Word relies mostly upon used books sourced from directly within the community—which is where the organization also turns for the volunteer manpower it needs to run its operation.

Get on the paGe For those who may be interested in volunteering, Habighorst is always happy to make her elevator pitch on ways to get involved.

“The easiest way is to clean off your bookshelves,” she said. “If you have children and they have books they don’t read anymore, clean them off and donate them. Drop them by the office or call, and we have a van that we can use to come pick them up. That’s probably the easiest and most impactful way—because we’ll get those books right into the hands of a kid who needs them.”

Volunteers work in the warehouse to not only clean books, but also sort them based upon the grade levels for which they’re appropriate.

(Spread the Word relies on teachers to help them identify kids who read above or below grade level to help them get the right books.) At the schools, volunteers help with the monthly events by delivering books and organizing them on tables for the kids to browse or helping to serve breakfast.

Habighorst said she’s hopeful about expanding her organization’s mission in Washoe County and hopes the approaching holiday season may inspire some of the initial volunteerism that’s needed.

“The kids were just great—the principals, the whole atmosphere,” she said. “I love your city. … We just need to get the community rallied around it and make sure they buy into what we’re doing. … Get involved if you can.

Volunteer. Reach out to us. Make it your New Year’s resolution to change the life of a child through the power of books. Join us in that mission, please. It would be great.” Ω

Learn more about Spread the Word Nevada at spreadthewordnevada.org

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Season of We’re extremely fortunate to live in a community which supports charitable and nonprofit causes and organizations in a big way. This time of year people give more of their time, money and resources than during any other season.

However, for most nonprofits the need extends well beyond the holidays.

Please take a few minutes to learn about some of our region’s nonprofit organizations on the following pages as we celebrate this “Season of Giving,” and then be sure to keep them or your own favorite charity in mind throughout the year. The RN&R extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to those of you who already donate your time, money, food, clothing or expertise.

Included (in order of appearance) in this year’s Season of Giving section are:

Veteran’s Guest House Children’s Cabinet Silver State Fair Housing Council Nevada Humane Society Food Bank of Northern Nevada Northern Nevada H.O.P.E.S. Ronald McDonald House Charities Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada

18 | RN&R | 12.06.18

KEEPing CHildrEn SaFE and Families together since 1985

7 7 5 -8 5 6 -6 2 0 0 • ch i ld renscabinet.org For over 33 years, the children’s cabinet has provided a network of programs and services at no charge to keep children safe and families together. We support infants to young adults with guidance and resources so that they can thrive within their schools, their families and their neighborhoods. there is no wrong door, and we ensure those who need us are provided assistance regardless of their circumstance.

our services include: • Education and early education readiness • Childcare resources and training • Parenting classes and support • Outreach to runaway and homeless youth

• Work experience training and education for at-risk teens • Family counseling and behavioral health services • Food pantry, basic needs, and family support services

HOW yOu Can HElP

Strengthening families & communities every day

We are currently accepting new toys, coats and diapers among many other necessities to distribute to kids and families through our holiday programs. visit www.childrenscabinet.org/support or call 775-856-6200 for more information and ways to give, and follow us on Facebook, instagram and twitter for additional giving opportunities and immediate needs.

The Fair Housing Act protects families with children under the age of 18 from illegal housing discrimination.

RECOGNIZE POSSIBLE SIGNS OF DISCRIMINATION: ■

“No kids”

■

“Steering” families with children to ground floor units.

■

Higher deposits because of the presence of children.

■

“You won’t be happy here. There’s no playground.”

■

Rules targeting children.

Be aware that there is an exemption for qualifying senior/agerestricted housing communities

If you would like additional information or, believe you have been a victim of housing discrimination, contact:

Silver State Fair Housing Council

775.324.0990 ■ 888.585.8634 toll-free ■ Relay Nevada 711 FairHousing@ssfhc.org ■ www.ssfhc.org SSFHC advocates for equal access to housing opportunities in Nevada. Federal and State fair housing laws prohibit discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

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HELP THE VICTIMS OF THE CAMP FIRE IN PARADISE AND BUTTE COUNTY

THA NK YOU T O OUR H ERO ES !

Thank you to the firefighters, EMS personnel, first responders of all varieties, nurses, neighbors in Chico and Paradise, and all of the many people, businesses and organizations helping evacuees and the Butte County community during the Camp Fire.

O P E N YO U R H O M E If you have a home that you’re willing to list for evacuees (any time through December 14), visit www.airbnb.com/welcome/evacuees/buttecounty.

$ D O NA T E TO HE LP T HE VIC T IMS

D O N AT E TO YS TO CH I L DR E N

There are many worthy organizations raising money. Please donate to the organization of your choice. If you’d like to “give to a fund that’s going to be in this for the duration, then the foundation is your answer.” -Alexa Benson-Valavanis, CEO of North Valley Community Foundation, as quoted in the CN&R. To donate to the NVCF, go to www.nvcf.org.

Ashlee’s Toy Closet in Sparks, NV is collecting new toys for children affected by the Camp Fire. You can donate new toys, books or clothes at The Laughton Company offices, 140 Washington St. Ste. 100 Reno, NV 89503 or make financial donations here https://www.facebook.com/donate/351226489019537.

22 | RN&R | 12.06.18

An Advertisement

ruth’s Chris steak House now open in silver Legacy the story behind the most trusted name in steak

by Anne StokeS

W

hen Ruth Fertel bought Chris Steak House in 1965, she was a single mother with little experience running a restaurant. Leveraging tenacity and hard work — she served as butcher, cook, hostess, waitress and manager — her steak house now has over 100 locations across the country. Now you can experience highend fare from the “Empress of Steak” at Reno’s Silver Legacy Resort Casino.

“Ruth’s Chris is an excellent addition for our guests and a wonderful fit for our brand as we share similar values,” said Gary Carano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eldorado Resorts, Inc. “We look forward to making Ruth’s a part of our family in our newly renovated Silver Legacy Resort Casino.”

As with many success stories, Ruth encountered her share of road bumps. The original New Orleans location burned down in 1974. Rather than let a

photo by AndreA heerdt

kitchen fire destroy years of hard work, she relocated a few blocks away. Unfortunately, the name — Chris Steak House — wasn’t allowed to move with her. To keep her business’ brand name, she renamed the restaurant Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

we look forward to making ruth’s a part of our family in our newly renovated Silver legacy resort casino.”

GAry cArAno chAirmAn And chief executive officer, eldorAdo reSortS, inc.

Since then, her restaurant has become synonymous with world-class dining and hospitality, including custom-aged USDA Prime steaks served on 500-degree sizzling hot plates, sides made from scratch and decadent desserts. The restaurant’s extensive premium wine list and handcrafted cocktails perfectly complement the fine-dining experience Ruth’s is known for.

courteSy of ruth’S hoSpitAlity Group, inc

“Ruth’s Chris is focused on taking care of people with gracious and attentive service,” said Cheryl Henry, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. “We look forward to being part of the Reno community and welcoming our guests to enjoy a world-class steakhouse experience.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s first northern Nevada location will seat 240 guests and offer private dining spaces. So if you’re looking for just the right place for a night out with that special someone or to impress an important business client, Ruth’s Chris Steak House has a table for you.

For reservations and more inFormation, pleASe viSit www.ruthSchriS.com or cAll 775-325-7573.

12.06.18 | RN&R | 23

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The cast of The Golden Girls Live Holiday Special includes mostly male actors wearing drag.

Jingle belles I think the reasons I was so excited to see the final dress rehearsal of Goodluck Macbeth’s holiday production, The Golden Girls Live Holiday Special, were the same reasons I am an unreasonably huge fan of Hallmark Christmas movies and the reruns of American Top 40 with Casey Kasem every weekend. I adore nostalgia and schmaltz.

I am officially at an age where my past is clearly better than my present or what I expect to be the future. I want to go back to that innocent time before stress, before Trump and before I ever awoke to find news notifications on my phone about how climate change will destroy the Arctic by 2040. I want to crawl through my TV set and laugh and enjoy simple pleasures and old-fashioned holidays and have everything resolve itself within the half hour.

I’m not alone, as it turns out. Nostalgia and schmaltz are huge right now, which is the only way to explain the boom in TV sitcom remakes and the inexplicable popularity of The Golden Girls. The folks over at Goodluck Macbeth Theatre in midtown aren’t known for doing things in a traditional way, but they’re tapping into that craving for nostalgia and innocence with this holiday special that perfectly channels what we love about sitcoms, the early ’90s and Christmas, while also providing a twist: Our favorite Florida foursome is being played by men in drag.

You’ll get two of the series’ actual holiday episodes, performed lovingly and hilariously by Christopher Daniels as Southern belle Blanche Devereaux, Bill Ware as Dorothy Zbornak, Luke Allen as Rose Nylund and Ian Sorensen as Sophia Petrillo. This short-but-sweet production is pure fun—no weighty issues to wrestle with, no drama, no high-brow monologues.

Just the same old cheesy scripts they always were—which, let’s face it, were only

PHOTO/ERIC MARKS

OK. The troubles are all easily resolved in 23 minutes of airtime, warm fuzzies guaranteed.

The episodes run in real time, complete with actual, laughable, era-appropriate commercials and even that classic Golden Girls segue music you know by heart. Even the interstitial music is a blend of popular early 1990s hits and classic Christmas tunes guaranteed to melt even the Grinchiest heart.

Check your seasonal stress at the door.

The jokes are so-so, the minor characters forgettable. But the real comedic gold here is in Daniels’ impersonation of Blanche, a character so exaggerated that Daniels, a comedian and improv actor who is already skilled at acting in drag, could completely go for broke here in his performance. His ridiculously fake, plantation-South accent and breast-focused posture actually aren’t far off the mark.

Sorensen—one of my favorite local comedians—wearing a velour housecoat is a joy to behold. And Ware’s deep voice and sardonic style give the polyester-clad Dorothy the edge she needs to give Blanche a dressing down or to roll her eyes at Rose’s latest St. Olaf yarn.

And amid all this silliness, Pussycat, you can play a round of bingo with Sophia Petrillo during intermission, then be out the door by 9 p.m., so there’s still time for a slice of cheesecake with your BFFs. Who couldn’t use an evening like that? Ω

The Golden Girls Live Holiday Special

12345 Goodluck Macbeth Theatre’s holiday production, The Golden Girls Live Holiday Special, directed by Ashley Marie James is on stage select dates through Dec. 22. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door. To learn more and see a complete listing of showtimes, visit www.goodluckmacbeth.org.

by BoB Grimm

b g ri m m @ne w s re v i e w . c o m

SHORT TAKES

5

“Don’t just stare at me. Throw me the football.”

Middle of the road One of the directors of Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary goes solo with his first “serious” feature effort, and I can safely say that nobody has a diarrhea attack or uses certain bodily fluids as hair gel in this film.

Director Peter Farrelly, sans little brother Bobby, gives us Green Book, essentially a remake of Driving Miss Daisy with the roles reversed and starring Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) and the Academy Award winning actor from Moonlight (Mahershala Ali). It’s a feel good movie about race relations that goes light on the grit and heavy on the sentiment.

Based on a true story, Mortensen plays Tony Lip, an Italian bouncer at the Copacabana who finds himself temporarily without a job as the club is getting renovated. His next gig installs him as a driver and bodyguard for Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), an African-American classical pianist who is touring a jazz trio in the early 1960s Deep South.

So this is a road movie, with Tony driving and Shirley sitting in the back. As they venture south, they talk about fried chicken, Chubby Checker and letter writing. There is nothing in their dialogue that is anything remotely original or surprising, but Farrelly is lucky to have these two guys in the car. Without them, this film would be a total slog. The duo is, at times, fun to watch, even when the movie around them isn’t.

The two use a book with the same title as the movie—a guide for African Americans offering a listing of safe havens where they can eat and find shelter in the South. The deeper south the tour goes, the lousier the accommodations for Don become. A rich man up north, Don is reduced to skeevy rooms and nothing but a bottle of Cutty Sark to get him through the night.

Segregation rears its ugly head as Don tries to do things such as buy a suit or eat in a restaurant

where he’s been hired to play. This is where Tony becomes the hero, stepping in for his boss and occasionally cracking a few skulls. Yes, Tony is Dr. Don’s white knight, a man who will learn to love just a little bit more no matter the color of somebody’s skin, and perhaps drop just a few less racial slurs, before the credits roll.

The film doesn’t feel like it was made today. It has the sensibilities of a movie made somewhere around the late ’80s or mid-90s. It’s a little too safe and predictable for its own good.

A movie about racism needs to be uglier than the one Farrelly has made. This one tries a little too hard to not upset. I have no problem with an optimistic viewpoint and a happy ending, but something about this movie, even though the characters are based on real people, rings a little false and shallow.

That’s not to say it isn’t enjoyable to some degree. Mortensen, who has had his share of dramatic and action roles, gets a chance to show off some comedic timing. He also put on over 40 pounds for the role. That, coupled with your typical Italian accent, makes him OK in the type of role that used to go to the likes of Danny Aiello and the late Dennis Farina.

Mahershala is good as Shirley, so good you wish the script matched the majesty of his work.

Seamless special effects make it look like he can play a mean piano (Kris Bowers, the film’s score composer, is also Ali’s piano double).

Green Book is the sort of movie that has Oscar written all over it, but you won’t see me trumpeting it when it’s time for the golden boys to be passed out. The movie is average at best, delivering a relatively good time while feeling quite dated. I expect a little more heft from a movie with this subject matter. Ω

Netflix is becoming a regular haven for our very best directors. Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma will debut on the streaming service this December after a very brief theatrical run (and a showing at this year’s Loft Film Festival). Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Paul Greengrass, Guillermo del Toro and Steven Soderbergh all have had, or will have, projects with Netflix. The true stunner is that Joel and Ethan Coen, the Coen brothers, have also gone the way of Netflix with their latest, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

The film is a six-part Western anthology that fits snugly in their repertoire, which includes No Country for Old Men, Fargo, Barton Fink and Raising Arizona. The movie’s arrival on Netflix, after a one-week theatrical run, establishes Netflix as a true original film force. The film opens with a story about the title character (Tim Blake Nelson), a singing cowboy who is frighteningly adept with his gun, casually killing many in the segment’s few minutes. The musical ending tells us we are in true Coen territory, where weird, beautiful things can happen. The other shorts involve an unlucky bank robber (James Franco), a sad and greedy show runner (Liam Neeson), a wily prospector (Tom Waits), an unfortunate cross country traveler (Zoe Kazan) and a creepy stagecoach. All of the segments are good enough to be standalone films, and all of them successfully convey the overall theme, that the Old West was a tricky, dark place. For any Coen fan concerned that their film might be anything less than their usual brilliance, since it’s a streaming affair, fret not. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs will go down as one of the year’s best movies, as their films often do. It’s also a nice companion piece to their other fine Western, their remake of True Grit. (Streaming on Netflix.)

1

12345

Bohemian Rhapsody

Rami Malek gives it his all as Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of Queen, in the new biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. That, and a competent recreation of Queen’s Live Aid domination, are just about the only good things you can say about this mostly embarrassing effort to memorialize an incredible person and his sadly short life. The movie basically takes Mercury’s legacy, completely screws with his life’s timeline and makes up a bunch of unnecessary events to pad its 135-minute running time. So much of this film isn’t true, and the fact that they took this hard-living rock star’s life and homogenized it for a PG-13 film doesn’t help make it feel anything close to authentic. Malek, acting through a big set of fake teeth made to capture the look of Mercury’s four extra incisors, is decent in the role. He actually sang on set, his voice blended with a Mercury soundalike to keep the movie from being a completely lip-synched affair. The musical sequences, including the Live Aid gig, are fun to watch. But, hey, if I want good Queen music, I can just watch the videos of Queen.

There’s a movie happening between those musical sequences, and that movie is terrible, a messed-up bit of fakery that prompts a lot of unintentional laughter.

There’s a great, truthful movie to be made about the life of Freddie Mercury. Bohemian Rhapsody doesn’t even come close to being that movie.

4 Green Book

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Boy Erased

Lucas Hedges continues his rise as one of his generation’s best actors as a young gay man forced into conversion therapy by his Baptist parents (Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman) in this adaptation of Garrard Conley’s memoir. Hedges plays Jared (a character based on Conley), a college student who, after a horrible event on campus, reveals to his parents that he “thinks about men.” This sends his parents

into a religious panic, and they send him to a facility where a shifty preacher/counselor (Joel Edgerton) tries to convince him that homosexuality is a sin and the wrong choice. Jared is forced to withstand all of the strains of psychological torture and gradually realizes that, despite his upbringing and the wishes of his parents, he’s gay and no amount of bullshit preaching is going to change that. Edgerton, who also directs, does a respectable job of keeping all characters in the film based in reality; the crazed preachers and misguided parents have depth to them and aren’t reduced to caricature. Kidman and Crowe are both very good, but the film’s main triumph belongs to Hedges, who continues to amaze.

3

Creed II

Thirty-three years removed from the moronic Rocky IV, the Rocky franchise says hello again to Ivan Drago (a weathered Dolph Lundgren) and his boxing son Viktor (Florian Munteanu) with Creed II, the follow up to Ryan Coogler’s excellent Creed. Coogler has not returned, replaced

by Steven Caple, Jr., in the director’s chair. Michael B. Jordan and Stallone are back, doing pretty much what they did in chapter one, which is not a bad thing.

Creed II doesn’t break any new ground and represents a step backward from the astonishingly good Creed, but it’s still a lot of fun. This surprises me, because it dares to take the ridiculous story of Ivan Drago and expand upon it. Creed II tries to make Drago a real person, a defeated man living in shame for decades after losing to Rocky. His loss to Rocky came after killing Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in the ring, so when Drago comes looking for a fight using his young, up-and-comer son Viktor, Adonis Creed (Jordan) can’t help but take notice. He’s got a score to settle, and he wants Rocky in his corner. Sound stupid? It is a little bit, but Caple, Jr., manages to continue the authentic vibe of Creed, even with the Dragos back in the ring. Lundgren actually gives one of the film’s best performances, his sense of humiliation oozing from his pores as he tries to regain former glory and the love of his estranged wife (Brigitte Nielson). Caple, Jr., and his screenwriters, which include Stallone, manage to make Drago a real character rather than a stereotype. They lose the whole U.S. versus Russia shtick and focus on the characters, resulting in a decent boxing movie.

2

Overlord

American soldiers get personal with some mutant Nazi soldiers in Overlord, one of the weirder films to make it to the big screen in 2018. U.S. World War II paratroopers, led by Kurt Russell’s lookand-sound-alike son Wyatt as demolition expert Ford, land in a Nazi-occupied French town. It’s the eve of D-Day, and the beginning of director Julius Avery’s flick is an effective war movie as those paratroopers, including Jovan Adepo as Boyce and John Magaro as Tibbet, must escape a crashing plane and then evade Nazis on the ground. Soon after linking up with local resident Chloe (Mathilde Ollivier), the soldiers find themselves in a safehouse. It’s a typical small French town house, excepting for the fact that Chloe’s aunt down the hall is ill, and we aren’t talking whooping cough. Nazi doctors are seriously screwing with dead people’s biochemistry.

This results in some messed-up experiments like Chloe’s aunt, but also brings about superhuman Nazi soldier zombies with direct orders to tear people apart. Yikes! At a time when studios are starting to release their Oscar favorites, it’s interesting to see something like Overlord post-Halloween.

The movie doesn’t score major points for originality, but it’s a good time nonetheless for those of us who enjoy seeing bad things done to Nazi types.

12.06.18

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by Todd SouTh

Co-owner Ruben Estrada holds a sample of the Platillo Mexicano, which features steak, shrimp, a chile relleno and more.

Just a little

26 | RN&R | 12.06.18

“Cielito Lindo” or “Little Sweet One” is a longpopular mariachi song, its familiar “ay-ay-ay-ay” refrain intrinsically associated with Mexico. It is also the name of a small, family-run eatery, nearly hidden in its strip mall corner location. Although the room was sparsely occupied on a weekday evening, it took well over an hour before my party of eight, including friends and family, had a plate on the table.

Apparently, the kitchen is understaffed and could seriously use more hands.

Complimentary chips and an enjoyably hot, smoky chipotle salsa were augmented by fresh guacamole prepared tableside ($6.99). Our server imperfectly squashed one and a half avocados with a large kitchen spoon, mixed with chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. The result was fairly bland and a bit too rustic for our taste, so my son fork-mashed it further, adding salt, pepper, more lime and some salsa.

My friend’s burrito supreme ($10.99) was a footlong beast made with a pair of large, interleaved flour tortillas stuffed with refried beans, rice, tomato, onion, jack cheese and shredded chicken. While it was fairly mild on its own, the addition of salsa and sour cream hit the spot. Another friend’s slightly smaller, wet burrito al pastor ($9.99) slathered in mild green sauce and melted cheese was better, with particularly moist and flavorful pineapple pork.

My daughter-in-law ordered three tacos à la carte ($1.99 each)—chorizo, al pastor and carnitas. The meats were tasty and plentiful, dressed with onion and cilantro and carrot, with lime and serrano pepper on the side. Her son made quick work of a sope ($2.99), its thick, lightly fried corn tortilla topped with plenty of beans, lettuce, cotija cheese, sour cream and shrimp. That boy does love his seafood, helping out with my shrimp-loaded coctel de camaron ($9.99, small), and mojarra frita ($12.99), a whole fried

PHOTO/ALLISON YOUNG

tilapia served with rice and beans. Getting around the bones can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth it.

A pair of just-crispy-enough pupusas ($2.50 each) were filled with pork and cheese and accompanied by the requisite curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and a very mild salsa roja—a decent example of the Salvadoran favorite. But the Platillo Mexicano ($16.99) combination of bistec asado con cebolla, chile relleno and shrimp a la diabla, with rice, beans and a simple ensalada was the dish to be envied. The beef and onions were tender, the shrimp spicy but not overdone, and the relleno was large and loaded with cheese and doused in an excellent suiza sauce rather than ranchera. We resorted to dipping chips in that plentiful, delicious sauce.

A trio of fajitas ($13.99) included chicken, steak and shrimp came with bell pepper and onion. It was perhaps the only real letdown. The meats and veggies were overcooked and the seasoning bland. Frankly, it was surprising given the quality of the other dishes we sampled. Much better was birria de res ($12.99) with rice and beans. Birria is traditionally made with goat or mutton, but this hearty stewed beef version was a great alternative—reminiscent of my grandma’s Sunday pot roast, substituting arroz y frijoles refritos for potatoes and carrots.

Finally, we ordered a huge bowl of menudo ($11.99), the “Mexican stew that cures everything.”

More often featured as a weekend special, these folks offer the long-simmered blend of beef tripe and rich, red chile broth seven days a week. It was a little greasy and a lot spicy, and the tripe was tender and a little fatty. It might not be for everyone, but my son and I found it utterly satisfying. Ω

Cielito Lindo

3687 Kings Row, 800-1354

Cielito Lindo is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more at cielitolindoreno.com.

by JeRi CHAdWell

Getting past Silverwing Fallon band Silverwing released its second album, County Line, on Dec. 1.

The band is known for its mix of two-stepping country tunes and swamp rock inspired numbers—and for a series of regular gigs at places like Boomers in its hometown, Mummers in Sparks and the Red Dog in Virginia City.

The new record—almost two years in the making—features the band’s genrebending mix of blues and country-western but also carries an overall tone of nostalgia.

It was inspired by the 2016 passing Merle Haggard, the musical hero of Silverwing founder Mel Warstler.

“Mel sat down and wrote a song probably within 24 hours of hearing he’d passed,” said his wife and band bassist and vocalist Mary Warstler. “And that, of course, is included in this album. It’s called ‘Angel Band.’”

In it, guitarist and vocalist Mel sings the lines, “The working man’s poet/ That’s what they said about you/ Now the poet’s in heaven/ and I’m left behind missing you.”

“We were kind of talking about recording, but we hadn’t gotten started yet,” Mel said. “Then I wrote that song, and it kind of spurred a couple of others to be finished.

The next thing you knew, we figured out we had an album’s worth of material.”

The album is comprised mainly of originals but includes a few Haggard covers, including “Momma Tried” and “Silver Wings,” the song for which the Warstlers’ band was named.

“Yeah, we did ‘Silver Wings,’ which a lot of our longtime fans had wanted us to put it on the last CD,” Mel said. “We didn’t, and some of them were disappointed. We figured this was the perfect opportunity to address that.”

The bandmates also took the opportunity with County Line to explore nostalgia

j e ri c @ne w s re v i e w . c o m

The Silverwing bandmates include (from left) Mel Warstler on guitar and vocals Brandon Hooten on drums, Sean Rold on guitar, Georgina Arze on keys and Mary Warstler on bass.

COURTESY/ K. MEYER

through the completion and inclusion of several songs they’d been working on together and individually for years.

Keyboardist Georgina Arze contributed a song she’d been working on called “In My Dreams.”

“It’s kind of an uptempo, bluesy, rocker thing,” Mel said. “That’s Georgina’s style.

She’s all about the blues-rock stuff—but if you pay attention, you can feel some of that ‘90s-style country.”

Mary’s contribution to the album includes the songs “The Price He has to Pay” a song about maintaining self-worth through a breakup, and an upbeat number called “Rich and Famous.” “‘Rich and Famous’—it’s about raising kids, but it’s the rockingest song about being a mom ever written,” Mary said.

She wrote the song back when she and Mel were still raising five boys—two his, and three hers. The album also includes a track Mel wrote many years ago for Mary.

“It’s called ‘I’ll Give You Everything,’” Mel said. “It’s kind of a story about how Mary and I met—and it’s a love song. It’s a slower paced ballad.”

“It’s like a big-hair ballad,” Mary added.

“Yeah, it’s almost Journey-like in a way,” Mel said.

The new album is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and streaming services like Spotify. In the coming months, the band will play shows around Sparks, Fallon and Virginia City to promote it—and the Warstlers are confident that its nostalgic feel will resonate with their fans.

“The thing about going back and listening to those songs is that they obviously had staying power,” Mary said. “They had meaning when they were written, and years later we relook at them and still consider them relevant and good and meaningful.” Ω

Silverwing will play at the Red Dog Saloon—76 N. C St., Virginia City—at 8 p.m. on Dec. 15 and Mummer’s—906 Victorian Ave., Sparks—on Jan. 12.

12.06.18 | RN&R | 27

THURSDAY 12/6

FRIDAY 12/7

1up

VOLAC, 10pm, $5-$20

214 W. Commercial Row, (775) 813-6689

5 Star Saloon

Dance party, 10pm, $5

Dance party, 10pm, $5

alibi ale workS

The Deadlies, 8:30pm, no cover

Boca do Rio, 9pm, no cover

bar oF aMeriCa

Arizona Jones, 9:30pm, no cover

Arizona Jones, 9:30pm, no cover

Quix, JARS, G.F.R., DJ Heidalicious, 10pm, $15-$30

FreQ Nasty, David Starfire, Dub Kirtan All-Stars, 9pm, $TBA

132 West St., (775) 329-2878

Karaoke, 9pm, no cover

10069 Bridge St., Truckee, (530) 536-5029

Bruiser Queen

10040 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, (530) 587-2626

Dec. 9, 8 p.m. the bluebird nightClub Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor 555 E. Fourth St., (775) 499-5549 71 S. Wells Ave. Cargo at whitney peak hotel 255 N. Virginia St., (775) 398-5400 384-1652

Comedy

SUNDAY 12/9 Post shows online by registerin g at www.newsrev iew. com/reno. D eadline is the Frida y before public ation.

Ceol iriSh pub

Roger Scimé, 5pm, 8:30pm, no cover

The Trainwrecks, 9pm, no cover

daVidSonS diStillery

Live music, 9pm, no cover

Celebration on the Corridor with Kindred Souls, 8pm, no cover

Whatitdo, DJ The Terrible, 9pm, no cover

Celebration on the Corridor After Party with DJ The Terrible, 10pm, no cover

538 S. Virginia St., (775) 329-5558

dead ringer analog bar 432 E. Fourth St., (775) 409-4431

FaCeS nV

La Cruda Brunch, Show & Social, 11am, $7-$40

239 W. Second St., (775) 470-8590

Fat Cat bar & grill

599 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, (530) 583-3355

hellFire Saloon

3372 S. McCarran Blvd., (775) 825-1988

MON-WED 12/10-12/12

Karaoke, 9pm, W, no cover Open Mic Night, 7pm, M, no cover Ike & Martin, 7pm, Tu, no cover

Dweezil Zappa, 8pm, $28.50-$85

275 E. Fourth St., (775) 324-1917 Carson Comedy Club, Carson City Nugget, 507 N. Carson St, Carson City, (775) 882-1626: Mike Betancourt, Fri-Sat, 8pm, $15 Laugh Factory, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia St., (775) 3257401: Eddie Ifft, Thu, Sun, 7:30pm, $21.95; Fri-Sat, 7:30pm, 9:30pm, $27.45; Gary Delena, Tu-W, 7:30pm, $21.95 LEX at Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St., (775) 789-5399: Brent Pella & Carlos Rodriguez, Fri, 6:30pm, $15-$20 The Library, 134 W. Second St., (775) 683-3308: Open Mic Comedy with host Jim Flemming, Sun, 9:30pm, no cover Pioneer Underground, 100 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-5233: Brent Pella & Carlos Rodriguez, Fri, 9pm, $15-$20, Sat, 6:30pm, 9:30pm, $15-$20, Sun, 3pm, $20-$25; Comedy Collective, Fri, 6:30pm, $10-$15

SATURDAY 12/8

Traditional Irish Session, 7pm, Tu, Wed. Night Showcase, 7pm, W, no cover

The Wind Down, 10pm, no cover

DJ Chapin of We Ain’t Saints, 10pm, no cover

Karaoke Night, 9pm, no cover Baker Street, 8pm, no cover

Johnny & The Bail Jumpers, 8pm, no cover

the holland projeCt

Impurities, Convulsions, 6:30pm, Tu, $5 Cult Member, Of Lyle, Aurora, 7pm, W, $5

jiMMy b’S

Open Mic/Karaoke with Monsterbug Productions, 9pm, W, no cover

140 Vesta St., (775) 742-1858

180 W. Peckham Lane, Ste. 1070, (775) 686-6737

jub jub’S thirSt parlor 71 S. Wells Ave., (775) 384-1652

28 28 | RN&R | 12.06.18

Bruiser Queen, 8pm, $5

The Jungle

246 W. First St., (775) 329-4484

THURSDAY 12/6

FRIDAY 12/7

Trivia Night, 8pm, no cover

Live music, 9pm, no cover

living The good life nighTclub

SATURDAY 12/8

MON-WED 12/10-12/12

SUNDAY 12/9

Open mic, 7pm, M, no cover Comedy Night, 9pm, Tu, no cover Canyon Jam/Open Mic, 6:30pm, Tu, no cover

One Way Street, 8:30pm, no cover

1480 N. Carson St., Carson City, (775) 841-4663

The lofT

Magic Fusion, 7pm, 9pm, $21-$46

Magic Fusion, 7pm, $21-$46 Magic After Dark, 9pm, $31-$46

3rd Anniversary Party with Jack Beats, Roger That!, 10pm, $20-$30

Magic Fusion, 4:30pm, 7pm, $21-$46

MidTown wine bar

DJ Trivia, 7pm, no cover

Jake’s Garage 5.0, 8:30pm, no cover

Wunderlust, 8pm, no cover

Benefit concert for Paradise fire victims, T-N-Keys, 4:30pm, Tu, no cover 6pm, $10 Kristen & Charles, 7pm, W, no cover

The Mosswoods, 8:30pm, no cover

The Mosswoods, 8:30pm, no cover

1021 Heavenly Village Way, S. L. Tahoe, (530) 523-8024 1527 S. Virginia St., (775) 800-1960

MoodY’S biSTro, bar & beaTS 10007 Bridge St., (530) 587-8688

PaddY & irene’S iriSh Pub

Acoustic “Winter” Wonderland, 8pm, no cover

Pignic Pub & PaTio

Tom Bennett, John Dough Duo, Delani White, Brendon Lund, 8pm, $5

MagNicoSynth! First Friday Funk Fest, 9pm, no cover

The Happy Trails, 9pm, no cover

The Polo lounge

Bingo with T-N-Keys, 7pm, no cover DJ Bobby G, 9pm, no cover

’80s Party with DJ Bobby G, 8pm, no cover

Soul Kiss, DJ Bobby G, 8pm no cover

Steel Rockin’ Karaoke, 8pm, no cover

Trippin’ King Snakes, 8pm, no cover

906-A Victorian Ave., Sparks, (775) 359-1594 235 Flint St., (775) 376-1948

1559 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-8864

PonderoSa Saloon

106 S. C St., Virginia City, (775) 847-7210

Dec. 8, 10 p.m.

1up 214 W. Commercial Row 813-6689

Karaoke, 7pm, M, no cover

Open Mic with Doug Tarrant, 7pm, W, no cover

76 N. C St., Virginia City, (775) 847-7474 715 S. Virginia St., (775) 786-4774

VOLAC

Wednesday Night Jam, 8pm, W, no cover

red dog Saloon Shea’S Tavern

Magic Fusion, 7pm, M, Tu, W, $21-$46

We Predict A Riot, InGhosts, Impurities, 9pm, $6-$8

Boss’ Daughter, John Dough Boys, Six Mile Station, Outlaw Kindred, 9pm, $6

ST. JaMeS infirMarY

Live Funk Fridays featuring Phat Mark, 9pm, no cover

virginia STreeT brewhouSe

First Friday Funk hosted by Margret’s Funk Band, 8pm, no cover

445 California Ave., (775) 657-8484 211 N. Virginia St., (775) 433-1090

Jack Beats Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble, 7pm, M, no cover

waShoe caMP Saloon

Open Mic with James Ames, 6pm, Tu, no cover

3155 Eastlake Blvd., New Washoe City, (775) 470-8128

whiSKeY dicK’S Saloon

Jake Nielsen’s Triple Threat, 9pm, no cover

2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd., S. L. Tahoe, (530) 544-3425

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THURSDAY 12/6 ATLANTIS CASINO reSOrT SPA 3800 S. Virginia St., (775) 825-4700 1) Ballroom 2) Cabaret

BOOmTOwN CASINO

2100 Garson Road, Verdi, (775) 345-6000 1) Events Center 2) Guitar Bar

Chris Robinson Brotherhood Dec. 12, 9 p.m.

Crystal Bay Casino 14 Highway 28 Crystal Bay 833-6333

Karaoke Jimmy B’s Bar & Grill, 180 W. Peckham Lane, Ste. 1070, (775) 686-6737: Karaoke, Fri, 9pm, no cover Pizza Baron, 1155 W. Fourth St., Ste. 113, (775) 329-4481:Wacky Wednesday Karaoke with Steve Starr & DJ Hustler, 9pm, no cover.

The Point, 1601 S. Virginia St., (775) 3223001: Karaoke, Thu-Sat, 8:30pm, no cover Spiro’s Sports Bar & Grille, 1475 E. Prater Way, Ste.103, Sparks, (775) 356-6000: Karaoke, Fri-Sat, 9pm, no cover West 2nd Street Bar, 118 W. Second St., (775) 348-7976: Karaoke, Mon-Sun, 9pm, no cover

30 | RN&R | 12.06.18

CArSON VALLey INN

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FRIDAY 12/7

2) Platinum, 8pm, no cover

GrANd SIerrA reSOrT

2500 E. Second St., (775) 789-2000 1) Grand Theatre 2) LEX 3) Crystal Lounge

HArd rOCk HOTeL ANd CASINO 50 Hwy. 50, Stateline, (844) 588-7625 1) Vinyl 2) Center Bar

2) Atomika, 8pm, no cover

2) Cook Book, 8pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

2) Peter Pacyao, 6pm, no cover

2) Tandymonium, 6pm, M, no cover Stephen Lord, 6pm, Tu, no cover Jason King, 6pm, W, no cover

2) Rye Brothers, 7pm, no cover

2) Rye Brothers, 8pm, no cover

2) Rye Brothers, 8pm, no cover

2) Tyler Stafford, 6pm, Tu, W, no cover

1) Pink Talking Fish, 9pm, $20-$25

1) Chris Robinson Brotherhood, 9pm, W, $25-$30

1) The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular, 7pm, $19.95-$49.95

1) The Unbelievables Christmas 1) The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular, 5:30pm, 8pm, $19.95-$59.95 Spectacular, 3pm, 7pm, $19.95-$59.95

1) Siamsa—A Celtic Christmas, 7:30pm, $25 - $45 2) Throwback Thursdays: Trivia Night, 7pm, no cover

2) DJ Montague, 10pm, $20

1) Jackson Galaxy, 8pm, $25 2) T-Pain, 10pm, $30

1) Stampede Country Music & Dancing, 8pm, no cover

2) DJ /dancing, 10pm, no cover

2) DJ /dancing, 10pm, no cover

1) The Unbelievables Christmas 1) The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular, 7pm, Tu, W, $19.95-$49.95 Spectacular, 2pm, 5:30pm, $19.95-$49.95 2) Adapter, 9:30pm, W, no cover

1) Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, 7:30pm, $54.58

15 Highway 50, Stateline, (800) 427-7247 1) South Shore Room 2) Casino Center Stage

mONTBLeu reSOrT CASINO & SPA 55 Hwy. 50, Stateline, (800) 648-3353 1) Showroom 2) Opal Ultra-Lounge 3) BLU

NuGGeT CASINO reSOrT

2) Buddy Emmer and guest, 8pm, Tu, no cover

1) Tahoe Adventure Film Festival, 6:30pm, $23-$28

1) TOCCATA: Handel’s Messiah, 3pm, $5-$40

1) Johnzo West & The Wayward Souls, 8pm, no cover 2) DJ Spryte, 10pm, $20

1) Devin Morrison, 6pm, no cover

Paulina Rubio, 8pm, $40-$80

1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks, (775) 356-3300 2707 S. Virginia St., (775) 826-2121 1) Terrace Lounge 2) Edge

2) Platinum, 8pm, no cover Atomika, 10pm, no cover 2) The Starliters, 5pm, no cover Rebekah Chase, 9pm, no cover

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2) The Starliters, 5pm, no cover Rebekah Chase, 9pm, no cover

14 Highway 28, Crystal Bay, (775) 833-6333 1) Crown Room 2) Red Room 345 N. Virginia St., (775) 786-5700 1) Theater 2) Brew Brothers 3) NoVi

SUNDAY 12/9

2) Jason King, 6pm, no cover

CrySTAL BAy CASINO

eLdOrAdO reSOrT CASINO

SATURDAY 12/8

1) Johnzo West & The Wayward Souls, 7pm, no cover 2) Spin Thursdays, 10pm, no cover

1) Johnzo West & The Wayward Souls, 8pm, no cover 2) Latin Dance Social, 7pm, $10 - $20

1) Devin Morrison, 6pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

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FOR THE WEEK OF dEcEmbER 06, 2018 For a complete listing of this week’s events or to post events to our online calendar, visit www.newsreview.com.

DOCENTS IN THE GALLERIES—ANNE BRIGMAN: Join docents in the gallery for an in-depth discovery of Anne Brigman: A Visionary in Modern Photography. Fri, 12/7, noon. $10 general admission, free for NMA members. Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., (775) 329-3333.

FIRST THURSDAY: Explore the galleries at Nevada Museum of Art’s monthly social event featuring live music by Guitar Woody & The Boilers and specialty refreshments. Thu, 12/6, 5pm. $10 general admission, free for NMA members. Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., (775) 329-3333.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING: Boys & Girls Club

dEc/8:

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

The Nevada Museum of Art will hold its monthly Hands On! on Second Saturday program, which offers free activities, cultural performances and admission to its art galleries. This month’s holiday-themed event includes a pop-up shop in the museum store, ceramic wheel throwing demonstrations, ornament-making art projects and drop-in drawing lessons. There will also be children’s storytelling with Kathleen Durham, a book reading by Pickles illustrator Brian Crane, performances by In-Tune Tales and visits with Santa Claus and friends. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St. Admission is free. Call 329-3333 or visit nevadaart.org.

EVENTS

ARTIST VISIT: Local artist Kristi Jamason will show a collection of her handcrafted weed bottles and pottery. Sat, 12/8, 2pm. Free. Sundance Books and Music, 121 California Ave., (775) 786-1188.

16TH ANNUAL TAHOE ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL: The festival features some of the best adventure sports films of the year and showcases the action sports world’s best talent. The night includes special guest speakers, action photo displays, break-dancers, DJs and a few surprises. Sat, 12/8, 7:30pm. $23$33. MontBleu Resort, 55 Highway 50, Stateline, www.laketahoefilmfestival.com.

BARTON FOUNDATION FESTIVAL OF TREE & LIGHTS: The 10th annual holiday extravaganza features decorated holiday trees, wreaths and decor, local entertainment, a kids’ craft area, photos with Santa Claus and a Teddy Bear Hospital. All proceeds from the festival benefit the Community Health Endowment. Fri, 12/7-Sun, 12/9. MontBleu Resort, 55 Highway 50, Stateline, (530) 543-5614, www.bartonhealth.org.

17TH ANNUAL TOMMO CRAFT FAIR: The fair features local and regional vendors selling beaded items, jewelry, artwork, blankets, baked goods, handmade quilts and more. Fri, 12/7-Sat, 12/8, 10am. Free.

Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym, 34 Reservation Road, (775) 636-6618.

CANDY CANE EXPRESS TRAIN: The 50-minute journey over the 140-year old V&T railroad route features hot cocoa or cider, candy canes and cookies, sing-along carols and a reading of the 1823 classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Sat, 12/8-Sun 12/9, noon & 2pm. $10-$19. 1870 Depot, 166 F St., Virginia City, (775) 847-0380, www.virginiatruckee.com.

39 NORTH POLE VILLAGE: Stroll through holiday light displays and enjoy photos with Santa Claus, kids’ activities, decorating contests, food trucks and vendors. Returning this year is The Griswold Challenge where local families and businesses compete in a light display contest inspired by Clark Griswold in the 1989 film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Visitors attending the event will determine the winning team. Thu, 12/6-Sat, 12/8, 4-9pm. Free. Victorian Square, 764-794 Victorian Ave., Sparks, www.39northdowntown.com.

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CONTRA DANCE: Sierra Contra Dance holds

12.06.18

its monthly event featuring live music and a caller. There will be a beginner’s walk-through at 7:15pm. Sat, 12/8, 7:30pm. $8-$10. Southside Cultural Center, 190 E. Liberty St., (509) 595-1136, sierracontra.org.

and North Tahoe Public Utility District host the annual event featuring photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live holiday music performances, free holiday crafts, hot soup, cookie decorating, hot cocoa and coffee, and more. Santa arrives by fire truck at 5:30pm to light the tree and performances, music, crafts, and cocoa will follow. Fri, 12/7, 5pm. Free. North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, northtahoebusiness.org.

HOW & WHY WE COULD SOON BLUNDER INTO INADVERTENT NUCLEAR WAR: Gary Krane presents his documentary film Losing Control. The film uses an eight-day, hypothetical scenario to explain how we could blunder into an inadvertent nuclear war and how this is more likely to occur in the next two years than it has ever been since 1953. A Q & A session will follow the screening. A potluck precedes the event at 6pm. RSVP required by Dec. 6. Fri, 12/7, 6pm. $5 or bring vegetarian dish or beverages to share. Cathexes, 250 Bell St., (802) 3808880, gary@winwisely.org.

LADY ON A TRAIN: Artemisia MovieHouse presents a screening of the 1945 crime/ film noir film directed by Charles David and starring Deanna Durbin, Dan Duryea and Ralph Bellamy. Sun, 12/9, 6pm. $5-$9.

Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company, 124 W. Taylor St., (775) 636-3386.

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE: Characters, entertainers and Santa Claus bring the story to life with a souvenir silver sleigh bell to remember the journey. Trains depart at 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm. Fri, 12/7-Sun, 12/9. $27-$69. Carson City Eastgate Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road, Carson City, vtrailway.com.

PRAY FOR SNOW PARTY: The family-friendly event includes s’mores, food, drinks, an auction, music and a raffle. The party will be inside and outside the lodge, so dress warmly. Proceeds from the auction, raffle and food sales benefit the junior ski program at Sky Tavern. Fri, 12/7, 6pm. $5. Sky Tavern, 21130 Mt. Rose Highway, www.skytavern.org.

SCIENCE SATURDAYS: Challenger Learning Center of Northern Nevada and National Automobile Museum host the monthly simulated science journey offering fulldome planetarium programs, hands-on workshops, live presentations, virtual reality headsets, iPad interactive stations and more. Sat, 12/8, 9:30am. $12.

National Automobile Museum, 10 S. Lake St., www.automuseum.org.

TAHOE FILM FEST: The fourth annual festival presents a selection of new feature films and documentaries on various topics, as well as important award-winning environmental films. It also features a section of American independent films, new films from Latin America and a filmmaker tribute. Thu, 12/6-Fri, 12/7, 6pm; Sat, 12/8-Sun, 12/9, 2pm. $12$60. Truckee Community Arts Center and other locations, 10046 Church St., Truckee, tahoefilmfest.org.

ART DAVIDSON’S DISTILLERY: Bikeriders. Dave Muskin’s black and white photographs of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. The show runs through Jan. 7. Sat, 12/8-Wed, 12/12, 11am. Free. Davidson’s Distillery, 275 E. Fourth St., (775) 324-1917.

MCKINLEY ARTS & CULTURE CENTER GALLERY WEST: Luminance. McKinley Gallery West hosts photographer Edward Alfano.

Alfano’s photographs focus on creating images that “explore time and space as a continuum that allows the viewer to contemplate and interpret.” There will be a reception at 5pm on Dec. 6. Thu,

12/6-Fri, 12/7, Mon, 12/10-Wed, 12/12,

9am-5pm. Free. McKinley Arts & Culture Center Gallery West, 925 Riverside Drive, (775) 334-6264.

THE WEDGE CERAMICS STUDIO: Chili Cash & Carry. The seventh annual art sale and fundraiser features hundreds of handmade ceramic bowls to choose from. For a $25 contribution, you can pick a bowl and fill it with chili catered by Butter & Salt. Studio members, as well as other local artists and crafters, will have their work for sale. Fri, 12/7, 4pm; Sat, 12/8-Sun, 12/9, 10am. Free. The Wedge Ceramics Studio, 2095 Dickerson Road, (775) 770-4770.

ONSTAGE THE 39 STEPS: Patrick Barlow’s parody adapted from John Buchan’s 1915 novel is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters, an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance. Thu, 12/6-Sat, 12/8, 7:30pm; Sun, 12/9, 2pm. $8$20. Restless Artists Theatre, 295 20th St., Sparks, (775) 525-3074.

CELEBRATE: Sierra Music Society presents an evening of holiday music performed

by P’Opera! Sun, 12/9, 5pm & 7:30pm. $35.

Napa-Sonoma Grocery Company, 7671 S. Virginia St., (775) 233-5105, poperanv.org.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!): What starts as a traditional production of A Christmas Carol quickly transforms into a slightly irreverent, madcap, yet heartwarming romp through the holiday season. Thu, 12/6Sat, 12/8, 7:30pm; Sun, 12/9, 2pm. $12-$25.

Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., (775) 813-8900, renolittletheater.org.

GOLDEN GIRLS LIVE HOLIDAY SPECIAL: In this parody production of the 1980s-1990s sitcom The Golden Girls, audiences will see drag queens reenact all of the holiday episodes from the series. Thu, 12/6-Sat, 12/8, 7:30pm; Sun, 12/9, 2pm. $18$20. Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company, 124 W. Taylor St., (775) 322-3716.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH: TOCCATA—Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will conclude its 14th season with a production of Handel’s Messiah, along with seasonal carols. Sat, 12/8, 3pm. $5$40. Cornerstone Church, Incline Village, toccatatahoe.org.

HIGH DESERT HOLIDAYS: High Desert Harmony Chorus celebrates the season in barbershop style. Mon, 12/10, 7pm. $5-$10, free for children under age 10. McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive, (775) 235-8193, highdesertharmony.net.

MARY POPPINS, JR.: Wild Horse Children’s Theater presents the Northern Nevada premiere of Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s musical about a “practically perfect nanny” who brings order to the Banks household, takes children Jane and Michael out on magical adventures and dispenses sage advice. Fri, 12/7, 7pm; Sat, 12/8, 2pm & 7pm; Sun, 12/9, 2pm. $5-$12, free for kids ages 3 and younger. Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St., Carson City, (775) 440-1170.

THE MOUSEHOLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA: In Brüka Theatre’s original holiday romp, the Mousehole Family is visited by the “Twelve Days Of Christmas Angel,” who brings them a whole new angle on Christmas traditions and holiday joy. Fri, 12/7-Sat, 12/8, 8pm; Sun, 12/9, 2pm; Wed, 12/12, 8pm. $18-$25, $10 on Artists Night, Dec. 12. Brüka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St., (775) 323-3221, www.bruka.org.

THE NUTCRACKER: A.V.A. Ballet and the Reno Phil present the holiday classic. Fri,

12/7, 8pm; Sat, 12/8, 2pm & 8pm, Sun, 12/9, 2pm. $27-$60. Pioneer Center for the

Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., (775) 686-6600, www.pioneercenter.com.

RIRIE WOODBURY DANCE COMPANY: The contemporary dance company performs. Thu, 12/6, 7pm. $5-$30. Tahoe Truckee High School, 11725 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, artsfortheschools.org.

SEUSSICAL, JR.: Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and other favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life on stage in Sierra School of Performing Arts’ musical production. Fri, 12/7, 7pm; Sat, 12/8, 3pm & 7pm. $10-$15.

Damonte Ranch High School, 10500 Rio Wrangler Parkway, (775) 852-7740, sierraschoolofperformingarts.org.

SIAMSA—A CELTIC CHRISTMAS: Reno Irish Dance Company presents its holiday musical about three orphans searching for the true meaning of Christmas. Thu, 12/6, 7:30pm. $25-$45. Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St., (775) 7892000, renoirishdanceco.org.

by AMY ALKON

For whom the sleigh bells toll I get very lonely around the holidays. My family is just my parents, and they’re far away. I don’t have a boyfriend right now. I have many friends and good people in my life, but instead of hanging out with them, I find myself isolating.

It seems my treatment for loneliness is loneliness and then feeling sorry for myself that I’m home alone. Help!

To understand how you can long for human connection and (ugh!) long to avoid it at the very same time, it helps to understand the mechanics of loneliness—the pain we feel when we’re disconnected from others. Like other emotions, loneliness is “adaptive,” meaning it has a function. It most likely evolved to motivate ancestral humans to behave in ways that would help them survive and mate.

The problem is, our psychology is complex, and work orders laid out for us by different emotional adaptations—different functional feelings—sometimes conflict. For example, the sadness that comes with loneliness is also motivating—only it can motivate you to lie facedown on the couch.

This probably seems anything but useful, but psychiatrist and evolutionary psychologist Randolph Nesse explains that the slowing down in energy that’s a partner to sadness gives us time to examine our behavior, figure out whether we might do better with different tactics, and, if so, change our MO. It is important to take stock like this—to a point. But if you remind yourself of the evolved job of emotions, you’ll see that it’s sometimes in your interest to override them. In short, you can do your sadness homework without making your loneliness worse by spending your entire holiday mumbling into the throw pillows.

Tell your besties that you could use some cheering up, and give yourself an emotional work assignment: going to a minimum of three parties over the holidays where groups of your friends will be in attendance. Keep in mind—while you’re lifting what feels like your 3,000-pound arm to apply mascara before going to some shindig— that we’re bad at predicting what will

make us happy or unhappy. Chances are, once you’re at the party, you’ll catch a buzz from the eggnog, get laughing with your friends, and accidentally slack off on your fashionable nihilism—your muttering that it’s all nothingness and you’re alone in the universe except for your unpaid debts.

Crushin’ roulette I’m a 32-year-old guy with a really great female friend. We talk on the phone, grab food, etc. She even kept me company in the hospital after I got into a motorcycle accident. I’ve started falling for her, and I want to ask her out, but I’m afraid of losing her friendship.

Risk researchers find that decisionmaking in the face of uncertainty— when we can’t be sure of what the outcome will be—is really hard for us. However, by plugging in all the information we have, positive and negative, we can make an educated prediction about how things are likely to turn out—and whether we can afford the loss if our effort is a bust.

For example, if you have only one friend and if you’re pretty sure you could never make another—you might decide it’d be too costly for you to risk saying something. And if, on a scale from 1 to 10, your friend is a 9.2 and you’re more on the bridge troll end of the spectrum (in both looks and career prospects), your chances of romance with her might be pretty slim.

If, after weighing the pros and cons, you decide to ask this woman out, you could simply say, “I’d like to take you on a date. Would you be interested in that?” Yes, it’s possible that doing this would tank your friendship, but chances are, you’d just act a little weird around her for a while. Then again, if you said nothing and constantly agonized over wanting her, you might also end up acting all weird—in ways that would make continuing your friendship impossible. Ω

ERIK HOLLAND

Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave., No. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com).

12.06.18 | RN&R | 33

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horoscope for you, I focus on one or two questions because I don’t have room to cover every single aspect of your life. The theme I’ve chosen this time may seem a bit impractical, but if you take it to heart, I guarantee you it will have practical benefits. It comes from Italian author Umberto Eco. He wrote, “Perhaps the mission of those who love humanity is to make people laugh at the truth, to make truth laugh, because the only truth lies in learning to free ourselves from insane passion for the truth.”

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efforts to help you want what you need and need what you want, I’ve collected four wise quotes that address your looming opportunities: 1. “What are you willing to give up, in order to become who you really need to be?” —author Elizabeth Gilbert. 2. “Leave the door open for the unknown, the door into the dark. That’s where the most important things come from.” —writer Rebecca Solnit.

3. “You enter the extraordinary by way of the ordinary.” —writer Frederick Buechner.

4. “Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” —novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’ve called on science

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fiction writer Robert Heinlein to provide your horoscope. According to my astrological analysis, his insights are exactly what you need to focus on right now. “Do not confuse ‘duty’ with what other people expect of you,” he wrote. “They are utterly different. Duty is a debt you owe to yourself to fulfill obligations you have assumed voluntarily. Paying that debt can entail anything from years of patient work to instant willingness to die. Difficult it may be, but the reward is self-respect. But there is no reward at all for doing what other people expect of you, and to do so is not merely difficult, but impossible.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): What does “beauty” mean

to you? What sights, sounds, images, qualities, thoughts and behavior do you regard as beautiful? Whatever your answers might be to those questions right now, I suggest you expand and deepen your definitions in the coming weeks.

You’re at a perfect pivot point to invite more gorgeous, lyrical grace into your life; to seek out more elegance and charm and artistry; to cultivate more alluring, delightful magic.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You know the expira-

tion dates that appear on the labels of the prescription drugs you buy? They don’t mean that the drugs lose their potency after that date. In fact, most drugs are still quite effective for at least another ten years. Let’s use this fact as a metaphor for a certain resource or influence in your life that you fear is used up or defunct. I’m guessing it still has a lot to offer you, although you will have to shift your thinking in order to make its reserves fully available.

encourage you to prepare by making a list of the situations where your enhanced powers of persuasion will be most useful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In May of 1883, the

newly built Brooklyn Bridge opened for traffic.

Spanning the East River to link Manhattan and Brooklyn, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. But almost immediately, people spread rumors that it was unstable. There was a growing fear that it might even crumble and fall. That’s when charismatic showman P. T. Barnum stepped in. He arranged to march 21 elephants across the bridge. There was no collapse, and so the rumors quickly died. I regard the coming weeks as a time when you should take inspiration from Barnum. Provide proof that will dispel gossipy doubt. Drive away superstitious fear with dramatic gestures.

Demonstrate how strong and viable your improvements really are.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Robert Louis

Stevenson published his gothic novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in 1886. It was a

bestseller and quickly got turned into a theatrical production. In the ensuing 132 years, there have been more than 100 further adaptations of the story into film and stage productions.

Here’s the funny thing about this influential work: Stevenson wrote it fast. It took him three feverish days to get the gist of it, and just another six weeks to revise. Some biographers say he was high on drugs during the initial burst, perhaps cocaine. I suspect you could also produce some robust and interesting creation in the coming weeks, Sagittarius—and you won’t even need cocaine to fuel you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A blogger on

Tumblr with the handle “Ffsshh” composed a set of guidelines that I think will be apt and useful for you to draw on in the coming weeks.

Please study these suggestions and adapt them for your healing process. “Draw stick figures. Sing off-key. Write bad poems. Sew ugly clothes. Run slowly. Flirt clumsily. Play video games on ‘easy.’ OK? You do not need to be good at something to enjoy it. Sometimes talent is overrated. Do things you like doing just because you like doing them. It’s OK to suck.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian athlete

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player who ever lived. He was also the first to become a billionaire. But when he was growing up, he didn’t foresee the glory that awaited him. For example, in high school he took a home economics class so as to acquire cooking abilities. Why? He imagined that as an adult he might have to prepare all of his own meals. His ears were so huge and ungainly, he reasoned, that no woman would want to be his wife. So the bad news was that he suffered from a delusion. The good news was that because of his delusion, he learned a useful skill. I foresee a similar progression for you, Aquarius. Something you did that was motivated by misguided or irrelevant ideas may yield positive results.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The Bible does not

say that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute or even a “sinner.” There’s no mention of her sexual proclivities at all. Delusional ideas about her arose in the Middle Ages, instigated by priests who confused her with other women in the Bible. The truth is that the Bible names her as a key ally to Christ, and the crucial witness to his resurrection. Fortunately, a number of scholars and church leaders have in recent years been working to correct her reputation.

I invite you to be motivated and inspired by this transformation as you take steps to adjust and polish your own image during the coming weeks. It’s time to get your public and private selves into closer alignment.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran rapper

Eminem is renowned for his verbal skill. It may be best exemplified in his song “Rap God,” in which he delivers 1,560 words in six minutes and four seconds, or 4.28 words per second. In one stretch, he crams in 97 words in 15 seconds, achieving a pace of 6.5 words per second. I suspect that in the coming weeks, you will also be unusually adept at using words, although your forte will be potent profundity rather than sheer speed. I

You can call Rob Brezsny for your Expanded Weekly Horoscope: (900) 950-7700. $1.99 per minute. Must be 18+. Touchtone phone required. Customer service (612) 373-9785. And don’t forget to check out Rob’s website at www.realastrology.com.

by DENNis MYERs

Nog guy

How widely are you distributed?

We’re only in northern Nevada. … We were in Costco [stores] for a short period of time, and they self-distributed, but now they have their own brand, and they’ve moved on.

Sam Francovich

There’s a terrible rumor going around that this would be the last year for the egg nog. Any truth to that?

No, that’s not true.

I heard it from your sister.

Oh, did you really? Debbie? Well, you know, Debbie’s retired, and she might think that it might be her last year, maybe. But it’s not the last year for egg nog. [Laughs] My sister. That’s funny. A reliable source.

I can’t get much closer than that.

Right. Right.

What year did you start marketing it, rather than making it a gift?

We started it in 1999, was our first year that we went out commercially.

How did that year go?

It was very slow. We didn’t produce very much. We were doing it kind of out of the bathtub, so it wasn’t really much of a

PHOTO/DENNIS MYERS

Reno’s Francovich family served an egg nog at the Wine House on Commercial Row, which operated from 1874 to 1957. They continued thereafter making it by the family recipe and giving it away to friends for many years and then put it on the market. It sells in major stores in Reno.

production. We were actually making it out of the Hilltop [Bar & Eatery]. I don’t know, we probably sold, you know, 50 cases or something. But it was a start—a big learning curve. … [Government agencies] allowed us to not only be the producer but also be the distributor. You can’t do that these days. But because it had to be kept cold, none of the liquor distributors could handle it. So they gave us a reprieve and let us do it ourselves. And none of the distributors argued because they weren’t capable of handling it. So that’s how we started. We did that for about the first five years. And then ultimately, Wirtz Beverage Co., which is now Breakthru Beverage, got all their trucks refrigerated and they ultimately became our distributor. … The difficult part is to get expanded distribution because the liquor companies in California, as an example, they’re not refrigerated, either.

The ingredients are on the label.

So it’s the proportion of the ingredients that are the family secret, right?

Pretty much, right. Right.

Is this like the Coca-Cola recipe, where only a handful of people know it?

Well, all my family members pretty much know it, and it’s really not much of a secret. It’s very difficult to make at home and have any kind of longevity to it, and the reason for that is it goes through no cooking process. And so you’re dealing with raw egg yolk, which are very, very dangerous. You’re dealing with milk and cream, which are, you know, volatile. You’re dealing with pure vanilla, and vanilla is itself like a toxin.

Vanilla is very unpure. The only reason people get away with using real vanilla in cooking is they bake. So once you cook it, it sterilizes it. And believe it or not, cinnamon and nutmeg are very, very highly bacteria-oriented. So if you make it at home, if you get a week and a half or two weeks out of it, you’re going to be lucky, where our product, if you keep it cold, our product can last up to four months because it’s pasteurized. It goes through a kill process. Ω

by BRUCE VAN DYKE

Neon at 25 It was 25 years ago, on November 17, 1993, that a new weekly newspaper was just getting going in Reno.

Founded by the rambunctious trio of Larry Henry, Bill Martin, and Mike Norris, Nevada Weekly was ready to roll. Many markets were experiencing the same thing, with “alternative rags” springing up all over, some of them actually doing pretty well. (The label meant an “alternative” to the daily paper.)

I was program director and morning man at KTHX back then, and in the summer of ’91, The X had had a most yummy experience when, after we were canned for lousy ratings a paltry eight months after going on the air, the station was literally pulled back from Oblivion by the public outcry of outraged listeners, who were enjoying the heck out of our fun, expansive, eclectic music mix. Our impassioned audience demanded

that we be put back on the air, and our owners, to their credit, said, “OK. But,” The “but” being You folks better (1) advertise with us, and (2) buy stuff from the advertisers.

Thus, the concept of a new radiobased fantasy town called X-ville began to germinate.

So anyway, it was December ’93, and I actually had to pay attention to what was going on around town back then, and I noted the presence of this new periodical. The details are rather fuzzy to me now (it might have been after Larry was on my show to plug the Weekly), but he and I started chatting about me doing something for the paper. It was quickly obvious that such an arrangement would be a win-win for both parties, resulting in valuable strokes of mutual exposure.

Local log-rolling to commence.

So 25 years ago—specifically, in the Jan. 5, 1994 edition—I began

writing this column (from day One, it’s always been Notes From The Neon Babylon), including when NW morphed into RN&R. I started writing about music and concerts, and then, over time, TFTNB spread itself all over the place, and I wrote about hummingbirds, hot springs, lasagna, science fiction flicks, beer bars, Burning Man and general whatever. It was really swell.

Then, in June ’15, Agent Orange coasted down that Fickle Elevator of Fate, and I was quickly infected with an acute case of TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome). Honestly, I can’t tell you what an absolutely righteous blast it is to rip that puckered sumbitch a new one on a weekly basis. It’s just the fucking best. And Christmas ain’t on 12/25 this year. Oh no. Christmas this year comes on Jan. 3. Ho ho hee hee ha ha ho. Ω

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36 | RN&R | 12.06.18