Dontay Moch (Nevada Alum and current Cincinnati Bengal) is hosting a series of events to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation and Strikes for Kids, beginning with a bowling tournament on Feb 23, continuing with a party in EDGE Saturday night, and ending with a poker tournament at Peppermill on Sunday. Athletes will also be honored at a Nevada baseball game, 11 am on 2/23 and will be throwing out the first pitch!

Special Room Rates Available:

Code: DSTRIKE
Call: 800-648-5555

Athletes from a number of pro sports teams will be in attendance  – many are Nevada Alum!

Appearing Athletes include:

Dontay Moch, Cincinnati Bengals/Nevada Alum

James Michael Johnson, Cleveland Browns/Nevada Alum

Brandon Marshall, Jacksonville Jags/Nevada Alum

Kaelin Burnett, Oakland Raiders/Nevada Alum

Tray Session, Oakland Raiders/Nevada Alum

Jonathon Amaya, Miami Dolphins/Nevada Alum

Kevin Basped, NY Jets (Retired)/Nevada Alum

Ezra Butler, New Orleans Saints/Nevada Alum

Virgil Green, Denver Broncos/Nevada Alum

Robert Sands, Cincinnati Bengals

John Griffin, NY Jets

Ryan Christenson, LA Dodgers

Schedule of events:

Feb 23 Nevada Baseball Game, 11 am. Throwing out the first pitch

Feb 23 Bowling Tournament, 4 pm to 7pm – National Bowling Stadium

Feb 23 Ballers & Bowties, EDGE party to benefit Make a Wish, doors at 10 pm.

Feb 24 Charity Poker Tournament, 1 pm – Peppermill Reno ($10,000 prize pool!)

Celebrate the holidays this year with a trip down memory lane in The Light Circus: Art of Nevada Neon Signs.  From flashing incandescent bulbs to candy-colored neon tubes, these vintage signs evoke a bygone era when the Mapes Hotel Casino, Harold’s Club and Nevada Club were packed with revelers and The Rat Pack crooned. On view through February 10, 2013, the exhibition includes signs from Parker’s Western Wear, the Holiday Hotel and Buffalo Bar – all from the collection of Renoite Will Durham.

For the past year, Durham and the Nevada Museum of Art spent countless hours restoring this collection of signs amassed over the last decade. For Durham, who acquired his first sign in 1996, collecting the pieces has been a labor of love. In many cases, he has gone to great lengths to save signs that would have otherwise been discarded, but Durham recognized that saving them was crucial to preserving Nevada’s history.

“When you consider how each sign developed —from concept through to the illustrators, metal workers, painters and neon artists—you realize how each sign is completely unique,” said Durham. “They not only represent an outpouring of creative content, but they also serve as a legacy to the industries of our region.”

Join the Museum on Thursday, January 17 from 6 to 8 pm for Reno’s Mad Men: Celebrating the Oral Histories of Old Reno in Sound, Light, and Image. Listen to the voices of old Reno’s “mad men”, share your own stories, and enjoy a classic cocktail in the gallery, surrounded by the signs in The Light Circus: Art of Nevada Neon. $10 / $8 Museum members.

SPONSORSHIP OF THE EXHIBITION

Lead sponsorship provided by The Bretzlaff Foundation. Major sponsorship provided by Earl and Wanda Casazza, IGT, E. L. Cord Foundation and George and Irene Drews. Supporting sponsorship provided by E. L. Wiegand Foundation. Additional support provided by City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission, Charlotte and Dick McConnell and the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

A note to first-time burners: First moments on the playa.

In less than a week, burners will return “home” after a year away from their temporary address in temporary Black Rock City, population: 60,000+. Playa neighbors will embrace as if they’ve known one other for a lifetime, hugging notably tighter if meeting for the first time. As a newbie, the friendliness and sincerity of the Burning Man community will push all your expectations off balance. Succumb to falling flat on your butt, un-grounding the dry desert dust that’s now clouding your body and mind. As the puff of dust slowly unveils the world around you, surrender to its clearness, its normalities… if there is such a thing. Regain balance, release the shame that has built up from being so taken back by no-strings-attached kindness, drop any persona you uphold in your everyday workweek, and let your Burning Man virginity shatter at your feet.

A hug from a burner will be undoubtedly the warmest embrace you’ll ever experience; it’s endearing, welcoming… real. Without hesitation, burners lend a hand to help set up their new friends’ camps, not expecting or wanting anything in return, just sharing a heart-warming smile. Burners are more than friends. They get to see the real you. Whether “you” is skipping through the dust singing aloud and proud that song stuck in your head, passing out thousands of hand-crafted necklaces tired fingers have been stringing for months, or admiring world-class art, bare-bum naked… nothing is ordinary or unordinary on the playa, it is truth.

The inaugural Expedition Man Endurance Festival, August 25, is an ultra-long relay and Aqua Bike triathlon, simultaneously. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event will traverse 140.6 miles through the communities of Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Washoe Valley, Reno and Sparks, and highlight the breathtaking and iconic Northern Nevada scenery.

NEVADA MUSEUM OF ART

Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky

June 30 – October 28

Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky that Subliminal Kid, is a composer, multimedia artist, and writer who creates bridges between sound art and contemporary visual culture. Through music, photographs and film stills from his journey to the Antarctic, along with original artworks, and re-appropriated archival materials, Miller uses Antarctica as an entry point for contemplating humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

Live Performance: July 21, 7 – 10pm

A BIG live music performance is coming up at the Museum: world-renowned DJ Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky that Subliminal Kid. Paul has a huge international following and plays around the world in venues from France to Japan to Mexico City. He is a featured artist on Syfy Channel’s “Imagine Greater” series, and an Artist-In-Residence at the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) in New York City. Tickets are $15 / $10 Museum members. Local food trucks and two cash bars will be open during the event. DJ Frkse opens the show.

THE DISCOVERY MUSEUM

New Summer Hours (through Aug. 26):

Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy daily art activities in Art Alcove and a seismic challenge for two different age groups called “Make Your Own Quake” set for July 21^st, 28^th and 29^th. For more information about these and other activities at The Discovery, visit the calendar of events on the museum’s website at www.nvdm.org.

NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

Movin’ & Groovin’ Party at the National Automobile Museum

Friday, July 20, 2012, 7 – 10 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to see and party with the Mutant Rides exhibit before it closes.

This will also mark the first day of the first ever ArtCar Fest Reno!  Art Cars from around the country and Canada will be featured in the National Automobile Museum parking lot and Harrod Blank and the artists from the fest and in the exhibit will be introduced.  An endless loop slide presentation of art cars & mutants will be presented.

Mutant Rides: Origin of a Species

They began a spontaneously, a change in the genetic code, and evolved from the assemble line to an emerging species on the Black Rock Desert.  These rolling works of art are now deeply entrenched in the culture of Burning Man. Imagine a world of motorized vehicles where boundaries are limitless, imaginations rule and the bizarre becomes the norm.

On Sunday May 20th, 2012, a solar eclipse will sweep across East Asia, over the northern Pacific Ocean, and then into the southwestern United States.

Reno and Albuquerque are the only major cities along the shadow’s narrow path – the center of the path sweeps directly through the south shore of Pyramid Lake. Yes, that’s right, one of the best places in the world to view this astronomical event will be right in our backyard!

In Reno, a free solar eclipse viewing will be offered at UNR:

When: Sunday, May 20, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. (maximum eclipse, 6:28-6:33 p.m.)

Where: MacLean Observatory on the Redfield Campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, 18600 Wedge Parkway in southwest Reno

Out-of-town visitors: The Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering discount rates for eclipse visitors! Visit this Visitors page for more information.

As you get starry-eyed over this opportunity of a lifetime, don’t forget how dangerous looking directly into the sun can be! For maximum protection, the Planetarium will provide solar viewers for sale in the Science Store. For safe viewing tips, and how to build your own safe-viewing devices, see these resources.

The newest issue of Nevada Magazine features the one and only, Reno Tahoe! We couldn’t help but share these breath-taking images and well written articles on our favorite destination. Features in the magazine include the area’s top ski resorts (including the largest ski resort in the US!), the Black Rock Desert beyond Burning Man (their photos will wow you), lakes, parks, towns, venues…. everything you’d want to know!

Want your own copy? Take advantage of Groupon’s 50% off deal through 10/22! http://www.groupon.com/deals/nevada-magazine-2 .

In advance of its Sept. 10 grand opening, the world-class Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (The Discovery) is auctioning off an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Discovery will welcome the winning bidder and 24 guests to be the first to spend a ‘Night Under the Clouds’ in the museum. The 25 lucky individuals will experience more than 12 hours of unlimited access to the museum and each of its eight hands-on galleries. The auction will close on Thursday, Sept 1 at 9:20am with 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit the museum’s annual operational costs. Bidding starts at $1,000 and can be entered at http://www.nvdm.org/firstnight/.

The ‘Night Under the Clouds’ will include food, refreshments and an abundance of fun activities throughout the evening, incorporating a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, uninterrupted play in each gallery and group activities lead by The Discovery’s educators. Each member of the winning bidder’s party will receive a $25 museum store gift certificate and commemorative t-shirt. Additionally, the winning bidder will receive a one-year Traveling Membership for their family.

The Discovery, located in the former Reno City Hall building, is home to eight hands-on learning exhibits that focus on the northern Nevada region, nature, science, art and society. The museum serves children birth to 12 years old and offers a unique educational learning environment that inspires creativity and innovative thinking. For the latest information on The Discovery, to purchase memberships, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.nvdm.org or call (775) 786-1000.

ABOUT THE DISCOVERY

The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum will inspire curiosity, creativity and the joy of lifelong learning for all children and families. Upon opening, the museum will provide opportunities to discover science, art and local history through open-ended, interactive and fun exhibits and hands-on educational programs. Explore a cave, build a house, race across Nevada, and climb into the clouds – these are just some of the many adventures offered at The Discovery.

If you’re heading to the playa for Burning Man and need to know what to bring and where to get it we have you covered. Here is a list of tips and shops in the Reno-Sparks area where you will find the essentials to make your visit to Black Rock City smooth and memorable.

Weather

For those of you who don’t know desert weather, the days are hot and the nights are cold.

Daytime temperatures routinely exceed 100º F. Sunscreen, lip balm and skin lotion are your three best friends on the playa. Drinking up to one gallon of water per person per day is the rule of thumb. Remember to eat proper salty foods to prevent electrolyte imbalance.

Some signs that you may not be drinking enough water:

• You don’t carry a water bottle with you at all times.
• You swill instead of drinking deeply.
• You wait to drink until you’re thirsty – too late!
• Your urine is anything but clear and abundant.
• You become cranky.

Overnight lows in the 40’s can seem exceptionally cold after extensive daytime sun, so you’ll want to bring warm clothing and a good sleeping bag.

High recommendation: bring goggles. Dust storms can prowl the playa in packs or sweep in a broadened front across the plain at any moment.

Clothing

Outfits are crucial on the playa. Burners are encouraged to express themselves and wear what may not normally be accepted around town and at the office – so get creative.  By visiting these clothing stores and costume shops, you will find everything you’ll need from EL-wire kits to exotic fabrics to create the perfect ensemble:

The Melting Pot World Emporium

PolyEsther’s Costume Boutique

Junkee Clothing Exchange

Chocolate Walrus

Prism Magic Clothing & Imports

Bikes

A bicycle (with a bike light) is vital for enjoying the vast and burgeoning metropolis. Remember, Black Rock City turns into a decent size “town” with over 50,000 people. Here are a few shops where you can pick up your playa transportation:

Black Rock Bicycles

Bicycle Bananas

Reno Bike Project

Great Basin Bicycles

Food

It is crucial to bring plenty of food and water with you on your Burning Man journey so stop by these great retailers to stock up before you head out:

Save Mart Supermarket – 525 Keystone Ave.

Trader Joe’s – 5035 South McCarran Blvd.

Whole Foods Market – 6139 South Virginia St.

Simply Water- 1070 Gentry Way

Gear

The only thing sold on the playa is ice and coffee, so don’t forget any camping necessities such as tents, flashlights, batteries, shade, and water containers. Check out:

Cabelas

Scheels

Twin City Surplus

Sierra Trading Post

For more tips, check out the Survival Guide.

Check out our pictures from last year on Flickr.

Any RV trip to the Reno Tahoe area is exciting, but you can take the adrenalin up another notch by touring the many ghost towns within a few hours’ drive. Thanks to gold and silver for which this mountainous region is famous, hundreds of boomtowns came and went. Here’s the rundown on the ways RVers can enjoy Reno Tahoe ghost towns on their next camping trip.

Ghost Towns to Visit Near Reno Tahoe

Within half a day’s drive of the Reno Tahoe area is a nice collection of ghost towns, restored mining towns and state parks that contain the remains of cities that flourished thanks to gold and silver fever. One tip: a few of these towns can be reached on developed roads, but if you plan to go off the beaten path to photograph and explore ruins, it’s a good idea to use your towed vehicle rather than your RV.

Before moving on to ghost town descriptions, it’s also good to know an exciting selection of RV campgrounds awaits the Reno Tahoe ghost town tourist. Check the listing on our website for helpful information on area RV parks.

Gold Canyon Ghost Towns

Less than thirty miles from Reno, RV travelers will find a wealth of ghost towns to explore in Gold Canyon. Given its name for the rich veins that crisscrossed it, this canyon is home to both developed and abandoned ghost towns. Here are some of the places you’ll want to visit:

Virginia City, the queen of the Comstock Lode silver mining towns, flourished in the

19th century and now draws millions of visitors each year to its federally designated historic district. More tourist oriented than the other towns mentioned, you’ll find plenty to see and experience in the form of restored saloons, shops and wooden sidewalks. There are also plenty of places around Virginia City where gold panning can be done.

Silver City, south of Virginia City off NV-341 promises plenty of mining town ruins to discover. Plan to get out and explore the buildings and artifacts left to remind visitors of Nevada’s rich mining history.

Gold Hill, tucked between Virginia City and Silver City on NV-342, boasts an elegant hotel, restaurant and saloon in the midst of the mining camp ruins. An added attraction is Bowers Mansion County Park, where visitors can tour the 1864 mansion built by Eilley Orrum to celebrate the wealth of her miner husband, Sandy Bowers.

For a more extensive list of Ghost Towns and RV parks throughout the region, please look through the Ghost Trail Driving Guide below  and  visit www.elmonterv.com.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals, which conveniently has a Reno RV rental location. For you college football tailgaters, be sure to check out the new RV Tailgating page for a list of games and tailgating information.

El Monte RV: http://www.elmonterv.com

Reno RV Rental Locations: http://www.elmonterv.com/rv-rentals-reno/rl-26.aspx

RV Tailgating: http://www.elmonterv.com/RV-tailgating-football/ca-207.aspx