Historical society's October photo contest results in

The October photo contest winner is Becky Stockwell of Gardnerville. Runners up are Irene Gutierrez and Kathleen Belles, both of Gardnerville. The winning 2009 calendar pages are on display at the entrance desk at the Carson Valley Museum in Gardnerville. Thanks to everyone who entered. Your October pictures were really great.

Now is the time to plan your November photo. The contest is open from now until the end of November and we really want to see your pictures. Since there will also be a December photo contest, you might want to start planning your December photo now that all the holiday festivities are beginning.

If you missed Student Day this past weekend, you really missed a treat. Clara Ritger's performance as Billie Jean Rightmire was outstanding. Remember her name - Clara is going places in the world of the performing arts.

Don't miss next Student Day, Dec. 1. Santa will be on the front porch of the Carson Valley Museum in an old fashioned sleigh and you, or your kids, can have your picture taken with him. Elves will be dashing back and forth printing the pictures so you can take them home with you that day. Photos will be $5 each.

The following day, Dec. 2, is the holiday gala. The cookie walk starts the day with cookies for purchase so you don't have to spend hours baking. Cookie walk hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

That afternoon is the annual Christmas tea and the theme this year is the Mad Hatter. It will be a traditional tea with a touch of whimsy. Prizes will be awarded for the best traditional and whimsical hats as well as table settings. There will also be a fashion show provided by Laura Springs Antiques. A few tables are still available. Call 782-2555 to purchase one. All the proceeds go to support the Douglas County Historical Society and its two museums.

Thank you all for participating in this year's gallery of trees. Remember to stop by the museum during the month of December to vote for your favorite. You can vote as often as you like and for as many trees as you like. The winner will be announced in The Record-Courier.

Once we get past the holidays, we will begin gearing up for the melodrama, "Whistle Stop Part Three." This promises to be a truly entertaining event. It's a total spoof on the history of Douglas County. Practice your booing and hissing and plan to join the fun at the end of January. Dinner performances will be Jan. 25 and 26 at 6 p.m. and the lunch matinee performance is Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. Ticket information will be available soon.

Actually, authentic history is one of the really great things about Northern Nevada. There is a lot of real history here. For instance, author and cowboy Will James actually spent some time in Reno. In fact he landed in a Nevada prison in 1915 for rustling. He wrote more than 20 books and our Main Street Bookstore has several in stock for you history buffs.

And here's something I didn't know until just this week: You don't have to be a member of the historical society to shop in the Main Street Bookstore. You are welcome without membership, but once you catch a glimpse of the great things going on, you just might want to join anyway.

If you have any questions about anything mentioned here, please call the Douglas County Historical Society at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 782-2555. Visit our Web site at www.historicnevada.org. And if you have the time, the museum is always looking for interested volunteers.

-- Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or at 790-1565.