Students celebrate the joys of reading

Scarselli Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week Feb. 28-March 4 with a different dress-up theme each day. Themes were related to specific picture books and included Tropical Day based upon “Island Born” by Junot Diaz; Mix-up Colors Day based upon “A Colorful Story” by Arree Chung; and Sports Day, inspired by “Brothers at Bat” by Audrey Vernick.

SES Librarian Mary Swisher also invited students to craft a wooden spoon book character from a title of their choosing. Many students delivered with original and colorful creations, which are currently displayed in the school’s library.

Through Friday, Scarselli is holding a school-wide Read-a-Thon fundraiser to raise money for educational materials, class projects, project-based learning, and end-of-year activities. Students are reading to raise funds, and all pledges to support their efforts are welcome and appreciated. To donate, visit the SES website at ses.dcsd.net.

The Heritage Park Gardens Committee and area experts will discuss best practices and opportunities to create a robust garden. Featured speakers include fourth generation local Craig Witt of Full Circle Compost and UNR Extension Horticulture Outreach Coordinator Jessica Gardner. Topics include plant species ideal for the Carson Valley climate, ideal times to plant, and other common gardening issues.

Plenty of printed materials and handouts will be available, and refreshments will be served. The event includes a pot swap table, where attendees can trade one of their existing planting containers for a different one (donations to the table are also welcome), and garden goodie giveaways that include artfully painted garden rocks and a variety of yard ornaments. A raffle to win a special gardening bag filled with implements, seed packets, soils, and other prizes will be held.

“The forum was started to help new residents come and learn about our growing challenges in this area and ways to be successful (with your gardens),” said Heritage Park Garden Committee Co-Chair Donna Werner. “We invite anyone interested to come to the event and learn with us.”

Heritage Park Gardens offers visitors a contemplative space with its walking labyrinth and newly developed kindness rock garden. Rental plots are available for those who wish to grow their own vegetables but don’t have the space, and the site is host to a number different learning programs and social events throughout the year.

Gardnerville was the first community in Nevada to receive a Main Street designation as part of the accredited Main Street America program. Main Street Gardnerville partners with local stakeholders “to revitalize downtown Gardnerville utilizing design, organization, promotion, and district vitality to develop the unique identity and preserve the historic nature of our community.” 

Volunteers are an integral part of the success of the program; anyone wanting to lend a hand is welcome and can find more information online at mainstreetgardnerville.org/volunteer or by calling 775-782-8027.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.