Remember the terror, respond in kindness to servicemen and kids

We cannot forget what today is.

Sept. 11 will be forever etched into our minds as a day we all changed. Events thereafter have continued that we need to acknowledge.

I want each of you to take one moment and remember the men and women overseas, and pray for their safety in the mist of the chaos they must live in each day. A Nevada Appeal reader in Sacramento sent me this:

"According to the weather reports, it is 122 degrees in Iraq right now - and the low will be 111! Our troops need our prayers for strength, endurance and safety. If it be God's will, give these men and women the strength they need to prevail."

Simple and to the point: They are fighting, and it's not about if you believe in the fight.

Those men and women are someone's father, mother, husband, wife, son or daughter, friend or neighbor. They are there fighting for freedom, and should have our total support.

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"Thank you" sometimes seems like a very simple phrase to say, but today I want to express all my gratitude to the people within our city, all the clubs that continue to move forward in their individual missions to help so many causes and of course to all of the businesses here that continue to give.

People are what make a town special. I am not quitting this weekly column, and I will continue to help in any way.

This is your column, your platform for change and the opportunity to help so many. I'll assist you in getting the word out.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me with the Carson City School District Homeless Program and ask that the support you gave me continues to help children who live in situations we will never understand. My replacement, Jeannette Famoso-Ardinger, is a very passionate individual and will make an outstanding advocate for the homeless children and the program.

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Replenishing the clothing within the free Clothes Closet is a top priority, so if you are cleaning your children's closets please donate, and make a huge difference in a child's life.

Clothing and supplies drive

What: Carson City School District's Kids in Transition program needs donations of good-condition clothing and coats; new shoes, socks and underwear for all ages; and school supplies.

Where: Gleason School, 604 W. Musser St., in the designated drop-off area

Contact: Jeannette Famoso-Ardinger at 690-1303

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Linda Hurzel asked if I had space to put in something about Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education with Campbell's Soup.

Linda said, "I have a couple of people who mail me Box Tops and Campbell's Soup labels several times a year because of your column."

This costs the community nothing but the time to cut or peel off labels, to upgrade items for the physical education program at Bordewich-Bray Elementary.

Linda said there are two new Box Top products: Kleenex tissues and Zip- Loc Baggies.

Her husband, John, owner of Grandma Hattie's in Carson City, has a collection box there. So if you're going down to have breakfast, lunch or dinner, just drop them off.

Educational Box Tops and Campbell's Soup labels collection

WHAT: Benefits Bordewich-Bray Elementary School's PE program

Where: 110 S. Thompson St.

Contact: Linda Hurzel at 283-2435

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The next event is about family and friends and is packed with activities.

The St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community Basque Festival at Fuji Park is very popular, especially with children. A bounce house, face painting, a football game and, of course, the playground are always a big hit.

But the main attraction is the culture of seven provinces in southwestern France and northeastern Spain. The food, music and dancing offer a taste of the old country to several generations of festival-goers.

An authentic menu offers lamb and turkey roasted over an open, mahogany flame by a crew of 15 cooks, some from as far away as Ely. Basque chicken, rice, beans, potato salad, traditional green salad and a lamb stew are also served.

Ninth annual St.

Teresa Basque Festival

Where: Fuji Park

When: Sunday

Cost: $25 for adults; youth 16 and younger free

Proceeds Benefit: St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School and youth programs at the church

Contact: www.basquefestival.org

• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.