These two sets of free presentations begin in mid-January. Each explores different aspects of of the Silver State, including history, interesting characters, and life in the Great Basin. One series is held on Saturdays, and the other on Sundays, making it possible to attend just about any session you find of interest.

Exploring Nevada Series at the Wilbur D. May Museum - The Exploring Nevada Series consists of free presentations about Nevada history and some of the people involved with Nevada's colorful past. Featured presentations include guest speakers, photography, and video. They are sure to be entertaining and educational for those who attend. The programs are at 2:00 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month from January 17 through May 16.

Nevada Heritage Series at Bartley Ranch Regional Park - The 2009 Nevada Heritage Series consists of free presentations about the cultural and natural heritage of northern Nevada. Featured speakers are among northern Nevada experts in their respective fields and are sure to give their audiences entertaining and educational presentations. The programs are at 2:00 p.m. every other Sunday from January 18 through March 15. For admission, bring non-perishable food donations for the Northern Nevada Food Bank.

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The Wine Walk, on the third Saturday of every month (that's the 17th in January) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., is the best excuse I know of to get acquainted with the restaurants, shops, and their proprietors in the Riverwalk District and the greater Truckee River Arts District. For only $20, you get a commemorative wine glass, ID bracelet, and map to all the participating merchants. You can find out which merchants are Wine Walk participants by visiting any member and picking up their official District walking map. For a list of merchants, visit the Riverwalk Merchants Association members directory. Enjoy friends, stroll downtown Reno, and have fun!

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Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons will give the second State of the State address of his term at 6 p.m. this evening, January 15. His speech will be delivered from the Assembly Chamber in the Legislature Building in Carson City. It's going to be test of sorts to see how Gibbons plans to reconcile shrinking revenues with proposed budget expenditures. The $8.2 billion needed to maintain current levels of government services just don't jive with revenue projections of $5.8 billion. This situation is a drastic turnaround from the flush coffers and vibrant economy Gibbons was handed when he took office in 2007. Meanwhile, the 75th Regular Session of the Nevada Legislature, with Democratic majorities in both houses after the last election, will convene on February 2. I'm looking for some interesting interaction as the Republican Governor Gibbons and the Democratic Legislature wrangle over how to handle the diminished treasury.

Following Gibbons' address, Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley will deliver the Democrats' rebuttal. The speech will be broadcast on Reno's channels 2, 4, and 8. On the radio, tune to KOH 780 AM. On the Web, go to the Nevada State Legislature website.

President Bush Farewell Address Today: President Bush is scheduled to give a farewell address to the nation at 5 p.m. this evening, local time. His speech will be televised on the major network channels. Bush's final term is in its final days, leading up to the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20th.

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It may seem a little odd to be thinking about wildfires when there's snow on the ground, but... If wildland firefighting is your thing, and you happen to need a job for next summer, there are several opportunities with federal agencies in Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Forest Service are accepting applications for firefighter, dispatching, and aviation positions for the 2009 fire season (about June 1 through the middle of September). These jobs will be at locations around Nevada, as well as nationwide. The deadline to submit applications is January 20, 2009.

Many of the Nevada BLM jobs are with the Elko District Office. Forest Service jobs are in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You must apply through the federal USAJOBS website for fire positions with either of these agencies. In addition to a physical and drug test, you'll have to pass the "pack test" to land a firefighting job. To pass, you must be able to walk three miles over flat terrain carrying a 45 pound pack, in 45 minutes or less.

Applications for on-call firefighting and camp crew jobs with the Eastern Nevada Agency (ENA) of the Bureau of Indian Affairs are available at the Elko BLM Office, 3900 E. Idaho St. in Elko, and on the Elko BLM Fire and Aviation website. The deadline is April 24, 2009. For more information about ENA jobs, call (775) 753-0301.

The Employment Opportunities with BLM Nevada Fire and Aviation website has more information about firefighting jobs.

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