At the end of September, the Reno / Tahoe area had five days in a row of record temperatures in the 90s. I was enjoying the weather immensely, knowing it wasn't going to be long before the party was over. Sooner than I had hoped, I was right. Last Saturday, a huge cold front moved in and parked over us, bringing heavy rain, a plunging thermometer, and the first snow of the season on Mt. Rose and the Sierra. I was up at Lake Tahoe when the deluge started - it was a real frog strangler.

It followed me back down to Reno. We had three days of clouds and rain that raised our season rainfall total (starting July 1) to 2.04 inches. Most of that, 1.57 inches, fell since October 1. At this time last year, we were parched with only 0.02 inches recorded. The forecast for this weekend calls for sunshine and balmy temperatures, but it wouldn't hurt to check the weather report before heading out. If you are going to the high country, a look at highway conditions is in order.

Source: National Weather Service.

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It's a small break, but most of us will be happy to take it. On October 1, 2010, reduced electric and natural gas rates from NV Energy went into effect. The average decreases are 6.7 percent for electricity and 8.4 percent for natural gas. According to NV Energy, this puts rates back at the 2005 level.

Nevada utilities are required to make quarterly adjustments to rates based on their costs for fuel and purchased power. Any changes, both increases and decreases, are passed along to customers with no profit to the company. NV Energy is also reporting savings from its combined cycle generating station that opened in 2008.

Now is the time to start preparing for the cold winter months. Simple things like caulking and fixing air leaks will help you stay warmer while keeping a lid on the utility bill. To learn about even more ways to bank energy savings, check out the free online Home Energy Audit available through NV Energy.

Help is available for those having difficulty paying their utility bills. Qualifying for the State of Nevada Energy Assistance Program is based on income and there are two programs available. The Energy Assistance Program makes direct payments to the utility company on your behalf and the Weatherization Assistance Program helps make homes more energy efficient with things like insulation and weather stripping.

Source: NV Energy, Reno Gazette-Journal.

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About when you might watch the TV news this evening, you can catch a campaign debate between the two major candidates for Nevada governor. Starting at 6 p.m., Democrat Rory Reid and Republican Brian Sandoval will spend an hour sparring for your vote. The Las Vegas debate will be available in Reno on KTVN 2, KRNV 4, KNPB 5, and KOLO 8. On the radio, tune to KKOH AM 780 or KUNR FM 88.7. Current Governor Jim Gibbons was seeking a second term, but he won't be on the ballot - he lost to Sandoval in the June primary.

The actual voting is coming up real soon. Registered voters can start early voting on Saturday, October 16 at numerous locations around Washoe County. You've got until October 12 to register to vote and until October 26 to request an absentee ballot.

The Eldorado Great Italian Festival is one of Reno's best street parties. I like it because everyone can have fun and participate as they want. You only need to bring yourself to be part of the action. Just come to downtown Reno and sing, dance, listen to lively music, enjoy street performers, and sample tasty Italian food. The crowd is there to have a good time and it seems that everyone does.

We're talking about some authentic Italian activities here. If you've never seen a grape stomping contest, here's your chance to find out how wine making used to be. Perhaps you would like to learn about an Italian sport by way of the bocce ball tournament. There will be games and face painting for the kids. Festival goers can sample the flavors at Great Italian Festival Sauce Cookoff. A limited number of pasta bowls will be available starting at 2 p.m. each day.

The Eldorado Great Italian Festival is held along Virginia Street in front of the Eldorado Hotel Casino and on the Eldorado's special events plaza on Fourth Street. The Festival is October 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

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