FREE Events in Reno
September 28, 2009
If you live in the Reno area and are looking for a way to stretch your dollars while having fun, there are several FREE events happening in Reno and Sparks this week. The YMCA of the Sierra Sparks Family Center (850 Baring Blvd, Sparks, NV) holds a YMCA Community Member Day every Monday where the entire community is welcome to come to their facilities and work out for FREE. For more info, please contact Leslie at 775-784-4848.
The Artists Co-op of Reno Art Gallery (627 Mill St, Reno, NV) is currently holding a fundraiser for the SPCA at its gallery. Entrance into the art gallery is free, but 20% of all sales at the gallery until September 30th will go to the SPCA. The gallery is also collecting much-needed donations for the SPCA, such as dog and cat food, trash bags, soft dog toys, paper towels, window cleaner, bleach, soap (both laundry and dish) and brooms/mops. For more info, please call 775-322-8896.
The VSA Arts of Nevada at Lake Mansion (250 Court St.) is currently holding a FREE viewing of “Wild Experiences” by Anthony Hughes throughout the month of September. View the charcoal drawings, pastels, oil, paintings and collages created by Hughes’ art students. For more info, please call 775-826-6100.
For football fans, head over to the Silver Legacy Resort Casino (407 N Virginia St) every Monday night beginning at 5:30pm for their Monday Night Football Party. Entrance is FREE. Everyone gets to enjoy the game live on several 28 flat-screen TVs or the large sports book video wall. Enjoy the entertainment stylings of local KOZZ entertainers Smith and McClain live. Prizes will be awarded each week. For more info, please call 775-325-7401 or 800-687-8733.
Seniors looking to keep physically active while enjoying nature with other seniors are welcome to join the Walk ‘n Talk Club at Shoppers Square (213 E Plumb Lane) every Monday through Saturday from 7-10am and Sundays from 8-11am. You don’t even have to register to join in on the fun. Simply show up with your walking shoes on and join in. For more info, please call 775-334-2262.
The Shoppers Square is also hosting the Tuesday Farmers Markets through October 6th. Get fresh produce and other items, support your local artisans, farmers and florists and make your carbon footprint smaller. The Farmers Market opens at 8am. For more info, please call 775-746-5024.
These are just a few of the fabulous things you can do for FREE in the Reno area.
Reno’s Street Vibrations
September 14, 2009
Reno’s streets will be vibrating soon with the Street Vibrations celebration, which will be held September 23-27. Street Vibrations is a five-day motorcyclist’s version of Hot August Nights. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the festival in Reno. Street Vibrations is the 6th largest event for motorcycle enthusiasts in the nation.
The Street Vibrations motorcycle festival features parades, ride-in shows, stunt shows, tours and live concerts . Events will be held in various locations in Reno as well as Carson City, Lake Tahoe and historic Virginia City. Bike lovers will be able to see some of the best custom bikes in the nation at the Custom Bike Builder’s Expo.
Access Street Vibrations video by clicking here
If you want to see thousands of shiny chromed bikes, then you will want to head on down to Virginia Street in exciting downtown Reno. Several casinos are offering special rates for participants. See the Street Vibrations website for details.
Click here to register as a participant
Need more info? Contact Street Vibrations at (800) 200-4557 or visit www.road-shows.com/streetvibrations.
Reno First Time Homebuyers Must Act Fast to Get Tax Credit
September 8, 2009
Reno’s first-time home buyers will need to act fast and take action in the next few weeks to qualify for the Federal First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. The federal tax credit is part of the stimulus package passed earlier this year and it has been a great success nationwide. Thousands of first-time home buyers have taken advantage of the $8,000 one time tax credit. But, if you are going to be among these smart home buyers, you will need to act fast as the tax credit is soon to expire.
Escrow must close on or before November 30.
November 30, 2009 is the very last day, that home buyers will be able to claim the federal First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit on your 2009. No matter what the reasons are, the Fed says there will be no exceptions to this deadline. Close escrow one day late and you lose!
November may sound like a long way off, but remember that it is September already and fall is just around the corner. There are only a few weeks left to locate a home and close escrow before the federally mandated deadline.
You will be throwing away free money if you let this opportunity pass you by. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar credit towards what you owe the IRS when you file your taxes for this year; what you don’t use will be refunded to you in a check.
First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Highlights:
- Escrow must close on or before November 30, 2009.
- The home you purchase must be your principal residence.
- The tax credit DOES NOT have to be repaid (unless you change your principal residence before three years has passed).
- FHA allows you to use the tax credit towards your down payment and/or closing costs, any money not used can be credited on your tax return.
- 10% of the sales price up to $8,000 can be claimed.
- Income limits do apply: $75,000 gross income for singles and $150,000 gross income for spouses, who file jointly.
- However, for those earning more than the limit, there is an income phase-out option – check with your tax professional.
If you have been thinking of taking advantage of today’s affordable prices and market conditions and you are a first-time buyer, talk to your tax professional about the benefits of of the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit and what it can mean for you. It is a great time to buy a home in Reno, Sparks or just about anywhere in Washoe County and the tax credit, well that is the icing on the cake!
Note: A first-time home buyer is defined as anyone who has not owned their own home in the past three years.
