We helped hand out the free trees at Fergusuns Friday!

We had a great time with Ken Fergusun on Friday at his lot on South Virginia Street (just south of Meadowood Mall) His lot kind of sticks out with the "free tree(s)" sign out front. Last week we started talking about Ken and his goal of helping needy families with free trees. The original plan was to giveaway 700...well he went a little over that! As of Friday the count was well over 3,000 free trees. Connie, Trey, and myself wanted to lend a hand...see it here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH_Pw62JhQM

Ken is a great guy and many families will benefit from his kind heart this holiday season.

Who should you tip? How much?

We have this conversation every year...should I tip this person for the holidays? Some say small gifts are the best way to go. Just so your in the loop here is the official lowdown...

The Emily Post Institute offers some general guidelines for holiday tipping.
Baby sitter, nanny: For a frequent baby sitter, one day/evening's pay or a gift equal to that amount. For a live-in or everyday nanny, one week's pay, plus a gift from the child.
Day care staff: A tip of $25 to $70 to each care provider plus a small gift from your child.
Child's teacher: Check your school's policy about gift giving. If gifts are allowed, give something as a token of you and your child's appreciation. Don't give cash. Gift cards for bookstores or a favorite coffee shop are always popular.
Fitness trainer: If it's a trainer you see regularly (especially if he or she comes to your home), a tip or gift equal to the cost of one session. If it's a group-class trainer or instructor, no tip is necessary, although a small token or card is always appreciated.
Gardener: A tip equal to the cost of one service. If you pay your gardener by the month for weekly service, tip a quarter to half of the monthly fee.
Hairstylist, manicurist: If you're a regular client, a tip or gift equal to one visit, depending what your normal service costs. A gift may be more appropriate if you tip after each service. If you're an infrequent customer just getting a holiday trim or polish, double your normal service tip.
Handyman: If you use this person on a regular basis, a $15 to $40 tip.
Home health employees: Check with the agency first, since some home nursing groups have a no-gifts/no-tips policy. If that's the case, consider making a donation to the agency.
Housekeeper: A tip equal to the cost of one service. It it's a live-in housekeeper, give a tip equal to one week's pay.
Massage therapist: A tip or gift equal to one session if you get frequent massages from this person. If you're only an occasional client, double your normal tip at the holidays.
Pet sitter: If you frequently use the same pet sitter, give a tip or gift equal to one or two days' pay.

Camp Christmas....Thanks!

Thank you to all that joined us at the Atlantis this past weekend for our annual Camp Christmas for Kids with RTC Ride and The Salvation Army. We stuffed the Toyland Express with several hundred gifts and had a lot of fun with everyone that came out to support area kids in need. With the economy and these troubling times...it was so nice to see our community come together AGAIN to help others. If, you were not able donate a gift..I encourage you to do something for someone else this holiday. It doesn't have to be a gift that is bought ...it could be a helping hand or just being a good listener. I promise whatever your efforts...they will be appreciated!

Stepping up the Holidays for Step 2!

Alice @ 96.5’s Bill and Connie in The Morning are getting set to step up the holidays once again for Step 2 of Northern Nevada. Step 2 has been a much-publicized organization helping women get a second chance at life after battling substance abuse, and domestic violence. For a 7th straight year Bill and Connie will travel around Northern Nevada Nov. 24-25th visiting locations, and collecting items/supplies to help aid this worthy cause.

Items needed:
Furniture
Household items/kitchen utensils
Office supplies
Bedding
Toys
Baby items (formula/diapers)
Clothes
Coats
….whatever a person would need to start their life over, and start fresh.

Step 2 Schedule 2008
Monday 11/24
6a-9a Coldstone Creamery D’Andrea Marketplace at Vista and Barring Blvd in Sparks
10a-1230p Eagle Medical Center 2874 North Carson Street in Carson City
1p-3p GJ Rhodes 3400 Lakeside in Reno
3p-6p Double R Storage 888 Maestro Drive in Reno
Tuesday 11/25
6a-9a Chili’s at 10340 North McCarran in NW Reno
930a-1130a Ideal Image on South Virginia (Virginia Commons)
1130a-230p Chili’s 137 Los Altos in Sparks
3p-6p Claim Jumper 4905 South Virginia in Reno

*Donations will also be accepted both days at Nothing To It Culinary Center at 225 Crummer Ln in Reno. All donations at this location will be registered to win tickets to see Dancing with the Stars December 21st, at the Reno Events Center.

Halloween on The Bill and Connie Show

See our costumes here!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql0lqHsf8SA

Halloween Party Video!

Here is the excluesive video from Connie's party on Saturday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypsjd7_ewI8

Thanks AR Productions!

Trey was hired by the Army!

So you have heard us talk about 'Trey For Hire" as we helped raise money for the American Heart Association. See the video here...and Mjr. Trish worked him hard! (thanks guys!!!)

See the art of push-ups and working out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e11RZUmeIjg

See Trey March!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wucuJK7S6js

Now this was Trey for Hire...NOT Connie! Connie got herself into this...HERSELF! Watch them climb the ropes!

(LANGUAGE WARNING...NO KIDS!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSfZZyhyEe8

Connie and Trey on the tight rope!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRR5Aj3EndY

2nd Place in The Eldorado Grape Stomp

See it here..Connie wins the award for best hat!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUdO5-ntQs4

Million Dollar Risotto Dive at The Eldorado

Photo credit....Marilyn Newton/RGJ)


Another awesome year...what a mess! Jill was the big winner of 96 pulls on a Megabucks machine! She didn't win the millions...but she had a great time. Dion sat front row at Santana Friday Night!

See all the action from AR Productions here..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK9N5Sm2rh8

Ashleys Second Chance Cycle Show and Shine

Join Trey and I for the Annual Second Chance Scholarship fundraiser will be held Saturday October 11th starting at 3pm. This scholarship fund was created in honor of Ashley Stuart and her dreams of higher education.

Read more about Ashley Stuart here… www.myspace.com/ashleyssecondchance

This year’s event that will once again be hosted by Applebee’s (4805 Kietzke Lane in Reno, NV) will feature a cycle show and shine. Area riders are encouraged to bring down their cycles (any make is welcome) and show them off to other riders/cycle enthusiasts. Other activities include music, drink specials, raffles, prizes for best of show, and an appearance from the Miller Girls.

Applebee’s will also be holding a “dining to donate” in honor of the scholarship fund from 4p-930p. 15% of all food proceeds will go directly to the fund.