The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) invites students to participate in Patriots Pen, a prestigious national essay competition celebrating patriotism and American values.
About the Competition
Patriots Pen challenges young writers to express their understanding of patriotism through a written essay. This annual competition provides students with an opportunity to explore what it means to be a patriotic American and to share their perspectives with a national audience.
Who Can Participate
Students in grades 6–8 (middle school)
U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
Students attending public, private, parochial, or homeschools
Essay Requirements
Topic: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America"
Length: 300–500 words
Format: Typed or neatly handwritten
Single entry per student per year
No personal identifiers in the essay
No color or graphics
Entry form is the cover sheet
Submit to your local VFW Post
Prizes & Recognition
Winners advance through local, state, and national levels, competing for scholarships, awards, and national recognition. Top finalists receive significant prize money and the honor of having their essays featured in VFW publications.
Join us in celebrating young voices and American patriotism. Contact your local VFW post for entry details and submission deadlines.
burkhartvfw@gmail.com or call Steve Burkhart 775-340-1956
The VFW Voice of Democracy is an annual audio-essay competition that gives young Americans a platform to express their views on patriotism, citizenship, and democracy.
About the Competition
Participants create original audio essays of 3-5 minutes in length, speaking directly into a microphone to share their perspectives on themes of American values and civic responsibility. This unique format allows students to develop public speaking skills while exploring what democracy means to them personally.
Who Can Enter
High school students (grades 9-12) in the United States
Both U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens
Must be enrolled in a public, private, parochial school or a home-study program in the U.S. and its territories.
What to Expect
Write and record a3-5 minute original audio essay on "What a Veteran Taught Me About America"
Compete at local, state, and national levels
Opportunity to win scholarships and recognition
Develop confidence in public speaking and civic engagement
Why Participate
The Voice of Democracy competition encourages young people to think critically about their country's future, express themselves authentically, and connect with a community of engaged citizens. Winners receive scholarships and have their voices heard on a national stage.
For more information, contact your local VFW post or visit the official VFW website.
Prizes
Scholarships and incentives are awarded at the local, district, state and national levels.
Prizes range from $1,000 at the state level to $35,000 national grand prize.
Entry forms can be found at https://bit.ly/4aevQkn
Homecoming Sweet Homecoming is aboutcoming together, celebrating our Longhorn family and showing that HOME is where our community is. Whether you're returning to your roots or joining us for the first time, Longhorn Homecoming brings people together to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and celebrate what makes this community special.
Join us for week filled with:
Monday: Dress up in your class color or class hometown hero then go watch some Powder Puff Football @ 6:30 pm
Tuesday: Dress up in mismatched clothing, socks etc.
Wednesday: Dress up as Soccer Mom or BBQ Dad then go watch some Heman Volleyball @ 6:30 pm
Thursday: Dress up and PINK OUT or wear your Longhorn Gear then attend Vanities and go to the Bonfire @ 6:30 pm
Saturday: Dance the night away from 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm.
Watch Volleyball: JV @ 11:00 am and Varsity @ 12:00 pm
Whether you've been away for years or you're a longtime local, Homecoming Sweet Homecoming welcomes everyone. Come celebrate the bonds that bring us together and create new memories with your community.
Join us for the Mamography Suite One Year Anniversary Ladies Night Celebration!
We're thrilled to mark this special milestone with the amazing women who have made our first year unforgettable. Come together for an evening of fun, connection, and celebration.
What to expect:
Exclusive special. $100 mamogram if signed up the night of the event
Refreshments and light bites
Tour the mamography suite
Meet our team
Help us celebrate this important service for our community.
Whether you've been with us since day one or just discovered us recently, this is your night to celebrate together. Bring your friends, dress to impress, and help us toast to an incredible year and many more to come.
Join us for the Great Basin Shop Hop Quilt Fest, a celebration of quilting, creativity, and community!
Visit SIX fabric shops in FOUR towns as you hop from store to store discovering new fabrics, patterns, and inspiration. This is your chance to:
Browse exclusive shop hop collections and limited-edition fabrics
Connect with fellow quilting enthusiasts
Enjoy special discounts and promotions at each location
Collect a passport to earn rewards as you complete your shop hop journey
Participate in fun activities and demonstrations
Whether you're an experienced quilter or just beginning your creative journey, the Great Basin Shop Hop Quilt Fest offers something for everyone. Gather your friends, plan your route, and make it a day of fabric, friendship, and festive fun!
Details on participating shops, dates, and special events coming soon. Visit your local quilt shops for more information.
Join us for Story Time, a captivating and interactive experience designed to engage children and transport them into imaginative worlds filled with wonder. Skilled storytellers use their expressive voices and animated gestures to bring characters and settings to life, creating a truly immersive experience.
During Story Time, individuals have the opportunity to explore different genres and themes through a variety of tales. From classic fables and fairy tales to contemporary narratives, each story is carefully selected to captivate and ignite imagination.
Story Time also serves as an educational tool, promoting literacy and language development. By exposing listeners to rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures, storytelling helps expand their understanding of language while fostering a love for reading. A craft, which assists children build deeper connections and develop fine and gross motor skills, concludes the morning event.
We look forward to seeing you and your children soon. more info...
Justice for Stephanie invites you to a Masquerade Ball—an elegant evening of mystery, sophistication, and purpose.
Dress in your finest attire and don a mask as you join us for an unforgettable night. This enchanting event features dinner music, raffles, dancing and brings together members of our community to celebrate, connect, and support the cause of justice for Stephanie.
Whether you're a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, you'll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of elegance and solidarity. Enjoy fine dining, live entertainment, and the company of others committed to making a difference.
$50 per ticket or $300 for a table of 8 **Limited Seating**
12-week trauma-informed recovery group for women. Exploring the connection between trauma, substance use, coping and healing. Free to attend.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot - call/text to see if there is an opening. 775-375-5302. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Lander Co. Committee Against Domestic Violence. more info...
Join us for our weekly Coffee Talk at the library! This casual and informative event is designed to bring together members of the community who share a love for coffee/tea and great conversation.
Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee while engaging in lively discussions with fellow attendees. Whether you are a regular library patron or just looking to meet new people, Coffee Talk is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
So grab a cup of coffee/tea and join us for an enriching morning of stimulating conversation at the library. We look forward to seeing you there!
Support Your Local Chamber Day is a celebration of the businesses, organizations, and community leaders that make our region thrive.
Join us as we recognize and support the vital work of our local chamber of commerce. This special day highlights the importance of:
Small business growth and development
Community networking and collaboration
Economic development and job creation
Local business advocacy and support
Whether you're a business owner, community member, or just someone who cares about strengthening our local economy, this is your opportunity to connect with neighbors, discover local resources, and show your appreciation for the organizations working to build a stronger community.
Share a story about a Chamber member/business with Battle Mountain Chamber of Commerce @ battlemtncommerce@gmail.com.
Shop local, network with friends and colleagues, and celebrate the businesses that make our community special.
The candidate will attend a networking event tonight to connect with industry professionals and expand their professional network. They will engage in meaningful conversations and exchange contact information with potential future collaborators or mentors. The candidate aims to make a lasting impression and leave a positive impact on those they meet at the event. more info...
Join us for Story Time, a captivating and interactive experience designed to engage children and transport them into imaginative worlds filled with wonder. Skilled storytellers use their expressive voices and animated gestures to bring characters and settings to life, creating a truly immersive experience.
During Story Time, individuals have the opportunity to explore different genres and themes through a variety of tales. From classic fables and fairy tales to contemporary narratives, each story is carefully selected to captivate and ignite imagination.
Story Time also serves as an educational tool, promoting literacy and language development. By exposing listeners to rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures, storytelling helps expand their understanding of language while fostering a love for reading. A craft, which assists children build deeper connections and develop fine and gross motor skills, concludes the morning event.
We look forward to seeing you and your children soon. more info...
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada Mobile Harvest is a vital community resource that brings fresh, nutritious food directly to individuals and families in need. This mobile distribution program travels to underserved areas throughout the region, providing access to essential groceries for those facing food insecurity. With a focus on delivering a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other perishable items, the Mobile Harvest helps to ensure that all members of our community have access to healthy and nourishing meals. Through this innovative initiative, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada is able to reach individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional food assistance programs, ultimately working towards a more equitable and hunger-free community. more info...
Join us to learn how to make the most of your Care Source plan. This informative session will guide you through the value-added benefits available to you and show you how to access them easily.
During this event, we'll cover:
An overview of your Care Source value-added benefits
Step-by-step guidance on how to access each benefit
$30 Quarterly Allowance for over-the-counter medicine and basic health and hygine supplies
Free cell phone with 1,000 minutes of talk, text, hotspot, 25 GB
Free transportation to medical appointments and 5 roundtrip rides to eligible resource sites
Whether you're new to your Care Source plan or looking to discover additional resources, this session is designed to help you understand and utilize all the benefits included with your coverage.
Bring your questions—our experts are here to help!
12-week trauma-informed recovery group for women. Exploring the connection between trauma, substance use, coping and healing. Free to attend.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot - call/text to see if there is an opening. 775-375-5302. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Lander Co. Committee Against Domestic Violence. more info...
Join us for our weekly Coffee Talk at the library! This casual and informative event is designed to bring together members of the community who share a love for coffee/tea and great conversation.
Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee while engaging in lively discussions with fellow attendees. Whether you are a regular library patron or just looking to meet new people, Coffee Talk is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
So grab a cup of coffee/tea and join us for an enriching morning of stimulating conversation at the library. We look forward to seeing you there!
Frontier Community Coalition Food Pantry is a vital resource for individuals and families in need within our community. Our pantry provides a wide variety of nutritious food items, including fresh produce, dairy products, canned goods, and non-perishable items. We are committed to ensuring that all members of our community have access to the food they need to thrive.
Our dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to organize and distribute food to those in need, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all who visit our pantry. In addition to providing essential food items, we also offer educational resources and support services to help individuals and families improve their overall well-being.
At Frontier Community Coalition Food Pantry, we believe that everyone deserves access to healthy and nourishing food. We are proud to serve as a beacon of hope for those facing food insecurity in our community, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. more info...
On the 30th, businesses will be participating in a fun and festive trick-or-treating event. Customers can expect to visit various local establishments to receive treats and enjoy the Halloween spirit. This event is sure to bring joy and excitement to all who participate. more info...
12-week trauma-informed recovery group for women. Exploring the connection between trauma, substance use, coping and healing. Free to attend.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot - call/text to see if there is an opening. 775-375-5302. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Lander Co. Committee Against Domestic Violence. more info...
The Nevada Election Observation Network (NEON) is a nonpartisan election observation and civic engagement initiative dedicated to strengthening public trust in Nevada elections through informed, impartial observation. By training community members on Nevada's election laws, procedures, and safeguards, NEON prepares volunteers to observe election processes without interference and objectively document their observations to promote transparency and confidence in Nevada's elections. NEON prioritizes outreach in rural and Tribal communities to ensure broad, diverse participation in election observation across the state and we are loking for observers in Lander County.
We have multiple dates available for early voting observation as well. more info...
Join us for Story Time, a captivating and interactive experience designed to engage children and transport them into imaginative worlds filled with wonder. Skilled storytellers use their expressive voices and animated gestures to bring characters and settings to life, creating a truly immersive experience.
During Story Time, individuals have the opportunity to explore different genres and themes through a variety of tales. From classic fables and fairy tales to contemporary narratives, each story is carefully selected to captivate and ignite imagination.
Story Time also serves as an educational tool, promoting literacy and language development. By exposing listeners to rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures, storytelling helps expand their understanding of language while fostering a love for reading. A craft, which assists children build deeper connections and develop fine and gross motor skills, concludes the morning event.
We look forward to seeing you and your children soon. more info...
The Assembly of God Food Pantry is a community-based organization dedicated to providing essential food assistance to individuals and families in need. Our pantry offers a wide variety of nutritious and non-perishable food items, including canned goods, grains, proteins, and fresh produce when available. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all who seek our services, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to organize and distribute food donations, as well as provide additional resources and support to those facing food insecurity. The Assembly of God Food Pantry is committed to serving our community with compassion and empathy, helping to alleviate hunger and promote overall well-being for all. more info...
Join Battle Mountain General Hospital for our Blood Drive: Give the Gift of Love and make a life-saving difference in our community.
Every donation can save up to three lives. Whether you're a first-time donor or a regular contributor, your blood is a precious gift that helps patients in need during emergencies, surgeries, and critical treatments.
Why donate?
Save up to three lives with a single donation
Help patients facing medical emergencies and surgeries
Support those battling serious illnesses
Give back to your community
Donor Requirements:
Be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent, where applicable)
Weigh at least 110 pounds
Be in good general health
Bring a valid photo ID
The donation process takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, and you'll feel great knowing you've helped save lives. Refreshments will be provided to all donors.
12-week trauma-informed recovery group for women. Exploring the connection between trauma, substance use, coping and healing. Free to attend.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot - call/text to see if there is an opening. 775-375-5302. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Lander Co. Committee Against Domestic Violence. more info...
The Festival of Trees at the Civic Center features a stunning display of beautifully decorated trees lining the hallways. Each tree is uniquely adorned with festive ornaments and lights, creating a magical holiday atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. more info...
12-week trauma-informed recovery group for women. Exploring the connection between trauma, substance use, coping and healing. Free to attend.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot - call/text to see if there is an opening. 775-375-5302. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Lander Co. Committee Against Domestic Violence. more info...
For every $10 you spend at any of our participating local businesses, you will receive a ticket to enter into our raffle. Show your support for small businesses and have the chance to win exciting prizes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to shop local and win big! more info...
12-week trauma-informed recovery group for women. Exploring the connection between trauma, substance use, coping and healing. Free to attend.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot - call/text to see if there is an opening. 775-375-5302. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Lander Co. Committee Against Domestic Violence. more info...
Join us for a delightful evening of holiday cheer as we take you on a Tour of Trees! Indulge in delicious cookies and warm cocoa as you stroll through a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated trees. This festive event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones. Don't miss out on this magical experience! more info...
12-week trauma-informed recovery group for women. Exploring the connection between trauma, substance use, coping and healing. Free to attend.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot - call/text to see if there is an opening. 775-375-5302. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hosted by Lander Co. Committee Against Domestic Violence. more info...
Our jolly Santa will be ready to pose for photos, listen to wish lists, and spread holiday cheer. Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with Santa Claus! Book your session today. more info...
The Assembly of God Food Pantry is a community-based organization dedicated to providing essential food assistance to individuals and families in need. Our pantry offers a wide variety of nutritious and non-perishable food items, including canned goods, grains, proteins, and fresh produce when available. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all who seek our services, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to organize and distribute food donations, as well as provide additional resources and support to those facing food insecurity. The Assembly of God Food Pantry is committed to serving our community with compassion and empathy, helping to alleviate hunger and promote overall well-being for all. more info...
The cookie walk is an annual fundraising event where participants can purchase a variety of homemade cookies by walking through a designated area. This event is organized to support a specific cause or organization and provides an opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy delicious treats while contributing to a good cause. more info...
The Parade of Lights is a festive event featuring brightly lit floats, marching bands, and performers that bring holiday cheer to the community. more info...
Support your community by shopping local! When you shop at small, locally-owned businesses, you're helping to support the local economy and create a vibrant community. Plus, you'll find unique and one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else. So next time you need something, consider checking out your local shops first! more info...
