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Ikebana society plans workshop

A day-long workshop on the art of Japanese flower arranging will be presented May 9 by the Nevada chapter of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society. The workshop, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include morning and afternoon sessions.

The morning session will be a traditional shoka with one or two materials. The style calls for arrangements to be done with three branches to represent heaven, Earth and human beings.

The afternoon session will focus on jiyuka or freestyle arrangements. This style uses four design elements and allows for greater interpretation of the arrangement’s line, surface, mass and color.

Fresh, seasonal flowers and plant materials will be used to create all arrangements.

For more information, including workshop location, call 655-2447 or 496-3763.

Also, the group is preparing for next month’s two-day workshop featuring instructor Noriko Obata, who will be visiting from Tokyo, Japan. Obata has been studying ikebana since 1972.

Board warns homeowners

With hot weather quickly approaching, the Nevada State Contractors Board is advising homeowners to follow simple precautionary steps before hiring someone to service, repair or replace their air conditioners. Get at least three bids from licensed contractors before hiring someone, especially if a contractor recommends replacing the entire air conditioner.

The board recommends that homeowners only hire contractors licensed with the state of Nevada. A licensed contractor will have a five-digit number that can be verified by going online at www.nscb.state.nv.us or by calling 486-1100 to do a license search.

The board recommends keeping a job file on the project, where all important documents (the contract, canceled checks, etc.) can be kept for quick reference, and to stick to the original price negotiated. Any changes, either at the homeowner or contractor’s suggestion, should be noted in writing and put in the file.