Mad Money Raffle 2023 2023-11-09 08:00:00Z 0

Sparks Rotary Birthday Save the Date

Please save the date and get ready to celebrate our Past, Present & Future at our upcoming birthday bash on October 14th.  Stay tuned for more information, but please keep the date open.

Sparks Rotary Birthday Save the Date 2023-09-08 07:00:00Z 0
Sparks Rotary 2023 Scholarship Application Available Now 2023-04-01 07:00:00Z 0

Sparks Rotary Scholarship Applications Due April  30, 2022

Applications for the 2022 Sparks Rotary Scholarship Program are now available on our website and through the link below:
 
 
To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, you must:
  1. Be a graduating senior from one of the area high schools
  2. Provide acceptance letter and confirm your plans to attend accredited college or trade school.
  3. Return completed application, available April 1, 2022, to Scholarship Committee by April 30, 2022 at 5 p.m.
 
The scholarship award will be based on:
  1. Merit based on grades in high school, test scores, courses taken, etc.
  2. Extracurricular activities as described on application;
  3. Participation in Rotary projects such as speech contest, music contest, Rotary Business Achievements, Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Interact Club, Rotary Youth Exchange;
  4. Personal statement of objectives and goals (not to exceed 400 words)
 
The Scholarship Committee will review your completed application and attachments. Personal interviews may be conducted by the Scholarship Committee, at their discretion, to make final selection for scholarship award.
 
Scholarship awards will be between $250 and $1,000.
 
The Sparks Rotary Scholarship Committee does not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, or creed.
 
 
Sparks Rotary Scholarship Applications Due April 30, 2022 2022-04-01 07:00:00Z 0

2021 Mad Money Raffle Winners!

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Congratulations to this year's winners of the Mad Money Raffle!
 
Grand Prize: $10,000 - Lee Neish
First Prize: $500 - Chet Kirkpatrick
Second Prize: $250 - Susan Talancon
Third Prize: $100 - Kendra Kostelecky
 
We thank everyone for participating in this year's raffle, which will help fuel our support of community programs and organizations into 2022!
 
 
 
 
2021 Mad Money Raffle Winners! 2021-12-23 08:00:00Z 0

2021 Sparks Rotary Scholarship Application 

Applications are available for the Sparks Rotary Scholarship for 2021. Applicants must be a graduating senior from an area high school, provide an acceptance letter with plans to attend an accredited college or trade school. Applications are due by April 30, 2021 at 5 p.m.
 
Click here to download the application and other info.
 
 
2021 Sparks Rotary Scholarship Application 2021-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

Support our community for a chance to win $10,000!

 
Tickets are available online until 3 p.m. on Monday, December 7:
.
 
Please plan to join us live online for the Mad Money Raffle drawing, which will be held on Facebook Live on Monday, December 7 at 6 p.m.
 
Fellow Sparks Rotarians, Mayor Ed Lawson and President-elect Mark Elston, will acknowledge and honor Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day before drawing the winning ticket. 
 
Please visit the event page on Facebook using the following link:
 
 
If you do not have a Facebook account, the stream should be available using the following link at the event time:
 

 

Support our community for a chance to win $10,000! 2020-10-14 07:00:00Z 0
Northern Nevada Medical Center recognizing Sparks Rotary and Great Basin Brewing Co 2020-05-05 07:00:00Z 0
Vicki Puliz - Rotary International Director Randy Rascati 2020-01-04 08:00:00Z 0

Law Enforcement Service Recognition

At our October 23 meeting, the club was honored to help Sparks Chief of Police Pete Krall recognize Officer Dan Lawson for his leadership and commitment to the community and his fellow officers.   Pictured below from left-to-right: Past Club President Andy McInnes, Officer Dan Laweson, Chief of Police Pete Krall.
Law Enforcement Service Recognition 2019-10-23 07:00:00Z 0

August 14, 2019 Program: Communicating Across Generations

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Eric "Rick" Bullis will speak about the difficult and confusing issue of "Communicating across generations". Rick is a communications professor at TMCC.  He has been at TMCC since 2015 and is the Communications Program Director.  
August 14, 2019 Program: Communicating Across Generations 2019-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

August 7, 2019 Program: Community Project Discussion

Our meeting will feature several of our own Sparks Rotarians discussing an exciting community project.  We will also hear from Chris Cobb, Capital Projects Manager for the City of Sparks.  We will likely be hearing more about how our Sparks Rotary Community Fund and how it may be helpful with our participation in this project.  
 
Member attendance and feedback at this meeting is welcome as the board of directors will be considering the club's participation in the near future. 
August 7, 2019 Program: Community Project Discussion 2019-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

May 30, 2019 Program: Dr. Kendra Newsome - Fit Learning

Corrected Speaker Info:
 
Dr. Kendra Newsome earned her PhD in 2010 from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Nevada. She has served as the President for the Nevada Association for Behavior Analysis and Past-President of the Standard Celeration Society. Dr. Newsome is a Founding Director of Fit Learning - a Precision Teaching Learning Laboratory that has served thousands of families since 2004. Dr. Newsome is a regular contributor to scientific and professional communities on learning science and evidence-based instruction. Her published works include investigations into language-based comprehension deficits, Precision Teaching as a tiered intervention for at-risk Kindergartners and the role of measurement in natural science. Dr. Newsome has given numerous invited presentations and lectures on science-based approaches to education and currently serves on the Board of Empower Youth, a non-profit aimed at providing evidence-based instruction to under-served student populations. Her professional actions are guided by the commitment to transform educational practices in the world so that all learners have the capacity to achieve their full potential and greatness.
May 30, 2019 Program: Dr. Kendra Newsome - Fit Learning 2019-05-30 07:00:00Z 0

Achievement Beyond Obstacles

Our club recently hosted the annual Achievement Beyond Obstacles award ceremony. Achievement Beyond Obstacles (ABO Nevada) aims to provide support for and award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have triumphed over hardships, demonstrated personal leadership and courage, and yet show academic improvement. Learn more at http://www.abonevada.com/
 
Achievement Beyond Obstacles 2019-05-02 07:00:00Z 0

May 1, 2019 Program: Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb (COL/USA)

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Our meeting on May 1, 2019 will feature Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb (COL/USA), who served as Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (1987-89) and prior to that as Director of Soviet, European and Canadian Affairs on the National Security Council (NSC) (1983-89). He was the Executive Secretary for two of President Reagan’s Summits with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, in Geneva (1985) and Reykjavik (1986).
 
Colonel Cobb will be leading an interactive discussion on some of the major national security challenges facing President Trump and the US.
May 1, 2019 Program: Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb (COL/USA) 2019-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

April 24, 2018 Program: Achievement Beyond Obstacles

This week’s program will feature seven of the twenty-eight students nominated to receive scholarships from the Rotary Achievement Beyond Obstacles (ABO) Program.  The students will be telling their stories to the club members and guests.
 

The purpose of the ABO program is to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have triumphed over hardships and demonstrated academic success, personal leadership and courage.  

We expect a full house, so please come early.  Lunch will be available starting at 11:15 am.

April 24, 2018 Program: Achievement Beyond Obstacles 2019-04-24 07:00:00Z 0

April 3, 2019 Program: Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam
 

Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was founded in 1861. He took the oath of office on January 7, 2019, a momentous step for a law enforcement career that began when he was 21-years-old.  Sheriff Balaam will discuss the direction of the Washoe County Sheriff's office and the Regional Intelligence Center.
 
Sheriff Balaam’s career includes more than 21 years at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. He held every rank from deputy sheriff to third-in-command as an Assistant Sheriff under Sheriff Mike Haley. His experience encompasses all three bureaus: Operations, Detention and Administration. He served as Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Detention Response Team (DRT), and Hostage Negotiations Team.  He supervised various special units, including: K9 Unit, Regional Bomb Squad, Detectives Division, Motors Unit, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (NNCTC), and Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center (NNRIC). 
 
As Sheriff, he firmly believes in the importance of education. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada Reno and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Louisville.  Additionally, he is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Southwest Command College and the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course. He is committed to supporting education in the schools as well as promoting continuing education for his staff.  Currently, he serves as an adjunct professor for the Nevada System of Higher Education (NHSE) passing on the knowledge he’s gained over his career to the future generations of law enforcement professionals.
April 3, 2019 Program: Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam  2019-04-03 07:00:00Z 0
March 27, 2019 Program: Dylan Gray and Teresa DiLoreto 2019-03-27 07:00:00Z 0
March 20, 2019 Program: Area 8 Rotary Speech Contest 2019-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

January 16, 2019 Program: Dean Gregory C. Mosier, College of Business, University of Nevada, Reno
 

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Gregory C. Mosier, is Dean and Distinguished International Professor, of the College of Business, University of Nevada, Reno.  He is well known for development of curriculum and programs, student success, economic development, faculty excellence and global studies. His scholarly work includes numerous publications focusing on technology and the law, international business, and commercial law.
 
Mosier is internationally recognized for expertise in strategic planning and academic program development. He earned the International Engagement Award for his international business initiatives including creating and fostering partnerships around the world.
 
Dean Mosier will be speaking on Building a Legacy of Globally Competitive Leaders and What it Takes to Educate using a Global Perspective.
 
January 16, 2019 Program: Dean Gregory C. Mosier, College of Business, University of Nevada, Reno  2019-01-16 08:00:00Z 0

January 9, 2019 Program: Rotary District 5190 Youth Protection Policy

Bill Boone, a member of the Reno Rotary Club, will discuss the District 5190 Youth Protection Policy.  Bill has been active with the International Service Projects Committee, Mardi Gras Fundraiser, Community Services Project, Board of Directors, Open World Program, Youth Service and other roles.  Currently, Bill services as the District Youth Service Chair.  He has also been active volunteering in many ways including SCORE and the Eddy House.
 
Rotary has a long history of providing service to youth. Each year, more than 300,000 young people participate in Rotary programs like Interact, Rotary Youth Exchange, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Many club and district mentoring programs, immunization efforts, job training programs, literacy projects, and other initiatives also help young people or other vulnerable populations.
 
Unfortunately, no organization or program is invulnerable to abuse or crises. They can and do occur in even the most seemingly positive settings. Predators often seek teaching, coaching, or other positions that give them access to children and teenagers. Others who are committed to working with youth sometimes find it hard to believe that some adults will abuse the trust placed in them,so they may not notice the signs. Rotary takes youth protection very seriously, and it relies on Rotarians to foster safe environments that prevent abuse and to respond appropriately when it occurs.
January 9, 2019 Program: Rotary District 5190 Youth Protection Policy 2019-01-09 08:00:00Z 0

December 2, 2019 Program: Andy Gebhardt, Truckee Meadows Water Authority

Andy Gebhardt, Director of Operations & Water Quality for Truckee Meadows Water Authority, provided an overview of the Authority's operations and mission to provide clean water to its growing service area. 
 
Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA began operations in June 2001 through a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Reno, City of Sparks and Washoe County. The approximately 200 professionals employed by TMWA ensure around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 400,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.
December 2, 2019 Program: Andy Gebhardt, Truckee Meadows Water Authority 2019-01-02 08:00:00Z 0

December 12, 2018 Program: Alive Olive, CEO Northern Nevada Medical Center

Alan Olive, MPH, MHA, is CEO of Northern Nevada Medical Center. Born and raised in Reno, Olive has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, specializing in integrated health systems, population health, project management, health plan partnerships, hospital operations, and physician relations.a

He has served as an executive with health systems to include: Intermountain Health based in Utah, Renown Health, Providence Health and Services based in Portland Oregon, MountainViewHospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas Nevada and Northern Nevada Medical Center.

Under Alan’s leadership, his hospitals and health systems have achieved numerous awards in quality and patient experience. In 2017 alone, Northern Nevada Medical Center earned the following awards:  Business of the Year Award, Patient Safety Award and Patient Experience Award.

Alan earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Brigham Young University and a Master of Public Health - Hospital Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration from Loma Linda University.

Alan serves on a number of community and regulatory boards including: The American Heart Association, Truckee Meadows Community College Foundation and Past Chairman of the Nevada Hospital Association.

Alan is married to VaLynn Olive and they are proud parents of five children, two grandchildren and a dog.

Alan is an avid biker, hiker and learning how to be a grandfather.

December 12, 2018 Program: Alive Olive, CEO Northern Nevada Medical Center 2018-12-12 08:00:00Z 0

2018 Mad Money Raffle Winners

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Mad Money Raffle. The drawing was held yesterday evening during the City of Sparks, Nevada Government Hometowne Christmas Tree Lighting event. Proceeds from the raffle help fund various community projects each year, including dictionaries for every third-grader and Kids Free Fishing Day in June. 

Grand Prize ($10,000): Leila Groves

First Prize ($1,000): John Graham

Second Prize (Nugget Package 1): Andy Gephardt

Third Prize (Wine Wagon): Mark Stevenson

Fourth Prize (Nugget Package 2): Dick Loveall

Fifth Prize (Reno Phil Package): Paul Speakman

We thank our club members for their efforts to sell raffle tickets for our annual fundraiser. Thanks also to members that helped fill the Wine Wagon Prize.

Special thanks to our ticket and prize sponsors:

Thanks to Nevada Blue (www.nvblue.com) for design and printing of the raffle tickets. 

Thanks to the Nugget Casino Resort and Marnell Gaming for generously donating two gift packages including restaurant gift certificates and room nights. 

Thanks to the Reno Phil for generously donating a ticket package for the raffle. 

Thanks also to all who purchased tickets for this year’s fundraiser to help fund our various community projects.

 

2018 Mad Money Raffle Winners 2018-12-01 08:00:00Z 0

November 7, 2018 Program: District 5190 Governor Tina Spencer-Mulhern

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District 5190 Governor Tina Spencer-Mulhern will visit our club and provide an update from District 5190.  
 
Tina was born in Virginia Beach, VA and she spent majority of her childhood there. In 1983, she moved to Reno, Nevada with her late husband Barry and graduated from Northern Nevada Real Estate School in 1985.  Tina has served on multiple committees for the Reno Sparks Association of Realtors, and has held many state committee chairs throughout her years. Once becoming a mom of two daughters, she stepped back from these volunteer leadership roles to spend time serving as a parent volunteer in the classroom. A few of Tina’s favorite volunteer roles included being PTA President, a Girl Scout troop leader, and softball coach.
 
Tina and Brian married in August of 2004, and have a blended family of two daughters, three sons and four grandchildren. Rotary is one of the many passions they share. Tina has served as the Charter Secretary for the Rotary Club of Sparks Centennial Sunrise, as well as Club President in 2010-2011.  After serving as Club President she resumed her role as the Club’s Youth Service Chair while serving at the District level as Literacy Chair, and then Co-Chair for Interact. Tina will be completing her term as Co-Assistant Governors for Area 8 (2014- 2017)
 
Tina is the Broker/Owner of HomeGate Realty of Nevada and celebrated 30 years in Real Estate in March of 2016. She has the best group of agents who work for her, including her own team that handles it all when she is absent for Rotary or taking a much needed vacation.  Brian is a retired contractor, who enjoys his many projects and farming on their 10 acres of land.
 
Tina is a Paul Harris Society member. Tina and Brian have each become Paul Harris fellows and are Major Donors. Together, they enjoy traveling, gardening, time with their grandchildren and of course all the good times they have with their Rotary friends.
November 7, 2018 Program: District 5190 Governor Tina Spencer-Mulhern 2018-11-02 07:00:00Z 0

October 31, 2018 Program: Immunize Nevada

Our program will be provided by Heidi Parker, MA. As Immunize Nevada's executive director, Heidi leads and engages a diverse and passionate coalition of staff, volunteers, partners, and funders across Nevada’s rural, urban, and frontier communities.

Bringing over two decades of experience in nonprofit program management, fundraising, and marketing; she has dedicated her career to being able to affect her community in a positive way, whether working with Head Start families, victims of violence, college students or Nevadans needing immunizations.

Under her leadership, Immunize Nevada is deeply involved in community outreach, collaborative projects, and fundraising efforts aimed at helping close the vaccination gap Nevada faces. Heidi lost her best friend to Hepatitis when she was in elementary school and her great-grandfather died in the 1918 Influenza Pandemic. These personal and family losses drive her motivation to ensure no one suffers from a vaccine-preventable disease, and vaccines continue to have an influential voice.

Heidi has earned numerous awards for her commitment to community involvement, including the Reno Gazette Journal’s Twenty under 40, Nevada Business Magazine Healthcare Hero, PRSA Sierra Nevada Mark Twain Community Service, Vegas Inc. Healthcare Headliner, and the CDC Childhood Immunization Champion; and has presented at a variety of regional and national conferences, including the CDC National Immunization Conference. Heidi is a 2nd generation DePaul Blue Demon and received her Master of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She is also a graduate of Duke University’s Executive Nonprofit Leadership program.

October 31, 2018 Program: Immunize Nevada 2018-10-29 07:00:00Z 0
Sparks Rotary thanks TMWA for its support of Kids Free Fishing Day 2018-10-24 07:00:00Z 0

October 3, 2018 Program: Brandon Chambers, Director of Basketball Operations, University of Nevada, Reno Basketball

Posted on Oct 03, 2018
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A member of Eric Musselman’s staff since 2016, Brandon Chambers enters his second season as the Director of Basketball Operations. In this role, Chambers works in conjunction with the coaching and support staff to ensure that all team-related needs are met. He oversees the practice schedule, aspects of recruiting, game scheduling, and team travel. His duties also include assisting the coaching staff in developing game strategies, breaking down game film, planning practices and contributing in staff meetings.  
 
Mr. Chambers comes to Nevada from Paul VI High School located in Fairfax, Va. where he helped guide the team to a 20-14 record and 10-8 mark in the Washington Capital Athletic Conference as an assistant basketball coach.  The Panthers earned a spot in the WCAC playoffs.  Prior to that, Mr. Chambers spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University and was a manager working with the men’s basketball team. Chamber’s graduated from VCU in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Ronnie Burton Jr.Mr. Chambers will be joined by Ronnie Burton Jr., who is entering his first year with the University of Nevada.  In his role as Assistant Director for Development, he helps secure philanthropic gifts in support of the academic and athletic needs of Wolf Pack Student-Athletes. Prior to his time in Reno, Ronnie worked for Major League Baseball’s Office of the Commissioner in scouting operations helping run the administrative portion of the Major League Baseball draft and as a baseball operations supervisor helping oversee the Arizona Fall League. Before his time at MLB, he worked as an assistant baseball coach at California Lutheran University during the 2015-2016 season and as a recruiting assistant with Michigan State Football during the 2013-2014 season. Ronnie received his Masters of Legal Studies in Sports Law and Business from Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2015. He graduated from California Lutheran University with a BA in communications in 2013.
October 3, 2018 Program: Brandon Chambers, Director of Basketball Operations, University of Nevada, Reno Basketball 2018-10-03 07:00:00Z 0

September 12, 2018 Program: David Lau, Developing Resiliency in  Preparation for Traumatic Events

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David H. Lau is a counterterrorism and security professional who currently delivers leadership and counterterrorism training to U.S. federal agencies and our military, as well as foreign law enforcement partners, as a Senior Instructor within the Leadership and International Training Division at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.  David delivers leadership training to foreign partners globally.  David Lau also provides presentations and consultation to private groups upon request.
September 12, 2018 Program: David Lau, Developing Resiliency in Preparation for Traumatic Events 2018-09-12 07:00:00Z 0

August 22, 2018 Program: Dr. Martin Sander, Nevada Ichthyosaurs
 

Our program for Wednesday will feature Dr. Martin Sander of Bonn University in Germany.  Dr. Sander will discuss the newest discoveries of early Triassic Ichthyosaurs, who swam in ancient shallow seas when the mega continent Pangea was intact and Nevada and California did not exist as land masses.  In very remote and brutally remote stretches of central Nevada, his team is finding a wealth of newly discovered species of Ichthyosaurs that are re-defining our understanding of how these ancient ecosystems functioned as well as furthering us in our journey to understanding how life develops on this planet. He has uncovered a wealth of new species which include the first large predators yet discovered in the fossil record -- right here in Nevada.  
 
 
August 22, 2018 Program: Dr. Martin Sander, Nevada Ichthyosaurs  2018-08-22 07:00:00Z 0

August 1, 2018 Program: An Exploration of Geoarchaeology in the Great Basin

Where should we look for the earliest evidence of people in the Great Basin? What was the Great Basin like at the end of the last ice ace when people first arrived? Knowing where water, food and people were in a changing landscape are some of the challenges facing archaeologists that will be discussed.
 
 Join us for a program exploring the geoarchaeology in the Great Basin by Dr. Teresa Wriston, Geoarchaeologist/Assistant Research Professor at the Desert Research Institute.
August 1, 2018 Program: An Exploration of Geoarchaeology in the Great Basin 2018-08-01 07:00:00Z 0

July 24, 2018 Program: National Automobile Museum

Our Sparks Rotary lunch meeting scheduled for July 24th will be held at the National Automobile Museum located at 10 State St.  The National Automobile Museum is located just south of the Truckee River in Reno, Nevada and displays historic automobiles from the late 19th century and from throughout the 20th.  When the Museum opened in 1989, it was reported to have set the standard for automobile museums around the world. Since then, it has received many accolades and today it is recognized as one of 10 Best Automobile Museums in the U.S.
 
The idea for this Museum developed following the death of Bill Harrah and the Museum exists today thanks to a persuasive public and the generosity of many.  Bill Harrah was a prominent gaming pioneer who founded Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos and the former Harrah’s Automobile Collection. He assembled the largest and most historically significant collection in the world that reached approximately 1,400 vehicles. His legacy lives on at the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection).  After his death in 1978, Holiday Inns purchased Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos and Harrah’s Automobile Collection in 1980.  
July 24, 2018 Program: National Automobile Museum 2018-07-24 07:00:00Z 0
July 11, 2018 Program: Laura Jackson and Tim Young from the Reno Phil 2018-07-11 07:00:00Z 0

June 20, 2018 Program: Miss Rodeo Nevada 2018

Makenzie McMurtrey is a 19-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada native.  This year she will be traveling the Silver State representing the sport of rodeo, our western heritage and our agricultural community.  In December, she will compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2019 in her hometown of Las Vegas, during the National Finals Rodeo.  Makenzie is a graduate of the Leadership Academy of Nevada.
June 20, 2018 Program: Miss Rodeo Nevada 2018 2018-06-20 07:00:00Z 0
May 16, 2018 Program: Christmas Island International Project 2018-05-16 07:00:00Z 0

NNSCI Donation for Kids Free Fishing Day

Thank you to Marty Harsin and NNSCI for their generous donation to the Rotary Club of Sparks in support of Kids Free Fishing Day!  This will help to provide poles, fish, food, and fun at the Kids Free Fishing Day event coming up on June 9 at the Sparks Marina!

 

NNSCI Donation for Kids Free Fishing Day 2018-05-12 07:00:00Z 0

May 2, 2018 Meeting Highlights

At our last meeting:
- President Ross presented Noreen Leary of the Veterans Guest House with our donation of 3 AED Units for the new building.
- Doug Driver and Andy Gebhardt received their Blue Badges
- District Governor Elect, Tina Spencer-Mulhern visited the club with her guest Sparks City Councilwoman Charlene Bybee
- Ted Williams was inducted as a new member (welcome back, Ted!)
- Ryan Gilbrech, Andy McInnes, Jessica Longley, Doug Driver, John Etchemendy and Chuck Flagg all gave vocational talks.
- Janet Bernarda was named Rotarian of the Month
May 2, 2018 Meeting Highlights 2018-05-02 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians at Work Day 2018

Rotary Club of Sparks members participated in Rotarians at Work Day last Saturday, April 28. The Rotary Club of Sparks and the Rotary Club of Sparks Centennial Sunrise partnered with the City of Sparks to plant trees at Shadow Mountain Park in Sparks to improve our community.
 
 
Rotarians at Work Day 2018 2018-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

April 25, 2018 Program: Mandy Clark | Leadership

Posted on Apr 25, 2018
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Mandy is currently the President of the Human Resources and Leadership Development consulting firm that she founded in 2016, Optimizing You. Her main focus is to help individuals, managers and executives in businesses to optimize their own performance, which enhances the overall ability for the company to deliver amazing results. She founded this company after leaving the corporate HR world with over 15 years of experience in some of the world’s most cutting-edge companies for HR thought-leadership. Her goal is to take what she learned and the best practices she witnessed and created, and spread that across a broad array of companies and industries.
 
April 25, 2018 Program: Mandy Clark | Leadership 2018-04-25 07:00:00Z 0

April 18, 2018 Program: My Name is Mitka

Posted on Apr 18, 2018

In November last year the Reno Philharmonic performed a beautiful piece of music written by composer Jordon Roper titled “My Name is Mitka”.

The music was written in honor of Mitka Kalinski who, as a child in 1939, was seized by the Nazi’s in Polish Ukraine and taken to Birkenau, Dachau and later to Phaufinwauld Medical Experimental Camp.  He is the only known survivor of that camp.  When Jordon first heard this story, he was so moved he penned this original composition.

April 18, 2018 Program: My Name is Mitka 2018-04-18 07:00:00Z 0
April 4, 2018 Program: Northern Nevada Organ Transplant Program 2018-04-03 07:00:00Z 0

March 28, 2018 Program: Pfilates

Our bodies never come with an instruction manual. As we age certain muscles and organs take on a life of their own causing us to accommodate for our decreasing elasticity and strength. The exercises that I teach are not strenuous. They are small, but intense movements that need only be practiced for two to five minutes twice a day. Yet, if this small commitment is practiced consistently, will bring about a positive change in your life. Pfilates is a combination of both Yoga and Pilates moves that generate proven efficient and productive results. Who among us would not benefit from increased muscle tone?
March 28, 2018 Program: Pfilates 2018-04-03 07:00:00Z 0
March 14, 2018 Program: Achievement Beyond Obstacles 2018-03-14 07:00:00Z 0
March 7, 2018 Program: Reno Phil Guest Conductor Alvise Casellati 2018-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

February 28, 2018 Program: Student Speech Contest

The theme for the 2018 District 5190 Speech contest is “The theme for the 2018 District 5190 Speech contest is "Rotary is making a Difference. What about Me?"  Local Club Contest winners will go on to compete in the Area Contest with the winner seeking the top spot at the 2018 District 5190 Conference held at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa on May 18-20, 2018.
February 28, 2018 Program: Student Speech Contest 2018-02-28 08:00:00Z 0

February 21, 2018 Program: â€‹Dr. Randall Todd | The Flu Epidemic

Our speaker for Wednesday will be Dr. Randall Todd, Director of Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness at the Washoe County Health Department.  He will be discussing the flu epidemic, what it means locally and globally. 
 
Dr. Todd is a respected expert on the spread and control of diseases in populations. He is often seen in the media offering services regarding local health issues here in our community. His influence goes well beyond this area and has made important contributions to the direction of national policy. 
 
Dr. Todd previously served as the State Epidemiologist  with the Nevada State Health Division. He received his doctorate from Loma Linda University. 
February 21, 2018 Program: ​Dr. Randall Todd | The Flu Epidemic 2018-02-21 08:00:00Z 0
Registration is now open for the 2018 District 5190 Conference 2018-02-19 08:00:00Z 0

February 14, 2018 Program: Mark McKinnon, The Passion Behind Tattoos

Mark McKinnon, President, Marked Studios

Tattooing is an art form like no other, and Mark is one of the most gifted artists in the field.  From the time he could recall real thought, any and all forms of art inspired him.  He loved art, painting and sculpting.

Fast forward many years, and it was tattooing that intrigued him and got his attention.  He saw artists producing pieces that looked like paintings on the skin…so after pursuing his studies, he mastered this passion.

Today he loves designing pieces for people who want to tell a story with their tattoos, or want to set a permanent love on their skin because of the passions they have in their lives.  Everyone has a unique story behind it, sometimes simple, and sometimes very heartfelt and complex.  He loves each and every one of the meanings behind his client’s pieces.

Tattoos and tattooing in general has taken a huge turn in society.  It has become a legitimate contributor to the economy and the business world.  High level professionals are wearing beautiful pieces of work underneath an exterior of their professional lives.  The concept is poetic on its own.  People are expressing themselves with tattoos because they feel comfortable with the acceptance in their lives.

Mark will share with us expressions tattoo artists today are taking with their work - realism, water color, pop art…a precision art that has been honed through years and years of dedicated passion.

February 14, 2018 Program: Mark McKinnon, The Passion Behind Tattoos 2018-02-14 08:00:00Z 0

February 7, 2018 Program: Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks

Christopher J. Hicks was sworn in as the 37th District Attorney for Washoe County on January 5th, 2015.  DA Hicks has devoted his professional career to achieving justice and promoting public safety. Mr. Hicks joined Washoe County District Attorney’s Office in 2005, after having served the citizens of Carson City as a prosecutor from 2002 until 2005.  He served Washoe County as a Deputy District Attorney and Chief Deputy District Attorney until his successful election in 2014.
 
February 7, 2018 Program: Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks 2018-02-07 08:00:00Z 0

January 17, 2018 Program: Jim Kroshus | Operation Underground Railroad – Ending Sex Trafficking One Child At a Time

Jim Kroshus was raised down the street from Don Welsh in the center of the known universe in Hawthorne, Nevada.  After high school, Jim spent two years in Scotland serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Returning in 1976, Jim attended Brigham Young University where he dated then married Gia Lee Ross of Sparks, NV.  Jim and Gia Lee have 5 daughters and each daughter has a brother......his name is Derek.  Jim and Gia Lee are the grandparents of 21 grandchildren.  Jim has spent his career selling life insurance and doing estate planning.  Jim's favorite subject is American history.  Jim is the 4th great grandson of Abraham Clark, whose name appears as number 23 on the Declaration of Independence.
 
Jim's hobby is public speaking and he has the ambition of making it to the national stage in Toastmasters International.
 
While raising 5 daughters here in Sparks, 4 of those daughters were near victims of abduction.  
January 17, 2018 Program: Jim Kroshus | Operation Underground Railroad – Ending Sex Trafficking One Child At a Time 2018-01-17 08:00:00Z 0

January 10, 2018 Program: Network and Cyber Security

Mike Menton of Sonicwall has been working in the IT field for over 10 years, seven of those years have been specifically focused around network and Cyber security. He is an accomplished channel account professional who emphasizes training and development of varying types of IT professionals. He has been instrumental in shaping the core practices of his partners to ensure that their best interests are met and that their clients’ networks are protected. As a result of his focus on training and development, he was included in the evolution of Sonicwall University, a program that was designed to help train and develop Sonicwall Partners globally.
January 10, 2018 Program: Network and Cyber Security 2018-01-10 08:00:00Z 0
January 3, 2018: No Club Meeting 2018-01-03 08:00:00Z 0
December 27, 2018: No Club Meeting 2017-12-27 08:00:00Z 0

December 6, 2017 Program: Len Stevens, Nevada Basketball

Posted on Dec 06, 2017
Len Stevens coached high school, college and professional basketball for 33 years.   During his 6 years at Nevada, he became the first of only two coaches to have five consecutive winning seasons. He won 64% of his Big Sky Conference games.  Len retired from coaching in 2001 and moved back to Reno for retirement, golf and relaxation.  After two months of retirement, he became the CEO of the Sparks Chamber. He built its membership from 350 to 1600 in four years.  Len also was instrumental in bringing about a merger with the Hispanic Chamber and, a couple of years later, a merger with the Reno Chamber. After leading these mergers and being CEO for 15 years, Len decided to retire again last December. This time his retirement lasted one week, as he decided to accept the position of President of Junior Achievement of Northern Nevada, which serves 13 counties and 116,000 students. In the past 10 months of his tenure, Len’s team has already raised over $220,000 through Grants, Events and individual donations. These dollars help fund the classroom teaching of Financial Responsibility, Job Readiness and Entrepreneurship by JA volunteers, throughout 13 counties.
 
In his spare time Len is also the color analyst for Wolf Pack Basketball.  He will be presenting an overview of how the Wolf Pack team has achieved success so quickly over the past three years.  
December 6, 2017 Program: Len Stevens, Nevada Basketball 2017-12-06 08:00:00Z 0

2017 Mad Money Raffle Winners

Posted on Dec 02, 2017
Congratulations to this year's winners of the Mad Money Raffle!  The winning tickets were drawn at the City of Sparks Christmas Tree lighting event at Victorian Square, Friday, December 1st.   
 
Grand Prize: $10,000 - Kristopher Dahir
 
First Prize: $1,000 - Dave De Rosa 
 
Second Prize: Nugget Casino Resort Gift Certificates - Ed Lawson
 
Third Prize: Reno Phil Tickets - Doug Driver
 
Our special thanks to Nevada Blue for providing design and print services for our raffle tickets and to the City of Sparks for allowing us to be a part of the tree lighting event.
 
Thank you to the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, for their generous donation of gift certificates and support of our fundraiser. 
 
Thanks also to the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, for their generous donation of tickets to an upcoming performance of "Star Wars - The Music".  
 
Proceeds from the raffle support several community programs, including Kids Free Fishing Day, Rotary Youth Exchange, Sparks Police Explorers, Rotary Eighth Grade Leadership Program, Lloyd Diedrichsen and Lincoln Park Elementary Schools, Sparks Rotary Third Grade Dictionary Program, Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening and the Sparks Rotary Scholarship Program.
2017 Mad Money Raffle Winners 2017-12-02 08:00:00Z 0
November 29, 2017 Program: Brian Crane, "Pickles" Comic Strip Creator and Author 2017-11-26 08:00:00Z 0

November 15, 2017 Program: Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Marily Mora, President and CEO and Dean Schultz, EVP and COO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority will present this week’s program.  Ms. Mora will discuss the economic impact and general operations of the Reno- Tahoe International Airport (RNO), and the Reno- Stead Airport (RTS).  Mr. Schultz will present on the master plan for the future of our airport. 
November 15, 2017 Program: Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority 2017-11-14 08:00:00Z 0
November 1, 2017 Program: Noreen Leary, Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Guest House 2017-11-01 07:00:00Z 0
October 25, 2017 Program: Stacy Ward and Jolene Dalluhn | The Opiod Crisis 2017-10-25 07:00:00Z 0

October 18, 2017 Program: Joey B. Walker | Shots Fired: Surviving an Active Shooter/Assailant

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As the owner of Leading Edge Threat Mitigation, Joey Walker provides real world tactical and technical information on how to mitigate any number of threats from Active Shooter Defense, Protection against Stalkers and Self Defense courses for Civilian and Law Enforcement personnel. Joey utilizes his expertise as a 9th Degree Black Belt in the Martial Arts with two World Karate Championships to formulate techniques that are practical, easy and effective against violent assailants. Joey is also the author of two books: “Self- Defense Tactics and Techniques” and his most recently released book “Shots Fired” Surviving an Active Shooter/Assailant. His latest book was created to help organizations and the average individual who may find themselves being attacked by a terrorist or an offender bent on death and destruction.  Mr. Walker has appeared on numerous local radio and television appearances covering threat mitigation strategies from Stalking, Workplace Violence and the defense of an Active Shooter/Assailant. 
 
October 18, 2017 Program: Joey B. Walker | Shots Fired: Surviving an Active Shooter/Assailant 2017-10-18 07:00:00Z 0

October 11, 2017 Program: Lt. Colonel Bill Conrad (Retired), America's Longest War

Lt. Colonel Bill Conrad served in Afghanistan several times, including two tours as an Army Lt. Colonel Civil Affairs officer, and another two tours as a DOD civil servant (GS-15) with both the French Army and with coalition forces at the ISAF Joint Command headquarters in Kabul. Conrad travels internationally with his program entitled, "President Trump Inherits America’s Longest War and Why His Policy Direction is the Best Option Now for the U.S. to Pursue".
October 11, 2017 Program: Lt. Colonel Bill Conrad (Retired), America's Longest War 2017-10-11 07:00:00Z 0

October 4, 2017 Program: Wildland Fire Season in the Truckee Meadows

Alex Kukulus, battalion chief with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, will discuss the wildland fire season in the Truckee Meadows. Alex began his public safety career with the Sierra Fire Protection District and has served as a fire equipment operator and captain before being promoted to battalion chief.  Alex earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management at the University of Nevada, Reno. 
October 4, 2017 Program: Wildland Fire Season in the Truckee Meadows 2017-10-03 07:00:00Z 0

September 27, 2017 Program: David Crumbley, Bridges Out of Poverty

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Our speaker for this week's meeting is David Crumbley, immediate Past President of  Reno Central Rotary. David will be making a presentation on the Bridges Out of Poverty Program, a Rotary sponsored Getting Ahead Alliance. Within the Bridges initiative is a class called "Getting Ahead" designed to help those living in poverty create a plan for becoming self-sufficient. David will introduce us to a couple of Getting Ahead graduates ,who will share their pathways out of poverty through the program, and an overall view of how the program is making a difference in our community.
 
September 27, 2017 Program: David Crumbley, Bridges Out of Poverty 2017-09-25 07:00:00Z 0

September 20, 2017 Program: Dr. Karin Hilgersom, The Nevada Promise Scholarship

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TMCC is excited to be part of the newly created program established by the Nevada Legislature this year, the Nevada Promise Scholarship provides last-dollar financial aid to Nevada students attending any of the state’s four community colleges, including Truckee Meadows Community College.  In order to be considered for an award, interested students must, by established deadlines, complete the Nevada Promise Scholarship application, apply for admission to TMCC, file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), work with mentors and perform 20 hours of community service.  TMCC is actively seeking mentors who would be willing to meet with students once per semester to help them plan for and be successful in college.
September 20, 2017 Program: Dr. Karin Hilgersom, The Nevada Promise Scholarship 2017-09-20 07:00:00Z 0

September 13, 2017 Program: District 5190 Governor Doug McDonald

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At this luncheon, we will be hearing from our very own Rotary District 5190 Governor Doug McDonald from the Rotary Club of Penn Valley. We welcome him and his wife Karen and look forward to his visit, during which, he will make awards presentations to three of our members.  We should also all come away from Doug's presentation prouder than ever to be Rotarians, while our guests will gain a greater understanding of why we are Rotarians and the value of the work of Rotary.
September 13, 2017 Program: District 5190 Governor Doug McDonald 2017-09-12 07:00:00Z 0

September 6, 2017 Program: North Korea | Diplomatic and Military Challenges

Our program this week will be led by John Scire, MBA, Ph.D and former Nevada Assemblyman Pat Hickey.  Mr. Hickey will discuss diplomatic and foreign policy while Dr. Scire will discuss military options.

 

John Scire has a Ph.D. in International Relations and has taught U.S. Foreign Policy and other courses for over 20 years as an adjunct professor at UNR and elsewhere. He also has 30 years of military experience including 12 years in the Marine Corps as an active duty infantry officer, service in Vietnam and 15 years in the Army Reserve in Psychological Warfare units, with frequent deployments to South Korea. 

 

Pat Hickey is a former Nevada Assemblyman and serves as Honorary Counsel for the Republic of Korea.  He is an Adjunct Professor of Political Science.  Mr. Hickey also led a group including Governor Sandoval on a Trade Mission to South Korea.

 

September 6, 2017 Program: North Korea | Diplomatic and Military Challenges 2017-09-05 07:00:00Z 0

August 30, 2017 Program: Nathan Chellman | Hydrology and Glacier Ice Studies

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Nathan Chellman currently is working towards his Ph.D. in Hydrology at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Reno. Nathan went to high school in Reno before getting his undergrad degree in Biology/Geology at Brown University. After completing his undergrad, Nathan finished his Master’s in Hydrology at DRI and UNR in 2016. At DRI, Nathan works with Dr. Joe McConnell, whose lab group specializes in ice core, snow, and paleoclimate research. Nathan’s fieldwork has taken him from the Rocky Mountains to Greenland, studying ice core records of pollution and climate. His talk will give an overview of how ice cores from glaciers and ice sheets are collected and analyzed as well as what information is preserved in the ice.
August 30, 2017 Program: Nathan Chellman | Hydrology and Glacier Ice Studies 2017-08-28 07:00:00Z 0

August 23, 2017 Program: Albert R. Lee

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Originally from New Haven, CT, Albert R. Lee is Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at the University of Nevada, Reno. With degrees from the University of Connecticut, The Juilliard School, and Florida State University, he has made a career as a classical vocalist in opera, oratorio, recital, and liturgical music. Dr. Lee is a featured soloist on a recording of works by composer, George Walker on Albany Records singing musical settings of the Walt Whitman poem “When lilacs last in dooryard bloomed,” a poem written as an elegy to Abraham Lincoln after his assassination. Since joining the faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno, he has been a sought after guest lecturer for courses in the English Department and the School of the Arts, as well as for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, for the Black Cultural Cooperative and most recently at UNR’s TEDx event. He has given the faculty keynote address for the university’s cultural graduation celebrations and most recently at the university’s 2016-2017 opening ceremony.  Dr. Lee draws inspiration from the literary works of Langston Hughes as well as his unique artistic, spiritual, and personal journey from childhood to his current life as an international performer and college professor.
 
August 23, 2017 Program: Albert R. Lee 2017-08-21 07:00:00Z 0

August 16, 2017 Program: Kent Young, "Visualization"

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Kent Young brings more than twenty seven years of gaming industry expertise and strategic marketing acumen to Spin Games, LLC.  Established in 2012, Kent is the CEO and Owner of Spin Games LLC.  Spin specializes in disruptive innovative smart solution technology, proven winning gaming content and concepts with an emphasis on gaming technology, such as the ROCTM RGS, and slot games for mobile, land-based, interactive fore-wager and social segments. Spin currently serves customers in USA, Europe and Asia.  The company invests heavily in intellectual property and works under contract with many slot machine manufacturers.
August 16, 2017 Program: Kent Young, "Visualization" 2017-08-16 07:00:00Z 0

August 9, 2017 Program: Rhonda Faith Shen

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Rhonda Faith Shen, lead vocalist, violinist and percussionist with the band Route 66, is originally from Bremerton, Washington.  She left a counseling position at Bates Technical College in Tacoma and moved to Reno to follow her dream of singing in a band.  In addition to performing with Route 66, you might also see her singing with the Sierra Swing Big Band or Music to the Max, a DJ/Karaoke business she runs with her husband, Max.  Although her degree is in education, she has dabbled in theater, both in Tacoma and in Reno.  Her six grandchildren now refer to her as the "Rock 'N Roll Grandma".
August 9, 2017 Program: Rhonda Faith Shen 2017-08-09 07:00:00Z 0

August 2, 2017 Program: Pawl Hollis, Rail City Garden Center | Native Pollinators

Pawl Hollis, owner of Rail City Garden Center, will discuss native pollinators in Nevada.  Locally owned and operated since 1996, Rail City Garden Center has the most unique nursery experience in Northern Nevada.  Rail City Garden Center provides arborist services, landscaping, water features and snow removal.   They have specialists in the areas of water features, trees and shrubs, flowers, watering systems, lawns, and aquatic animals who work as a team to design and build fantastic landscapes and aquatic environments that enhance the homes and businesses where they are installed. They serve a wide variety of residential clients, many of the leading commercial and property management companies, real estate developers, contractors, and golf courses.  Rail City Garden Center currently services over 40 locations in the Reno/Sparks/Carson City area.
August 2, 2017 Program: Pawl Hollis, Rail City Garden Center | Native Pollinators 2017-07-31 07:00:00Z 0

July 26, 2017 Program: Aaron West, CEO | Nevada Builders Alliance

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Aaron West has served as CEO of the Nevada Builders Alliance since June 2014. In his role as CEO, West is responsible for all areas of budget development, marketing, membership development and government affairs. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to become the largest statewide construction industry organization and is known to be the voice of the industry.
July 26, 2017 Program: Aaron West, CEO | Nevada Builders Alliance 2017-07-20 07:00:00Z 0
July 19, 2017 Program: Rotary Youth Exchange - Adventures and Enrichment in Argentina 2017-07-18 07:00:00Z 0
June 21, 2017 Program: JJ Harrison, Rodeo Clown 2017-06-21 07:00:00Z 0

May 31, 2017 Program: Terri Cooper, Vice President of Sales, Switch

Terri Cooper is the Vice President of Sales at Switch.  Terri relocated to Reno, Nevada in 2016 to lead Sales for the Switch Citadel Campus. Terri leverages her background in application development, infrastructure and data center operations at multi-national corporations to help her clients develop their data center strategy and leverage the capabilities of the Switch ecosystem.   Her extensive experience in running data center migrations of all sizes enables her to assist her clients in the planning the move of their mission critical systems to Switch.  

 

May 31, 2017 Program: Terri Cooper, Vice President of Sales, Switch 2017-05-30 07:00:00Z 0

April 12, 2017 Program: Annual Youth Instrumental Music Contest

Posted on Apr 12, 2017
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The Rotary District 5190 Annual Youth Instrumental Music Contest provides a chance for participants to win $1,000 for a 3-8 minute performance if they reach and win the district contest.  Participants begin at the club-level and winners advance to area contests before the district contest participants are chosen.
 
Sparks Rotary will hold its club-level music contest on April 12, 2017.  The district contest will be held at the District Conference at 2:30 P.M. Saturday on May 20, 2017 at The Atlantis, Reno.
 
The contest is open to area high school students (including home schooled students) 14 to 18 years old. Area and District participants must be sponsored by a District 5190 Rotary Club.  Participants are judged based on musical ability, musical sound, stage presence, musical selection and musical empathy.
 
Youth Service has long held a high priority in Rotary, and by organizing club, area, and district music contests, we serve our young musical talent in this district! We provide the financial motivation of prize money and venues for musical competition.
April 12, 2017 Program: Annual Youth Instrumental Music Contest 2017-04-12 07:00:00Z 0

2017 Maison T Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp

Posted on Apr 05, 2017
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The Maison T Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp is now accepting camper applications and volunteer interest forms for the 2017 camp. For more information and to apply go to their website: www.mtoyouthoutdoorskills.com.
 
Founded in 2011, The Maison T Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp is a two-and-a-half-day event near Pyramid Lake designed to immerse youths in outdoor skills training and a fun overnight camping experience. The camp is limited to 11-14 year old girls and boys. Our primary recruiting focus is youths who may not have opportunities to experience Nevada’s outdoors, but we also have a camper classification called “Youth Ambassador,” which allows a limited number of campers who have previous experience to bring a friend with little or no experience
2017 Maison T Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp 2017-04-05 07:00:00Z 0

April 5, 2017 Program: Kids Free Fishing Day

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We will go through the history of the event showing how far this event has come over the last 15 years.  We will hear from several of the founding members of the event and what they had to do starting out and what made the event what it is today.  We will share old photos and have some fun with the club with some blasts from the past.  We will also share some detail around the monies used for the event and the sponsors that support us. 
April 5, 2017 Program: Kids Free Fishing Day 2017-04-04 07:00:00Z 0

March 22, 2017 Program: Arlan D. Melendez, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Chairman

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Arlan D. Melendez is the chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, a position he has held for over 25 years. His uninterrupted leadership is unprecedented in Indian Country, as are his appointments to federal, state and tribal government posts.
 
A U.S. Armed Forces veteran, Melendez served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era and is a Selective Service local board member. He graduated from Truckee Meadows Community College and attended the University of Nevada.
March 22, 2017 Program: Arlan D. Melendez, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Chairman 2017-03-21 07:00:00Z 0

March 15, 2017 Program: Julia Picetti, The Ridge House

Posted on Mar 15, 2017
Julia Picetti is a Reno native, she has a blended family with her husband Dan Tilzey along with 5 beautiful children. Since the death of her oldest, Jane Aubrey, from a heroine overdose, Julia has dedicated her life towards educating our community by having the conversation about addiction and how it is possible for recovery. Julia works as the Project Manager for the non profit Ridge House, which is a recovery oriented system of care that provides comprehensive residential and outpatient assistance for individuals struggling with addiction.
March 15, 2017 Program: Julia Picetti, The Ridge House 2017-03-15 07:00:00Z 0

March 8, 2017 Program: Steven Solomon, The Rotary Foundation

Posted on Mar 08, 2017
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Steven will be speaking about his life-changing experience as a Rotary Scholar in Durban, South Africa.  He will share some of the experiences, relationships built and global opportunities that originated with his scholarship. Steven is living proof that giving to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund produces universal prosperity.  Come hear about the return on our Foundation investment from this dynamic presentation from this Rotary beneficiary and now staff member at the world headquarters of Rotary International.
March 8, 2017 Program: Steven Solomon, The Rotary Foundation 2017-03-08 08:00:00Z 0

March 1, 2017 Program: Achievement Beyond Obstacles

Judge Scott Pearson will be introducing 11 of the 33 Washoe County High School students nominated to receive scholarships from the Rotary Achievement Beyond Obstacles Program.  The students will be telling their stories to the club members and guests.

The purpose of the ABO program is to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have triumphed over hardships and demonstrated academic success, personal leadership and courage.  During their senior year the students attend a 16-hour leadership workshop conducted by Dean and Rochelle Whellams. Although the workshop is based on the RYLA program, it is customized to address the challenges and hardships that these scholarship nominees have overcome. These students are offered opportunities through the ABO program such a Financial workshop, and Mentoring throughout the school year and continue that personal help even after they graduate High School and move on to College.  The ABO program offers scholarship money to previous winners that reapply and have met ABO criteria.

All 33 students will be judged by an ABO committee on their presentations and preparation for continuing their education.  This is a very difficult task but necessary since ABO is not financially able to award scholarships to all 33 students.

Scholarship recipients will be honored at an Awards Dinner held in April at the Atlantis where they will be celebrated for their achievements.

 

March 1, 2017 Program: Achievement Beyond Obstacles 2017-02-28 08:00:00Z 0
February 15, 2017 Program: Sparks Police Dept. K-9 Unit 2017-02-13 08:00:00Z 0
February 8, 2017: Valentine's Day Program 2017-02-06 08:00:00Z 0
February 1, 2017 Program: KTVN Channel 2 Chief Meteorologist Mike Alger 2017-01-30 08:00:00Z 0
January 25, 2017 Program: Nevada Legislative Discussion 2017-01-25 08:00:00Z 0
January 18, 2017 Program: Debbie Strickland, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation 2017-01-18 08:00:00Z 0
January 11, 2017 Program: Enhancing Your Financial Well-Being | Educational Panel 2017-01-09 08:00:00Z 0
January 4, 2017 Program: Club Assemly 2017-01-03 08:00:00Z 0

December 28, 2016 Program: Ross Mitchell, Year in Review

Ross Mitchell, co-host of Reno's Morning News on KOH 780 AM and president-elect of the Rotary Club of Sparks, will provide a review of the year's news.  Stories of interest wil be expounded upon, rehashed and perhaps embellished a bit.  Join us for an entertaining walk-through the year that was, well, 2016!
December 28, 2016 Program: Ross Mitchell, Year in Review 2016-12-27 08:00:00Z 0
December 14, 2016 Program: Carson Morris and Bethany Sheridan, The Downing Counseling Clinic 2016-12-14 08:00:00Z 0
November 16, 2016 Program: Lt. Col. (Ret) Warren Rapp | Drones and Their Evolving Applications 2016-11-15 08:00:00Z 0

November 9, 2016 Program: Career Coaching & The Rotary Foundation

This week’s November 9th Sparks Rotary lunch meeting will be held in the Bonanza Room located on the second floor.  This meeting will be held in conjunction with our Career Coaching Day.  In addition, we will be hearing from our very own Christina Schlosser, who will be discussing the benefits of The Rotary Foundation.

 

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

The Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives. Your club or district can apply for grants from the Foundation to invest in projects and provide scholarships. The Foundation also leads the charge on worldwide Rotary campaigns such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Rotarians and friends of Rotary support the Foundation’s work through voluntary contributions.

November 9, 2016 Program: Career Coaching & The Rotary Foundation 2016-11-09 08:00:00Z 0

November 2, 2016 Program: Promoting Nevada Tourism Across the State and Around the World

Claudia Vecchio, Director of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs for TravelNevada, will discuss her organization's efforts to promote Nevada tourism
 
TravelNevada, in partnership with statewide tourism industry entities, engages in a robust integrated marketing campaign that promotes Nevada to leisure travelers from across the country and around the world.  This presentation provides an overview of the strategic approach and tactical advertising, sales, public affairs and media relations programs administered by TravelNevada and the impact on state revenue.
November 2, 2016 Program: Promoting Nevada Tourism Across the State and Around the World 2016-11-02 07:00:00Z 0

2016 Mad Money Raffle Winners

The Mad Money Raffle was held on Saturday, October 29 at Great Basin on Victorian Avenue.   

 

Congratulations to this year's winners of the Rotary Club of Sparks Mad Money Raffle!

$10,000 Grand Prize: Bert Hartmann
$1,000 First Prize: Jim Cryan
$500 Second Prize: Mark Miller
$250 Third Prize: Peterson Wealth Management

Thanks to everyone for your support. The funds from this raffle support many programs that benefit our local communities including Kids Free Fishing Day, 3rd Grade Dictionary Program, Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) and the Rotary Eighth Grade Leadership Program (REGL).

2016 Mad Money Raffle Winners 2016-11-01 07:00:00Z 0

October 26, 2016 Program: Dr. Carina A. Black, Ph.D. | Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC)

The Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno.  NNIC has been hosting international visitors through the US Department of State and USAID for almost four decades.  Today, NNIC hosts about 500 visitors per year on a dozen different programs, from youth to high-level government officials.  NNIC also operates a language bank which offers translation and interpretation services in over 30 languages, and starting this year, NNIC began serving as a refugee resettlement agency.

 

To date NNIC, has resettled six families from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria.  The families are adjusting quite well and all children are currently attending Washoe County schools.  Two of the six families are also working at Fedex and Kimmie Candy.  Refugee resettlement in the United States differs significantly from what we see on television about migrants and refugees in Europe.   In the US, the goal of resettlement is self-sufficiency as quickly as possible and NNIC expects all refugees to work within a two to three month period after arrival.

 

A native of Argentina and a citizen of Switzerland and the US, Carina Black has lived in the United States since 1988. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1997 in Comparative Politics. She is the first Executive Director of the Northern Nevada International Center, an organization that manages public diplomacy programs with funding from the US Department of State and USAID.  Most recently, Black initiated a new project to resettle refugees in Northern Nevada.

 

As a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno, Dr. Black has taught courses in global studies, world politics, comparative politics, democratization, international organizations and Latin American politics. She has also been actively involved in international education for the local community, and support programs for minority groups.  Dr. Black is the mother of four children and is fluent in four languages.

 

October 26, 2016 Program: Dr. Carina A. Black, Ph.D. | Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) 2016-10-24 07:00:00Z 0

October 12, 2016 Program: Mark Sterbens, General Manager of Marnell Gaming

Mark Sterbens will provide an overview of the Marnell Gaming LLC acquisition of the Nugget earlier this year along with current and future plans for the property.

 

Mark is a native of Las Vegas and graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1991 and from Pepperdine University in California in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Graziado School of Business.

 

Mark has worked for many major casinos in Las Vegas including the Rivera, the Rio, MGM Grand, the Luxor and the Mirage. In 2002 he was named Director of Marketing for Herbst Gaming and served in that capacity through 2008 with the responsibility to market eight properties in three states—five in Nevada, two in Missouri and one in Iowa.

 

Mark joined Marnell Gaming in January 2009 as Vice President of Marketing for Colorado Belle and Edgewater Casino Resorts in Laughlin, Nevada. During his tenure he was promoted to VP of Casino Operations and Food & Beverage operations and in August 2013 to Assistant General Manager. Mark has been responsible for marketing and management of massive departments at both properties, building teams to manage gaming, food & beverage, marketing and entertainment. He has instituted a number of programs designed to improve efficiencies, reduce expenses, update technology and recognize and promote staff internally.

 

Over the course of his tenure in Laughlin, Mark has been instrumental in supervising the construction and operation of the two most successful new entertainment venues in Laughlin, the Edgewater E Center and the outdoor multi-purpose 10,000 seat Laughlin Event Center. The two venues have brought headline entertainment to Laughlin and generated millions of dollars in revenue citywide.

October 12, 2016 Program: Mark Sterbens, General Manager of Marnell Gaming 2016-10-12 07:00:00Z 0

October 5, 2016 Program: "Question 2--What it is and what it isn't" (the Recreational Marijuana Initiative)

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Jim Hartman has been a licensed California Attorney for 40 years. He has resided in Genoa, Nevada since 2013 and is President of Nevadans for Responsible Drug Policy, an IRS qualified 501 (c) (4) non-profit corporation.  NRDP has a stated purpose of informing and educating Nevadans on current drug policy issues.

After graduating from law school, Mr. Hartman served for 13 years as Legal Counsel and Vice-President-Administration of Up-Right, Inc., a Berkeley, California-based international manufacture of work platforms and grape harvesting equipment. During that time, he was a member of the Berkeley Rotary Club as well a director of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and Alameda County Taxpayers' Association.

Beginning in 1992, Mr. Hartman had a 23 year association with the law firm of Glaspy & Glaspy in Walnut Creek, California where he specialized in civil litigation on behalf of defendants. Jim and his wife Mary retired in 2013 from full time employment and relocated from the Bay Area for long contemplated retirement in Genoa.
 
Jim currently serves as the president of Nevadans for Responsible Drug Policy.
October 5, 2016 Program: "Question 2--What it is and what it isn't" (the Recreational Marijuana Initiative) 2016-10-03 07:00:00Z 0

September 21, 2016 Program: Project HELP Nevada

Sandra Lee and Lisa Moore founded Project HELP Nevada in September of 2015.  Both Sandra and Lisa have provided wrap around services, such as Case Management, Life Skills, Parenting, Drug Testing, and Sober living housing to Northern Nevada’s Specialty Courts and Washoe County Social Services since 2003.    Sandra and Lisa quickly realized very distinct patterns and commonalities of individuals engaged in these criminal justice programs.  Project HELP Nevada was founded to provide resources to individuals with behavior issues caused from addiction before these individuals enter our criminal justice system.  Project HELP fills a gap in services to the northern Nevada community with a goal of preventing further damage to the individual, their minor children and our community.
September 21, 2016 Program: Project HELP Nevada Brandon Lewis 2016-09-21 07:00:00Z 0

September 14, 2016 Program: Dr. Karin Hilgersom, President, Truckee Meadows Community College

Dr. Karin Hilgersom became President of Truckee Meadows Community College in June 2016. She most recently served as the president of Sullivan County Community College, SUNY Sullivan, in Loch Sheldrake, New York. She previously served as the executive vice president for Walla Walla Community College and for Central Oregon Community College. She earned her doctorate in Educational Policy and Management, and her Masters in Rhetoric and Communication at the University of Oregon.
 
Dr. Hilgersom began her community college career as a faculty member in 1986, which included experience as full-time faculty, department chair of Communication Studies, and dean of Arts and Sciences at Spokane Community College. She has taught thousands of students in numerous professional technical, health careers, and transfer majors. Her management experience has included the supervision of academic programs, executive teams, tutoring centers, community and extended learning, small business development centers, libraries, distance learning, and campus IT.
September 14, 2016 Program: Dr. Karin Hilgersom, President, Truckee Meadows Community College 2016-09-14 07:00:00Z 0

September 7, 2016 Program: Marshall S. Cook, M.D. | It Happened in Shanksville

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Marshall S. Cook, M.D. will provide a moving and patriotic program about the 9/11 memorial for Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, with help from his sister and Sparks Rotarian Sally Oliver’s cousin, Sydnay Bowersox.  The Reed High Color Guard will present the colors.  Sparks Rotarian Clark Kent will perform several patriotic songs leading into the program.
 
Come join us as we remember the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy and learn about the memorial for Flight 93.
September 7, 2016 Program: Marshall S. Cook, M.D. | It Happened in Shanksville Brandon Lewis 2016-09-07 07:00:00Z 0
August 31, 2016 Program: District Governor John Sullivan 2016-08-29 07:00:00Z 0
August 24, 2016 Program: Past President Randy Rascati, Rotary Photo Journal 2016-08-17 07:00:00Z 0

August 17, 2016 Program: Steve Cerocke | The Talent Rush

Steve Cerocke, President of IQ Technology Solutions, will discuss the challenges and opportunities for Reno/Sparks employers as new companies compete for talent and our area continues to grow economically.

 

IQ Technology Solutions is a Nevada based company with headquarters in Reno and a branch office in Las Vegas.  They focus on outsourced IT management and technology infrastructure services using a mature Managed Service Provider (MSP) model that provides organizations with increased reliability for critical IT resources, and increased productivity for staff.  They do this by positioning an industry standard IT service management framework coupled with the latest technology automation services and a dedicated team of industry professionals.

 

Steve founded IQ Technology Solutions in 1993 with the goal of providing professional technical services and IT resources to business, government and educational organizations. As a native Nevadan Steve grew up in Carson City, attended the University of Nevada Reno and is married to Diane, his wife of 35 years. Steve’s background includes 29 years in IT as well as founding and running 2 other businesses including a franchise IT training organization that was successfully started and sold. Steve is a regular contributor to the Reno Gazette Journal, donates time to several non-profit boards and committees and is on the Board of Directors for the Reno Chamber of Commerce.

 

August 17, 2016 Program: Steve Cerocke | The Talent Rush 2016-08-16 07:00:00Z 0

August 10, 2016 Program: Patti Meals, CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada

Sparks Rotarian Patti Meals is the Executive Director of CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada.  CARE Chest is a is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides free medical equipment, supplies, prescription assistance and wellness education to Northern Nevadans in need.
 

For more than 25 years, CARE Chest has been re-using durable medical equipment, putting our community's resources into action. They have provided over 127,000 individual services in Northern Nevada and been a reliable resource for individuals who find themselves facing medical poverty.

CARE Chest is a  community-driven organization. Over 85% of  funding is private, and 100% of donations stay in Nevada. 

Learn more at www.carechest.org

 

August 10, 2016 Program: Patti Meals, CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada 2016-08-09 07:00:00Z 0

August 3, 2016 Program: Selena Campana, RYE Brazil Experience

Selena Campana was one of 20 Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students from District 5190 last year and spent her time in Brazil.  She will share about her experiences during that time.
 
Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity for young people who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full year as an international student hosted by local Rotary clubs.
 
August 3, 2016 Program: Selena Campana, RYE Brazil Experience 2016-08-01 07:00:00Z 0

July 27, 2016 Program: Shane Wickes

Shane Wickes is a senior at the University of Nevada majoring in finance and economics. He is also an assistant football coach at Reed High School in Reno, Nevada.  According to a recent article in the Reno-Gazette Journal, Shane graduated from McQueen High School in 2012 and then went to Boise State before a knee injury ended his playing career.  Shane coached at McQueen for three seasons, and is now coaching linemen at Reed High School, the five-time defending Northern Region champion. 
 
Shane will discuss his personal experiences as a gay athlete and coach and the work he is doing to help raise awareness and support in the athletic community. He will be introduced by Ernie Howren, who is the head football coach at Reed High School.
July 27, 2016 Program: Shane Wickes 2016-07-25 07:00:00Z 0

July 20, 2016 Program: Alex Plummer, Rotary Peace Fellowships

Alex Plummer was chosen by District 5190 last year to receive a Peace fellowship from the Rotary Foundation.   She was notified last November and has been working this long to start her journey.  She is on her way to Japan to study at the International Christian University in Japan to gain a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.  Her initial desire to work in the field of peace and conflict resolution traces back to her childhood when she grew up in South Africa.  Her childhood was a stark realization of separation and vast disparities of wealth and opportunity.
July 20, 2016 Program: Alex Plummer, Rotary Peace Fellowships 2016-07-19 07:00:00Z 0

July 13, 2016 Program: Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

Tim Heydon is a 15 year Sparks Rotarian and Past President of Sparks Rotary (2012/13).  After graduating from the University of Nevada Reno, he spent 25 years with Clark and Sullivan Construction ending up as Vice President of Operations. Through real estate investing he was able to semi-retire in 2006, and now keeps busy with various receivership appointments or consulting roles.  He is currently is a consultant on the Tesla Gigafactory and holds the building construction license for the project.  The 2015 volume made it the 70th largest Design Build firm in the world.
 
Tim also sits on the board for ACE Charter High School, and is on the Advisory Board for the University’s College of Engineering.  He has 4 kids, 3 of which will be attending the University this year, with the 4th  having graduated last year.
 
Tim is a world traveler having visited 64 countries, the latest being Tanzania where he climbed Mt Kilimanjaro which he will talk about today.
 
July 13, 2016 Program: Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro 2016-07-13 07:00:00Z 0

July 6, 2016 Program: President Brandy Rosse

President Brandy will discuss the exciting plans in store for the new Rotary year.   The first meeting of the Rotary year is important as new Rotary Presidents worldwide share their vision and goals for their individual clubs.  We are looking forward to another great year under President Brandy's leadership with your support!
July 6, 2016 Program: President Brandy Rosse 2016-07-05 07:00:00Z 0

June 22, 2016 Program: O.C. Gillham

O.C. Gillham is a corporate entertainer, motivational speaker and comedian. He has performed stand-up routines more than 200 times at Catch a Rising Star, the Silver Legacy, the Pioneer Underground and the Knitting Factory.  In addition to performing, O.C. is active in the local community, serving as a docent in the Nevada Museum of Art, volunteers for the Chamber of Commerce and hosting events for Reno's Breakthrough Network. Born and raised in in Arkansas, O.C. has lived in the Reno-Sparks area since the late 1960's

June 22, 2016 Program: O.C. Gillham 2016-06-20 07:00:00Z 0

June 15, 2016 Program: Ethics for Success and Fulfillment

Ethical interactions and decisions has been a key value of Rotary since it's inception. This presentation by Sparks Rotarian Brian Foote will explore historic and modern perspectives of ethics, common ethical paradigms and guidelines, motivations to being more ethical, avoiding common ethical pitfalls, and why good ethics are critical for our personal and professional fulfillment and long-term success.
June 15, 2016 Program: Ethics for Success and Fulfillment 2016-06-14 07:00:00Z 0
June 8, 2016: Traci Davis, Superintendent of Washoe County School District 2016-06-08 07:00:00Z 0

June 1, 2015 Program: C.J. Hadley / RANGE Magazine

C.J. Hadley has been called an “unsung heroine of the West.” Another journalist wrote: “Not even Clint Eastwood with both guns drawn can disarm people quicker than CJ, with her charm and zeal for cowboy culture—a person so wholeheartedly devoted to a cause that she’ll overcome any hardship, meet any challenge...and infect anyone standing too close with the same enthusiasm.”
 
June 1, 2015 Program: C.J. Hadley / RANGE Magazine 2016-06-01 07:00:00Z 0

May 25, 2016 Meeting @ Reno Aces/Greater Nevada Field

This week's meeting will be held at Greater Nevada Field, home of the Reno Aces.  Eric Edelstein, General Manager of the Reno Aces, and Richard Jay, will discuss how the Reno Aces will be sharing the ballpark with the new professional United Soccer League club, the Reno 1868 Football Club.
 
The Reno Aces, part of the Pacific Coast League (North Division) and Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been playing in Reno since 2009.
 
The Reno 1868 Football Club, which is preparing for its inaugural season in 2017, recently announced its team colors of Nevada Cobalt Blue, light gold and silver grey.  It is the only active American soccer team to use the founding year of its home city.
May 25, 2016 Meeting @ Reno Aces/Greater Nevada Field 2016-05-25 07:00:00Z 0

April 20, 2016 Program: Youth Instrumental Music Contest

The Rotary District 5190 Annual Youth Instrumental Music Contest provides a chance for participants to win $1,000 for a 3-8 minute performance if they reach and win the district contest.  Participants begin at the club-level and winners advance to area contests before the district participants are chosen.

 

Sparks Rotary will hold its club-level music contest on April 20, 2016.  The final contest will be held at the District 5190 Conference in May.  Information regarding the music contest is available through the District website at www.rotarydistrict5190.org.

 

The contest is open to area high school students (including home schooled students) 14 to 18 years old. Area and District participants must be sponsored by a District 5190 Rotary Club.  Participants are judged based on musical ability, musical sound, stage presence, musical selection and musical empathy.

 

Youth Service has long held a high priority in Rotary, and by organizing club, area, and district music contests, we serve our young musical talent in this district! We provide the financial motivation of prize money and venues for musical competition.

April 20, 2016 Program: Youth Instrumental Music Contest 2016-04-20 07:00:00Z 0

April 13, 2016 Program: Area 8 Speech Contest

“What it means to Be a Gift to the World, personally, and in my own words" is the theme for the 2016 District 5190 Speech Contest.


Sparks Rotary will host the Area 8 contest for participating students on April 13, 2016. The winner has the opportunity to advance to the  District level contest on May 14 . All speech documents and information are available through the District website at www.rotarydistrict5190.org.


The speech contest provides an exceptional opportunity for the young people in our community. Each year talented students demonstrate their speaking skills in front of Rotarians, guests and families …it is amazing to watch! Again, this year we will be providing students an opportunity to display their talent.

Each speaker will be introduced by number only with no mention of names or school affiliation until all contestants have given their speeches. Please hold your applause between speakers so that judges are not influenced by the audience, and that there will be silence between speakers to allow the judges an opportunity to rate the speakers.

April 13, 2016 Program: Area 8 Speech Contest 2016-04-11 07:00:00Z 0

April 6, 2016 Program: Member Vocational Program

President Volker will provide an opportunity for members to share about their vocational service.   The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the Second Object, which calls on Rotarians to “encourage and foster”:
 
  • High ethical standards in business and professions

  • The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations

  • The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society

 
April 6, 2016 Program: Member Vocational Program 2016-04-05 07:00:00Z 0

March 30, 2016 Program: Secret Witness

Secret Witness is a private non-profit organization of concerned citizens dedicated to solving crimes and improving public safety by generating information, not otherwise available, that aids law enforcement in prevention of crime, arresting, and prosecuting suspects. The identity of secret witnesses shall remain protected and anonymous. Qualified secret witnesses will be rewarded for their information. 
 
Patrick Pharris and Dave Jenkins will present regarding the organization and the goal to make our community a safer place to live and raise a family.
March 30, 2016 Program: Secret Witness 2016-03-30 07:00:00Z 0

March 23, 2016: Paul A. Thomsen, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada

Paul A. Thomsen became Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada on Oct. 1, 2015. Gov. Brian Sandoval appointed Chairman Thomsen to replace outgoing Commissioner Rebecca Wagner.  Previously, Chairman Thomsen served as Gov. Sandoval’s appointee as the Director of the Governor's Office of Energy. He was selected for that position in September 2013.
March 23, 2016: Paul A. Thomsen, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada 2016-03-23 07:00:00Z 0

March 16, 2016 Program: Achievement Beyond Obstacles

Achievement Beyond Obstacles, the Most Improved Student Scholarship Program, aims to provide support for and award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have triumphed over hardships, demonstrated personal leadership and courage, and yet to show academic improvement.  Counselors from each high school in Washoe County are contacted to select their Most Improved Student(s) from their school.
 
 
Each year, Rotarians and their partners will provide individuals selected as a Most Improved Student, with:
 
– Leadership training and development with a nationally recognized program
– Assistance in understanding what to expect in college, and in completing financial aid applications
– Mentoring in career and life skills
– Recognition for their achievements with a cash prize and an award event
– $1,000 or more 1st year scholarships for at least 5 students to attend vocational school, college or an apprenticeship program
– Continuing scholarships for qualifying students in the second through fourth years of their educational and vocational pursuits
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Rotary Club of Sparks has proudly joined with the Rotary Club of South Reno and Rotary Club of Reno to host a luncheon to honor several students that have received the scholarship award.
 
 
 
March 16, 2016 Program: Achievement Beyond Obstacles 2016-03-16 07:00:00Z 0

March 9, 2016 Program: Club Speech Contest

“What it means to Be a Gift to the World, personally, and in my own words" is the theme for the 2016 District 5190 Speech Contest.

 

Sparks Rotary will host our club competition for participating students on March 9. The winner has the opportunity to advance to the Area and possibly District level contest on May 14. All speech documents and information are available through the District website at www.rotarydistrict5190.org.

 

The speech contest provides an exceptional opportunity for the young people in our community. Each year talented students demonstrate their speaking skills in front of Rotarians, guests and families …it is amazing to watch! Again, this year we will be providing students an opportunity to display their talent.

 

Each speaker will be introduced by number only with no mention of names or school affiliation until all contestants have given their speeches. Please hold your applause between speakers so that judges are not influenced by the audience, and that there will be silence between speakers to allow the judges an opportunity to rate the speakers.

March 9, 2016 Program: Club Speech Contest 2016-03-08 08:00:00Z 0

February 24, 2016 Program: The Pacific Crest Trail Journey

This week's program will focus on what is thought to be the first documented completion of the Pacific Crest Trail in winter.  The trail is approximately 2,650 long and spans from Southern California, traveling through California, Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border.
 
Justin Lichter and Shawn Forry completed the winter trek on March 1, 2015.  Both had already earned the "Triple Crown" of American hiking by completing the Pacific Crest, Appalachian and Continental Divide trails
 
Benjamin Spillman, who produces Sierra Outdoors content for the Reno Gazette-Journal, wrote about their journey in an article on the same day: The joyous, muddy end of an epic Pacific Crest journey.  Before moving to Reno in 2014, Mr. Spillman worked in Las Vegas and Palm Springs, Calif., covering myriad topics from Nevada politics to the environment to Las Vegas tourism.  He was born and raised in the Midwest but moved to California in 2000 and hasn’t looked back.
 
 
 
 
February 24, 2016 Program: The Pacific Crest Trail Journey 2016-02-24 08:00:00Z 0

February 17, 2016 Program: Laura Jackson, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra

Laura Jackson–in her seventh season as music director of the Reno Phil–continues to win praise for her inspiring leadership, innovative programming and passionate community engagement. With the help of first-rate musicians, choir, staff, board members, volunteers and community supporters, Laura captivates audiences and brings local and national recognition to Reno’s premier orchestra.

February 17, 2016 Program: Laura Jackson, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra 2016-02-17 08:00:00Z 0

February 3, 2016 Program: Chas Macquarie: What's Up with Climate Change?

The presentation explores the basic problem of global warming – that too much carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses (GHG) are being put into the atmosphere; talks about some of the consequences if we do not take action soon; notes the effect of inaction on some of Rotary’s international programs; describes one approach to achieving the required GHG reduction goals in a way that is technically feasible, economically affordable, and politically viable; and talks about recent progress in CO2 reduction and the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, which took place in December in Paris.
 
Chas Macquarie is a member, and past president, of the Rotary Club of Carson City and has been a Rotarian for 15 years. He is active in Rotary Youth Exchange at both the club and district levels, and is a past chair of the District RYE Committee. He is a Paul Harris Fellow.
February 3, 2016 Program: Chas Macquarie: What's Up with Climate Change? 2016-02-01 08:00:00Z 0

January 27, 2016 Program: Paul J. Enos, CEO | Nevada Trucking Association

Paul J. Enos is the CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association, which was established in 1932. The Nevada Trucking Association is the preeminent voice for the trucking industry in Nevada and is a 2 time recipient of the Mike Russell Trucking Image Award, a national recognition bestowed by the American Trucking Associations, annually for enhancing the image of the trucking industry. Enos also represents Noble Energy, an international oil and gas company, based in Houston, Texas.
 
 
January 27, 2016 Program: Paul J. Enos, CEO | Nevada Trucking Association 2016-01-27 08:00:00Z 0

January 20, 2016 Program: Sgt. Trey Humphrey, USMC

Trey attended the University of Nevada, Reno from 2001-2005 prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps in 2005.  He served two combat tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.  It was in his final combat deployment in Afghanistan's Sang in Valley that he suffered near fatal injuries after stepping on a pressurize IED while providing assistance to a wounded soldier.
January 20, 2016 Program: Sgt. Trey Humphrey, USMC 2016-01-19 08:00:00Z 0
January 13, 2016 Program: Jerry L. Hall, Uganda Nursing School Bwindi 2016-01-13 08:00:00Z 0

January 6, 2016 Program: Is Reno Prepared for the Next Large Earthquake? Are you prepared?

Dr. Graham M. Kent will discuss the earthquake hazard in and around the Truckee Meadows, with the necessary (and largely ignored) steps of building economic resiliency into our region and ways to stay safe when the ground begins to shift.
 
Dr. Kent is Director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory/ and Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno.
January 6, 2016 Program: Is Reno Prepared for the Next Large Earthquake? Are you prepared? 2016-01-05 08:00:00Z 0

December 30, 2015 Program: Maison T. Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp | Mike Bertoldi

 
MTO-YOSC Logo
 
The Maison T Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp is named in honor and memory of Maison T Ortiz, a 15 year old Galena High School student who tragically died in a snowboarding accident in January of 2011.  Shortly after Maison’s death Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Northern Nevada Chapter of Safari Club International, and The Rotary Club of Sparks, Nevada through the Fred Searles Trust (Founding Sponsors), collaborated with the Ortiz family to organize a Youth Camp to remember Maison and address the glaring need to get more of our youth involved in wildlife related outdoor activities.  Michael Bertoldi has served as the steering committee chairman and camp director for the camp since 2011.
 
December 30, 2015 Program: Maison T. Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp | Mike Bertoldi 2015-12-30 08:00:00Z 0
December 23, 2015 Program: Sparks Rotary Christmas Party 2015-12-23 08:00:00Z 0

Mad Money Raffle Winners 2015

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Mad Money Raffle!
 
3rd Prize $250.00 - Ryan Gilbrech
2nd Prize $500.00 - Bill McAndrews
1st Prize $1,000.00 - Jerry Brooks
Grand Prize $10,000.00 - Sheila Roach
 
Mad Money Raffle Winners 2015 2015-12-07 08:00:00Z 0

December 9, 2015 Program: Career Coaching

Sparks Rotary works conjunction with other Reno and Sparks Rotary clubs, the Washoe County School District and the Education Alliance to provide young students with an opportunity to explore future career opportunities and to motivate and inspire them with potential role models.  Rotarians, who are community leaders in many fields, have coached many community youth between the ages of 11-13 yrs.  According to Bryce Griffith, Director of the Rotary Career Coaching Council, “For most all of these students, this is the first time that anyone outside their immediate family or teachers has ever taken an interest in them and tired to help or guide them in reference to their future".
 
 
December 9, 2015 Program: Career Coaching 2015-12-07 08:00:00Z 0
December 2, 2015 Program: Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb | After Paris, New Strategy Needed 2015-12-02 08:00:00Z 0

November 11, 2015 Veterans Day Program

This week's program will feature presentations by City of Sparks Councilman Ron Smith about the Veterans Memorial on the South East Connector, a representative from the Nevada Air National Guard, followed by a slideshow tribute to our veterans.
 
Also this week, as part of Rotary Foundation month, our own George Summerhill will provide a short presentation on the history of the foundation.
November 11, 2015 Veterans Day Program 2015-11-10 08:00:00Z 0

October 28, 2015 Program: David Walker | The Nevada Museum of Art: A Museum of Ideas

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As Nevada’s oldest cultural institution and only accredited art museum, the Nevada Museum of Art has established an international reputation for its wide range of educational and public program offerings, and original scholarship as expressed through recent exhibitions and publications such as Tahoe: A Visual History; Late Harvest; 36th Star: Nevada’s Journey from Territory to State; and Modernist Maverick: The Architecture of William L. Pereira. Like Reno/Sparks, the Museum is growing in numerous ways and attracting attention, institutional partners, and new financial resources from throughout the country, and world. Hear a special update from David Walker, executive director and CEO of the Nevada Museum of Art who believes that today’s art museums have a responsibility to be creatively and actively engaged with their community, as well as the larger world.
 
Born in Santa Monica, California, Mr. Walker joined the Nevada Museum of Art as executive director and CEO in 2007.  In addition to establishing a new vision and strategic plan for the museum, he launched the museum’s Center for Art + Environment, an internationally-recognized research and archive initiative.
Previously, he served 11 years as the Dean of Public Programs at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.  David received a Bachelor’s Degree from Humboldt State University and did his graduate work at the Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design.  He currently serves on the board of directors for the Burning Man Project.
 
October 28, 2015 Program: David Walker | The Nevada Museum of Art: A Museum of Ideas 2015-10-26 07:00:00Z 0

October 21, 2015 Program: The Nature Conservancy in Nevada

Simon Williams and Chris Sega will join us for lunch to present a brief visual overview of The Nature Conservancy, its work in Nevada and insights into the decade-long restoration project in our backyard on the Truckee River.  The Nature Conservancy is the leading global conservation organization whose mission is to protect the lands and waters all life depends upon.  Simon will share current project highlights and past accomplishments of The Nature Conservancy’s Nevada Chapter, which to date has helped conserve more than 3 million acres of land and protect more than 26 river miles in the Silver State.  Chris will share first-hand project experience and stories from The Nature Conservancy’s efforts in the Truckee watershed, with a focus on the more than 11-mile restoration work on the lower Truckee River. 
 
Simon Williams is the Associate Director of Philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy in Nevada. Chris Sega is the organization's Restoration Projects Manager.
October 21, 2015 Program: The Nature Conservancy in Nevada 2015-10-21 07:00:00Z 0

October 7, 2015 Program: Carl Gerlach | Obama Care: What Happened, Why and What is Next?

Carl has spent over 40 years in the healthcare industry as CEO, CFO, and consultant.  His expertise is business and strategic planning with the objective of improving financial performance of hospitals, clinics, and medical groups. He founded a website which provides access to publicly available data to support market analysis and financial performance benchmarking.  His recent clients have included Tahoe Forest Hospital (Truckee, California), Sonoma Valley Hospital (Sonoma, California), Marin General Hospital (Greenbrae, California), Sutter Health ,and California Department of Managed Health Care. He holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.A. magna cum laude from Occidental College, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

 

October 7, 2015 Program: Carl Gerlach | Obama Care: What Happened, Why and What is Next? 2015-10-05 07:00:00Z 0
September 16, 2015 Program: Club Assembly 2015-09-16 07:00:00Z 0
Tammy Nichols and Tracy Copeland | Organ Donor Awareness 2015-09-08 07:00:00Z 0
August 19, 2015 Program: Doug Knuth | University of Nevada, Reno Athletic Director 2015-08-17 07:00:00Z 0

August 12, 2015 Program: Joe Crowley, Sierra Wellness Connection

Joe Crowley served as president of the University of Nevada, Reno from 1978 to 2001 and member of its faculty since 1966. He is a native of Iowa and holds degrees from the University of Iowa (B.A.), California State University, Fresno (M.A.) and the University of Washington (Ph.D.). He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force (enlisted ranks).
 
After his presidential service, Crowley was appointed Regents Professor, teaching American political and constitutional history. Subsequently, he was interim president at San Jose State University (2003-04) and again in that position at the University of Nevada during 2005-06.
 
Crowley was a member of both the NCAA Council and Presidents Commission and of numerous Association committees. He served a term as president of the NCAA from 1993-95. His publications include the official NCAA centennial history (In the Arena: the NCAA’s First Century, 2006).  
 
Currently retired, Crowley has been married to Joy for 50 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren, all living in Reno. Six of the grandchildren will be attending the University of Nevada in the fall.
 
Crowley is a board member and spokesman for Sierra Wellness Connection, a clean, modern, superior quality, medical cannabis dispensary with a focus on wellness.
 
August 12, 2015 Program: Joe Crowley, Sierra Wellness Connection 2015-08-11 07:00:00Z 0

July 29, 2015 Program: Ted Masseurs, Solar City

Ted Masseurs, Sr. Regional Sales Manager for SolarCity, will discuss the history of solar, how solar works and different options for getting solar energy on your roof.  He will also discuss net metering, the future of solar in Nevada and the Nevada Energy CAP.
July 29, 2015 Program: Ted Masseurs, Solar City 2015-07-28 07:00:00Z 0
July 22, 2015 Program: Bill Hauck, Senior Hydrologist, Truckee Meadows Water Authority 2015-07-21 07:00:00Z 0
July 15, 2015 Program: City of Sparks | Community Challenges and Issues 2015-07-13 07:00:00Z 0

July 8, 2015 Program: | Bobbi Thompson, C.A.E., Airport Manager, Minden-Tahoe Airport

The Minden-Tahoe Airport is very pleased to have been selected to host the USAF Thunderbirds at our 2015 Aviation Roundup. The last time they were able to perform in Northern Nevada was 2008. Each year our air show pays tribute to Veterans and having the Thunderbirds allows us to really elevate that hospitality. Various specialty items for the military will include:
 
•         Special recognition ceremony
•         VFW
•         Honor Flight
•         Veterans Hospitality Reception Tent
•         Ageless Aviation Flights
 
July 8, 2015 Program: | Bobbi Thompson, C.A.E., Airport Manager, Minden-Tahoe Airport 2015-07-07 07:00:00Z 0

May 13, 2015 Program: Eric Sell | Nutrition and Nutrition Literacy in our Culture

Eric Sell has a BS in Exercise and Sport Science and Health Ed., a Master's Degree in Exercise and Sports Science (U. of Utah) with a focus in Pedagogy and Behavior Management. Eric has been a licensed health and physical educator and coordinated the Salt Lake City adapted Physical Education program. He is also a certified strength and conditioning coach and in this capacity has helped people lose weight, rehab injuries, and train for athletic events.
 
Clients have included  world class athletes Bryon Wilson - USA Bronze Medal mogul skier in Vancouver Olympics and Angela Wang - USA figure skating, among others. Eric is currently the Director of Personal Training and Fitness Programs at Sports West Athletic Club.
 
Eric will talk about the current state of fitness and nutrition literacy in our culture. In addition, he will provide us with practical demonstrations regarding personal nutrition, posture, and back health.
May 13, 2015 Program: Eric Sell | Nutrition and Nutrition Literacy in our Culture 2015-05-13 00:00:00Z 0

March 25, 2015 Program: Bradley E. Woodring | Economic Development

Bradley E. Woodring is the Manager of Economic Development for NV Energy. In this role, he oversees the efforts of the company’s business attraction goals while working with state and local agencies, economic development entities, and brokers/developers and the marketing of their properties to prospective new and expanding companies in the state of Nevada.
March 25, 2015 Program: Bradley E. Woodring | Economic Development 2015-03-23 00:00:00Z 0

March 18, 2015 Program: Speech Contest

“It is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness: What this means to me" is the theme for 2015 District 5190 Speech Contest. The winner  of the club contest has the opportunity to advance to the Area and District level contests. The final contest will be held at the District 5190 Conference.
 
The speech contest provides an exceptional opportunity for the young people in our community.  Each year talented students demonstrate their speaking skills in front of Rotarians, guests and families …it is amazing to watch!  Again, this year we will be providing students an opportunity to display their talent.
 
March 18, 2015 Program: Speech Contest 2015-03-18 00:00:00Z 0

March 11, 2015 Program: Music Contest

The Rotary District 5190 Annual Youth Instrumental Music Contest provides a chance for participants to win a scholarship for a 3-8 minute performance if they reach and win the district contest.  Participants begin at the club-level and winners advance to area contests before the district participants are chosen.
March 11, 2015 Program: Music Contest 2015-03-10 00:00:00Z 0

February 25, 2015 Program: 39 North Downtown

39 North Downtown is a non-profit organization founded by local Sparks business owners and residents. 39 North is a grassroots campaign to revitalize and breathe new life and energy into Sparks. With the support of the City of Sparks, the mayor, and city councilmen, they have begun a chain of events to create a healthy change for Sparks' tomorrow.
February 25, 2015 Program: 39 North Downtown 2015-02-25 00:00:00Z 0
February 11, 2015 Program: Bob Carroll | Valentine's Day 2015-02-11 00:00:00Z 0

January 21, 2015 Program: Dr. Dana Ryan, Director of WCSD Signature Academy and Career & Technical Education (CTE)

WCSD Signature Academy and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are Education for the Future, adding value to the high school experience and preparing students for success.  Dr. Dana Ryan, Director, will explain how these programs provide rigorous, stimulating curriculum that engages and motivates students; provide opportunities for students to acquire and practice 21st century skills; and prepare students for success in college, highly-skilled careers, and life.
January 21, 2015 Program: Dr. Dana Ryan, Director of WCSD Signature Academy and Career & Technical Education (CTE) 2015-01-19 00:00:00Z 0

Janury 14, 2015 Program: Kim Mason, Carson Tahoe Health

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For the past 20 years, Kim Mason, MS, RD, LD has worked as a Registered Dietitian for Carson Tahoe Health and currently manages the Medical Nutrition Therapies program.  The new healthcare focus on wellness and the need to minimize hospitalization has prompted Carson Tahoe to look at innovative ways to help our community stay healthy and prevent illness. Registered Dietitians now, more than ever, play a key role in accomplishing this initiative.  

Janury 14, 2015 Program: Kim Mason, Carson Tahoe Health 2015-01-09 00:00:00Z 0

January 7, 2015 Program: Reno Philharmonic Youth Programs

Tim Young, President & CEO of the Reno Philharmonic Association (RPA) and Amy Heald, Director of Youth Education for the RPA, will present an overview of the Reno Philharmonic, the Youth Orchestra and after school programs.  The Reno Phil Youth Mariachi Ensemble will perform during the program for the club.  The ensemble is one of a number of RPA sponsored, after school youth programs in the Sparks/Reno area.  This ensemble is made up of 10 musicians, primarily elementary school students. 
 
January 7, 2015 Program: Reno Philharmonic Youth Programs 2015-01-07 00:00:00Z 0
December 10, 2014 Program: Spicing Up The Holidays: Chef Lara Ritchie, Chef and Culinary Director | Nothing to it Culinary Center 2014-12-05 00:00:00Z 0
December 3, 2014 Program: District 5190 Governor Joe Zarachoff 2014-12-05 00:00:00Z 0
November 26, 2014 Program: Pete Parker | Corporate Giving Strategies & Management 2014-11-24 00:00:00Z 0
November 5, 2014 Program: Nevada Sports Officiating as Seen from the Eyes of the Umpires 2014-11-03 00:00:00Z 0

October 29, 2014 Program: Lance Gilman | Tahoe Regional Industrial Center

L. Lance Gilman has been a resident of northern Nevada since 1988 where he was the exclusive broker for the South Meadows Business Park. Since 2000, L. Lance Gilman Commercial Real Estate has been the exclusive broker for the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, a 102,000 acre industrial center known as the largest planned industrial center in North America.  He will discuss Tesla Motors' gigafactory project coming to the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center.
 
 
October 29, 2014 Program: Lance Gilman | Tahoe Regional Industrial Center 2014-10-27 00:00:00Z 0

October 22, 2014 Program: Howard W. Herz | American Gaming Archives

Howard W. Herz is a gaming historian and the coordinator of the American Gaming Archives, located at the Nevada Historical Society in Reno. The American Gaming Archives was founded in 2006 to gather, preserve, protect and present the artifacts and manuscripts of American gaming history.  Today the archives have more than 50,000 pieces of manuscript and artifact items.
 
The AGA archives are focused on American style gambling as it has existed in the United States and the Caribbean.  The AGA recently held its public grand opening with an exhibit of a small portion of its holdings.  The exhibit is open for viewing Tuesday-Saturday at 1650 No. Virginia Street in Reno.  The Nevada Historical Society is Nevada's oldest cultural institution and is happy to celebrate Nevada's 150th Anniversary.
October 22, 2014 Program: Howard W. Herz | American Gaming Archives 2014-10-20 00:00:00Z 0
October 15, 2014 Program: Scott Carey | Nevada Sesquicentennial Celebration 2014-10-15 00:00:00Z 0

October 8, 2014 Program: Fred Horlacher | Nevada History

Fred Horlacher is a retired Nevada History teacher whose career is filled with accolades including the prestigious Milliken Outstanding Teacher Award and both Washoe County's and Nevada's Teacher of the Year Awards. The City of Sparks also named April 23rd, 2012 "Fred Horlacher History Day".
 
Fred's storytelling skills are renowned. He made Nevada History fun; challenging but fun. Even after his retirement from the school district he is passionate about teaching Nevada history to people of all ages. He currently works with the Sparks Museum and the Community College in LETTING THE WAGONS ROLL bus tours
October 8, 2014 Program: Fred Horlacher | Nevada History 2014-10-08 00:00:00Z 0
October 1, 2014 Program: Justice Hardesty | The Need for a Court of Appeals in Nevada 2014-10-01 00:00:00Z 0

September 24, 2014 Program: Rod Jorgensen | Entrepreneurship in Northern

Rod Jorgensen is the Director of Counseling and Management Consultant for the Nevada Small Business Development Center at the University of Nevada, Reno.  He will discuss the status of entrepreneurship in Northern Nevada, what is happening, who is involved and how we are as a community further developing entrepreneurial opportunities in the area.
 
September 24, 2014 Program: Rod Jorgensen | Entrepreneurship in Northern 2014-09-24 00:00:00Z 0
September 17, 2014 Program: Education (Margin Tax) Initiative Debate 2014-09-16 00:00:00Z 0

August 27, 2014 Program: Dr. Angus Quinlan - Nevada Rock Art

Join us Wednesday at Noon at John Ascuaga's Nugget.  Our speaker, Dr. Angus Quinlan, will provide an overview of the styles, themes, and age of Nevada rock art and discuss archeological theories of why rock art was made and its social functions in prehistoric cultures.
 
August 27, 2014 Program: Dr. Angus Quinlan - Nevada Rock Art 2014-08-26 00:00:00Z 0

August 20, 2014 Program: Pete Rathmann/BJ's Nevada Barbeque Company

Pete Rathmann has been in the area since 1989, the first year of the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off and has owned BJ’s Nevada Barbeque Company since 1990.  BJ’s has been at the rib cook-off every year and has won every award except for the People’s Choice (could this be the year?).
 
Located in Sparks, BJ's has been a favorite of locals and visitors for more than 25 years. Established in 1986, they are proud to be family owned and operated, and they love our great Truckee Meadows community.
 
Pete has been involved in Kid' Free Fishing Day from the beginning, helping to cook to over 1,500 hot dogs at each year's event.
August 20, 2014 Program: Pete Rathmann/BJ's Nevada Barbeque Company 2014-08-19 00:00:00Z 0