Events

Founded in 2011, the Mason T. Ortiz Youth Outdoor Skills Camp is a weekend-long event designed to immerse youths ages 11-14 in outdoor skills training and a fun overnight outdoor camping experience.  The camp will take place July 18, 19 and 20 off the Pyramid Lake Highway.

AUTHOR of books, REVIEWER of movies, TRAVELER of the world, and ENTHUSIAST of food and wine.  Author Robin Holabird combines travel and films, and will share with us places to go, things to see and movies to watch to help you get there.  

Jacob's Entertainment has announced $128 million in new commercial and residential development around the J Resort over the next four years.  Jonathan, a Stanford graduate, is Vice President of the Nevada Operations for Jacob's Entertainment and serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Reno Partnerhsip.  Jonathon will share will us the most recent development near the resort, and future plans for additions to the J Resort and Neon Line.

Brenda works for Washoe County Human Services Agency, Children's Division.  Previously, as a Permanency Caseworker, Brenda was responsible for reunification and permanency for children.  Now, Brenda is with the Recruitment and Training Unit, and is responsible for identifying and training prospective foster and adoptive familes who will be caring for our most vulnerable population, our youth.

Julie Bless, a 2010 Northern Michigan Univ. grad with a major in environmental conservation and a minor in biology, was honored as a "Twenty Under 40 Awards" finalist by the Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network at a Jan. 24 ceremony.
Julie serves as the statewide wildlife education and volunteer coordinator for the NDOW.  With a passion for fostering connections between people and nature, she develops innovative educational programs and service opportunities that inspire stewardship of Nevada's rich wildlife heritage.

Kids Free Fishing Day is Saturday June 14th and Fishing with Rebecca is Thursday June 12th.  Don Welsh will share the history of KFFD, review the schedule, and make sure all loose ends are tightened up. The event is expected to draw 1200 participants this year.  If you haven't signed up for a committee it's not to late!  

Now's your opportunity to get all your community updates as we lunch and learn with City of Sparks Mayor, Ed Lawson.

Oh yes, it's been quite a year!  President Paula will give her Club Address, review "tool time" projects that we've proudly completed, and share some of her favorite memories.  You won't want to miss it!

OK campers - the fun begins at 2:00 pm at the Historic Old Verdi Public Schoolhouse on Bridge St. in Verdi.  Enjoy lounging on the grass in the shade, watching for deer, playing cornhole, horseshoes or basketball, atv rides, and tour the newly curated museum.  Belly up to Kaps RV bar for signature cocktails by Tom Young, libations and snacks.  Relax, have fun, and listen for the dinner bell ring at 6:00.  We'll gather in the old auditorium for a catered BBQ dinner by Chop 40 in Verdi.

But wait, there's more!  You're in for a very special evening presented by...well, you'll just have to come and see!

Dress:  Camping attire
Cost:    $35 - please register on-line for tickets and further information
Spouses and Guests Welcome!

Mike Hix will moderate an exciting and informative episode of "Meet Your Rotarians!"  Mike will interview 3 mystery Rotarians of this GREAT club who will share fascinating facts about their lives and professions that you won't want to miss!  This is always a popular program so be prepared to be impressed!

Richard has been a Reno resident since 1967, attending local schools and graduating from UNR in 1984 with a BS in Economics.

For 40 years Richard has been involved in numerous community activities including Chamber of Commerce, EDAWN, WINN, UNR School of Business, Washoe Co. School Dist., Junior Achievement, International Order of DeMolay, GBYSL, NV Youth Soccer Assoc., Reno Youth Sports Assoc., and more!

Richard is Past Vice Chairman of Reno Tahoe Airport Authority, Past Vice Chairman of Reno Spakrs Convention and Visitors Authority, past member of Reno Financial Advisory Board and past member Reno Special Events Committee.
In 2012 the City of Reno renamed the Moana Springs fields to the "Richard L. Jay Soccer Fields"

He is past chairman of the WC1 Save our Schools Committee.  WC1 was successfully passed new funding for building new schools and renovation of existing schools.

Richard has one son, Jonathan.

During his term his local group will be Junior Achievement, and international group H2O for Life - drilling water wells in Africa for humans and animals.

Richard will begin his term with the introduction of board members, committee chairs, and a presentation of his exciting plans for the club.  Please join us in officially welcoming President Richard Jay!  

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices.  This year Junior Achievement of N. NV is celebrating its 60th anniversary.  In that 60 years, Junior Achievement has had the privilege of inspiring over 200,000 children in grades K-12 throughout the 13 counties in N. Nevada.  Len will give an update on Junior Achievement's BizTown - a hands-on educational program designed to provide young students with a simulated real-world experience of running a town and its businesses.

Jeff was appointed President of Truckee Meadows Community College on May 8th, 2025.  He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of British Columbia and is the author of three books on Japanese industry and technology.  As a scholar and seasoned administrator, Jeff is excited to shapeTMCC's next chapter - one defined by access, innovation, and student success.

Shannon was named the 12th head coach of the Nevada Volleyball program in 2024.  She came to Nevada from Washington State where she served the volleyball staff since 2011.
Coach Hunt earned her BA in education from Washington State in 1998.  As a student-athlete from 1994-1997, she helped the Cougars volleyball team earn four consecutive NCAA tournament bids with one sweet sixteen finish and the program's first trip to the NCAA elite eight.  Shannon graduated as the program's all-time leader in career digs (1,254) and was voted College Sports Communicators All-American honoree and a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic selection.

Hillary Schileve was elected as Reno's Mayor on November 4, 2014 and became the 28th Mayor of the City of Reno.  Hillary is a registered non partisan and is not affiliated with any political party.  She has made it a priority since assuming office to put funding toward creating a downtown environment that attracts residents, students, businesses and visitors.  Schieve is known for reinventing and revitalizing Reno nationally due to her "Reno Revival" national branding. 

Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, DA Hicks is a fifth-generation northern Nevadan.  His passion for law began at an early age watching his father, Larry Hicks, Washoe Co. D.A. 1974-1978, work diligently to prosecute serious crimes.
Chris will speak to us about the most memorable crimes he has successfully prosecuted during his tenure, prosecution efforts against the worst offenders, new victim services program, and the creation of first of its kind Specialty Court.

Serving our community, especially those in need of equine therapy and support is rooted deep in our mission.  Our purpose is to help people heal and thrive physically and emotionally.  What Reno Rescue does differently is help our horses do the same.  Our horses are often in need of a second lease on life when we first take them in, commonly abandoned or neglected.  Reno Rescue has created a symbiotic relationship where horse and rider help heal each other.
Cara, Founder of Reno Rescue, will speak to us about the different programs they offer - Stable Moments that serves foster youth, Disabled Athletes and Veterans, Respite Care in conjunction with Washoe Co. Health, 4H Clinics and more.

WCSD Superintendent Joe Ernst has been a dedicated educator and member of the N. Nevada community for more than 25 years, serving in the roles of teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, and Chief Continuous Improvement Officer.  Joe was appointed Superintendent in 2024.
Beth Smith, President of the WCSD Board of Trustees, represents District D which is comprised of the central Reno community and includes 22 schools.
Together they will speak about meeting the needs of every one of our students. 

Mark Hudon is a Yosemite climbing legend.  He is one of the best free climbers of the 70s and early 80s and has inspired a whole generation of climbers.  Mark has 50 years of climbing and big wall experience.  He's a photographer, author and coach at Hudon Academy.  His stories and high definition slides of Yosemite bigwall climbs are sure to impress!

Larry started in Rotary with the Rotary Club of Sparks in 2002.  He was president in 2011-2012 before serving in a number of different rolls at the District level.  Larry will share with us his vision for the Rotary year.  His theme, "Make Dreams Come True," celebrates Rotary's power to turn ideas into reality.  Inspired by our club's Rotary 8th Grade Leadership program (REGL), now growing nationwide, Larry will remind us that Rotary's strength lies in inspiring and empowering future leaders.

Field Trip to Nevada Museum of Art.  Tour with Tom Young to see the giant sea creatures - also know as ichthyosaurs - that called Nevada home.
Tour begins at 12:30 at the museum.
No admission cost thanks to Tom and Bonda Young, Sponsors of the exhibit.

Join Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan for an informative presentation discussing scams and fraud targeting seniors, and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.  As the holiday season approaches, stay vigilant against scams.

Kathryn Nance was appointed as the City of Reno's Police Chief in January 2023.  She has 26 years of law enforcement experience, and most recently served as the Stockton Police Department's Deputy Chief of Operations.
October is National Cybersecurity Prevention month, and Chief Nance is raising awareness about residential and cybercrime trends the Reno Police Department is tracking right now.

Senator Taylor earned three degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno:  A bachelor's degree in business administration, a graduate degree in public administration, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership.  A lifelong educator, small business owner and a public servant, Angie represents District 15 in the state senate.  She assumed office in November 2024 and represents an average of 148,000 residents.