Events

Four talented high school students will compete for club prize money and the opportunity to advance to the Area contest, and then Rotary District 5190 contest.
Following the performances, 8-year-old Juliette Leong, child philanthropist, Davidson Young Scholar, accomplished violinist and award-winning artist, will give a special performance on her violin.

In honor of Presidents' Day February 17th, club member Loren Acton will deliver an oration by Abraham Lincoln giving some of his best speeches and humor.
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February.  Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after is was moved as part of 1971's Uniform Monday Holiday Act.  While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Lincoln and other figures, Presidents' Day is now poplularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. Presidents, past and present.  Abraham Lincoln's birthday is February 12.

Scott Carey provides a look at the history of the Sparks Marina area and how it has transitioned from a farm to a mine to the city's most popular park.

Pat Hickey is one of Nevada's finest authors. His book,"Here and Hereafter: Nevada Voices on Life and the Great Beyond" is an evocative exploration of the human experience seen through the eyes of those who call Nevada home.
Pat will highlight photos and quotes from some of the notable Nevada lives, legacies, and views on the topic of life after death.  The answers are sure to delight and intrigue believers and skeptics alike.
For more information go to pathickey.net

Six talented high school students will compete for scholarship money and the opportunity to advance to the Area Contest and then the District Conference Contest in Fallon on May 3.  This year's theme is "The Magic of Rotary" - dedicated to Rotary International's seven causes:  Peacebuilding, Disease Prevention, Water, Maternal and Child Health, Education, Community Economics and Environment.  

Bring your good luck charms and all things green to the Reno Elks Lodge on Monday, March 17th, from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.  Enjoy green libations, social, dinner, meeting and Mad Money Raffle!  

Get ready for our Pot 'O Gold Raffle-- Winner takes $10,000--Be Gosh and Begorra!  Let's find out who this years winner is be celebrating with Irish fare food and a drink to boot.  This will be at the Elks Lodge at 597 Kumle Lane, Reno from 5 pm- 8 pm.  There will also be a silent auction and raffle as well.

No meeting at Hidden Valley this week.  Enjoy your Wednesday!

Come and join our Kids Free Fishing Day planning committee!!

Club member, Volker Huber, will take us on a fun and insightful journey through the lesser-known world of legal immigration to the U.S. - yes, it extists!  He'll share his own path from Germany to U.S. citizenship, complete with visa hurdles, culture shocks, and the ultimate reward: dual citizenship and voting rights.  Expect a mix of useful info, personal stories, and maybe even a mini civics quiz - because who doesn't love a pop test with their lunch buffet?

Planning our Rebecca's Adaptive Fishing Day!  Please join the fun!!

Please come help serve the Dilworth Knights root beer floats to celebrate their 3rd quarter honor Roll Party!!  

ABO provides support and scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have triumphed over hardships, and demonstrated personal leadership and courage to reach graduation with the goal of attending college or trade school.  We will hear from six ABO students who will be competing for scholarships.

Four highly talented high school students will now compete in our Area Level Contest.  The Area winners will then go on to compete in the final contest at District Conference in Fallon on May 3rd.
Special reminder:  Spread the Word Nevada is collecting new and gently used children's books.  Please remember to bring your books and deposit them in the bin at Hidden Valley Country Club.  Thank you!  

Come to Idlewild Park and visit the Rotary Area 8 Booth Y110!!

This is a great social event for our Sparks Rotary Members and will certainly be a lot of fun, cost is $45 ea!!  For those who would like to grab a bite before the show, please join us at Eclipse Pizza located at 2950 Mayberry Dr, Reno at 6:00 pm.  The doors open for the Magique show at 7 pm with showtime at 8:05 pm.

The Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority - REMSA - is the exclusive ground emergency medical services provider for Washoe County, and serves an 11-state western region with an air ambulance program.  Adam will provide an inside look how REMSA Health serves Northern Nevada.  From 911 response and critical care air transport to training the next generation of emergency medical professionals through its Education Center, REMSA Health is a vital part of our region's healthcare safety net.  Every second counts when it matters most. 

POSTPONED due to weather!!  New date TBD. Please join us as we make the Sparks Marina Adaptive Park SPARKLE!!  Our name is all over this beautiful playground so we want to make sure we keep it clean!!

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.

https://district5190.org/Events/rotary-district-5190-top-gun-conference-2025

Come out to the Fallon Convention Center and see all that our amazing clubs in District 5190 have accomplished!!

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.

Come fishing with Rebecca on the dock on the South side of the Sparks Marina

Oh yes, it's been quite a year, and President Paula is going to share with us 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!

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).