Events

Eli Everest was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student from District 5190 to District 3340 in Thailand in 2014.

In 2019, as an undergraduate in the Department of Biology, College of Science, UNR, she received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to work in Cambodia with the Wonders of the Mekong Project to assist local organizations in gathering fish population data.

Eli is currently a researcher and graduate student at UNR, specializing in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, with experience in Southeast Asian fisheries management.  She is a Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) graduate who has worked on international fish collection projects and received recognition for her research on Cambodia's Mekong River.   Eli's advisory team is headed by Dr. Zeb Hogan and Dr. Sudeep Chandra at UNR.

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Youth Exchange program.

"H20 for Life" works to combat scarcity in Zimbabwe by drilling boreholes, installing solar pumps, and setting up nutrition gardens in drought-stricken areas.  President Richard Jay will share some wonderful news about "H2O for Life" and give us all something to celebrate!

UNR received the largest gift in it's history to create the George W. Gillemot Aerospace Engineering Department.
The $36 million gift is the largest cash gift the University has received in its 149-year history.  The gift was to fulfill Mr. Gillemot's passion for flight, but also serve as a catalyst for learning, investigation, research, workforce development, and economic renewal for Nevada.
On April 7, the Gillemot Foundation is sponsoring Pathways to Aviation - Soaring to New Heights in Nevada Skies, at UNR from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Along with aviation displays and hands-on activities, keynote speaker Gordon Boettger, Aviator and Glider Pilot from Carson City, whose record-setting flights redefine possibility, will amaze you with his experiences of gliding around the globe. 

As President, Eric Edelstein oversees operations at Greater Nevada Field, home to the Reno Aces baseball team.  In January, he announced a $40 million investment deal for the Field strengthening the team's future in the city.  As a part of the Reno Aces' 2026 renovation, Great Nevada Field will get a massive videoboard outside the stadium, Mr. Baseball is getting a new look, and many more upgrades!  Each improvement is designed to elevate the experience at every level.

Exceptional high school students will compete for scholarship money and the opportunity to advance to the Area Contest and on to the District Conference Contest at Grand Sierra Resort May 2.  This year's theme is "Unite For Good - Together We Make Dreams Come True".

Dr. Jamy Schaap has an interesting story to tell about serving in Vietnam.  His Marine Corps unit was the first battalion to arrive and fight in Vietnam.  He has writen a book about his first-hand combat experience, and will share with us his stories of what he experienced.

Engage your curiosity at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNR.  OLLI at UNR is a diverse, member-driven community of active, inquisitive individuals committed to exploring new ideas and interests in a welcoming, stress-free environment, free from tests and grades. Dr. Gray is a past President of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute where she currently teaches popular classes in Opera, Classical Music, Mathmatics and Economics.

Seven highly talented High School students will compete in our Area Level Contest.  Area winners will then go on to compete in the the Final contest at District Conference on Saturday, May 2, at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.  The competition offers cash prizes up to $1000.  This year's theme:  "Unite For Good:  Together We Make Dreams Come True."

Our Club Music Contest will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Music With Confidence Studio, 1380 Greg St., #208, Sparks.  Enjoy an evening of outstanding musical talent performed by our wonderful high school students competing for scholarships.  Pizza and drinks will be served.  Winners will go on to the Area 8 contest at Steinway Gallery on April 14th at 6:00 p.m. 

ABO provides support and scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have triumped over hardships, and demonstrated personal leadership and courage to reach graduation with the goal of attending college or trade school.  We will hear from seven ABO students who will share their journeys in achievement beyond obstacles.

Dr. Mindy Lokshin is a former family physician with multiple family members with Parkinson's disease.  Together with an all-volunteer board, she co-founded the Parkinson Support Center of N. NV in 2021 to meet the needs of the Parkinson's community.
The Parkinson Support Center of N. NV exists so no one has to face Parkinson's alone.  They provide support for those affected by Parkinson's, opportunities for our Parkinson community to engage and connect, and information to the public to raise awareness of the disease.

TMCC has expanded its athletic program with the addition of a women's volleyball team.  Competition is set to begin this fall.  This development marks the third intercollegiate athletics program at TMCC, following the introduction of men's and women's soccer in 2019.  Athletic Director Geoff Hawkins will speak to us about the programs impact to our community and student athletes, leadership degrees and successes, and future plans.

No Meeting today due to the Celebration of Life ceremony at Red Hawk Golf and Resort for club member George Tackett.  Event begins at 1:00 p.m.  Please bring tall tales and stories to share.

It is our great privilege to welcome Nevada Lt. Govenor Stavros Anthony.  A resident of Las Vegas for more than 44 years, Lt. Gov. Anthony has dedicated his career to community service, public safety and education.  He served nearly 30 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept., retiring as a captain, and has also served on the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents and the Las Vegas City Council, including seven years as Mayor Pro Tem.  Elected as Nevada's Lt. Governor in 2022, he continues to serve the people of Nevada with a strong commitment to leadershhip and public service.  

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 17-19 at Winnemucca Ranch off the Pyramid Lake Highway.  Mike will be joined by Don Welsh who will review the schedule for Kids Free Fishing Day June 13th.

The mission of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority is to attract overnight visitors to Reno Tahoe while supporting the sustainable growth of our communities.   Tourism is still the top industry in Nevada.
Mike is a Winnemucca native and UNR graduate, and has more than 30 years in the travel and tourism industry, incorporating 15 years of local executive experience.

A student-produced business magazine and website featuring local entrepreneurs.  Discover the stories behind the small ventures.

Junior Achievement and BIZ-Town empowers local youth by funding hands-on educational programs that build financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial skills for K-12 students.  Len Stevens will share with us how J.A. inspires and prepares young people for success.

As wildland fires are making the news, Steve will explain how fire agencies respond to wildland fires, how they organize for longer term fires and terminologies used.
Steve has over 45 years of wildland fire experience starting as a seasonal firefighter, and advancing through the ranks to Incident Commander leading teams of professionals managing fires.
REMINDER - WE ARE MEETING AT THE SPARKS MUSEUM THIS WEEK, with GREAT BASIN BREWERY CATERING.

We will hear from our club's directors and committee chairs about The Foundation, Club Finances, Membership, Contributions, KFFD, Social Activities, Fundraising, Public Image/Webmaster, Youth Services and opportunities for members involvement.

Rotary International President Yinka has asked us to "Create Lasting Impact" over the course of the 2026-2027 Rotary year.  Kurt hopes to make that happen by providing our clubs and members the resourses available from the district so we all can "Aim High With Rotary".