Earth Day

This weekend was a time to celebrate our beautiful earth and learn how to save it.  What a beautiful weekend that the Truckee Meadows had for this weekend of fun event for Earth Day.  There were many of fun events for Earth Day, all the way in Lake Tahoe to Reno.  You couldn’t go anywhere without hearing something about Earth Day.

 On Saturday April 21, 2012, there was the Picnic for the Planet, in Reno at the McKinley Arts Center. This event was to celebrate Earth Day and the Truckee River.  The event was put on was The Nature Conservancy in Nevada sponsored by REI and Caesars Entertainment Northern Nevada.  This event had music, food and people on hand to teach different ways to save our plant and the keep the Truckee River beautiful. Here the link to their website http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/nevada/events/reno-picnic-for-the-planet-2012.xml

 Sunday April 22, 2012 was Earth Day.  Just like everyone else in the world, Reno was celebrating it too.  There were so many events going on for Earth Day.  In Downtown Reno, Idlewild park have an event going on to help raise awareness how to preserve our beautiful earth. There were many local businesses and charities on hand for this event.  Here the link to their website: http://www.renoearthday.webs.com/

 What is Earth Day? “Each year, Earth Day — April 22 — marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

 The height of hippie and flower-child culture in the United States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Protest was the order of the day, but saving the planet was not the cause. War raged in Vietnam, and students nationwide increasingly opposed it.

 At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news.  Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962.  The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.

 Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center.”   This information was provided by http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement

For more information about Earth Day please visit: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement

Red Shoe Gala

Northern Nevada’s Ronald McDonald House is having a Red Shoe Gala on July 19, 2012 at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa at 6:00 p.m.  This is their first gala, so come out and support them and let make their first gala a success!!

 The Ronald McDonald Houses have been around for 38 years.  It was started in 1974, by a Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill.  Fred’s daughter at the age of 3 was battling cancer.  Fred and his wife spent many nights at the hospital.  Fred and his wife knew they had to change this and get a place where family could get some sleep and be very close to their children.  The Philadelphia Eagles organization jumped on board and then they listed the help of McDonald. 

Here a link to their website: http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/ronald-mcdonald-house/the-history-of-the-house-that-love-built-2/

 Today there are 305 Ronald McDonald Houses in the world.  Northern Nevada is has had The Ronald McDonald House since 1987.  They do some amazing work for these families. If you work 30 miles away from your hospital and we all know Nevada has very rural areas.  The Ronald McDonald House is a gem in Reno, especially for the family who need it. Let keep this house up and running.  Come to their Red Shoe Gala and support a wonderful cause.  When you put on your red shoes, just put yourself in their shoes.

 Here a link to the Northern Nevada’s Ronald McDonald House website: http://rmhc-reno.org/

 The Red Shoe Gala

 Celebrating today. Building for tomorrow.

The Red Shoe Gala will be held on Thursday, July 19 at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in the Grand Ballroom, with special guests Maury Povich and Connie Chung.

 Black tie (optional), Red Shoes preferred.

Tables of ten can be purchased for $1,500, and sponsorship opportunities are available for this first inaugural event.

Sponsorship Opportunities.

 The cocktail reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and the program at 7:00 p.m.

 Here a link to the events website: http://rmhc-reno.org/html/event.html

Suits N Sneakers

On May 12, 2012 American Cancer Society will be putting on their fifth annual Suits N Sneakers Ball at the Peppermill Casino and Resort at 6:00pm.  The University of Nevada, Reno Men’s Basketball Coach David Carter will be hosting this event.Every one of us, has someone or knows someone that has cancer.  My grandmother and grandfather both died of cancer.  I have friends that are in their 20’s and 30’s fighting off cancer.  Cancer can hit anyone of us or our love one at any time.  Let not let it win, the more that we can raise the more research can be done.  We have come such a long way since my grandparents had cancer in late 80’s early 90’s.  I believe we will one day beat this disease.

Suits N Sneaker’s is very special to me.  This year is my first time to serve as the Auction Donation Chair.  I have been sending out letters, e-mails and calling everyone that I know to help out with this event!! Please come and help us find a way to beat cancer.  Let not let cancer take any more of our love ones.   

  Our University of Nevada, Reno Men’s Basketball and Cheerleaders will be on hand to help us raise money to beat cancer. If don’t have the money for a ticket or table, come and volunteer, it another way to give back.  Don’t miss this event.

 Here’s the website to get tickets: www.SNS.org

 “The University of Nevada, Reno Men’s Basketball program has established a strong relationship with the American Cancer Society’s annual “Suits N Sneakers” Ball and Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Tournament. Coach David Carter will serve as the honorary chair for both events.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Coach David Carter and American Cancer Society team up to beat cancer – Reno Cancer | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/cancer-in-reno/coach-david-carter-and-american-cancer-society-team-up-to-beat-cancer.”

National Autism Awareness Month

 April is national Autism Awareness Month.  Autism disorder has hit the country and our state pretty hard. While I was an undergraduate at University of Nevada Reno, one of my major was Psychology and I was very lucky to have met and worked with our Behavior Analysis Program.  Did you know that we have some of the top Ph.D. professors here for Autism?

 Our Behavior Analysis Program is very well known.  The Early Childhood Autism Program was founded by Drs. Patrick M. Ghezzi and Sidney W. Bijou in the early 90’s.  I was introduced to Dr. Ghezzi and his program for Autism when I was a junior going into my senior. I wasn’t able to be to in it because he wanted freshman that were going to be with the families for at least four years. I have many of friends who have or are currently enrolled in this program as undergraduates and graduate students. They just put their heart and soul into this program.

 The program works with these children and proves them with the right tools.  Some of the students keep working with the families or stays in contact with them after their time is up with them.  This is such a wonderful program.

 What is Autism? “Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills.

 Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably combinations of factors that lead to autism.

 Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism. Similarly, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system (neurological) problems are also more common in families with autism.

 A number of other possible causes have been suspected, but not proven. They involve:

 •Diet

 •Digestive tract changes

 •Mercury poisoning

 •The body’s inability to properly use vitamins and minerals

 •Vaccine sensitivity

* This information came from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002494/

 The UNR Early Childhood Autism Program

 Our Mission

“The UNR Early Childhood Autism Program is dedicated to improving the lives of young children with autism and their families. The scientific principles and established practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are at the core of the program. The practice of behavior analysis is complemented and extended by research that contributes to the knowledge base of behavior science. Whether practice, research, or both, the focus is always on the individual child and family, emphasizing the progressive development, refinement, and elaboration of meaningful skills and abilities. As a university-based program, it is also a training site for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in behavior analysis and for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in psychology or a related field.

 The Program

The UNR Early Childhood Autism Program is primarily home-based. This means that intervention takes place in the comfort, safety, and privacy of the child’s home. Highly trained and closely supervised graduate and undergraduate student tutors comprise the child’s intervention team. In most cases, 30 hours of one-to-one intervention is provided each week throughout the year for a minimum of two years.

 A child may also receive school-based services. These services are provided by tutors that work in the home of the child and that are also trained to apply the methods of behavior analysis in the regular education classroom.

 The program requires parents to learn how to manage their child’s behavior in the home and how to integrate their child’s education and treatment into the family routine. Siblings, close relatives, and family friends must also learn how to interact with the child in a positive and productive manner.

 Participation in the program is preceded by an intake and evaluation procedure. If the parent’s and senior staff agree that it is the appropriate service for the child, then preparations are made first, to begin parent training, and second, to gradually fade the child’s team of tutors into the home.” *This information is from UNR Early Childhood Autism Program which can be at http://www.unr.edu/psych/behavior/training_opportunities_autism.html

 Please check out The UNR Early Childhood Autism Program website and see how you too can give back!!

 

Pampered for a Purposed

Who wants to get for gets pampered for a day??  Habitat for Humanity of Northern Nevada is having a Pampered for a Purposed event on April 26^th at 5-7 at the famous SOAK.  If you haven’t been to SOAK this is a great reason to check it out and get back to a wonderful cause, Habitat for Humanity!!

 Habitat for Humanity helps out so many people in Northern Nevada.  This wonderful organization gives people a chance of owning a home that would never get the opportunity to own one. It takes up to 18 months to build one and it is all based off of volunteers and donations to build one of these houses.

 Come down to SOAK on April 28, 2012 and get pampered and give back.  This is an amazing gift to back to.  I know I like to give back and get a pedicure, you can bet I’ll be there.  Come and join me for this fun event.  And no ands ifs or buts from the guys, if you have never been pampered you’ll love it!!  

 “Pampered for a Purposed, April 26th 5-7:30PM at SOAK. Habitat is partnered with Soak to bring you an evening of Pampering, Fabulous Cocktails, Appetizers & Silent Auction. Pampering services available that evening are: Hand Massage, Mini Soak Treatment, Eye Brow Styling and Nail Art. Tickets Purchased in advance are $50. Please call Andrea at 323-5511 or stop by Soak at 628 West 2nd st. In Reno. Proceeds to benefit Habitat. Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of your Community.

Habitat for Humanity Northern Nevada

 “We are a hand up, not a hand out.”

This is a non-profit, volunteer based organization that believes that

“All People deserve a decent place to live.”

 How Can I Help?

 Truckee Meadows Habitat for Humanity is always in need of your help.  You can contribute to your Habitat affiliate by volunteering, purchasing from our discount supply store or by donating. Please give us a call at (775)323-5511, download a volunteer form from the links at the bottom or side margin on this page, or stop by to pick up a volunteer packet.”

*This information was proved by Habitat for Humanity Northern Nevada website which can be found at http://habitatforhumanityreno.org/home.html

University of Nevada Young Alumni 19th Annual Beer Fest

 University of Nevada Young Alumni Annual Beer Fest is right around the corner.  It’s this Friday night at the Downtown Reno Ball room at 7pm.  This is their nineteenth year of doing this event which all the money raised goes to undergraduate scholarships.

 This is a great way to be a part of your Alumni and if you haven’t joined the Young Alumni this is your chance to check it and see what they have to offer.  This is a wonderful chapter to be a part of.  They do fun events all the time.

 Come down on Friday night and join some of your Alumni and raise money for our future Young Alumni.  The silence audience has tons to bid on.  Last year silence audience had different basket themes. 

 “Join us for the 19th annual Nevada Young Alumni Beer Fest! Entry includes a commemorative glass*, entertainment by DJ Chris Payne and as much beer as you can drink from our many vendors!

 Tickets are available now for $25 online or for $35 at the door.

 The Young Alumni put on this event in order to raise money for scholarships for undergraduates at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2011, we were able to award $12,000 in scholarships.

 This year’s vendors include: BJ’s Brewhouse, Lagunitas, New West Distributing, Ole Bridge-Pub, PJ’s, Rail City Alehouse, Southern Wine and Spirits, Wirtz Distribution, St. James Infirmary, Great Basin Brewery, Ceol, Morrey, Sierra Gold and more.

 The Young Alumni Chapter is a sub-chapter of the Alumni Association and is open to all University of Nevada, Reno alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years. Our chapter offers members the opportunity to network with peers at social engagements and University events, while giving back to the University through scholarships and community service.”

* This information was proved by http://nevadayac.com/

It’s Glitter and Gold Time

Glitter, Glam and Gold, it’s that time again for the biggest gala in Northern Nevada, it’s the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation better know as JDRF Gala. It’s the most popular of Gala’s to go to. If you want to go to a Gala this is the one. Get your tickets for the April 28, 2012 Gold Gala.

In 2008, the Gala had everything from movie stars to puppies plus they raised a million dollar that night. The auction items were amazing, for example Michael Bolton was there and they had a famous song writer that would write a song for you or your love one and then Michael Bolton said he would sing it. There were many more auction items like that, that year.

This year JDRF is honoring Barrick Gold Northern America and Newmont Mining Corporation with Tim and Stacy Crowley serving as Gala Chairs. The theme since it’s mining is Gold. It will be a Glitter of a time! The VIP party will start in the Eldorado’s Bubinga and the Gold Gala will take place in the Reno Ballroom at 6:00pm. Let’s raise another million dollars and find a cure.

What is JDRF? “Diabetes (medically known as diabetes mellitus) is the name given to disorders in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a disorder of the body’s immune system — that is, its system for protecting itself from viruses, bacteria or any “foreign” substances. Type 1 diabetes diagnosed in adults over 30 may be Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), sometimes known as Type 1.5 diabetes. LADA is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes because of age; however people with LADA do not have insulin resistance like those with type 2. LADA is characterized by age, a lack of family history of type 2 diabetes, a gradual increase in insulin requirements, positive antibodies, and decreasing ability to make insulin as indicated by a low C-peptide. A fourth and very rare form of diabetes, called monogenic diabetes, is also sometimes mistaken for type 1 diabetes but typically strikes newborns.”
*This information came from http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=101982

“Reno Ballroom ~ April 28, 2012 
This wonderful evening begins at 6:00
Purchase your Sponsorship, Tickets, make a Fund A Cure
donation, or donate a auction item online today. 
 
The JDRF Vision Gala has been referred to as the “IT Party of the Year”
by Reno Magazine, who called it “the one you absolutely don’t want
to miss!” and “perhaps the most important charitable evening of the year
in Northern Nevada.”  ”
* This information came from http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=100566

Hunting Egg’s for Easter

Need something fun for the kiddos for Easter and be able to help out a great cause, go to the Easter Eggstravaganza. How fun is this, the kids get to do something so fun and you get to give back to Children’s Cabinet. This wonderful event is held at the Hilliard Plaza at the University of Nevada Reno.

The Children’s Cabinet and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity are putting on this fabulous event for the children and their family. This event is FREE!! It start at 10 on April 7, which on Saturday, which gives you a fun event to do the day before Easter. How fun is that?

“The Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) Fraternity will pair up with The Children’s Cabinet for their annual Easter charity event on Saturday, April 7 at the Hilliard Plaza on the UNR campus.

The event is called Easter Eggstravaganza and is an event for children of all ages held by SigEp since  2002. It consists of Easter egg hunts, face-painting, prizes and a special appearance of SigEp’s very own Easter Bunny.

“It feels great to dismantle fraternity stereotypes by giving back to the community,” said Corey Veloz, the Vice President of Programming for SigEp. “We see more and more families coming back from previous years and they usually bring more people with them. It’s really gratifying to see we are doing something that our community values.”

The event will start at 10 a.m. Admission is free and all ages and family are welcome.”
*http://thisisreno.com/2012/04/sigma-phi-epsilon-fraternity-and-childrens-cabinet-holding-easter-charity-event/

The Grand Chefs Gala

Last weekend was full of gala’s and events for Northern Nevada. Big Brothers and Big Sisters had their annual Grand Chefs Gala at the Atlantis Casino Resort. It’s was last Saturday night, where the finest of chefs came out to prepare their best dish for all of the event goers. 

This gala had it all, music, amazing food, auction items and dancing. This gala’s was using all it’s local talent by having chefs only from the Truckee Meadow and mucus from Reno’s own Under the Radar.

If you miss the gala, make sure to catch it next year, especially if you like great food and you want to help out a great cause! But you still can help for free, you can change someone’s life by signing up to be a big brother or a big sister. This is a wonderful way to enlighten a child who be so grateful for anytime that you can spend with them.

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters? 
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada believes that every child has the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in our community. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of youth.” from the bbbs website

Grand Chefs Gala
Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at the Atlantis Casino Resort starting at 6pm

“The Grand Chefs Gala is a unique dining experience featuring 15 of the Truckee Meadow’s top chefs, each preparing dinner paired with premium wines for four tables (40 people) to be chosen at random.  Each chef will have a small open kitchen next to their tables showcasing the preparation and execution of their individual menu.  This “behind the scenes” look at some of Reno’s best chefs is a high energy event that creates a dynamic culinary atmosphere.

The Grand Plan
The evening starts at 6pm with a wine reception featuring passed appetizers while you peruse our silent auction items–all while enjoying music.  Dinner begins at 7:00pm, which culminates with our always elegant, and always delectable dessert auction.  Immediately following is our live auction showcasing fabulous items, and an energized atmosphere.  Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes, because at 9pm local band, Under the Radar, starts up, and the excitement continues all night!
For more information about The Grand Chefs’ Gala, contact Beverly Lassiter, Director of Grants & Fund Development at 775-352-3202 x155 or blassiter@bbbsnn.org.”from the bbbs website

Here a link to their website:http://www.bbbsnn.org/site/c.aiINI5NMKeKYF/b.7529395/k.F024/Home_Page.htm

Blue is the new Black!

University of Nevada held their 3^rd annual Blue Tie Ball last Friday night.  This evening event was held at the Peppermill’s Tuscany ball room. This event support’s the student athletes at the University of Nevada Reno.  The money raised will go towards their athlete scholarship. 

 This fun event has the student athletes meet and greet all the attendee and perform a dance though the gala. I went to this year last year and it was such a fun event.  This gives the donors, coaches, attendee and the student athletes a chance to get to know each other. 

 So next year mark down on your calendars to attend this wonderful and fun event.  You will not be disappointed.  Help support your University of Nevada Reno student athletes!! Without our help, we would have no Football, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading, golf, rifle, or track teams to go and watch.  Our community would have nothing to cheer about!    Attend next year’s Blue Tie Ball!!

 “A limited number of tickets are still available for next week’s Blue Tie Ball, a University of Nevada Scholarship Gala benefiting Wolf Pack student-athletes. This year’s event is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, March 30 in the Tuscany Ballroom at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and promises to be bigger and better than ever. The evening of elegance, entertainment and delectable fare celebrates the success of Nevada’s student-athletes, and proceeds from the event will fund scholarships for Wolf Pack student-athletes. The formal attire event will feature hosted cocktails, wine, beer, culinary stations and sushi chefs from four of the Peppermill’s restaurants. Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by local musician and vocalist, Eric Andersen, a former Wolf Pack student-athlete. The evening will end with dancing to the tunes of this year’s DJ, EJ Luera. Nevada student-athletes dressed in formal attire will serve as the hosts for the evening, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet and get photos taken with the student-athletes. Tickets for the Blue Tie Ball are $175 each. Tables are also available for $1400 for eight. The Peppermill is also offering room packages for guests attending the Blue Tie Ball. More information and reservation codes are available at www.NevadaWolfPack.com/BlueTieBall. Tuxedos are not required, but guests wishing to rent tuxedos or purchase gowns are encouraged to support Selix, 5400 Meadowood Mall Circle in Reno (inside Sears), and Boulevard of Dreams, 611 Kuenzli Street in Reno. Both businesses have helped to outfit Nevada’s student-athletes in formal attire for the event. Event sponsors include title sponsor Northern Nevada Toyota Dealers as well as the E. L. Cord Foundation, the Hart Foundation, the Nell J. Redfield Foundation, Brantly & Lisa Compton, IGT, Barrick Gold, Whispering Vine and the Peppermill.”

 Here the link to the page for this information: http://www.nevadawolfpack.com/genrel/032112aac.html