Events

Nick Tscheekar leads fundraising for Volunteers of America’s programs in Northern Nevada, which are dedicated to moving people from homelessness to independence. 

Travis Sandefur is the VOA Regional Vice President of Northern Nevada. Prior to joining VOA’s staff, Travis served on the VOA Board of Directors for four years as a member and as the Vice Chair. He is a local business owner of Pangolin Café, and a dedicated advocate for the community.

Volunteers of America Northern California and Northern Nevada (VOA) moves people from homelessness to independence with love and dignity. VOA houses and shelters more than 1,000 people on any given night in the Reno-Sparks Area.

VOA offers a unique continuum of housing options and services for people who are experiencing homelessness or are struggling. Supports range from conducting outreach along the Truckee River in the downtown corridor to build rapport with people sleeping outside, to operating the Nevada Cares Campus emergency shelter, offering case management, and providing more than 400 units of affordable housing.

Helen Townsell, the daughter of Jeff and Carrie Townsell, and Granddaughter of Ollie and Helen Westbrook, has six brothers, is the mother of four, grandmother of seven and great grandmother to one. She is married to Jim Parker, step-mother to seven, step-grandmother to seven and step-great grandmother to one.

Helen was born in California and migrated with her family to Reno, Nevada in 1956. She was raised in Black Springs, located in the North Valleys. She attended The Holy Child Day Home, located on Reno Street. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, first through eighth grade, 9th grade at Clayton Jr. High and graduated from Procter Hug High School in 1973. In 1991 she received an Associate’s Degree in Sociology.

In March of 2008, Helen founded The Westbrook Foundation in memory of her grandparents. Its purpose was “Youth Empowerment through Educational Scholarships” and gave academic scholarships to local graduating seniors furthering their education.

Helen wrote and published a book in 2010; “A Cry for Help” chronicling the building of a black community, Black Springs, Nevada, in the early fifties through the year 2000.

President Laurie will give a presentation about the projects, scholarships, and support our club has provided to our community and internationally this past Rotary year.

It’s Food Bank Volunteer Day—come join us!

Each member of our group who has not volunteered with Food Bank before needs to create a profile on their website here: https://fbnn.org/get-involved/volunteer/ (click New Volunteer Application).

Vicki Puliz began her 4-year term as Trustee of The Rotary Foundation on July 1, 2025. 

As part of her preparation to serve, she participated in the April 2025 Trustee meeting and Arch Klump Society celebration in Evanston, Illinois at the world headquarters of Rotary International.

Vicki will share an overview of the impactful work of Our Rotary Foundation, along with an update of key initiatives and highlights discussed at the recent Trustee meeting.

Since he came to his position in 2015, George Combs has dedicated himself to the year-round role as the General Manager of the fourth largest rodeo in North America. His job involves coordinating countless moving pieces to ensure the success of this historic ten-day event. 

Cheree Boteler is a native Nevadan and graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, and brings a wealth of experience in leadership, community advocacy, and nonprofit management to her role as Executive Director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation. In this position, Cheree spearheads initiatives that positively impact children and families across 14 counties in Northern Nevada, with a focus on those facing extraordinary challenges.

McKinna Jackson, 2025 Miss Reno Rodeo, is a 23-year-old native Nevadan. McKinna was raised in Gardnerville, NV, where she graduated from Douglas High School. Following graduation, she then went on to earn her certificate from Texas Horseshoeing School, located in Scurry, TX. After refining her farrier skills, McKinna realized that home truly means Nevada and returned to Gardnerville. 

Darcy Phillips is a native Coloradan who adopted Nevada in 2013. Darcy holds a Master of Arts in anthropology with a concentration in non-profit management and has worked in educational, environmental, public health, and outreach organizations. Her passion for the outdoors shows in both her work and her play - she enjoys kayaking, hiking, gold panning, and visiting ghost town cemeteries with her husband. Darcy also plays classical piano and loves to paint. She looks forward to working within the community to keep the Truckee Meadows beautiful.

City Manager Jackie Bryant comes to the City of Reno from the Second Judicial District Court, where she was the Clerk of Court and Court Administrator. She held that position since November 2014. In this role, Bryant was responsible for the operations of the District Court and oversaw all members of the Executive Leadership Team.

Bryant previously served as a Nevada Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel; Insurance Counsel and Hearing Officer to the Nevada Division of Insurance (DOI); Staff Counsel to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN); and as an Attorney Associate for Holland & Hart. She practiced in the areas of public utility law, insurance law, and administrative law and worked in both the public and private sectors.

Bryant earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine and her law degree from California Western School of Law. She moved to northern Nevada in 1998 to work for the PUCN. She loves the climate and relaxed, authentic nature of Nevadans. On weekends, she spends her time gardening, hiking and riding horses.

Critical Infrastructure Consulting Services, LLC was formed to provide professional services to meet the emerging needs of the Advanced Nuclear Micro-Reactors (ANMR) nuclear industry. The founders’ vision is to provide design/construction/project control functions, as well as engaging and sourcing critical industrial resource services needed to perform site design, build, and oversight to ensure the client’s objectives and plans are properly executed throughout all phases of the project life cycle.

CICS LLC, a NV corporation and Veteran owned business will share its insight on the state of power and what the future holds for the greater Reno / Washoe County basin.

Let’s Demote President Laurie and Share Some Fun Memories with our Esteemed 2024-2025 Leader!

The Rodeo starts that night, so let’s get into a Cowboy State of Mind and make a little Rotary Magic by dressing western or just wearing your Wrangler’s/Levi’s….!

In 2010, Cara made a bold move. With determination, compassion, and a precise vision, she created Reno Rescue, a place where forgotten and abused horses would get a second chance at life.

By 2016, her dedication was recognized when Reno Rescue became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The beginning of a long and beautiful story.

As the horses arrived and the work piled up, Cara quickly realized something crucial: these animals didn’t just need hay and hoof care, they also needed a safe, healing environment. A place where trauma could turn into trust with patience. Where broken spirits, both equine and human, could find peace.

So, in 2022, she took another huge step. She moved Reno Rescue to the other side of Verdi on Trelease Lane. This place was an working ranch for many years, old and dirty but with deep roots in local history : where the Donner Party passed on a cold October,25. But Cara saw more than old buildings and dusty pastures, she saw a future for Reno Rescue. It surely took a team to rehabilitate the buildings, clean the place and create a safe environment for both human and horses. With the help of few volunteers, hard work, and a whole lot of love, she created a peaceful place where everyone is welcome — a place where children can learn life skills, grow with animals, and heal in safety.

Her mission is as powerful as it is simple:

“To give legs to those who don’t have them, and to offer safety to children who need it most.”

And that’s exactly what she’s done. Today, she runs this ranch, home to 42 horses, with a team of dedicated horse and human lovers that Believe in second chances. Every day, she blends grit with compassion, tradition with transformation.

Cara Kaufer doesn’t just run a ranch. She leads a movement of healing, of hope, and of second chances.

Robin Schofield, NAS Fallon Community Planning and Liaison Officer, will talk about the history of Naval Air Station Fallon, the importance of a Navy base in the middle of the desert, and the Modernization that the Fallon Ranges are currently going through. Please bring any questions you may have!

President Mark Growdon will review his plans and goals for the year ahead. Building on the success of Past President Laurie’s accomplishments, our club is poised for a great year!

Mark has been a rock climber all his life. In 1974 he flew from New Hampshire to climb in Yosemite Valley for six weeks.

Mark will take the audience along with him on his adventure of first climbing El Cap and being right there, when he learned the most important lessons of my life.

Caleb Cage founded the consulting firm, Arc Dome Strategies, in 2022. In 2023, he joined with partners from across the battery supply chain to form the Nevada Battery Coalition, for which he currently serves as the Executive Director. The Coalition works to increase public awareness, inform policymakers of the importance of the industry, and develop workforce development and economic development initiatives.

Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, DA Hicks is a fifth-generation northern Nevadan. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and was a member of the inaugural graduating class of the Boyd School of Law in Las Vegas. He is a loving father of a son and three daughters, and a devoted husband to his wife Nicole, who is also a prosecutor.

DA Hicks was sworn in as the 37th District Attorney in Washoe County on January 5th, 2015, and won re-election to the office in 2018 and 2022.

Joe Ernst has been an active member of the Northern Nevada community for more than 25 years. He has held the positions of teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, area superintendent, and Chief Continuous Improvement Officer. Throughout the entirety of his career, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership and academic excellence within all educational capacities.

Mr. Ernst has been honored with numerous awards, including the Reno Gazette Journal Best in Education, Washoe County Teacher’s Association Distinguished Performance Award, WCSD Inspiration Award for Exemplary Inclusive Practices and WCSD Principal of the Year. As a principal, he led Anderson Elementary School to being recognized as one of only nine Shining Star Schools in Nevada,

Mr. Ernst graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with a bachelor’s degree of science in elementary education.  He also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Ron Smith has lived and worked in Reno since 1960, primarily working in broadcasting, public relations, tour operations and with the chamber of commerce. He retired as vice president for Development and Marketing at KNPB/Channel 5 Public Broadcasting in 2006 after 15 years.

Smith has been chairman and a member of many community boards, including the Ad Club, Nevada State Fair and the Reno Performing Arts Center Association. He wrote for and performed in all 55 Sheep Dip Shows and has been “The Voice of the Great Reno Balloon Race” since 1983. He was selected to the Hall of Fame of the Nevada Broadcasters Association in 1999. His wife, Pat, and he perform and direct plays as part of a reader’s theater group, The Ageless Repertory Theater (ART).

Ron and Pat live in Reno and have a combined family of four adult children and seven grandchildren.

Jorge Montano-Figueroa is a dedicated Pediatric Injury Prevention Specialist committed to protecting children from preventable harm. With a background in pediatric critical care, his experience as a Pediatric ICU nurse fuels his passion for proactive safety measures. At Renown Children’s Hospital and through Safe Kids Washoe County, Jorge harnesses data, advocacy, and community partnerships to improve child safety across Northern Nevada. He empowers families through education and evidence-based strategies, striving to create safer environments for every child.

The Rotary Club of Reno is heading off-site for a special meeting at Urban Roots Teaching Farm - a local nonprofit dedicated to seed-to-table education for over 15 years!

Join us at NOON for a guided tour of the farm, an inside look at their impactful programs, and a delicious, locally-sourced lunch crafted by talented chefs using ingredients grown right on the farm.

Where? 1700 East Second Street, Reno, NV 89502

Entrance is on Gould Street. Park in the lot across the street on Gould.

Website: http://UrbanRootsNV.org

Greg Mosier is Dean and Professor in the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Mosier provides executive support for approximately 75 faculty, thirty-five professionals and 3,500 students at the Bachelor, Master, MBA, and PhD levels.

Mosier serves on the International Advisory Board for the SGH Warsaw School of Economics and is a frequent contributor to global business school accreditation activities of AACSB.

Mosier, previously at Oklahoma State University, was interim dean of Business, associate dean, Regents Service Professor, and an endowed professor. He is a former corporate attorney, working in the oil and gas industry and passed the State Bar Exams of Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Mosier’s research focuses on technology and the law, commercial law, and international business.

Dean Mosier earned a B.S. in Education from Oklahoma State University, a J.D. from the University of Kansas, and an Ed.D. from Oklahoma State University.

Come tailgate with our Rotary family before the Wolfpack v. Middle Tennessee State football game. Food is potluck style, so bring something to share. Tailgate is free and discounted game tickets can be purcahsed separately via the link below. Game starts at 2 pm.

LOCATION: north parking lot, site A, off of 17th St.
Ticket link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Rotary30um33ijust5

Site map provided to all club presidents. If you want to sit together at the game, you must buy tickets in bulk. Contact AG Shauna Ganes with questions (775-530-6080,
shauna@dmorris.com).

Spend a day with fellow Rotarians four-wheeling and exploring famous Native American historic rock art in Storey County near Virginia City. Bring your lunch, water and hiking shoes and share the amazing history.

Date and Time: Sunday, September 14, 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Meeting location: Ride & Share lot in Summit Mall, southwest corner of Summit Blvd. and Herz Blvd. Please be there before 9AM

Honorable Guide: Craig Wesner

We need Rotarians who have off-road vehicles, and are willing to transport fellow Rotarians; regular AWD or 4WD cars will not make it in the rough terrain.

Do you have off-road YES  NO - Please advise Craig.

If answer YES, how many more passengers you can take?        

Join us as we welcome Nicole Harvey, Esq., founder of Nevada Counsel and author of I Hope You Die Laughing: A Beginner’s Guide to Estate Planning. Nicole brings a refreshing, engaging style to a topic most people avoid, using humor and real-life stories to make estate planning approachable, memorable, and even fun. She’ll share insights on why planning matters, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to leave a legacy with intention. Copies of her book will be provided to attendees.

Mike Shain began his career with New York Life in June of 2015 in the Colorado General office after graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Degree in Economics and Political Science.  He was a Financial Services Professional for two and half years before being Promoted to a Partner in 2018 where he was responsible for building a team of financial professionals.  

Mike and his team won the Partner of the Year award in the Colorado General Office in 2018 and in 2022 he was recognized for finishing in the top 50 Partners in the country. In August of 2023 Mike received the promotion to become the Managing Partner of the Reno General Office.  In 2024 The Reno General Office won two National Trophies for the tremendous growth the organization has achieved.  His commitment to providing a collaborative environment to the elite financial professionals of Reno aligns with the collective vision of developing the premier financial services organization in Northern Nevada.  Mike has been involved with Truckee Meadows Tomorrow for since the beginning of 2025 and has a passion for serving non-profit organizations and our community.

Nick Tscheekar was born and raised in Reno and has served on the Board of Truckee Meadows Tomorrow since 2021. He loves seeing how TMT’s data can improve quality of life in our region. Nick is the Major Gifts Officer for Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, leading their fundraising for services across the homelessness and poverty continuum. He lives in the old northwest with his wife, Sofia, and their two dogs, Ophelia and Misty.

Naomi Albertson, MD, is a board-certified sports medicine and family medicine physician with over 20 years of clinical experience. A former NCAA collegiate athlete, her fascination with biomechanics and athletic performance led her to a career focused on the non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and joint pain.

Dr. Albertson earned her medical degree from Tufts University and completed her residency and sports medicine fellowship at Stanford University. In addition to her clinical practice, she is an entrepreneur.  Dr. Albertson owned and sold a supplement company, and owned and merged her sports performance company, Nevada Sports Science with Kime Peak.  She continues her dedication to the advancement of sport performance and injury prevention as a physician advisor on the board of directors for Kime Peak. Her expertise is in helping patients of all ages, from children to seniors, recover from injuries and improve their overall performance through personalized treatment plans, including exercise and nutrition programs. Dr. Albertson is passionate about her work and giving back to the community through teaching, volunteering, and public speaking.

Brenda has been with the Washoe County Human Services Agency since 2017, beginning her career as a Permanency Caseworker before transitioning to the Recruitment and Training Unit in 2020, where she currently serves as a Recruiter.

As a Recruiter, she is responsible for identifying, training, and supporting prospective foster and adoptive families—individuals who take on the vital role of caring for some of our most vulnerable youth. It is a responsibility she holds with deep respect and dedication. In her previous role as a Permanency Caseworker, she worked closely with families to support reunification efforts and ensure long-term permanency for children, while holding families accountable to improve safety and well-being at both the individual and community level.

This year we are sponsored by J Resort.  J Resort is generously covering our licensing fees and the event set-up equipment.

Please join us in the new Cedar Event Space for dinner and drinks. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the buffet starts at 6:30 pm.

Please RSVP at this link https://renorotary.org/event/fall-festival-2/

Or email Julie Griffiths at jkgmedia3@gmail.com or Tony Padavich at tonyp@tworld.com

Tickets are $100 per person and sponsorships are available at $500 and $1000.

Fabulous Fall Festival Annual Fundraiser to support the Reno Rotary Foundation. Food, drinks, auction items, and wine wagon raffle.

Please come help us plant bulbs at the Riverside Drive Gardens.