Reno, NV April 2024

Home Means Reno

As many of you may have noticed, we do our best to deliver a different content theme on our pages every month. While February was our Love Local Issue and March was our Home issue, our theme for April is Investing, and while the word, in and of itself, may typically have financial connotations, our Managing Editor, Nora Tarte, and I decided to take a little bit of creative license to focus on Investing in our Community.

As our pages highlight, month in and month out, Reno is an amazing place. Among other things, it’s beautiful, culturally rich, and has incredible food, but what really makes it special is the generosity of the people and the willingness to invest in community-focused initiatives. From culture and events, kids and families, supporting veterans, recovery, homelessness, healthcare, and even pet-focused causes, there are literally dozens and dozens of ways for people in Reno to give back. And they do.

I have always contributed, in many ways, to the passions I’m closest to. In my role as the publisher of City Lifestyle Reno, I’ve had the great fortune to deliver content that I believe enriches our community but also to meet with many people and organizations that are supporting causes and projects in ways I never imagined, which has both broadened my horizons and made me rethink how I can personally contribute. Where and how can I have the greatest impact or create the most leverage as both a business owner and a single entity and can I even make a difference? The answer is yes, I can.

And so can you.

As you flip through our pages this month, I invite you to take a second to consider how you can best contribute to our community. Whether you have the time or the means to dedicate to giving back on any scale, doing something will always mean orders of magnitude more than doing nothing. After all, it is not the power of one, it’s the power of us all, and together, we make a difference.

Happy reading!

city scene

1: F45 Training continues to expand across the world and has made its way to Reno. 2: Bars band together for a cause during the Stellar Sunday event. 3: The DRP hosted a lunch and learn for Brewing District businesses at Lead Dog Brewing. 4: DRP board, committee members, and executive team attended the EDAWN. 5: DRPs Executive Director Neoma Jardon pictured with Chef-Owner Mark Estee at Liberty Food & Wine.

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G L OBAL CHANGE T E DX RENOINFLUENCES

Ideas have the power to change minds and create movement. Ideas can completely alter the way you behave and feel while having a powerful ripple effect in both the local community and globally. Many are familiar with TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talks, but did you know Reno organizes its own TEDx event? Meet three locals who have taken the stage and shared their “idea worth spreading” at a TEDxReno event. Then, see the next set of speakers live on April 6 at the University of Nevada, Reno. The event, titled “Disruption,” will surely spark fresh waves of influence and impact.

THINKERS, DOERS, AND DREAMERS TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH LOCAL SPEAKER SERIES

Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell

To call Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell “dynamic” is an understatement. She is warm, hard-working, intelligent, and inspirational.

Her first TEDx talk, “Why Black Patients Don’t Trust the Healthcare System,” was given in Reno and less than a year later, she gave another TEDx talk for Rutgers entitled “Do No Harm.” Both of her talks focus on health equity and advocating for patients, especially minorities whose voices are often diminished through unconscious biases that can have life-threatening consequences in healthcare

Dr. Curry-Winchell has long been an advocate for change in healthcare and beyond. Actively working with patients as a physician, she shares her expertise through social media including through a video series called “Beyond Clinical Walls” that she produces and publishes weekly.

She is also an expert correspondent for news organizations including the BBC, CBS News, NBC News, CNN, and others. “Representation is a huge goal of mine,” says Dr. Curry-Winchell. “Hoping that a child of color can see me as a physician on TV or in a TEDx talk and realize they can become a physician themselves… that matters a lot to me!”

Grant Denton

Grant Denton wants everyone to get the help they need, and he’ll tell you what you are and aren’t doing right when it comes to reaching those experiencing homelessness. His TEDxReno talk, “The Not So Helpful Help for Those Experiencing Homelessness,” shares his own experience of being unhoused in Reno. While people often think they are helping the unhoused by giving them resources, some help can actually keep those who are sick from becoming healthy.

“It was overwhelming,” Denton says of the TEDxReno experience. “You can feel the frequency onstage and the people leaning in and rooting for you and the ideas presented.” Denton is the executive director of the Karma Box Project in Reno. While early in his recovery, he would listen to TED talks and share information with his friends and fellows in recovery. Being able to give his own TEDx talk was a full-circle moment.

“Whatever culture you’re in, you only know what you know,” says Denton. “If you want to evolve as a group, you better learn new ideas and lean into listening to others. It’s absolutely necessary to learn different approaches and perspectives – that’s how you learn to make changes.”

Emily Jaenson

Emily Jaenson is a keynote speaker and podcaster whose podcast, Leadership is Female, is in the top 2.5% of most followed podcasts worldwide. Her TEDxReno talk is entitled “Six behaviors to increase your confidence,” and has over 3.5 million views  on the TEDx YouTube account. In her ten-minute talk, she gives people six tangible steps they can take and embody to grow their confidence and step into their success.

“My goal was to impact ONE person,” Jaenson says. “If one person heard this talk and was motivated to change their life or become the person they wanted to be, I’d be honored. The fact that it has reached so many and that now I get to continue to share this message is such a blessing.”

Since giving her talk, Jaenson has become a professional speaker, coaching companies on how they can help employees and leaders become more confident, increasing not only the company’s bottom line but also helping everyone find greater fulfillment in their everyday lives. She’s also recently written a book scheduled to publish in spring titled, Let’s Go! A Guide to Increasing Your Confidence.

THE

Bodyworks “The most effective fat burning and muscle toning fitness hour” It promises to get you lean,

unbelievable shape and look and feel great.

Max Bodyworks prepare you for all aspects of strength, balance and conditioning. It’s clearly the most productive group class for any activity, event or summer and winter sport.

““It was always about the razzmatazz and the grandeur of the art”

Housed in perhaps the least expected place in Reno, a Save Mart Shopping Center on Keystone Avenue, The Theatre has given new life to an old building. Built to house a state-of-the-art magic show heavy in special effects and created by long-time performers Kevin Jeffrey and Lord Caruso, the strip mall space is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the biggest little city, routinely selling out to crowds of both visitors and locals.

Picture this: purple and red hued laser beams shooting from every direction, blasts of smoke hitting the stage floor, and showgirls dressed to the nines in feather headdresses and sky-high leather boots, all before the real magic even starts. Magique, the resident show at The Theatre is perhaps Reno’s most hidden gem, all Las Vegas glamour without the strip. The owners say it’s akin to the hotpots in New York, where you can routinely find the chicest bar behind an alleyway dumpster.

How Jeffrey and Lord Caruso came to run The Theatre is somewhat of an unlikely story. Growing up in Reno, they began making money as street performers in the late 90s and eventually were hired to perform at events like the rib cookoff and state fair. The act snowballed, focused more on big productions than close-up magic, finding space in Tahoe before striking a deal with Carnival cruise ships and opening a theater in Miami.

When the pandemic hit, a pivot was necessary, and the duo returned home, but not to lick their wounds. Instead, they found an abandoned theater space in Downtown Reno that, most recently, had served as a part of Truckee Meadows Community College’s music school. However, its history also includes time as a cinema, a nightclub, and a brothel.

The two do more than produce the shows. Lord Caruso and Jeffrey are up there seven to eight nights per month wowing the crowd with their over-the-top type of magic.

“It was always about the razzmatazz and the grandeur of the art,” Jeffrey says, referencing Siegfried and Roy and David Copperfield as influences. “Our show really moves fast, there’s no downtime, there’s no long winded card tricks.”

Instead of looking for sly hand movements, the crowd won’t have time to focus on any one spot for too long. The team has spent more than 100 hours perfecting their lighting and special effects. While Jeffrey is sawing a woman in half, a team of line dancers are completing high kicks in sequins and high heels. The showgirls—eight in all—are a big piece of the show. “We like to do everything in a way that keeps the flow of the show in line with how people receive entertainment these days,” Jeffrey explains. “We don’t really focus on any one trick.”

While Magique only debuted in Reno two years ago when The Theatre opened, Lord Caruso and Jeffrey have been refining their performances for decades. They produce and cast cruise ship shows for Carnival still but the hometown piece is their bread and butter, simply a revised and improvised version of what they’ve been doing for nearly 30 years.

Every piece of the production is of its own design. They choose the music, cast the dancers, imagine the choreography, find the magicians, work on the pyrotechnics and lighting effects, and even act in the shows. Lord Caruso hand makes every costume you see on stage—over 100 in all.

Magique may have the residency, but it’s not the only show performed in The Theatre. A couple of times each year, Rouge Worx (another local theater company) uses the space to perform a run. Typically, the show will come in for six to eight weeks and play on Friday evenings. These are more tailored to a local crowd while Magique tends to draw in tourists. When no performances are scheduled, The Theater is a rental space.

Cruise ships are running again and casino entertainment has returned post pandemic, but Lord Caruso and Jeffrey don’t intend to return to touring. Instead, they are enjoying their little slice of home, having more time to work on the show since they aren’t packing up and hauling equipment to the next city every few days.

“All of our efforts can be put into the show itself,” Jeffrey says. “It evolves, it never changes all at once.”

To get your hands on the hot tickets, visit wethetheatre.com . Shows are family friendly but recommended for children ages five and up.

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Our show really moves fast, there’s no downtime, there’s no long winded card tricks.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING ‘May’ Expansions

Reno has grown to be a mecca for the outdoorsy. Between its accessible riverwalk, its unique locale just below mountainous world-class skiing, and curated spaces such as the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden… us fresh air seekers, we’ve got it made.

And with Earth Day right around the hedges on April 22nd, it’s a perfect time to turn an eye towards sustainability and the environment around.

HISTORY PRESERVED IN PLANTS

The May Arboretum, best described as a “living plant museum,” was established in 1985 alongside Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The arboretum is now home to over 4,600 native and adaptive plant species (including three endangered plant species).

The arboretum is thoughtfully located in a transitional zone between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin Desert, which makes it perfectly suited to live out its mission of providing education, research, conservation, and ultimately demonstrating how newly introduced plant species and native plants grow in a high desert environment.

Wilbur D. May, whom the Arboretum is named after, exemplified those goals as he was adventurous, well-traveled, and valued the preservation of culture. The arboretum preserves history (and life) through plants.

“The May Arboretum, like many public gardens, is an expression of the local cultural heritage and social norm. It’s multifaceted and serves our community of all ages throughout the season… It is also a place for solace, reflection, and peace. The May Arboretum provides all of this and many more intangibles, and what is so unique about it, it is easily accessible,” says Bill Carlos, a previous May Arboretum horticulturist.

“The May Arboretum [is] the perfect place to impact the most amount of people and open their eyes to nature.”

FUTURE STATE

While the entire land space is nearly 23 acres, about 13 acres are currently developed. And just like Reno, the May Arboretum has major growth plans.

For starters, there are plans to have a new visitor’s center, holding expanded educational classes and seminars. Other additions down the pike include several new demonstration gardens including a two-acre cactus and succulent garden (which will help teach low-water use landscaping), as well as a children’s garden. While an exact time has not been released for when these gardens will be open to the public (many uncontrollables are weather, time, and maintenance), they are definitely in development.

“This year we are set to plant 15 new varieties of trees to help represent different [and diverse] regions of Earth right here in the Washoe County Community,” explains Washoe County Horticulturalist Luke Sorenson.

Throughout the spring months, the May Arboretum has an array of special events, including gardening classes against a backdrop of over 35,000 flower bulbs from crocus to tulips and daffodils, which can be viewed all over the park. You can also mark your

calendar for their annual plant sale in May, which includes many varieties of native plants at discounted rates.

Keep an eye out online or stop by the arboretum to learn more about specific programming in honor of Earth Day. The experts will help lead events throughout the week such as bird walks, nature as therapy walks, tours, tree planting, and other activities for all ages. At the May Arboretum, everyone is encouraged to foster their inner plant lover, as there are numerous benefits to a healthy flora.

“I got involved in horticulture because I come from a family of plant lovers,” says Sorensen. “From a young age, I tended the garden with my mother, cultivating flowers. I had a passion for plants and [I noticed] the beauty seemed endless. While I grew up in Nevada and I admire the native plants and conditions that we are blessed with, I continue to gain knowledge from other arboretums across the world to help preserve and spread the wealth of plants.”

WILBUR D. MAY ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN

Within Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. (775) 823-6501

Vegan

Good food is good food, whatever it’s made from

in Reno

ELIXIR SUPERFOOD & JUICE

Elixir (noun): medicinal potion intended to cure an illness

Like its origin, Elixir restaurant in Reno (and its original location in Mammoth Lakes, CA) has an intention of serving whole foods, rich in remedial properties to boost your health. It’s 100% gluten-free, mostly organic, dairy-free (except for the optional cheeses), and plant-focused. While Elixir is not a vegan restaurant, all of its dishes can be made vegan.

The decadent bowls and salads (all fully customizable) are comprised of fresh ingredients; with no GMOs, no preservatives, no refined oils, and no refined sugars.

Many Americans do not consume the daily recommended serving of vegetables and Elixir is set on changing that. “If we can get people to view meat as a condiment and not the main course, we know they will begin to see a change in their energy and vitality,” says Elixir founder and owner, Karla Perry.

From energy treats in a familiar (and desirable) shape of cookies to colorful and nutritious smoothies, you’ll find something to perhaps boost your mood, uplift your energy, and even settle your rumbling tummy.

What’s better? You’ll find folks from all walks of life strutting in for sustenance. Staff vouches that staunch meat-eaters come in and may start with a chicken teriyaki bowl and a few weeks later, they're eating tofu spring rolls. “Our goal is to get people in our community to eat and love more vegetables,” says Perry. “Cheers to eating more plants!”

Elixer Superfood & Juice

24 California Ave. (775) 622-8368

Enjoyelixir.com

“OUR VEGAN FOOD... SATIATES THE ‘NORMA L’ TASTES ANDTEXTURES...  A TYPIC AL MEAL IS COMPRISED OF.”

THE FIX FALAFEL & THINGS

Ever had a vegan friend say, “you won’t even know the difference!” And you smirk, thinking you’ll never try vegan “chicken” let alone like it. With The Fix, you may cautiously bite into your food be it the “Beef” Shawarma or the Mango Habanero Wings and quickly go for a second, third, and soon your last bite of plant-based goodness.

The Fix serves falafel and things, all vegan, and as online reviews suggest, they are, “out of this world.” You can find generously portioned wraps, “wings,” sandwiches, salads, tacos, and savory classic sides such as hand-cut garlic fries and housemate ranch, or even obscure snacks like seaweed fries, topped with ground seaweed and Old Bay Seasoning.

I, personally, don’t find a weekend where I don’t trot over to West Street Market for the “chicken” salad, complete with buffalo “chicken,” “bacon”

bits, pepperoncini, herbs, house-made ranch, lettuce, onion, and diced tomato. Call it a craving, call it a habit… whatever you call it, I’m not remotely mad about it because I’ll bet you’ll be in the same boat after indulging in a few of their plant-based shareables.

Before opening in the West Street Market, The Fix slung vegan treats off their food truck for seven years. While they love promoting veganism, they also are rooted in providing the community affordable (and delicious) vegan food. “Being a part of this lifestyle for so many years, we know that we want to normalize being satisfied with a meal that doesn’t contain meat,” says one of the founders, Jack Mcgrath. “But our vegan food still checks all the boxes and satiates the ‘normal’ tastes and textures that a typical meal is comprised of. Our goal is to accomplish that without using animal products to do so."

While the why can be important when it comes to choosing your next meal … and arguably even more for vegans, the comfort food at The Fix is unparalleled.

The Fix Falafel & Things

148 West St. (775) 409-4813

Thefixvegan.com

HOUSE OF MEXICA

Like many restaurants, House of Mexica is rooted in identity. It exists, in part, to honor its owners ancestral lineage and tribe, the Mexihcahyotl. A lot of dishes served at the restaurant are ancestral dishes using plants, such as, Nopalli (cactus) and the Hibiscus flower. The bold, purple logo is based off of their Ancient calendar and is used to track the cycles of nature, the cycles of the human, and the cycles of time.

This amount of intention is what you can expect when dining at House of Mexica. All of the food is vegan, and most is prepared to order. The classic asada tacos and mac and cheese are divine.

I have been going to House of Mexica for years, it was even my first date with my now husband. The service and food is always incredible and there’s a sense of calm while dining. While we have our favorites, it’s a great spot to share a few dishes so you get a sampling of everything.

House of Mexica

3600 Warren Way, Unit 107 (775) 384-1690

Houseofmexica.com

This

Rotary GIVING BACK THROUGH

SHAUNA GAINES SUPPORTS COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION’S MANY PHILANTHROPIC CHANNELS

Shauna Gaines was born and raised in Reno. After attending college in Oregon, she lived in Spain, San Francisco, and New Zealand. She vowed to never move back to Reno but ended up doing just that in 2008. “Best decision ever,” she says. Gaines immediately joined the Rotary Club of Reno Midtown as a charter member and since then has held several positions, including president.

“My club specifically has a focus on youth leadership development. We sponsor at least four students to attend RYLA, which is an outstanding leadership camp for students going into their senior year of high school.”

Why did you choose Rotary for your philanthropic focus?

I love that Rotary is a non-religious, non-political organization committed to making the world a better place. Not having a social network when I moved back and having joined a Rotary club almost right away, the membership has become my primary friend group also.

How does your work with Rotary align with your personal mission?

My mission in life is to be a valuable contribution to everyone I meet and in everything I do. Rotary is 100% in alignment with that mission, as Rotary in general has proven to be an invaluable contribution to millions of people around the world.

Where did your sense of community and responsibility to give back come from?

I'd like to think being an active Rotarian before I know why I was doing it, is where my sense of community and responsibility to give back was truly developed. To see the impact, we have in our community and in the world is energizing and very moving. It just builds on itself and you want to know what else you can do.

Do you work with any other nonprofits?

I have worked with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) for several years as part of our local group of corporate donors. I have helped with events like Breakfast with Santa to raise awareness and funds for our local children's hospital.

What do you most want people to know about Rotary?

Joining Rotary is easy and could be one of the best decisions you can make. I encourage everyone to check out a club and/or support one of our many local projects and fundraisers put on by one of our stellar nine Reno/Sparks clubs.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 2ND

2024 Reno Aces Home Opener

Greater Nevada Field

The Reno Aces will play their first home game of the season against the Sacramento River Cats. Get ready for an exciting summer at the ballpark, where the Aces will face-off against other minor league teams until the season concludes on September 22.

APRIL 13TH-14TH

Cinderella

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre will perform the classic fairytale, Cinderella, alongside the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. Come for an enchanting evening of dance and live music appropriate for the whole family.

APRIL 25TH-27TH

Reno Jazz Festival

University of Nevada, Reno

Every year professional jazz musicians, instructors, and students gather to learn the art of jazz by participating in clinics with industry professionals. Musicians from across the American West will spend the weekend in Reno perfecting their musical skills.