Reno, NV March 2026

Celebrating Home

If you were to walk into my house on any given Tuesday, you’d likely see a lived-in space. There might be a pair of shoes by the door from a recent run, a stack of City Lifestyle magazines on the counter, and the familiar hum of a busy household. Like many of you, I spent years thinking of "home" as a series of projects—a list of things to fix, paint, or upgrade.

But lately, my perspective has shifted.

Coming off a year where my physical world was significantly narrowed due to health challenges, I began to see my home not as a collection of square footage, but as a sanctuary of respite and recovery. I realized that while we spend so much time "investing" in the aesthetic of our homes (a topic we dive into in this issue), the real value of a house is its ability to hold the lives we lead within it.

Whether you are in the middle of a major renovation or simply finding a new corner to enjoy your morning coffee, I hope this issue inspires you to look at your space with fresh eyes. Our homes are the backdrop of our lives, the "where" to our "who," and I’m honored that City Lifestyle has a small place on your coffee table.

Thanks for letting us into your home. See you out there.

MIKE MCCARTHY, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLERENO

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Mike McCarthy | mike.mccarthy@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Nora Tarte | nora.tarte@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kasey Christensen | kasey.christensen@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Liza Belka, Dan Eckles, Erin Hana-Butros Meyering, Nora Heston Tarte, Angela Rudolph Tayour

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Willis Bretz, Eric Marks, Melody Ricketts

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

As a board-certified plastic surgeon-led med spa in Reno, M Spa is fully equipped to achieve your goals with convenient, in-office treatments. Dr. Tiffany McCormack and Dr. Nichole Joslyn — our on-site Medical Directors — are honored to have been voted “Best Plastic Surgeon” for two years in a row at the Reno-Gazette Journal’s Best of Reno Awards, as well as “Best Plastic Surgeon” in Northern Nevada by Reno News & Review. Our core team of providers offers cutting-edge aesthetic services, including:

• CoolSculpting® Elite and CoolTone®

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• Medical-grade facials and peels

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• Ultherapy® and Renuvion®

• FemTouch™ intimate rejuvenation

• Laser Skin Resurfacing

We’re passionate about providing high-quality cosmetic surgery procedures for patients seeking long-term results. For non-surgical rejuvenation without downtime, consider treatment at our first-rate med spa unprecedented in quality, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. M Spa is known for:

UNMATCHED EXPERTISE:

Led by our talented board-certified plastic surgeons — Dr. McCormack and Dr. Joslyn — and expert nurse injectors and aestheticians, we offer the very best care to achieve patients’ goals.

MODERN AESTHETIC FACILITY:

We understand our patients deserve to achieve their goals in a relaxing environment of the highest caliber. Our top-notch facility houses fully equipped treatment rooms and an on-site QUAD A-certified surgical center to highlight our ongoing dedication to a seamless patient experience.

PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE:

From start to finish, we provide an experience completely tailored to your comfort. We deliver personalized care to enhance your visit at every turn.

FIRST-RATE TECHNIQUES & TECHNOLOGY:

Our team utilizes advanced technology — including VISIA® skin analysis, CoolSculpting® Elite, Renuvion®, and more — to maximize results, accelerate downtime, increase the precision of treatment, and optimize patient safety.

We’d be happy to discuss your concerns during a private consultation with one of our expert providers. Call our office at (775) 415-8995 or visit us online at www.mspareno.com

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Project Discovery partnered with Palisades Ski Patrol for Snow Safety and Avalanche Awareness Jan. 5. 2: Deb McCarthy, Joe Dutra and family attended Santa's Top Talent! at the GSR in December. 3: Heather Neal and a friend attended The Ultimate Prince Experience at the GSR Jan. 10. 4: Reno community members gathered to celebrate the opening of Marcolino's Italia new location Jan. 9. 5: Connie Wray and Maria Partridge show off Brew HaHa artwork at the event's media preview. 6: In January, ABA President and CEO Fred Ferguson presented a check to Visit Reno Tahoe CEO Mike Larragueta.

RENO'S VERY OWN RAVEN

It's a bird, it's a plane. No, it's a life-saving helicopter

ARTICLE BY DAN ECKLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIS BRETZ

Imagine for a moment cross-country skiing in mountainous back country is new to you. Maybe you miss a marker and wander off your planned course. It’s late in the day and you’re out of water and have already finished the limited

“Without question, the capabilities provided by RAVEN have proven their value time and time again over the last three decades.”

food in your pack. As the sun goes down and night sets in, you realize you’re lost and temperatures are dropping quickly.

It might not take long for some fear to start creeping in, especially if you were injured or your equipment had failed. As hours pass, you’d likely begin to pray for help. Over the years, similar scenarios have certainly played out in the Sierra Nevada wilderness.

And in more than a few of those, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has deployed its Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit (RAVEN) to help individuals lost or injured in hard-to-reach rural terrain. The unit features three helicopters – two OH-58 Kiowas and an HH-1H Huey – as well as highly trained WCSO personnel.

For every one of those victims saved—some even from death—you can bet that when they heard the whirling sound of a helicopter approaching and

saw RAVEN unit officers coming to help, they felt a sense of relief likely unmatched.

“Without question, the capabilities provided by RAVEN have proven their value time and time again over the last three decades,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam says. “The unit has been involved in countless missions where lives were saved because help arrived faster and with a level of situational awareness that would not have been possible otherwise.”

While Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are a key piece of the RAVEN’s operations, the unit is far from a one-trick pony. Other primary RAVEN missions include responding to calls of crimes in progress, counter drug surveillance, Department of Homeland Security missions, and other emergencies such as fire and flood.

Nick Ediss is a 17-year veteran of the WCSO, a deputy assigned to the RAVEN unit. He served in

rescue missions while in the Marine Corps and Air Guard prior to hiring on with the Sheriff’s office. He was interested in aviation from a young age, but he knew the college route wasn’t for him. In 2020, an opening came up in the RAVEN unit. He applied and earned the specialty unit assignment.

“I was asked about my interest in SAR. It’s my primary job now,” Ediss says. “I really like it because I enjoy the strategy piece like figuring out a search radius. How big would that be based on conditions? Or, using other information to form a strategy on how/where to look. It’s very rewarding when we get that save. It’s rewarding when you save lives as a team.”

Unlike a CareFlight operation or air ambulance, a RAVEN unit deployment does not come with a bill at the end of the day for victims or those who needed help. The helicopters and staff are law enforcement tools just like a police car and patrolman. Garrett Bird is the WCSO Sergeant that oversees RAVEN. He says that’s a common misconception – many people believe RAVEN comes with charge. Bird also emphasized how highly trained his unit is, adding that RAVEN personnel undergo hours of education and preparation to be at their best when needed.

RAVEN responds to over 1,000 calls for service annually, arriving first on scene in 70 percent of those calls. RAVEN also clears hundreds of calls a year, freeing up ground units for other higher priority calls.

“There’s so much involved in the helicopter program,” Bird says. “People think we come out, jump in a helicopter, save a life, fly back, get out of our jump suits and go home. That’s not even close.”

RAVEN features a full-time civilian pilot — Noah McCorkle — as well as a few other part-time

“People think we come out, jump in a helicopter, save a life, fly back, get out of our jump suits, and go home. That’s not even close.”

pilots and a handful of TFO’s or Tactical Flight Officers, who are all sworn WCSO staff. McCorkle, who earned his aviation stripes by flying Blackhawk helicopters for the Army, says it’s important for locals to understand the RAVEN unit and what it does.

“This whole program is for the community, saving lives,” he stresses. “It’s not just policing the community. We support our ground assets. We want people to see the helicopter flying around and have a good feeling, not like they’re being spied on by ‘big brother.’

We want to show people what we’re capable of and that we’re here to help.”

Sheriff Balaam knows the importance of RAVEN. In fact, he’d have a hard time imagining his department without it.

“RAVEN has become an indispensable search and rescue resource, with aircraft and crews trained and equipped to locate and rescue missing or injured individuals in difficult terrain where ground teams may be limited, ultimately expanding our ability to protect lives throughout the region,” the Sheriff says.

THE WARM RETURN of Wood Cladding

THE INTERIOR DESIGN TREND QUIETLY RESHAPING MODERN HOMES

ARTICLE BY ERIN HANNA-BUTROS MEYERING

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY JOANNA BRANZELL INTERIOR DESIGN

From ceilings that feel cozy instead of cavernous to walls that double as art, wood cladding has become a go-to design move for homeowners looking to add warmth, texture, and architectural interest.

At its core, wood cladding is a layer of real wood or wood-look material applied to interior surfaces, most commonly walls and ceilings. Unlike exterior cladding, which plays a structural role, interior cladding is all about aesthetics and evoking feeling from a room. It can be installed as planks, large panels, or sheets, laid horizontally or vertically, and crafted from materials ranging from reclaimed wood to engineered wood veneer panels.

“Wood cladding is less about structure and more about creating a finished, styled surface,” says Joanna Branzell, chief executive officer and principal of Joanna Branzell Interior Design. “It instantly elevates a space.”

So why are designers and homeowners embracing it?

The answer lies in how it makes a room feel. Wood cladding adds warmth and approachability, turning blank walls into tactile surfaces that create depth and shadow, especially

in tongue-and-groove or plank styles. It often becomes a natural focal point, whether framing a fireplace, anchoring a bedroom headboard wall, or adding polish behind a television. In some cases, it even improves acoustics, particularly when paired with an acoustic backing.

The aesthetic impact depends largely on the wood itself. Light woods with clean lines lean Scandinavian or Japandi, while medium, warm tones evoke mid-century modern charm. Reclaimed or knotty woods bring rustic or farmhouse character, while dark stains or seamless panels create a moody, boutique-hotel vibe that feels both modern and luxurious.

Cost can vary based on material and installation, ranging from more affordable wood-look panels to premium hardwoods and custom millwork. But Branzell notes that wood cladding often increases perceived value. “It’s custom, it’s high-end, and it’s something you experience every day.”

In a design moment that values comfort as much as style, wood cladding offers both — grounding a space while making it unforgettable.

CONTINUED >

Building a Wine Cellar

Erin Demers weighs in on creating a balanced wine collection

Whether you’re already a collector of great wine or want to begin building an assemblage for your home, Erin Demers, a sommelier who pours at Mt. Rose Wine Bar, has some pointers. She suggests creating a personalized collection of wines to cover myriads of occasions— from a Wednesday night in to a dinner party with guests to impress. “Start with curiosity, not pressure,” Demers suggests. “One of the best tricks is buying in twos when possible: one bottle to enjoy now and one to revisit later. Not only does this help you understand how wine evolves, it also builds confidence and consistency in your collection.”

PRIORITIZE BALANCE

Not every wine needs to be a big, bold red. Great collections include a little of everything—or at least everything you like. If you’re just starting to collect, consider a range of bottles, from light and bright pinot noirs and crisp whites to those Super Tuscan reds. If you’re building on an existing collection, Demers suggests filling gaps first.

“Take a step back and assess what you already have,” she says. “Many collections grow organically and end up heavy in one style… Do you have enough wines for casual

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELODY RICKETTS

weeknights? Enough whites or sparkling wines? Enough bottles that are ready to drink now?”

While ageable reds are popular for wine cellars, they don’t satisfy the ready-to-drink category when you’re looking for something that pairs well with your pasta dinner on a whim.

Demers suggests every collector include high-quality sparkling wines such as Champagne or Franciacorta. These will pair perfectly with impromptu celebrations but are also underrated for casual dinners, brunches, and even weeknight meals.

Ageable reds certainly have a place in your cellar, as well. Demers recommends at least one Barolo, Rioja, or Bordeaux that will taste better in years to come. But don’t forget the approachable vinos either, such as Beaujolais, Chianti Classico, or pinot noir. A textured white such as a white Burgundy or a well-made riesling and a fortified port or Madeira are not to be overlooked.

“A strong collection includes a mix of styles, regions, and drinking windows,” Demers says. “You want wines for Tuesday night and wines for milestone celebrations, bottles that pair beautifully with food and others that shine on their own.”

BUY FOR YOUR PALATE

“I have a not-so-secret love for Champagne and Franciacorta—they’re the bottles I reach for whether I’m celebrating something big or just cooking dinner at home,” Demers says. “That’s the beauty of building a cellar: it should reflect what you actually love to drink. Have FUN with it! Follow your palate and don’t worry about doing it ‘right.’”

No two palates are alike, and that’s exactly what makes wine collecting personal and enjoyable.

“A great wine collection doesn’t begin with trophy bottles—it begins with understanding your own palate,” Demers says. “Buy wines you actually enjoy drinking; not just bottles you think you should own.”

BUILD A ROOM FOR YOUR WINE

If you have the space to create a wine room or cellar in your home, basement, or garage, make sure it is built to protect your collection.

“Temperature consistency matters more than anything else,” Demers laments. “Aim for a cool, stable environment—ideally around 55 degrees—and avoid fluctuations. Light and vibration are wine’s quiet enemies, so keep bottles out of direct sunlight and away from constant movement.”

Humidity also plays a key role. You want a cellar that provides a temperate climate. If the room is too dry, corks can shrink, but if it is too damp, the labels can suffer.

When building your wine racks, prioritize those that allow bottles to be stored on their sides.

Once the structure is complete, find a system to organize your wines and stick to it. A spreadsheet or at the very least a notes app on your phone can make organization easy. You’ll want to catalog each new wine you buy and include notes on taste, where you had it, and what it pairs well with. The larger your collection gets, the more valuable this information will be.

“A cellar is most enjoyable when you know exactly what’s waiting for you—and when,” Demers says.

ABOUT ERIN DEMERS

Erin Demers is a sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers with a background in fine-dining restaurant operations and hospitality leadership. Based in Reno, she specializes in terroir-driven wines, thoughtful cellar curation, and guest-centric wine programs that balance quality, value, and approachability. Demers can often be found at Mt. Rose Wine Bar in the Shayden Summit shopping center where she pours for owners Anthony Layton-Mathews and Amanda Flangas.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA RUDOLPH TAYOUR

Light has a profound impact on our senses. It can make us feel awake, alive, comforted, secure, or inspired. With too little light, we are unable to get motivated, but with too much, we can feel anxious. Despite the intense impact lighting can have on our moods, lighting design in our own homes is frequently an afterthought and not an intentional choice.

THE FUNDAMENTALS

There are three main categories of lighting: task, ambient, and accent.

As the name suggests, task lighting is used for performing tasks. It helps you perform a function and is more focused. It’s the type

“Placement makes a huge difference with recessed lighting, so you want to be sure to create the perfect positioning in order to achieve that Goldilocks 'just right' feeling.”

of light you would want in your kitchen when you’re cooking dinner, in your game room when you’re playing billiards, or in your bathroom when you’re getting ready for the day.

Ambient lighting is more general. It includes recessed lighting, lamps, or LED strip lighting installed around kitchen cabinets. It creates atmosphere and mood.

Accent lighting draws the eye and highlights something you want to give special attention to. It can be used to illuminate special artwork or wall plants. It elevates your home décor and instantly adds a bit of elegance with its detailed intention. Accent lighting includes spotlights and wall sconces.

IT STARTS WITH A FEELING

Once you know the three types of lighting, you can start dreaming up your own design. Heidi Blom with Cabinet & Lighting Supply encourages people to begin by considering the intention, functionality, and most importantly, how you want to feel in each room.

For example, if you have a reading room, you’ll want to have sufficient task lighting so that you’re not straining your eyes trying to read in the dark, but you’ll probably also want to feel cozy and at ease in your reading room. That will require a combination of task and ambient lighting.

Similarly, in your kitchen, you’ll need task lighting, but you’ll probably also want to have ambient lighting so that after you’re done cooking, your kitchen can become a peaceful gathering place for friends and family to congregate and enjoy camaraderie, recounting their days together. You may also have a piece of artwork or a family heirloom, like a porcelain dinnerware set, that you want to give accent with softer and warm lighting – noticeable but not drawn out.

Feeling and functionality should drive design.

“Choosing a few key areas for accent lighting subtly illuminates delightful details of your interior design.”

DON’T BE BASIC

Recessed lighting is a popular choice, but it’s often done in straight lines almost like a runway, which can be overkill and create glare. Placement makes a huge difference with recessed lighting, so you want to be sure to create the perfect positioning in order to achieve that Goldilocks “just right” feeling.

READ THE ROOM

The direction your home faces will have a significant impact on how the natural light travels throughout your home each day. Homes that face south will have a different daily light pattern than homes that face north. Pay attention to that daily light pattern so that as you design your home, you can incorporate dimmers and automatic light timers that will complement and supplement the natural light that your home gets.

COOL IT DOWN OR WARM IT UP

You can create moods by the tone of the lightbulbs you use. Cool lights tend

to work well for task lighting, whereas warmer lights help with ambient lighting. You should mix and match throughout your home, depending on the feelings you want to inspire in each setting, but be sure not to mix cool lights and warm lights within the same design element, such as a group of recessed lights.

INSTANTLY ELEVATE

Dimmers are an easy way to instantly add dimension, functionality, and an elegant feel to your home. In addition to dimmers, accent lighting helps set your home apart. Choosing a few key areas for accent lighting subtly illuminates delightful details of your interior design.

Another great way to add charm and richness to your home is to add “toe-kick lighting.” Toe-kick lighting consists of delicate accent lights that you can put in key areas, like along the bottom of cabinets or along staircases that add ethereal ambiance at night when you’ve extinguished your general lighting and want to wind down.

Bookcase Styling your

Tips for an Organized and Aesthetic Display

ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

A bookcase is often more than just a storage unit for books; it’s a focal point of a room that can enhance the overall decor and reflect personal style. Styling a bookcase can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to showcase your literary collection and curate a space that feels inviting and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled bookcase.

Styling a bookcase is a creative process that combines practicality with aesthetics. By using these tips, you can transform an ordinary bookshelf into a stylish, engaging focal point that complements your home’s decor while showcasing your personality and interests.

Step 1

Strategically Place Books on the Bookcase While Incorporating Decorative Elements.

When placing books back on the shelves, think about the arrangement, vertical stacks are more traditional, horizontal stacks more modern, or both for more visual interest. Adding decorative elements such as picture frames, vases, or sculptural objects to break the monotony. Incorporating items with varying heights can create a dynamic arrangement. Use larger items like art pieces or baskets on lower shelves and smaller decorative objects higher up. Aim for a balanced look while avoiding perfect symmetry. This creates an organic flow, drawing the eye naturally across the shelf. Incorporate asymmetrical groupings for added interest, mixing textures, colors, and shapes.

Step 2

Use Color Wisely and Add Natural Elements.

Color plays a role in styling a bookcase. You can opt for a monochromatic palette for a sophisticated look or introduce pops of color for a more energetic vibe. If your books are of various colors, pick a few colorful decorative pieces that complement or contrast them effectively. Integrating plants or natural elements can breathe life into your bookcase. Small potted plants can add color and texture.

Step 3

Create Zones and Add Personal Touches.

If your bookcase has multiple shelves, consider creating zones or themes for different sections. Infuse your personality into the bookcase through memorabilia, travel souvenirs, or personal artwork. These pieces add a storytelling dimension and make the space uniquely yours.

BACK TO OUR ROOTS

PEOPLE ARE SEARCHING OUT CONNECTION BOTH WHERE THEY LIVE AND BEYOND

ARTICLE BY LIZA BELKA

Community used to be something you didn’t have to think about. It showed up in everyday moments like kids riding bikes until dinner, neighbors hanging out in driveways, and familiar faces at the same weekly gatherings. Above all, connection wasn’t scheduled or curated; it was simply part of life.

Over time, those natural points of connection began to fade. New technology, busier schedules, and general lifestyle shifts have quietly changed how people interact. And while independence has its benefits, many are now feeling the weight of what’s been lost along the way.

However, a growing number of neighborhoods and organizations across Reno are intentionally rebuilding what once came naturally by creating places where connection is part of daily life.

LOVING WHERE YOU LIVE

Neighborhoods like ArrowCreek, Somersett, and Rancharrah are leading that return by designing environments that make it easier for people to know their neighbors, share routines, and feel a sense of belonging. Through shared amenities, walkable gathering spaces, and built-in social opportunities, these communities are reintroducing something familiar and needed.

Jenna Neugebauer has lived in ArrowCreek since 2007. Initially drawn to the area for its location, pools, and gated layout that allowed her children to play freely, she quickly found that the real value extended beyond features and benefits.

Her weeks are filled with shared routines like a standing Tuesday golf game with the same group of women, Pilates and yoga classes at the club, regular walks along the ArrowCreek loop, as well as summer evenings filled with bocce ball, live music, and concerts on the green. “It’s incredibly easy to meet people here,” she says, whether at the dog park, residents’ pool, or club patio. “You run into neighbors constantly.”

That ease into connection brings a sense of calm. “I feel centered once I get behind our gates,” Neugebauer says. “Reno has really grown, and it’s peaceful up here.”

For Marilyn Wright, community has meant something even deeper. A psychologist and longtime Reno resident, Wright describes the network of relationships she’s built in neighborhoods like Montreux as a “family village.”

“My husband passed away suddenly three years ago,” she shares. “My friends and neighbors were so compassionate and thoughtful through those initial dark days and weeks. It meant the world to me — and still does.”

For Wright, community isn’t just social but foundational. “It reflects the quality of individuals I have around me now,” she says. “We have each other’s backs through the good and fun days… and the hard ones. What a blessing that is.”

She points to multiple layers of connection: her neighborhood, her church community, her clinical practice, and the shared appreciation for Reno’s outdoor beauty. Together, they create what she calls the “meaningful secret sauce” that makes life here feel supported and whole.

For many others, that sense of support is especially impactful during major life transitions. John Compisi and his wife relocated to Somersett from Northern Sonoma County, where they had lived on a secluded 37-acre property. And while they loved wine country, building a social life there required planning, long drives, and effort.

But in Somersett, connection came quickly. “Our social life here is definitely more active,” Compisi says. “We can be busy three or four nights a week with dinners, concerts, or community events.”

Shortly after moving in, Compisi helped start a resident-run wine club, now called the High Sierra Wine Society, which quickly grew to 65 members. “That really anchored us into the greater Somersett community,” he says.

His weeks now include men’s social gatherings, volunteer-run happy hours at the Town Center, skiing with neighbors in winter, boating on Lake Tahoe in summer, and wine tastings hosted in each other’s homes. “Living in a higher-density environment has made us feel much more connected,” he says. “We see our neighbors often, and those relationships naturally deepen.”

At Rancharrah, resident Kristin Zuckerman says community has become part of her daily rhythm. After relocating to Reno in 2022, she found connection quickly through fitness classes, pickleball games, casual gatherings, and signature social events like Toasty Thursdays.

“If you wander into the club for a drink or a quick bite, it’s not uncommon to find your table full,” she says. “You end up staying much longer than planned.”

Special events from wine dinners and tequila tastings to yoga, accompanied by live cello music, add shared experiences that foster real friendships. “Our kids are grown,” Zuckerman says, “so moving somewhere where it was easy to make friends made the transition to Reno much easier.”

From her experience working with relocation clients, she’s seen this same desire again and again. Buyers aren’t just looking for homes. They’re looking for belonging.

FINDING 'HOME' ELSEWHERE

But community in Reno isn’t limited to where you live or what you can afford. Membership-based organizations continue to provide some of the most accessible and meaningful opportunities for connection.

The Reno Elks Lodge is one such example. Sean Brennan, a former Exalted Ruler, initially joined for his son and the desire to belong to a fraternal organization. And what he found was lifelong connection.

“Officially, it’s the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,” Brennan says. “Unofficially, it’s the Best People on Earth.”

Through themed charity dinners, social events, and volunteer efforts that have given millions back to the local community, the Elks offer purpose and camaraderie at a cost accessible to many households. “I’ve made friends I’ll have for the rest of my life,” Brennan says. “Being part of something that gives back makes you feel like you’re making a difference.”

Other organizations like Rotary Clubs, service leagues, churches, and community centers offer similar experiences that don’t require a gated address, just shared commitment.

We’re seeing a broader shift across Reno, as people seek places where connection is part of daily life. Whether through neighborhood walking loops, resident-run wine clubs, volunteer-led happy hours, or longstanding community organizations, the common thread is intentional togetherness.

And in a world that often feels like people have to navigate life alone, Reno’s neighborhoods are quietly reminding us that we were never really meant to.

Jim Morman, AAMS® Financial Advisor

AT WESTSIDE DENTAL STUDIO, WE BELIEVE THAT THE TINIEST DETAILS TRULY MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING AND MAINTAINING STELLAR SMILES. THAT’S WHY IT’S OUR MISSION TO PLACE EACH PATIENT AT THE CENTER OF THEIR ORAL HEALTH BY LOOKING AFTER EVERY DETAIL. THROUGH TAILORED CARE, CONTINUED EDUCATION, AND INDUSTRYLEADING TECHNOLOGY, WE STRIVE TO BUILD LIFELONG, MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR PATIENT FAMILY. westsidedentalstudionv.com

WE’RE PINING FOR PICON PUNCH

NEVADA’S STATE BEVERAGE IS OFFICIAL

As residents of the only state with a cocktail as the sole official state drink, Nevadans love Picon Punch. This classic sipper was first created by the Basque people living in the American West. Reflecting what Nevadans have known for generations, Nevada officially declared the Picon Punch its state drink in 2025.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA RUDOLPH TAYOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MARKS

Sipping a Picon punch is an experience. A burst of citrus envelops your senses as you bring the cup to your lips and inhale. Once you taste it, the flavors of oranges mixed with vanilla and a feeling of warmth take over. It’s sweet, fruity, and boozy, and will make you feel like you’re with family as you slowly savor each drop. It gets easier to drink the more you have. As they say, “One’s not enough, three’s too many.”

Ferino Distillery makes Ferino Amer using the same recipe handed down through many generations by the previous secret keepers and distillers, Torani. In a tale reminiscent of Willy Wonka, Torani knew they were ready to stop production on their Amer, but that it would be crucial to find the right distillery to hand down their renowned recipe to. After a search, they approached Cannella and asked if he was ready to take the torch. We are very grateful he accepted.

It was important to Joe to continue the legacy of Amer for Nevadans. “I have very much enjoyed getting to know the people behind the drink—the Basque people here in Northern Nevada and the broader western U.S. who share a common bond and are such a structural part of so many communities in the region. Proud, hard-working, entrepreneurial, and generous. My kind of people,” he says.

The Ferino Amer (the exact recipe perfected by Torani) is one of five artisanal liqueurs created at Ferino Distillery. And side note, their Cannella

Cinnamon Cordial is a must-try, as well. It’s a bold cinnamon-forward spirit made using four types of cinnamon and organic cane sugar.

Haven’t had a Picon Punch yet? Or perhaps it’s been a long time. Head to the Ferino Distillery, Louie’s Basque Corner (perhaps the most iconic local watering hole to try one), or Casale’s Halfway Club to try on Nevada’s State Drink.

MAKE IT AT HOME

Joe Cannella, founder and master distiller of Ferino Distillery, shared with us the recipe for a Perfect Picon Punch.

1. Fill a 6-ounce stemmed Picon glass with ice.

2. Add a splash of grenadine (just enough to “threaten” the ice).

3. Pour in 2 ounces of Ferino Amer and 1⁄4-ounce of club soda, and stir.

4. Finish with a float of 1⁄2 ounce brandy and garnish with a lemon peel (twist, rim, and drop).

ONE OF A KIND. ONE OF 24.

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MARCH 6TH - 8TH

Jurassic Quest

Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

Grab your dino lovers and head to the Livestock Events Center! Jurassic Quest brings life-size animatronic dinosaurs front and center at this family-focused event. Everything is dino-related from fossil digs to meet and greets with baby dinosaurs.

MARCH 7TH

International Women’s Day Block Party

Downtown Reno Arch | 3:00 PM

The Cover Tones and New Wave Crave will perform throughout the event and at 7 p.m., the Reno Arch will turn purple in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. This free-to-attend event offers live music, vendor shopping, and local food and beverages from a variety of food trucks.

MARCH 7TH

Boxtales Theatre Company

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | 3:00 PM

Part of Pioneer Center's free family series, no reservation or purchase is required for this family-friendly show. The award-winning touring company from Santa Barbara presents original works often rooted in myths and fables.

MARCH 13TH - JULY 26TH

Cirque Alice

Eldorado Resort Casino

It’s “Alice in Wonderland” like you’ve never seen it before. The cirque-style show blends wacky Wonderland antics with impressive athletic feats. Head to the El Dorado Showroom to see it live during its multi-month residency.

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MARCH 14TH

35th Annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry Festival

Virginia City Comstock | 10:00 AM

It's bacccck! If you haven't participated in an oyster tasting before, here's your chance! The Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry is a culinary tradition cherished in Nevada. Several vendors gather - and compete - for top prize in a rocky mountain oyster cook-off like you've never seen before! Hang around to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day saloon crawl afterward.

MARCH 14TH - 15TH

Paw Patrol Live: A Mighty Adventure!

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Paw Patrol has landed in Reno, Nev.! For two days, Nickelodeon’s favorite rescue dogs will be saving the world on the Pioneer Center stage. There are three chances to see the show.

MARCH 24TH - 29TH

The Notebook: The Musical

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

This beloved love story is headed to Reno’s big stage as part of the Broadway Comes to Reno series. Fall in love with Noah and Allie as you relive the 2004 rom com with new music by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by TV’s Bekah Brunstetter (“This Is Us”).