Sparks High School Christmas Dinner
The Sparks High School’s Alumni Foundation is proud to host their annual Alumni and Friends Christmas Dinner on December 15 at the Nugget Casino in Sparks in the Sierra Room. The much-awaited Christmas dinner is a time for alumni to reunite with old friends and share updates and stories. This year’s event promises to be the largest turnout they have ever had with 235 tickets paid for compared to last years 164.
The dinner venue has varied in the past, but the last few years at the Nugget Casino have been a great success. In 2021, Rikki Melanaphy and Donald Abbott began leading the alumni team for this event, and each year the event has grown. This year, the Alumni Foundation is excited to continue the tradition of hosting the event at the Nugget Casino.
The Alumni Foundation has been using funds raised to support the Sparks High’s current students since 2022. In that year, they designated the funds to purchase caps and gowns for the graduating seniors. This initiative made such a strong impact that the Alumni Board has decided to continue supporting the students. The Alumni Foundation is excited to continue their efforts to make a difference in the lives of current Sparks High School students.
Public Meeting held for Keystone Bridge Replacement Project
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County held a public meeting Thursday, December 7 at McKinley Arts & Culture Center as part of the feasibility study phase of the Keystone Bridge Project.
The event included a presentation on the intended scope of the project, including the possible replacement of the Keystone Bridge and other transportation improvements in the area.
“In addition to building a bridge that will serve our community for generations to come, this project will help provide vital multimodal improvements for cyclists and pedestrians,” said Josh MacEachern, Public Information Officer for the RTC. “We’re excited to collect public feedback that will help make sure this opportunity addresses the needs of our growing area.”
RTC is collecting public feedback on the proposed plans through December 28, 2023 via KeystoneBridgeProject.com.
Adopt a Family for the Holidays
Safe Embrace, a nonprofit working to provide resources and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, is inviting the community to participate in its Adopt-A-Family for the Holidays program. Interested individuals can contact christmas@SafeEmbrace.org or call (775) 324-3776 to learn what needs exist and how they can participate and positively influence a survivor’s holiday.
Participants will be matched to a family, child, or survivor based on the participant’s budget. They will then be provided a wish list that includes details such as clothing sizes and added necessities to help them purchase meaningful items. All gifts are to be delivered, unwrapped, to the Safe Embrace office located at 220 S. Rock Blvd. Suite 7, Reno, NV 89502, by December 15 and can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.
“This program is about more than saying ‘happy holidays,’” said Afshan West, executive director of Safe Embrace. “It’s about using our actions to demonstrate our shared belief that everyone deserves a warm and loving holiday. Most importantly, our Adopt-A-Family program is a powerful testament to survivors that goodness prevails in the world.”
The program typically extends gifts to an estimated 60 to 70 individuals throughout the holiday season. Organizations or individuals interested in adopting a survivor family are encouraged to contact McKayla Senn at mckayla@safeembrace.org.
Truckee River vision plan
The City of Reno and Washoe County are getting an early start on New Year’s resolutions by pledging to improve public enjoyment of the 18-mile stretch of the Truckee River Corridor between the Nevada state line and Sparks. Through January 1, residents are invited to help prioritize needs along the Truckee River and help shape a vibrant future for this vital community resource.
“The Truckee River is an incredible and beautiful asset for our city,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “This is a fantastic opportunity to work together as a community to ensure the Truckee will bring joy and memories to residents and visitors for generations to come.”
From more restaurants, vendors and shops to more trails, river access and shade, residents are asked to provide feedback on what they would like to see along the Truckee River corridor. The City and County seeks as much public input as possible. The official campaign is called, ‘Speak Up-ee for the Truckee.’
“Public input is so important on these projects which impact every resident every day,” Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill said. “The Truckee River is the heart and soul of this community and that’s why Washoe County is committed to supporting this natural resource. I hope every resident will take this opportunity to share their vision for the river as we continue to grow as a community.”
Residents can share their feedback and ideas by visiting the City of Reno’s website Reno.gov/Engage or scanning the above QR code. You can also submit feedback over the phone by calling 775-530-3979.
Through December, City representatives will conduct in-person outreach to connect people with the online feedback portal at locations throughout Reno and Washoe County, including community events, local stores, and neighborhood parks.
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