Summer 2021 June-August
MARK WELLMAN’S DAY ELLMAN’S ADVENTUREADVENTURE DAY AT THE SPARKS MARINA THE SPARKS MARINA
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l people with & their families&and friends. Who: Alldisabilities peopleWELLMAN’S with disabilities their families and friends. MARK ADVENTURE
DAY SPARKS MARINA unday, June 6thATJune • THE 10 am to• 210 pmam Sunday, 6th to 2 pm All people with disabilities & their families and friends
Climbing • Climbing Kayaking •• Kayaking Cycling • Cycling Sunday, June 6
Join us for a day to try new things! We’ll have kayaks, adapted rock climbing equipment and adaptive bikes available for participants to try.
JoinFREE us for-10am a day tryanew things! - FREE tousto 2pm Join for day to try new things! - FREE . .
Climbing Kayaking Cycling have kayaks, adapted rockadapted climbingrock equipment We’ll have kayaks, climbing equipment FREE EVENT adaptiveand bikes available for available participants try. adaptive bikes forto participants to try.
MARK WELLMAN’S ADVENTURE DAY AT THE SPARKS MARINA
Adaptive Connect is made possible by Renown
Inclusion/Adaptive Recreation Staff
If you have an event or activity that you would like posted in the next publication of Adaptive Connect, Please Contact April Wolfe at: 1301 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512 Phone: 775-333-7765 Fax: 775-321-8338 WolfeA@Reno.Gov Next Deadline is July 23, 2021
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist April Wolfe 775-333-7765 Inclusion/Behavior Specialist Alex Nieto 775-657-4659 Adaptive Technicians Breana Horvath 775-657-4661 William Meacham Parry Kring
and the city of Reno’s programs in the past. One highly successful collaborative program is Fit But Not Forgotten, which focuses on reintroducing Veterans to a full gym and trains them on proper lifting and health related activities. At the end of that program, Veterans are rewarded with a free annual gym membership and given a plethora of resources to continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle. An avid bicyclist herself, Wolfe is personally invested in the success of Project HERO, which led her to meeting with former VA Sierra Nevada Director Lisa Howard in Project Hero Saves hopes of expanding whole health Lives, Restores Hope and initiatives with our Veterans. Project Purpose Hero has served as afor uniqueVeterans opportunity for Veterans to spend time together in a way that is safe and promotes physical and mental well-being. Howard obliged by drafting a 5-year, VA Sierra Nevada’s partnership with the City of Reno has helped to coordinate six-figure contract with the city. By programs likeShane this one andWhitecloud others. “I am aware of and fully support the training, equipment, and a find an activity that was healthy, Started in 2008, Project HERO network of peers to ride with, enjoyable, and provided socialProject HERO Collaboration with a one-of-a-kind even iniscycling events and group organization interaction on his terms. the City of Reno Project HERO thatincludes brings together Veterans rides. This adaptive “I had the bike and the bicycles. but I was missing Chapter,” Howard said. “April Wolfe, and first responders knowledge, to help them City of Reno, partners with VA Sierra The program’s mission states important social interaction heal through outdoorthat recreational that physical injuries should not piece,” he said. “Since 2017, I Nevada HCS on several programs and community programs, stop a therapy hero from recovering. They have participated in 3 Project and Honor Rides,that receive national VA funding. create primarily one-of-a-kindthrough specialty bicycling Hero Sacramento bikes from the ground up, no two Tour de Tahoe rides, 2 These programs, such as Fit but adaptive sports. matter the injury or depth of Project Hero Las Vegas rides and Not Forgotten, are managed with Reno is one of fifty-five nationwide disability. countless group rides hosted by fidelity and includes coordination program locations Project HERO For one member, this was the forfellow Veterans in the Northern with employee representatives from icing on the cake for him. Nevadaaarea.” and is led by April Wolfe, certified our facility.” Bicycling was always a recreation passion For riders like Mitrovich, Project therapeutic therapist for and form of therapy for Sam Hero provides an opportunity Howard went on to say that the project Parks and Recreation. Mitrovich growing up, but it had to to share experiences with fellow would help increase quality of care be putCycling on hold when he enlisted Veterans, share support, get has so many benefits in the U.S. Army. Twenty-five years outdoors, and pursue positiveas well as community and physical related to whole health,” said Wolfe. later, he retired from enlistment physical and mental health goals, activity by our Veteran population. “The ability to not only provide and found himself struggling to even during a pandemic. “We have been an unofficial partner bikes but also smart trainers since 2016,” added Stephanie and virtual memberships allows Patient Experience Champion Torian, Chief of Community Affairs at Veterans to continue to ride even VA Sierra Nevada. “The City of Reno in these uncertain times and during Tasha Sayama, Chief Sayama led by service recovery; inclement weather.” of Business Service example to promote being a leader andhas volunteered 116 hours of time at the San Francisco Veteran-centeredness role model; and helping 58 Veterans receiving care VA Sierra Nevada Health Care VA Medical Center, and excellent demonstrating in our Homeless Veteran program System partnered was named the VISN hascustomer service.with Wolfe attributes such receive a bike.”
21 Patient Experience Recipients of this as commitment, Champion of the award are recognized professionalism, Registration, Schedules or Information: April Wolfe (775) 333-7765 | WolfeA@Reno.Gov 2 Quarter for the fourth for: going above and advocacy, and
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are a vital part of the City of Reno Inclusion/Adaptive Recreation program. Volunteers will gain rewarding experiences through assisting Parks and Recreation staff with a variety of programs or providing additional support for participants. We are currently seeking volunteers for our upcoming programs!
Upon acceptance into the 6-month Project HERO program, Veterans will receive a new bicycle with all maintenance included, training, equipment, and a network of peers to ride with, even in cycling events and group rides. This includes adaptive bicycles. The program’s mission states that physical injuries should not stop a hero from recovering. They create one-of-a-kind specialty bikes from the ground up, no matter the injury or depth of disability. For one member, this was the icing on the cake for him. Bicycling was always a passion and form of therapy for Sam Mitrovich growing up, but it had to be put on hold when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Twenty-five years later, he retired from enlistment and found himself struggling to find an activity that was healthy, enjoyable, and provided social interaction on his terms. “I had the bike and the knowledge, but I was missing that important social interaction piece,” he said. “Since 2017, I have participated in 3 Project Hero Sacramento Honor Rides, two Tour de Tahoe rides, 2 Project Hero Las Vegas rides and countless group rides hosted by fellow Veterans in the Northern Nevada area.” For riders like Mitrovich, Project Hero provides an opportunity to share experiences with fellow Veterans, share support, get outdoors, and pursue positive physical and mental health goals, even during a pandemic.
SPORTS
Wheelchair Rugby
Sled Hockey
August-April Saturday 12-3pm | Fee: $50 EMNECC - 1301 Valley Road
Sundays 10:30-11:30am | Fee: $50 Reno Ice - 15500 Wedge Parkway
Wheelchair or Quad Rugby is a fast paced and competitive sport for individuals with physical disabilities that affect all four extremities. Players use special “Rugby Wheelchairs” to play the sport. These chairs are very maneuverable and can take a hit or two. Rugby players must be able to push their own wheelchairs.
Wheelchair Basketball August-April Fridays 6-8pm | Fee: $50 Plumas Gym - 475 Monroe St. Are you interested in the extreme challenge of wheelchair basketball? Wheelchair basketball is a sport for everyone - people who use wheelchairs for mobility and people who don’t.
Participants with physical disabilities will get a chance to learn about sled hockey and get on the ice. All equipment and on-ice instruction provided. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes. No prior experience necessary.
I Can Bike Camp The Nevada iCan Bike Camp is scheduled to take place the week of June 14-18 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The camp teaches kids and adults, age eight years and older how to ride a twowheeled bike. Check out our Facebook page at @iCanBikeNevada for news and updates or contact Diana Rovetti for more information at Rovetti@UNR. edu
Achieve Tahoe: Summer Registration is Now Open! Sierra Summer Sports and Water Skiing spots are filling up fast! For more information, visit www.AchieveTahoe.org
Sailing July 13-16 & 27-29 August 3-6, 10-13 & 17-20 This program allows for a wide range of abilities to harness the power of the wind on Lake Tahoe. All skill levels are welcome. Lessons will consist of learning basic water safety, boating skills, tacking, jibing, rigging and much more!
Hiking June 25 & 27 July 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 & 30 August 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 & 22 Our staff will guide small, intimate groups of hikers in educational trail adventures. Learn about the history, ecology, and wildlife of the area. All of the hikes offer the safety and accessibility of our participants.
Reno.Gov/Adaptive | Adaptive Connect: Summer 2021
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SOCIAL PROGRAMS
City of Sparks Parks and Recreation For the following programs call Shauna before each event to confirm dates, times and fees. (775) 353-7815 ShNelson@CityofSparks.us RecInfo@CityofSparks.us
Arts and Crafts Class Thursdays 3:30-5:00pm | Fee: Free Larry D. Johnson Community Center - 1200 12th St. We’ve teamed up with Arts for all Nevada to provide Weekly Wonders. Participants (16 yrs or older) will develop their artistic abilities through a variety of fun projects. Reservations required.
Bowling Wednesdays 2:45pm Coconut Bowl | Fee: $2 per game Bring your friends and come out to practice your game and have a great time too. We keep track of scores to average for the Special Olympics 4
tournaments. No pre-registration necessary.
SAVE THE DATE: Fall into the Holidays Craft Fair September 18 10am-6pm 98 Richards Way, Sparks NV Fee: Free Join us for our inaugural Fall into the Holidays Craft Fair. Proceeds for the event will benefit the Community Arts Fund and Sparks Parks & Recreation Leisure Without Limits programs for people with disabilities.
SIBSHOPS July 13 & November 19 Sibshops are recreation-based peer support groups for kids age 8-13 who have a brother or sister with a developmental disability, special health care needs, or mental health concerns. For more information, go to www. unr.edu/nced/projects/nced-nsn or contact Diana Rovetti at rovetti@unr. edu
Registration, Schedules or Information: April Wolfe (775) 333-7765 | WolfeA@Reno.Gov
Note-able Music Therapy Services Summer Music Camp June 14-18 10am-2pm Ages: 12-35 | Fee: $100 Amplify Life - 480 Galletti Way, Bldg 2 Note-Able Music Therapy Services is excited to announce that our annual Summer Music Camp is back and in person this year! Teens and young adults with disabilities will share in a week of music and art exploration, making new friends, and creating song and dance numbers that they will perform for family and friends on the last day of camp. Space is limited so sign up today! To register, call (775) 324-5521 or email Dena@nmtsreno.org
RESOURCES
Renown Rehabilitation Hospital Renown Rehabilitation Hospital provides a full range of rehabilitation services for these conditions: brain injury, stroke/neurological diagnoses, spinal cord injury, fractures, joint replacements, multiple trauma, cancer, Parkinson’s and movement disorders, heart and lung disorders, amputation, and worker’s compensation injuries. At Renown, patient outcomes exceed national benchmarks, thanks to the team of rehab specialists.
New Paramobile Available at Sierra Sage and Wildcreek Golf Course The Paramobile will be available this season at both Sierra Sage and Wildcreek Golf Courses thanks to a generous grant from the William N. Pennington Foundation to First Tee Northern Nevada. It will be used as a teaching and game access tool in the PGA HOPE program which offers free golf clinics to all veterans, disabled or able-bodied, in order to enhance their mental, social, physical and emotional well-being. It will also be used to increase access for disabled youth participating in First Tee Northern Nevada youth golf programs. For more information and to book at tee time visit: www. SierraSageGolf.org
Lunch and Learn Every 3rd Wednesday 11:30am1pm of each month Meeting Virtually Please join City of Reno, VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare system, Renown Health, and High Fives Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury/ Disease specific resources, topics, and guest speakers during our monthly community-based luncheons. Reno.Gov/Adaptive | Adaptive Connect: Summer 2021
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SUMMER 2021
JOIN US JUNE 6-11 Operation High Altitude Military Sports Camp
If I can do this, I can do anything!
Join us for an incredible mountain experience featuring challenging adaptive sports and educational workshops designed to help you thrive.
Camping, kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, fishing and more. Space is limited, apply today!
Enhance your ability to make successful transitions by honing skills such as goal setting, financial literacy, communication, and time management from professionals.
For more Information: Contact Maggie Palchak at 760.934.0791 or mpalchak@DisabledSportsEasternSierra.org • www.DisabledSportsEasternSierra.org
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Registration, Schedules or Information: April Wolfe (775) 333-7765 | WolfeA@Reno.Gov
VETERANS
Project Hero City of Reno
Fit But Not Forgotten
ProjectHero.Org
Thursday 12-1pm & 5:30-6:30pm Friday 10-11am EMNECC - 1301 Valley Rd.
Founded in 2008, Project Hero is a groundbreaking national non-profit organization dedicated to helping Veterans and First Responders affected by PTSD, TBI and injury achieve rehabilitation, recovery and resilience in their daily lives and increasing awareness to combat the national mental health emergency posed by PTSD and TBI. For our weekly ride/event schedule follow us on Facebook at Project HERO Hub City of Reno.
SAVE THE DATE: Military Sports Camp September 13-17, 2021 The City of Reno will host 15 disabled veterans and injured service members with their spouse/ guest for a multi-day event. There is no cost to military servicemen or women and their guest. Registration preferences will be given to Nevada Service Members and residents. For an application contact: April Wolfe at WolfeA@Reno.gov
The City of Reno is offering our disabled veterans weekly fitness classes in our facility weight room. Classes will cover orientation to equipment, assessment of fitness level, proper technique to develop strength, endurance and flexibility, and discuss fitness goals. Upon completion of our four classes participants will be eligible for a FREE all inclusive facility membership good for one year. The Fit but not Forgotten pass is valid for 1 year from the time of issue. It will be renewed under the following circumstances: pass usage (must be active in the last 30 days) and continued grant funding from the VA. If there is a lapse in the pass, then the Veteran is required to complete a 1-hour refresher that is offered.
Veterans Adaptive Soccer Camp July 9-11 | Fee: Free Columbus, OH This in person camp introduces you to adaptive soccer taught by those with the US Soccer Coaching Certification and Mental Health First Aid. Learn more and register at www. ClemsonParalympicSoccer.org
Join the Veterans K-9 Corps The Veterans K-9 Corps is a free peer support dog training program brining you and your dog together with nine other veterans for friendship, fun and of course, dog training. Participants meet at the Truckee meadows Dog Training Center and local parks during the 10week course to prepare their dog for the Canine Good Citizen test. *All must abide by COVID-19 restrictions. Dog’s up-to-date shot record required. For class dates and registration, contact NDVS Outreach Officer Eduardo Martinez MartinezE@ Veterans.NV.gov
Reno.Gov/Adaptive | Adaptive Connect: Summer 2021
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SUMMER 2021
JOIN US AUGUST 13-15
Pedal~ Paddle If I can do this, I can do anything!
Enjoy adventure and come play in the beautiful Eastern Sierra for two days of fun. $325.00 per person
CYCLING • PADDLING • CAMPING • FISHING Scholarships available upon request
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For more Information: 760.934.0791 info@DisabledSportsEasternSierra.org • DisabledSportsEasternSierra.org Registration, Schedules or Information: April Wolfe (775) 333-7765 | WolfeA@Reno.Gov