Nevada supported a myriad of local charities, schools, sports teams, and more including 30 local school fundraising events, 22 UNR Basketball aftergame meals, acted as collection location for Forever 14 “Sock Drive”, helped 98.1 K-Bull “Stuff the Backpack” and distributed 6,000 bookmarks for the “Books are Food for The Brain campaign: just to name a few.
Experienced Leadership
The force behind this local success is Roy Perez, a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience. Perez emphasizes work/life balance and community engagement within his team. He opened his first business at 23 years old while attending Sacramento State University, and throughout his tenure as a business owner, he has successfully developed and grown multiple businesses to profitability. He has also created dynamic opportunities to welcome new guests, build meaningful connections, and drive both sales and guest loyalty by establishing his restaurants as a hub for community engagement.
General Manager Christina Wagner has played a pivotal role in the successful launch of both Slim Chickens locations, overseeing everything from staff hiring and
training to operational setup and day-today management. Her leadership, dedication, and indepth knowledge of the brand have been instrumental in establishing strong teams and ensuring smooth openings that reflect the company’s commitment to quality and customer service.
Through the leadership of Perez and Wagner, Slim Chickens has been devoted to serving the local community through charity and by creating an exceptional employee experience.
The restaurant offers its famous crispy tenders, flavorful wings, house-made dipping sauces, fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, and indulgent jar desserts with dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and online ordering options. Come by and experience what’s making Slim Chickens the new go-to spot in South Reno: delicious food with a side of heart.
WETLANDS & WATERS AT DAMONTE RANCH
By
It began as an idea. Could urban wildlands co-exist within a mixeduse development? Could the watershed function of wetlands and floodplains be reconnected? Could trails and parks replace typical amenities? Could we create and construct an area to stimulate the next group of biologists and scientists while providing quality avian and wildlife habitat? The answer is yes.
This will be the first article of seven about the incredible habitat surrounding our homes, offices and businesses. You’ll learn how we started with eight avian species and now we have over 120! Today we’re providing an avian list (page 15) and will be publishing pictures of these avian neighbors that live outside. Did you know that Damonte Ranch hosts the largest nesting population of white faced ibis (Plegadis chihi)
Lori Carpenter, Senior Professional Wetland Scientist
▼ Ranch Raptor
▼ American White Pelican
SET UP FOR SUCCESS
HOW YOUNG ADULTS CAN PREPARE TO BUY A HOME
By Kevin Areia “The Mortgage Mechanic” NMLS-1732389 and Damonte Ranch Resident
A practical guide for teens And twenty-somethings with big goals
High school and college prepare young adults for a lot of things—algebra, essay writing, maybe even how to file taxes. But one major life goal that rarely gets covered? How to become a homeowner.
As a local mortgage advisor, I work with many parents who want to help—but more importantly, I work with young people who are motivated to take ownership of their future. And the truth is, you don’t have to wait until you’re “ready to buy” to start preparing.
Here are five real-world steps that teens and young adults can take now to make that future dream a reality:
1. Start Building Credit Early—Responsibly
Your credit score is one of the biggest factors in qualifying for a mortgage. That means what you do at 18 can affect your buying power at 28.
Practical Tip:
Open a student credit card or become an authorized user on a parent’s card. Use it for small, regular expenses (like gas or groceries), and make payments on time, every time. Try to keep your credit usage under 30% of your limit—and carry a small balance (typically less than 10%) to show responsible use of credit over time.
2. Set Up a “Future Home Fund”
Saving for a down payment might seem impossible, but it starts with habit—not amount. Creating a separate savings account labeled “future home” gives your money a purpose and keeps it out of easy reach.
Practical Tip:
Set up an automatic transfer of even $25 per paycheck. If you get birthday money, a tax refund, or a bonus, toss a portion into that fund. With compounding savings and consistent effort, you’ll be amazed at what builds up over a few years.
3. Know the Power of Steady Employment
Lenders typically want to see two years of steady income. This doesn’t mean you can’t switch jobs, but bouncing around or long employment gaps can make qualifying harder—especially if you’re self-employed or on 1099 income.
Practical Tip:
Keep records of W-2s, pay stubs, and offer letters. If you’re self-employed or working gig jobs, track your income with invoices and bank deposits. The more clear and verifiable your income is, the stronger your application will be.
4. Understand the Basics of Budgeting
Homeownership isn’t just about affording a mortgage— it’s also about being prepared for things like utilities, maintenance, taxes, and insurance.
Practical Tip:
Practice ‘living like a homeowner’ by setting a pretend rent budget—even if you still live at home. Use the extra to pay off debt or grow savings. Apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) can help make this habit stick.
5. Learn the Language of Home Buying
The homebuying process comes with its own vocabulary—terms like “preapproval,” “escrow,” and “loan-to-value ratio” can feel like another language. Understanding the basics ahead of time helps you feel more confident and avoid confusion later.
Practical Tip:
Look for a free first-time homebuyer class—many local mortgage advisors and housing agencies offer webinars or workshops that explain the process in plain language. Or check out reliable sources like HUD.gov or Fannie Mae’s HomeView program. Just 30 minutes of learning can give you a major edge.
Final Thought
Buying a home might feel like something far off, but like any big goal—it’s the little, consistent steps that get you there. Whether you’re 18 or 28, building a strong foundation now will give you options later. And that’s what financial freedom is all about.
Kevin Areia is a nationally recognized Mortgage Advisor. Known for his expertise, transparency, and results-driven approach, Kevin and his wife Stefanie have proudly called Damonte Ranch home since 2010 and raised both of their children here.
WHAT'S HAPPENING!
FALL & WINTER EVENTS
ONGOING
The Riverside Farmers Market is Reno’s truly local market, with all vendors growing, raising, or making their goods within the tightest possible radius around Reno.
OCTOBER
11 & 12 - 43rd Annual Great Italian Festival: Experience Italian culture with food, entertainment, and a wine walk at the Eldorado Reno.
31 - Nevada Day: Our state holiday - celebrating Nevada’s admission to the Union!
Nevada Day Parade: takes place in downtown Carson City on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, starting at 10am.
NOVEMBER
11 - Reno Veterans Day Parade: The City of Reno hosts its annual Veterans Day Parade downtown on November 11th at 11:11 a.m. The parade route is along Virginia Street between 6th Street and Liberty Street.
27 - “Wobble Before You Gobble” is a popular Thanksgiving Day run/walk event held in Reno, Nevada. A great way to
kick off the Thanksgiving festivities with some exercise before enjoying your holiday meal. Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, NV 89509. Start Times: 10K: 9am, 5K: 9:10am, 1 Mile Walk: 9:15am.
29 & 30 - 29th City of Reno Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Lights Festival. Gather around the BELIEVE sign 7pm for the lighting of the official Holiday Tree at Reno City Plaza. Shop locally-made gifts, listen to classic holiday tunes and grab a bite during the two-day Holiday Lights Festival, 4 - 9pm.
DECEMBER
6 & 7 - Magic of Santa Craft Faire: Wonderful handmade crafts from over 90 local crafters. Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St., Reno.
13 - Reno Santa Crawl: Join thousands of Santas taking over downtown Reno on Saturday, December 13th for this popular event. Your crawl cup gets you specials at over 40 venues. Start location is behind Rum Bullions in the Silver Legacy. 8pm – 2am.
SUB ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY
DAMONTE RANCH SUB-HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS
Most neighborhoods within the master planned community of Damonte Ranch are part of a Sub-Homeowner Association. Sub-Homeowner Associations are separate from the LMA and DRDD. Each association has its own board of directors, architectural process, budget, governing documents, rules, assessments, etc. In the event that a neighborhood has not formed a formal Homeowners Association, there are Supplemental CC&Rs that apply to the property (these would have been provided with closing documents).
HOA
Dorado@TerraWest.com
Esplanade HOA
Western NV Management Kara Kite 775.284.4434
KKite@WesternNV.com
Ivesia HOA
Associa Sierra North
Harkey 775.626.7333
JHarkey@Associasn.com
La Casata HOA
Equus Management
Malissa Ochoa 775.852.2224
Malissa@EquusManagement.com
Fantastic Big Island Hawaii Vacation Awaits! Fantastic Big Island Hawaii
Located in Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii, this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath single level home on the Mauna Lani golf course is a delight. Complete with discounts to play the 2 Mauna Lani Auberge Golf courses. The indoor / outdoor living, and fully equipped kitchen will keep you coming back year after year.
Check out our VRBO listing for more information.
SUB ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY
New Edition I HOA
Associa Sierra North
Cyndi Fehler 775.626.7333
CFehler@Associasn.com
New Edition II HOA
Anchor Management
Julie Thompson 775.230.8531
JulieThompson@AnchorManagement.net
Regency at Caramella Ranch HOA
Nevada Community Management
Kimberly Turner 775.515.4242 Kimberly@nvcm.com
Regency/Presidio HOA
Equus Management
Matt Kramer 775.852.2224 Matt@EquusManagement.com
Saddle Ridge HOA
Associa Sierra North
Lauren Hill 775.626.7333
LHill@Associasn.com
Stepping Stone Place HOA
Equus Management
Shalynn Mendoza 775.852.2224
Shalynn@EquusManagement.com
Terreno HOA
Associa Sierra North
Melissa Hollins 775.626.7333
MHollins@Associasn.com
The Village at Esplanade HOA
Associa Sierra North
Lindsay Gauger 775.626.7333
LGauger@Associasn.com
Sub Association Spotlight Attention association board members— this is your place for all that’s happening in your association! Send in your articles and high resolution photos to Cassandra DiLoreto at cassandra@diloretoreno.com
the bank because they don’t know who all is involved. They then connect you with someone who pretends to be a Federal Agent (FBI, IRS, US Marshals, etc.) that is investigating this alleged crime. They instruct you that to keep your assets safe you must liquidate them into cash, gold, or other precious metal. These “Agents” also tell you that you can’t tell anyone otherwise you may be charged with interfering with a law enforcement investigation. Or they may tell you that they are sending agents to your house or have you meet “Agents” at a public location to hand over your assets for safe keeping until the investigation is over, they may even have you mail your assets to a “safe house” in another state. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), American consumers lost an estimated $789 million in 2024 to these types of imposter scams, which is twice as much as the City of Reno’s annual General Fund.
How to Protect Yourself
• NO financial institution, tech support service, or government entity will instruct you to liquidate assets. They will NOT instruct you to purchase gold, or other precious metals. They will NOT send a courier to your residence or public location to pick up said funds.
• If you receive a call, email, text message or respond to a computer pop-up from anyone requesting you to liquidate your assets to protect them – HANG UP, DO NOT RESPOND. Verify information through formal phone numbers found on official websites.
• DO NOT disclose your home address or agree to meet with unknown individuals to deliver cash or precious metals.
• DO NOT click on unknown pop-ups, links or attachments sent via text or email.
• DO NOT download software onto your device that will allow someone access to your computer.
Victims are encouraged to file a police report with their local law enforcement agency.
If you think you are a victim of imposter scams or think you may know someone who is, you can report it at the Internet Crime Complaint Center https://www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
Steven Kline is a local Reno resident, retired military veteran, and is currently serving with a law enforcement agency in Northern Nevada.
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER
THE AMERICAN DREAM, ONE GENERATION AT A TIME
Entrepreneurship runs deep in the Childers family. For generations, they’ve been more than business owners... They’ve been community builders in Northern Nevada, filling needs, creating opportunities, and making life
better for those around them. From restaurants to grocery stores, laundromats to apartments, farming to group care homes, daycare centers to nutrition stores, real estate, and now wellness, if it serves people, chances are the Childers family has done it, and done it well.
Kirsten Childers caught the entrepreneurial spark early, opening her first business at just 21, then expanding at 23. She later stepped into the family’s various ventures before finding her stride as a successful Reno–Tahoe Realtor. Her first solo leap into the health and wellness space came through owning nutrition stores, a passion that planted seeds for the future.
Today, that future shines in the next generation. At only 25, Kirsten’s daughter, Alyssa, has taken the torch and blazed her own path. After facing serious health challenges that conventional medicine couldn’t solve, she turned to a holistic, natural approach—transforming her own health and, ultimately, her life. Now a certified wellness coach, Alyssa has made it her mission to help others reclaim their vitality and live fully.
Together, this mother–daughter powerhouse is launching Total Bliss Wellness in South Reno this fall. Their shared philosophy is simple yet profound: Wellness isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle. As Kirsten says, “If you don’t have your health, you have nothing.”
Whether you’re looking to recharge, feel deeply rejuvenated, or simply carve out intentional time for yourself, Total Bliss offers a curated experience for mind and body. Guests can enjoy infrared saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy, halotherapy, compression therapy, steam saunas, and wellness coaching—all designed to help you feel your absolute best every single day.
Total Bliss Wellness is more than a wellness studio... it’s a commitment to living well, right here in your own neighborhood. Opening Fall 2025, 465 S Meadows Pkwy Suite 14 Reno Nevada 89511.
To learn more and follow the journey to the Grand Opening, visit www.totalblisswellness.com.
You don’t only deserve wellness... you deserve to find your Total Bliss.
We’re dedicated to helping you achieve radiant skin. Whether you’re seeking advanced medical dermatology solutions, the latest in cosmetic treatments, expert esthetician services, or innovative weight loss and body sculpting options, our team is here to guide you on your journey!
AviClear Acne Treatment
The first and only FDA-cleared laser treatment for mild to severe acne
AviClear resolves acne, the #1 dermatological skin condition affecting over 50 million people. AviClear is a prescription-free, drug-free laser treatment that is safe for all skin types and tones. AviClear can provide lasting clearance without significant side effects in just three 30-minute treatment sessions.
• Significantly eliminates acne in just three quick 30-minute treatment sessions
• Treatments are quick, safe and comfortable
• After treatment, breakouts are shorter with fewer and smaller flare-ups
• Safe for all skin types and tones all year
• No harmful side effects
*Mention ad for AviClear discount.
GentleCure - Non-surgical Skin Cancer Treatment
Reno Tahoe Dermatology understands that a diagnosis of skin cancer can be overwhelming. GentleCure is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers. Visit renotahoederm.com for more information.
What is GentleCure? Image-guided superficial Radiotherapy (IG-SRT) is a non-surgical treatment designed to precisely target and eliminate skin cancer cells allowing your healthy skin tissue to regenerate naturally.
Why Choose GentleCure? Painless, non-invasive, comfortable and convenient alternative to surgery, GentleCure requires no anesthesia and has no cutting, bleeding or downtime.
Dr. Billie Casse Do., FAAD, FAOCD
RECIPES FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Banana Foster Waffle
Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs is a family owned and operated restaurant. It has been a local favorite and voted best breakfast each year since 1999.
One of their very popular dishes is the much loved “Banana Foster Waffle”.
For this recipe, you will need a waffle, a medium-sized banana sliced into coin shapes, and banana foster sauce. It is also easier to use a 2 ounce measuring cup or spoon.
To make the banana foster sauce, mix the following four ingredients:
4 ounces of butter
2 ounces of brown sugar
2 ounces of vanilla syrup
A pinch of cinnamon
Cook the ingredients in a pan until they turn into a golden brown caramelized sauce (be careful not to overcook). The sauce should be like a glaze and not too thick.
Gently pour the banana foster sauce over the top of the prepared bananas and waffle.
Lastly, you can also add some powdered sugar or whip cream on top. Enjoy!
FastER Care STARTS HERE
2 ERs in South Reno
• Open 24/7
• On-site lab draws
• Diagnostic Imaging (CT, X-ray, Ultrasound)
• Shorter wait times*
Sierra Medical Center
An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center 6500 Longley Lane (Corner of Longley Lane and Double R Blvd.) Reno, NV 89511
ER at Damonte Ranch
An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center 1041 Steamboat Parkway (Next to Safeway Damonte Ranch) Reno, NV 89521
Scan the code to request a time at ER at Damonte Ranch if you have a non-life-threatening illness or injury.**
