David Morris Group: Animal Lovers & Real Estate Experts!
At the David Morris Group, we love animals! Recently, we enjoyed Cat Yoga at Kitty Kisses Cat Café & Rescue. Imagine doing vinyasa with adorable kitties around!
Kitty Kisses Cat Café & Rescue is a unique spot combining a café with a cat rescue and adoption center. Enjoy events like Cat Yoga and Meow-ditation, perfect for family fun and possibly meeting your new furry friend. Scan the QR code below for their event calendar!
Selling a Home with Pets? Here Are Our Tips:
• Sni Test: Ensure your home smells fresh to visitors.
• Check for Damage: Repair pet-related damages like scratches and torn carpets.
• Sanitation Sweep: Clean the yard, scoop litter boxes, and change HVAC filters regularly.
• Safety First: Secure pets during showings and be cautious around them.
Successful showings require cooperation from both sellers and buyers. Let's make it smooth for everyone! For more info, contact us today!
Pets + Kids
I trust this letter finds you enjoying summer, in high spirits, and invigorated from all the exploring you’ve undoubtedly done after reading our “Explore” issue. We’re now going to turn the page to our August issue and make a slight pivot to a Kids and Pets theme.
I have to admit, as someone who has both kids and pets, I got a good chuckle when I considered the potential implication of co-headlining kids and pets in a single issue of City Lifestyle. For some reason, the idea that they are somehow intrinsically linked is really funny to me. But in reality, those of us who have both, love them, care for them, and have immense value for the joy they bring to our lives. So I’ve been swayed and now admit that in many regards, the shared theme actually makes a lot of sense.
As I’ve previously mentioned in these pages, I have three children. All very different but, in my very biased opinion, all amazing. My kids have all grown up with pets and learned valuable lessons. Nurturing, responsibility, and companionship through pets have all been cornerstones of my children's lives and because most of our pets have also been from rescue organizations, the idea of giving an at risk animal a better life has always been something thats brought them a lot of joy.
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do. Although I’ve provided a personal example of the kid/pet dynamic, this month’s articles treat them a bit more independently. So if you’re looking for a great story on “Peanut,” the amazing fundraising dog from Instagram, or are intent on discovering Reno’s best ice cream spots to take your kids to, turn the page and read on!
MIKE MCCARTHY, PUBLISHER
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Mike McCarthy | mike.mccarthy@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Nora Heston Tarte | nora.tarte@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dan Eckles, Erin Hanna-Butros Meyering, Angela Rudolph, Nora Heston Tarte
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Eric Marks
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Peanut
These
city scene
Atlantis
Spa hosted its annual Toast & Taste of Summer event June 13. 2: Chamber of Commerce, Sparks Water Bar supported Nevada Women’s Basketball at Wolf Run June 21. 3: Brewer's Cabinet took home second place at the BBQ Brews and Blues event in June.
1:
Casino Resort
MIKE ALT
BRIAN BOSMA
COURTNEY MEREDITH
SAVING pets, one FOLLOWER AT A TIME
Note: Peanut is not available for adoption
ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MARKS
Peanut, a rescued mixed breed from the Nevada Humane Society, has raised $57,000 for homeless dogs nationwide using Instagram as a platform.
It all started with a fundraiser in July 2021 where people donated money to guess Peanut’s breeds—a fun competition considering his unique look, which includes floppy, rabbit-like ears and a big snout. In return, participants had the opportunity to win prizes. Kristen Saibini, marketing manager at Downtown Reno Partnership and Peanut’s owner since she rescued him in 2019 to knows the 12 breeds he is mixed with. Although it is primarily chihuahua, dachshund, Shih Tzu, and Samoyed, he also has some border collie and Australian shepherd in him, too.
The fundraiser was a great success and helped to launch Peanut’s page. With 67.2k followers, Peanut is able to fundraise for local and nationwide nonprofits bringing attention to homeless pets, and partner with brands like Nylabone and Meta.
“Sadly, animal welfare is a crisis nationwide,” Saibini says. “According to Best Friend Animal Society, if just 6% more people chose to adopt over buying a dog, the crisis will be over.”
“IF JUST 6% MORE PEOPLE CHOSE TO ADOPT OVER
- KRISTIN SAIBINI
That’s why Peanut and Saibini are dedicated to encouraging adoption throughout Reno—and beyond. They have supported One Love Arizona, Vintage Pugs, and more, plus the duo heavily supports For Pet’s Sake, the first independent dog rescue in Reno, founded by Sara Petersen in 1989. “Over the years they have saved more than 10,000 dogs,” Saibini says. “Their impact is just amazing.”
For Pet’s Sake has carved out a niche as a mostly senior dog rescue, many with medical needs.
Saibini stumbled upon the organization while she was looking for a local outlet for Peanut’s outreach potential. Specifically, she wanted to benefit a local organization for Peanut’s 10th birthday fundraiser. “I ran across a senior dog on Facebook who was blind and was not chosen to go to the local humane society, meaning if she wasn’t saved by a rescue, she’d no longer be with us.” For Pet’s Sake took in the dog and Peanut raised $11,100 for the 501c3 nonprofit in that one fundraiser.
The mission at For Pet’s Sake is to continue to save senior dogs and occasionally other animals (once including a pot-bellied pig). The dogs are housed at Petersen’s home and placed in other foster home situations instead of a conventional shelter facility that may not be able to meet the needs of older dogs. Peanut still works with other organizations (inside and outside of Nevada) to raise awareness for homeless dogs and champion the importance of pet adoption.
Available dogs are shared on the organization’s Facebook page, and of course on Peanut’s Instagram (@nutterbutterrescuepupper). The dogs on these City Lifestyle pages are also available for adoption and we encourage you to call For Pet’s Sake to foster or adopt one of them or view their Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/forpetssakereno.
If you can’t adopt, there are multiple ways to have a life-saving impact, including fostering, donating, volunteering, or sharing homeless dogs on your social media accounts.
ARTICLE BY ERIN HANNA-BUTROS MEYERING PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MARKS
Ice Cream Dreams Biggest Little
WHILE ICE CREAM MAY NEVER GET OLD, THESE RENO PARLORS ARE GIVING DESSERT A SWEET TAKE
INSPIRATION COMES IN DIFFERENT SHAPES & SIZES
Opening an ice cream shop may seem like the American Dream. For some it’s about sharing family recipes or heritage, for others creating a gathering place for sweet hospitality and even sweeter desserts, but the through line (which is to no surprise to anyone) is to generate HAPPINESS.
“We get a real pleasure out of serving the community, whether it be a brownie or an ice cream,” says Marlon Salazar, owner of Black Rock Desserts and Creamery, who bravely opened in July 2020. “We approach everything with a service mentality… and I swear it makes the food taste better.”
TO TOP IT OFF
The classic phrase “cherry on top” now goes far beyond simple toppings like sprinkles, fruit, and syrup (while those are still good). Many Reno ice cream shops have gotten creative in their offerings.
Paleteria Del Angel, which also opened in July 2020, was the first paleteria (Mexican ice cream shop) in Northern Nevada. Owners Angelica Ibarra and Efren Valdez say their paletas (popsicles) are made with real fruit, and no preservatives or artificial flavors. They often mix savory and sweet combinations or textures like topping a fruit drink with a scoop of ice cream.
Another spot doing things a bit differently? Sugar Blvd. is a family-owned and operated establishment brimming with pink ice cream cone planters, Instagrammable walls, and the smell of any great ice cream shop… freshly made waffle cones.
“I knew we needed something extra besides ice cream that would make us stand out, especially in Midtown, and that's when my daughter Jasmine said ‘what about flavored waffle cones?’” says Kathy Turner, owner of Sugar Blvd.
When you walk into Sugar Blvd., you’re greeted with a variety of picture-perfect cones, including red velvet, blueberry, orange creamsicle, and more. The weekly combinations are new, and often seasonal, making the experience unique each time you’re in.
Another Reno-favorite? Black Rock Desserts and Creamery… and not just for the cool, easy-going atmosphere, but also for the rotating ice cream flavors featuring local ingredients like Al’s Bee’s honey and Old Wold Coffee espresso.
DROOL-WORTHY RECOMMENDATIONS
While there are a million things I’d like to try at each of these Reno gems, here are some of their top requested and cherished, as well as some of my personal favorites.
Side note: my first job was for an ice cream shop. Think scooping, mixing in toppings, and burning your fingers making waffle cones (but damn they smelled good).
Sugar Blvd. thrives in its wide variety of ice cream to waffle cone combinations. The ice cream, which comes from Koch Family Creamery in Minden, Nev. is classically creamy, perfect for any hot summer day. Last time I was there, we had a lemon poppyseed waffle cone with pistachios ice cream. You know the scene in Willy Wonka where Veruca Salt proclaims the snozberries taste like snozberries? Well, the waffle cones here truly have the flavors they claim to, which is not an easy feat.
“We get a real pleasure out of serving the community, whether it be a brownie or an ice cream,” - Marlon Salazar
Maybe a flavored waffle cone isn’t quite wild enough for you? Feel free to try the “Trash Fence” from Black Rock Desserts and Creamery. What would a Burning Man-themed dessert place have without its clever names? The Trash Fence is a milkshake where you choose the ice cream and they choose the toppings. Brave? Yes. Yummy? Most likely. Whichever ice cream or milkshake you get, you can load it up with a wide selection of toppings. And if you’re the odd one out in your family, and maybe not an ice cream person? Gasp! There are plenty of baked goods like the warm house-made bread pudding.
And, if you’re in the mood for something rich in flavor and maybe even spice, try a paleta from Paleteria Del Angel. Choose from strawberries and cream, Ferrero Roche, or Gansito and Mango with Chamoy. Alternatively, one of their most popular items: the Mangoneda (mango ice cream with chamoy toppings and a mini paleta). Going classic? How about a made-to-order churro?
With that, enjoy your summer season and don't forget to try something new... and maybe even find a few new favorites.
FEATURING:
Sugar Blvd
704 S Virginia Street, Ste. A (775) 484-1238 thesugarblvd.com
Black Rock Desserts and Creamery
100 California Ave, Ste. 106 (775) 221-7069 brcreamery.com
Paleteria Del Angel
669 E. Moana Lane, Reno; 1353 Baring Blvd., Sparks (775) 737-4196 @paleteriadelange l on Instagram
T H E FAMILYTOUCH
Northern Nevada’s Hot August Nights celebration is known for hot nights and warmer days, fancy classic cars, and even music and food that takes spectators back to days gone by. And for some, it means much more than those things. To some, it means family.
There are many Hot Augusts Nights entrants and enthusiasts who share their love of cars with family members. Here are the short stories of a few.
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS SHOWS OFF THE BEST SIDE OF NEPOTISM
ARTICLE BY DAN ECKLES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MARKS
Dave Schnepp
The 49-year-old is the definition of a car guy. Schnepp’s grandfather and father both worked in the automotive body and paint industry for more than 50 years. He wasn’t about to break that occupational bond.
“I’ve been around [cars] all my life and now I own a local automotive repair shop. It’s kind of who I am,” Schnepp says.
The 1993 Reed graduate doesn’t just enjoy HAN. He gives back. Schnepp is the chairman of HAN’s drag race committee. He said he’ll keep volunteering as long as they’ll have him, stressing that his biggest love for HAN is how the foundation is a supportive presence throughout the year.
"We give back to the community far more than just one week in August,” he says. “We do fundraisers all year long. We give to kids in need. We give back school supplies. We give shoes to kids. The Foundation is a huge contributor in a lot of ways.”
Schnepp’s sister Heidi will be attending HAN as well, entering her 1964 Buick Special convertible. Schnepp has a 1972 Chevy Vega he enters. They restored the cars together with their father.
“I’m very much ready for Hot August Nights,” Schnepp says. “I get so excited, but it also means I’ve got work to do."
CONTINUED >
Dave Schnepp
Ron Connell
Connell grew up in Bishop, Calif., learning about cars from his father, a diesel mechanic. Connell, 71, lives in west Reno now and gets a little more revved up when the summer months roll along. That means Hot August Nights and a chance to showcase his five classic cars is just around the corner.
Connell, who earned two degrees from Cal-Poly SLO, has a 1927 open cockpit speedster, 1929 Chevy sedan, a 1931 Ford sedan, a 1948 Jeepster, and a 1969 Chevy Malibu. And then there’s the family pride and joy–a 1929 ore truck used to carry tungsten from the Bishop-area mines down into town.
While Connell learned to love cars at a young age from his father, he’s been sure to pass down the affection to his teen daughters–Michaela, 18, and Isabell, 16.
“I started wrenching when I was about six or seven years old,” he says. “I’ve restored the truck five times. My dad gave the truck to me. I started my girls working around the truck and I’ve given it to them. There’s three generations in that truck and we’ve had it for 60 years now.”
Ron Connell
Mike Pachnik
Mike Pachnik
Hot August Nights kicked off its legacy with its inaugural event in 1986. Mike Pachnik was barely out of high school at the time but he was there and he’s never missed the annual event.
Pachnik bought a 1957 Chevy at 19. "I got it pretty cheap,” he says. “A few years before I got it, it had been rolled and crashed onto its roof. It needed a lot of work."
“I had no intention of ever selling it and still don’t. It’s very much a part of our family. We drive around as a family. The kids are older now, but they grew up in it.”
Pachnik serves as a HAN volunteer on its operations committee. Last year his niece, McKenna Hurn, served along with him. Pachnik’s father, David, has also caught the vintage car bug. Ten years ago, he joined his son as a classic car guru when he purchased a 1966 Oldsmobile 442 from a BarretJackson auction.
The younger Pachnik recently added to his garage when he picked up a 1941 Cadillac. He said it’s a few years away from being HAN ready but he’s excited for the restoration.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA RUDOLPH
Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows
FIVE WAYS THE CLUB SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY
The Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows meets parents where they are with programming at key times of day and a sliding scale for payment, based on need.
Early Learning Centers
Offered for children 6 weeks through Pre-K, the Club’s Early Learning Centers are affordable, safe, and implement an individualized curriculum that fosters self-esteem and a lifelong love of learning.
Before and After School Programs
When school is out, the Club offers enriching activities for kids and teens throughout the region. Activities include homework help, STEM, art, fitness, and more.
Teen Program
Friendship, homework help, ACT prep, financial literacy, games – the Teen Program offers a safe, inclusive environment and prepares teens for the future.
Food Programs
The Club fights against food insecurity. The Daily Food Program offers kids an after-school meal during the school year and breakfast and lunch during the summer. The Food Pantry program supports families.
Athletics
Whether for fun or for a competitive edge, some big names from local sports have run camps through the Club including basketball player Gabby Williams and football player Cody Fajardo.
realty report
AUGUST 2ND-11TH
Hot August Nights
Reno, Virginia City
The bulk of the event will run from Aug. 6-11, but don’t forget to attend the kick-off in Virginia City Aug. 2-3. For more than a week, the city streets come alive with vintage vehicles and car enthusiasts from both near and far.
AUGUST 4TH
Trey Kennedy
Silver Legacy Resort Casino | 7:00 PM
Trey Kennedy earned his following on social media as a comedian commenting on pop culture and pushing the boundaries of stereotypes. Now his live tour is coming to Reno for one night only.
AUGUST 9TH-24TH
Bye Bye Birdie
Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater
Sierra School of Performing Arts will take on this classic Broadway show. Tickets are available at ByeByeBirdieReno.com
CONTINUED
AUGUST 23RD-25TH
Bowers Bluegrass Festival
Bowers Mansion Regional Park
What better setting for a three day music festival to take place in Reno? Head to historic Bowers Mansion and listen to your favorite bluegrass bands jam out.
AUGUST 23RD
Whose Live Anyway?
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | 8:00 PM
Originally called A Night of Improv, this long-running “gameshow,” where the rules are made up and the points don’t matter, has been running since 1999.
AUGUST 28TH-SEPTEMBER 2ND
2024 Best in the West
Rib Cookoff
Nugget Casino Resort
One of Reno’s premier food events kicks off on Aug. 28! Don’t forget to stop by and gobble down some of the best wings from Northern Nevada and beyond. Even better? Purchase VIP tickets to do it.
Reno Tahoe International Art Show
Ezequiel Mabote
Dirk Yuricich
Kimbo Franke
Jenny Snaza