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®
• Laser Hair Removal
• VISIA® Skin Analysis
• Injectables and fillers including Dysport®, Restylane®, BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, RHA®, and Sculptra®
• Genius™ Radiofrequency Microneedling
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• Medical-grade facials and peels
• Aveli® cellulite reduction
• 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
Giving Has No Season
This month, as we pause to reflect on gratitude, I find myself thinking about the incredible network of generosity that makes our community truly special.
Every month, we're honored to feature a different local non-profit in our pages, and each time I'm struck by the same thing: the remarkable people who make these organizations possible. Not just the dedicated staff and volunteers who show up day after day, but the quiet heroes who write checks, donate time, and say "yes" when asked to help.
Behind every scholarship awarded, every meal served, every life changed, there's a web of supporters who believe in something bigger than themselves. The business owner who sponsors the gala. The retiree who volunteers every Tuesday. The family that gives monthly because they know it matters. The board members who attend meetings and make difficult decisions because someone has to.
What moves me most is how naturally this happens here. There's no fanfare and often no expectation of recognition—just neighbors helping neighbors because it's the right thing to do. Whether it's the animal shelter, youth programs, food banks, arts organizations, or any of the dozens of causes that make our community stronger, the response is always the same: "What do you need?"
This generosity creates something remarkable—a place where problems get solved, where people who are struggling find help, where dreams become possible. It's what makes living here feel different from living anywhere else.
To every non-profit leader who carries the weight of important work, and to every donor, volunteer, and supporter who makes that work possible: thank you. Your combined efforts create the foundation that makes our community not just a place to live, but a place to call home.
At Chase International, we strive to exceed expectations and deliver unparalleled results with an extraordinary standard of integrity, expertise, and gratitude while supporting the health and well-being of all. Driven by purpose, our commitment is making a difference in people’s lives.
Embrace the power of success. Visit chaseinternational.com
NOVEMBER 2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: On Sept. 15 Truckee Meadows Tomorrow hosted Accentuate the Positive. 2: The Urology Nevada Cancer Foundation’s 5k was held Aug. 23 at Idlewild Park. 3: Volunteers gathered at the “National Charity League” at the Northern Nevada Food Bank Sept. 13 4: Heather Neal and her family attended a Reno Aces game in September. 5: Guy Fieri signed bottles of Santo Tequila at Lee's Discount Liquors in Northtowne Sept. 15. 6: Jason Candler and associates cohosted the Profit Partners networking event at Pigeon Head Sept. 11. 7: Flappers and Fedoras: Red Shoe Gala at Renaissance benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada.
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FROM NEVADA’S CAPITOL TO CANADA
ARTICLE BY ERIN HANNA-BUTROS MEYERING
When Julianne Mahoney stepped off the front steps of Nevada’s State Capitol in late June, she didn’t just take the first steps of a hike. She began a journey of grit, resilience, and beauty—1,600 miles north, all the way to the U.S.-Canada border. Fifty-nine days later, she stood at the
Brave hikers inspire history and adventure
Audrey Payne shares photos from the trail.
“Whether that’s for a weekend or a summer! It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of completing the entire trail but you don’t have to do the entire trail to have a magical experience.”
Northern Terminus monument, having averaged 27 miles a day and becoming the very first hiker to complete the Carson City to Canada Quest.
The Quest, announced in 2024 by Visit Carson City, was designed to highlight the new 16-mile Capital to Tahoe Trail, which links Carson City directly to the Tahoe Rim Trail and, ultimately, the famed Pacific Crest Trail. From there, it’s possible—if ambitious adventurers are willing—to keep walking until they hit Canada.
“The Capital to Tahoe Trail connects Carson City directly into some of the most iconic wilderness in the country,” says Lydia Beck, marketing and public
relations manager for Visit Carson City. “The Quest was designed to shine a light on that, showing that from the steps of Nevada’s Capitol, you can lace up your boots and quite literally walk all the way to Canada. It was a bold way for us to showcase that Carson City holds its own adventures and is the gateway to many more.”
For Mahoney, who has long loved long-distance hiking, the experience tested both body and mind. “I hope more hikers take a chance and get out on trail,” she says. “Whether that's for a weekend or a summer! It's easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of completing the entire trail but you don't have to do the entire trail to have a magical experience. All
Julianne Mahoney trekked 1,600 miles from Carson City to the Canadian border.
“It felt unreal that after a delicious breakfast at Squeeze In, I just casually started walking for two months!”
- Julianne Mahoney
you need to do is a little preparation and the trail is your oyster!”
Mahoney’s trek was marked by many mental, physical, and even emotional challenges. Yet, she ventured on, finding serenity in alpine swims, mountain sunsets, and small moments of trail camaraderie.
And, she wasn’t the only one tackling the Quest. Audrey Payne, the second hiker selected for the challenge, reflected on her final push to the border in September: “At this stage of the journey, I am so mentally and physically exhausted. But by now, I’ve been
through it all: heat waves, thunderstorms, high altitude, ice-cold creek crossings, snow, burn zones, and more. I’ve been practicing resilience with each step. I know if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, I’ll make it to the border!”
While only two hikers set out on the inaugural Quest, the trail is open to anyone with a sense of adventure. Carson City may be known for its history, but thanks to the Capital to Tahoe Trail, it’s also the start of journeys that span mountains, states, and even international borders.
ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE
TRAVEL IN Style
KIM BURNS MAKES LUXURY TRAVEL MORE ACCESSIBLE WITH CURATED BOUTIQUE SERVICES
Kim Burns loves to travel. And her passion for seeing the world— inspired by her grandparents' adventurous stories from exotic lands—led her to a career in travel advisory. After more than ten years in medical sales and entrepreneurship, she found herself vying for a different life for herself, one that involved more exploration. And so, when a friend posted online looking for a college intern to learn the ropes of her Journeys Unparalleled agency, Kim responded: “I’m not a college student,” she said. “But I would love the opportunity to learn more.”
Today Burns spends her time—in between raising two children with her husband in Lake Tahoe—crafting one-of-akind luxury itineraries for people who want to see the world.
“Working as a travel advisor for Journeys Unparalleled has been incredibly gratifying. I love helping people who feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of travel choices,” she says.
“After discovering their travel style, preferences, needs, and wish lists I tell them, ‘I got this.’ It's so rewarding to craft a trip and have a client return saying it was the best experience they've ever had.”
"Because of our connections, you receive the royal treatment: better service and special perks," - Kim Burns
Tell me about your own travel experience.
I’ve visited almost every state in the US (the Dakotas, New Mexico, and Arkansas are still on my list!). I've also traveled globally to Prague, the UK, France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, Canada, the Caribbean, Korea, and Taiwan. While I love beach destinations like Jamaica (where I got married!), I also deeply appreciate the historical beauty and cultures of places like Paris, Prague, and Seoul.
So, in a nutshell, what is it you do?
I specialize in designing unique travel experiences for luxury travelers, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a multi-week/mulit-gen vacation clients have been dreaming of for years. With extensive industry connections, personal travel experiences, and access to complimentary amenities and VIP treatments at top resorts worldwide, I transform travel wish lists into reality. From dining on the Great Wall of China to basking in a Caribbean sunset, zip-lining through the Costa Rican rainforest, or unlocking the doors to the Sistine Chapel, I make travel dreams come true.
What tips do you have for planning a bucket list vacation?
I recommend traveling during the shoulder season whenever possible. This typically offers the best combination of better rates, fewer crowds, and good weather.
What are the biggest mistakes you've seen people make while booking travel?
The biggest mistake I see is not getting a guide for a bucket list trip. Additionally, many people book directly or through online services without realizing the added benefits and peace of mind a travel advisor provides.
A PATH FORWARD
The Reality of Homelessness in Reno
ARTICLE BY LIZA BELKA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIS BRETZ
In Reno, homelessness is a constant and visible part of downtown life. For residents, business owners, and city leaders, it’s a crisis that touches on both compassion and safety while also directly impacting the city’s vitality.
The most recent Point-in-Time (PIT) count, conducted in early 2025, shows a complicated picture.
The opening of the Nevada Cares Campus in 2021 initially brought real progress, driving down the number of people living unsheltered thanks to the addition of hundreds of new emergency shelter beds. But in the years since, momentum has slowed. More people are falling into homelessness than are finding their way into stable housing.
As Catrina Peters, human services coordinator for Washoe County Housing and Homeless Services, explains, “We have made incredible progress in our community and see our emergency shelters doing amazing work getting people transitioned into stable housing. But dramatically rising rents, stagnating wages, and very limited affordable housing options make further progress very challenging.”
This challenge between the success of new programs and the growing pressure of the housing
Ambassadors Juan Jimenez and Veronica Mojica walk the streets of Reno cleaning sidewalks and offering assistance to the city's unhoused population.
market defines the crisis today. And it’s also why the city, the county, nonprofits, businesses, and community partners are working together to balance immediate safety with long-term stability.
A REGIONAL PICTURE
At the county level, the numbers tell a sobering story. While shelters like the Cares Campus and Our Place have created safe, centralized hubs for people to access beds, meals, and support, the demand is relentless. Inflows remain high, further fueled by soaring rents and limited housing inventory.
The county emphasizes the importance of both emergency response and future-focused planning. “People who are unsheltered need an immediate resource to get out of the elements and to get connected to resources,” Peters says. “On the flip side, in order to get people stably housed, we need to invest in affordable housing for low and extremely low-income households. Constructing new units takes time, and getting those projects to pencil is extremely challenging under today’s costs.”
To bridge the gap, Washoe County has leaned into partnerships. At the Cares Campus and Our Place, more than 30 different organizations provide services ranging from meals and transportation to benefits navigation, haircuts, and clothing. This provides “a model of how collaboration makes progress possible,” says Peters.
New legislation passed in Nevada’s most recent legislative session offers additional funding for affordable housing, giving county leaders hope that longer-term solutions will finally take root. Their goal is ambitious but clear: “to see the number of people experiencing homelessness fall to zero — or at least ensure our homeless service delivery system can quickly solve someone’s crisis and get them stably housed.”
BALANCING SAFETY AND SUPPORT
Where the county oversees housing and shelter at scale, the City of Reno is tasked with managing daily realities through programs like Clean & Safe, Community Court, and Reno Works+, which aim to keep public spaces accessible, reduce repeat offenses, and help people transition back into stability.
The Clean & Safe initiative, launched in 2020, combines policing, housing, parks, and sanitation to improve downtown health and safety. Community Court, meanwhile, takes a more problem-solving approach to low-level offenses, diverting individuals from the criminal system and connecting them to treatment, housing, and employment programs instead.
The Reno Works+ program partners with Volunteers of America to give people experiencing homelessness job training and hands-on employment with city departments, paired with housing and supportive services. Serving as a reminder that homelessness is not just about beds, but about creating pathways to dignity and sustainability.
Through the ReStore program, the city is investing in downtown businesses as part of a broader strategy to keep the core safe, clean, and welcoming.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND WITH DOWNTOWN RENO PARTNERSHIP
If the county sets the strategy and the city manages programs, the Downtown Reno Partnership (DRP) is where those efforts hit the
"Having a centralized location where people can access a bed, meals, pet services, showers, employment information, and other resources has helped reduce pressures on the urban core and created a clearer pathway to support for those in need," - Neoma Jardon
streets. Executive Director Neoma Jardon says the most common concerns from businesses and residents include loitering, intoxication, trespassing, graffiti, and the impact of vacant properties.
But she is quick to note the difference the DRP’s ambassadors and security teams are making. In the last fiscal year alone, ambassadors:
• Picked up more than 312,000 pounds of trash
• Provided 1,400+ rides to services like the Cares Campus, Safe Camp, and Our Place
• Completed 4,400+ pressure washes
• Removed 1,400+ instances of graffiti
Since 2018, they have conducted over 80,000 wellness checks, made 10,000+ service referrals, and collected more than 1 million pounds of trash.
These numbers are paired with a philosophy Jardon calls “compassionate, educational enforcement.” Ambassadors, many of whom have experienced homelessness themselves, are trained to de-escalate situations with dignity while still enforcing ordinances. The work they provide frees up police resources while creating visible improvements downtown.
“For us, success means continually improving conditions for everyone who lives, visits, or does business downtown,” Jardon says. “Ten years ago, downtown was defined by encampments, graffiti, and blight. Today it is noticeably cleaner, safer, and more vibrant, and each year it improves a little more.”
THE AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE
For Esther Tremaine, lead social service outreach ambassador with DRP, the work is intensely personal. A typical day for
“In order to get people stably housed, we need to invest in affordable housing for low and extremely low-income households,”
- Catrina
Peters
an ambassador like Tremaine might involve cleaning up trash, responding to business concerns, or transporting individuals to services. But it can also mean life-and-death moments.
Just weeks ago, she administered Narcan to reverse an overdose, which she shares is something she does once or twice a month. “On Virginia Street, I encounter a lot of intoxicated people,” she says. “On 4th Street, more individuals are using drugs. You have to be ready to respond.”
Her work is as much about patience as it is about crisis response. She tells the story of a man who wanted to reenter Safe Camp after leaving the Cares Campus. Although the entry required multiple steps and persistence, she helped him secure a spot after months of advocacy. “To my knowledge, this person is still at Safe Camp,” she says.
And the community has noticed the changes. Visitors comment that downtown is cleaner than they remember, and businesses regularly thank ambassadors for their efforts, Tremaine
says of the feedback. “People say there are fewer homeless individuals and not a lot of trash. Businesses say the work we do is awesome.”
CARES CAMPUS CENTRALIZED STABILITY
The opening of the Nevada Cares Campus in 2021 changed the dynamic downtown. With a centralized hub offering beds, meals, showers, pet services, and job resources, the campus reduced pressure on the city’s core and created clearer pathways to support.
Jardon explains, “The opening of the Nevada Cares Campus has made a substantial difference downtown. Having a centralized location where people can access a bed, meals, pet services, showers, employment information, and other resources has helped reduce pressures on the urban core and created a clearer pathway to support for those in need. The facility is especially valuable for those who want services and are making an effort to transition out of homelessness. By connecting those individuals with the help they need, it frees up resources to focus on the smaller, more visible, group of highly service-resistant individuals who require more intensive attention.”
County leaders point to the same impact. The addition of hundreds of
shelter beds drove the steepest decline in unsheltered homelessness between 2021 and 2022. While challenges remain, such as the ongoing inflow of individuals entering homelessness, the facility provides a visible difference both for people in crisis and for the health of downtown.
BUSINESS REVITALIZATION AND REALITY
While business owners along 4th Street and beyond continue to feel the burden of this crisis, especially when it comes to loitering and public intoxication, the City of Reno points to revitalization programs like ReStore as part of the solution.
Local favorites like The Reno Bar & Grill and the Morris Burner Hotel have received city support to improve their storefronts and stay rooted downtown. Combined with the work of DRP’s ambassadors and security team, these efforts are part of a larger push to keep the heart of Reno safe, clean, and welcoming, even as homelessness remains a visible challenge.
THE PATH FORWARD
The story of homelessness in Reno is one of continued progress and unwavering persistence. Washoe County leaders stress that collaboration between government, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropy is the only way forward. City leaders point to programs like Community Court and Reno Works+ as evidence that creativity can, in fact, reduce recidivism and restore dignity.
For DRP and its ambassadors, success is measured in the tangible improvements people see on their sidewalks every day. For the county, success is a future where inflow into homelessness no longer outpaces outflow into stable housing.
Both agree on one thing: steady, visible improvements matter. Reno is not where it was a decade ago. Downtown is cleaner, safer, and more vibrant. But the crisis is not over.
“Our goal,” Peters says, “is zero.”
And until then, the work continues. In courtrooms and council chambers. On 4th Street sidewalks. And at the Cares Campus gates.
ANARTFUL EXPANSION
The Nevada Museum of Art unveils its largest expansion and remodel in 94 years
ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE PHOTOGRAPHY SELECT IMAGES BY ASA GILMORE AND DAVID CALVERT
The Nevada Museum of Art completed a $60 million expansion and renovation in August, nearly doubling the museum’s overall footprint; adding important exhibitions, artwork, and educational resources; and expanding to fill one city block in the California Avenue neighborhood. The expansion also created more space to showcase permanent and visiting works, updated energy-saving aspects of the building, and unveiled a new café operated by Perenn.
The Charles and Stacie Mathewson Education + Research Center—the expansion’s official name—was made possible mostly by private donations, allowing the museum to grow its community offerings without incurring any debt.
“The museum has always been a welcoming place where art sparks ideas and conversation, but now we have the space and resources to do even more,” says David Walker, CEO of the Nevada Museum of Art. “Every element of this $60 million project was designed to benefit our communities and deepen our shared cultural experience.”
Overall, the completed project added 50,000-square-feet of additional space designed by renowned, award-winning architect Will Bruder. It also boasts a new research library, more than 20,000-square-feet of added gallery space, a rooftop garden, a new classroom, and increased access to the Museum’s extensive permanent art and archive collections. With more room comes more opportunity to serve Reno and the larger Great Basin region by providing educational opportunities, research resources, and increased access to permanent collections—some of which were previously stuck in storage—because art is meant to be seen, not stored.
“I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for all we’ve collectively accomplished to envision and build our Charles and Stacie Mathewson Education + Research Center,” says Walker.
While what’s inside the museum matters most, the team is equally excited about the physical beauty of the new build. Bruder hinted this may be his last major project and spent five years collaborating with local museum executives to get just the right aesthetics. In addition to creating an airy and modern overall space, Bruder took great care to include special details like windows throughout.
The mechanics of the building are also something to be proud of. Walker mentions the installation of a large solar array, significant mechanical upgrades, and new LED lighting specifically as ways the museum has reduced its carbon footprint.
And while it may sound silly, one aspect of the remodel guests of the museum might be most excited to learn about is the enlarged parking lot with a bike rack, quite literally making the museum more accessible.
FLOOR BY FLOOR
Over three floors, the museum made significant improvements to each level of the museum. The ground floor enjoys the largest physical expansion with a new wing of the museum accessible beyond the café. This space houses the Bretzlaff Book Shop, which sells art, design, and architecture books, and the Thomas and Pauline Tusher Research Library, a collection of rare and historic books related to art and the environment). The new lobby hosts a permanent 11-foot bristlecone clock art installation created by artist and philosopher Jonathon Keats and clockmakers Phil Abernathy and Brittany Cox, inspired by the enduring bristlecone pine trees of the Great Basin.
On the second floor, there are two new galleries, the Thomas Lee Bottom Gallery and the Jeffrey Morby Family Gallery, the latter of which is a feature gallery inaugurated by The Art of Judith Lowry and The Lowry & Croul Collection of Contemporary Native American Art. Then there is the new Clarence and Martha Jones Family Foundation / Charlotte and Dick McConnell Art + Environment Education Lab, where University of Nevada students can attend classes in the fields of art, science, and interdisciplinary environmental studies. Lastly more than 1.6 million items are located within The Institute for Art + Environment archives.
Finally, on the third floor, the museum shows off an impressive collection of Indigenous Australian works including those featured in Eternal Signs, a gift from Robert Kaplan and Margaret Levi. This specific collection, housed inside of the E.L. Wiegand Feature Gallery, makes the Nevada Museum of Art’s Indigenous Australian collection the fourth largest in the U.S. The outdoor rooftop space is also home to a collection of Great Basin Native American Basket Plantings showcasing indigenous plants and representing the art of basket weaving while also creating a greenspace within the Thomas and Pauline Tusher Sculpture Garden. According to a press release from the Museum, “The garden offers visitors an opportunity to see and learn about plants of our region and connect them to the museum’s Great Basin Native basket collection, while also serving as a space for reflection, storytelling, and cultural exchange.”
While many of the spaces are new, remodels were a large part of the plan, as well, providing a much-needed refresh to existing spaces, including The Power of Pollinators (And Other Living Things), an indoor wallpaper and drapery installation in the museum’s atrium and as Monument to Sharing, an outdoor garden installation adjacent to the Museum that celebrates community, generosity, and biodiversity.
A NEW EXHIBITION
While all of these upgrades may sound like a lot, it’s only the beginning for Nevada’s only designated state art museum. In spring, the museum will unveil a new collection taking over some of that additional space; Into the Time Horizon will be the museum’s largest exhibition to date.
Utilizing 35,000 square feet of gallery space and featuring nearly 200 renowned artists (including a significant number of Indigenous artworks drawn from the museum’s own permanent collection), Into the Time Horizon is slated for a spring unveiling and will begin the installation process this month, with the first part opening to the public before November ends. The works tell a story of conservation and environmentalism with every piece speaking to the current climate crisis.
“The Nevada Museum of Art is a true gem in Northern Nevada, with a mission to spark creativity and lifelong learning for people of all ages and providing unprecedented access,” says Jackie Kane, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “It’s clear we are now well positioned to expand our unique programs and services into the future.”
CONNECT INFORM ADVOCATE
The Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce exists to advocate, inform, and connect.
As the largest business organization in Northern Nevada, we give a voice to our members -- every sector, every size, every day We advocate for pro-business policies with federal, state, and local elected bodies.
We inform our members of news, resources, and tools to help them succeed and sustain commerce.
We connect our members to educational opportunities
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.
Skateboarding for a Cause
Trevor Parker is on a cross-country mission to raise funds
For most people, skateboarding is a pastime to get outside and decompress. For Trevor Parker, it has become something much bigger: a cross-country odyssey fueled by grit, generosity, and a mission to give back.
He set out from the Peace Arch at the Canadian border above Blaine, Wash., with his sights loosely set on Tijuana. “I had mapped out a couple routes with daily plans,” he admits, “but that pretty quickly went out the window.” Instead, his journey has unfolded one week (and often one conversation) at a time. What started as a 100-day plan has stretched into a months-long adventure that he expects to finish in mid-November. Though, as he puts it, “it’s definitely about the journey more than the destination.”
The seed for this adventure was planted nearly 15 years ago when Parker first heard about cyclists making similar treks across the country. But it wasn’t until skater Chad Caruso set a cross-country record that he began to see it as a real possibility. Further inspired by other skaters’ social media
ARTICLE BY LIZA BELKA PHOTOGRAPHY BY TREVOR PARKER
journeys, he committed by posting his own “Day 1” video to hold himself accountable. Every day since, he’s shared updates, building a community along the way.
And that community has proven to be invaluable. From strangers offering food and water to new friends opening their homes, Parker says the kindness he’s experienced has been constant. “Whenever I’ve needed someone or something, the universe has provided,” he says.
But the journey is about more than just personal growth. Trevor is skating to raise funds for two causes close to his heart: the Eddy House, which supports homeless youth in Reno, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He connects both to his own story of a rough upbringing that could have gone differently, and family
losses to cancer. “The most important part to me is contributing to people making tangible efforts to better the lives of children,” he says. Through his efforts, Parker hopes to show readers that no dream is too big to chase. “I wasn’t in the physical condition to do this when I started,” he admits. “[But] I stopped listening to my excuses and got to work.”
And now, he’s inviting the community to join him. Every like, comment, and contribution helps push
him closer to the finish line. Supporters can follow his daily updates on social media, share his story, and donate to the Eddy House or St. Jude to help him reach his $10,000 goal for each organization.
“Support begets support,” Parker says. “The more love I feel from my community, the more impact I can make.”
Marina Town Centre 325 Harbour Cove Drive, Suite 221 Spark s, NV 89434 775-353-1039
Britton Griffith asks locals to share their thoughts.
What Are You Grateful For?
As the leaves change colors and the temperatures drop, we feel that cozy feel of the ‘ber months. Entering the holiday season and remembering the year we’ve had it is a wonderful time to reflect on what we are grateful for.
ARTICLE BY BRITTON GRIFFITH
Bonney
Brown, president
of Options Veterinary Care Non-Profit, Reno, Nevada.
“The Reno region is so active in fundraising, outdoor recreation, and our love of animals! Washoe County treats their pets like family like I do, and I am thankful to have like-minded humans from all walks of life with fur families. Animals are such an amazing part of our community for senior[s], veterans, and children. When someone cannot afford needed veterinary care for a pet, it is stressful and heartbreaking for them and their family and can place them in financial distress. I am grateful our community treats animals with such care and respect that they provide community charitable donations to keep pets with their families, it is rare to have such a giving community that cares about one another, fur or not!”
Michael Heath, VP Branch Relationship Manager-Meadows Bank.
“I’m grateful for the challenging times in life because they make me stronger and help me appreciate the good times even more. I’m also thankful for the kindness of people I’ve never met before, as well as the health and well-being of my family and myself.”
Kallie Laity, President of Kitty Kisses Rescue of Reno
"I’m incredibly thankful for the supportive community around us. From volunteers who give their time, to donors who help keep the lights on, to the adopters who open their homes and hearts—every single person plays a part in saving lives. Our rescue truly wouldn’t exist without that kind of compassion and teamwork, and I feel grateful every day to be surrounded by people who care so deeply about giving kitties a second chance.”
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Nestled at the highest elevation in Glenhaven, this private residence o ers a rare combination of modern design, natural beauty, and sweeping views of downtown Reno. Thoughtfully planned this home embraces the landscape, creating a serene retreat just minutes from city life.
Glenhaven is Reno’s most exciting luxury community. A private enclave of just 24 expansive homesites with privacy and views, all just moments away from city life. Please be in touch to schedule your private tour to explore our homesites, Buy & Build packages now available.
events
NOVEMBER 1ST
Warren Miller's Sno-ciety
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 PM
Put yourself in the mood for winter. The film Sno-ciety explores several communities across the world and the unique culture that comes with a snowy locale. Several notable names, including former olympians, help narrate the documentary.
NOVEMBER 2ND
26th Annual Reno Bridal & Beauty Expo
Grand Sierra Resort | 11:00 AM
Get ready brides! This special expo brings all of the best in local weddings to one convenient location so you can get a jumpstart on planning your upcoming nuptials.
NOVEMBER 5TH & 12TH
Learn to Sew: Make Your Own Stocking
Wyld Market Collective | 5:00 - 8:00 PM
This two-day event will take novice sewers to expert status! Or, at least you should be able to successfully sew a stocking by the end. Revival Sewing Co.’s Selah leads the class. Participants must be 12 and parental supervision is required.
NOVEMBER 7TH
Fall Crab Feed
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa | 4:00 PM
Bring your appetite to this all you can eat crab fest! For $139 per person, the Island Band will serenade you as you indulge on endless crab, seafood favorites, several sides, and desserts.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Fantasies in Chocolate: Chamber of Magic
Grand Sierra Resort | 6:00 PM
This over-the-top food and bevvy heavy event is back at the Grand Sierra Resort with a new bewitching theme! Witches and wizards bring your wands, and your best costumes, as you taste through delicious culinary creations, including plenty of chocolate delicacies. VIP tickets are available.
NOVEMBER 12TH
Annual Boosted Diplomas Fundraiser
Nevada Museum of Art | 6:00 PM
Support Boosted Diplomas, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk youth in Washoe County meet their educational goals. The event theme is "Through Their Eyes - Student For A Night." Stop by at 6 p.m. The event concludes at 8 p.m.
NOVEMBER 13TH - 22ND
The Christmas Tree Farm by Adam Szymkowicz
TMCC Performance Lab
Enjoy a series of holiday-themed love stories, all taking place at a Christmas tree farm, presented by TMCC. Performances will be on Nov. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. in the Red Mountain Building, room 240, on the TMCC Dandini Campus.
NOVEMBER 16TH
4th Annual Charity Show 'n Shine/Customer Appreciation Event
Final Draught | 10:00 AM
Head to Final Draught in Sparks from 10-4 p.m. to peruse cool cards and enjoy a day, all for a good cause! Money raised from the event will benefit Veteran’s Guest House. Last year, the event saw more than 75 entrants and raised over $5,000.
NOVEMBER 29TH - DECEMBER 28TH
Jingle Bell Rock
El Dorado Showroom
Tickets are on sale for this holiday spectacular! Get ready for an evening filled with dancing and singing, featuring a children’s choir, all inside of the El Dorado Showroom.
SOMETHING ICKY THIS WAY COMES.
Through January 11, 2026
The ichthyosaur ruled Nevada's prehistoric sea. Dive deep with fossils, paleoart, and multimedia wonders. LEAD SPONSORS
