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Beth Macmillan is a work of art in her own right. This Sterling Silver Club featured member is also a one-time professional dancer who now takes center stage as the passionate leader of Artown, northern Nevada’s colorful and wonderfully diverse, month-long celebration of the arts –happening throughout Reno in July! So how might we paint a portrait of someone as unique as Beth? We thought an art-full Q&A was a good place to start. Question: Can you tell us how you came to Reno and to your post as executive director of Artown? “I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and eventually moved to Reno, Nevada to dance in a show called ‘Hello Hollywood Hello!’ at the MGM Grand Resort (now known as the Grand Sierra Resort). I joined Artown in 2001, became executive director a year later and have thoroughly enjoyed my journey there – and here in Reno – every single day since.” Question: What do you love about the arts? “I love how the arts build creative minds in all of us. The arts spark our imagination and encourage innovation. We are all artists. We dress with creative intention, decorate our homes imaginatively and cook meals for ourselves and others to impress and satisfy through culinary artistry.” Beth’s Favorite Color: Green “I love the way green clothing looks on me and makes my eyes sparkle. Green is a calming color and my home is painted a soft and calming green on the interior.” Question: What is your personal vision and hope for the arts community in Reno/Sparks and northern Nevada? “My vision for the arts in our community is that we continue to build a cultural center in northern Nevada. We are a destination for the arts and should continue to build strength in that draw. Reno has become a place where artists are finding a home and are able to work and create artistry in every genre. My hope is that everything that is happening with the arts here is just the beginning.” Question: Do you think a person’s health can benefit from exposure to the arts? “I believe wholeheartedly that the arts are tied to health. Renown has a healing arts program which helps patients heal through creating art. I also know that Artown brings people together and out of isolation, which is one of the biggest culprits for depression. Artown encourages folks to come out and enjoy the outdoors, gatherings with friends and enjoyment of the arts – all of which build a healthy lifestyle. During COVID-19, Artown also helped heal of our community through our Heart own program, which encouraged creativity and inspiration. In short, I feel the arts are essential to our wellbeing, on many levels.” Question: What do you do to stay vibrant and healthy? “I always have a project going. I love to restore furniture, sew, paint, garden, knit and cook interesting meals for friends. I try to eat a healthy diet with tons of veggies and fruit. I also enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, gardening and yoga, all of which keep my working-out enjoyable and satisfying.” Beth’s Artown Highlight “When we brought Mikhail Baryshnikov to Reno… it made me proud of our community. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen and I didn’t have to go to a major market to see him perform.” Question: What do you appreciate most about your life at 55+ and what advice would you offer to other club members to help them live their best lives? “I lost my husband to cancer when he was young. His passing reminds me to cherish every moment of every day and take time to look around and be grateful for life. I am eternally grateful for my two sons. One is an engineer for a local construction company, the other is completing his studies in type theory in Gothenburg, Sweden. And I am in the arts – what a contrast!” Question: What excites you about partnering with the Sterling Silver Club for Artown? “I am excited for what Artown offers Sterling Silver Club members and our entire community. I want everyone to know that the best time in Reno to enjoy one another and the arts is in July, because we have Artown!” Question: Finally, how would you define the art of life? “The art of life is to create a world you want to read in a book, see in a painting, watch in a ballet, experience in a play and hear in music.” The Sterling Silver Club thanks Beth for being such an inspiring ambassador and for her tireless dedication to celebrating and supporting the arts in our community through Artown! Sterling Silver Club The Sterling Silver Club’s exclusive benefits are designed with you in mind. From social events and lectures to entertainment, special discounts, and health insights and tips. Sign Up for the Club!

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Whether watching a 4th of July celebration from her father’s boat on the Saint Johns River or sneaking a peek at a post-game display over Gator Bowl Stadium from her parents’ bedroom window, the fondest childhood memories of Sterling Silver Club featured member are of fireworks. “I love watching fireworks,” says Rhogenia. “And I get just as excited by them now as I did then.” Well, fireworks are certainly a fitting introduction to this Sterling Silver Club member who shines with a spectacular collection of accomplishments, adventures and interests. A Passion for Teaching Rhogenia remembers herself as a happy, carefree child “who read all the time” while growing up in Jacksonville, Florida with her younger sister, Rosemary, and her father and mother, who was a public school teacher. It’s easy to see how this natural enthusiasm for reading (and learning), along with her mother’s influence, would spark Rhogenia’s calling – and passion – for teaching. After earning her bachelor’s degree in education, Rhogenia spent the first 2 years of her career as a kindergarten teacher in a “one traffic light” town in her home state. She then moved to Oakland, California where she taught kindergarten and first grade classes at various schools for 4 years. The Biggest Little City in the World came next, and her stay there would last much longer. In Reno, Rhogenia added a master’s degree to her credits and found a home for her teaching career at Grace Warner Elementary School – where she taught first and second grade for 20 years! During that time, she also took on the additional role of adjunct professor, teaching graduate students for the University of Phoenix, College of Education.   “A great teacher never stops learning,” explains Rhogenia. “I believe the art of teaching is the act of facilitating discovery, for students and also for myself.” In recognition of her efforts, Rhogenia received the Reno Gazette Journal’s Best of Education Award, the Washoe County Teachers Association Distinguished Performance Award, and was also awarded a grant from Learn and Serve America to help her support student programs that gave back to the community. Rhogenia’s favorite quote: “One hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child.” – Adapted from an essay by Forest Witcraft Commissions, Councils & Space Camp Life outside the classroom also kept Rhogenia busy – and inspired – throughout her career. In 1998, she was selected to participate in an educator externship, and in 1999, was chosen to be a teacher consultant to the Alliance Summer Geography Institute. These opportunities allowed Rhogenia to return to her students with exciting lessons to share about different types of industries and the importance of geography, respectively. In 2002, the governor appointed her commissioner for the state of Nevada’s Commission on Professional Standards in Education. And Rhogenia followed that up with an appointment to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education in 2004. She also got to travel. Rhogenia was one of two teachers from Nevada chosen to participate in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher program on its 50th anniversary. Originally established in 1946 to foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan, the trip allowed Rhogenia to represent her state, her country and her race to Japanese dignitaries, business people and students alike. For over three weeks, she toured schools, universities, factories, temples, art galleries and museums, and stayed in the home of a Japanese family for a few days – which she calls the highlight of her trip.  Oh, and then there was the time she went to space camp! The Nevada Teacher in Space Program sent Rhogenia to join teachers from across the county at the out-of-this-world camp in Huntsville, Alabama. On “Team Endeavor,” she learned what it would be like to deliver payloads and perform experiments at the International Space Station, and took a seat in flight simulators and an antigravity chair. The goal of the program was to inspire teachers to help their students learn about the infinite possibilities of math and science. Time for What Matters These days, Rhogenia enjoys spending time on the things that matter most to her. Personally, that means diving into hobbies like genealogy, music, reading, writing, cooking and the occasional card or board game. She also continues to learn and broaden herself through Osher Life Long Institute (OLLI) classes and Retired Living Truth Series seminars. But her greatest joy comes from spending time with family – four generations of her own family, her church family, retired teachers from Warner Elementary and the many acquaintances and friends she’s come to know over the years. Other things worthy of Rhogenia’s time: Giving back to the community, rainbows, sunsets and sometimes, just watching the clouds roll by. Membership & Senior-ship What does Rhogenia think about being a Sterling Silver Club member and a senior? She told us. “Before COVID, it was the face-to-face club events that I liked most,” recalls Rhogenia. “At the Silver Stars Gala, I had such a wonderful time chatting with old and new friends… the fashions, decorations and the food were delightful.” Over the past year, she also found things to love about the club’s virtual events and regularly attends lectures, cooking and yoga classes and weekly meditation sessions – from her home! It Starts with Hello offers some of her favorite club events. “It reminds me of the television show, Cheers, where everybody knows your name!” she grins. “We meet at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are a variety of topics and guest speakers, and with the virtual events, I feel like the presenters are talking directly to me… I have the best seat in the house.” As far as being a senior goes, Rhogenia is living her best life and has some advice to help others do the same. “As a senior, I have the time to explore and take advantage of the many opportunities available out there,” she says. “I live life in the present and to the fullest. I make the most of each day because tomorrow, it will be the past.” Rhogenia feels that the biggest challenges for seniors today are health and isolation, and wants people to know there’s help if they need it. “Sometimes we need a little help to make everyday activities a little easier, or just need a person to talk with,” she explains. “My advice is never be too proud to ask for help with anything! Most people are glad to help or guide you to someone who will.” “Lastly, to seniors, I would like to say this: Love yourself and make peace with who you are and where you are at this moment in time,” Rhogenia continues. “And give yourself a big hug!” The Sterling Silver Club thanks Rhogenia for dazzling us with her story, her friendship and her collaboration – and we send her and all of our members a “BIG hug.”

Read More About Simply Spectacular Sterling Silver Member Rhogenia

A Friendship Gone Viral  When a friendship is strong enough, it can survive just about anything – even a pandemic! Sterling Silver Club members and longtime friends, Marlene and Kim, are living and thriving proof of that.  Career & Community Cohorts  With successful careers in the Reno area and a common passion for community involvement, it’s no surprise the women knew of each other even before their friendship developed. The first time they actually worked together was in 2001 at TMWA (Truckee Meadows Water Authority), where Marlene’s company was brought on board to steer communications and Kim was heading up the then-new utility’s customer relations department. TMWA was where these colleagues became cohorts who have since become the best of friends.  Now retired, Kim’s favorite job these days is being a doting “Noni” to her two granddaughters who live nearby and who she keeps up with by staying active. Kim enjoys practicing yoga and loves to spend time walking and hiking in the great outdoors – with two enthusiastic dogs that are always ready to join her.  Marlene is still working and running her nearly 40-year-old public engagement and outreach company, GoodStanding. Her “fun and interesting” projects help to build community engagement for her clients and often focus on water resource management and conservation.  The Rotary Club of Reno, known as the “downtown club,” is also an important part of both women’s lives. Marlene was just the third woman to join the historically male organization in 1991 and made it her mission to recruit and sponsor female members – like Kim. Today, women make up nearly half of the membership and Marlene and Kim are both heavily involved in the club and its initiatives, including its scholarship program and community beautification projects along Riverside Drive.  A Friendly Q & A  To learn more about the friends and maintaining friendships in these socially distanced times, we asked them some questions.   What drew you to each other as friends?  Kim: Marlene’s honesty, integrity and ethics. Marlene always does what is best for her clients, no matter what.  Marlene: Kim and I communicate very well. It’s hard to explain, but sometimes we are both way ahead of our words. How would you describe each other in a single word? Marlene: Focused. Don’t put anything in front of Kim that you don’t want done, and done expertly. Also, helper. She thrives on helping people and working through their problems.  Kim: Creative! Marlene came up with many unique ideas to promote and publicize TMWA. And her house the most cozy spaces to sit and visit.  Do you have a favorite “That’s so her” moment to share? Kim: Burning Man! Marlene had friends with a camp at Burning Man and she invited me to join them for three days a number of years ago. We rode our bikes, admired the art and did our best to sleep through the techno music that played through the night. It was an amazing time.  Marlene: Kim’s involvement in Rotary’s Achievement Beyond Obstacles (a support and scholarship program for deserving local high school students). She has a heart for kids facing challenges, she is a great leader and she loves to help and make a difference.  How has COVID-19 affected your friendship, how have things changed and how have things stayed the same? Kim: We don’t see each other in person quite as much. However, Marlene has made sure that many of our girlfriends are able to stay in touch.  Marlene: I don’t take for granted we are going to see each other, so we plan it. I am the instigator of walks, socially distanced get-togethers in our green space and Zoom meetings. This new normal has also given me permission to stay home and work. Now, it’s OK to do some gardening or take a walk in the middle of the day. I suppose that’s one pleasant side effect of COVID-19.  Why did you become members of the Sterling Silver Club and why would you encourage others to join?  Kim: So many friends and family members had nothing but good things to say about Renown that I decided to switch providers. I also really liked what Renown was doing with the Healthy Nevada Project. So, when I saw the Sterling Silver Club, it seemed to me to be just another extension of all the good things Renown has to offer!  Marlene: This Club sounded interesting because it would allow me to focus more on my health with like-minded people in my age group. And, I’m with Kim, Healthy Nevada Project is very intriguing for how it could potentially improve health care for all of us.  What is the secret to a lasting friendship?  Kim: Have patience. Don’t take things personally. Be flexible. And just enjoy one another’s company. Marlene: Respect and grace, equally. We are not perfect and we are all different. So give your friends respect always, grace when they flub up and support when they need help.  Thanks to Kim and Marlene for being such generous collaborators and ambassadors of the Sterling Silver Club.  Friend Fun Fact:  Kim helped Marlene find her new house a few years ago – and more recently, a new dog! Marlene and “Levi” have been inseparable ever since.

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If Sterling Silver Club member Ann had an official motto, it would be, “I love to learn new things.” Ann has been a Reno resident for about 25 years after making her way to the Silver State from Arizona and before that, her birth state of Indiana. All along the way, she’s been growing, exploring and learning. Meet Ann From her days as a Girl Scout to her cherished roles as mother and grandmother and her time spent working for the federal government, Ann has enjoyed the adventures she’s had, the people she’s met and the learning opportunities that continue to be an important part of her life’s journey. “Learning never has to end,” Ann says wisely. Today, Ann lives a life full of learning — and giving. She is a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNR, which offers classes and events for people who are 50 and older. She has also been a foster grandparent for Seniors in Service and has tutored troubled teens at the Jan Evans Juvenile Detention Center and helped out at Title 1 schools. Volunteer Extraordinaire Her volunteer résumé continues with work for the Reno Police Department’s SAVE program through Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for Sanford Center for Aging and time spent with VISTA for AmeriCorps, helping victims of domestic violence and refugees. And with her recent appearance in Ky’s Kab, a segment of Aging & Awesome — the popular 55+ show airing Saturdays at 7 p.m. on local CBS affiliate, KTVN Channel 2 — she’s a bit of a celebrity to boot! Through all of her experiences, Ann has learned something about herself and others. She looks forward to the new memories and friendships her latest membership to the Sterling Silver Club will bring. “I love being a member of the Sterling Silver Club because it’s another opportunity for me to grow, have fun, learn and socialize,” she says. And everyone at Renown is thrilled to help her do those things — and live a happy, healthy life. Please join us in welcoming Ann, one of our first members of the Sterling Silver Club. Today we have more than 2,800 members and we’re happy to be featuring members and getting to know you all along the way!

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Fishing can be great for relaxation, and it’s a great family activity. Here are five suggestions for great local fishing spots, plus a recipe for trout if you wind up catching one! There are many ways to unwind in the great outdoors in our beautiful region, and fishing can be easily added to that list. The benefits of casting a line are many. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, fishing was compared to yoga for its links to stress relief. The study notes that fishing brings out the relaxation response that slows down breathing, reduces blood pressure and relaxes the muscles. So, get out there and find some fish. There are many lakes of many styles to practice this ancient art, but here are the five that keep coming up in local conversation, virtual or otherwise. If you want to explore more options, the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s fishing guide can fill you in (and then some!). One thing to note about two of the areas we’ve chosen, Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River. Winter flooding has led regional officials to make necessary repairs to both areas, and there may be restrictions to access, including roads that lead to some of the fishing areas in both of these large bodies of water. Be sure to check first at the sites below before heading out, and you can also go to the flood advisory page for our region on water.weather.gov to check on flooding advisories throughout the summer as snowmelt continues. Five Great Regional Fishing Spots Boca Reservoir Location: Stampede Dam Road, 2 miles north of the Boca exit on Interstate 80 Two types of fish: rainbow trout, kokanee salmon More details: One of the more reliable year-round spots, Boca Reservoir even hosts ice fishing once (or if) the body of water freezes over. It’s located in the beautiful Tahoe National Forest. Donner Lake Location: Take the Donner Pass Road exit from Interstate 80, turn onto South Shore Drive Two types of fish: brown trout, mackinaw trout More details: A great scenic lake at the edge of Donner Memorial State Park, this fishing spot includes a public pier, while its China Cove on its southeast end is also a good place for mackinaw in the fall. Paradise Park Ponds Location: Take US Highway 395 to the Oddie Boulevard exit, follow it about a mile to the corner of Oddie and Silverada boulevards Two types of fish: rainbow trout, channel catfish More details: The Reno-Tahoe area has several urban lakes ripe for fishing, including this longtime spot for anglers. There are two large and two small ponds for a fun experience no matter your skill level. It’s also open year-round. Pyramid Lake Location: Interstate 80 to the Fernley exit, then take the Wadsworth/Pyramid Lake ramp to State Highway 447 Two types of fish: cutthroat trout, Sacramento perch More details: This is one place everyone talks about for fall fishing, as the season, which opens on Oct. 1, is very popular. The lake is run by the government of the Paiute Tribes and has distinctive rules for those who choose to fish here. Truckee River Location: Along Highway 89 and Interstate 80, between Tahoe City limits and Reno city limits Two types of fish: rainbow trout, mountain whitefish More details: This portion of the Truckee is where most of the fishing takes place, although the Reno-Sparks Recreation and Visitors Bureau notes that “this is not a river to fish to death in one spot. There is plenty of room and one should keep moving until one finds some agreeable fish.”

Read More About Get Reel: Top 5 Fishing Spots in the Truckee Meadows

Ready to start your garden? Get started with these easy-to-follow tips from local expert, Liza Detomasi, Workman Farms. Gardening is in my family. We started Workman Farms in Fallon in 1964 and I started working here when I was 14. I have always had a love for food and enjoy gardening and cooking. Gardening can be great for your health. It has been known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, put you in a good mood and you benefit from the flavorful fresh produce. If you are interested in starting a garden here is a short intro into gardening in northern Nevada. Step One: Location, Location, Location For the beginners be sure to choose a location in your yard that receives 10 hours of sunlight, it doesn't have to be continuous but a total of at least 10 hours is best. Prepare the ground before you plant with nutrient soil and compost from your local nursery. Step Two: Choose the right plants Northern Nevada can be a bit tricky to grow a successful garden. With our low yearly rain totals and summer heat there are some plants that just don't like it here. But there are many that thrive. Those that do are grouped into two categories – cool weather and warm weather. Cool Weather Veggies Plant in early spring Carrots Beets Celery Broccoli Cauliflower Lettuce Radishes Onions Potatoes Snow peas Strawberries Kale Cilantro Warm Weather Veggies Plant in early May to late spring Tomatoes Peppers Squash Green beans Cucumbers Pumpkin Tarragon Basil Parsley Rosemary Thyme Oregano   Step Three: Enjoy! Always have fun and get creative! Start with a hamburger garden (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickling cucumbers), Salsa garden (tomatoes, peppers, onion, cilantro, tomatillos) or a stir fry garden (snow peas, carrots, broccoli, scallions). Never be afraid to ask your local nursery questions. Easy Plants for Desert Yards The Spruce provides a comprehensive list of nurseries in the Reno area to get you started. Happy planting!

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