Newcomers Club in Reno

Are you new to the area?  You may want to join the Newcomers Club in Reno.  They will be holding a “get-to-know-you” meeting at 9:30am on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the Best Western Airport Plaza (1981 Terminal Way, Reno).  Everyone is welcome to join and it is absolutely free.  The Newcomers Club isn’t just for those people who are new to the Reno-Sparks area.  If you have retired or have had a life-altering event happen recently, this non-profit organization may be just what you need to connect with others in the Reno community.

The Newcomers Club of Reno-Sparks offers over 70 activity groups to choose from to help familiarize yourself with the Reno-Sparks area as well as its people.  Just a few of their groups include:

1. Photography
2. Knitting & Crocheting
3. Book Club
4. Conversational Spanish
5. TGIF
6. Men’s Breakfast Club
7. Movie Discussion Group
8. Bunco
9. Bridge
10. Men’s Poker Night
11. Women’s Poker
12. Bowling
13. Hiking
14. Men’s and Women’s Golf
15. Cross Country Skiing
16. Travel
17. Tours

There are so many different groups to join.  No matter where your interests lie, you will find a group in Reno to suit you.  For more info or to RSVP, please call 775-881-2040 or visit the Newcomers Club of Reno-Sparks’ website.  Enjoy a welcome to our fair city by joining the Newcomers Club in Reno.

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation specialist

Kids Can Become Junior Snow Rangers in Reno

Kids can become Junior Snow Rangers in Reno.  The Washoe County Parks Department is holding a self-guided tour of local flora and fauna through March 31, 2010.  The Junior Snow Rangers program has been designed to encourage children to get out and learn more about Reno’s natural wonders as well as how to deal with the cold weather.  Bartley Ranch Regional Park will provide any child ages 6-14 a free booklet that includes activities and hike routes.  Once all the activities in the booklet are completed, they must be turned back in at Bartley Ranch Regional Park.  At that time, they will need to talk to a park ranger to discuss what they have learned from this experience.  As long as the completed booklets are turned in by the deadline (March 31, 2010), participants will earn a Junior Snow Ranger certificate and get a special invitation to the End of Winter Party.  For more info, please call the Bartley Ranch Regional Park (775-828-6612).  Help your kids learn more about nature by becoming a Junior Snow Ranger in Reno.  They’ll have lots of fun and get an education at the same time.

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation specialist

Transportation in Reno is Improving

The transporation in Reno is improving.  Plans for the improvement of the Reno Transit Corridor began back in summer 2007.  The City Council made specific recommendations to the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) at that time for ways to improve travel through the South Virginia corridor.  Recently, the RTC accepted the City’s recommendations and have begun the process of moving forward on them.  The seven particular areas of improvement include:

1. Creating a bus rapid transit (BRT) through the RTC with RTC RAPID and RAPID CONNECT services from downtown Reno’s CitiCenter to Meadowood Mall.  The first public meeting on this will be held in February 2010, with a second public meeting to follow in May 2010.  Construction is slated for November 2010.
2. Station requirements and design standards were modified to the Reno Municipal Code to improve safety and comfort.
3. Modifying the Reno Municipal Code to allow a Regional Road Impact Fee credit for newly constructed parking lots next to Virginia Street that create a right-of-way for any type of motorized vehicle (cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, etc.).
4. Improve streetscape standards.  This contract was awarded to Wood Rodgers in December 2009.  To keep the public abreast of the latest news of the project, a website was set up at www.sovi-completestreet.com.
5. Modify the new Virginia Street bridge design to include streetcars and light rail transit (LRT).  Ideas were received by the Public Works in December and are under review.
6. Construct a multimodal center to centralize several different forms of transportation in one area.  The Reno City Council recently approved ReTRAC enhancement funds for this project.
7. Establish the Virginia Street Coordinating Committee (VSPCC) to coordinate all projects involved in improving the Reno Transit Corridor.  The VSPCC is comprised of members of RTC, the City of Reno and the TMRPA (Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency).

The VSPCC has also agreed to create an informal committee that would consist of members who represent the community and businesses along the Virginia Street corridor.  They will meet three times a week and present their independent findings and recommendations to the VSPCC by April 1, 2010.

The City of Reno is taking great strides to improve transportation in Reno to help ease congestion and keep Reno the Biggest Little City in the World.

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation specialist

Be Prepared for Cold Weather in Reno

With 9 inches of snow reported yesterday in Tahoe City, 5 inches of snow reported near Truckee and two more big storms heading towards the area, it is smart to be prepared for cold weather in Reno.  Follow these tips during cold weather to keep you and your family safe:

Home Heating

1. Ventilation – fireplaces and wood stoves need to be in a well ventilated area, away from combustible objects.  Make sure they are vented to the outside.
2. Keep combustible items away from portable heaters.
3. Don’t burn paper in fireplace.
4. Store a fire extinguisher within easy reach of an area you plan to heat.
5. Invest in a carbon monoxide detector and make sure to keep the batteries fresh.
6. Space heaters

• Do not cover.
• Keep them at least 3 feet from drapes, bedding, furniture or any item that can easily catch fire.
• Keep space heaters away from water.
• Never place them on top of furniture.
• Keep them out of the way of children.
• Plug them directly into an outlet.  Do not use an extension cord. 

Cooking Safety

1. Charcoal and gas grills are for outdoor cooking only.  They are not meant to be used indoors.
2. Electric generators need to be used outside to allow for adequate ventilation.  If they are used indoors, in the garage or near an air intake system, they can create a carbon monoxide hazard.
3. Store gas in a well ventilated area outside of the home, due to toxic fumes that can easily be ignited.
4. When using an electric generator to run your electrial appliances, make sure to use the heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords.

Lighting Safety

1. Use battery-operated flashlights or light sources instead of candles where possible.
2. If you have to use candles, never leave a lit candle unattended.

Water Supply

1. Leave all water taps slightly open, allowing a continuous drip so that pipes do not freeze.
2. Keep the inside temperatures warm when possible.
3. Open cabinet doors under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to allow for better air circulation.
4. If your pipes freeze, use an electric hair dryer to warm up the pipes slowly.  Never use a torch or open flame.
5. If you can’t thaw out your pipes, you will need to use bottled water or get water from a neighbor.  In an emergency, you can melt the snow outside for water.  Make sure to bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill most of the parasites or microorganisms in the water.  However, it won’t remove the pollutants sometimes found in the snow.

Miscellaneous

1. Monitor your body temperature for all members of the family.  Infants under 1 year old can’t make or maintain their body heat like adults do.  Keep them bundled up, keep the indoor temperatures warm and make sure that they don’t go to sleep in a cold room.  For senior citizens, monitor the thermostat to keep it at a warm temperature.  Check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors often to make sure they have an adequate heat source.
2. Conserve heat in your home by closing off rooms you are not using at the moment, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible, close window coverings at night and open them during the day.  If you need to keep the air ventilated for cooking or heating your home, be safe in conserving heat elsewhere so as not to create a carbon monixide poisoning situation.
3. Dress warmly, even indoors.

I hope these tips help you and your family be prepared for cold weather in Reno.

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation specialist

New and Improved Reno Wine Walk

The new and improved Reno Wine Walk is back. OK. It’s not exactly “new”. But, it is a great way to get out, visit with the people of your community, browse the local businesses and sip some great wine in the process. Held the third Saturday of the month, every month, from 2-5pm at the Reno Riverwalk, the Wine Walk is the best ticket in town. This Saturday January 16th, visit any of the participating Riverwalk merchant below, hand over $20, flash your ID and you’ll get an ID bracelet and a wine glass that is your ticket to free wine sampling at any business participating in the Reno Wine Walk. The Reno Riverwalk Association only asks that you refrain from bringing strollers or pets because crowds tend to be large.

If you love wine, you’ll LOVE the new and improved Reno Wine Walk on Saturday, January 16th. It’s a blast. Enjoy Reno wine the responsible way at the Reno Wine Walk.

Participating Reno Wine Walk Merchants:

5 Star Saloon Aquarius Salon Beaujolais Bistro BrickHouse Bakery Bruka Theatre Divine Dreamer’s Earthly Delights Hookava

Imperial Java Jungle Jungle Vino La Terre Verte Ole Bridge Pub Pizza Reno RENO eNVy River Gallery Sasha’s Se7en on West

Se7en Teahouse/Bar Siena Sierra Tap House Silver Peak The Waterfall Truckee River Eats & Sweets West Street Wine Bar Wild River Grille VSA Arts of Nevada at the Lake Mansion

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation specialist

January is National Get Organized Month

Since January is National Get Organized Month, I thought I’d give you a few easy tips to get your home organized this month:

Don’t take on too much at one time.  Take your time and just tackle one room or even a section of a room at a time during a weekend.  For instance, if your office is overloaded with too many things that need to be done, go through everything on your desk before you tackle those files.  If your bedroom may be a bit much to handle in one sitting, try going through your closet and dresser.

A good rule of thumb in determining what is a necessity and what needs to go is to ask yourself one question: have I used/worn this in the last year?  If the answer is no, you can get rid of it.  An exception to this rule would be family heirlooms and holiday decorations.  Of course, if things are tucked in every nook and cranny, you may want to consider passing along those family heirlooms sooner than you thought to make room for those things you need.

Once you have decided what you are keeping and what you are getting rid of, you will need to determine what is trash, what can be sold at a garage sale and what should be donated to your church or charity.  Garage sales are great ways to get rid of things you don’t need and get paid for them as well.  However, charities are always on the lookout for clothes, appliances, furniture, etc. that is in decent condition.  Some charities will even come pick up bigger items if you ask.

After the cold winter months are behind you and winter clothes need to be stored away, consider using stackable, transparent containers so you can easily see what clothes are in which bin.

These are just a few ways to help you get started in your organizational efforts this month.  If you have any other tips that we should consider, I’d love to hear from you.

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation expert

Ring in the New Year Reno Style

As you can well imagine, there are many ways to ring in the New Year Reno style.  If you are looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve in Reno, try one of these events.  But hurry.  Tickets are sure to sell out soon:

Downtown Reno – Fireworks show on Virginia Street in downtown Reno; free to the public.  The show has a Michael Jackson theme and is set to last for 14 minutes.
Circus Circus Reno – Live music throughout the casino, party hats and a midnight champagne toast.  There will be specials available for your dining pleasure at The Steakhouse at Circus, the Courtyard Buffet and any of the six bars located throughout the casino.
Eldorado Hotel Casino – Enjoy the ultimate ABBA experience at Abbacadabra on stage in the Eldorado Showroom at 7pm and 10pm.  Tickets start at $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for kids/seniors (call 775-786-5700 or 800-648-5966 for more info).  Or, you can enjoy a concert by The Garage Boys presented by the Brew Brothers.  Roxy’s Bar & Lounge will be offering live music by Bob Reynon and Stan Prentice beginning at 8:30pm.
Silver Legacy Resort Casino – The Silver Baron Ballroom will host the New Year’s Eve Rockin’ the Dome Dance Party with a live DJ starting at 8pm and a midnight champagne toast with party favors for just $30 (including a free drink).  The Grande Exposition Hall will be hosting the Silver Legacy’s New Year’s Eve Dinner and Show Party, including filet mignon, Ferrari-Carano wines and live music from Hip Service at 6pm and 9pm for $124.50.
Peppermill – The EDGE nightclub will be hosting a Masquerade Ball celebration that includes Reno DJ Collective spinning the hits, complimentary party masks and a champagne toast at midnight starting at 9pm for $55 per person in advance or $60 per person at the door (call 866-821-9996 for ticket information).
Amendment 21 Bar & Sports Grill (425 S Virginia St, Reno) - For just $20 per person, you can enjoy all you can drink Bud Light, Sam Adams and well drinks from 10pm til Midnight in downtown Reno at Amendment 21.  You even get a champagne toast at midnight.  Dance and listen to a live DJ spin the hits all night long.  For more info, call 775-786-0808.

These are just a few of the many New Year’s Eve celebrations set to go off.  So, if you are looking for your own way to ring in the new year Reno style, you better get on it right away.  Tickets are going fast!

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation expert

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

It is very important at this time of year that you practice Christmas tree safety. If you are one of the millions of American families that celebrate Christmas with a live tree, the absolute most important thing to remember is to water that tree! Electrical lights and open flame from nearby candles, lighters and/or matches will light up a dry, neglected tree in no time. Christmas trees account for approximately 200 home fires every year as well as deaths and injuries.

1. Make sure to check the water reservoir regularly and keep the water level high. This not only creates a wonderful fragrance, but keeps your tree well hydrated and less likely to go up in flames.
2. Never leave an open flame near the tree. If you are burning candles, make sure to place them several feet away from anything flammable and never leave a burning candle unattended.
3. Electric Christmas lights can get hot enough to catch a dry tree on fire. If you are leaving the house, do not leave the Christmas tree lights on. Make sure they are completely unplugged.
4. Do not overuse your electrical outlets. Use a surge protector to plug your Christmas tree lights into. This protects your lights from experiencing any surge in electricity as well as creates less of a burden on the electrical outlet.

Follow these Christmas tree safety tips to keep your family safe this Christmas season. Happy holidays!

View the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s video of a Christmas Tree Fire

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation specialist

Make a Christmas Donation to Reno Charities

Are you looking for a way to make a Christmas donation to Reno charities?  The following are just a few of the worthwhile charities hoping to receive donations this holiday season:

The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (2680 E Ninth St, Reno) needs sponsors for its Adopt-A-Family program.  Business as well as families and individuals can sponsor a family in need this Christmas season by calling 775-331-5437.  You can also drop off new toys and other gifts at their office through December 15, 2009.

Warm for All Seasons will be collecting new toys and clothes for the needy and homeless children at 255 Hoge Road in Reno, a private residence, from now until December 22, 2009.  Some items requested for donation include handheld games, books, board games, hats, gloves and stocking stuffers.  All donations will go to the Washoe County Social Services.

Operation Stocking Stuffer will be held at St. Vincent’s Center (500 E Fourth Street, Reno) by the Catholic Community Services of Northern Nevada on December 21, 2009 from 9:30am-12pm.

If you are in a place where you can make a Christmas donation to Reno charities, any of the charities listed above will be happy to accept your generosity.

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation expert

Get Prepared for Winter Storms Now in Reno

With all the cold and blustery weather we have been experiencing lately, I decided that I would help you out by letting you know how to get prepared for the winter storms now in Reno. 

1. Keep an emergency kit available for your car and your home.  This kit should include: a flashlight, extra batteries, chemical light sticks, battery operated radio and clock, basic first-aid kit, food (canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated), manual can opener, bottled water, blankets, baby supplies (if necessary), emergency phone numbers, cash, candles, waterproof matches and prescription medication.
2. Emergency battery backup for any medical equipment used by family members for life support.
3. Keep up-to-date of all changing weather conditions either via TV or radio so you know when you need to prepare for the oncoming storm.
4. Keep a standard, corded phone in the home.  Weather can knock out the electricity, which will cause cordless phones and automatic garage door openers to become inoperable.
5. Keep your cell phones and laptops fully charged.  This will allow you another means of communication, if necessary.
6. Plan on how to feed the family if an extended power outage happens.  Restaurants and stores may be closed during this time or difficult to get to.  Keep plenty of extra canned, dehydrated and/or freeze-dried food on hand as well as a barbecue and fuel for an alternative to cooking on the stove.
7. Keep your gas tank full.  If you need to get out of town in a hurry, you don’t want to have to worry about stopping to get gas or finding a place open to pump gas.
8. Crank up the chill factor in the refrigerator.  A full freezer will usually keep food good for two days after electricity is shut off if the refrigerator has been set to the coldest setting.

The best thing you can do when caught up in winter weather in Reno is to be as prepared as possible.  Follow these simple tips and you’ll be ready to nestle in for that long winter’s nap instead of worrying how to weather the storm.

Charlene Hamilton, your Reno relocation expert