Originally Published with UNR School of Medicine

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Nevada, Reno, is thrilled to announce the commencement of open enrollment for its diverse array of enriching educational programs tailored for adults aged 50 and above. With a mission to foster continuous learning, OLLI invites individuals to embark on an educational journey filled with stimulating lectures, engaging interest groups, dynamic outdoor activities and much more.

Designed to cater to the diverse interests and passions of its members, OLLI offers an unparalleled opportunity for individuals to explore new horizons, deepen their knowledge and connect with like-minded peers in a vibrant learning community. From literature to history, technology to the arts, there’s something for everyone at OLLI.

At just $85, an OLLI membership unlocks a world of educational possibilities, providing access to a wide range of lectures, interest groups, outdoor activities and special events throughout the membership year. Members can immerse themselves in thought-provoking discussions, enjoy enriching experiences both indoors and out, discover new hobbies and cultivate friendships that last a lifetime.

“We’re excited for OLLI’s open enrollment membership year for fiscal year 2026,” said Dolores Ward Cox, executive director at OLLI. “It’s a chance for adults 50 and older to engage in meaningful, lifelong learning in a community that’s welcoming, vibrant and fun. From thought-provoking lectures and hands-on workshops to group hikes and outdoor adventures, OLLI is more than a program—it’s a place where curiosity is celebrated, friendships grow and learning feels like a true joy.”

Open enrollment for OLLI membership began on June 1, 2025, and interested individuals are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this vibrant community of learners. The membership year starts July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

For more information about OLLI and to register for membership, please visit olli.unr.edu or call (775) 784-8053.

I had a call this morning from Reno advertising guru, Mark Curtis, inviting me to tell, in five hundred words or so, how I got into portraying Mark Twain. Mark might possibly include this brief exposé in his impending coffee table book, One of a Kind (Part Two), due out right around Thanksgiving. I was happy to assure Mark that such a request would make for an enjoyable undertaking…

In 1983 I had the best job in the world, a job my father thought should be illegal, that of a morning radio host on the Valley Island of Maui. I was off the air at ten o’clock and riding a wave at ten after. I had everything a Maui Boy could ever want, except skiing. 

So I booked a cabin at Lake Tahoe for five days and was so excited I could hardly sleep that first night. But it snowed five feet overnight and my little cabin was buried. I made the mistake of opening the front door and it took me an hour to get it shut again. I thought it was the worst stroke of luck to ever befall this Maui Boy, but in fact it was the best…

I played darts for two days, then my elbow gave out, so I sat down and picked a book off the coffee table, The Complete Essays of Mark Twain. I had cabin fever by then so my brain was soft, and that seed was planted in fertile ground. The next thing I knew, fast forwarding a little, I was lecturing at Leningrad University in Russia in a white suit, and they were treating me like an elder statesman. They even let me climb inside Sputnik Two, but I’m getting a little ahead of myself.

As it took them five days to plow up to where I was snowbound, I did not get to ski, but I accrued some more vacation time and returned to Tahoe for another chance. In a now much appreciated God Wink, a lady riding up Ski Incline with me in the chair asked what I did. I told her and she put her hand on my arm…

“I’m starting a radio station up here at Tahoe, how would you like to host the morning show?” I took a look over my right shoulder at that beautiful blue lake, and in the next two weeks I would trade my surfboard for a brand-new pair of skis. That providential chairlift ride would springboard me to a rewarding 37-year career portraying Mark Twain in Nevada schools, across America, into Europe, and yes, even into Russia. How lucky is that?

Thank you, Mark Curtis, for inviting me to be a small part of your big coffee table book, and I wish you every success. I shall purchase of copy myself, if Big Daddy Lerude will float me a loan… 

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fhv4PrH1UuwlhbnTT23zO

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/13/2025, Written by Laney Griffo

It’s a classically beautiful Lake Tahoe summer morning at Nevada Beach, a morning where the lake is so still that it looks like glass, the air is crisp but the sun is beginning to warm my skin and the sand, as I struggle to pull my kayak off my car’s rack.

I look around at the dozens of other people there, also unloading their kayaks. They do it with such ease, that I know it’s old hat for them and I try to mimic their confidence, as if I’m also accustomed to handling my unwieldy boat. I’m nervous to be a novice around such experienced kayakers but there is no need to feel that way. As soon I drag my boat to the water’s edge, several people come to greet me, ask about my kayak and even offer me a donut.

While I’m joining for just the day, most people gathered on the beach that morning are on day six of their seven-day trip around the lake. Since 2020, a group of kayak, science and Lake Tahoe enthusiasts get together to circumnavigate the lake by kayak. The annual event, organized and led by UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, acts as a fundraising opportunity for the organization, as well as a bonding and educational experience for participants.

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Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/12/2025, by TAMBA

Tahoe boasts over 200 miles of trails across the region, and attracts thousands of avid recreationists every year who are keen to explore the area’s stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain. The range of trails on offer cater for all types of trail user, from those taking in the views on foot, to others seeking that rush of adrenaline on two wheels.

It’s fair to assume that if you’ve enjoyed a trail in Tahoe, the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, or TAMBA, has played a role in building or maintaining it. We’re a local non-profit trail-building organization that exists in large part thanks to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who are committed to giving back to the Tahoe trails they love. Last year, from May through October alone, TAMBA volunteers gave nearly 6,000 hours of their time to Tahoe trails across 850 volunteer trail work events, and we’re excited to offer even more opportunities to get involved in 2025.

TAMBA was built on the ethos that trails are for everyone, so if you love trails and want to get dirty keeping them in the best shape they can be, we’ll bet we have a dig day for you this season. Check out our list of hot projects this season and join us for a day in the field. There’s no better way to give back to the Tahoe trails you love!

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Photo provided: Tahoe Daily Tribune

Originally published in Moonshine Ink, 6/12/2025, Staff Report

Washoe County Manager Eric Brown announced his plans to retire at the end of June to pursue other opportunities. During his county manager’s announcements, he outlined achievements that he feels place the county in a strong position for the future.

His achievements include: 

• Guiding the region through the Covid-19 pandemic, innovating the county workforce to minimize layoffs and maintain expected levels of service to residents. 
• Achieving the highest-ever employee satisfaction rating at Washoe County. 
• Assuming the lead on regional homelessness and completing construction of the Nevada Cares Campus. The final phase of construction is a 50-unit permanent supportive housing facility that will open this summer.  

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