Community news briefs for week of Sept. 23

Museum lecture series

Dennyse Sewell, chief executive officer at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, will lecture on “56 Years of Performing Arts in Reno and Beyond” Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Churchill County Museum, 1050 S. Maine St.      

In this last of three lectures in the museum’s fall series, Sewell will explore the history of the Pioneer Center and discuss the impact of the performing arts in downtown Reno and northern Nevada. This event is free to the public with light refreshments to follow.

As the leader of the region’s largest performing arts center, Sewell is a passionate arts advocate who has dedicated her career to serving the northern Nevada community. Sewell initially joined the Pioneer Center in 2003 and has held a variety of positions within the organization prior to assuming the roles of executive director in 2019 and CEO in 2023. 

Sewell is both the youngest and the first female leader in the Pioneer Center’s history. In her role as CEO, she works to align the nonprofit cultural center’s programming with its mission and values and also with the needs of the community. 

In addition to bringing world-class offerings to northern Nevada such as the high-profile touring “Broadway Comes to Reno” series, Sewell ensures that local arts organizations have opportunities to present their productions on the historic stage. She is also passionate about expanding arts access to underserved populations and works closely with the Center’s Board of Directors and staff to prioritize outreach, engagement and education initiatives throughout the community.

A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Sewell has an extensive background working with and volunteering for arts organizations throughout the area. She was also recently named “Promotion Person of the Year 2023” by the Reno chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

When she is not actively engaged in all things Pioneer Center, Sewell can be found watching a baseball game or exploring the wild natural beauty of Nevada with her husband, Matt, and their senior dogs.

For information contact Jennifer Jones, education curator, at 775-423-3677, ext. 4.

Museum Chautauqua

Last year’s Chautauqua was an overwhelming success, so the Churchill County Museum is bringing it back with even more performers.

See the seven Chautauquans take on the personas of a few of Nevada’s Pioneering Spirits and share the stories of people who made great strides in our community.

Performance will be at the Fallon Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. As a member, general admission costs $10 and discounted admission (seniors, military, and children under 12) costs $7.50.

Last year’s tickets sold out, so be sure to get yours fast by calling us at 775-423-3677 or stopping by the museum’s front desk.

Downtown car show

Coming up soon is the 2024 Show ‘N’ Shine on Sept. 28, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Maine Street will be closed for walking traffic only for this fantastic display of great looking vehicles.

Registration is $35 per vehicle, and all proceeds to go to theatre restoration project. Goodie bags are available for the first 100 registered.

For information, contact Karla Kent 775-691-9537. Payments can be made at the Fallon Theatre or Kent’s Supply.

Churchill County Library

With autumn upon us, jump into a variety of free events and programming at the Churchill County Library in October.

Special events:

• Rocks! This special program will be held on Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m. and led by Rachel Micander from the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology who will help attendees learn about rocks and minerals.

• Art in the Library. The Churchill County Museum’s recent exhibit “Shadow Catchers” features eight different photographers who either lived in Churchill County or photographed its natural beauty between the 1860s and 1980s. Catch this exhibit at the library in October.

• Senator Rosen’s office representative will be at the library Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. for “office hours.” Stop by and let the Senator’s staff know what is on your mind.

• Reading with Rover also takes place on Oct.10 at 3:30 p.m. Come practice your reading skills on the best listeners and keep the book you choose to read! Geared to ages 6-11, but all are welcome.

• Elementary Book Club meets Oct. 18 at 3:30 p.m. in the Library Annex for those in grades 3 through 5. Reserve your spot at: bit.ly/CCLElementaryBookClub 

No Hill Hundred

If you would rather be cycling in the Oasis of Nevada, the No Hill Hundred Century Bike Tour is the perfect event for you.

Register today for this annual bike tour through Churchill County on Oct. 5.

Register on our site: bit.ly/ccprnohill.

Pennington Life Center

Stop by the Pennington Life Center in September for the many activities planned.

Cards, crafts, exercise, games, discussion on voting, welfare representative available to answer questions, Medicare representative and computer assistance are just a few of the activities and resources available at the Pennington Life Center.

Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Cost is $6 for those under age 60 and a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 and older.

Local briefs are for nonprofit organizations. If you have an event to share, please email us at fallonsports@yahoo.com.