July
2023
Hello!
As we enter the month of July, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate Disability Pride Month. This is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities, while also raising awareness about the challenges they have faced and continue to face. At NMTS we understand the power of diversity and the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
Disability Pride Month provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead. We invite you to join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month by learning about the history of the disability rights movement, current issues around disability rights, and by sharing your stories with others. Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society where everyone is valued for their unique abilities and contributions. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.
Together, we are making a difference!
Manal Toppozada, Founder and Executive Director
Thank you, Chris!
When I first started as a music therapist at NMTS, I was put in charge of leading the community choir, the Local Vocals. Lucky for me, there was an incredible volunteer already in the group with a background singing in professional choirs and teaching special education in public schools. Chris Keenan has strong relationships with all the singers, and she was always someone to look up to. I learned a great deal from her. Singing in harmony with Chris as she played her mandolin (and sometimes bouzouki!) was a tremendous joy. Chris recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee with her family. While it's always difficult saying goodbye, we are all so excited for her and this new chapter! Chris not only volunteered in Local Vocals, but also in the dance classes. She came to visit before leaving for Nashville, and you could hear the singers and dancers shouting her name with love all the way across the building! We are so thankful for the time she spent with us.
-Elizabeth
Logan's Song - Fight for what is right (LGBTQ and transgender rights song)
We just want the justice and freedom for who we are
We don’t have the same right
I can’t take it you’re taking my life away from me
We don’t seek revenge we seek justice within this country
Country of the free
The discrimination against our rights we will fight for what is right
If this is the land of the free, then why can’t we choose who we want to be?
Everybody should have the right no matter their color or gender Identity
It’s not right
They’re ripping us from our rights—hold note
Oh god tell me why is the world so cruel I just want equality and peace
Let’s come together and make this world a better place
Let’s show them are pried 🏳️🌈and who we are
As humans
As Warriors
We are equal as people
will fight for what is right
Where is the hope and empathy
Will anyone fight for what I believe
I can’t take it you’re taking my life away from me
Will anyone take a stand and say enough is enough
Let’s show them are pried 🏳️🌈and who we are
Will fight for what is right
It’s are right
As humans
As warriors
We fight for are right
Celebrating 20 Years of Music!
When: July 28th | 6 pm - 8 pm
Where: 2590 Orovada St, Reno
Cost: FREE! $5 suggested donation
Details: Bring your folding chairs and your dancing shoes becauseThe Note-Ables Band and our music and dance classes will be performing their favorites for you! There will be face painting by Busy Bee, and make sure to come hungry - Lety’s Tacos, and Rin Tin Tabs will be providing food and drinks. See you there!
Renovations Update
Cue The Cure’s The Last Day of Summer because renovations are on track so that the east side portion will be completed end of the summer!
There is still time to be part of the legacy! If you are interested in making a donation to help us create this beautiful center for music and health, you can find out more and make a donation here.
Video of NMTS renovations.
Tahoe Raffle
Nestled in the mountains above Incline Village, the Tahoe Chaparral offers guests beautiful panoramic views of the lake in one of Lake Tahoe’s most elite areas.
For just $20 per ticket (6 for $100 or 10 for $150), you’re entered into a raffle for 7 nights in a beautiful unit at Tahoe Chaparral October 21-27, 2023. Tickets sales are capped at 250 - so you have fantastic odds!
Accommodation features include:
Sleeps 6 people
Two bedrooms and sleeper sofa
Two bathrooms adorned with granite and marble
Fully appointed kitchen with stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, granite countertops, utensils, dishes, etc.
Flat panel TV
Wood burning fireplace
Help Us Celebrate Our 20th Anniversary Year!
Whether you’ve been with us since 2003 or just heard of us, we’d love to hear about your unique connection to NMTS.
Please fill out our 20th Anniversary Questionnaire and help us celebrate 20 years of addressing physical, social, and mental health needs in our community!
Upcoming Events
Artown 20th Anniversary Celebration | Friday, July 28th, 6pm | 2590 Orovada St, Reno, NV 89512 Help us celebrate NMTS's 20th anniversary at our new home with performances by The Note-Ables and NMTS music and dance classes. Bring your folding chairs and your dancing shoes! There will be face painting by Busy Bee and fun activities for the kids. And make sure to come hungry - Lety’s Tacos and Rin Tin Tabs will be providing food and drinks!
June Thank Yous
Thank you to our June donors: Bob Alessandrelli, Amazon, City of Reno Arts and Culture, Kendra Bertschy, Maria Birdsall, Eric Boudreau, Adi Cabral, DR Bridge of Hope, Wendy and John Firestone, MaryLee Fulkerson, Bob Fulkerson, Abigail Fulkerson, Karen Golonka, Joy Heuer, Katie Grace Foundation, Dr. Mindy Loshkin, Brad and Trudy Lund, Deanna Lyons in honor of Melissa Bosworth and Dwayne Wharton, John Metzker, Judith Metzker Topol, LuAnn Miller, Sophie Moeller, Ellen O'Malley Eng, Carol Parkhurst, Q&D Construction, Emma Rodriguez, Oliver Smerdon, and Ken & Doreen Vogel
Extra thanks to our monthly giving crew: Barb Anderson, Dodie Bryant, Michelle Burke, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Jo Gieseke, Karen Golonka, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Deanna Lyons, Pauline Mooers, Meghan Ochs, Rikki Powers, Lisa Rizzoli, Jake Steinman, Judith Stewart, Jennifer Tibben, Gina Wertz, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young
Thank you volunteers: Katie Amorelli, Rochelle Badal, Kendra Bertschy, Jeff Bloyd, Michael Braun, Bev Carpenter, Cheryl Eckert, Sierra Foos, Molly Fried, Mark Geeson, Aireonna Graham, Mike Hix, Andy Hughes, Jamie Jepsen, Aaron Kirkpatrick, Brianne Knight, Michael Lahnala, Michael Lahnala, Michael Lahnala, Tony Martin, Jennifer Martinez, Laura Matuchek, Sophie Moeller, Jeanine Mooers, Jordan Nakao, Pat Ragains, Mike Rizzoli, Patti Rodriguez, Jeanie Sartoni, Heather Schomberg, Becca Shipley, Jake Steinman, Judith Stewart, Dave Stockman, Marci Tiffee, Darren Tjong, Ken Vogel, and Tembra Wright