February 2026
Honoring Black History Month: Lachi Spotlight
February is Black History Month—a time to celebrate Black life, history, and culture, and to recognize the profound impact Black voices have had on the world around us. This influence is deeply woven into the music that shapes how we connect, express, and grow, reminding us of both the legacies that precede us and the responsibility we share to carry their lessons forward. At NMTS, this means creating spaces where every person is seen, heard, and supported.
This month, we would like to spotlight Lachi, a Black, blind recording artist and disability rights advocate whose work embodies the power of music as a tool for access, equity, and change. A classically trained musician and contemporary artist, Lachi is the founder of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), an organization dedicated to increasing representation and accessibility within the music industry. Through her advocacy, she has helped major institutions adopt more inclusive practices, ensuring disabled artists and professionals are fully included in creative and leadership spaces.
Lachi’s work reflects a long history of Black artists using music to challenge barriers and build community. Her leadership aligns closely with NMTS’s mission to expand access and cultivate creative spaces where every voice has value. This Black History Month, we celebrate Lachi and the impact of her voice—on and off the stage—and honor the power of music to connect, inspire, and transform.
— Manal Toppozada, Executive Director
A Gift That Builds Access and Opportunity →
Construction is underway at the front of Note-Able Music Therapy Services, and it’s an exciting step forward for our community. Thanks to a generous grant from the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, NMTS is renovating the front of our property to create a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming entry for everyone we serve.
These improvements will enhance accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities, including a secure front area, improved pathways, ADA-accessible entry, and a redesigned circular driveway to support safe and seamless pick-up and drop-off. Together, these updates will transform how clients, families, and community partners arrive at NMTS—making first moments calmer, safer, and more inclusive.
We are deeply grateful to the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust for investing in NMTS and in the people we serve. This project supports not only accessibility and safety, but also the continued growth of NMTS as we expand our services and welcome more individuals into our community through music.
Jason Eady Comes to NMTS
We’re excited to host acclaimed country singer-songwriter Jason Eady to NMTS on Saturday, February 22, from 2:00–4:30 PM. This special afternoon will feature a live performance by Jason, followed by an interactive Q&A. Opening the event will be a performance by The Note-Ables.
This event is free to attend, however a $25 suggested donation is encouraged by the For The Song Foundation. All funds raised will go directly to the artist (Jason Eady).
This event is presented by the For The Song Foundation.
If you are interested in attending, please register here: https://www.forthesong.com/registerjasoneadynmts
Host Your Next Event at NMTS
Whether you want to host a conference, put on a concert, or celebrate a special occasion, NMTS offers a wide range of beautifully equipped spaces to accommodate your event. Our auditorium is equipped with a professional audio/visual system, and our entire building has state of the art sound attenuation, making it ideal for music, performances, meetings, and whatever else you can imagine!
Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events ♪ Upcoming Events ♫ Upcoming Events ♪ Upcoming Events ♬
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6:00 - 8:00 pm at The Garden of Reno
Co-hosted by DSNNN & Note-Able Music Therapy ServicesCost: 8$ registration fee
Join us for a joyful and inclusive Valentine’s Day Mixer for adults with developmental disabilities, co-hosted with DSNNN. This welcoming evening is designed for building meaningful friendships or exploring romantic connections, in a safe, supported environment. You can expect appetizers, mocktails, games, guided conversation, and pre-event surveys to indicate interests, with staff present throughout and conversation cards to spark connection. Dress casual, date-night, or formal—whatever feels most comfortable. Caregivers and guardians are encouraged to talk with participants ahead of time about what they hope to gain from the event and share any helpful insights with staff.
📍 Location: The Garden of Reno
700 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502🔗 RSVP:
https://www.dsnnn.org/event-details/down-for-love-valentines-day-event-2026Love, connection, and community are in the air—we hope you’ll join us! 💕
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NMTS is closed today in observance of President’s Day.
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2:00 - 4:30 pm at NMTS
Join us at NMTS for a FREE live performance and Q&A with acclaimed country singer-songwriter Jason Eady, featuring a special appearance by The Note-Ables. A $25 suggested donation is encouraged by the For The Song Foundation, with all funds going directly to the artist.
If you are interested in attending, please register here: https://www.forthesong.com/registerjasoneadynmts
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10:00 - 10:30 am at NMTS
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada brings its “Produce on Wheels” program to NMTS from 10:00 - 10:30 am on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
If you’re age 60 or older, come by and get some free produce!
(Clients must be 60 years or older, live in Nevada, have a valid ID and be willing to complete an intake form and survey.)
Get more information here
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5:30 - 6:30pm
Enjoy a meditative experience that bathes you in sound waves produced by instruments such as crystal singing bowls, percussion, and chimes. Sound baths encourage a meditative state through the vibrations and frequencies of the instruments, which can lead to a release of tension and a feeling of calm. A great way to de-stress!
Ages 12+ welcome.
Donations accepted – walk-ins welcome. Comfy dress code. Blankets & mat encouraged.
Participants generally lie on the floor to enjoy this experience. Chairs will be available.
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5:00 - 6:30 PM at NMTS
Join us at NMTS for our monthly Friday Fun Night! This month’s experience will be a [drum roll please]… DRUM CIRCLE!
Led by NMTS music therapist, Sharon, and adaptive music instructor, Nate.
Come join us in creating spontaneous music! This is a great opportunity to connect with others in the community, have fun, express yourself, and relieve some stress. Drums will be provided or you’re welcome to bring your own.
People who are younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Pickup no later than 6:45pm. As always, our Friday Fun Nights are free and open to all ages and abilities. Suggested 5$ donation.
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4:30 - 5:30 PM at NMTS
Enjoy a meditative experience that bathes you in sound waves produced by instruments such as crystal singing bowls, percussion, and chimes. Sound baths encourage a meditative state through the vibrations and frequencies of the instruments, which can lead to a release of tension and a feeling of calm. A great way to de-stress! Ages 12+ welcome.
Donations accepted – walk-ins welcome. Comfy dress code. Blankets & mat encouraged.
Participants generally lie on the floor to enjoy this experience. Chairs will be available.
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5:00 - 6:30 pm at NMTS
Join us at NMTS for our monthly Friday Fun Night, featuring a Drum Circle led by music therapist Sharon and adaptive music instructor Nate! Come make spontaneous music, connect with community, express yourself, and have fun—drums provided or bring your own. Free and open to all ages and abilities (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; pickup no later than 6:45 PM). $5 suggested donation.
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January Thank Yous
Thank you to our January donors:
Delores Clewe, Theresa Desautels, Susan Duncan, Tiffany Dunseath, Katharina Greenleaf, Lisa Hickman, Delvon Howard, Katie Grace Foundation, Mary Ann McCauley, Caelan McGee, Nancy Oesterle, Whitney Pomi, Jeremy Smith, Charles Sweeney, Manal Toppozada
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Danelle Archuleta-Moser, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, Nate & Tashina Eng, Wendy & John Firestone, Mary Lee Fulkerson, CeCelia Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Karen Golonka, Lindsey Gross-Tromerhauser, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox & Jennifer Tibben, Daniel Hickox-Young, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob & Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Kay Ellen Kephart, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Brad Lund & Trudy Miller, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, Melanie Mahan, Lynda Mahorter, Stephen Martin, Mary Ann McCauley, Olga Mesina, LuAnn Miller, Mary Miller, Sophie Moeller, Pauline Mooers, Miguel Morales, Lee Moran, Meghan Ochs, Lisa A Rizzoli, Cindy Sabatini, Jake & Rachel Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah & Nate Toney, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Don & Lori Welsh, Gina Wertz, Dave Wilson, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young & Jodie Barker
Thank you to our January volunteers:
River Bailey, Jeff Bloyd, Matthew Cotton, Cheryl Eckert, Matt Ennis, Mark Geeson, Dennise Howard, Michael Lahnala, Tony Martin, Jasmin Morales, Lea Moser, Greg McNie, Mary Ann McCauley, Ashley Malek, Olga Mesina, Linda Newberg, Pat Raigans, Patti Rodriguez, Stephanie Schoen, Becca Shipley, Bill Sutman, Pat Sutman, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Ken Vogel
Volunteer of the Month: Kendra Bertschy
Kendra has been a dedicated volunteer since joining the NMTS Board during the height of COVID. Her guidance and support were invaluable as we took on the major project of purchasing and renovating our building. A strong advocate for NMTS in the community, Kendra has helped foster connections that continue to support our growth. Thank you, Kendra, for all you do for NMTS! 💚
