October 2025
80 Years of Progress and More to Come
This October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a milestone that reminds us how far we’ve come—and how much work still lies ahead. Since its establishment in 1945, NDEAM has called attention to the importance of creating workplaces where people with disabilities are recognized for their skills, strengths, and contributions.
The theme for 2025, “Increasing Access and Opportunity,” reflects a vision we at NMTS hold close to our mission: building communities where barriers are removed, talents are celebrated, and every individual has the chance to thrive. Just as inclusive employment provides dignity, choice, and independence, inclusive music and arts programs open doors to creativity, belonging, and self-expression.
As we join the national conversation this month, we recommit ourselves to the work of ensuring that music is not a privilege, but a pathway open to all.
Watch Party at NMTS
ADA Law “Know Your Rights” Webinar
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 12:00–1:00 pm (PST), the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This session, “Know Your Rights – ADA Law”, will be presented via Zoom by Ednin D. Martinez, Assistant to the United States Attorney in the Civil Division, and will cover the protections the ADA provides and why they matter.
At NMTS, we’ll be tuning in together! Local disability advocate Mary Bryant will be on site to help guide discussion and support participants as we engage with the Zoom session. We’ll also provide snacks and space for note-taking.
Where: NMTS (live Zoom viewing)
When: Wednesday, October 22 | 12:00–1:00 pm PST
Presenter (Zoom): Ednin D. Martinez, Assistant to the U.S. Attorney (Civil Division)
On-site host: Mary Bryant
RSVP: Please let us know you’re coming via phone or email: 775.342.5521 or mail@nmtsreno.org
Please note: this webinar is hosted by the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities—we’re simply offering a welcoming space at NMTS to join together.
Nohemy Velasco, Program Support Specialist & Community Health Worker
A Note-Able Force for Community: Spotlight on Nohemy Velasco
At NMTS, we’re fortunate to have team members whose talents and passions shine in many directions—and Nohemy Velasco is one of them. As our Program Support Specialist and Certified Community Health Worker, she plays a vital role in strengthening both our organization and the wider community we serve.
Her certification as a Community Health Worker shapes the way she approaches every aspect of her work. For Nohemy, it’s not only about connecting people with resources—it’s about advocating for cultural understanding, equity, and care that meets people where they are. “Equality,” she explains, “is not everyone getting the same thing—it’s about recognizing people’s backgrounds and making sure they receive what they truly need.” This perspective helps guide her colleagues, our volunteers, and our programs toward deeper awareness and inclusivity.
As part of Nohemy’s role at NMTS, she leads our volunteer program—the heartbeat of our mission. Each month, Nohemy welcomes new volunteers with a thoughtfully designed orientation that brings NMTS’s story and impact to life. Her warmth and organizational expertise ensure that volunteers feel prepared, valued, and inspired to contribute from day one.
A Reno native and UNR graduate with a background in arts, theater, and community outreach, Nohemy has long been passionate about making the arts accessible and empowering. At NMTS, she has translated that passion into action—building a structured volunteer program and equipping our team with the tools and support needed to meet our community’s needs with excellence.
We are grateful for Nohemy’s leadership, her expertise, and her heart. She is truly an invaluable part of the NMTS community!
New Program Alert! As of this month NMTS is offering a Senior Choir…
This program creates opportunity for seniors to gather in community to sing and make music! Members will get to learn about various choral stylings, vocal health, and music language/techniques. No prior singing or choir experience required. This program will be led by one of NMTS’s wonderful adaptive music instructors, Allie Cheney.
For more information please feel free to contact us at 775.324.5521 or mail@nmtsreno.org. Click the button below to explore our class/service descriptions and schedule.
Making Our Debut
This is a season of milestones at NMTS. We have two very note-able firsts to share!
This month, NMTS’s Musical Connections program will debut its first original musical, Dance Dance Detective — and we can’t wait to see it come to life on the Reno Little Theatre stage. Meanwhile, we’re still glowing from the success of our first-ever Music Makers Showcase, which brought together an incredible lineup of local talent and an unforgettable night of music, community, and joy. Below you’ll find event info for the upcoming show Dance Dance Detective, followed by a quick recap of last months Music Makers Showcase.
Coming Soon to a Stage Near You…
Our Musical Connections program is debuting its first-ever original musical, Dance Dance Detective.
Entirely composed and written by program participants, this original production represents the creativity, collaboration, and growth that thrive within Musical Connections. Guided by our lead music therapist Samantha White, MT-BC, LPMT, participants have explored songwriting, movement, emotional expression, and performance skills—culminating in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
Set in 1989 at a Halloween party deep in the woods, the musical follows a group of friends as laughter and lighthearted drama quickly shift into mystery when their prankster friend suddenly disappears. With twists, allies, and surprises along the way, Dance Dance Detective promises a night of humor, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling.
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
📍 Reno Little Theater – 147 E. Pueblo Street, Reno, NV 89502
Join us as we celebrate this milestone achievement for NMTS, Musical Connections, and our incredible community of artists.
On September 20, our auditorium filled with music, joy, and community as we hosted our very first Music Makers Showcase. The evening was a wonderful success, featuring unforgettable performances by The Note-Ables, Anthony Postman, the Sapphire Quartet, NMTS staff, the Lenz Family, and more.
The night offered a beautiful mix of genres and heartfelt performances, while raffle winners took home some fantastic prizes. Most importantly, the funds raised will help remove financial barriers so that people of all ages and abilities can continue to access music therapy and adaptive music programs at NMTS.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who performed, attended, and supported this milestone event. Your generosity and enthusiasm keep the music alive—promoting wellness, sparking creativity, and enriching lives through the power of inclusive music.
A Night to Remember: Music Makers Showcase Recap
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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11:00 am - 11:30 am at NMTS
Through the Senior Nutrition & Wellness (SNW) program (formerly Commodity Supplemental Food Program/CSFP), the Food Bank of Northern Nevada provides a monthly box of nutritious pantry staples to low-income seniors 60 years and over.
They’ll be in the MNTS east parking lot the 2nd Monday of every month from 11:15 am to 12 noon.
(Clients are asked to complete a CSFP application at their first visit, to determine program eligibility. If approved, your application will be valid for 3 years, pending an annual verbal recertification. In order to quality, a recipient must be 60 years of age or older, a resident of Nevada and have an income under 130% of the Federal Poverty Line.)
Get more info here
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6:00 - 8:00 pm at NMTS | FREE with a 5$ Suggested Donation
Hosted by the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (dsnnn).
David is taking over the first night of the Lucky Few Fall Festival and hosting a Disco Dance Party! Come dressed in your rhinestone cowboy gear or Halloween Costume and get ready for pizza and dancing! The party will be hosted at Note-Able Music Therapy Services and is open to all ages. Children under the age of 12 must have a guardian stay for the duration of the party, but we encourage parents of all attendees to stay. For more info and to register, click HERE.
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10:00 - 10:30 am at NMTS
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada brings its “Produce on Wheels” program to the front round-about of NMTS from 10:15 - 11:00 am on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
If you’re age 60 or older, come by and get some free produce!
(You must be a Nevada resident, have a valid ID, and be willing to complete a brief Intake Form and Survey.)
Get more info here
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4:30 - 5:30 pm at NMTS
Led by certified sound healer Nichole Schembre. 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!
$10 per person - Ages 12+ welcome
Registration and payment through THIS LINK - limited attendance. Walk-ins may be available, if there is room.
Comfy dress code. Blanket/pillow/mat encouraged. Participants generally lie on the floor to enjoy this experience. Chairs will be available.
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5:30 pm - 6:45 pm pm at NMTS
It’s time to get spooky! The NMTS Party is your chance to dress up and dance!
Event ends at 6:45 p.m. Pick up is no later than 7 p.m. This is an all ages event and individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Event is free but there is a suggested $5 donation to NMTS.
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Location: 147 E Pueblo Street, Reno, NV | Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Cost:
Dance Dance Detective: An Original Musical
Join us at Reno Little Theatre on October 25 at 1:00 PM for the premiere of Dance Dance Detective—an original musical written and composed by NMTS’s Musical Connections class, with live accompaniment by The Note-Ables Band.Click HERE for more information.
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4:00 - 5:00 pm at NMTS
Let’s celebrate the season with our annual Fall Showcase!
Join us for a night of music, movement, and community spirit—fun for all ages! This evening will feature performances by NMTS music and movement classes and many more!
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September Thank Yous
Thank you to our September donors:
Allie Cheney, Anthem Medicaid, Barb Anderson, Barbara Fenne, Bob Alessandrelli, Cherry Bottoms Beauty and Aesthetics, Fred Jakolat, Jeanette Martin, John S. Edgecomb, Joseph Woolford, Karen Reynolds, Karen Tomasello, Katie Grace Foundation, Kendra Bertschy, Lisa A Rizzoli, Lindsey Gross, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Lori Porter, Manal Toppozada, Mary Lee Fulkerson, Melanie Scott, Michael Hix, Miguel Morales, Molly Fried, Nohemy Velasco, Olga Mesina, Pat Ragains, Patricia Fried, Patti Gross, Peter Lenz, Rebecca Scarpa, Ruben Garcia, Sandra Cruz, Sandra Kell, Sharon Hickox, Stacie Hartze, The Wedge Ceramics Studio, Wavedance Fund, Wendy Firestone, Whitney Pomi
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Ana Johnson, Andy Hughes, Beverly Hennen, Brad Lund and Trudy Miller, Carrie Harding, CeCelia Gable, Cheryl Eckert, Cindy Sabatini, Daniel Hickox-Young, Deanna Lyons, Dina Hunsberger, Dodie Bryant, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Gina Wertz, Heather Gage, Jake and Rachel Steinman, Jody Call, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Jonathan Wilson, Judith Stewart, Karen Golonka, Ken and Doreen Vogel, Laurie Martin, Lee Moran, Leslie Doukas, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Lisa A Rizzoli, Lori and Don Welsh, LuAnn Miller, Lucille Knight, Lynda Mahorter, Mary Jo Gieseke, Mary Lee Fulkerson, Mary Miller, Meghan Ochs, Melanie Mahan, Michael Lahnala, Miguel Morales, Nadia Khan, Olga Mesina, Pam Macy, Pauline Mooers, Rachel Gattuso, Sandra Young, Sandy Jacob and Mel Minarek, Sarah and Nate Toney, Sharon Hickox and Jennie Tibben, Skyler Dillon, Sophie Moeller, Stephen Martin, Susan Boner, Tiffany Dunseath, Tim Young and Jodie Barker, Wendy and John Firestone
Thank you to our September volunteers:
Bill Sutman, Cheryl Eckert, Christi Cakiroglu, Crystal Marquez, Danelle Moser, Deb Loesch-Griffin, Jake Dunn, Jaidyn James, Jasmin Morales, Jeannie King, Joey Parino, Juliana Carmona, Kat Thomas, Kate Barnecki, Kate Kirkpatrick, Kathleen Haupt, Kendra Bertschy, Ken Vogel, Leif Christensen, Leah Moser, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Mary Ann McCauley, Matt Ennis, Matthew Cotton, Maya Delgado, Michael Lahnala, Mike Hix, Mya Ubhoff, Olga Mesina, Pam Russell, Pat Ragains, Patti Rodriguez, Paul McGuire, Rebecca Shipley, Scott Faulkner, Sophie Moeller, Tony Martin, Whitney Pomi, Xena Delgado