September 2025
Hello -
August is International Peace Month, a time to remember the importance of global unity for a peaceful world. It started in 1926 after World War I, when 4,000 pacifists from 30 countries met to find ways to stop future wars. Despite their efforts, many of their ideas have been ignored over the past century. Instead, greed and the hunger for power have grown, causing more inequality, injustice, and oppression around the world.
Rather than just focusing on problems, we should think about what we can do daily to build an inclusive, equitable, and peaceful society. This includes connecting with neighbors, volunteering, supporting local businesses, and standing with people facing injustice, like those with disabilities.
True peace means freedom and justice for everyone. Though this goal may seem idealistic, small actions by many people can help create a better future. By supporting each other and working for justice every day, we can all help the world be more peaceful and just in the years to come.
Manal Toppozada, Executive Director and Founder
Your Seat is Waiting…
This is no ordinary showcase.
Reno’s arts community will shine this September as Note-Able Music Therapy Services (NMTS) debuts the first-ever Music Makers Showcase—a celebration of the supporters, donors, participants, and community members who make our work possible. More than a concert, the Showcase highlights music as both performance and shared cultural experience.
By attending, you’ll help ensure people of all ages and abilities can access adaptive music and therapy programs, breaking down financial barriers and fostering creativity, connection, and community.
The evening will feature performances by The Note-Ables, a Sapphire Jazz Ensemble quintet, singer/songwriter Anthony Postman, a duet by Elizabeth & Peter Lenz, NMTS staff, and more. Guests can also look forward to raffle prizes and beverages available for purchase.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Jerry Smith Auditorium, NMTS – 2590 Orovada St., Reno, NV 89512
Tickets: $35 General Admission | $45 VIP Seating
(Limited quantities available – advance purchase recommended)
The Music Makers Showcase is more than a concert—it’s a spotlight on community, creativity, and the many ways music shapes and reflects who we are. Join us for an evening that promises connection, celebration, and song.
Bravo, Dance Crew!
The NMTS Dance Troupe shines at the Dog Days of Summer Festival
The Note-Able Music Therapy Dance Troupe lit up the stage at this year’s Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival, performing “No Others” with passion, confidence, and joy. Their routine was a highlight of the evening and a beautiful reflection of the heart of NMTS.
Hosted by the SPCA of Northern Nevada, the festival brought together local dance companies, a lively community crowd, and even a few four-legged friends. Amid all the talent, our dance troupe truly stood out. Maybe we’re a little biased—but click below and see for yourself!
Watch the full performance of “No Others” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l0QWPgEgKM
And don’t worry if you missed it—you can catch the troupe again at the Reno Dance Festival on September 19, 2025. More details on this upcoming event can be found here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/reno-dance-festival--2025
Welcome Our Newest NMTS Team Member
Anabella is a fifth-generation Reno native with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Before joining Note-Able, she worked with several local nonprofits and small businesses, specializing in grant writing, social media strategy, and community engagement. Her work has always been guided by a passion for helping people and organizations share their stories in ways that reflect their mission and impact. She combines her background in psychology and storytelling with a commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. Anabella is excited to bring her creativity and passion for storytelling to NMTS, where the arts are embraced as a powerful tool for connection and inclusion. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring new creative projects, and spending time with her loved ones.
Anabella Ortiz, Communications Coordinator
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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11:15 am - 12:00 pm 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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7-9PM
Join The Note-Ables, NMTS staff and friends for a super fun evening of music here in the NMTS Auditorium.
Don’t miss this great evening of live music from the NMTS community!
CLICK HERE to get your tickets!
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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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12:00 pm - 1:00 pm at NMTS
NMTS is always looking for people who enjoy spending time giving back to their community. If you are interested in learning more about our programs and volunteer opportunities, please register for our next Volunteer Orientation (12 - 1 pm on the 4th Friday of each month) by calling 775.324.5521 or by contacting dena@nmtsreno.org
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5:30 pm - 6:45 pm at NMTS
Come sing along to your favorite film for this Friday Fun Night event!
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.
September Thank Yous
Thank you to our September donors:
Wendy & John Firestone, Briana Leben, Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Reno, Joe Macaluso, Laurie Martin, Stephen Martin, Christine May, Leslie Peters, Stewart Pollock, Gwendolyn Porter, Jeff Sisco, Manal Toppozada, Katie Grace Foundation
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Barb, Anderson, Susan Boner, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, Wendy & John Firestone, MaryLee Fulkerson, CeCe Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Jo Gieseke, Karen Golonka, Sherrie E. Grabot, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox & Jenny Tibben, Daniel Hickox-Young, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob & Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Brad Lund & Trudy Miller, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, Melanie Mahan, Lynda Mahorter, Olga Mesina, LuAnn Miller, Mary Miller, Sophie Moeller, Pauline Mooers, Lee Moran, Meghan Ochs, Lisa A Rizzoli, Pam Miller Russell, Cindy Sabatini, Jake Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah & Nate Toney, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Don & Lori Welsh, Gina Wertz, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young & Jodie Barker
Thank you volunteers:
Jeff Bloyd, Mallory Cotton, Matthew Cotton, Cheryl Eckert, Matt Ennis, Mark Geeson, Isabel Jimenez, Michael Lahnala, Deborah Loesch-Griffin, Tony Martin, Mary Ann McCauly, Paul McGuire, Greg McNie, Lea Moser, Felicity Phan, Pat Ragains, Patti Rodriguez, Veruka Sakai, Rebecca Shipley, Evan Smith, Dave Stockman, Erin Suarez-Vela, Bill and Pat Sutman, Stephon Van Dyke, Ken Vogel, Laila Wilson