Rotary Club of Minden NV
July 17, 2025

THE FERRIS 50

8/8  Rotary Hot Dog tent will need staffing. Thanks to Pat for making a stout folding table for the stand.

8/22  RYE (Rotary Youth Exchange) Welcome Party at the Minden Park (and activities on Saturday August 23rd) 

8/27 Club Social at the ACES baseball game, 6pm.  Contact Dick Schwabe for tickets.
 
8/27 Club Dark NO Lunch meeting.

7/24   Justin Schlag, Douglas County Rodeo

RYLA Alumni Jacob Reports on His Time at Rotary Youth Leadership Awakenings

Our RYLA representative Jacob E. gave an excellent talk about his experience at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awakenings. After his recent graduation from Douglas High School, the next step will be UNR where he will study marketing as relates to all things sports. 

Beginning with heartfelt thanks for the opportunity which he characterized as “life changing” Eric spoke eloquently and with confidence that belied his age. The most important take-away for him was overcoming his fear, doubt and unlocking his vulnerability, which enabled him to become the “best version of himself”.  During his time at the camp with approximately 100 other RYLA youth, in Portola, CA. he learned team building during a ropes training course, shared in group discussions with new people, and opened up his vulnerabilities with others which gave him more acceptance of himself and confidence. Eric especially enjoyed an inspirational speaker who motivates sports teams. 

Each day he saw the printed Rotary Motto: “Service above Self” written on the tee shirt backs of his fellow RYLA youth. During his daily journaling this motto reminded him to be that person that will benefit all not just himself. Lastly, Eric said he was honored to have had this opportunity and again thanked our club.

 
INBOUND EXCHANGE STUDENT
Our inbound student next year is Danella from San Cervia Italy.  She enjoys watching the local soccer team, but is not a soccer player.   If you are interested in an amazing chance to host for 3 months, please contact Zach.
 
OUTBOUND EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Our outbound exchange student for next year, Kylie, has been working jobs and other fundraising efforts to help assist with her travel costs.  Four weeks ago, she came to the club to give an update on her progress.  Rotarians opened their pockets and, together with a donation from our foundation, helped Kylie out with nearly $2000. 
 
Our outbound exchange student for this year, Samantha, will be returning soon.  Looking forward to hearing about all of her adventures in an upcoming presentation!
Keith Lewis, Executive Director
Visit Carson Valley

Ferris 50 – Inaugural Ultra-Endurance Trail Race Coming to Carson Valley

Rotary Club of Minden’s speaker on July 17th was Executive Director Keith Lewis with Visit Carson Valley. Keith spoke about efforts Visit Carson Valley has undertaken to increase tourism in Carson Valley, including a sales mission to 4 major cities in central Canada with other Nevada agency representatives with the purpose to promote Nevada and to advertise the benefits of visiting the Carson Valley.

Visit Carson Valley’s big upcoming event is the Inaugural Ultra-Endurance trail race: THE FERRIS 50. It will take place on November 8th, considered the “shoulder season” that will attract visitors, increase overnight stays, showcase Carson Valley assets, create media exposure and boost community spirit. 

The Ferris 50 race is being planned by Visit Carson Valley, Carson Valley Trails, Carson Valley Inn and Casino and Nevada Offroad Association.

The Ferris 50 will be comprised of three categories: 50-mile ultra (50m), 50-kilometer ultra (50k) and 15 kilometer challenge (15k). Each trail running event will be run on separate courses with aid stations and bag-drop services for the 50m and 50k runs to promote safety and support. All runs will begin at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and end at the Carson Valley Inn’s TJ’s Corral with varying start times beginning at 6 a.m. for the 50m run.

Registration fees will be $55 for the 15k, $120 for the 50k, and $140 for the 50m run. Awards for finishers of the 50 Mile run:  big belt buckle, long sleeve finisher shirt and cash prizes $500 for 1st place, $250 – 2nd and $150 for 3rd  place. 50k finishers receive a shirt, medal and merchandise prizes. 15k finishers earn a shirt and medal. At the race’s end TJ Corral will come to life with music, food, drinks, awards and congratulations for the finishers.

There are opportunities for Valley community and business participation & sponsorships at the aid stations, general volunteers for race day management, sponsors to offset event costs and in-kind donations. Look for the Rotary Club of Minden to step up and help out. Save the date.

Organizers for the Ferris 50 are Marc & Kelly Walling – Race Directors, Keith Cole – Aid Station Coordinator, Lorna Doerr – Volunteer Coordinator, John Meyer – Safety Director and Michelle Valdovinos – Sponsor Coordinator.  All questions or offers of support can be directed to info@visitcarsonvalley.org or by calling (775) 782-8145. 
Did you know that the Rotary Club of Minden will be celebrating 100 years of service in 2026? (as will Route 66 and Highway 101!)  A committee has been formed to work on the celebration date, type of celebration and all the details.  Let Dick Schwabe or Lori Breyer know if you are interested in participating. 
 
Committee Chairs
 
Foundation Dinner (Tuesday June 9, 2026)
     Chair:  Dick Schwabe
     Committee members:
          General - Lori Breyer
          Reach out to Past Presidents -
               Skip Pardee and Ken Miller
          Table Decorations - Whitney Bullion
          Check in - Howard Vipperman
          Registration - Milly Seibel
 
Heritage Park Main Street/ Rotary Project (Date TBD)
     Chair:  Graham Rogney
     Committee members: 
          General - Pat Garrahan
          100 year gift - Whitney Bullion
          Build / Plant - Graham Rogney,                          Howard Vipperman, Ric Casper, Jim                Hales
 
CV Days Float (Saturday June 13, 2026)
     Chair:  Pat Garrahan
     Committee members:  
          General - Lori Breyer
          Design - Skip Pardee
          Build - Skip Pardee, Tony Magnotta,                     Howard Vipperman
          Ride/Walk along float:  ALL !!
 
Marketing (Publicity to begin 7/2025)
     Chair:  Lori Breyer
     Committee members:
          Past President History - Ken Miller
          Women in Rotary - Skip Pardee
          Wine walk table - Graham Rogney
 
HELP NEEDED!
How can you help?  Help is needed in the following areas -
 
 
Heritage Park
     Brass Plaque research and acquisition
     
Marketing
     Design Logo - Heidi Saucedo
     Research History
     Write articles on what we have done in
          the community and our 100-year                   history
     Wine Walk table to advertise 
          
Contact Lori at Rotary.LoriBreyer@gmail.com to indicate where your talents can best be used!
 
 
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