🌱 Teen Raises $15K For Cancer Patients + Solution To Doctor Shortage

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this winter morning with your fresh copy of the Reno Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine and chilly. High: 49 Low: 26.

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Here are the top three stories today in Reno:

1. Hayden Parga, a Reno High School student who volunteers for the Jessie Rees Foundation, has raised over $15,000 for children battling cancer. After hosting a number of events, Hayden got together with other volunteers to assemble over 500 "joy jars" to send to hospitalized children all over the country. Each jar contains toys and surprises to put a smile on children's faces in the hospital. (FoxReno.com)
2. Lawmakers in Reno are considering two compacts to address the shortage of EMTs, paramedics, and physical therapists in the state. Senate Bill 97 and AB 158 would allow people licensed within a state participating in the compact to work in Nevada. Compacts allow practitioners to move permanently or temporarily to another state within the compact and practice in that alternative compact state without having to get that alternative state’s license. This will hopefully improve care coordination, reduce wait times, and allow more flexibility for medical providers. (KOLO)
3. Over 1,000 Nevada teachers and staff gathered in Reno on Feb. 11 to rally for improved wages and reduced classroom sizes. Hosted by the Washoe Education Association, which is home to the local teacher's union, participants urged the legislature to make these necessary changes to improve classroom conditions, improve retention, and better fund educational opportunities. Nevada teachers make nearly $7,500 less than the national average, and teachers can have classrooms with 41-45 children, according to the Nevada State Education Association and personal accounts from the rally, respectively. (KUNR Public Radio)

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Today in Reno:

• Greg Gilmore And The Fever Dreams At Great Basin Brewing Company (6:00 PM)
• Rinzen At Dead Ringer (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Reno Fire Department is still selling shirts to support the Northern Nevada African American Firefighter Museum through Feb. 19. All proceeds benefit the museum, and you can purchase your shirt here. (Reno Fire Department via Facebook)
• The Reno Little Theater is hosting its 4th annual 24 Hour Play Festival where four 10-minute plays will be written, rehearsed, and performed in 24 hours. The event begins on Mar. 17 and will culminate with a show on Mar. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Interested participants can sign up here. (Reno Little Theater via Facebook)
• The University of Nevada, Reno Multicultural Center’s Black Diaspora Program is hosting “FreeWall Jam” on Feb. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. Attendees will learn about spray painting and its role in counterculture as well as see a live demonstration and have the opportunity to participate themselves. (Nevada Today)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all soon for your next update.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.