A unique blog post about preparing for a “Zombie Apocalypse” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gained a lot of attention this week. The site even crashed due to so many visitors! The post was a creative way to teach people about preparing for any emergency.

Even if a zombie attack doesn’t threaten the City of Reno, you can still make sure you and your family prepare for a more likely situation in our area, such as:

- Wildfires (they’re just as scary, and they do happen around here)
- Flooding (see pic of “the big one” that flooded downtown Reno in 1997)
- Earthquakes (we felt one around here a couple years back, and there’s always a potential)

Preparing isn’t hard; it just takes some effort. Check out Reno’s preparedness webpages to learn more. Get a kit, make a plan, be prepared – for anything!

Yesterday, the Reno City Council approved donation funds to sponsor the “The Rolling Pilot”, the first known paraplegic hot air balloon pilot, for the 2010 Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR).

The donation of $1,899 ($899 to GRBR, Inc. and $1,000 to the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living) will sponsor the participation and defray expenses associated with the participation.

“The Rolling Pilot” is scheduled to make two presentations at area schools in September. In addition, he will be taking one passenger with him during the 2010 GRBR competition. The RAAC is coordinating the passenger selection with the Washoe County School District and other local non-profit organizations who serve youth with disabilities. The “Rolling Pilot” will be available to meet with local media on media day during the 2010 GRBR.

The support of “The Rolling Pilot’s” participation in the 2010 GRBR will further the mission of the RAAC by visually promoting the City’s on-going commitment to inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all facets of civic life.

Council donation funds can only be used for nonprofit organizations that provide substantial benefits within our community. These monies are allocated throughout the fiscal year.

During yesterday’s Reno City Council Meeting, nine students from Proctor R. Hug High School were honored for their excellence in education and successful completion of the City of Reno’s “4 Steps into the Future” program.

The city-sponsored school-to-career program course matched the students with City departments which closely complement their career goals and academic interests. Students had the opportunity to learn on-the-job while earning academic credit towards high school graduation. In addition, students received a city paid internship, bus passes, and were eligible to participate in the “4 Steps” scholarship program. Of the nine students, five of them received scholarships totally $3,000 to help with their post-secondary college studies in a publicly funded State of Nevada university or college.

Procter Lotuleili, a former student of the “4 Steps into the Future” program said, “I know that if more teens go out and start to contribute more to their community, it will help inspire younger youth to go out and do the same.”

Created in 2002, the “4 Steps into the Future” program was designed to educate youth about the range of career opportunities available in municipal government; encourage youth to participate in civic affairs; expand the diversity in future applicant pools for City positions; and to strengthen relationships with area schools.

The City of Reno Public Works will proudly participate in the 6th annual Building Women Exploration Fair on Friday.

The Building Women Exploration Fair is a unique ‘women only’ event exposing women to non-traditional employment roles in the construction trades plus allows participants to have a “hands on” opportunity at varying trades. Welding, painting, plastering, plumbing, and heavy equipment operation are some of the trades that are highlighted at the fair. Attendees will also be able to learn how to apply and qualify for free building trade apprenticeship programs.

The Building Women Exploration Fair is presented by the Western Apprenticeship Coordinators Association (WACA) in partnership with the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Job Opportunities in Nevada (JOIN), Inc., Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada Supply.

The City of Reno is dedicated to a diversified workforce representative of the community. For more information about the event visit www.buildingtradejobs.org.

What: Building Women Exploration Fair

When: Friday, April 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: TMCC/IGT Applied Technology Center at 475 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada