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.

“West Street Sundays” is a brand new feature at the West Street Market. It starts this Sunday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be held on every Sunday through September 26.

What is “West Street Sundays?” It features a Farmer’s Market where you can buy the freshest locally grown produce and much more. You can have brunch, listen to live music, have drinks, snacks and even take in a wonderful array of fresh produce.

The West Street Market is a Reno Redevelopment project that created new opportunities for small local businesses, local farmers and local programs as well as a number of local artisans and performers. The urban market has an eco-friendly theme that serves as a community gathering and the Market is still growing.

The Redevelopment project vastly improved the area restoring two dilapidated, vacant historic buildings transforming the block from an undesirable area into one where families, students, senior citizens and downtown residents can grab a bite, enjoy a cup of coffee glass or glass of wine, or sit outside and listen to live music or watch a performance.

The Market is open seven days a week and is located on West Street between First and Second Streets. For more information about the Market or upcoming events visit  www.RenoWestStreetMarket.com.

***Free validated parking is available at the Parking Gallery on First Street 7 days a week.

Artists interested in painting the City of Reno’s Windspire wind turbine during a live Artown event have one week left to submit their qualifications. Deadline for submissions is Monday, May 24.

The project is a partnership between Windspire Energy, the City of Reno, and Artown that seeks to draw attention to Reno’s commitment to arts and renewable energy during the month long art festival. The artist(s) selected for this project will work closely with Windspire Energy and the City of Reno to design and paint the 10 foot base pole of the Windspire that will be installed on the roof of the Downtown Parking Gallery. The Artown live painting event will be held on July 8 at the West Street Market.

Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power), developer of the Windspire® wind turbine, and the City of Reno released a request for proposal (RFP) on April 22. The RFP is available for download at http://windspireenergy.com/news-center/artown-rfq/ and is open to all artists in the northern Nevada and Northern California area. Interested artists can also contact Kristyn Bishop at Windspire Energy at marketing@windspireenergy.com  or 775-852-0200 x224.

The Windspire wind turbine at the Downtown Parking Gallery is part of the City of Reno’s $19 million Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Initiative. Funding for the initiative is completely through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from rebates, federal grants, and bonds paid in energy savings. Projects from the initiative will help to save money in the City’s general fund.