Lei-making event for Douglas grads June 3

Rick and Davelyn Miyashiro welcome the community to their home on Thursday, June 3 at 6 p.m. to make leis for graduating seniors. The annual event takes place on the evening before the Douglas High School graduation. Participants from all schools are invited to attend.

Family and friends may wear the Hawaiian floral wreaths during the ceremony and present the lei to the graduate following commencement. Graduating seniors of Hawaiian descent are allowed to wear the leis during the commencement exercise out of respect for their culture and heritage.

"A lei represents a mother's arms embracing her child and the child's arms around her neck," explains Davelyn.

Anyone who knows a graduating senior is welcome to participate. There is no cost for the leis; the Miyashiros supply all flowers and materials as a way to show their "appreciation to a wonderful community." They ask that you RSVP as soon as possible, but no later than May 21, so that enough plumeria blossoms are ordered in time.

For more information, contact Davelyn Miyashiro at 450-3873 or 887-9006.

Moms on the Run

Some friends and I celebrated Mother's Day by participating in the 10th annual Moms on the Run fun run in Reno. Hundreds of runners and walkers descended upon the Reno High School campus last Sunday morning. The forecast called for chilly weather and thundershowers, but thankfully, the early morning hours were filled with sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Participants had a variety of courses to choose from, including a 5K run, 10K run, and a Walk and Talk route. My friends and I opted to run the 10K, which meandered through some lovely residential areas and along a path adjacent to the Truckee River. Lots of volunteers directed runners throughout the course to ensure everyone stayed on track. Folks lined up along the route to cheer on the runners. One lady even blew bubbles at us as we ran by.

There was plenty to do back at the finish line: food, raffles, face painting and bounce houses for the kids, vendor booths to visit, and a costume contest that awarded a $500 prize. There was even a Locks of Love booth where you could donate hair, right on the spot.

Formed in 2000, Moms on the Run is a non-profit organization that allocates financial assistance to local women who have been diagnosed with cancer. Pinocchio's Bar and Grill is the title sponsor of the run, and the event is generously supported by a number of other local businesses and organizations. All funds raised serve women right here in Northern Nevada.

I think this may just become my annual way to celebrate Mother's Day.

For more information, log onto www.momsontherun.info/index.htm.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com