Memorial Day meal invitation for veterans

Local organization Reach for Joy is hosting a Veterans Appreciation BBQ lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. May 31 on Memorial Day.

Veterans and their spouse or buddy are invited to a complimentary, sit-down meal in the dining hall at High Sierra Fellowship, 1250 Gilman Avenue in Gardnerville. A drive-through option is also available for those who’d prefer to take a meal to-go.

Reach for Joy team leader Kara Miller said the group’s mission is to “spread the love and compassion of Jesus throughout our community.” The non-profit began nearly three years ago, is funded entirely through donations, and operates with the support of local businesses and hundreds of volunteers.

“Every dollar that comes in goes right back out to the community,” said Miller.

Recent Reach for Joy projects include distributing 1300 family meals (provided by the Carson Valley Inn) during the 2020 pandemic lock down; delivering 1800 vases of Valentine’s Day flowers and chocolates to recipients at locations that included Austin’s House, Carson-Tahoe Hospital and Cancer Center, The Chateau at Gardnerville, City of Refuge, and Gardnerville Health and Rehabilitation Center; providing Minden Meat & Deli gift certificates to show appreciation for those who work in law enforcement; and coordinating with Chris Calhoun of Gardnerville’s Grocery Outlet to supply local families with meals and gift bags during Christmas and Easter.

Last November, Reach for Joy presented veterans with gratitude gifts on Veterans Day and received an overwhelmingly positive response.

“On Memorial Day, we want the serve (veterans) a very nice tri-tip meal just to show how much we value them and appreciate their service to our country,” said Miller.

Call High Sierra Fellowship at 775-782-7486 if you’d like to reserve a spot or for more information about the event. Please note that reservations are requested but not required.

More information about Reach for Joy can be found online at facebook.com/ReachforJoyDouglasCounty/.

May dining events at the Elks’ Lodge

The Tahoe-Douglas Elks host Cook Your Own Steak night 5-7 p.m. Monday. Dinner includes a generous ribeye steak, baked potato, salad, baked beans, dessert, and fixings for a donation of $18; an extra split plate is available for an additional $6.

Reserve a spot by calling Jim Plamenig at 775-267-9205 or 310-874-4655 before Saturday, May 15.

Masks are required in the Lodge, but may be removed during dining at the table.

The Elks’ next Dash and Dine Date Night for Two takes place Friday, May 28 from 5-7 p.m. Menu is BBQ chicken with Santa Maria-style beans and potato salad.

The takeout dinner-for-two is available for a donation of $25, and reservations are required by Thursday, May 27 at 4:30 p.m. Place an order by calling the Lodge at 775-265-5483 and leave your name, number of orders, and time you prefer to pick up the meal.

The Tahoe-Douglas Elks Lodge is located at 1227 Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Proceeds from Elks events benefit programs for seniors, veterans, and youth in the local community.