Valentine’s event highlights connection and collaboration

Two local nonprofit organizations, Between Horses and Humans and The Porch Movement, invite the community to a Valentine’s Day celebration 1-3 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Amacker Ranch, 975 Centerville Lane in Gardnerville.

The collaborative event is an opportunity for organizers to introduce the public to their programs, both of which are dedicated to forging meaningful connections and interactions.

By pairing youth with horses, Between Horses and Humans provides children a unique opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills as they learn to handle and properly care for their equine partners. The program aims to help guide and support children in developing strategies to navigate life challenges and look toward a future filled with hope and possibility.

Porch Movement founder Tammy Claughton says society is facing “a loneliness epidemic” and organized to encourage individuals and groups to gather “for the purpose of authentically connecting with others, intentionally holding space for one another, and lending a genuine helping hand as needed.” Participants host “open porch events” in both public and private spaces, and the website’s calendar details one-time gatherings as well as those that are ongoing.

Claughton shared her excitement about the Valentine-themed celebration and feels the organizations “share a similar heartbeat.”

Event attendees at will get to tour Between Horses and Humans and meet the program’s board members, volunteers, director, and six therapeutic horses: Afka, Canelo, Lisette, Mari, Rascal, and Tru. They can also learn more about the Porch Movement and different ways to get involved, either by volunteering, donating, or hosting their own porch event.

Between Horses and Humans Program Director Seanna Jackson said the event is also an opportunity to thank the community for their support last fall of the “6 Weeks to $16,000” fundraiser. Proceeds were used to build custom barn doors and make other improvements, all of which “help us implement our programs in a high-integrity way,” she said.

Jackson expressed gratitude to Amacker Ranch for their support and for enabling them to house their program at the Gardnerville ranch.

To get to the event, look for the Between Horses and Humans sign posted at the western-most ranch entrance on Centerville Lane and follow the dirt road to the barn. Questions about the celebration can be directed to info@theporchmovement.com or info@betweenhorsesandhumans.com.

Food Closet Open House

Carson Valley Community Food Closet hosts their annual “We Love Our Community” open house on Thursday, February 8 from 3-6 p.m. at 1251 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville.

The Food Closet aims to achieve food security in Douglas County, and the open house is an invitation to the public to witness all that can be accomplished through the generosity of food donations, monetary contributions, and volunteer hours. Visitors can meet the staff, volunteers, and Board members; learn about their many programs; ask questions; and connect with others who are interested in supporting their communities.

The nonprofit provides food assistance to those in need with support from individuals, businesses, food merchants, service groups, and churches as well as their partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. More information can be found online at thefoodcloset.org.

Super Bowl Sunday pancake breakfast

Rotary Club of Minden has teamed with local area pickleball players to host a Super Bowl pancake breakfast 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 11 at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center, 1329 Waterloo Lane in Gardnerville.

Eight outdoor pickleball courts are currently under construction at the center, and proceeds from the breakfast will help furnish the courts and support upcoming pickleball clinics and tournament play.

Pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee, and juice will be served. Cost is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children under age 12. Tickets are available at the DCCSC front recreation/sports desk through Feb. 9 or until they sell out.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.