Polley's Passion

In a recent article of the Reno Gazette-Journal, Matt Polley (EI 1121), president of the Reno Riverwalk Merchants Association and owner of Java Jungle and Jungle Vino in downtown Reno, is helping lay the foundation for a renewed effort to revamp the downtown river district through a fundraising campaign ("Group looks to beautify downtown river district", page 3D, Reno Gazette-Journal, Sunday, October 30, 2011).

"We want to start a downtown beautification project to improve the riverwalk area's overall appeal for visitors and locals alike who enjoy it," Matt says.

[Editor's Note: If the association's efforts are half as good as Java Jungle's double short breve latte, its goal should be met in no time.]

For more information on the project, go to www.renoriver.org or call 775-825-9255.

Homecoming 2011 Recap

On October 15, Epsilon-Iota Zeta hosted its annual array of UNR Homecoming events.

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The day started with a well-attended tailgate party before the UNR/New Mexico game that was open to Alumni and Actives. The event was organized by High Rho Mathew Walter (EI 1391) and featured music, games, a barbecue and refreshments.

At the evening reception, emceed by Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation President Mike Fleiner (EI 1017), more than 50 brothers shared stories and tuned in on the evening's offerings. Mike said a few words about the Foundation's current initiatives and then gave the floor to Thom Collins (EI 756), who presented the Foundation's annual scholarships in memory of Paul Yenter (EI 852; Click here to read more about Paul and the scholarship program). Two $500 scholarships were offered to this year's recipients: High Epsilon, Eli Hsieh (EI 1379), and High Tau, Adam Khan (EI 1381).

Paying It Forward

Nevada Supreme Court Justice James Hardesty (EI 681) was recently featured in the "What I've Learned" section of the Fall 2011 issue of the Nevada Silver & Blue, the official magazine of the University of Nevada, Reno.

Read more...>>

Golf Challenge Recap

On August 13, more than 30 Epsilon-Iota Alumni gathered for the inaugural Epsilon-Iota Golf Challenge at Washoe County Golf Course in Reno.

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The tournament, coordinated by Matt Sinner (EI 1271, shown below), was in response to an ongoing call for Alumni to get together in between our Homecoming events and Founders' Day celebration.

"We designed it so we can get both the seasoned and new Alumni together," Matt says. "And with this being the first tournament I was very impressed, pleased, and surprised by the turnout." He added that 12 to 15 attendees would have been considered a success for a first-time Alumni event.

The 31 Alumni who participated in the event is the most that have been seen since the 2009 Founders' Day Reception and 80th Anniversary Celebration.

"Hopefully these numbers carry over to Homecoming, Founders' Day, and into next year's tournament," Matt adds.

The 18-hole tournament format was a scramble, with the winning team consisting of (shown, left to right): Leo Myers (EI 911), Ken Schaefer (EI 1245), Seth Stell (EI 1266) and Dave Evasovic (EI 827).

The Longest Drive award went to Casey Barbee, and the Closest to the Pin honors went to Grant Coonley (EI 919, shown).

The tournament was followed by dinner and drinks at The Wolf Den on the UNR campus where prizes, awards, pitchers, Awful Awfuls, and stories were passed around from one generation of Chops to another.

After dinner, those Alumni not able to make the tournament, as well as some of the Active Chapter, came together for the Third Annual LXA Pub Golf.

"To be honest, I don't think that anyone was ready that night for 40-plus Chops swarming the streets of Downtown Reno, and I must give credit where credit is due," Matt says, noting how the "Old Guys" hung in tough, with most of them making it to the final bar.

"Once a Chop always a Chop," Matt concludes. "And those guys certainly proved it on and off the course."

Opportunity Knocks -- Now More Than Ever

Submitted by Mike Fleiner (EI 1017),
President, Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation

The bond of Brotherhood for many of our members extend well beyond our college years, and your Alumni Council and the Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation have worked very hard during the last seven years to provide our Alumni brothers with current and timely information that is designed to strengthen these ties.

As Homecoming approaches we are are hopeful that our efforts will pay off with strong attendance at both our Homecoming Tailgater and Reception. We are also going to use this opportunity to try and pursuade some of you to step out of the shadows to give some of your experience and time back to Lambda Chi Alpha. I want to be as honest and as blunt with regard to our need for significantly more Alumni involvement. And given that the number of Alumni who have stepped forward now find themselves working double-time to meet the minimum obligations to keep the Foundation, Alumni Council or House Board alive, I can honestly promise you that without some new blood and active paricipation and involvement, our efforts will wither on the vine in the near future.

Our recent NewsCard -- sent to all Alumni who are unable to receive our monthly e-mail digests -- listed several areas that we are in desperate need of Alumni involvement. To reiterate, let me take a moment to expand on these areas in more detail.

We currently have seven Alumni serving and participating on the board. Several of these members have been serving for the last seven years and one in particular has been on the board since it was created. The primary goal of the Foundation is to raise money from our Alumni that is used to fund scholarships for our undergraduate brothers. We are in constant need of candidates that would be willing to give us a small amount of their time to serve on this very important board.

The Alumni Council is a critical group of Alumni that help to coordinate and promote our Alumni events (Founders Day, Homecoming, Alumni Picnic, Alumni Golf). Although we have had some success in recruiting some of our younger Alumni to serve on the Council, we have had some losses due to re-location and are seeking interested brothers (young and old) to serve.

You all remember the "House Board", the group of Alumni that manage the physical property. We currently have three Alumni that are serving and have held this positions for over ten years. We are seeking Alumni that can help us with taking on the role of property manager/landlord. We ask that you would commit to serving a two-year term, and are looking for at least three brothers to come in and work with the current officers to learn what is needed and required to be successful.

Probably one of the most critical and influencial positions that an Alumni can really give back to the fraterinity. We are looking for candidates that would be willing to serve a two-year term, which includes attending Monday night meetings during the school year. Our current High Pi (John Blauth, EI 1057) has done an exemplary job in helping stabilize chapter operations and serving as a liaison between the National Fraternity, the University and the Active Chapter, and will provide all the training necessary to ensure that your experience is both successful and rewarding.

As you can see, the need is very great and I can guarantee that if we are unable to garner the interest from our Alumni brothers in the not to distant future that our ability to sustain what has been achieved will be significantly diminished if not completely undone. Please understand that this is not intended to be anything other than a plea for help. With the number of Epsilon-Iota Alumni that live in or around Reno, one would think that this should provide an ample pool of interested candidates. However, this has not been the case. It is not fair that a small few must carry the torch of Alumni responsibility into perpetuity. We will work with any interested Alumni, no matter where you live. ALL WE NEED IS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED. We will work with you in any way to ensure that you can be an active and contributing Alumni supporter.

In Memoriam

Epsilon-Iota mourns the loss of Frank Sala (EI 406), who passed away on September 14.

The Sala family has long-time roots in the Reno area. In the early 1900s, his grandparents, Antonio and Savina Sala, owned the ranch on the site of the Lightning W Ranch development located in Carson Valley. His grandfather was instrumental in building the little country schoolhouse on Franktown Road so that Frank's father, Frank Sala, Sr. and his aunt Rose Sala Bullis would be able to receive an education.

Frank attended local schools and graduated from the University of Nevada in 1952. While at the university, he was a member of ROTC. Upon entering the Navy in 1952, he completed naval flight training in Pensacola, Florida and later served as a navigator on a destroyer during the Korean War.

Upon discharge from active service in 1956 Frank enrolled at George Washington Law School. While there he received high scholastic recognition and was invited by the faculty board of advisory editors to participate in the work of the George Washington Law Review. However, as he was working a full time job as an employee of the U.S. Senate, he had to decline the honor. Before leaving Washington, D.C. he passed the District of Columbia bar exam in 1958.

It was in Washington, D.C. that Frank and his wife, Arline, met and married. Arline was also from Reno and was employed as a Congressional secretary.

After passing the Nevada bar exam on his return to Reno in 1958, he served as a clerk for the Nevada State Supreme Court before entering private practice.

In 1962, early in Frank's career, he had a case representing property owners in northeast Reno whose homes were being condemned by the City of Reno in conjunction with a federal urban renewal project. The area at the beginning of the project included 450 acres, but was finally reduced to 42 acres: north of E. 4th St., east of Wells, south of 6th Street and west of Sage.

The Reno City Council was anxious to acquire federal funds to clear the area for commercial development in spite of the fact that it was not a "blighted area". In fact, it was populated by long-term residents who maintained their homes and had lived there for decades.

After a month-long trial, District Judge Clel Georgetta ruled the action was illegal and that their property should not be confiscated and that they should be able to profit from any future development. The group Frank Sala represented was ecstatic and they placed an ad in the Nevada State Journal praising "his single-handed fight and steadfast efforts in their behalf in the victory of the court proceedings involving the Urban Renewal Agency". Regretfully the Nevada State Supreme Court reversed the decision and the project continued.

It left a lasting impression on Frank about the efficacy of government intrusion in the natural evolution of a neighborhood and it is interesting to note that after millions of taxpayer dollars were spent, along with the displacement of hundreds of residents, you can observe 50 years later what the project really accomplished.

Frank was a great swimmer and enjoyed abalone diving on the Mendocino coast. He also liked to spearfish in Baja and as an accomplished pilot he found a great deal of pleasure flying his plane to these locations. He had a lifelong interest in history, cars, and American coins. Frank was also a man of integrity, generosity, and humor.

Frank is survived by his loving family Arline, his wife of 53 years, his daughter Susan Story and grandchildren Mackenzie and Jack. They will always be grateful for his love, guidance and wisdom. He is also survived by his cousin, Gary Bullis and his wife, Louise.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, CNA's and aides in the Oncology Ward at Renown hospital. They also wish to thank the compassionate caretakers at VistaCare Hospice. Their gratitude is also extended to oncologist, Suresh Reddy, M.D. and surgeon, Harold Kennedy, M.D.

Cole's Calling

Hats off to Cole Bevel (EI 1243), for his role in the formation of Haven for Hope, a project to create peaceful waiting rooms at local police departments and sheriff's offices for victims of violent crime.

Cole was recently featured in the "15 minutes" page of the June 9, 2011 issue of Reno News & Review. [read more]

In Memoriam

Epsilon-Iota mourns the loss of George Yori (EI 272), who passed away on May 21.

He was born February 2, 1923 to George A. and Vera (Minetto) Yori at his grandmother's home on Winter Street in Reno. The son of a pioneer ranching family, he spent much of his early years growing up and working on his father's ranches in the Pah Rah mountain range northeast of Sparks in the area now known as Palomino Valley. George A. Yori raised sheep and cattle on the Home Ranch and Wilcox Ranches, and later sold them to Jim Stead, whose son would later become the namesake of Stead Air Force Base north of Reno.

He often told fascinating stories of the joys and hardships of a young man driving livestock between summer ranges in Northeastern California and the winter ranges on Wabuska Mountain and the Carson River, during times when ranching in Western Nevada was wide open and free.

He attended Northside School in Reno and graduated from Reno High School in the class of 1942. Thanks to a scholarship from the Sears Roebuck Company, he was able to attend the University of Nevada where he pursued a degree in agricultural mechanics. His education was interrupted by service in the US Marines for World War II, where he saw action in the Pacific theatre, including battles on Iwo Jima, Tinian, and Guam. He was commissioned second Lieutenant in March 1945. At War's end in 1946, he returned home to Reno and married the love of his life, Genevieve Katherine Siri. George subsequently completed his education at the University of Nevada and joined his father in the construction business in Reno, where they developed numerous residential properties. He returned to active duty with the Marines in 1950, to serve in the Korean War. Attaining the rank of Captain, he saw action in numerous battles including Inchon, and the Chosin Reservoir.

In 1954, George joined the faculty at Reno High School, where he taught welding and metal fabrication until moving on to become Chairman of the Industrial Arts Department at the new Earl Wooster High School in 1962. Many of his students went on to become leaders in the building and construction industry in Northern Nevada. George later became director of new construction for the Washoe County School District, where he was responsible for building many new schools, including Hug High School. During his service as an administrator, he earned a Master's Degree in Education at the University of Nevada and retired in 1983 after 29 years of service with the Washoe County School District.

In 1973, George and wife Genevieve, together with members of the Carano, Siri, and Poncia families, opened the Eldorado Hotel and Casino in Reno, which has become one of the most successful gaming and entertainment properties in Northern Nevada.

George's pride and joy was his family and especially his two grandchildren. He loved the wide open spaces, being outdoors, and living the rural farming and ranching lifestyle. He often enjoyed fishing at Pyramid Lake, duck hunting in Fallon, and just spending time on the family ranch. He also enjoyed the company of many lifelong friends and was a regular member of the ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out), a group of long time Northern Nevada business and professional men who meet weekly for lunch at various restaurants in Reno.

George was preceded in Death by his wife Genevieve in 2002, and is survived by son Larry, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandchildren Jennifer and Anthony.

In Memoriam

Epsilon-Iota mourns the loss of Cameron Batjer (EI 216), retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice and 2008 Epsilon-Iota Legacy Center inductee, who passed away on June 1 at age 91.

Batjer was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1967 by Republican Gov. Paul Laxalt and served until 1981, when Republican President Ronald Reagan appointed him to the U.S. Parole Commission.

He retired that post in 1990 and settled in Reno and Maui, Hawaii.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Douglas said in a statement that Batjer's "evenhanded temperament" will be missed in today's "partisan world."

Justice Ron Parraguirre said Batjer was a mentor to him and a close friend of his father.

"He was an extremely bright, compassionate man who was never without a broad grin," Parraguirre said in a statement. "We have lost a true gentleman who was a credit to the Supreme Court and the state of Nevada."

Batjer was born in 1919 in Smith, Nev. His father, Robert Batjer, emigrated from Germany in the early 1890s and settled in Smith Valley, where he was a rancher and operated a freight business that served the mining camps, according to the Supreme Court.

His mother, Mary Belle McVicar, was a University of Nevada graduate who taught in Smith Valley and at other Nevada schools.

Batjer graduated from the University of Nevada [Reno] and earned a law degree from the Utah Law School.

His wife, Lura Gamble, was the aunt of Ninth Judicial District Judge David Gamble.

Their daughter, Marybel Batjer of Las Vegas, served as chief of staff for Republican Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn from 2000 to 2003 and was cabinet secretary and chief policy adviser for Republican California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Justice Batjer was a great scholar and jurist who understood the virtues of brevity, common sense and kindness," former Justice Kristina Pickering said in a statement. "I hold the seat he did and have deep respect for his work and the steady hand with which he steered the court during his years of service."

A Noble Gig

Congratulations to Ryan Dyess (EI 1246), who recently joined Noble Studios as Web developer. In his position, Ryan is responsible for developing web applications that seamlessly integrate with multiple technology platforms.

They're Back!

Kudos to Travis Moore (EI 1376), who arranged to have his parents replace the iconic stained glass letters on the wall panel North of the main entrance of the Chapter House.

Additional thanks to Mike Bacon (EI 1007), who arranged to have the accompanying neon bulbs replaced.

Founders' Day Recap

The Epsilon-Iota Zeta's 82nd Founders' Day Celebration and Reception was held on March 26 at the Chapter House. More than 40 Alumni and Undergraduates were in attendance, some returning for the first time in many years.

The reception was preceded by the fourth annual Alumni vs. Actives softball game, organized by High Rho Mathew Walter (EI 1391) and played at Idlewild Park in Reno, where the Actives trounced the Alumni, 23-11. The victory evens the series at 2-2.

At the reception, brothers young and old shared stories, recaptured friendships and celebrated the bond of Epsilon-Iota Zeta. The reception, emceed by Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation President Mike Fleiner (EI 1017), featured cocktails, light hors d'oevres and a rundown of Epsilon-Iota Alumni Council and Educational Foundation activities.

This year's reception also featured the distribution of two scholarships by Thom Collins (EI 756), on behalf of the Foundation's Scholarship Program and the Paul Yenter Memorial Scholarship Fund. Recipients were High Tau Jack Larson (EI 1390), $500, and High Sigma Joe Jennings (EI 1417), $500.

Upcoming Alumni events include a summer golf tournament and our annual Homecoming Celebration later this year, so stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

Young Honored by Nevada Judiciary

Congratulations to retired Supreme Court Justice and 2003 Epsilon-Iota Legacy Center inductee Cliff Young (EI 215), who was presented the Nevada Supreme Court's 2011 Legacy of Justice Award by the Nevada Supreme Court, Gov. Brian Sandoval and Secretary of State Ross Miller during ceremonies on May 3 in Carson City.

Justice Young is the third-ever recipient of the award, which is presented annually to the person or persons within the judicial system whose contributions, innovations, and achievements have resulted in significant improvements in the justice system, and benefitted the citizens of Nevada.

Read more... >>

Congratulations to Kyle Swanson (EI 972) and wife Tiffany, who were married March 28 in Kona, Hawaii.

Family of three has become a family of six. Kyle adds that a house expansion is underway.

Time And Again

Submitted by Mike Fleiner (EI 1017),
President, Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation

As we enter the 82nd anniversary of our chapter and start planning our annual family picnic this summer, the Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation, Epsilon-Iota Alumni Council and Kappa Lambda Inc. (aka House Board) find ourselves at a crossroads. While this may not be a unique situation in the course our history, it's that time again. Time to invest in our future.

As you may be aware, the Foundation continues in its efforts to award scholarships to deserving undergraduate members. The Alumni Council has worked tirelessly over the last four years to restore Alumni contact and relations. (Look no further than this Web site for proof.) But with every victory comes a new challenge.

Our House Board leadership has reached its normal course in which the core officers, President K.C. Wuelfing (EI 1140) and Treasurer Jeremy Ocshner (EI 1165) need to step down and new ones need to come forward. Our Alumni Council, who helps plan alumni gatherings throughout the year, is always in need of new faces and the new ideas they bring. Our Active Chapter has seen tremendous success in recruitment in the last three years, averaging 60 members. They are highly motivated to continue recruiting young men that share their passion. We need to leverage that passion.

So what can you do?

• Keep in touch. Click here or call 775-225-4985 with the latest word on you, your career, your family, etc.
• Get involved. Step up and lend your time and expertise to the Foundation and/or House Board. Even if you are not in the Reno area, you can still make a difference in this digital age. E-mail me at mikefleiner@bidart-ross.com or call 775-826-0423 for details.
• Make a donation. Click here or call or call me 775-826-0423.
• Invest in your Zeta's future. Consider taking on a role in the development of an Alumni-based limited liability company (LLC) that will assume ownership of the Chapter House and pay down the $250,000 note that financed our 2002-2003 restoration.

These are exciting times, and I urge all Alumni to take part in the ongoing success of our Zeta. Thank you in advance for your assistance and support.

In Memoriam

Epsilon-Iota mourns the loss of Warren Welsh (EI 331), who passed away on January 8.

Born and raised in Yerington, Nev., Warren moved to Sussex County [NJ] in 1950. He was a World War II Air Force veteran from 1942 to 1946, serving in Iceland and India. A graduate of the University of Nevada, with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, Warren was employed as a professor at Rutgers University for 35 years.

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Warren treated all with professionalism and respect. He has left a remarkable legacy to both Sussex County and New Jersey's agricultural community.