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Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 2:22 AM
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Fernley Estates resident relives childhood farm days with ATV ride

Fernley Estates resident relives childhood farm days with ATV ride
Stacy Tomassetti, center, with Fernley Estates staff members Tris Martin and Rochelle MacLean. Photo by Robert Perea

Tomassetti’s dream involved reconnecting with the kind of farm life she grew up around. She fondly recalled a pony named Lightning, who had a fluffy mane that stood straight up instead of lying flat, and riding in farm vehicles through the dirt and fields.

“We had to do it because we were baling hay and stuff like that,” she said. “I’d rather do that than anything else.”

About 20 of the community’s 67 residents, including some in memory care, took at least one ride. When a visitor remarked on the joy on one resident’s face after a loop, Tomassetti said she was happy the other residents were having fun.

The event was made possible by the company’s leadership team, volunteer drivers David and Alex Russell, and powersports dealership Ridezilla, which donated the RZR for the occasion.

“We’re blessed that we can play a major part in doing this,” MacLean said.

She said the Ageless Dreams program is rooted in the organization’s mission, values and principles, which she called its MVPs: caring people performing acts of kindness and ensuring residents are respected, served and cared for.

After her last ride, Tomassetti sat in the shade and talked about her life, her pony and how beautiful the desert is while a few of her neighbors took one last loop.

When MacLean asked whether she wanted to go on one more ride or was ready for lunch, Tomassetti shook her visitor’s hand and stood up to head inside. Her dream had been fulfilled, and now a hamburger was waiting for her.


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Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook Comment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS. Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: JeffDickerson Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied. Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case
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