Elko County, Nevada … Officially Declares EMM Mondays!
January 11, 2010
I just spent three days in Elko, Nevada. That’s right … The City of Elko. Ever heard of it? I hadn’t. But let me paint a picture for you. A picture that hopefully makes you want to visit.
I was contacted by a woman named Jesse James who asked if I would come out to Elko because she wanted to make Every Monday Matters a city or countywide campaign. First of all, I have never received a phone call from a “Jesse James” before, so she immediately had my attention. Secondly, I have never had a city/county want to officially proclaim the first Monday of every month the “Every Monday Matters Monday.” Lastly, I have never been to Elko and it sounded like an interesting adventure.
I flew from Los Angeles to Reno, Nevada, rented a car (they gave me a pick-up truck), and drove for four hours through some of the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen. It genuinely felt like I was driving on a snow-covered moon … with a bunch of trains and riverbeds on it.
Elko, Nevada is a gold-mining town of 20,000 residents. Actually, one of the goldmines in Elko is the largest goldmine in Northern America and the second largest goldmine in the world. I was told that it has the lowest unemployment in the country and the average salary is $70,000. Most of the men work at the local mines, and 90% of the population, male or female, drives a pick-up truck (so I fit in nicely with my rental). Recently, Oprah voted Elko, Nevada the “Best Small Town in America” and their Chamber of Commerce building is an old log cabin built over one hundred years ago. Hopefully this is enough of a Wikipedia-style description to give you an idea of where I spent those three days.
But Elko also offered something else that was so refreshing and addictive. I have never experienced such a “love your neighbor” mentality in all of my life. I believe Elko’s slogan should be “Elko, Nevada – The City of Huggers.” There is a genuine appreciation for one another in Elko. It felt like a family of 20,000 people. They all knew one another by first name, greeted one another with a smile and a hug, and genuinely cared about each other’s life.
I never had to struggle to change lanes on the road. In fact, I think that fellow drivers would actually brake to even give me more space in order to change lanes comfortably. I never had to wonder where a disappearing waiter or waitress went; they were always there to make sure you were ok. Crossing the street at a crosswalk was never a life-threatening experience, as cars would gladly stop to let you walk across. And, I have never had so many people walk up to me to introduce themselves and ask genuine questions about me and my life.
Now, for some people, it might have felt a little strange, but not me. I thought it was beautiful, because it wasn’t just towards me (the guest in town) it was something that they all do with one another. They care, and it showed. They love doing life together. And, if twelve hugs a day is what we need “for growth,” they I grew quite a bit in those three days.
I understand that Elko might not be the destination of your next vacation, but just know that there is a pretty awesome town out there on the Interstate 80 (halfway between Reno and Salt Lake City) that would welcome you with open arms. They might even teach you a few things about Cowboy Poetry, Basque Food, Gold, and the power of hugging. Elko Matters.
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I was so shocked to see this article when I opened my weekly EMM email. If you drove from Reno to Elko on I80, then that means you drove through a town called Battle Mountain, which is where im from. I never thought that many people, especially so many in a town so close, were reading the things I do. I’ve been getting EMM emails for about a year now so its great to see that EMM is making a difference. I’ve never really seen any of the beauty that you’ve mentioned here, but maybe thats because I grew up in this area and though I know Elko – Reno like the back of my hand, i’ve never really stopped to enjoy the beauty. Its wonderful that you were able to take a trip and allow? Elko to present each new work week with Every Monday Matters in their minds.
I just wanted to comment on your story about Elko….I lived in Elko, NV for about a year and a half. One of my bestfriends is Jesse James and she is wonderful! I still have many good friends there and love to visit every chance I get! Thank you for the awesome story you did! Maybe more people will know how unique and friendly Elko really is!
This is truly and inspiration, I live in Houston, Texas one of the largest citis of America, and I would want nothing else then to live like small town Elko! I mean to declare Every Monday Matters as an official day is amazing and hey WHY NOT Houston, Texas.?!?!?!
Nice story
Thanks for the kuddos. Our little town is just as you say and it’s a privilege to live here. Although, my selfish side wishes the secret would remain secret. Glad you enjoyed yourself here and I’ll try hard to make Every Monday Matter!
I moved to Elko Nevada from Novi Michigan in March of 07 to work for a local radio station. I had no idea what to expect. I was amazed at how friendly everyone was. I worked in news for a while and got to know a few of the county commissioners assistant city manager and others too numerous to mention and couldn’t believe how down to earth everyone was and I still keep in contact with many friends from Elko. I also worked closely with Jesse James through the station. At first I expected a rootin tootin six shooter packin tornado but I got one of the sweetest most caring people I’ve ever met. My wife and I talk often about the people we had the privilege to live among and the natural beauty of Elko, Spring Creek and Lamoille. I still work freelance for Jesse and miss living in such a wonderful community. I’m sorry I left. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence!
I’ve known ever since moving out here several years ago how great it is, but now the secret is out. I belong to the Lamoille Woman’s Club which is nestled pretty much at the base of the gorgeous second picture above. The village of Lamoille is about 20 miles east of Elko. At our monthly meeting yesterday our Vice President talked about Every Monday Matters and how Elko has jumped on the bandwagon and that the club should look into it for our group. My interest was so peeked that I did a Google and found this site. And, lo, there was a featured article on Elko! What a plesant surprise. I am forwarding this site to all our members (about 60) and will keep you posted on our progress. Hugs–jp
Next time you visit be sure to drive 18 miles out of town to Lamoille where you will find the most beautiful canyon. The town has two wonderful restaurants and a post office, deer, raccoons, a cattle drive this morning etc. We are mile high and covered with snow but spring has absolutely beautiful colors in the canyon, the entrance of which is 1/2 mile before you get into our town.
I just wanted to thank you for coming to speak at the NASC 2010 State Conference at my school, Spring Creek High School. I really liked the way you spoke, writing the postcards to the soldiers, and saying why we matter. I would love to see the video you took of the rapidfire mattering!
Thank you for making an impact not only in my life, but in all the lives (I’m sure) of every StuCo member there.
By the way, YOU MATTER. You matter because you see that all of us matter, even if we do not know it ourselves. You matter because you founded this awesome organization of EMM (which is pretty great). You matter because you came all the way from LA to little Spring Creek, NV, to speak about mattering, and how it pertains to everyone in some way. You matter because you are a leader: a true superhero.
Thanks again! You have definitely made an impact on me, which will in turn impact my Council, school, and community.
I wanted to say thank you for speaking at the student council state. I love what you are trying to do and I loved telling and hearing why everyone matters.
I live in Stagecoach Nevada, and I saw and participated in the EMM presentation in Elko. It was an amazing presentation, and because of those three days, my advisor is thinking about implimenting the EMM Curriculum into our class. Since taking part in the EMM portion of the NASC State Conference 2010 I have not taken off my “You Matter” braclet, and my advisor also now has the book. This truly was a life changing presentation. (: