The Leisure Hour Club, Carson City’s oldest continuously meeting social organization, will launch its milestone 130th year with a dinner meeting on Thursday, September 24. The evening features Reno author, journalist, and filmmaker Mark Maynard, who will explore the history of Nevada’s state drink – Picon Punch.
Maynard teaches at Truckee Meadows Community College and his work has appeared in Nevada Magazine and multiple anthologies. Maynard’s 2012 collection of short stories Grind was selected as the 2016-17 Nevada Reads Book by the Nevada State Library. In 2015, Mark was awarded the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Silver Pen.
As the documentary’s director/producer, Maynard was featured in December 2025 as PBS Reno celebrated Nevada’s official state drink by airing Piconland: The Quest for the Perfect Picon Punch. Viewers interested in the story behind the film tuned in after the movie for the Wild Nevada cast episode featuring Maynard talking with Wild Nevada Cast host Dave Santina about the making of the film.
Established in 1896, the Leisure Hour Club promotes knowledge in science, music, and current issues. Guided by its motto, “Let knowledge grow from more and more” —inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem In Memoriam — the club connects community members through engaging educational programming.
New members are welcome to join the club for annual dues of $25. The dues will cover the cost of the September dinner for anyone who joins or renews at the meeting. Reservations for the dinner and meeting are required by 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 17. To reserve a spot, call 775.302.8820 or email lhcreservations@gmail.com.
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