Month: August 2023

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Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation Awards Nearly $300,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

August 17, 2023 | Member Submitted

Annual competitive grants expanded through donor co-investment opportunities.

INCLINE VILLAGE, NEV (August 14, 2023) – Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the Community Foundation is excited to announce that it has granted nearly $300,000 from its Community Fund to
nonprofit organizations serving the Lake Tahoe basin in 2023. 


Each year, the Community Foundation offers competitive Community Fund grants to nonprofit
organizations. These grants allow nonprofit organizations to request the support they need to
better serve the Tahoe Region and focus on the Community Foundation’s five focus areas: well-
being, education, arts and culture, environment, and community engagement. Each year, the
Community Impact Committee, which is comprised of volunteer members from the community,
review each grant proposal and award the most impactful opportunities. 


In 2023, for the first time, Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation invited its Donor Advised Fund
holders to co-invest in the Community Fund grants. Donors were provided brief summaries of each
grant proposal and given the opportunity to make grant recommendations from their funds. “We
are thrilled with the response from our Donor Advised Fund holders and are thankful for donors
who were moved to give,” said Parasol’s Donor Services Director Mackenzie Little. “This co-
investment in grantees expanded the collective support for nonprofits serving Lake Tahoe and
increased the overall amount granted.”


This year, grants were awarded to programs offering hunger relief and family resources, providing
equitable access to music education to local students, completing vital search and rescue
operations, teaching STEM programs, supporting adaptive outdoor experiences, and much
more. The 2023 Grant Recipients were:


 Achieve Tahoe
 Adventure Risk Challenge
 Boys and Girls Club Lake Tahoe
 Bread and Broth
 El Dorado Search and Rescue

 Gateway Mountain Center
 Incline Education Fund
 Lake Tahoe Dance Collective
 League to Save Lake Tahoe
 Live Violence Free
 Professional Ski Instructors of America-West
 Saint Joseph Community Land Trust
 Sierra Community House
 SOS Outreach
 Tahoe Family Solutions
 Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue
 Tahoe Truckee School of Music
 Tahoe Youth and Family Services
 Tahoe’s Connection for Families
 Pet Network Humane Society


Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has granted over $1 Million to community efforts through its
annual grant cycle.  The grant process continues to provide vital support to outstanding
organizations who are making a difference in our community, providing equitable opportunities, and fundamental resources.

About Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation

Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation is dedicated to cultivating community philanthropy. Parasol
connects donors to causes that matter most to them, helping nonprofit organizations achieve their
charitable goals, positively impacting the quality of life and supporting the people and places of
Tahoe.

LEARN MORE >

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In The News – Revitalize Tahoe Biltmore to see demolition progress in coming weeks

August 16, 2023 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 8/10/2023, Staff Reporting

CRYSTAL BAY, Nev.— As a continued commitment to the community, Revitalize Tahoe Biltmore announced a recent update about the project’s construction and demolition initiatives for 2023. 

The summer 2023 scope of work includes the competition of abatement for the Tahoe Biltmore. The demolition of the property’s cottages is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks, with a goal to demolish the Tahoe Biltmore Casino and Hotel following the completion of the abatement. 

The demolition is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023 to prepare the property for the 2024 construction season. 

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In The News – 27th annual Lake Tahoe Summit examines climate crisis impact on the basin, path to restoration and preservation

August 16, 2023 | Miranda Jacobson

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/11/2023, Written By Miranda Jacobson

KINGS BEACH, Calif.— The 27th annual Lake Tahoe Summit was held at the Kings Beach Recreation Area Wednesday, Aug. 9. The bi-partisan, bi-state coalition of local, state, federal, Tribal, and environmental leaders were able to gather to discuss the importance of sustainable solutions to combat climate crisis and local community issues in Lake Tahoe. 

This year’s summit, “Protecting Lake Tahoe Sustainability and Stewardship in the Face of the Climate Crisis,” was hosted by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, who was joined by many of his colleagues including Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, and Senator Jackie Rosen, among many others. The summit was able to highlight the urgent need to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act through 2034 in order to keep allocating funds and approving projects that lead to the restoration and preservation of Lake Tahoe. 

It was noted by many speakers that as of late, Lake Tahoe has experienced incredible highs and lows in climate events, a lingering trace that the Basin has not been spared by climate change. 

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photo: Miranda Jacobson – Tahoe Daily Tribune

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In The News – Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar announce 2023-2024 planned winter opening dates

August 16, 2023 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 08/16/2023, Submitted

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort today announced their planned opening dates for the upcoming 2023-2024 ski and ride season. Heavenly and Northstar will target opening on Friday, November 17, and Kirkwood will target Friday, December 1. 

After a historic 2022-23 season that led to new snowfall records of 592″ at Heavenly and 727″ at Kirkwood, as well as 50th anniversary celebrations at Kirkwood and Northstar, Vail’s Tahoe resorts are looking forward to another unique season of new memories.  

“We are always looking forward to the next ski and ride season, getting more snow, and breaking out our skis and snowboards,” said Tom Fortune, vice president and COO of Heavenly Mountain Resort and the Tahoe region. “Coming off a truly historic winter, the bar is high this year, and I know it will be another amazing ski and ride season for our resorts across the Tahoe region. The teams at Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar have remained dedicated and focused throughout the summer and will work incredibly hard in preparation to deliver another excellent ski and ride season to our guests.” 

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In The News – Researchers identified a new pack of endangered gray wolves in the Sierra Nevada

August 16, 2023 | Member Submitted

Originally published by the Associated Press 08/12/2023

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — A new pack of gray wolves has shown up in California’s Sierra Nevada, several hundred miles away from any other known population of the endangered species, wildlife officials announced Friday.

It’s a discovery to make researchers howl with delight, given that the native species was hunted to extinction in California in the 1920s. Only in the past decade or so have a few gray wolves wandered back into the state from out-of-state packs.

A report of a wolf seen last month in Sequoia National Forest in Tulare County led researchers to spot tracks, and collect DNA samples from fur and droppings, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Researchers concluded that there is a new pack of at least five wolves that weren’t previously known to live in California: an adult female and her four offspring.

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Oh Where, Oh Where did the Summer Go?

August 16, 2023 | Mary Danahey

It’s hard to believe, but Labor Day is right around the corner – which means it’s time for all of our local kids to go BACK TO SCHOOL!

Incline schools head back to classes next Monday, August 21st.  (If you are a parent, please make sure that you have registered your child(ren) and PAID YOUR FEES before Monday.)

Now is also the time to sign up for each school’s parent group (PTA, Jr Boosters, Boosters) so that you know what’s going on, get involved, and can stock up on some swag to show your Incline spirit. 

Congrats again to both Incline Elementary and High Schools for receiving their recent STEM School Designations from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology.  Both schools will be expanding those programs and entering competitions throughout the year, so stay tuned!

Incline Middle School welcomes an exciting new addition, Principal Dan Lediard. (You can read more about him in next week’s SnapShot) and IMS Students can expect to see some exciting options in both the Wednesday Exploratory period and great after-school options like – robotics, sound lab, music and potentially, a mountain bike team!

Side note: Incline Education Fund will be working with IMS this year on their application for the same STEM School Designation so that Incline has the first – and only – K12 STEM School system in the state!

Construction has started at Incline High School for the remodel funded by the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation. The new building will include collaborative spaces for students and teachers, a new JROTC facility, and a professional culinary kitchen. Keep reading the weekly SnapShot for updates.

And as always, if you have some time and care about education, volunteers are always needed for – reading buddies with the Read With Me program, substitute teachers, coaches, internships, mentors, and industry speakers. Contact Mary at maryd@inclineeducationfund.org for more information.

WELCOME BACK!

Mary Danahey
Incline Education Fund
maryd@inclineeducationfund.org

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Innovative Incline School Programming Middle School Style

August 14, 2023 | Kathy Slocum

 From: ‘LIVE.WORK.PLAY. Summer 2023’

Middle school is a tricky developmental time for humans. It’s when we start to become self-confident enough to both be a part of and separate from a variety of groups. It’s when we are most keenly aware of how our peers are behaving and when labels like math nerd or class clown can stick. Importantly, it’s also when academic interests begin to solidify. Research has shown that if a student does not show interest in a particular subject, like STEM for example, by 4th or 5th grade, they will not do so. This is particularly true for higher-level classes (like STEM) as students will not have the basic skills needed to take courses later on.

Luckily, Principal Kari Michael and the staff at Incline Middle School understand this complicated developmental time. They know that relationships are built on shared experiences, interests, and goals and they work to provide those shared opportunities for students.

When students feel a part of a group, they also tend to work harder, care more, and invest in the cohesion and success of the group. IMS has done a great job creating a number of avenues for students to build those relationships while experiencing new activities. Here are a few examples of the unique programming offered at IMS.

Wednesday Exploratory Session

Principal Michael developed this weekly program to help students re-engage in school post-pandemic and/or to have an opportunity to get caught up in subjects that they may need more support in.

Students who are on track academically can choose from a variety of experiential opportunities, while those who need academic support can work with a subject teacher in their area of need.

Several options are offered each quarter and are meant to broaden student interest and allow them to challenge themselves. Students choose from a variety of themes and with the generous support of our local community, have been able to go off-campus and learn more about different subjects. Incline Education Fund sourced and funded student activities in partnership with local businesses. From skiing with Nevada

Nordic and Tahoe-Multisport, to leadership classes with Bowl Incline, to a glimpse into the animal world with Pet Network, and to Incline Education Fund-sponsored water safety lessons and a spring special with Truckee’s Gateway Mountain Center, IMS students can widen their horizons, develop new interests and even start thinking about potential future careers.

The IMS Robotics Program

Incline Education Fund was recently awarded a $50k grant from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation & Technology to scale up the robotics program at Incline Middle School. The curriculum is aligned to Nevada Academic Content Standards for Computer Science and integrates a final, capstone project each semester. Those projects give students the opportunity to address a real-world issue and require them to present their solution to a public audience. Robotics is offered both as an elective class and an after-school LEGO Robotics Club. Additionally, IMS has created a Girls Who Code Club that is supported by the local AAUW chapter.

The program is proving to be highly successful. Levels of student engagement, teamwork, and collaboration have exceeded expectations and the capstone projects are a great way to showcase student work.

This robotics program is a bridge for those students interested in STEM, as they can solidify skills they’ve developed in the Incline Elementary School Makerspace program and build the foundation they need to succeed in the Incline High School Engineering & Entrepreneurship program. Incline public school students can now take dedicated STEM courses from K-12th.

Wellness Zone

IMS has also created a place where students can learn to address their personal emotional regulation skills. The Wellness Zone is a quiet space where students can get 1:1 academic support or work independently on a project. It is also a space where counselors can run small groups and provide lessons to our special needs students. Detailed Wellness Zone data reports are proving the effectiveness of students having access to a space where they can go to get help when neede

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Incline Elementary and Incline High School receive STEM School Designation from Nevada Governor’s Office

August 13, 2023 | Kathy Slocum

from ‘LIVE.WORK.PLAY. Summer 2023’

Article from: LIVE.WORK.PLAY. Summer 2023

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation & Technology (OSIT) awarded both Incline Elementary and Incline High School their coveted Nevada Governor’s STEM School Designation. The ceremony took place at the Governor’s Office in Carson City on May 16th, 2023. This seal of approval means that both IES and IHS meet the highest standards of STEM instruction and are models for schools around the state.

Incline Education Fund worked closely with both IES and IHS school staff to apply for the OSIT designation. IEF will apply for the Incline Middle School designation in 2024-5. This would make Incline Village the first and only STEM Designated K-12 school system in the state of Nevada.

The Nevada Governor’s OSIT only recognized 13 schools for the award this year. These are schools that demonstrate exemplary performance in STEM and have comprehensive, school-wide systems in place to support STEM learning. This award acknowledges that these schools implement high-quality, research-based, hands-on instruction. OSIT schools also partner with the community to develop relationships and authentic learning opportunities. Both Incline Elementary and High Schools have proven that they demonstrate these practices.

For the last two years, with the launch of the highly successful, IEF-funded makerspace, Incline Elementary School has focused on providing a high-quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Trina Kleinhenz, the IES makerspace teacher, coordinates with each of the K-5 teachers to tie the STEM curriculum into their grade-level classwork. This collaboration creates a unique opportunity to engage students in real-world problem solving, creative design, critical thinking and career opportunities through STEMfocused formal and informal education.

Principal John Stern said, “I am extremely proud of all of our teachers and students and this “Developing STEM School Designation” proves the high-quality education that IES provides to the Incline community”.

Incline High School was awarded the “Established STEM School Designation” for their Engineering & Entrepreneurship program and the work they are doing around individualized college and career guidance.

Engineering & Career & Technical Education Teacher

Adam Shoda joined IHS this fall and brought his 20-year experience of instruction and his work with the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum with him. His PLTW classes are managed under a Simulated Workplace classroom management model, which provides students with skills that prepare them for future professions, including leadership roles and how to work as a team to complete real-world tasks.

STEM learning at IHS is not confined to the obvious science, math, engineering, and tech classes. The STEM tenets of problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration are woven throughout a student’s IHS experience. Other examples include the highly successful “We the People” AP US Government & Politics class, the Stormwater Quality Leadership Program, the Culinary Arts program, and the Podcast Studio.

The OSIT award also recognized IHS’s “Learning through Interest/Internship Program” (LTI) led by Deirdre Carney. Ms. Carney is the IHS Internship Coordinator and works directly with students to expose them to a variety of fields, including STEM. Her position is funded by the Duffield Foundation and is implemented through an advisory model that is focused on student interests. Students begin the LTI program with informational interviews with community mentors that may lead to shadowing opportunities or internships. These mentors offer students exposure to real world experiences that seek to highlight relevance to their academic learning.

IHS Principal Tierney Cahill stated that “IHS is honored to be recognized as the first and only high school in the Washoe County School District to receive the OSIT award. It is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the quality work of our students. We could not have achieved this milestone without the community support from both the Duffield Foundation and the Incline Education Fund.”

Incline Education Fund is dedicated to the task of tying the STEM programs at all three Incline public schools together to create the first and only K12 STEM Pathway in the state. They are launching a STEP Up for STEM fundraising campaign with a goal of $300,000 to stabilize these exciting programs. Funds will be used for STEM program costs, academic tutors & mentors to get students to grade-level competency, equipment/technology, and new programs to keep the curriculum cutting-edge.

For more information about these programs go to: Inclineeducationfund.org

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Supporting the Maui Strong Relief Fund – How You Can Help!

August 10, 2023 | Member Submitted

Parasol is joining our good partners at Hawai‘i Community Foundation in supporting communities affected by the wildfires in Maui. 


The Maui Strong Fund held at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation was created to provide
community resilience with resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.  Providing both immediate support and necessary long-term building, your donation is a way to offer support and hope to our fellow communities. 


If you’d like to make a direct donation to the Maui Strong Fund held at the Hawai‘i Community
Foundation, visit https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong .

FOR INFORMATION
Contact: Natalie Erquiaga
775-298-0184
nataliee@parasol.org

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Incline Village Evacuation Exercise & Preparedness Fair

August 9, 2023 | Member Submitted

Incline Village, NV – Wednesday: August 16th, 2023 from 9:30am – 12:00pm – Washoe County Emergency Management, our first responding partners, and our community partners will be working together to test the Regional Evacuation, Shelter, and Mass Care Plan.

We will use a simulation tool to PRETEND there is a fire on the mountains west of the Second Creek neighborhood.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will respond their resources. Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the CERT will knock on doors in the affected neighborhood to alert residents. Emergency Management will send an emergency alert to the neighborhood informing them of the exercise and the evacuation location, etc. Residents and the public will simulate evacuating to the Incline Village Recreation Center, where they can check in and attend a preparedness fair.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

  • You may receive an alert on your cell phone. If you are not registered to receive emergency alerts visit the Alerting Platform for notifications in Washoe County.
  • You may see first responders and signs in the community.
  • Everyone is invited to the preparedness fair at Incline Village Recreation Center, 980 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451.
  • Follow www.perimetermap.com for live evacuation drill updates during the exercise.

PREPAREDNESS FAIR

Located at the Incline Village Recreation Center, 980 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451.

  • Vendors from Nevada & California will be present.
    Including the Red Cross, CERT, Team Rubicon, WCRAS,
    Sierra Avalanche Center, Belfor, and others.
  • Red Cross will check people in and provide wristbands.
  • Washoe County Regional Animal Services will be offering animal micro-chipping services.
  • There will be information on how to best prepare yourself and your family for an evacuation event.

For more info visit www.emergencywashoe.com/get-prepared/evacuation-drill

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