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The Local Lens – Local Entrepreneur Shout-Outs

January 31, 2024 | Linda Offerdahl

There’s nothing like a new business to make a community bustle and thrive. It means someone has found a business need in the community and is filling it. I want to start today by giving a shout-out to some local entrepreneurs…

Wyld Peony…Jen Wechsler saw the need for year-round fresh flowers, started selling them out of her garage, and now has her own floral shop in upper Village Center. Come to the soft opening on Saturday and get a discount on flowers for Valentine’s Day. And hey, if there’s not one for you to surprise with flowers,  treat yourself!

Lefrancois Engineering… Mike knows there is no such thing as a simple remodel or development project. Mike moved to Tahoe in 1999 and brings his extensive knowledge of TRPA requirements, utilities, and civil engineering to building projects. Let him make your project look easy!

Lisa Douglas Designs…opened up her design studio in the old Village Interiors storefront in Christmas Tree Village, Lisa has an amazing sense of sophistication and creativity and is one of the most generous people I know. Find that perfect accessory in her shop or put her to work creating some magic in your home. Next door at Tahoe Gifting Co., Darya and Matthew have made a name for themselves by creating custom gift boxes with Tahoe-made goodies. Veteran. Female. Support them!

Thania’s Juice Bar….arguably serving up the healthiest food in Incline, also in Christmas Tree Village, has plans to open a second location in Reno. I go there for the detox juices and avocado toast. Female. Mexican. Entrepreneur. Support her!

Big Water Grille… is bringing happy hour to Thursdays, with Throwback Thursdays, starting this week! Expect to get your favorite drinks served up with great apps from new and old bar menus all night long! And remember those Blue Loyalty Cards? Well if you still have one, dig it up and get 10% off your check. Richard and I had forgotten about it, but now it’s in his wallet. See you Thursday night!

Can we talk? It seems like they are always moving the bar on freebies for seniors. I thought when I turned 70, skiing would be free. Turns out, free is for super-seniors, as defined by those 80 years old or older! Even though it wasn’t free, skiing on Sunday at  Royal Gorge, the largest cross-country ski area in North America with my daughter Nicole and her wife Patty, was priceless.  

Keeping with the seniors theme, I thought I was too young for Bingo. But Kristie Wells, Incliners, told me that it’s actually a younger crowd playing Bingo on Tuesday nights at Alibi! I would go next Tuesday, EXCEPT it is member appreciation night for Incliners at the Chateau. Then Kristie told me that anyone 49+ could join Incliners. Now I really feel old. But I am looking forward to meeting up with old friends and meeting new ones at Incliners. Go to www.incliners.org to see their schedule and join. This is a large network of people I would never call “old”…this group is lively and very active!

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PINE NUTS – My 49er Hero

January 31, 2024 | McAvoy Lane

What Would Mark Twain Say?

Back when the Niners were training pre-season at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, I would ride my bike over there to watch them scrimmage. This was 1956 or so, and at 12 years old I quickly got to know their names by their faces…what fun!

One bright St. Mary’s morning our center, Frank Morze, knocked a contact lens right out of the eye of linebacker Matt Hazeltine. Play was stopped and we kids were invited out onto the field to look for that contact. Knowing exactly where it happened, I found it, and Matt Hazeltine insisted I join the team for lunch there at the college. Wow!

I sat between Matt and Frank, but it was Frank who took an interest in me and asked all kinds of questions about my grades, my girlfriend, even my bike. He was a true gentleman.

Fast forwarding 30 years, I was training for the Hawaiian Ironman, and in my exhilaration of beating my personal time racing up Mt. Rose on my bike, I threw my arms into the air like they do in the Alps, sailed off the road onto the rocks, and flatted both tires.

So I stuck out my thumb and was happy to accept a ride in the back of a pickup. The driver was a big guy who asked through an empty window, “What are you doing up here?”

I told him and he boasted, “I used to play football.”

“Oh yeah? What team?

“Forty Niners.”

“When did you come up?” I asked with growing interest.

“Fifty-six or so.”

“You came up with Frank Morze?”

He shot a look at me through the empty window, swerved a little across the line, and shouted back, “I AM Frank Morze!

Frank took me right to my front door while I rattled off the names of his teammates from those days so long ago.

“He shook my hand and said, “You remember more of my mates than I do, son.”

“And you were the best center the Niners ever had, Frank.” I extoled.

“Thanks, kid.” And he gave me a broad smile.

So here was a Forty Niner who showed a kindness to the same kid thirty years apart. Though Frank has since been promoted to the gridiron in the sky, I hope he will take comfort in knowing he is remembered as an all-star gentleman all these years later…

As is our custom, we shall leave the last word to Mark Twain…

“There are a few matters of peculiarity here on earth which I wish to describe.  One of them comes from the diary of Methuselah -on baseball: He that bore the club did suffer the ball to be flung at him divers times, but did always bend in his body and so save himself, whilst the others spat upon their hands. Yet he failed to avoid the next ball, which cracked his skull. I shall visit this sport no more, as the game doth lack excitement.” 

Audio: https://anchor.fm/mcavoy-layne

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In The News – Mark Twain’s adventures at Lake Tahoe: A turning point 

January 31, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Sierra Sun on 1/29/24, Special to the Sun

The September 1861 trip to Lake Tahoe stands as a pivotal moment in Samuel Clemens’ life, marking the first steps towards his transformation into the literary giant known as Mark Twain.  

Clemens, 25 years old and still searching for his place in the world, left his printing apprenticeship in the East and joined his brother Orion, the Secretary of the Nevada Territory, in the Nevada silver rush. 
Upon reaching Lake Tahoe, Clemens was awestruck by its beauty. He described the crystal-clear water reflecting the majestic mountains as “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” This encounter sparked a sense of wonder and inspiration, igniting a lifelong love for the Sierra Nevada landscape. 

Driven by youthful ambition and the promise of timber wealth, Clemens staked a claim on the North Shore near present-day Glenbrook. His pioneering spirit sprinkled with a good dose of hilarious foibles foreshadows his later literary themes of independence and self-reliance. 

READ MORE >

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In The News – Rare Funding helps Tahoe Partners turn the tide on aquatic invasive species

January 31, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/29/24, Written by Katelyn Welsh

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Lisa G. Heki says it’s rare in her career to see this much funding invested in national ecosystems. The biologist and project leader for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says, “That is a once in a lifetime focus,” and they’re working on making it count here in Lake Tahoe. 

The funds come from a $455 million pot through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for nationwide programs related to the Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative. The goal of the initiative is to conserve 30 percent of land and water by 2030. 

In 2022, Tahoe partners began receiving $3.4 million each year. A total of $17 million is being allocated over the course of five years.

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Photo Credit: Clean Up the Lake

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Community Support for Marvin Cruz IHS

January 30, 2024 | Mary Danahey

Submitted by Mary Danahey 01/29/2024

To Our Incline Community,

Marvin Cruz, Incline High School’s cherished custodian and Site Facility Coordinator, has recently faced a medical emergency. In times like these, our community comes together to support one another, and we want to extend our assistance to Marvin and his family during this challenging time.

To help Marvin cover medical expenses not covered by insurance, we have established a GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/ec55a711

Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a significant difference. If you feel inclined to contribute, please consider doing so.

We deeply appreciate your kindness and generosity during this challenging time. Together, we can make a positive impact and help Marvin on his path to recovery. Your support exemplifies the strong sense of community that defines our school and our community. Thank you for being part of the extended family that cares for one another.

GoFundMe Page: https://gofund.me/ec55a711

Warmly,

The Incline High School Boosters Family

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David Vomund – And the Winner Is…

January 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Submitted by Community Member and IVCBA Member David Vomund

When I began my career in the 1980s mutual funds advertised good performance and their insightful portfolio managers.  Some managers (Peter Lynch, for one) became celebrities.  At that time “low cost” funds were those without sales charges (called “loads”).  Indexing was in its infancy.  People thought it was crazy to own only an index rather than have a manager pick attractive stocks or do so themselves.  That was then.

The debate over active versus passive management appears to be over.  Thanks to their low fees index funds have outperformed most of their actively managed peers.  Last year only 38 percent of active managers outperformed their benchmark.  In fact, it’s been 15 years since the majority of active managers have outperformed.  That’s why total assets under management in passive ETFs, ETNs, and mutual funds ($13.29 trillion) just surpassed the assets with active management ($13.23 trillion).  

That wouldn’t have happened unless the market was efficient, or nearly so.  If analyzing a stock’s bullish fundamental or technical picture automatically would lead to outperformance, then actively managed funds would do better.  But if the analysis doesn’t lead to better decisions, then it’s best to keep costs minimal.  That’s where Vanguard comes in.

Vanguard is the market leader in index funds.  Since the funds simply track an index, they can have extremely low fees.  Vanguard’s S&P 500 Exchange-Traded Fund only charges 0.03 percent annually.  Other ETF providers like Schwab, SPDR, and iShares have joined the low-fee race.  

Of course, just because you own passively managed funds doesn’t make you a passive investor.  ETFs provide the flexibility to easily invest in specific areas of the market.  Momentum investors can buy growth ETFs like Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ) and quickly switch to defensive ETFs like Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility (SPLV).  

All this doesn’t mean that individual stocks shouldn’t be a part of your portfolio.  In my managed accounts, I hold both index ETFs and individual stocks.  For clients seeking income, I’m happy to own Ares Capital (ARCC) and selected preferreds.  I’m also overweighting healthcare by owning stocks like Merck (MRK) and Amgen (AMGN).

By holding a combination of individual stocks (no cost of ownership) along with some low-cost index funds, an investor can build an attractive portfolio that overweights specific sectors while avoiding areas that are less attractive.  And all that can be done while paying very little in fees.  That is to our advantage.  

David Vomund is an Incline Village-based Independent Investment Advisor.  Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555.  Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.

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In The News – New Incline Elementary Dean known as Flash Mob Educator

January 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/29/24, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – For 10 years, Coach Heather Fisher devised an innovative way to teach McQueen High School students the benefits of physical education and health.

Every year, the Department Leader got her 250 students to do a Flash Mob dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the Reno school’s foyer.

“What good teachers do is they find a variety of ways to teach students who have different learning styles and interests,” Fisher said. “So that hopefully something sticks and they take that into the future with them.”

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In The News – Burgess technically becomes Interim Registrar of Voters March 16

January 27, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/27/24, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Deputy Registrar of Voters Cari-Ann Burgess will technically be appointed to the position of Interim Registrar of Voters on March 16 after Jamie Rodriguez’s sick and vacation leave have been exhausted.

“Cari-Ann Burgess is performing the duties of the Interim Registrar of Voters as of January 16,” said Bethany Drysdale, media and communication manager for Washoe County, Office of the County Manager. “She will be the Interim Registrar of Voters effective March 16 because that’s the date Jamie Rodriguez will officially no longer be with the county. That role will be empty.”

The Board of County Commissioners accepted Rodriguez’s resignation, effective March 15.

READ MORE >

Photo: Getty Images

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Happy Tiers Cake of the Month Club

January 26, 2024 | Member Submitted

Happy Tiers Cafe and Bakery announce the Cake of the Month Club! Members of the club will recieve one huge layered cake piece every month for the whole year! This club is for those of you that have a love for cake and want to experience a new flavor and Andrea’s artistry each month.

We have a total 25 Cake of the Month membership available (at just $135 for the whole year!) and more than half have already been claimed. Cakes are distributed on the 20th of every month via pick up at the Happy Tiers Cafe. Claim your membership today.

Photo of vanilla carmel salted cake from January.

https://order.toasttab.com/…/happy-tiers-cafe-868-tahoe…

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The Local Lens – Good News for 2024

January 24, 2024 | Linda Offerdahl

I just got back from a cruise to Panama. Glad to get back to colder weather! It seems like the mood in Incline parallels that. I hear grumbling about many things, from inadequate clearing of the snow from the sidewalks to too many visitors. Sometimes it feels like we have so little control in a small town, maybe especially in a small town. The weather is a big factor: no snow, fewer visitors, and vice versa. The growth in Reno has led to more day visitors. IMO, a lack of resort accommodations has contributed to more Short-Term Rentals. What we can control is our attitude. I am pleased when I hear people giving constructive criticism and solutions, not just throwing roadblocks in the way of developments they are against and yet are needed for our economy and community to thrive. 

Employee housing is arguably the single most important issue to residents, and yet so hard to accomplish due to high costs and regulations. TRPA removed some of those restrictions in December, allowing more height and density in employee housing in commercial zones. The worry is that something built for workforce housing will eventually be unrestricted. But the hurdles shouldn’t preclude us from trying. Kudos to Randy Fleisher of Hamilton Realty Finance, the developer behind Nine 47 for taking on a development for employee housing at a separate location. Stay tuned.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING, the bear on the roundabout is slightly askew due to an accident with a car. An accident report was filed with the Sheriff’s Office and IVCBA is working to get it repaired. IVCBA’s Main Street program is spearheading a review of the roundabout design to make recommendations for improvements. It was completed in September 2012, thanks to Jim Clark, Lee Weber Koch, and Don Kanare. By the way, those animal sculptures were all purchased by private individuals to honor their special pet. It was originally called Spumoni Circle, named after Don Kanare’s cat.  Longtime resident Jerry Steward donated the funds for the bear in honor of his wife Lois, both of them quite active in the community. June Tovill Brown is the sculptor who created them. 

CITIZEN’S ADVISORY BOARD

The CAB is run by Diane Becker and other informed residents who are on top of current happenings at the County and other agencies. The meetings are now scheduled for the last Monday of the month. They often have presentations that are of interest to residents. At the one on Monday this week, Washoe County Manager Eric Brown gave a review of their accomplishments. Please contact us for Pdf versions of the reports. TRPA presented its Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic accidents. Yes, Washoe Tahoe is included in some of those plans! Vision Zero is part of the Regional Transportation Plan that TRPA is updating this year. Please submit comments to TRPA by Feb 2.

GOOD NEWS FOR 2024:

IT’S TRUE! The Incline Star Follies is coming back on May 3 and 4. COVID was one of the factors that caused the 20-year-long run of the show to end in 2020. The Follies is a lip-synching variety show that brings students together with adults for a good cause: education. The camaraderie and unity of the community that comes from this show are unparalleled. If you get asked to be in it, do so! No talent is required. More background on the Follies in another Lens.

INCLINE VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTER

The old library building (adjacent to the new one) contains a community center that is set to reopen soon. Factors that affected its closure are COVID and the repurposing of the building to the Incline Justice Court. More on that in another blog. Although the community center space has been reduced, it will still have a room big enough for cards or mahjong when the remodeling is finished. The community will have access to a board room for smaller meetings and other activities. Incline Library has plans for programs, including art classes. Stay tuned. 

John Crockett from the Incline Village Library wants everyone to know they can inquire about using the space.  They will have online reservations for the board room active next week.  As well they will have a link to reservations and availability on their website. Or just give them a call: 775-832-4130.

And a big shout out to Jim Dykstra, local volunteer extraordinaire and biggest champion for the Center. Jim says that the Mahjong Games should start up next Monday.

ULLR FEST

This is a popular fundraiser and community event the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation. Think kids and seniors ski racing! Keep the kids off the street and the seniors ON the street…or at least moving.

Find the details for ULLR Fest HERE.

IVCBA 2024

We are busy meeting with members, staff, and the board to plan for 2024. Our annual meeting is on Thursday, Feb 29, at the Chateau at 6 pm.  Washoe County Manager Brown will be our guest speaker.  IVCBA puts a lot of emphasis on the community part of our association; what is good for residents is often good for businesses and their employees, too. We promote all organizations that join….which includes the nonprofits and agencies. But our biggest base of support is our residents. Please consider joining IVCBA as a community supporter for $50 at IVCBA.org. 

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