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Giving Thanks by Giving Back: A Community Thanksgiving

October 31, 2024 | Member Submitted

Submitted by St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church “Community Thanksgiving” 

VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS NEEDED

Now entering its 15th year, Community Thanksgiving is a popular and successful annual community event in North Tahoe, beloved by volunteer hosts, cooks, and guests alike. The model is not a “charity” meal, but a gathering of all who wish a festive, delicious, FREE communal feast–locals and visitors alike.

Held at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach, Community Thanksgiving serves not only those present in a decorated dining room, but also those who receive deliveries of warm meals–from Crystal Bay to Tahoma, Incline to Truckee, and to our seniors and unhoused neighbors. Last year, over 700 people enjoyed a delicious meal on our well-managed budget!

Check out the VIDEO

Deborah Hakam is the Event Coordinator who organizes donations of food from restaurants and businesses; purchases needed grocery and service items; recruits volunteer chefs, servers, and drivers; and manages food preparation and service from the kitchen. Clare Novak and Michelle Okashima assist with community publicity and volunteer packets.

Our goal this year is to raise $2500 to cover our costs. WILL YOU PLEASE HELP US?

Your check may be made payable to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church with “Community Thanksgiving” in the Memo line. Please mail to: St. Patrick’s, 341 Village Blvd., Incline Village, NV 89451. St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church is a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax deductible. Acknowledgement of donations will be by receipt from St. Patrick’s.

Thank you for your generosity!

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The Local Lens – History of Our Local Hospital

October 30, 2024 | Linda Offerdahl

How many of you have a story about our beloved Incline Village Community Hospital? Broken leg from skiing, a child’s ear infection in the middle of the night, or an allergic reaction to a bee sting….we all can probably tell at least one story where it was SO NICE to have our local hospital with its emergency department and upstairs health center. For me and Richard, we remember the appendicitis attack, the infection from a root canal, a bladder infection that caused mental confusion and numerous trips when the kids were young.  Trips to the ER for loved ones are often emotional experiences and can be filled with long waits in busy, crowded waiting rooms. We have been spoiled by having this wonderful resource in such a small community. 

Because of the generosity and determination of community members, the Hospital opened its doors in September of 1981. It had just the basics, but hospitals are expensive to run. After the hospital closed two times in the 80s, Marianne and Larry Ingemanson set out to save it financially. Several locals, including us, “invested” in this critical facility that allowed many elderly people and young families to live here, knowing they had quality health care close to home. In 1996, the Hospital became a proud part of Tahoe Forest Health System. Now IVCH is the place that we all know and love: an incredible ER with faces that many of us have grown to know and love, the second-floor Health Center with primary and specialty physicians, the brand-new Diagnostic Imaging Suite (now with 3D Mammography), a wonderful lab for any of your lab work needs, and just recently a walk-in clinic that meets the needs of all of our residents.

Tahoe Forest is one of the top 100 critical access hospitals in the country. It has achieved notable quality measures that demonstrate the highest patient safety standards and consistently exceeds patient satisfaction ratings. The Cancer Center is world renowned, the Women’s and Newborn Care center is state-of-the-art, and many of our local babies are born there. Many surgeries, like my appendectomy and my broken wrist, are easily accommodated. We have much to be thankful for, and we congratulate them on serving our community for the last 75 years!

SHOUT-OUTS

  • Louis Ward is Incline Hospital’s Administrator and interim CEO for the entire Health System. He is visible in our community and looks out for our interests.
  • Karli Epstein is the Executive Director of both hospital foundations. She is a familiar face and name in Incline. She and the IVCH Foundation are behind the fabulous Beach Boys (and other) fundraisers that raise several hundred thousand dollars for our hospital alone. Because of these funds, we have state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging equipment like 3D mammography, the 128-slice CT, and the new fixed X-ray. Many of the hospital’s upgrades are thanks to incredible community generosity and support. 
  • The North Lake Tahoe Community Health Care Auxiliary works behind the scenes, raising money for scholarships and hospital equipment needs from its annual lobster feed in the summer and golf tournament in the fall. It also runs that cute gift shop!

Tahoe Forest Health System is celebrating its 75th Anniversary on Friday night. When you see a local health hospital employee, nurse, physician, or provider, thank them!

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In The News – How Sierra Nevada’s newest sawmill advances Tahoe’s forest health

October 30, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/25/2024, Katelyn Welsh

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Drivers heading up or down Highway 50 as it opens up into Carson City may have noticed stacks of logs piled to the south. The 40 acres where those logs reside is Washoe Tribe land and now the location of Tahoe Forest Products, the first new industrial-scale sawmill in the Sierra Nevada in several decades.

“The question of why get into the sawmill business,” company chairman Kevin Leary says, “when most of the industry is currently losing money is a very good one.”

The answer highlights a shift forest management and its urgency. Leary explains after fires like Caldor, Tamarack and others that have burned millions of acres in California, it’s ignited a political and public push to get a handle on the unhealthy and overstocked forests that have lead up to this mega-fire crisis.

READ MORE >

Photo Credit: Tahoe Daily Tribune

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Wildwood Open Lands Foundation 2024: A Year of Growth and Impact

October 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Member News Brief; Submitted by Wildwood Open Lands Foundation

As 2024 draws to a close, we at the Wildwood Open Lands Foundation are proud to share the progress we’ve made in supporting responsible recreation and open lands preservation. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to this year:

  • Stewardship Events: We hosted four stewardship events, bringing together community members passionate about caring for our shared spaces.
  • Training Sessions on Responsible Recreation: To support responsible outdoor activity, we delivered six hands-on training sessions, equipping participants with knowledge to recreate responsibly and protect natural resources.
  • Leave-No-Trace Education: In collaboration with Sierra Watershed Education Partners, we conducted twelve sessions on Leave-No-Trace principles, empowering individuals to make sustainable choices in nature.
  • Backcountry Experiences: Leading two immersive backcountry events into public lands, we focused on outdoor ethics and sustainable off-road travel, providing participants a deeper connection with our local wilderness.
  • Community Engagement: We had the honor of presenting Wildwood’s work at several Nevada community events, emphasizing the power of partnerships in preserving our region’s beautiful open lands.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re eager to explore new opportunities for engaging with the Incline Village community. Whether through partnerships or championing community-led initiatives, we see great potential for extending our mission and fostering an even greater connection with our shared environment.

Stay tuned for updates—

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KUNR Public Radio to open studio at University of Nevada, Reno Lake Tahoe

October 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally published by KUNR Public Radio, 10/24/2024, by KUNR Staff

KUNR Public Radio, a unit under the Reynolds School of Journalism, has announced its plans to build a new studio at the University of Nevada, Reno Lake Tahoe campus.

Support from the University will help to build a new studio and office space, allowing KUNR to broadcast live from the lake by summer 2025. In addition to the station, the University will fund a dedicated Lake Tahoe reporter for the first two years.

“The University is proud to support local journalism at the lake through this new role at our University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus and we’re excited to create a space for student journalists to practice their craft, to learn alongside KUNR,” said Provost Jeff Thompson.

With the addition of the new studio, the Reynolds School and KUNR plan to expand their internship program, the Lake Tahoe News Project, allowing more students to learn and report from the Lake. 

READ MORE >

Photo: from the KUNR at Lake Tahoe event on October 23, 2024 at Prim Library on the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus.

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Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Debuts Special Day of the Dead Menu and Live Music at Cutthroat’s Saloon

October 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Submitted by Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on the shore of Lake Tahoe, will debut a special menu and live music for Dia de los Muertos. The holiday-themed menu will be served at the Cutthroat’s Saloon between October 28 and November 2. El Trio de Dos, a local mariachi band will perform in celebration of the holiday on both November 1 and 2 between 6 and 8 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos by offering these special experiences at Cutthroat’s Saloon,” said Andrew De Lapp, resort manager at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “This culinary experience not only honors the vibrant flavors of Mexican culture, but also invites our guests to join in a meaningful celebration of life and remembrance.”

The special menu consists of green pozole and house-made tamales. Diners can also enjoy dulce de calabaza, and a traditional Mexican sweet bread filled with custard, called pan de muerto. There will also be two cocktails on the menu, a ‘cinnamon sugar skull,’ and a ‘pumpkin spice martini.” 

To read more about Cutthroat’s Saloon and the other dining options at Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com/Dining

To preview the music of El Trio de Dos, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ElTrioDeDos/ 

For more information or to book a getaway to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.

About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

Ideally situated on the pristine shores of North Lake Tahoe, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino offers majestic lake and mountain views from its 422 guest rooms, including 32 suites and 24 lakeside cottages. The resort epitomizes modern alpine luxury with its exposed wood beams, rich leathers, and granite accents. Guests can enjoy premium amenities such as a private beach with a 275-foot floating pier, a year-round heated lagoon-style pool, two hot tubs, a 25,000 square-foot Grand Lodge Casino, and 65,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, including the picturesque Lakeside Ballroom, Tahoe’s premier lakeside venue. Additional features include a 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa with 16 treatment rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, pet-friendly accommodations, a fully-equipped Hyatt StayFit gym with Peloton bikes, and an on-site Adventure program offering guided activities. Recognized for excellence, the resort has garnered numerous awards including Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best in the West Smart Meetings Smart Stars Awards, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Awards.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, at 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV, 89451. For more information, visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com or follow the resort on Facebook or Instagram.

About Hyatt Regency hotels 

The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 200 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation.
For more information, please visit hyatt.com

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In The News – Art detectives hunt for Jackson Pollock paintings at Lake Tahoe

October 29, 2024 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/29/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – Art forgery expert, Curtis Dowling, has authenticated priceless works across the globe. On Sunday, Oct. 27, his team may have found their most intriguing find yet on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. 

“London, Paris have these big art collections. People owning massive collections of really famous paintings,” Dowling said. “Then you come somewhere like this and all of a sudden you meet somebody in a normal house that could have 40 Jackson Pollock (paintings) worth a billion quid (about $1,297,000,000). That’s the exciting thing about it. We don’t come anywhere unless we’re pretty certain that we’re not looking at the washroom door, and that it’s going to be good.” 

Dowling was elated at the possibility. He spent more than three decades in the fine art world, with 15 years exposing fakes. Beyond his work as an art detective, Dowling has built a career as a lecturer, author, and television personality, investigating art fraud cases worldwide.

READ MORE >

Photo credit: Tahoe Daily Tribune

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IVCBA 3RD QUARTER ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND UPDATES

October 28, 2024 | Kristin Derrin

As we conclude the 3rd quarter of 2024, we’re proud to share the remarkable strides made in membership growth, community outreach, and business programs, each contributing to the ongoing mission of enhancing Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Membership Growth
Our subscriber base has grown to over 2,100, with 385 new subscribers this quarter alone. Our communication efforts are highly effective, with an average open rate of 60% and a 16% click-through rate. Additionally, we added 5 new members and renewed 28 memberships, reflecting strong engagement within our community.

Communications and Marketing
This quarter saw the successful publication of the Live.Work.Play summer edition, highlighting Local Heroes and our July 4th celebrations. The Weekly Snapshot newsletter continues to provide updates and event promotions, now offering advertising opportunities. Social media outreach increases visibility for our members, with over 20,000 impressions in Q3. A “Like What You Read?” campaign also helped expand our subscriber base and community supporters. 

Business Programs and Civic Engagement
We held a New Member Social in September, welcoming 14 attendees. Our civic engagement campaign included two successful candidate forums in August and September, with planning underway for a Leadership Academy in partnership with Washoe County. Our VIP reception, unfortunately, was canceled due to the Davis Fire, but we quickly utilized Snapshot and social media to update the community on fire resources.

Community and Beautification Efforts
Our Local Heroes Parade and July 4th celebration were tremendous successes, alongside the Inclined to Bloom initiative, which encouraged businesses and residents to enhance their properties. Community cleanups, including Rotary Club projects, helped maintain public spaces, while beautification projects continue into fall, focusing on planting bulbs and defensible space clean-ups.

Infrastructure Projects
Significant progress was made on our Roundabout Redesign project, with community input through a short survey. Additionally, research for commercial signage led to a strategy for installing solar lamp posts, with the ability to hang merchant signs on them.

COMING IN 4TH QUARTER

  • Seasonal edition of Live.Work.Play published in time for Thanksgiving
  • Participation in Basin-Wide ‘Business Walks’ Survey with Tahoe Prosperity Center
  • Launch of Washoe Tahoe Leadership Academy on November 18 with guest speaker 
  • North Tahoe Chamber of Commerce and IVCBA mixer at Bowl Incline on November 21
  • Housing Committee program on “Unlocking Housing Solutions” on December 3
  • Candy Cane Lane & Village community event on December 6
  • Northern Lights Festival events throughout December

We look forward to continued success in the months ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement!

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In The News – NV Department of Taxation subcomittee to determine if IVGID should be placed on ‘fiscal watch’

October 26, 2024 | Kristin Derrin

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/25/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Taxation’s Committee on Local Government Finance appointed a subcommittee to look at Incline Village General Improvement District’s (IVGID) financial irregularities on Wednesday. 

“The subcommittee that we’ve just appointed, one of the duties I’m going to ask the subcommittee to do is to make a recommendation as to whether you should be placed on ‘fiscal watch’,” said the committee’s Chairman Marvin Leavitt. “Or whether we need to take some action other than that or whether they feel like you’re making efforts to resolve the situation … their intent is to not only assist you, but also make a recommendation as to what we need to do subsequent to that.” 

State law authorizes placing local governments under “fiscal watch” when they exhibit specific conditions including serious internal control deficiencies, insolvency, failure to meet payment obligations, questionable investment decisions, unauthorized expenditures, misappropriation of funds, and non-compliance with regulatory requirements. 

READ MORE>

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TRPA Board Welcomes New General Counsel

October 25, 2024 | Member Submitted

Submitted by TRPA

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board today voted unanimously to offer the position of TRPA General Counsel to attorney Graham St. Michel to oversee compliance cases, violation settlements, and other legal issues for the bi-state agency. He will fill the position held by John L. Marshall, who served as TRPA counsel for a total of 25 years.

St. Michel, who is a graduate of South Tahoe High School, has served as TRPA’s associate counsel since February of this year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the University of Southern California and a juris doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School. St. Michel has practiced law for 16 years, including private practice, and has served as in-house counsel with the California Department of Conservation and the California Tahoe Conservancy.

“I have dedicated my professional life to environmental law and public service, and TRPA’s mission has been a guiding inspiration for me from the start,” St. Michel said.

“The board welcomes Graham, and I am confident he will continue to safeguard the public’s interest in protecting and restoring Lake Tahoe,” TRPA Governing Board Chair and Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson said. “We thank John Marshall for his years of service and for helping to build the legal underpinnings of this unique agency.”

Marshall was a key member of the legal team which successfully defended Regional Plan policies protecting sensitive stream environment zones in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, Tahoe Sierra Preservation Council v. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, is often cited in environmental law and public policy literature.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer, at (775) 589-5278 or jcowen@trpa.gov.

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