Local Community Foundation Reinforces Commitment to Elevate Generosity in Tahoe

June 5, 2025 | Kristin Derrin

Simplified and Passion Focused

Local community foundation, formerly known as Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, is updating its name to Tahoe Community Foundation to better reflect its work in supporting Tahoe communities. As part of its continued commitment to serving the Lake Tahoe region with clarity, connection, and purpose, the organization is simplifying its name to Tahoe Community Foundation and unveiling a refreshed brand identity.

While the simplified name brings more clarity to its role, the Community Foundation’s core values and commitment to kindness and philanthropy remain the same. There have been no changes made to current board members, staff, or committee members. Most importantly, the Community Foundation remains dedicated to its donors, grantees, partners, and the region. “The decision to rebrand follows a period of careful consideration and strategic planning,” says CEO, Claudia Andersen. “Our passion and core values remain the same. This new name simply helps us tell our story more clearly and to reach more people with our work.”

In collaboration with local designers and a committee of local volunteers, the organization was able to establish a refreshed brand identity that will bring visual strength and recognition to Tahoe Community Foundation. Built on the principles of the golden ratio, the new logo symbolizes balance, consistency, and trust, and represents bringing sustainability to Tahoe communities in perpetuity. The organization’s new tagline – Elevating Generosity – conveys that they exist to inspire people to be more charitable and to elevate Tahoe communities through kindness.

The Community Foundation continues to deepen its commitment to helping donors make confident and meaningful investments in their community. As the Community Foundation expands its programs, building on the $137M in grants that have been awarded to nonprofit organizations, more individuals and families are turning to the Community Foundation as a partner in their giving.

By simplifying its name, Tahoe Community Foundation is able to strengthen its ability to serve as a trusted partner and resource for the region, focusing on who they are and what they do, and Elevating Generosity in Tahoe and beyond.

To learn more about Tahoe Community Foundation, visit www.TahoeCF.org.

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About Tahoe Community Foundation

Tahoe Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating community philanthropy, serving as a resource for donors to make confident and meaningful investments in their community, and offering nonprofit organizations support, insight, and strategy. Tahoe Community Foundation is a pillar in the community, serving to create meaningful and lasting impact, and to Elevate Generosity in Tahoe and beyond.

Natalie Erquiaga

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The Local Lens – Community Clean-Up and Beautification

June 4, 2025 | Linda Offerdahl

We don’t need a reason or a day to pick up litter and trash, but if you are one of those people who need a schedule, Saturday is the day. Why not take a purposeful walk by picking up a trash bag and litter grabber at the library first? Your rewards for helping are mostly intrinsic, but there IS a reward at the end, a BBQ at the Incline Library Block Party. There will be plenty of things for kids to do with the nonprofit “meet and greet” tables, and it gives them a chance to sign up for the summer reading program. Thank you to all the participants, but especially to Waste Not and Incline Library.

While you are out there, stop and smell the lilacs along the way! It is the season for so many blooming flowers, our village truly is “Inclined to Bloom” this time of year. IVCBA has installed flowers in the Christmas Tree Village and in the Village Center(more coming). A big shout-out goes to Jason Jurss with Happy Tiers for installing the brackets and flowers in Christmas Tree Village.

When we first started this campaign, people wondered how we would pay for it. I said that businesses and the community would get behind it. The first businesses to do so are Happy
Tiers, Village Pet Foundation, Sierra Verde, Pet Network Thrift Store, the Fitness Loft, and the Rotary Clubs. Incline Tahoe Foundation is our partner. If you want to help, make a charitable donation at Inclinethahoe.org. Look for Main Street Beautification on the Projects tab of find the QR code of the graphic in SnapShot.

The second thing people wondered about is how we will water these flowers. Not an easy task! We are relying on merchants and property managers like IPM and Tano at Village Center. But we can use volunteers! If you help water these flowers, reach out to me at Linda@IVCBA.org.

Fire Adapted Communities and Defensible Space

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District makes such a difference in our community. They work tirelessly to keep our community safe from fire in many ways. They provide free pickup for lawn waste. We take it for granted, but not every community does that. Tom Milhoff and the Upper Tyner neighborhood have set a high bar and standard for other neighborhoods to become Fire Safe and become a Fire Adapted Community. Linda Kahrs is organizing the Lariat Circle neighbors; we hope to connect with other Lower Tyner neighborhoods too.

If you can’t tell, I am “ALL IN” on this clean-up and beautification thing. I hope you are, too.

If I have any energy left on Saturday, I will stop in at Cornerstone’s Community Market. It sounds like a yard sale AND a venue for anyone selling custom crafts. In the evening, there is a concert “Words to Water” at Bowl Incline to support Steve and Tracy Tomkovicz’s favorite charity, supplying water to needy communities in the world.

One more thing: IVCBA just filled Welcome Bags with goodies and literature from many of our businesses, nonprofits, and agencies. If you are new to town or know someone who is, reach out to Info@IVCBA.org to get one!

Have a great weekend!

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Incline High School Update

June 4, 2025 | Member Submitted

Believe it or not, it’s already the last week of classes for 2025. Finals start Friday, and next Wednesday is the LAST DAY of school.

Here are a couple of noteworthy events happening at Incline High this week:

Wednesday, June 4 – Spring Band Concert – 6:30–8:00 PM

Friday, June 6 – Senior English Presents: Macbeth – 5:00 & 7:00 PM in the Duffield Theater

Graduation is Monday, June 16 at 3:00 PM on the Football Field, the gate will open at 2:00 p.m.

Last week, The Incline Boosters Club hosted the powerful “Every 15 Minutes” program at Incline High School. This two-day event challenges students to confront the harsh realities of impaired and distracted driving. Adopted nationwide, the program encourages teens to think critically about personal safety and responsibility, with the goal of reducing risky behaviors and promoting safer choices behind the wheel.

The event began with a simulated crash scene on campus, involving local law enforcement, emergency responders, and student actors portraying the accident. The dramatic reenactment included a mock fatality, a DUI arrest, and the emotional reactions of students, parents, and first responders. This visual and emotional experience was designed to leave a lasting impression on the students, prompting them to reflect on the potential consequences of impaired or distracted driving.

The second day of the program featured an assembly where students heard from speakers and individuals personally affected by impaired driving incidents and watched a video simulating the aftermath. The testimonies underscored the real-life impacts of such decisions and reinforced the program’s message about the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.

The community’s support and involvement were crucial to the success of the event, highlighting the collective effort needed to address this critical issue. The program was made possible by the Incline Boosters Club and donors to the 2024 Fund-A-Need. The Executive Director of the program and the film, Tara Cannon collaborated with Orange Tree Productions, local first responders and community members including: the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Care Flight, Renown Children’s Hospital, Walton Funeral Home, Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office and Incline Village Judge Mangiaracina.

On June 12, the community will be invited to watch the premier screening of the film, ”Journey of Consequences”. More details, including times and ticket distribution, will be communicated soon. For more information, contact: tara.cannon347@gmail.com.

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In The News – Cancer survivor joins thousands at America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, funds raised for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

June 4, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/04/2025, Written by Zoe Meyer

On June 1, more than 2,300 cyclists pedaled along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe during the 29th annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride (AMBBR), uniting under a shared mission: raise $3 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to help blood cancer patients live longer, healthier lives.

The ride, which offers 35-, 72-, and 100-mile routes, has raised over $115 million since its inception and has become a popular event for both amateur and seasoned endurance cyclists. Many riders train with LLS’s Team In Training, the world’s largest endurance sports training program.

“This ride has evolved into a ride that is not just enjoyed by those local to Tahoe, but the entire cancer-fighting community,” Zach Blackburn, Vice President of Athletic Initiatives at LLS, said. “It’s a ride that is uniting all with a common goal—to cure blood cancers.”

READ MORE >

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In The News- Darin Talbot’s ‘Becoming Buffett’ returns to Tahoe

June 3, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/03/2025, Staff Report

Darin Talbot, one of Lake Tahoe’s favorite entertainers, is bringing his new show about the life and legend of the late, great Jimmy Buffett to the shores of Lake Tahoe for a very special Father’s Day show on Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at Mourelato’s Resort in Tahoe Vista, CA in association with Michelle Erskine Entertainment.

Talbot, best known and christened locally as “Tahoe’s Jimmy Buffett” (Tahoe Mountain News), has created an amazing new show that is a performative impersonation and tribute to the extraordinary life and career of Jimmy Buffett. The successful show has been recently selected up by Margaritaville USA to be performed aboard the ‘ISLANDER’ a Margaritaville cruise ship setting sail to Mexico this summer.

“I just love bringing Jimmy’s story back to life on stage,” says Talbot, who has vowed to all Parrotheads to Keep The Party Going… “There’s so much to Buffett’s saga that most people do not know; Interesting facts and circumstances that led to his rise and fame. How he worked hard to become a great singer songwriter, but also how he trademarked the tropics with his unique style and created a billion dollar corporation that spans multiple countries with bars, hotels, and even retirement communities. As Jimmy use to say, ‘I would rather die while I am living then live while I am dead.’ And live he did. And what an extraordinary life it was… “

READ MORE >

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Citizen Involvement Opportunities

June 3, 2025 | Member Submitted

Washoe County is accepting applications for several key boards and commissions. Check out the opportunities below and apply before the deadlines:

🏘️📋 Board of Adjustment (District 4) – JUST HOURS LEFT!! Help shape local development decisions in unincorporated Washoe County by serving on the Board of Adjustment, who hears and decides on land use applications, including variances and appeals. Applicants must reside in unincorporated District 4 (includes Sparks, Spanish Springs, Hidden Valley, East Truckee Canyon). Members are compensated $80 per meeting. The 4-year term runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 30, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

⚖️📈🏡 Board of Equalization
Promote fairness and equity in our community! This Board hears appeals from property owners who disagree with their property tax valuations. Washoe County is seeking two (2) regular members and one (1) alternate member for terms from January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026. Deadline to apply is Friday, June 20, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.

🚑📊🩺 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board
Northern Nevada Public Health is looking to appoint an Emergency Room Physician to serve on the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board. This board advises on current issues in our regional EMS system. The 3-year term runs from July 24, 2025 to July 23, 2028, with the option to renew.
Deadline to apply is Friday, June 27, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.Note: Individuals who have applied for any of the above boards/committees within a year of the application deadline do not need to reapply.

Click on [Apply] below to learn more or apply online. APPLY >

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Honoring a True Community Hero: 2025 Local Heroes Parade Grand Marshal Announced

June 3, 2025 | Julie Malkin-Manning

We are proud to announce that the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Local Heroes Parade will be Mr. Pete Todoroff—beloved longtime resident, decorated veteran, and tireless community advocate of Incline Village.

Mr. Todoroff served our country as a U.S. Navy Corpsman from 1962 to 1966 at the San Diego Naval Hospital, and he brought that same spirit of service home to Incline Village, where he lived for more than 40 years. One of the five founding members of the Veterans Club of Incline Village and Crystal Bay, he has been instrumental in fostering a culture of support, respect, and civic pride throughout our community.

His legacy includes launching the IV/CB Community Forum, chairing the IV/CAB for nine years, and playing a pivotal role in raising over $150,000 for our Public Library. His commitment to making Incline Village and Crystal Bay a better place has not gone unnoticed—he was honored by local residents with an award of great appreciation “for his many contributions to our community.”

Please join us on July 3^rd for the Local Heroes Parade as we celebrate Mr. Todoroff’s extraordinary service, both in uniform and as a community leader. It’s an honor well-deserved and a moment not to miss.

Get more information about the 2025 Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration presented by IVCBA.

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Environmentalism, Sustainability and Public Schools

June 3, 2025 | Mary Danahey

Originally Published in IVCBA Magazine: LIVE.WORK.PLAY, Written by Mary Danahey

A Community Effort to Protect Tahoe’s Future

Environmentalism is not just a topic taught in classrooms here in Incline—it is hands-on projects and cross-curricular programs that prepare students to take on the responsibility of protecting the unique ecosystem of the Tahoe Basin. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration, the schools are shaping a generation that values sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Incline Elementary School: Deeper Learning through Cross-Curricular Programs

At Incline Elementary School (IES), environmental education begins early. IES integrates environmental themes into innovative cross-curricular programs, connecting grade-level classes, art, and makerspace activities to real-world applications. Last fall, students studied natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes and tsunamis, applying their knowledge through creative projects that demonstrated their learning about the interconnectedness of the environment and human activities.

The “Bear to Read” program is a new initiative that combines environmental themes with literacy. By reading books about the natural world (bear habitats), students improve their reading skills while developing a deeper appreciation for nature.

Incline Middle School: Exploratory Classes and Sustainability Projects

Incline Middle School (IMS) fosters environmental awareness through weekly exploratory classes, where students explore sustainability, tackle issues, and engage in problem-solving activities that benefit the local community. A notable example is the “Trash to Treasure” initiative, which challenges students to turn waste into functional art or practical items. This project teaches the value of recycling and reusing materials while fostering creativity. This year, the Bear Box Beautification project continues this theme by improving the community’s bear-proof containers, giving students hands-on experience in design projects, teamwork and problem-solving; skills that are valuable in any field.

The middle school’s Leadership, Music and Broadcast Journalism classes also collaborated on the Trash to Treasure project. Students were empowered to advocate for caring for Tahoe by producing a rap song and creating “anti-litter” messaging (for stickers) encouraging everyone -locals and visitors alike – to Love our Lake and to not “Mess with Tessie”.

Incline High School: Engineering Solutions for Snow Loads

Incline High School (IHS) incorporates environmentalism in both the AP Environmental Science program and the Engineering class. IHS Engineering students received a coveted Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam grant for designing an innovative system to monitor snow loads on roofs—an issue critical in the Tahoe Basin, where heavy snowfall can create hazardous conditions. Using sensors and data analysis, students developed a solution to detect snow accumulation in real-time, demonstrating the practical application of engineering principles to local environmental challenges.

The Future of Environmentalism at Incline Village Schools

As part of the recently awarded K12 STEM School Designation, Incline schools strive to connect educational initiatives from kindergarten to high school. These diverse programs are equipping students with the knowledge and creativity to tackle environmental challenges in the Tahoe Basin. Through these efforts, Incline schools are shaping a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will play a key role in preserving Lake Tahoe’s pristine beauty. The work done in classrooms today will inspire future generations to lead the charge for a sustainable future in the region.