Author: Linda Offerdahl

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The Local Lens – Small Actions, Big Community Impact

October 21, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

Civic engagement is a common theme for my blogs. Most people “do their part” by supporting the community in some way, whether it’s helping IVCBA beautify Incline by planting 10,000 daffodil bulbs, joining a service club, helping a neighbor, attending a fundraiser, or voting.   Here’s my take on civic engagement for the next couple of weeks:

VOTING…Don’t Wait, Washoe

Early voting in person is happening right now through October 30 in Incline Library. Election Day is November 3. But did you know you can vote at ANY voting location? If Reno or Carson is more convenient, find a location there. If you plan to mail your ballot, do so soon. For more information about voting options, registration, or assistance with the upcoming election, contact the Washoe County Registrar of Voters at 775-328-3670 or visit washoecounty.gov/voters.

Two fundraisers to attend

Sierra Community House Wine and Chocolate Festival this Saturday, October 24

SCH is North Tahoe Truckee’s largest family advocacy agency with support and education on domestic violence, food distribution in three locations, two family resource centers, Truckee and Kings Beach, and means to address housing insecurity.

Tahoe Forest Health District Best of on Sunday, November 1

This is our regional health care district, hospital, and cancer center in Truckee. I hope you know they also own and operate Incline Village Community Hospital. Our local hospital is getting a new surgery center thanks to the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation. The hospital also contains emergency services, a clinic with many specialists, and a walk-in clinic on the weekends. 

Washoe County Citizen Advisory Board next Monday, Oct 27 

New location for this meeting is the UC Davis building on the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus. CAB is a local board that features speakers on Washoe County programs that affect Washoe Tahoe. Learn about the “worm” wildfire protection work by our fire district Captain Sommers. What do YOU want to hear about in future meetings? Come and weigh in on topics!

Looking out to November….

Nov 3: Election Day

Nov 5: IVGID is hosting a meeting on recreation programs at the Chateau

November 11 is Veterans Day; the noon Rotary usually does a program with Vets at their Monday (Nov 9) meeting.

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IVGID Board of Trustees Candidate Forum to be Held October 13 at Incline High School

October 6, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

On Tuesday, October 13, IV-CB Community Forum and IVCBA will host a moderated community forum, giving the community an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the 2026 IVGID Board of Trustees candidates.

We will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from our local IVGID Board of Trustees candidates, each eager to share their vision for the future of our community.

Questions will only be accepted during the meeting from those attending in-person.

Let’s make the most of this chance to get informed and involved in shaping the direction of our community.

All three candidates will participate in the forum on Tuesday, October 13, from 6- 9 PM in the Duffield Theatre at Incline High School.

The Forum will be broadcast live and available later on the IV-CB Community Forum YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/@iv-cbcommunityforum9730

The candidates running for the board are:

  • Ryan Brooks
  • Dave Noble (incumbent and board secretary)
  • Harry Swenson

All three candidates are expected to be present for the community forum.

Here’s a brief overview of the candidates, based on information they provided to Incline Together (author Kristie Wells):

Ryan Brooks

Ryan spent three decades building a record of fiscal stewardship and independent judgment that has earned trust across the political spectrum, with his work with mayors and governors from both parties through organizations built entirely around best practices and practical governance, not partisan politics. He brings responsible management experience in budgets, infrastructure, and public services. Ryan and his family live in Incline Village.

Dave Noble

David grew up in Southern California. He earned his B.A. (International Relations/Environmental Studies) from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Loyola Law School (Los Angeles). David has been a full-time resident of Incline Village since 1997. In 2022, he retired from the Nevada Public Utilities Commission after 25 years of service with the State. The majority of his career was spent regulating water/sewer, electric, gas, and telecommunications utilities in Nevada. David and his wife have two daughters who currently attend NYU and Cal (U.C. Berkeley).

Harry Swenson

Harry has been a full-time resident of Incline Village for over a decade, but his love for the area dates back to the late 1960s. A retired NASA scientist and executive, Harry has overseen complex projects with budgets exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars. He has received three NASA medals for his technical and management expertise. A dedicated community volunteer, Harry’s extensive professional background, financial acumen, and deep commitment to Incline Village make him a strong candidate for the board.

2026 IVGID Board of Trustees Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 13 | 6–9 PM
Duffield Theater at Incline High School
499 Village Blvd., Incline Village

We encourage community members to attend, learn more about the candidates, and join this important local conversation.

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The Local Lens – Dancing with Daffodils is Back!

October 6, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

I love the fall colors, the yellow of the aspen and the reds of the maple trees. It reminds me of fall in Minnesota, where I grew up. This is the time of year to gather up those pine cones and get ready for winter. 

It is also the time to plant daffodil bulbs! We were dancing in over 7500 daffodils last spring. What will it look like next spring after another 10,000 bulbs are planted this fall! Please help and join with our schools, our property managers, the Incliners, Rotarians, and our neighbors. We ask that you plant bulbs along visible areas, either in front of your house or along one of our commercial streets. Sign up for bulbs or donate at https://www.ivcba.org/daffodils/

IVGID Candidate Forum on October 13 at IHS Duffield Theater at 6 pm

Here’s your chance to meet the three candidates running for two seats on the IVGID board. Ryan Brooks, Dave Noble, and Harry Swenson offer differing points of view and philosophies on how best to run our general improvement district.  IVGID governs water, sewer, trash, and our recreational facilities. How they are governed affects our quality of life. Many of us moved here for the “country club” lifestyle in a public setting. Even if we don’t use all the recreational facilities, a well-run (aka fiscally responsible) community with amenities is in our best interest. 

IVCBA FALL FEST AND TCF CARNIVAL on October 17 in Village Center

Join us for this small town festival that brings us the best of fall. Local music, carnival games and food, pumpkins and scarecrows give us a good reason to enjoy a beautiful fall day!

SCH Chocolate and Wine Festival: Saturday, October 24

The Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival is back for its 36th year, and it’s always a great afternoon for a great cause. Hosted by Sierra Community House, the event brings our community together while raising critical funds to support local families and individuals when they need it most. Enjoy great wine, chocolate, and company while supporting an organization that does so much for our Tahoe community.

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?

IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot!

If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do so for free! Go to IVCBA.org.

We are financially supported by our local agency “investors” and our business community and residents. Please help!

JOIN HERE

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The Local Lens – Civic Engagement Opportunities

September 16, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

Civic engagement…the term is often used as a catchphrase for attending community meetings or events, volunteering, donating to worthy causes, serving on government/nonprofit boards, or running for office. Civic engagement is a critical aspect of IVCBA and encompasses “building a thriving community that supports and is supported by our agencies, businesses, nonprofits and residents.” 

IVCBA has programs this Fall that encourage civic engagement.

WASHOE TAHOE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: September 23-34

For the second year, we are partnering with Washoe County to teach a cohort of local residents or workers about the various entities that govern and serve Incline Village and Crystal Bay. A key component is teaching leadership,  advocacy, and civil discourse. Our goal is for these informed citizens to find ways to engage positively in the community and help improve our quality of life.

IVGID CANDIDATE FORUM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

IVCBA partners with IV-CB Community Forum (first and third Fridays at Incline Library) to host a community event for the IVGID candidates. This year, it is on October 13 at 6 pm in the Duffield Theater at Incline High School. It is moderated, and questions are submitted to ensure civil discourse.  Thank you to candidates Ryan Brooks, Dave Noble, and Harry Swenson for running!

IVCBA VIP RECEPTION

Twice a year, we bring community leaders together for updates and networking. New service club leaders get a chance to meet leaders in nonprofits and agencies.  This helps strengthen our community’s identity.

SHOUT OUT TO INCLINE SCHOOLS, CYMBAL AND IES PTA

Early September brings families to public and private schools to meet teachers and get the new school year off to a good start. It is often hard for working parents to volunteer at school. Thanks to great leadership from teachers and parents, the IES PTA and CYMBAL, the music booster club, both had significant attendance at their meetings this past week.  Get engaged with our schools by joining them.

I am convinced that these positive interactions and work on behalf of our nonprofits and families can build trust and help solve problems too big for just one group or organization.

It takes a Village. If you agree with me, please join IVCBA as a community supporter or business!

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The Local Lens – Labor Day Weekend

September 2, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

How can it be Labor Day already! Ignore these colder temperatures and remember that fall does not begin until Sept 21. Today’s Lens highlights many events for you to consider, depending on whether you want to be outside having fun, shopping, supporting nonptofits or cleaning up Tahoe. 

TODAY AND TOMORROW THIS WEEK:

  • Barton Health Care is putting on an orthopedic informative talk at the TERC building on the UNR Lake Tahoe campus at 5pm. Pickle ballers and others who may be experiencing pain from injuries might want to hear this.
  • Sheriff Balaam is speaking at the monthly MOAA dinner meeting on Thursday. The public is invited but you do need to RSVP. The Sheriff is often in Incline for public and private events,  but this promises to be more than just a meet and greet. Speaking of which, the Sheriff’s annual event is an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, September 26.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

There are two events that you can count on every Labor Day Weekend in Incline:

  • The Duck Drop by the Rotary Club of Incline Village on Labor Day Monday starts at 9am at Aspen Grove. Your kids and grandchildrenwill love seeing the big firetruck drop the ducks. Don’t have a duck in the drop yet? It’s not too late to buy one. Click here
  • Village Ski Loft may be the only people glad it feels colder this weekend because they are selling skis and warm clothing! The best deals, this weekend, just saying..

FUNDRAISERS THIS WEEKEND

  • St, Clare’s Summer Social at Alibi is a lowkey fundraiser this Sunday from 4-7. It is family friendly and a chance to meet the folks running the Montessori School at St. Francis. Enjoy a beer and join in on their silent auction and fun.
  • Wylie Animal Rescue at Glasses Wine Bar has a fun Wina-PAH-looza on Monday. I love Glasses Locals Summer theme,reinforcing that September is the best month for locals, with many  events this weekend especially.

HELP WITH THE CLEAN UPs

Wonder where I get all the info for these events?? On the IVCBA.org calendar! Go there to find out what I didn’t have room for in this blog.

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?

IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot!

If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do so for free! Go to IVCBA.org.

We are financially supported by our local agency “investors” and our business community and residents. Please help!

JOIN HERE

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The Local Lens – Back to School

August 19, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

BACK TO SCHOOL was Monday!  I remember fondly taking the photo of the kids on the front step before they got on the bus. It was bittersweet…happy to see them go (and get out of my hair!) and a bit sad that they were growing up so fast. My kids are now “adulting” in their mid-thirties, and I remember fondly the excitement they brought home and the outstanding education they received, mostly through the public schools. But children are more diverse than ever, and Incline Village strongly supports the myriad school choices and the teachers working behind the scenes. 

Special Edition of Live.Work.Play: “Families and Education”

Timed for the beginning of the school year, watch for this special edition of our magazine, LIVE.WORK.PLAY. We are highlighting the support families are given through schools- public, private, and faith-based- as well as special services like speech and language therapy and sports and recreational programs. Learn about the new facilities being built by Boys and Girls Club to support kids from “diapers to diplomas”…in addition to the well-established after-school program at the Duffield Youth Center. 

Stuff the Bus!

Our businesses support the schools in many ways, but I want to give a shout-out to the Incline Village Realtors Good Neighbors Committee.  Every year, Stacy Collins of Stewart Title helps organize this event to supplement school supplies in Incline schools. Thank you to all the realtors that sat outside Raley’s on a hot day in August!

CAB Meeting on Monday, August 25 at 5:30

The Washoe County Citizen Advisory Board is holding its monthly meeting next Monday. Get the latest update on the Cal Neva renovations! Chris Wood is the new chair.

Music at the Hyatt

If the crowds on the beach on Friday are getting to be too much, or you just want to continue the music vibe, check out Cutthroats Saloon in the Hyatt. This Friday night, enjoy music by local artist Miki Rae, along with a great meal you didn’t have to prepare or haul to the beach!

Labor Day is coming up!

Many families stay in town that weekend, enjoying beaches that aren’t as busy as they were a month ago. This year, Labor Day is on Monday, September 7. Two traditions to watch for: the Ski Loft annual sale on Labor Day weekend and the Rotary Duck Drop on Labor Day at Aspen Grove.

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?

IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot!

If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do so for free! Go to IVCBA.org.

We are financially supported by our local agency “investors” and our business community and residents. Please help!

JOIN HERE

< Back to Community News

IVCBA Main Street Summer Update

August 5, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

Gateway Roundabout Improvements Complete!

The Gateway Roundabout has been improved with mounding and boulders for a higher profile that showcases the bronze animals sculpted by June Brown. Trees and perennial shrubs and plants are supported with irrigation. We will continue to add seasonal color through perennials. FW Carson and  Garden Shop were the contractors that did the work. 

Funding and Agency Partners 

Private funds have been donated for the roundabout and other beautification projects through the Sierra Giving Circle. IVCBA partners with Incline Tahoe Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, to manage charitable donations. Thank you to all of the Sierra Giving Circle donors! Agency partners include Washoe County, NDOT, TRPA, and IVGID. Agencies have been very cooperative!   Local funding partners include the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline and several prominent local philanthropists.

INCLINED TO BLOOM

Pots and Plants added color to Tahoe Blvd and the shopping centers for the second year in a row. Colorful hanging baskets have been installed in Christmas Tree Village and Village Center. Raleys Incline Center, the US Bank Building, and the Starbucks Incline Plaza all participated this year with the purchase of either hanging baskets, railing planters, and terra cotta pots. The Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline is keeping the terra cotta flower pots at the bus shelters watered. The merchants at other businesses and plazas that have added to the proliferation of flowers deserve a big shout-out as well. Notably, the Rotary Club of Incline Village has extended the Peace Garden along the front of Chevron. 

Dancing With Daffodils

Many people have asked if we will continue planting daffodil bulbs in the fall. The answer is Yes!! Stay tuned in September for more details.

Community Programs that Promote Walkability

Incline Village Main Street encourages merchants and businesses to initiate their own projects that get people out of their cars to stroll through town and patronize our businesses. We offer grants to encourage this type of development.

The Gathering Place at Christmas Tree Village

Thanks to the management and merchants, Tony Robinson, property manager, has extended the clearing and sodding of the easement just behind the bus shelter. This has improved the look and the welcoming feeling one gets at Christmas Tree Village. Driplines have been successfully installed to water the hanging baskets along the boulevard in front of the businesses.  Two grants from IV Main Street have been awarded to create The Gathering Place. Russell Jones of Crosby’s received $5,000 last year for the initial improvements made. Tony Robinson/Christmas Tree Village received $5,000 this summer for their work extending the Gathering Place.

Incline Village Main Street Organization 

Incline Village Main Street has achieved Affiliate status with Main Street America. Their guiding pillars are Organization, Promotion, Design, and Revitalization. IVCBA provides the organization and promotion through its communications and events for the community. Design and revitalization have been addressed through the transformative strategy of beautification and the programs implemented to date. The next phase of beautification will be to address Tahoe Blvd throughout the commercial areas. Future plans include establishing a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to provide sustainable support for IVCBA and Main Street programs. 

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Main Street Summer Update

August 3, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

Gateway Roundabout Improvements Complete!

The Gateway Roundabout has been improved with mounding and boulders for a higher profile that showcases the bronze animals sculpted by June Brown. Trees and perennial shrubs and plants are supported with irrigation. We will continue to add seasonal color through perennials. FW Carson and  Garden Shop were the contractors that did the work. 

Funding and Agency Partners 

Private funds have been donated for the roundabout and other beautification projects through the Sierra Giving Circle. IVCBA partners with Incline Tahoe Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, to manage charitable donations. Thank you to all of the Sierra Giving Circle donors! Agency partners include Washoe County, NDOT, TRPA, and IVGID. Agencies have been very cooperative! Local funding partners include the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline and several prominent local philanthropists.

INCLINED TO BLOOM

Pots and Plants added color to Tahoe Blvd and the shopping centers for the second year in a row. Colorful hanging baskets have been installed in Christmas Tree Village and Village Center. Raleys Incline Center, the US Bank Building, and the Starbucks Incline Plaza all participated this year with the purchase of either hanging baskets, railing planters, and terra cotta pots. The Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline is keeping the terra cotta flower pots at the bus shelters watered. The merchants at other businesses and plazas that have added to the proliferation of flowers deserve a big shout-out as well. Notably, the Rotary Club of Incline Village has extended the Peace Garden along the front of Chevron. 

Dancing With Daffodils

Many people have asked if we will continue planting daffodil bulbs in the fall. The answer is Yes!! Stay tuned in September for more details.

Community Programs that Promote Walkability

Incline Village Main Street encourages merchants and businesses to initiate their own projects that get people out of their cars to stroll through town and patronize our businesses. We offer grants to encourage this type of development.

The Gathering Place at Christmas Tree Village

Thanks to the management and merchants, Tony Robinson, property manager, has extended the clearing and sodding of the easement just behind the bus shelter. This has improved the look and the welcoming feeling one gets at Christmas Tree Village. Driplines have been successfully installed to water the hanging baskets along the boulevard in front of the businesses.  Two grants from IV Main Street have been awarded to create The Gathering Place. Russell Jones of Crosby’s received $5,000 last year for the initial improvements made. Tony Robinson/Christmas Tree Village received $5,000 this summer for their work extending the Gathering Place.

Incline Village Main Street Organization 

Incline Village Main Street has achieved Affiliate status with Main Street America. Their guiding pillars are Organization, Promotion, Design, and Revitalization. IVCBA provides the organization and promotion through its communications and events for the community. Design and revitalization have been addressed through the transformative strategy of beautification and the programs implemented to date. The next phase of beautification will be to address Tahoe Blvd throughout the commercial areas. Future plans include establishing a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to provide sustainable support for IVCBA and Main Street programs. 

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IVCBA Housing Committee

July 13, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

About the IVCBA Housing Committee

Formed in 2024, the Housing Committee aims to engage community members in “building general support for workforce housing solutions” in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Drawing on the valuable research and recommendations in the Washoe Tahoe Housing Partnership (WTHP) Housing Study and Roadmap, our work is focused on keeping our community a vibrant, thriving place for families and individuals, businesses, the local workforce, and visitors.

We invite you to join us—and to explore our new Housing Committee webpage at ivcba.org/programs/housing. It serves as a central hub for updates on housing issues, resources, and ways you can be part of our community effort.

IVCBA Housing Committee Work Groups

Organization

Leads: Linda Offerdahl and Clare Novak

  • Provide leadership and administrative assistance with meeting notes, marketing materials, and promotion of events and programs.
  • Identify stakeholders and key agencies for involvement.

Outreach and Workforce Housing Series

Leads: Linda Offerdahl, Clare Novak, River Coyote, Meme Scherr

  • Reach out to the community to educate and convene support for workforce housing.
  • Identify three focus areas for the year.
  • Make presentations on the Housing Committee to service clubs, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

Policy and Strategy

Leads: Kathie Julian and Chris Wood

  • Research and follow TRPA and Washoe County guidelines related to workforce housing.

Special Interest Workshops and Seminars

Leads: Laura Levine Kalisch and Laura Vitencz

  • Identify topics for smaller presentations and professional workshops targeting the community, such as:
    • First-Time Homebuyers Workshops
    • ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) education and research

Development/Redevelopment

  • Track various housing developments and potential projects, including the former Incline Elementary School site for workforce housing.

Finance and Financial Support

Lead: Laura Levine Kalisch

  • Work to identify funding for housing programs such as Lease to Locals, homebuyer financing, and financial support for families through programs such as family resource centers, mortgages, and other housing assistance initiatives.
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The Local Lens – Father’s Day Tribute

June 17, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl

I am writing about my Dad today. It’s Father’s Day on Sunday, AND he is my Hero!

I can’t say I knew that when I was little. He worked 6 days a week to feed our family of 5 kids. I knew him more as a teenager, sitting around the kitchen table having rousing discussions with my parents and my siblings. He challenged us to be independent thinkers and certainly to be our own person. It was only as I got older, raising my own children with Richard, that I realized how much I was like him.

My children got to know their Grandpa Dutch very well, between visits to Minnesota and to Arizona in the winters. He challenged them to think as well, and it was fun to see the interaction between those generations.

That phrase, “everything I know, I learned in kindergarten”…so much of who I am, I got from my dad. Some of my core qualities are his: opinionated and never afraid to take action (but not always right), that driving passion toward doing stuff that needs doing, a strong work ethic, gregarious and outgoing personality, and a heart full of love for the people around me, even though I don’t always show it. 

Take a moment to think about that strong person who shaped your life and be sure to tell them how grateful you are! 

WHO’S YOUR LOCAL HERO! Please nominate them here: NOMINATE YOUR HERO >

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS:

If you are out and about on Saturday…

  • Check out Natural Grocers at 11 am to learn about “Demystifying Micronutrients.”
  • Learn about Wildifre Pro Shop’s fire protection technology at their open house on Saturday. They are in Incline Center, in that little building off to the right of Raleys.
  • Also, at Incline Center, remodeling is starting in the old Rookies building. Finally! It will take all summer, but we can look forward to the opening of a new restaurant called Maddy’s. It will have an Eastern Mediterranean vibe and flavor!

On Sunday…

It’s Boys and Girls Club Wine on the Water at the Kings Beach Conference Center, right on the beach! 

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

It’s all about TRPA Monday and Tuesday…

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?

IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot!

If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do for free! Go to IVCBA.org.

We are financially supported by our local agency “investors”, and our business community and residents. Please help!

JOIN HERE

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