Here’s what’s going on:

The BIG event is Tahoe Truckee Earth Day at Palisades this Saturday. Learn about watershed health, forest health, alternative energy, and more from vendors while enjoying lots of great music from local bands. UNR@Lake Tahoe offers an alternative event complete with music and vendors on Friday, April 19, starting at noon. This is a good reason to go on campus and mix it up with the college kids. If you have an hour free on Saturday, Incline Library’s SaturYay project is building hydroponic gardens from recycled materials. The Rotary Clubs are partnering with Mountain Hardware for a lithium battery recycling collection. 

SCHOOL NEWS…

• INCLINE SCHOOLS ZONE CONCERT TONIGHT!

Once a year, the K-12 public schools put on a joint concert. Please support them by coming to this event and/or donate money to CYMBAL, the music boosters group that provides refreshments and gives financial support for instruments and supplies.

• INCLINE STAR FOLLIES TICKETS ON SALE!

This fabulous FUN community event is back on May 3 and 4. Tickets are now on sale at Inclinestarfollies.org.

• WE THE PEOPLE 

The Incline High School team just competed in the national We The People contest. They are the 2024 Division C winner!  It is testimony to teachers Amy Henderson and Milt Hyams and the commitment to the strong academics available at our local public school….and the hard work of a lot of kids!!

NEW DEVELOPMENTS with the Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe

In case you missed the press release this week, find it in IVCBA’s news under Local Media and the Tahoe Daily Tribune. The financing for the project is getting restructured; the developers remain committed to the project. 

RESTAURANT WEEK

Thanks to IVCBA’s Julie and Kristin, everyone knows that Restaurant Week started on Monday. I began my culinary week at Big Water Grille Monday night. It looked as busy as some weekend nights. I am not a food critic, but I would go back to have another go at their beef short ribs. I had lunch on Tuesday at Sunshine Deli for their classic hot beef sandwich, complete with mashed potatoes. Where will you eat this week?!

WELCOME BAGS ARE READY!

Are you new to Incline or know someone who is? IVCBA has welcome bags with information and goodies from agencies, nonprofits, and businesses for new residents. It is chockful of helpful things like a safety information card, family resource and service club guide, discounts from businesses and tschozkies.  This information will all be online soon.  Thanks to Incliners Kristie Wells, Maggie Sonoda, Charlene Temple, Beth Witt, and Tracey Prouix for assembling the bags. You can get a Welcome bag by emailing Drew@IVCBA.org or info@ivcba.org.  

Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House is a place that can be counted on to host a meeting that brings locals together for a good cause. TONIGHT is no exception. Keep Tahoe Blue is hosting a reception for their Blue Crews. Grab a couple of friends or neighbors and commit to picking up trash in your neighborhood, around your business, or on East Shore beaches. IVCBA is kicking off a Beautification Campaign and it begins with spring cleaning in the Village. More later, but mark your calendars for June First “Incline Green Clean” village clean-up and Block Party at Incline Library. Here’s a big shout-out to locals who quietly pick up trash on their own. The ones I know about (besides my husband Richard): Carolyn Usinger, Ben Dossef, Steve and Maren Ross, Theresa Hall, and Randy Ruch. Steve and Maren Ross have a nonprofit called Incline Village Enhancement Fund. If you want to join their clean-up crew or make a donation, they can be reached at ivef89451@gmail.com.

COFFEE WITH AN ENGINEER…new business LeFrancois Engineering

Questions you can’t ask just anybody…Is this a load bearing wall? Need extra coverage for parking your boat? How do I deal with flooding after that last big storm?  Ask Mike! LeFrancois Engineering is holding a coffee at Happy Tiers on April 11 to answer any question about home repairs or building. Meet Mike, Civil Engineer and ask away!

Le Francois Engineering may be a new business, but Mike has worked in Incline and around North Tahoe for 24 years. He brings a wealth of expertise in design, engineering, environmental processing, permitting and construction oversight.

COMMUNITY MIXER at UMPQUA BANK 

Umpqua Bank and Frushon Accounting & Business Services are sponsoring a Mixer on Wednesday, May 1 to highlight the myriad services that both businesses offer to individuals and other businesses. IVCBA is using this mixer as an opportunity to highlight ALL of its members in Business and Financial Services.  Meet local business professionals in accounting, wealth management and investments, insurance, legal services, among others.  This mixer is a great way to mix it up with the business community and enjoy adult beverages provided by Umpqua and food from T’s Rotisserie. 

VOLUNTEERS

IVCBA is looking for volunteers for the parade and events on July 2nd—4th, as well as help decorate the Village and the parade route. Can you help us plan and find unique entries for the parade? Please reach out to Julie@IVCBA.org and register HERE>

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Easter was an important holiday for the Christian community where I grew up in Minnesota. The fifties and sixties were times of Easter bonnets and new dresses, uncomfortable patent leather shoes, and pull-apart beads we called pearls. Sunrise church services and pancake breakfasts served by the youth group were all part of it.  The Easter bunny came; there were Easter egg hunts galore. Some things have changed over the decades. 

Our small town’s churches remain ecumenically open to all as they appeal to those looking for a faith-based family.  Web services are available to enjoy a service from the comfort of your home, especially for those unable to attend or not feeling well. We are still likely to get a snowstorm on Easter Sunday! 

The Snapshot and IVCBA Event Calendar has flyers for the myriad celebrations, but I want to point out a few:

Maundy Thursday services at St. Patrick’s are held at St. John in the Wilderness (Chapel at Camp Galilee) in Zephyr Cove. Carpooling from the church at 6:15.

Sunday Mass at St. Francis of Assisi with Easter Egg hunt for the kids. 

A Community Good Friday service at Cornerstone Church, a collaboration with The Village Church and Four Square Church, includes a separate children’s program.

Easter Sunday services at all churches, with Easter egg hunts either before or after.

The Village Church has Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm at The Village Church, and Sunday – Easter Service at 10am and a brunch following at The Village Church

Sunrise Service with at Burnt Cedar with Pastor Jeff Ogden at 7:15 am.

TAHOE TOCCATA performance TONIGHT at St. Francis!

ALSO TO BE ENJOYED EASTER WEEKEND!

Easter Brunch and Easter Bunny at Bowl Incline

Easter brunch at the Hyatt

“Easter” lemon with lavender icing cupcakes at Sunshine Deli

What would Sunday morning be without cinnamon rolls from Happy Tiers! They are serving up hot cross buns, and all the Easter themed goodies.

IVCBA’s ANNUAL MEETING TONIGHT!

Out of a growing need for more “unity” in our community,  the community and business association was re-formed into the IVCBA. Four years ago, COVID was rampant, many businesses were closed and our service workers didn’t have jobs. Many organizations stepped forward to help ameliorate the situation. It reminded all of us to set aside politics and help our neighbor. Out of that environment IVCBA has grown to be a vibrant organization with over 285 members, including 160+  businesses, local agencies, nearly every nonprofit, along with residents as community supporters. It remains apolitical with a mission to “Grow cohesiveness for the sustainability of Incline Village and Crystal Bay”. The vision is a thriving community that supports and is supported by its agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and residents. 

• IVCBA fills the need for local information through IVCBA.org, its weekly SnapShot newsletter and seasonal magazine Live.Work.Play.
• IVCBA fills the need for unification and promotion of community events.
• IVCBA promotes the business community.
• IVCBA works with Washoe County, agencies, and nonprofits on community initiatives such as housing and “Main Street” revitalization.

If you like the newsletter you are reading as a subscriber, why not help fund it by becoming a Community Supporter for $50? Go to IVCBA.org to join online, and join us tonight at the annual meeting at the Chateau at 6pm. Hear Washoe County Manager Brown speak and enjoy the “mingle and greet” afterwards with our agencies and nonprofits. 

BUSINESS NEWS

Wondering what’s going on Tahoe Blvd in front of Christmas Tree Village? A faulty mainline water valve is being repaired. Businesses will be closed through tomorrow. Check websites to see who’s open Thursday night .  DID YOU KNOW…every establishment in that center is run by a small locally owned business? 

GOOD-BYE to Lake Tahoe Lockshop, Thank you to Mike and Linda Sullivan for their 20+ years of service. HELLO to Incline Lock and owner Mike Harbers. His lock shop is located on the lower level of the Centerpointe Building. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

March 24: Brunch and Brews event at Alibi with Tahoe Gifting Company 

Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week: April 15-21. Details HERE

Check out all of the business and community events on the calendar at IVCBA.org.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Get involved and informed! 

Friday, March 22: Washoe County Neighborhood Meeting (zoom at 6pm)  on the special use permit requests for two private schools, St. Clare’s(at St. Francis) and Village Church School. Zoom link

Monday, March 25: CAB meeting in person at Incline Library at 5:30 or on zoom

Wednesday, March 27: IVGID Town Hall meeting and  Kevin Lyons  speaking on governance

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

April 25: TFS’s fundraiser Noir et Blanc Details at TFS.org.

May 3-4: Incline Star Follies. Help support the public schools. DONATE: inclinestarfollies@gmail.com

4^th of July Fireworks are coming back this year!

March 21: Rotary Music Contest starting at 4:30 in the theater at Incline High School, followed by Speech Contest at 6:30. Topic is “Spreading Hope”.

BENEFITS OF BEING SNOWED IN

I love love love the big storms. This last one, a true blizzard, reminded me of Minnesota storms on steroids! I know they create hazardous situations for many, and I really advocate just staying home for that reason. Thank you to the Incline Substation deputies and personnel, along with North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, and all our snowplow drivers for the hard work they did keeping us safe in the blizzard. Personally, I love that storms allow people like me, “who do too much,” to take a break, recover from a cold, do some housework, read, and watch TV with my husband, Richard. But I also love how it brings neighbors together, helping each other with shoveling, sharing meals, etc. And let’s just see if our population increases in the next 9 months….

UPCOMING:

Sam Choy, the chef at Bowl Incline, is in town and has lots of stuff going on at “The Bowl”. BUT, he is also in the Snowfest Parade on Saturday in Kings Beach! Lots of fabulous activities going on through this weekend.

Tahoe Talks at Incline Library next Tuesday….on civil discourse, boring but important so that public meetings don’t become too exciting.

IHS  Boosters CrabFeed is on Saturday, March 16…. It’s a cowboy theme this year!

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Two popular events are coming back to Incline!

Incline Star Follies on May 3-4… a community show fundraiser for Incline schools. If you moved to Incline in the last 5 years, don’t miss this show! And NO ONE needs talent to be in it! This is the best event to bring UNITY into COMMUNITY, with kids from the schools getting on stage with residents and school personnel.

Incline Village Crystal Bay Restaurant Week: April 15-21 – Join the first annual event and support our restaurants in the shoulder season!

Breaking News – Congratulations to Amelia Galicia, new Incline Village Patrol Captain.

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!

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. 

I learned about these two things this week…

Judge E. Alan Tiras has announced that he will be retiring from his position as Judge of the Incline Justice Court at the end of his term in January 2025. Alan and his wife Natalie have lived in Incline Village for over 33 years, raising their family here, volunteering for the Boosters and CYMBAL in the schools, and serving as our local judge. Thank you, Alan, for your service! To learn more about him, read his biography at https://ivcbcourt.com/about-us/about-us-eat. Melissa Mangiaracina, the Pro Tem judge for the court has indicated interest in filing for this elected position.  She runs Sierra Mediation and Mediator Training Center.

The Hyatt has posted on their FB page that the start of their renovation has been indefinitely postponed. They were originally set to renovate the lakeside property this spring. The Hyatt is an anchor business in Incline, and they support our community in many ways, including fundraisers for our schools. Their property is beautifully decorated for the holidays, both inside and out. I am hoping they have their annual gingerbread display again this year. Stop in to see it and enjoy a meal or drink at the Sierra Café, Cutthroats, and of course, the fabulous Lone Eagle with its sunset views.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

One of the most moving events of the season happens this Saturday, Wreaths Across America honors veterans for their service to our country.  Join our service clubs at a local cemetery on Saturday.  With a little digging, I found that there are 3 cemeteries for Vets in Northern Nevada. IVCB Veterans Club and Military Officers Association of America go to East Side Memorial Park in  Minden, PTDS Now! goes to Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and the Rotary clubs go to Lone Mountain in Carson City. Wreaths can be purchased online at wreathsacrossamerica.org. 

A couple of things I didn’t mention in previous blogs….

• IHS has a Winter Fest TONIGHT  from 6-8. Family activities, food, games, prizes and fun.
• Village Plaza(aka Starbucks) has their Sip and Shop on Thursday. Did you know there are 3 different buildings with fun stuff…great deals on toys at Village Toys, really unique things at Clearly Tahoe, and don’t miss Santa at State Farm.
• Christmas Tree Village has its Sip & Shop on Saturday, December 16. Sip at Crosbys, Mofos, Happy Tiers, Thania’s Juice Bar and Koi Sushi,  Shop at Tahoe Gifting Co., Karma Consignment Boutique and Village Pet Foundation Thrift. Don’t forget to stop by Village Ski Loft too!
• Pet Network Free Donations in December: For the entire month of December, all adoptions at Pet Network will be graciously sponsored by the Gately Family Foundation. This generous sponsorship means that there will be NO adoption fees for any of the animals looking for their new homes.

ENJOY THE MUSIC THIS WEEKEND!

Incline Middle School music concert is this Thursday

TOCCATA performs Handel’s Messiah is this Friday

Tahoe Dance Collective  performs the Nutcracker is this Friday through Sunday

This is the last Local Lens from me for the next month while Richard and I enjoy a family Christmas in Minnesota and a Panama cruise for New Year’s. Thanks to all of our members for their support. If you are subscriber, please consider joining as a Community Supporter. Go online to IVCBA.org.Join.

It’s a big week for Northern Lights and all the festivities in Incline! Seriously, I don’t know where to start and stop, so the best thing, go to IVCBA.org and look at the Northern Lights calendar to get the details.  Here are some highlights:

• Santa is at Incline Library…today! Bring food or (new) mittens, hats, etc. for their giving tree. Check out their Makers Space for making ornaments and gift tags.
• Thursday….Tahoe Gifting Co and Lisa Douglas Designs grand opening party in Christmas Tree Village! 
• Bridget Giroux Designs has something every weekend, but on Friday, there’s a botanical glass ornament workshop. How cool is that!
• Sip and Shop at Raleys Center this weekend…some stores like Potlatch and Panache have multiple events in December, more chances to get good deals.
• Brunch with Santa by Tahoe Family Solutions has been a thing for at least 30 years, when my kids were little.

DECK THE HALLS LIGHTING CONTEST…the town is looking festive…please enter the contest and win prizes from local merchants!

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON…

All our faith-based members have events throughout the month, not just Hannukah (which starts tomorrow!)  and Christmas services. The Christian churches have great music during the Advent season.  Here’s the big picture of faith-based events in December….

• Tomorrow,  Dec 7, a  Christmas Dessert Holiday party at Cornerstone Church
• This weekend, St. Patrick’s has a beautiful creche (nativity scene) display.
• St. Francis is hosting TOCCATA’s Messiah(and singalong!) on Friday, December 15.
• Our newest member, the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation typically has a Hannukah party, still waiting for the date, but UNR @ Lake Tahoe has started a Chanukah tradition with an event on December 14.
• An old-fashioned Christmas Pageant at Cornerstone on December 15th! Especially for families with young children, A Night In Bethlehem will share the Christian story in an entertaining way that still gets the message across.

Truly, there is something for everyone….my wish is that this season of giving brings out the best in all of us.

See you around town!

Linda 

GRATITUDE is the theme of the Lens this week. I admire the people who meditate and reflect on a daily basis all the things for which they are grateful. While I don’t need a special day to show gratitude, it does help me slow down a bit and reflect. Sort of. I am writing this blog in between roasting turkey parts for gravy and making beef stew for the crew coming in tonight.  Here goes – What I am grateful for:

• My health(recovering from a sinus infection)
• My family and friends that are like family
• Julie, Kristin and Jonathon who help IVCBA do all that it does
• Those who actively work to make our community thrive
• The nonprofits and agencies who care for our community
• Our good fortune that allows us to live in such a beautiful place

Everyone knows what an Advent calendar is, right? Something every day of the week? That’s what the IVCBA calendar is like this month! Here’s what coming just in the next 7 days….

• Two reasons to go to Glasses Wine Bar…look ‘em up!
• Karaoke at Alibi
• Decorate and party at Cornerstone Church after the service on Sunday
• The Christmas Market at Lake Tahoe School on Tuesday…New event!!
• Bridget Giroux Boutiques Sip and Shop this weekend.

Holiday party venues:

I won’t get them all, but apart from the obvious (Chateau, Hyatt, Crystal Bay Club), Alibi’s Barrell House is a great choice, so is Big Water Grille and Jiffy’s Pizza. Sunshine Deli is a great caterer. 

Please tell me who I forgot!

I have to mention Tahoe Film Fest starting November 30th, and Candy Cane Lane and Village at the Rec Center and UNR @ Lake Tahoe on December 2nd! 

Remember to stop in our local businesses over the weekend for Small Business Saturday!

And keep watching for Live.Work.Play. in your mailbox!