Submitted by Community Member and IVCBA Member David Vomund
When I began my career in the 1980s mutual funds advertised good performance and their insightful portfolio managers. Some managers (Peter Lynch, for one) became celebrities. At that time “low cost” funds were those without sales charges (called “loads”). Indexing was in its infancy. People thought it was crazy to own only an index rather than have a manager pick attractive stocks or do so themselves. That was then.
The debate over active versus passive management appears to be over. Thanks to their low fees index funds have outperformed most of their actively managed peers. Last year only 38 percent of active managers outperformed their benchmark. In fact, it’s been 15 years since the majority of active managers have outperformed. That’s why total assets under management in passive ETFs, ETNs, and mutual funds ($13.29 trillion) just surpassed the assets with active management ($13.23 trillion).
That wouldn’t have happened unless the market was efficient, or nearly so. If analyzing a stock’s bullish fundamental or technical picture automatically would lead to outperformance, then actively managed funds would do better. But if the analysis doesn’t lead to better decisions, then it’s best to keep costs minimal. That’s where Vanguard comes in.
Vanguard is the market leader in index funds. Since the funds simply track an index, they can have extremely low fees. Vanguard’s S&P 500 Exchange-Traded Fund only charges 0.03 percent annually. Other ETF providers like Schwab, SPDR, and iShares have joined the low-fee race.
Of course, just because you own passively managed funds doesn’t make you a passive investor. ETFs provide the flexibility to easily invest in specific areas of the market. Momentum investors can buy growth ETFs like Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ) and quickly switch to defensive ETFs like Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility (SPLV).
All this doesn’t mean that individual stocks shouldn’t be a part of your portfolio. In my managed accounts, I hold both index ETFs and individual stocks. For clients seeking income, I’m happy to own Ares Capital (ARCC) and selected preferreds. I’m also overweighting healthcare by owning stocks like Merck (MRK) and Amgen (AMGN).
By holding a combination of individual stocks (no cost of ownership) along with some low-cost index funds, an investor can build an attractive portfolio that overweights specific sectors while avoiding areas that are less attractive. And all that can be done while paying very little in fees. That is to our advantage.
David Vomund is an Incline Village-based Independent Investment Advisor. Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555. Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.
In The News – New Incline Elementary Dean known as Flash Mob Educator
January 29, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/29/24, Written by Brenna O’Boyle
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – For 10 years, Coach Heather Fisher devised an innovative way to teach McQueen High School students the benefits of physical education and health.
Every year, the Department Leader got her 250 students to do a Flash Mob dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the Reno school’s foyer.
“What good teachers do is they find a variety of ways to teach students who have different learning styles and interests,” Fisher said. “So that hopefully something sticks and they take that into the future with them.”
In The News – Burgess technically becomes Interim Registrar of Voters March 16
January 27, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/27/24, Written by Brenna O’Boyle
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Deputy Registrar of Voters Cari-Ann Burgess will technically be appointed to the position of Interim Registrar of Voters on March 16 after Jamie Rodriguez’s sick and vacation leave have been exhausted.
“Cari-Ann Burgess is performing the duties of the Interim Registrar of Voters as of January 16,” said Bethany Drysdale, media and communication manager for Washoe County, Office of the County Manager. “She will be the Interim Registrar of Voters effective March 16 because that’s the date Jamie Rodriguez will officially no longer be with the county. That role will be empty.”
The Board of County Commissioners accepted Rodriguez’s resignation, effective March 15.
Happy Tiers Cafe and Bakery announce the Cake of the Month Club! Members of the club will recieve one huge layered cake piece every month for the whole year! This club is for those of you that have a love for cake and want to experience a new flavor and Andrea’s artistry each month.
We have a total 25 Cake of the Month membership available (at just $135 for the whole year!) and more than half have already been claimed. Cakes are distributed on the 20th of every month via pick up at the Happy Tiers Cafe. Claim your membership today.
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.
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.
Submitted by Mary Danahey from Incline Education Fund, 01/23/24
Community Read Along:
Lake Tahoe School, Incline Elementary School and the Incline Village Library are launching a Community Book Club for Families.
Library class at both schools are reading Katherine Applegate’s Newbery Medal bestseller, the One and Only Ivan. There will be a FREE, community-wide event held at the public library on Tuesday, Feb. 13th. Crafts, games, food and fun for all to inspire a love of reading. Register for this free event at the QR code below.
INCLINE ELEMENTARY UPDATE:
IES is excited to announce the launch of a dedicated Art Program!
Through grants funded by Incline Education Fund, this interdisciplinary program will teach students about art concepts, allow them to study famous artists and their techniques, and delve into real-world careers that employ or intersect with art.
The IES Art Program is also designed to integrate with the IES STEM curriculum. By collaborating with classroom and enrichment teachers, the art program helps IES students gain an understanding of how the arts and sciences work together while helping to develop critical and creative thinking skills.
INCLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL Q3 EXPLORATORIES:
IMS continues to offer an impressive array of classes during the Wednesday Exploratory period. This quarter’s offerings include:
On campus: Video Production, Musical Theater, Leadership, Culinary, Computer Literacy, Snow Science with Mountain Gateway
Off campus: Nordic skiing, Pet Network, Swimming, Bowling
INCLINE HIGH SCHOOL
Both We The People and the Engineering students are busy preparing for the next stages of competition – so stayed tuned for updates in February and April.
IHS will hold Mock Interviews again this spring. If you would like to participate by being an “interviewer” (and potentially hire for summer positions) please contact Mary at maryd@inclineeducationfund.org
Breaking News – The Incline Star Follies are Back!
January 23, 2024 | Mary Danahey
After a pandemic-related hiatus, the Incline Star Follies are BACK !!! For those of you new to town, The Incline Star Follies is a family cabaret filled with all LOCAL talent. Students, teachers and community members take to the stage to lip-synch great songs and dance their hearts out. This is an amazing community-wide event and “Friend Raiser” that creates cross-cultural and cross-generational relationships through the joy of dance and comedy.
100% of the proceeds raised go to support our local Incline Village schools.They are currently looking for student cast members. ALL Incline 5th, 8th and high school students (9th-12th) are invited to apply. Application forms have been distributed at IES, IMS, IHS and LTS and are due back (to school) by this FRIDAY, JANUARY 26th. Sixteen students from each level (5th, 8th, high school) will be randomly selected from all eligible applications received. Students are eligible as long as they are students in good standing at their respective schools.
Please contact Kathie (775-220-0445 or inclinestarfollies@gmail.com) if you have any questions or would like an application form emailed to you.
Originally Published in IVCBA’s LIVE.WORK.PLAY, Written by Kayla Anderson
Tim Kelly, The Sports and Community Supervisor in Incline Village, is a seemingly simple man in the kindest and most beautiful way. Talking to Tim it is hard to not conjure up thoughts and feelings of a gentler time in the past, seemingly one with less noise, when it felt like, even if it were not true, that all mattered was your family, your community and your contribution to it. This is ‘all’ that matters to Tim and within five minutes of talking it is incredibly obvious that he cares hard and deeply. His world revolves around his family, his job, and his local community and what he is doing to make it better. By certain modern societal standards of money, fame and recognition his aspirations are not ‘great’. There is absolutely no ulterior motive other than helping those around him. To Tim, his role is incredibly important and the responsibility could not be greater. Tim sees immense opportunity to shape the community around him and is currently living out his dream job in being able to do so through recreation.
Tim is a big believer in what you do rather than what you do specifically for a living, luckily for him, in his life, he loves both. Tim grew up as an athlete and had an incredibly active youth. He went to Reno High for sports and went on to play basketball in college at Pacific Lutheran. Basketball, even more so than any of the other sports he has loved, has been a recurring theme throughout his life as both an athlete and a coach at the collegiate level and at Servite HS in Anaheim, CA, before moving to Incline. He still coaches youth basketball in Incline and attempts to instill strong moral character in his athletes even more so than athletic prowess. As a coach his six values are an attitude of gratitude, humility, courage, perseverance, enthusiasm and faith / belief. Listening to him talk, his passion for coaching and working with kids, is blatantly obvious, it is attached to every word. Being a mentor means more to him than any sport itself which is why he is also a youth minister.
As the unofficial ‘athletic director’ of Incline Village Tim loves to do ‘all of the things’ His favorites are surfing, skiing, biking and playing basketball. Fortunately, Tim gets to do most of these things with his wife Maureen and their three kids. Team sports are generally his favorite for the camaraderie. Among the ones he gets to help provide and organize for his community flag football is his favorite but he is proud of every single sport and recreation program Incline offers, whether soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, dodgeball, pickleball or any of the many others. Tim is proud of all of the youth and adult sport programs offered whether team or individual and truly appreciates his cohorts in the parks department and those who make his job easier with facilities. Tim’s goal is for all Incline residents to be active in some way to live a healthy life. He believes that his role is not just to provide services to the community but to build community.
Tim’s history as it relates to sharing his love of sport, coaching it, and providing it to others is vast. His whole life has been defined by these things as well as sharing the values that sport has taught him with his own family and his community who he considers extended family. Tim hopes to be at his desk or on the fields as the Incline Sports and Community Supervisor for at least another ten years. He is self-described, and accurately so, as ‘The biggest Incline fan I’ve ever met’. Tim explained, “I do this for a loving, not for a living.” It is obvious it is in Incline’s best interest that this benevolent, sport loving, community man sticks around as long as possible.
Hope and healing for animals thanks to two Incline Village Rotary Clubs
January 23, 2024 | Member Submitted
The local Rotary clubs raised money to buy medical equipment for Pet Network’s veterinary hospital. Please read here to learn about this great example of how our service clubs support the nonprofits in Incline.
Submitted by the Incline Village Rotary: In the heart of Incline Village, Nevada, a beacon of hope shines brightly for animals in need – Pet Network Humane Society. Pet Network envisions a society where all companion animals receive love and respect as valued members of families and communities. Since inception, Pet Network has rescued over 12,000 animals including 94 last month. Pet Network serves as a safe haven for homeless animals by providing them with comprehensive medical treatment and nurturing them with love and compassion, for as long as it takes for them to find a home. As an extension of their mission, Pet Network Community Hospital provides high quality and affordable medical care to animals in the Tahoe basin and beyond.
Pet Network is privileged to have two very highly skilled Veterinarians on their team – Dr. Marlène Tremblay and Dr. Nick Robl. Their dedication and expertise are instrumental in ensuring that both shelter animals and pets within the community receive compassionate, responsible and high touch care.
Dr. Marlène Tremblay with her extensive experience in various types of medicine, ensures that every rescue animal admitted to Pet Network has a thorough health exam, individualized treatment plan and high quality care. Dr. Tremblay received her D.V.M from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013 followed by a Public Health & Epidemiology Research Internship and doctorate. Dr. Tremblay has worked at a variety of shelters across Utah including Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City and Kanab. In addition to shelter medicine, she has special interests in critical care, emergency and specialty surgery, and behavioral health.
In July 2022, under the supervision of Dr. Nick Robl, Pet Network launched a Community Veterinary Hospital. The Hospital provides routine care, specialized surgeries, and urgent veterinary care to adopters, as well as pet owners in need of quality and compassionate care. The hospital has provided care to over 1200 patients since its opening.
Dr. Nick Robl completed his D.V.M from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013. He has experience practicing veterinary medicine in a variety of settings including private practice, sanctuaries, shelters and low-cost clinics across Arizona, Utah and Nevada. He has a strong background in veterinary surgery, dentistry, and internal medicine in domestic, exotic, and wildlife species. Dr. Robl has extensive wildlife and conservation experience including serving as the primary veterinarian at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, Arizona from 2013-2016 where he remains active on their Board of Directors.
The (Rotary Club of Tahoe Incline) and the (Rotary Club of Incline) teamed together after identifying a pressing need. They then proposed a grant and received additional District 5190 matching funds to purchase medical equipment allowing Pet Network to expand medical services to shelter animals and the broader community.
Thanks to the grants impact and clubs’ generosity, Pet Network received the following much needed medical instruments:
Cryoprobe: The cryoprobe has enabled the Pet Network veterinarians to perform cryotherapy, a treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue, reducing the time an animal is under anesthesia and recovery.
Diagnostic EKG: EKG diagnostics are especially important in emergencies to detect life-threatening arrhythmias prior to anesthesia and surgery, and allows better characterization of heart diseases in shelter and community pets.
Loupes: Loupes are magnifying glasses that allow a surgeon to be more precise in surgery and dentistry.
Vet Tome: An atraumatic tooth extraction system that greatly reduces extraction time and saves bone. This allows the team to perform a higher number of dental procedures in a day while reducing anesthesia time for each patient.
Dr. Tremblay and her Vet Assistant performing an EKG on a shelter resident
Dr. Tremblay and Dr. Robl also took the time to demonstrate to the Rotary Club of Tahoe how the new equipment would help them provide even better care to the shelter and community animals.
The combined efforts of Rotarians from these clubs have made the days at the shelter much brighter for the animals. Over 40 Rotarians are currently supporting Pet Network in a meaningful way – through volunteering, walking dogs, preparing surgical packs, donating financially, donating supplies and attending fundraising events.
Some Rotary Club of Tahoe Members posing for a photograph at a Pet Network hosted morning meeting – from left to right: Pet Network Board Chair Denise Menzies, Dr. Nick Robl, Co-President Mike MCCallum, Francesca Bero, Key Lehr, Co-President Bryan Foertsch and Pet Network Executive Director Simi Balter
Of course there is always more work to be done and we need your support! Please visit www.petnetwork.org to discover the many ways you can get involved!
If you need to book an appointment at the Community Hospital please call 775-298-2715 for assistance.
About Pet Network:
Pet Network truly embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication, making a significant difference in the lives of both animals and their adoptive families. Whether an animal is sick, injured or just in need of refuge, the staff ensure every animal receives the best possible care. Staff and volunteers pour their hearts into providing a safe and nurturing environment for the animals, showering them with love and affection, while they wait patiently for a home. Their tireless efforts have resulted in connecting animals to loving homes for over 30 years.
Through Pet Network Community Hospital the broader community now has access to the same high quality, high touch medical services provided to the shelter animals everyday.
Holman Arts and Media Center invites artists of all skill levels to Lake Tahoe for its annual Summer Arts Workshops. Attendees will spend five days in an intensive creative experience led by internationally recognized sculptors, painters, videographers, photographers and mixed-media artists.
Workshop participants will leave having expanded their creative skillset while in a stunning natural setting. Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada have long been sources of creative inspiration for artists of all mediums. The Holman Arts and Media Center is within walking distance from the shores of Lake Tahoe and situated amidst miles of hiking and walking trails in the Sierra Nevada.
Save the date! Registration opens January 22 at 10:00 a.m. Workshops fill quickly.
