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Creating Lasting Connections: Compass’s Commitment to Incline Village’s Community and Real Estate Dreams

November 6, 2023 | Member Submitted

No one expected a dreadlocked fifteen-year-old who cared more about his DJ business than his homework to grow up to become one of the youngest-ever White House fellows, create multiple nonprofits, and found a multibillion-dollar company. But Robert Reffkin — raised by an Israeli immigrant single mother, disowned by his maternal grandparents for being Black, and abandoned by his father — has always defied the odds.

In 2012, Robert Reffkin co-founded the online real estate technology company Compass, Inc. with Ori Allon. The inspiration for his business came from his mother, who suffered hardships working as a real estate agent. Reffkin was inspired to use technology to improve the ability of agents to build their brand, analyze data, and conduct market research to make their business more efficient and profitable.

In a testament to Compass’s rapid growth, the renowned real estate brokerage has recently acquired a foothold in the stunning Lake Tahoe region. In 2021, the highly anticipated opening of the Incline Village office introduced cutting-edge technology to this market, all in pursuit of the shared mission to help individuals discover their perfect place in the world.

With the launch of the Compass office in Incline Village, a vibrant and close-knit community, our team is committed to providing unwavering support and expertise to residents seeking their dream homes. Tracy Cohn, an accomplished Sales Manager and Nevada Broker of Record, proudly leads this office and envisions a future where the local business flourishes, contributing to the overall prosperity of the Incline Village community.

At Compass, we believe that finding the right home is more than just a transaction – it’s an opportunity to create a lasting connection with the community. We are thrilled to be a part of Incline Village’s journey, assisting individuals and families with their real estate needs and actively engaging in community initiatives. Together, let’s build a brighter future, one home at a time.

Submitted by:

Elizabeth Haviland

Agent Experience Coordinator

110 Country Club Dr, Suite 1, Incline Village, NV 89451 o: 775.404.7650m: 916.390.9962

agentexperience@compass.com

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Pet Network and Local Photographer Nina Miller Team Up To Help Animals Find Forever Homes

November 3, 2023 | Member Submitted

As we’re heading into the cold season and enjoy snuggling up on a comfy couch, perhaps by a crackling fire, we’re inclined to think about ways to spread some warmth.

Pet Network Lake Tahoe and long-time local photographer Nina Miller with Nina · Photography have teamed up to help more animals find a loving, caring forever home by raising funds for Pet Network’s animal rescue programs. Book a pet portrait session this fall, and the full session fee will be donated to Pet Network. Share the love and gratitude you have for your own pet and help other animals find a cozy spot to curl up! 

Is your pet the bestest, cutest, quirkiest, sweetest?

Come into the studio in Kings Beach and let’s bring out your furry friend’s personality. If you have more than one, bring them all! The focus is on your pet with minimalist, gorgeous portraits. We can include you or your kids in some photos as well, of course. Feel free to bring props — like a favorite toy, bandana, or holiday themed items for holiday cards.

A win for you, a win for animals in need

To showcase your beloved companion, you can purchase wall art, albums, holiday cards, and more from gorgeous, timeless photos you will love. Plus, your pet will be featured on a dedicated web page!

Holiday spirit with a purpose 

Pet Network-branded holiday cards will be available if you’d like to give even more! In the spirit of the season, 20% of the proceeds from these cards will be donated to Pet Network Lake Tahoe.

Come be a part of this collaboration where your pet takes center stage, and your support enriches the lives of animals in need. Book your session today!

About Pet Network Lake Tahoe

Pet Network Humane Society enables pets and people to connect and thrive through compassionate care, envisioning a society where all companion animals receive love and respect as valued members of families and communities.

Pet Network is a 501(3)c charitable organization (EIN: 94-3162646) that relies entirely on 501(c)3 tax-exempt donations from people like you to continue its life-saving mission.

About Nina · Photography

When not behind the camera, Nina loves to travel, in particular with her teenage son back to her native Germany and around Europe. Though she doesn’t have a furry companion of her own, she often dogsits. Her current pet is a leopard gecko.

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Glitter and Gold at the 33rd Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival

November 1, 2023 | Member Submitted

On November 3rd, from 6 to 9 PM, Sierra Community House, along with our supporters, community partners, and friends, will celebrate at our 33rd Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival. On this special evening, we come together to recognize our progress, the support that has fueled it, and the bright future as we strengthen our community. The event will be held in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom in Incline Village.  

It will be a delicious evening of decadent chocolate creations, wine tasting, heavy appetizers, music and dancing, exciting auctions, and an engaging live program! We are excited to welcome Robert Biale VineyardsSalvestrin WineryAncient Peaks WineryLobo WinesOne Hope WineScott Bigelow Boisset CollectionGlasses Wine Bar, and Alibi Ale Works, each of whom will be serving some of their favorite beverage selections! The featured chocolatiers will be Chef Scott Yorkey, the Chocolate Nugget Candy FactorySage LeafBarry Callebaut, and the Hyatt.  

The theme this year is Glitter and Gold, which promises a glamorous and festive evening. You’re welcome to break out your shiniest, sparkliest attire or come as you are and enjoy a dazzling event!  

Executive Director Paul Bancroft hopes to see you at the event: “Who is ready to celebrate?! Tahoe Women’s Services started this event, and Sierra Community House has continued the legacy. This will be my 15th year at the Chocolate and Wine Festival, and while I’ve seen many iterations of the event, it remains one of my favorite nights of the year. It brings us all together in celebration of our incredible work and gives us a chance to pause and envision a community free of violence. I’m so appreciative of everyone who supports our work—whether that is of their time or treasure. Thank you.” 

Visit the event website, or email Allison Edwards at aedwards@sierracommunityhouse.org for more information. 

 ABOUT SIERRA COMMUNITY HOUSE

On July 1, 2019, four long-standing non-profit, social service organizations — Family Resource Center of Truckee, North Tahoe Family Resource Center, Tahoe SAFE Alliance, and Project MANA — united to form Sierra Community House. Sierra Community House is a 501c3, non-profit organization. Our goal is to better serve our region, share resources, leverage partnerships, and connect individuals and families with the services they need to thrive to build the strength, safety, and resilience of the community.  We provide hunger relief, legal aid, immigration assistance, and family-strengthening programs, as well as direct services to victims of intimate partner/domestic violence, sexual, and child abuse throughout North Tahoe and Truckee.

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Elevated Water Sports Fall Services

October 24, 2023 | Member Submitted

We’re excited to announce that Elevated Watersports is booking fall boat services, including shrink wrapping and outdoor storage. As the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to prepare your boats for the winter ahead. We offer package deals for locals, ensuring your vessels are in top-notch condition for next summer.

Boat Shrink Wrapping: Safeguard your boat from the elements of winter with our mobile shrink-wrapping service. Our team will wrap your boat, providing protection against snow, rain, wind, and sun until it’s time to hit the water again.

Outdoor Boat Storage: If you’re looking for a safe and secure location to store your boat during the off-season, our outdoor boat storage lot just outside of Carson City, NV offers the ideal solution for those who don’t need the amenities of indoor storage. Long-term storage only.

Boat Towing Services: Need assistance in relocating your boat? Our professional towing services make it easy, with pick up available anywhere in the Reno/Tahoe area. We can transport you down the street or across the country.

Boat Valet: For next summer, we have some openings for launch and retrieval services with pick up at your home, storage, buoy or pier and can deliver to the launch at Ski Beach or a location of your choosing.

At Elevated Watersports, we prioritize convenience and your boat’s safety. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch services, tailored to meet your unique needs. Don’t let the changing seasons catch you off guard – prepare your boat with us and enjoy winter without worrying about your boat.

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Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino Announces Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest and Haunted Hotel Events

October 24, 2023 | Member Submitted

Resort’s Halloween Events to Benefit Local Community Organizations – Submitted by Dorothy Hornbeck

Incline Village, Nevada (October 16, 2023) – Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for North Lake Tahoe, announces its 2023 schedule of Halloween events. During Halloween week, the resort will host the annual Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest as well as a Haunted Hotel experience to benefit local community organizations.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Howl-O-Ween and Haunted Hotel experience as we gear up to celebrate spooky season in North Lake Tahoe,” said Kressa Olguin, director of marketing at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. “We are excited to welcome guests and local residents to partake in these fun Halloween events to benefit great local causes for our community.” 

On Saturday, October 28, the resort’s second floor will transform into a Haunted Hotel experience. Each guestroom will feature a different spooky theme. The event will provide family-friendly scares and trick-or-treating for all ages between 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., and a spookier experience between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. recommended for guests ages 14 years and older. The Haunted Hotel is $5 for hotel guests and $10 for non-overnight guests. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Incline Elementary School’s Step up for STEM program. 

On Monday, October 30, the resort will host the Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest. Resort guests and local residents are encouraged to show off their pet’s best Halloween outfits to a panel of judges. Winners will be selected in a variety of categories including best costume duo for pets and their owners and best overall. Participants can register for the contest with a $10 donation fee to receive entry into the contest, beverages, and pup treats. All donations benefit Pet Network Humane Society, a non-profit animal shelter dedicated to improving the lives of pets through rescue, adoptions, and humane education programs.  Registration will take place at the resort between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and the costume contest will begin promptly at 4:30 p.m.

Spectators are encouraged to attend Howl-O-Ween to cheer on their favorite contestants. The event will also feature a raffle to benefit Pet Network Humane Society with prizes ranging from a staycation package to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe to a gift card for Lone Eagle Grille.

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

About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

Ideally situated on the pristine shores of North Lake Tahoe, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a AAA Four Diamond Award winning resort, offers majestic lake and mountain views from its 422 guestrooms, including 32 suites and 24 lakeside cottages. The resort’s design evokes modern alpine luxury with exposed wood beams, rich leathers, and granite features throughout the property. Premium amenities include 500 feet of private beach featuring a 275-foot floating pier, a year-round heated lagoon-style pool and two hot tubs, a 25,000 square foot Grand Lodge Casino, and 50,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor flexible meeting and event space including the picturesque Lakeside Ballroom, Tahoe’s premier lakeside ballroom just steps away from the beach. Additional amenities include a 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa and Salon with 16 treatment rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, pet-friendly accommodations, a fully-equipped Hyatt StayFit gym, and an on-site Adventure program which provides guided activities led by the resort’s team of adventure specialists. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino has received numerous awards and recognitions including Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Smart Meetings Smart Stars Awards, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Awards, and more. 

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In The News – Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation honors David Hardie as Distinguished Philanthropist

September 24, 2023 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 09/24/2023, Submitted to the Tribune

INCLINE VILLAGE, NEV – This summer, Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation gathered its donors in celebration of over $100 Million in grants given to nonprofit organizations and named David Hardie as Distinguished Community Philanthropist for his legacy of giving through the Community Foundation from 2003–2023.

Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to cultivating community philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life at Tahoe by partnering with donors like David Hardie to support quality programs provided by local nonprofit organizations.

“From the moment he became involved at the Community Foundation decades ago, David has been paramount to the growth of the organization and its impact on our community,” said the Community Foundation’s CEO Claudia Andersen. “He has been a leader in philanthropy and friend to the organization, as well as to those he supports through his generosity.”

READ MORE >

Photo Provided by Parasol

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Lake Tahoe Dance Festival

July 7, 2023 | Member Submitted

The Lake Tahoe Dance Collective is coming to Incline Village on July 28th for the inaugural performance of the Lake Tahoe Dance Festival.  The Festival is in its 11th year, but past performances have been exclusively in Tahoe City and at Donner Lake.  On Friday, July 28th, here in Incline Village, dancers from New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Broadway, San Francisco’s Concept 0.4, Erick Hawkins, and others will give a sunset performance at a lakefront home! “Bountiful” hors d’oeuvres by Chef Alex Tolger (formerly of Truckee’s Dragonfly) and an open wine, beer, and local kombucha bar will round out the evening. 

Tickets are $125.  Prior to the Festival, which runs July 26th – 29th (two performances in Tahoe City, the event in Incline Village, and one in Truckee), these professional dancers will work with local students during the Lake Tahoe Dance Collective’s summer intensive program. 

Christin Hanna, a former professional ballerina, native of Tahoe City, and current resident of Homewood, co-founded the Lake Tahoe Dance Festival in 2013, with the mission of bringing world-class dance and dancers to residents of and visitors to the Tahoe region.  Christin has run the Lake Tahoe Dance Collective and its school out of Tahoe City since 2008 — and began teaching pre-ballet, Ballet 1, and Ballet 2 to students in Incline Village last year.  These students danced in the Collective’s “Tahoe Nutcracker” in mid-December at North Tahoe High School and in the year-end performance on June 9.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.laketahoedancecollective.org.

The Lake Tahoe Dance Collective is actively seeking support.  It costs approximately $15,000 per performance, in rights to perform the choreography, dancers’ pro-rated travel and fees, and other expenses. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, Hillary Lane at 917-697-2030, or Christin Hanna at info@laketahoedancecollective.org.

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IVGID And General Manager Consider Separation

June 19, 2023 | Member Submitted

INCLINE VILLAGE, NEVADA (JUNE 19, 2023)

Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) General Manager Indra Winquest has announced his intention to separate from the District. IVGID’s employment agreement with Mr. Winquest is set to expire on June 30, 2024.

“After much consideration, separating from the District is the right decision for myself and my family,” said Mr. Winquest. “I want to give my most heartfelt gratitude to all the residents that have voiced their support for me and the hardworking staff at IVGID.”

The IVGID Board of Trustees will consider a separation agreement at their June 23 board meeting.

Mr. Winquest has been the General Manager of IVGID since July 2020.

More Information >

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In The News: Veteran, woman-owned gifting company makes big impact on tight-knit community

June 19, 2023 | Miranda Jacobson

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune 06/18/2023, Written by Miranda Jacobson

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — There’s something special about Incline Village that brings people from all walks of life here to start something new. 

For owners of Tahoe Gifting Co., graphic designer Darya Shahvaran and veteran Matthew Rautio, the small and beautiful community seemed like the perfect place to place roots in 2020 after trying to find a place to live here for a few years. 

While it was not their intention to start a business, the idea arose after the duo put together a special thank you basket for their real estate agent, who was blown away by the incredible quality and thoughtfulness.

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Incline Village Crystal Bay 4th of July SkyShow Bigger and Brighter than Before 

June 13, 2023 | Member Submitted

 The 2nd Annual Incline Village Crystal Bay SkyShow to Illuminate North Lake Tahoe on July 4th with a family and environment friendly event. 

Incline Village, Nev. (June 5, 2023) – The 2nd annual 4th of July Incline Village Crystal Bay SkyShow is set to captivate the community with a dazzling display in North Lake Tahoe. As the grand finale of the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration, this event promises to bring the community together for an unforgettable evening. 

Last year’s SkyShow, presented by the IVCB SkyShow Coalition, amazed over 5,000 spectators with the first and largest commercial drone show ever flown over Lake Tahoe. Building on its overwhelming success, this year’s event is bigger and brighter. The evening will kick off with pre-show entertainment with DJ Mark Sexton and emcee Uncle E, featuring family-friendly activities, a food and beer garden, and an enchanting laser show, followed by the highly anticipated Drone show. The revamped viewing area will provide an optimal vantage point for spectators to experience the breathtaking display of lasers and 250 drones lighting up the summer Sierra sky. 

This free and inclusive event is open to all local residents, as well as their guests and visitors to the region. It offers a unique opportunity for the entire community to celebrate together while supporting our vibrant local economy. The Annual Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration, produced by IVCBA, brings together local businesses and organizations to create a few days of joy and festivity, with the SkyShow as its grand finale. 

Introduced in 2022 as a sustainable alternative to traditional fireworks, the IVCB SkyShow ensures a safer celebration for our community. With an alarming 19,500 fires caused by fireworks in 2018, it became crucial to find a way to celebrate without jeopardizing the land and community’s safety. The SkyShow represents an important step toward reducing air pollution in the Incline Village and Crystal Bay communities. Through our united support, we can ensure a safe, sustainable, and memorable 4th of July celebration for years to come.

The Free IVCB SkyShow will take place on Tuesday, July 4, from 7 PM to 11 PM at the Ridegline Ballfields next to Incline Middle School. The laser show, produced by Summit Creative with coordinated sound by DJ Mark Sexton, will commence at approximately 9:30 PM with the finale of the evening, the Incline Village Crystal Bay SkyShow, produced by Verge Aero, beginning at approximately 9:55 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and coolers, while adhering to the “Keep Tahoe Blue” initiative by avoiding glass containers and cleaning up after themselves. Emphasizing sustainability, the community is invited to walk, bike, or utilize the provided shuttles from the Championship Golf Course and Diamond Peak parking lots. Parking will be available at designated lots such as the Travel North Tahoe Nevada Welcome Center, Parasol Community Foundation, IVGID Recreation and Tennis Center, and Incline Middle School. 

Andy Chapman, President/CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada, expressed his delight with last year’s SkyShow and emphasized the commitment to raise the necessary funds to continue this event with the community. He stated, “This show is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday while still protecting our land and promoting sustainable practices.” 

To ensure the event’s continued success in the coming years, additional funding is required to cover all the costs for the July 4th SkyShow. Generous partners, including Travel North Tahoe Nevada and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, along with donors, have already pledged $111,000 collectively. SkyShow expenses include music and entertainment, the Drone and laser show, logistics, safety and security personnel, traffic control, event permits and insurance, and local advertising. 

This community-focused event supports the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Incline Village and Crystal Bay region. To ensure the continuity of this event, it is crucial to raise sufficient donations to cover the costs. With the support of donors from the public, private, individual, business, and corporate sectors, we can guarantee the future of this remarkable event. 

To donate or learn more about the IVCB SkyShow, please visit www.ivcba.org. 

Media Contact: 

Andy Chapman President/CEO Travel North Tahoe Nevada 

(775) 832-1606 andy@travelnorthtahoenv.com \

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