Submitted by IVCBA Member, Barton Health, Written by Dr. Zachary Child
Your back plays a vital role in nearly every movement you make, but it’s easy to overlook until pain strikes. Once discomfort sets in, you may wish you’d paid more attention to protecting your back. While you can’t undo the past, you can adopt habits now to safeguard your back and maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Back pain is one of the most common causes of disability, and it can stem from a variety of factors. Poor muscle tone, excess weight, and improper lifting techniques can strain your back muscles. Aging also increases the risk of injury. Sometimes, though, back pain occurs without a clear cause.
The good news is a strong, healthy back is within reach. Regular care and strengthening exercises can help your back function efficiently and with fewer complaints. Strengthening your core and back muscles through consistent exercise reduces the likelihood of injury and improves overall stability.
Follow the steps below to strengthen your back and prevent discomfort:
Practice good posture: Stand tall with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. When sitting, choose a chair that supports your lower back or place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back for added support.
Exercise regularly: Engage in activities that strengthen your back, abdominal, and leg muscles. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or stationary biking improve circulation and reduce the risk of injury.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts added strain on your back. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance if weight loss would benefit your back health.
Lift objects properly: When picking up items — even small ones — bend at your knees, not your waist, and keep your back straight. Hold objects close to your body to minimize strain on your back muscles.
Listen to your body: If you feel pain or discomfort during an activity, stop and rest. Ignoring pain can lead to more serious injuries.
By adopting these habits, you can help your back stay strong and support you through your daily activities. Investing in your back health today will pay off with better mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
Dr. Zachary Child is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, practicing at Barton Health’s orthopedic offices in South Lake Tahoe and Carson City. To learn more about expert orthopedic spine care, call 530.543.5554. And join Dr. Child for his free webinar, “Summer Strains: How to Prevent Back Injuries in the Warmer Months,” on Thursday, July 10 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Details can be found at BartonHealth.org/Lecture.
Pet Network Humane Society Offers Free Adoptions This July!
July 8, 2025 | Member Submitted
Pet Network Humane Society is thrilled to announce sponsored adoptions this July, made possible through the incredible generosity of Bev & Doug Keil, longtime supporters of Pet Network. All adoption fees for animals are waived for the entire month, ensuring that deserving shelter pets find loving homes just in time for summer.
This heartwarming promotion doesn’t stop at simply finding homes—every dog adopted will come equipped with a Fi GPS collar, offering pet parents peace of mind and an extra layer of protection for their new companions.
“Summer can be a tough time for animals in shelters,” said Sybile O’Neill, Marketing and Development Manager at Pet Network Humane Society. “Thanks to Bev & Doug, we’re lowering barriers to adoption and giving pets a chance to thrive in a loving home during a historically low adoption season.”
Summer is the perfect time to expand your family with a loyal companion or cuddly new friend. With waived fees and added perks there’s never been a better opportunity to adopt.
Event Details:
What: Bev & Doug Keil – No adoption fees for any animal in July
Where: Pet Network Humane Society, Incline Village, NV
When: July 1 – July 31, 2025
Includes Off-site adoption Event: July 26th, 11 am to 2 pm at the National Automobile Museum
More to come!
How to Adopt:
Visit Pet Network Humane Society during regular business hours or view available pets online at www.petnetwork.org.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to give a deserving animal the best gift of all: a forever home. Join us in making this holiday season magical for shelter pets and their new families!
About Pet Network Humane Society
Pet Network Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of animals through rescue, adoption, and community support. Located in Incline Village, Nevada, Pet Network has served as a pillar of compassion and care for animals in need for over 30 years.
About Pet Network Lake Tahoe: Pet Network Lake Tahoe, an AAHA Accredited nonprofit organization, which encompasses Pet Network Humane Society and Pet Network Community Hospital is a premier veterinary practice and animal welfare organization dedicated to saving lives, promoting wellness, and strengthening the bond between pets and their families. As a leader in shelter medicine, rescue, and adoption services, Pet Network serves the Lake Tahoe community with comprehensive medical care and a deep commitment to animal welfare.
In The News – Learn to “Grow Your Own” in Tahoe: UC Davis Hosts Gardening Workshops and Plant Sales
May 16, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 05/16/2025, Submitted
The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), in partnership with the UCCE Lake Tahoe Master Gardeners, is excited to announce two upcoming Grow Your Own Gardening events designed to empower residents and visitors to cultivate their own fruits and vegetables right here in Tahoe.
Events:
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tallac Historic Site | South Lake Tahoe, CA
Friday, June 6, 2025 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. UC Davis Tahoe City Field Station | Tahoe City, CA
At these free, hands-on workshops, participants will discover the secrets to successful gardening in Tahoe’s unique high-elevation environment. Learn how to grow your own produce using science-based methods, sustainable strategies, and eco-friendly techniques tailored for the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The Lake Tahoe region’s favorite SkiMo competition – the Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival – returns to Diamond Peak Ski Resort on March 22 & 23, 2025 for another weekend of human-powered adventure and friendly competition.
Named in honor of Luggi Foeger – the founder and original general manager of Diamond Peak ski resort – the Uphill/Downhill Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates human-powered sports, mountain culture, local craft beer, and springtime in the Lake Tahoe region.
Competitors race up the mountain using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe or run back down to the finish line.
In partnership with the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), TNTNV is funding snow removal from one parking lot adjacent to the East Shore Trail this winter. The East Shore trail is a gem and deserves to be enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors. This pilot project also includes access to a portal restroom and Nevada State Parks providing bearproof trash receptacles. We’re excited to see more hikers and bikers along the trail this winter. If this increased access helps you enjoy the trail, snap a selfie and tag us on social media!
Ready for winter sports, good food, and good music? Join Travel North Tahoe Nevada, Nevada Nordic, and local vendors at the Nevada Nordic FreeHeel Fest on March 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST on the Mt. Rose Highway. Guests can enjoy free ski demos and free snowshoe rentals. Free your heels and experience cross-country skiing at Lake Tahoe.
Natural Grocers® Invites Incline Village, NV Community to Grand Opening Celebration on July 31, 2024
July 23, 2024 | Member Submitted
Submitted and written by Natural Grocers Incline Village
Customers will enjoy huge savings, giveaways, sweepstakes, samples and more
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jul. 22, 2024 — Natural Grocers®, the leading family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer in the U.S., is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of its new store in Incline Village, NV on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Located at 873 Tahoe Blvd., this will be Natural Grocers’ fourth store in Nevada. Community members are invited to celebrate the big day with a Grand Opening event including giveaways, spectacular savings, a prize wheel, samples and much more.
Natural Grocers’ good4u® Crew will kick off the festivities at 8:15 AM with a $2,500 donation presentation to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada—its local food bank partner, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the store manager, additional community leaders and special guests. Doors will open at 8:27 AM with exciting giveaways, deep discounts and vendor samples within a friendly, celebratory atmosphere.
“We are so excited to be opening our new store in Incline Village,” said Raquel Isely, Vice President of Natural Grocers. “Natural Grocers has been serving communities in Nevada since 2016. We’ve received countless requests from folks to open a store in this area for years. The Incline Village and Crystal Bay areas offer residents, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists an amazing array of recreational activities. It’s a natural draw to those seeking mountain living, mountain playing, or a tranquil getaway. We believe our store in Nevada will be a friendly, natural fit for the community. We look forward to supporting residents and visitors with all their grocery needs to lead a healthier lifestyle and fuel their adventures, at our Always Affordable PricesSM.”
GRAND OPENING EVENTS – FREEBIES, DISCOUNTS & SWEEPSTAKES
Grand Opening festivities at the new Incline Village location start on July 31 and will include:
Jul. 31: Mystery Gift Cards for First 150 Customers – The first 150 customers in line will receive a mystery Natural Grocers gift card (with varying amounts between $5 – $500)![i]
Jul. 31: Free Natural Grocers Hand-Crafted Poncho – The first 250 shoppers will receive a hand-crafted Natural Grocers Ecuadorian poncho made of alpaca wool. Each item is uniquely woven and is the result of a special collaboration Natural Grocers has with a group of indigenous artisans in Peguche, Ecuador.[ii]
Jul. 31: Prize Wheel – Customers can spin the Natural Grocers prize wheel from noon to 5 PM for a chance to win fun prizes.[iii]
Jul. 31 – Aug. 31: Up to 50% Off – Premium-quality products from every department will be available at special Grand Opening discounts, including 100% USDA Certified Organic bagged blueberries ($2.49/6 oz pkg), bacon and bacon alternatives ($2.99/package), Natural Grocers® Brand Organic Cheese shreds and slices ($2.99/each) and Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Raisins (.99¢/lb).[iv]
Jul. 31 – Aug. 14: Grand Opening Sweepstakes – Customers will have the chance to win fabulous prizes, such as an Aventon e-bike, a $500 Natural Grocers gift card and more. Entry forms will be available at the store.[v]
{N}POWER® MEMBERSHIP
For even more savings, customers can join {N}power, Natural Grocers’ free rewards program for exclusive discounts, digital coupons, rewards benefits, and other members-only features.[vi]
Jul. 31 – Aug. 31: {N}power® members will receive exclusive pricingon items such as Dr. Bronner’s® Liquid Soaps ($12.99/32 oz), Natural Grocers Brand Organic Olive Oil ($8.99/16.9 oz), USDA Certified Organic avocados (.99¢ each/limit 2), and KerrygoldTM Pure Irish Butters ($3.99/8 oz).[vii]
Serving communities with a wide range of natural and organic options since 1955, Natural Grocers will support the Incline Village area with world-class customer service from its knowledgeable and friendly good4u Crew, healthy recipes for all diets and high product standards. Customers will also experience:
A focus on Regenerative Products and Practices: From checkouts free from single use bags, to organic, non-GMO and Always Affordable Natural Grocers brand products and ecologically thoughtful in-store features, the company focuses on regenerative products and practices.
Premium-Quality Products at an Always Affordable PriceSM: Access high-quality organic and natural groceries including 100% pasture-raised eggs and dairy, 100% non-GMO prepackaged bulk goods, and household essentials at an Always Affordable Price SM. Natural Grocers also prioritizes humanely sourced and sustainably raised meats.
Always 100% Organic Produce: From apples to zucchini, Natural Grocers’ organic produce offerings avoid cross-contamination with conventional/GMO items and are grown without synthetic pesticides, practices that are common among grocers with conventional produce offerings. Natural Grocers also does not carry products that use ApeelTM and OrganipeelTM produce coatings, as neither meet the natural and organic retailer’s high product standards.
Body Care That Cares Back: Natural Grocers’ high standards prioritize natural, innovative and ethical body care products .
A Super-Sized Supplement Department: With over 5,000 SKUs, Natural Grocers offers a large selection of vitamins and supplements, backed by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) third-party certification and ingredient authenticity.
Coming Soon: Nutritional Health Coaching: Customers will have direct access to personalized assistance throughout their health journeys with a Nutritional Health Coach available to serve. Click here to learn more.
A Commitment to Crew: Natural Grocers is passionate about ensuring that its employees can live a healthy, balanced life. The Company is committed to positively impacting Crew’s physical, emotional and financial well-being with free nutrition education programs, excellent benefits and access to the highest quality, affordably priced products.
STORE FEATURES
The company, ever conscious of its environmental impact, has built this store from the ground up using sustainable building features and energy-saving innovations, such as non-toxic building materials and 100% LED lighting. The store will feature a contemporary layout for an efficient, yet friendly checkout experience. Later this summer, local artist Sara Smith will also be enhancing the outside of the new store with a large-scale mural and community art project.
FOOD BANK OF NORTHERN NEVADA PARTNERSHIP
Natural Grocers will partner with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada for its “Bring Your Own Bag Program” to serve people in the Incline Village area who are facing hunger. Each time a customer brings their own shopping bag, Natural Grocers will donate five cents per shopping trip to this organization.
What began in 1983 as a small food pantry powered by passionate volunteers has grown into northern Nevada’s leading hunger relief organization. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization provides food for families in need through more than 155 partner agencies across northern Nevada and the eastern slope of the Sierra in California and direct service programs. It serves more than 153,000 people every month, almost half of whom are children and seniors.
“We are excited about the expansion of our partnership with Natural Grocers as they open their Incline Village store,” said Nicole Lamboley, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “Long term partnerships are critical in helping serve community members facing food insecurity. Natural Grocers has contributed more than 118,400 meals through donations raised from the “Bring Your Own Bag Program” and food donations to local food bank partners.”
To volunteer or get involved with the organization, click here.
Click here to learn more about Natural Grocers’ Commitment to Community and their “Bring Your Own Bag Program,” benefitting the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers’ flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its 5 Founding Principles—including its “Commitment to Community” and “Commitment to Crew”. In fiscal year 2023, the Company invested $15 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for Crew. With the addition of its new store in Incline Village, Natural Grocers will have 169 stores in 21 states, with its headquarters in the Union Square neighborhood of Lakewood, CO. Visit www.naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations.
[i]Quantity limited to first 150 customers in line at Natural Grocers’ Incline Village, NV location. No rain checks. Limit one gift card per customer 18 years or older. Valid 7/31/24 only. Void where prohibited by law.
[ii]Quantity limited to first 250 shoppers at Natural Grocers’ Incline Village, NV location. No rain checks. Limit one per customer, 18 years or older. Valid 7/31/24 only. Void where prohibited by law.
[iii]Prize wheel available at Natural Grocers’ Incline Village, NV location. No purchase necessary. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Valid 7/31/24, 12 PM – 5 PM only, while supplies last.
[iv]Offers valid only from 7/31/2024 to 8/31/24, are redeemable only for in-store customer purchases at Natural Grocers’ Incline Village, NV location, and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. Natural Grocers reserves the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.
[v] No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Open only to legal respondents of the following states who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry: AZ, AR, CO, CO, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA and WY. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts on 7/31/2024 and ends on 8/14/2024. For official rules and complete details, visit www.naturalgrocers.com/sweepstakes. Sponsor: Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc.
[vi]Customers can sign up for {N}power here. Message and data rates may apply. See naturalgrocers.com/privacy for the Company’s Privacy Policy and naturalgrocers.com/terms for the {N}Power terms of use.
[vii] Must be an {N}power member to receive these discounts. Limit 4 of each item, per customer. Offers valid only from 7/31/2024 to 8/31/24, are redeemable only for in-store customer purchases at Natural Grocers’ Incline Village, NV location and cannot be combined with other offers. Quantity limited to stock on hand; no rain checks. Pricing excludes taxes and is subject to change without notice. Natural Grocers reserves the right to correct errors. Void where prohibited by law.
In The News – Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association hires Main Street Manager
May 22, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 05/22/2024
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association announced the promotion of Jonathon Gardner to Incline Village Main Street Manager. Jonathon is a fourth-generation Northern Nevadan who has lived all over the world. He earned a master’s in business administration from Brigham Young University and has extensive experience building and launching companies as the former director of a venture studio. His other experience includes real estate development, where he’s been involved with industrial development projects.
“We are excited to work together with him to build community in Incline Village. He speaks five languages and loves to walk; reach out to him to go for a walk around Incline Village,” a press release stated.
Main Street USA is a nationally recognized program for revitalization and redevelopment in small towns across the United States. Incline Village Main Street is also a member of Main Street Nevada. Washoe County supports the Incline Village Main Street program with a community reinvestment grant.
For this event, 100% of ticket and raffle proceeds will go to Alibi co-founder, Kendra Romo, who is facing the fight against Stage IV breast cancer. Join us for a night of fun and fundraising as we host Alibi Prom Night. We will have light appetizers available and the full kitchen open if something else on our new menu tickles your fancy. Get excited for the crowning of our prom king and queen and dance the night away with our favorite DJ, Mr. D!
Kendra writes of her journey, “I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to share my journey, one that I never imagined I’d embark on – a battle against stage IV Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (breast cancer). My name is Kendra, and I am the wife of Rich and a mother to two magical young sons, Ryker and Ronan.
I was recently given the heart-wrenching diagnosis of cancer in my breast that has quickly spread to my spine. I tragically witnessed both of my parents pass away from this vicious disease, so I know all too well the devastating toll it takes on families.
As I fight this battle, I’m faced with a daunting challenge. The medications and treatments necessary for my survival come with an astronomical cost, and I find myself in a desperate situation. As most of you know, I am a very private person, so the decision to post this is one I have been grappling with immensely. However, the financial burden is overwhelming and I cannot bear it alone.
Cancer not only attacks the body but also drains one’s financial resources and will take all my emotional strength to endure. I am in my first phase of treatment, but even with insurance, Rich and I have watched our medical bills pile up, depleting our savings for out-of-pocket expenses/bills and the need for live-saving treatments increasing, I am in dire need of support to continue my first against cancer.”
WE HAVE WOWZER NEWS! The support from this little village for our mission of saving as many sick and suffering pets as possible by offering financial aid to their moms and dads.. has been nothing short of AMAZING.
SMALL TOWNS ARE THE BESTEST!!!
That support is allowing us to open ANOTHER (separate) space in Christmas Tree Village where we will have a furniture gallery! We’re very excited to branch out into this area. However… that’s not even the best news! When our little village lost our only brick and mortar groomer… it was really difficult for a lot of us who needed to drop off pets and pick them up later.
VILLAGE PET FOUNDATION IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE BRINGING BACK THE ONLY BRICK AND MORTAR PUPPER DAY SPA TO OUR LITTLE TOWN!!
Peticare Pawlour owned by Donne Matheny will be operating out of our new location as well! We are so excited to be landlords to Donne, who is a great person and a WONDERFUL dog groomer. We’ll be announcing a grand opening later so stay tuned to our FB page for details.
WE ARE SO EXCITED AND THANK YOU TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU WHO SHOP AND DONATE TO US AND WHOM MAKE ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE
Every single one of our twenty three volunteers, who own Village Pet Foundation, thanks you from the bottoms of our furry hearts!
