The Local Lens – Beautification Efforts in Full Swing
July 17, 2024 | Member Submitted
Written by IV Main Street Manager Jonathon Gardner 07/16/2024
As we settle back into our routines post-4th of July celebrations, it’s the perfect time to refocus on the beautification of our community. The Incline Village Crystal Bay Association (IVCBA) has been hard at work, partnering with local businesses and organizations to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our village.
Recently, IVCBA collaborated with Chris Talbot, of Talbot Fine Art Galery to beautify the island at the front of the Mountain Workspace parking lot on Tahoe Boulevard. Together, we planted new flowers, weeded, added some pottery, and laid down plenty of wood chips. For the Independence Day festivities, we adorned the area with lots of American flags, adding a patriotic touch to our efforts.
The Rotary Club has also made significant contributions by painting our two bus shelters, which look fantastic. These efforts are just a part of the broader beautification initiative that includes various projects around the community.
Betsy from IVGID Parks and Recreation has been busy as well. A few weeks ago, she was spotted beautifying the garden just outside the North Tahoe Nevada Welcome Center. Her dedication is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our beautification projects.
Throughout the village, you may have noticed beautiful planters, including innovative hanging planters with built-in watering wicks. These planters are designed to reduce the frequency of watering, making them both practical and attractive. If you’re interested in these planters, our local plant experts can provide more information, and you can also find options online or at big box home improvement stores. Let’s continue to support these beautification efforts and promote the businesses involved in making our community a more beautiful place to live.
If you have any updates or contributions to share, please reach out to jonathon@ivcba.org
Wow! What a Celebration! For a town that has become somewhat infamous for its divisive politics (and I hate to admit that), everyone came together to celebrate the 4th of July. At the risk of leaving something out, here’s my rundown of the Local Heroes Celebration organized and promoted by IVCBA on its website and local media.
I give a big shout-out to Jim Smith and Tahoe Red White & Blue II for bringing back fireworks, the biggest single unifying event. It took a Village….IVGID played a big role, so did Kern Schumacher and other big (and small) donors, as well as the volunteers, especially the clean-up the morning after. And for those who couldn’t get on the beach for one reason or another, the fireworks were fantastic from the decks with a panoramic view.
All of the Vets organizations kept us aware of the “reason for the season: the Incline Village Veterans Club, Military Officers of America, Onwards Ops, and PTSD Now! with founders Craig and Julie Rauchle as the 2024 Local Heroes Parade Marshals. IMO, the most moving patriotic events were the Flag Retirement Ceremony and TOCCATA’s Red, White, and Tahoe Blue concert.
For the sheer number of organizations involved, the Local Heroes Parade, sponsored by IVCBA and the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline, and the Community Fair were very inclusive. There might have been at least as many people IN the parade as watching the parade! I give a big shout-out to the Vets Club and the IVGID grounds crew for setting up and taking down those tents at the community fair. Lettie Miller, we missed you! Other highlights were the WCSO vehicles on display, the famous TK and IVGID field games, and the Susie Scoops ice cream eating contest.
Not sure who wins the contest for the most volunteers, but the Vets Club and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Prevention District are in a close race. I guess what we should be counting, is the number of pancakes served. Both were enthusiastically attended, but arguably more fun was had waiting in the line for the 4th of July Vets Club pancake breakfast because they were serving mimosas while we waited!
Speaking of volunteers behind the scenes, Tiffany Clements from the Substation, Josh and Paul from the NLTFPD, realtors, Jonathon Gardner and other IVCBA volunteers decorated the parade route and Tahoe Blvd….and took it all down on Monday. Decorating is very important to making the town look festive and my own personal mission since the years I owned Dress The Party costume and party store.
Behind the scenes at IVCBA, Julie Malkin-Manning and Kristin Derrin worked tirelessly to make sure everyone knew the schedule. Ask them how many times they STILL got asked “When is the parade?”!
We were really happy to see Incline Tahoe Foundation bring back Beer and Brats, now called Summerfest on the campus of UNR@Lake Tahoe. This was a very laid-back family event, think kids playing on beautiful lawns, brats and watermelon, and music that wasn’t too loud to be enoyed. Thank you UNR for keeping that campus a popular place for local events.
I’m sure I left someone out, so IVCBA’S Kristin Derrin, the boss of the Weekly SnapShot, has written a version of acknowledgements complete with links in this edition.
Fiinally, questions I often get asked:
Why don’t we have the parade on the 4th?
This is a good question. Tradition?? I do know that most people just want to be on the beach on the 4th. The parade and community fair are a lot of work, and the people involved want to be with family on the 4th.
Why are there so many people in town?
Incline Village has ALWAYS been a second home community, and those part-time residents are all in town for the month of July. Please welcome those people back, and be nice to the other visitors that keep our local economy afloat.
Aren’t the fireworks bad for the Lake?
Oh dear. This is a bit of a conundrum because our community has to be laser-focused on Lake clarity and protecting the environment. What I’ve been told, and believe, is that the fireworks are far better for the environment than they used to be. I also believe that the organizers and enthusiastic clean-up volunteers are committed to removing all traces afterwards. Thanks to Travel North Tahoe Nevada for its ongoing commitment to sustainability and educating visitors on how to be responsible during their stay.
UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN INCLINE VILLAGE AND CRYSTAL BAY
I have enjoyed watching the progress of Natural Grocers on Tahoe Boulevard as I drive by it every day. It now looks like a mid-late July opening for this health-oriented grocery store. Driving further along Tahoe Blvd, I see progress with the expansion of Bite and the Bar La Loca (still not open) replacing FredRicks. John Kasden, property owner for Incline Plaza and Aspen Plaza, also reports a Pottery store in Aspen Plaza. Check It out!
Our casino resorts provide jobs for locals and contribute to a healthy economy that can support other local businesses. News on this front:
Nine 47 Tahoe, the luxury condo project on the corner of Tahoe Blvd and Southwood, will complete the Washoe County permitting process this week, but will break ground next spring. They have completed the TRPA process.
Revitalize Cal Neva is moving along this summer with some initial historic preservation, structural repair, and environmental remediation. The site work this summer is related to getting the property ready for more extensive work next spring/summer toward the goal of opening in time for its 100th anniversary in December 2026. The McWhinney group, the owners, are working hard to engage the community every step of the way toward re-creating the lodge-style resort that existed in the 1940s… with a modern twist, of course. This cultural heart of the North Shore has been dormant for too long, and the vision is to transform the iconic place into a vibrant destination for the community and visitors to gather and celebrate. The open house at Bowl Incline earlier this month was widely attended by the community. Stay updated: www.revitalizecalneva.com
The Hyatt redevelopment is currently limited to the completion of the beautiful(and tasty) Osteria Sierra, originally the Sierra Café. The Hive restaurant and bar is open for the season! Boats, jet skis and kayaks can be rented at the Hyatt through Lake Tahoe Luxury Boat Rentals
The Waldorf Astoria resort in Crystal Bay is on hold indefinitely as it works through refinancing.
The Tahoe Transportation District(TTD) is presenting its findings on alternate sites for the planned Mobility Hub in Incline Village. Attend in person at Incline Library or on ZOOM
It’s a beautiful early spring. Share your photos of the perennials around town – SEND photos to info@ivcba.org. No need to go to Reno for flowers…check out High Sierra Gardens. Take your kids or grandchildren to walk along the creek that runs through their property. They get new blooms every week. Grocery Outlet and Raleys have been stocking flowers too.
Have you noticed all of the benches and outdoor seating throughout town? Raleys has installed seating just outside Starbucks, Sunshine Deli has a sweet dining spot across the parking lot, Crosby’s is legendary, and I LOVE the outdoor area at Happy Tiers. What’s your favorite spot?
PATRIOTIC DÉCOR
Tis the season to get out your flags and bunting to show your pride in our country. Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration is coming up fast: July 2-4. Find all of the details on IVCBA.org. Yes, there are fireworks this year!
Congrats to the Incline High School graduating class of 2024!
The Local Lens – Incline in Bloom & Our Local Heroes
June 12, 2024 | Linda Offerdahl
INCLINE IN BLOOM
What’s your favorite perennial? Tulips, daffodils, and phlox are almost finished. Those tall purply things are either lupines or. Anywhere you walk, whether on a trail or a sidewalk in town, will show off fabulous color right now. Most of them last about a month before the next wave of color comes.
IVCBA is having a Beautification Campaign right now. We are encouraging businesses and residents to plant some color for the season. High Sierra Gardens can provide many good native perennial choices; read: not much water or good soil is needed. Capture some of the stunning scenery along your next walk and share it with us at info@ivcba.org.
Not in a position to plant, but like the color? We are taking charitable donations for landscaping and beautification through the Incline Tahoe Foundation Incline Village Main Street.
BE A HERO…BE IN THE PARADE ON JULY 2
Every year we get a great interpretation of what it means to be a local hero in our community. THIS YEAR, we seem to have athletic heroes. So, here’s an idea: get your sports team together, wear your jerseys, and BE a HERO in the parade. TK has planned a mini-Olympics with field games at the Community Fair on the Village Green right after the parade. There is nothing wrong with those adult softball teams, either! Can you do cheers or chants along the way? Sing a patriotic song?
Our Local Heroes are firefighters, deputies, health care workers PLUS our snowplow drivers, snow removal guys, and trash collectors too. If you cannot be in it, please plan to attend. Details at are on our website: https://ivcba.org/events/local-heroes/
DRESS UP THE TOWN!
Start with putting your flag out on Friday, June 14 is Flag Day! About planting those flowers…how about some annual petunias in red, white and blue! We decorate the town the week or two before the 4th of July. The shopping centers will all be festive, thanks to IPM. IVCBA has a decorating crew for the parade route. The Incline village Realtors help put out stick flags and signs. If YOU can help, reach out to Tiffany Clements for WCSO – tlctiempo@gmail.com or 775-813-3706
I played my first round on Monday at the Mountain Course with the Teesters. There is something very summer-like about spending the morning playing golf, like being on vacation. I love the camaraderie among girlfriends, the freshly mown grass and the beautiful flowers. I started golfing 50 years ago, making me one of the oldest Teesters, both chronologically and the number of years I have been a member. Whether it’s hiking, pickle ball, the beach or boating, the season we live for all year, is here. We are lucky to have great weather in June, before the big rush of summer visitors. Enjoy it!
SUCCESSFUL CLEAN-UP DAY AND BLOCK PARTY!
Kudos to Madonna Dunbar and Waste Not for keeping the tradition of the spring clean-up going with nearly 100 registered participants and many others joining in to clean up our village. A big shout out to John Crockett for starting a new tradition, the block party at the library that also kicks off their summer reading program. The Meet and Greet with nonprofits provided great family entertainment.
This annual event is a “must do”. For starters, the event is at the Event Center, right on the beach. It feels like you have dropped into a summer resort (oh wait, we live in one!) to be sipping great wine on the beach. It supports a great cause: Boys and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe, which runs the Duffield Youth Center, the club at Incline Elementary School. This wonderful after school program is much needed for working families.
Written by John Crockett of the Incline Village Library
A block party has all the sights, sounds, and smells emblematic of a summer day: grilling food, music from outdoor speakers, games, laughter, and to meet and talk with your neighbors. Block parties are also about community pride, and this Saturday, the community comes together at the Incline Village Library for the 2nd Annual Summer Reading Kickoff Block Party from 11 am to 2 pm. This year, the library partners with IVGID Waste Not and IHS National Honor Society to host the Incline Green Clean from 9 am to noon.
This year’s summer reading theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” By reading 20 minutes a day, students can avoid the summer slide. Sign up for the summer reading challenge, choose a free book, and earn more by tracking minutes read and completing activities. Include reading in all your summer adventures and set your children up for academic success.
The Block Party features over 20 information booths from our non-profit and community partners, including the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, IVCBA, and Washoe County Human Services. Visit with many more great agencies, non-profits, and community groups dedicated to serving all of Incline Village.
Visit the used book sale to find your next great read, with sales supporting library events. The new library bookmobile will make its Incline Village debut, and kids can read in the garden with the Paws4Love therapy dogs.
Refreshments, including hot dogs, chips, and soda, are generously provided by the hard-working team at Raley’s and the grillmasters at The Rotary Club of Incline Village and Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline, the “get stuff done” service groups of our town. Enjoy summer grooves from DJ Castillo and DJ Twist and tour the newly reopened Incline Village Justice Court and Community Center.
In addition to the fun and information at the booths, we have a slate of great activities including face painting, a graffiti art demonstration with Incline High’s Mr. Dominguez, soda bottle rocket launches, and a community group photo.
And don’t forget—it’s early primary voting time, too! Cast a vote for the primary election, register to vote, or update your voter information in the library meeting room. Complete election information is on the Washoe County Registrar website.
The Block Party and Incline Green Clean are not only great community events, they are part of the Main Street Incline Village Beautification Campaign. This campaign aims to beautify, unify, and revitalize the heart of Incline. Through initiatives such as Inclined to Bloom flower boxes, roudabout improvements, lighting, and public art, we can grow this sense of community pride and stewardship, inspiring all who visit and make Incline Village their home to care for our town.
And with an engaging children’s area, natural light, murals and galleries, park and museum passes, as well as a collection and events for everyone, the library is the place to come together.
See you at the Block Party this Saturday to help clean up, enjoy some food, music, and fun, sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, and kick off the best summer ever with our neighbors!
Schedule
Incline Green Clean – 9 am to noon
Bookmobile, Book Sale, Local Non-profit Booths – 11 am to 2 pm
Face Painting – 11 am – 12:30 pm
Graffiti Art Demo – Noon
Bottle Rocket Launch – Noon and 1 pm
Hot Dogs – Noon – 2 pm
Communty Group Photo in lower parking lot – 1:15 pm
The Local Lens – Memorial Day, Clean-Up Day, & Prom Night!
May 22, 2024 | Linda Offerdahl
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
This is such a big weekend in Incline. Many of the summer locals are arriving, people are doing their spring cleaning, and making a trip to Mountain Hardware for supplies, especially on Saturday. Every year, they have a Customer Appreciation Day with free hot dogs and entertainment by our favorite local band, Jacked Up.
But please remember why we have this holiday and come to the Memorial Day Celebration to honor our lost military heroes. The venue has changed. It is now on the north side of the Village Green (across from the Rec Center) starting at 10 am. Honoring our Vets is a BIG DEAL in Incline. A Memorial Plaza is being proposed by local resident Michael Grossman who is willing to fund the project estimated at more than $100,000. It is supported by our various Vets groups, local residents, and organizations. A big shout out to the 4 Vets groups in town: IVCB Veterans Club, Military Officers of America, PTSD Now! and Onward Ops.
CLEAN-UP AND BEAUTIFCATION
The unofficial rule around planting annuals is to wait until after Memorial Day. It is so tempting to buy those flowers at Costco, but I know what will happen if I plant too soon! This is THE weekend to be sure your pinecones and pine needles are cleared from your property for defensible space. There are many native perennials that can be sustainably planted and maintained while beautifying your property. June 1 is THE day for Village trash clean-up. Gather your neighbors and head down to Incline Library for trash bags and trash grabbers supplied by Waste Not. Stay for the Block Party and hotdogs provided by Raleys and grilled by Rotarians!
SPRING CLEAN-UP ON THE ROUNDABOUT
Thanks to IPM for doing the annual maintenance on the roundabout. Spring flowers are popping up, slow down and “smell the daisies” the next time you go through it! Stay tuned for information on the planned redesign of the roundabout through the Incline Village Main Street program.
FRDAY IS THE LAST DAY…
To get great deals at the gift shop run by the Hospital Auxiliary. Monies raised go directly to our Community Hospital’s needs. Go in the side door; hours are 10-12:30 Thursday and Friday.
PROM NIGHT AT ALIBI on FRIDAY
Incliners are famous for rallying around our locals who need support. Thursday night will be a fundraiser for Kendra Romo, wife of Alibi co-owner Rich Romo. Have fun with the prom dress…go to our local thrift stores for kitschy prom dresses from the 80’s or other fun eras. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
By all measures, the return of the Incline Star Follies lived up to the hype. Performing for close to sold-out crowds, the Follies cast put on quite the show and reminded us all what the Incline community is all about. Over 70 students, alumni, parents, school admins, business partners and local community members spent countless hours putting together an evening of fun and frivolity. They wowed the crowd with their dance moves, lip-syncing prowess and comedic talent (sometimes, newly-found skills!) and built friendships and connections in the process. Oh, and they had fun while raising a bunch of money for the schools.
As the school season starts to wind down, there is still a LOT going on for parents, community members and students alike. Accolades, events to attend and a couple of great volunteer opportunities. Read on and join in!
Congrats are in order! Yet ANOTHER award for Incline High School students!
Congratulations to Riley Hunt and Asher Edwards for taking 1st place at the Skills USA competition. They competed against 10 other schools in Additive Manufacturing and will go onto Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia in late June.
Cool things to do!
This Thursday, IHS is hosting a Feria de la Comunidad this Thursday from 5-7
See the flyer below for more details, but everyone is invited to IHS for this celebration of cultures, traditions, and talents within our community. The fair will feature a variety of activities and attractions for all ages, including:
– Delicious food
– Information and demonstrations highlighting what the community offers
– Engaging activities for children of all ages
– Opportunities to connect with local organizations and learn about their initiatives in fostering unity and diversity within our community
IMS Family Stem Night on May 21st. 5:30-7
Mark your calendars for a celebration of our Incline Schools becoming the First and Only STE(A)M pathway in the state of Nevada. There will be lots of activities, including a SALSA CONTEST, so prepare your tastebuds (not your dancing shoes) for the competition.
And here’s how you can Get Involved
Volunteers are needed for both the Science Expo and Mock interview/Career Day.
Details:
Science Expo May 23 and 24, 2024
UC Davis is seeking volunteers at the annual Science Expo on May 23 and 24 to help facilitate a science activity. The event will be held in the Incline High School gymnasium. Shifts are 2 – 4 hours. To volunteer, use the link below or contact Sarah via email at: (skharry@ucdavis.edu). For more information about the Science Expo, visit https://tahoe.ucdavis.edu/science-expo.
CELEBRATE MAY DAY at the Community Mixer at Umpqua Bank today starting at 4:30! Mixers are a classic form of gathering in Incline. A sponsor, in this case Umpqua Bank and its financial advisors and mortgage lenders, and Frushon Accounting and Business Services supply adult beverages and food…from T’s Rotisserie. A new twist this time is that other IVCBA members in financial services are attending and supplying raffle prizes. This is a great chance to meet local business owners and mingle with locals in this very spring-like May Day.
INCLINE STAR FOLLIES is happening this weekend. This is another tradition in Incline but has been absent since COVID. You will love love love the energy emanating from the stage and the sense of community when we all “stand up as proud Americans” in the last number of the evening.
INCLINE VILLAGE LIBRARY and COMMUNITY CENTER
Lifelong learning happens weekly, even daily at our beloved Incline Library. Art classes for seniors are being introduced this Friday! Right next door in the old library building is the Community Center utilized for games and meetings, along with housing the Incline Justice Court.
BEAUTIFICATION CAMPAIGN
Please join us and your neighbors in “spring cleaning” the Village, starting with your own property. Gather your neighbors and plan to join the Incline Green Clean on June 1, followed by the Incline Village Library Block Party and BBQ!
It’s a thing! Everything is getting re-purposed, re-used, not just recycled. Look at the popularity of our thrift stores and Karma Consignment Boutique. Even trash can become an Object D’art! See it on display at the Holman Art Center, thanks to the clean-up efforts combined with artistic talent of Incline Middle Schoolers and their creative director, teacher Kevin Edwards.
IHS STUDENT ART ON DISPLAY …with an Artist’s Reception at Incline Library today!
BEAUTIFICATION….Is in the eyes of the beholder, but IVCBA’a Main Street program is counting on everyone agreeing that is starts with cleaning up. We are promoting the Waste Not “Incline Green Clean” on June 1, followed by the Incline Village Library’s block Party and BBQ. Mark your calendars now! More later. If you are interested in learning more about the Beautification Campaign, come to the meeting at Incline Library on Tuesday, April 3 at 3pm.
I COULD TELL YOU about Rosie’s special yoga event at the Sanctuary, Tara Cannon’s (the IT hostess of the Boosters) event with the Psychic Thomas John, and the Local Authors and Legends at the Visitor Center on Sunday, but then you wouldn’t have a reason to click right now on the IVCBA calendar to get the Deets!
FOMO, yes, I have it big time right now. I am in Minnesota and missing out of all these wonderful events. But I am back in time for…
Umpqua Bank is sponsoring the first mixer of the year and will be joined by their wealth management and other services, Frushon Accounting and numerous other financial resource businesses in Incline. Free food, adult beverages and raffle prizes!! And I promise good weather so we can be outdoors too.
