LIVE.WORK.PLAY Holiday 2023

INCLINE VILLAGE CRYSTAL BAY COMMUNITY & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

HOLIDAY 2023

Northern Lights Celebration P. 15-17

Local Profiles

Tim Kelly P. 8 Nellie Bradshaw-Farafonova P. 6

Business Profiles

Dr. Jonathan Smith P. 24 Bridget Giroux Design P. 28-29

885 Tahoe Boulevard Incline Village, NV 89451

Incline Village Crystal Bay Association

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 5377

Executive Director’s Letter BUSINESS PROFILE: Dr. Jonathan Smith Bridget Giroux Design

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LOCAL PROFILE: Nellie Bradshaw-Farafonova Tim Kelly

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EDUCATION: Incline Education Fund Launches “Step Up for STEM” Campaign 10-11 Incline Middle School 12-13 FAMILY HEALTH: Training for Winter Activities

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Northern Lights Celebration

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Where to Work Out in IV/CB This Winter 18-20

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The Knitters Guild of Incline Village Celebrates 21 Years 23 Tahoe Film Fest

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Clean Up The Lake Opens a New Environmental Dive Center in Incline Village 26-27 HISTORY: McAvoy Layne Perfects Mark Twain 30-31

28-29 STAFF

COMMUNITY LIAISONS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

ENVIRONMENT: Amy Berry

Kristin Derrin kristin@ivcba.org

FREELANCE WRITERS:

Kayla Anderson Meghan Ochs

BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR: Linda Offerdahl TREASURER/FINANCE: Mike Young BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE: Blane Johnson COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE: Sheila Leijon COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE: John Crockett INCLINE SCHOOLS: Mary Danahey FINANCE & PRO-BONO CPA: Craig Iverson LIVE.WORK.PLAY. PUBLISHER: Kathy Slocum PRO-BONO ATTORNEY: Alan Tiras

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Please contact Kathy Slocum at (775) 846-5656, kathy@justimaginemktg.com

WASHOE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE:

INCLINE VILLAGE CRYSTAL BAY COMMUNITY & BUSINES S ASSOCIATION

Sheriff Darin Balaam

FALL 2023

WC CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD:

Diane Heirschberg CONTRIBUTORS Richard Miner Kayla Anderson Mary Danahey Meghan Ochs PHOTOGRAPHY: Chris Talbot

LIVE.WORK.PLAY. DESIGNER: J. Lewis Falconer

IVCBA Loca l Heroes 4th of July Weekend Cele bration

P. 15-18

Top Activities

P. 10-11

Sustainable

P. 28-29

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 5377

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER:

to do this Sum

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Transportatio

Association

Julie Malkin-Manning Sugar Pine Events & Marketing julie@ivcba.org

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Crystal Bay

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Louis Ward/Karli Epstein INCLINE JUSTICE COURT: The Honorable Judge Alan Tiras INCLINE VILLAGE REALTORS: Kendra Murray NLTFPD: Ryan Sommers/Tia Rancourt PARASOL TAHOE: Laura Roche/Claudia Andersen UNR AT LAKE TAHOE: Doug Boyle TAHOE PROSPERITY CENTER: Heidi Hill-Drum TRAVEL NORTH TAHOE NEVADA: Andy Chapman WASHOE COUNTY COMMISSIONER: Alexis Hill

Incline Village

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, IVCBA.ORG,

INCLINE VILLAGE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL:

885 Tahoe Boulevard Incline Village, NV 89451

Linda Offerdahl linda@ivcba.org

PUBLISHING DISCLOSURE NOTICE LIVE. WORK. PLAY. is the official publication of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Association (IVCBA). Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues and budgeted funds. The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by IVCBA or its Board of Directors of the projects, services or views contained therein.

COVER PHOTO: Tim Kelly Photographer: Chris Talbot Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

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HOLIDAY 2023

All the world’s a stage

Countryside Retreats WINNER

Make your home THE STAR Tanya Soule, REALTOR® | Incline Village Real Estate. Elevated.

Proud supporter of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival LivingTahoe.com | (775) 690-2341 Chase International | 917 Tahoe Blvd., Ste. 100, Incline Village, NV 89451 | NV S.170786

IVCBA.ORG

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Nancy Barton

LICENSED REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

Serving California & Nevada

Holidays are the time to celebrate,

nancy.barton@cbrealty.com nancy.barton@corcorangl.com 415.302.3920 || Office: Office: 530.583.5581 Cell:Cell: 415.302.3920 775.831.8400 475 North Lake Blvd Unit 102 | Tahoe City, CA 96145 907 Tahoe Blvd. #20B, Incline Village, NV CA #1766612 | NV BS.0145569

and it’s all about being with your loved ones — it’s not the time to stress over your home.

Count on us as your trusted choice for all your holiday home prep needs. From pre-arrival house checks to spotless kitchens to installing your Holiday lights. Our dedicated team of experts is at your service, ready to ensure your home is in tip-top shape for the festive season.

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HOA Management • House Check Services Long Term Rentals • Commercial Rentals Cleaning Services • Landscape Maintenance Building Maintenance • Snow Removal Light Construction • Pool & Spa Maintenance

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775.832.0284

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HOLIDAY 2023

YOUR L AKE TAHOE REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

MIKE YOUNG 7 7 5 . 7 71 . 2 3 91 MIKE.YOUNG@SIR.COM N V B S . 2 915 0 | C A 0 0 7 8 4 14 8

INVESTORS

Greetings!

Incline Village is looking pretty festive, don’t you think? We have holiday lights on trees along Tahoe Boulevard and a tree with red lights in the park on the west entrance to Incline Village. With shopping centers, businesses and homes decorated, we almost look like a Hallmark movie town!

incline village crystal bay

The holiday lighting is part of Northern Lights, celebrating the numerous events in November and December. At one time, this was a big effort to bring in visitors for the shoulder season before the two weeks of Christmas and New Year’s. If you are one of our part time residents, welcome back. Over time, we have come to appreciate the value of locals and families coming together.

DECK THE HALLS is the lighting contest for residents and commercial properties.

It has had grassroots growth over the last two years, reinforcing the lighting along Tahoe Blvd. It has become a tradition to drive through Incline neighborhoods to see the holiday lighting displays.

SIP AND SHOPS/SNACKS Saturday events in the shopping centers and plazas helps bring business to our local merchants. The Small Business Saturday campaign by American Express on Thanksgiving weekend and the national Shop Local campaign remind us of the direct and indirect value it brings to our Village. If merchants get more business, they too can afford to eat and shop local.

The 9th annual Tahoe Film Fest, November 30- December 3 is a true gift to the community thanks to its founder Robert Roussel. He has amazing contacts in Hollywood and brings world class films to our community. It always benefits the Tahoe Environment Resource Center housed on the campus of UNR at Lake Tahoe.

NEW THIS YEAR: IVGID Park and Recs is decorating “Candy Cane Lane” starting at the path from the Rec Center to Candy Cane Village on the campus of UNR at Lake Tahoe’s Patterson Hall patio. After picking up their holiday goodie bag, families will stroll the path to UNR, enjoying the trees decorated by Incline Elementary School classes. Nevada Santa and Mrs. Lollie Claus, have transformed Patterson Patio into a cute holiday village. Community partners will be on hand with fun activities and other goodies. Enjoy a community singalong after listening to the joyful sounds of Incline Elementary School children singing carols.

ALL OF THE EVENTS can be found on IVCBA.org/northern-lights-tahoe and in the 3 page insert in this magazine. There is something for everyone and every interest in Incline in December!

This issue is chockful of interesting information on our local residents and businesses. If you read about one you haven’t met, look them up….or watch for them at Raleys!

We are coming into my favorite season in Tahoe…winter! Let’s pray for lots of snow!

Linda Offerdahl

John & Patty Jansen

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By Meghan Ochs

© CHRIS TALBOT

Nellie Bradshaw-Farafonova is the senior, and only, passport clerk at the Crystal Bay Post Office. Nellie and her job have a lot in common, on the surface both might seem ordinary in a lovely, predictable way, perhaps even a bit outdated in today’s modern digital world. However, it turns out, her job, just as Nellie herself, is a lot more complicated than meets the eye.

Nellie moved to Incline Village in ‘94 with her second husband and their then, two young children. Today, she lives in Crystal Bay and the years between tell an interesting story about a unique woman.

She began what she calls her ‘second career’, the one outside of raising her children, at The Hyatt as a hostess. She soon became supervisor and moved onto the Regency Club and became a concierge manager. In early 2002, she made a big change and moved to Russia to teach English. The move was precipitated by both her divorce in 2001 and 9/11 which impacted tourism. Nellie loved her time and experiences in Moscow, but despite having a multi entry exit visa and visiting on occasion, she desperately missed her children. Listening to Nellie discuss her time in Russia it’s obvious that her time away fed her naturally adventurous spirit. While there, she earned good money to send back to her children and married her third husband who was Russian. In 2005 she came back to Tahoe and was devastated when soon thereafter her marriage ended.

However, Nellie’s palpable tenacity kicked in. Nellie started what would become a long term career with The United States Post Office.

Hard work and adaptability seem to come easily to Nellie and kind grandmother. Talking to Nellie you quickly learn that which is incredibly useful in her role at USPS. The office at both of these assumptions about her, and the place she works, Crystal Bay is actually under the jurisdiction of The State are far from the truth. Nellie is anything but quiet, or tame.

Department in Los Angeles and is unique in the number of She is sweet and kind yes, but an emotionally strong, unique passports it processes. Prior to COVID, 65-70 a month were woman who forged her own path and collected a lot of stories processed, now, Nellie and her single member staff, do over of adventure, hard work, and heartbreak. As for the place she 1600 in a 6 month period. People come by multiple travel works, it doesn’t take long to learn how truly important the modalities to get to Nellies office for complicated travel cases. services she provides really are. Nellie and the Crystal Bay Nellie has an amicable nature that lends well to customer Post Office provide services and basic needs to individuals and service and she loves all who visit. She notes that her job families that many take for granted. There seem to be a lot requires a lot of patience due to the long term nature of of unspoken parallels between Nellie and her work, perhaps acquiring passports. She often encounters angry and disgruntled this is why she loves it. Nellie hopes to stay in her current people. However, she still builds lots of positive personal role for awhile longer. She thinks about retirement from her relationships. She can rattle off names and addresses the same 6 days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day, job but knows it doesn’t way people remember land line phone numbers. Nellie has make sense until she becomes a grandparent, or finds a new obvious, high level people skills. partner. For now, for the benefit of local residents and wannabe The Post Office in 2023 might seem irrelevant. Something travelers, Nellie will be behind the counter at Crystal Bay in the similar could theoretically, and wrongly, be assumed about signature USPS light blue shirt, and navy apron, with her big Nellie. As a short statured 68 year old woman, she seems smile and warm heart, greeting all those who walk through the quiet and unassuming. Nellie has the appearance of a young door.

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HOLIDAY 2023

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KELLY

By Kayla Anderson

© CHRIS TALBOT

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 Incline residents to be active in some way to live a healthy life. than any sport itself which is why he is also a youth minister.

He believes that his role is not just to provide services to the As the unofficial ‘athletic director’ of Incline Village Tim community but to build community. loves to do ‘all of the things’ His favorites are surfing, skiing, Tim’s history as it relates to sharing his love of sport, coaching biking and playing basketball. Fortunately, Tim gets to do most it, and providing it to others is vast. His whole life has been of these things with his wife Maureen and their three kids. defined by these things as well as sharing the values that sport Team sports are generally his favorite for the camaraderie. has taught him with his own family and his community who he Among the ones he gets to help provide and organize for his community flag football is his favorite but he is proud of every considers extended family. Tim hopes to be at his desk or on the fields as the Incline Sports and Community Supervisor for single sport and recreation program Incline offers, whether at least another ten years. He is self-described, and accurately soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, dodgeball, pickleball so, as ‘The biggest Incline fan I’ve ever met’. Tim explained, “I or any of the many others. Tim is proud of all of the youth do this for a loving, not for a living.” It is obvious it is in Incline’s and adult sport programs offered whether team or individual best interest that this benevolent, sport loving, community man and truly appreciates his cohorts in the parks department and those who make his job easier with facilities. Tim’s goal is for all sticks around as long as possible.

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HOLIDAY 2023

The Incline Village General Improvement District manages many of the programs and recreation venues that makes Incline Village the vibrant place that it is. Join us this winter for some of these community favorites, or find an adventure that is perfect for you at YourTahoePlace.com.

Winter Snowshoe Hikes & Lunch Dates: December 5 – March 26 Days/Times: Tuesdays, 10am - 2pm Details: inclinerecreation.com

Winter Indoor Pickleball

Location: Incline Village Recreation Center Gym (980 Incline Way) Dates: November 2 - April 30

55+ Ski Clinics at Diamond Peak

Skiers ages 55+, don't miss this opportunity to hone your skills, master safe skiing, and meet some fun peers at Diamond Peak Ski Resort this winter! Details at DiamondPeak.com.

SAVE THE DATE • • • • • • •

Dec. 7 – Diamond Peak Ski Resort’s projected Opening Day (conditions permitting) Dec. 24 & 25 – Santa & Penguin Pete visit Diamond Peak (selfies with Santa on the slopes anyone?)

Jan. 26 - Annual Ullr Fest Party, Bonfire & Torchlight Parade – The 14th annual Ullr Fest, to raise funds for the Diamond Peak Ski Team Jan. 29 – Feb. 4 – IVGID Community Appreciation Week at Diamond Peak (Recreation Pass & Punch Card holders receive free lift tickets this week) March 10 – Village Ski Loft’s Spring Demo Day at Diamond Peak (try out next year’s new skis and snowboards for free) March 23-24 – Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival at Diamond Peak April 13 – Dummy Downhill at Diamond Peak IVCBA.ORG

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Hyatt @ Lake Tahoe donates $50,000 to the Incline Education Fund’s STEP Up for STEM Campaign.

Andrew DeLapp, DOO, Hyatt, Dan Lediard, IMS Principal, Mary Danahey, IEF, John Stern, IES Principal, Pascal Dupuis, GM, Hyatt

Incline Education Fund Launches “Step Up for STEM” Campaign

Goal: Making Incline Schools the First K-12 STEM Designated School System in the State of Nevada LIVE.WORK.PLAY.

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The Incline Education Fund (IEF) announced that it will be raising $300,000 to help build the coordinated K12 STEM curriculum across all three Incline public schools, making it the first effort of its kind in the state of Nevada.

“This K-12 STEM vision will help ensure that every Incline student is career or college ready,” IEF Executive Director Mary Danahey said.

Sharon Schrage, co-founder of IEF, pointed out that “our goal is to give students the tools they need to ensure that they have a strong base of fundamentals and are able to take advantage of the rigorous coursework offered as the K12 STEM Pathway grows”.

Why STEM?

STEM instruction is a problem-based, interdisciplinary approach IEF has already helped to secure the Nevada Governor’s Office where classroom activity often begins with a real-world of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) STEM School problem, which helps students see the practical application Designation for two of the Incline schools and is working on the of their studies. The most critical part of a STEM education is third. The OSIT designation denotes that a school demonstrates that it not only requires students to engage in creative problem exemplary performance in the fields of science, technology, solving and critical thinking, but also requires them to practice engineering and mathematics (STEM) and is a model for schools essential “soft” skills like communication and collaboration. around the state.

The development of those interpersonal skills is fundamental to future student success, regardless of what careers are of Danahey said that the funds will be directed to new and interest as they enter the workforce. In short, STEM uniquely updated technology equipment and curriculum to keep helps students prepare for their future. the program cutting-edge. IEF will also support enrichment programs such as podcasting, coding, programming, and Schrage said, “the Step Up for STEM program will broaden robotics and experiential opportunities that increase student students’ academic skills and open additional opportunities for engagement. It will also provide dedicated staffing and careers or higher education degrees. We believe that the Incline professional development for educators.

Schools are on their way to creating one of the best K12 school communities in the state of Nevada.“ With the generous support of the Incline community and numerous grant awards over the past three years, IEF has been providing support for highly successful STEM pilot programs at all three Incline schools. Those programs include the makerspace program at the elementary school, the robotics program at the middle school and the engineering program at the high school.

Now IEF is looking to tie these three programs together and create a unique K12, vertically aligned STEM pathway for all Incline students. When the project is completed, the Incline Schools will be the first K12 STEM aligned system in the state of Nevada.

Over $120,000 in Community Support Already Pledged

The Step Up for STEM program has quickly been building momentum and enthusiastic support from local partners.

The Hyatt @ Lake Tahoe has committed $50,000 as the lead corporate sponsor and the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has generously donated $20,000 to the initiative.

“The Hyatt is excited to be partnering with Incline Education Fund on the Step Up for STEM campaign. Their vision for a STEM learning curriculum across all of the K12 Incline schools will help prepare our kids with real-world, 21st century skills.

We are proud to be supporting our local community as sponsors of this great program,” Andrew DeLapp, COO of Hyatt @ Lake Tahoe, said.

For more information, or to become a corporate or private sponsor of the STEP Up for STEM Challenge, go to: inclineeducationfund.org or click on this QR code:

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Incline Middle School

By Mary Danahey

Incline Middle School’s (IMS) new principal, Daniel Lediard, is excited to bring his 25 years of experience as an educator here to Tahoe and be able to work with the phenomenal staff at IMS. When asked about his new role, Lediard said “I am excited to bring my skills to this great school and be able to support our IMS students, staff, parents and the Incline community”.

Lediard understands middle school students, especially since he has two of his own, and how complex navigating the early teenage years can be. He knows that middle school aged students are dealing with not only the physical aspects of puberty, but the academic and emotional aspects as well.

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Middle school is designed to offer more a academically challenging curriculum to students just as their ability to process complex thinking is developing. This is happening at the same time that peer pressure and now the influence of social media is taking root.

Lediard believes that IMS’s small classes and nurturing environment provide an excellent launchpad to encourage and motivate students as they stretch their academic efforts. interact with new tools, materials and concepts. For middle school students who want to become the next generation As such, Lediard credits IMS with maintaining focus on what of innovators and inventors, STEM programs give them the is best for its students. Toward that end, he and his staff have chance to learn through real-world application of their skills. three goals: • continue a robust curriculum that solidifies students’ This focus on STEM will become the bridge between the reading and writing strategies makerspace program at the elementary school and the • move IMS toward a STEM School Designation engineering program at the high school, creating a unique • solidifiy the new IMS Exploratory program opportunity for students to take STEM classes from kindergarten to 12th grade.

“With both the Incline elementary and high schools already achieving the Nevada Designated STEM School status, IMS Lediard’s third goal for IMS is to build up the Exploratory is working to join their ranks and create the only K12 STEM program that was created by IMS’s previous principal, Kari school alignment in the state,” Lediard said. To help make Michael. With support from Incline Education Fund and local that happen, IMS is working with the Incline Education Fund community partners, this weekly program allows students to to create the framework that Nevada STEM Schools require.

Utilizing grant funds received from both the Nevada Governors’ explore other areas of interest and exposes them to numerous career and college pathways. It also provides a runway for Office of Science, Innovation & Technology and the Tahoe Fund, IMS is expanding their robotics curriculum and launching the high school’s Learning through Interest program. Students choose between a variety of on and off campus opportunities a community-wide “Trash to Treasure” program (see insert). each semester and include topics like: robotics, culinary arts, podcasting, swimming, bowling, entrepreneurship, XC-skiing, Lediard explained that becoming a hub of STEM innovation crochet and more. involves providing teaching opportunities that are centered on inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities that “These programs set Incline Village apart from every school can be tied to the real world.

I’ve worked in”, said Lediard. “Since I accepted this position, I am enjoying being able to connect with students on a more STEM schools challenge students to partner with the local personal basis and working within a supportive community. community and businesses to solve local problems. STEM projects are relatable to a wide range of students because they I can’t think of a better location to serve as a school leader,” Lediard said. are engaging, hands-on learning projects that allow them to

TRASH TO TREASURE

Teams of students, local service groups and individual community members will be coordinated to collect trash and debris found in the Tahoe basin. The collected trash will be analyzed, measured and turned into communal art pieces with the specific purpose of informing the general public about the importance of keeping the Tahoe basin trash free. Watch for upcoming information on collection dates in the IVCBA SnapShot.

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h I am here to assist you

before, during and after every transaction.

Pam is an excellent real estate agent who has proven to be thoroughly professional, kind and trustworthy. We originally found Pam on Zillow and decided to work with her to find a property in Incline Village. Pam was very knowledgeable about the housing market in Incline Village and immediately responded to our emails and phone calls with candid and insightful answers. This was particularly helpful for us, as we were shopping for properties remotely from the San Francisco Bay Area. Pam is patient and a great listener and she honed in on exactly what we wanted. Working with Pam was a very pleasant experience - she’s a straight shooter and one of the best real estate agents we’ve ever worked with!

h

PamF ernandez

Broker-Salesman Lakeshore Realty~across from Incline Beach Mobile 775-742-3096

Broker-Salesman, GRI / NV Lic BS.20002 / 775.742.3096 / TahoePam@Gmail.com

NV License #20002 Learn more Pam and search for 1974 properties at: TahoePam.com Northabout Tahoe Resident since – 11 –

Selling Incline Village since 1988

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Tahoe Fitness Loft is a boutique fitness studio offering small group classes, private and semi-private instruction for Pilates Group Reformer, Barre, TRX, Spin and Personal Training.

We partner with you to set, achieve and maintain your personal fitness goals in a modern, clean and safe environment.

NEW CLIENTS GET 15% OFF. INQUIRE BY CALLING. Classes 7 days a week.

Current schedule visit www.TahoeFitnessLoft.com Single/group class packages can be purchased online.

TWO LOCATIONS

Incline Village at the Village Center 760 Mays Blvd.

Tahoe City at the Boatworks Mall Private sessions call for an 760 N. Lake Blvd. appointment. 775-548-5002

Personal consultations are complimentary.

Northern Lights is our community’s winter holiday celebration filled with a calendar full of festive and heartwarming events, perfect for people of all ages, whether you believe in Santa or not!

Festivities kick off with the annual Diamond Peak Ski Team Pray for Snow party, the IVGID Craft Faire, and the popular Christmas Comes to Incline Village Thrift Store Open House – where the deals include freshly stocked holiday decor and merchandise! As tradition dictates, our festivities bring back perennial favorites such as the Candy Cane Lane & Village, Sip and Shops, Tahoe Film Fest, the delightful TFS Brunch with Santa, and TOCCATA’s enchanting performance of Messiah.

Northern Lights is a community celebration supported by Visit IVBCA.org to see all Northern Lights events

Candy Cane Lane December 2nd, 2:00 -5:30 pm | Residents will meet at the Recreation Center and walk the Candy Cane Lane through the decorated woods to Candy Cane Village on UNR's Lake Tahoe Campus.

Candy Cane Village At the end of Candy Cane Lane, you'll arrive at Candy Cane Village, a community event taking place at the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus. Prepare to be entertained and create unforgettable memories as Santa Claus and Mrs. Lollie Claus make a grand entrance in a fire engine, courtesy of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.

Local organizations and businesses will add to the festivities.

Deck the Halls Lighting Contest Each year, our community unites in a friendly competition to showcase the most creative, colorful, and captivating holiday light displays. From elegant and traditional to whimsical and innovative, our neighbors spare no effort in spreading joy and holiday cheer through their breathtaking light arrangements. Visit ivcba.org to see all the lighting contest entries!

Sip and Shop 11/11/23 12/2/23 12/9/23 12/14/23 12/16/23

Christmas Comes to Incline Thrift Stores + Sip and Shop Village Center Sip and Snacks Country Club Center and Hyatt Candy Cane Village at UNR Lake Tahoe Sip and Shop Raley’s Center Sip and Shop Village Plaza (Tahoe+Village Blvd.)

Sip and Shop Christmas Tree Village

Toccata

Brunch with Santa Tahoe Film Fest

The Tahoe Symphony and Chorus will perform Handel's Messiah and seasonal carols for all to sing at the Village Church on December 15 Visit toccatatahoe.org

December 9 at 8am & 11am Lunch, raffles, photos with Santa, and Jacques the Magician. Tickets are available at TFS Thrift Store and The Potlatch.

Celebrating environmental films, as well as American Independent Films, new films from Latin America, and award-winning music documentaries on screen at the Incline Village Cinema. Visit tahoefilmfest.com

Lighting & Festival Sponsors DONATE TODAY TO HELP LIGHT UP THE NIGHT IN INCLINE VILLAGE

WHERE TO WORK OUT IN IV/CB THIS WINTER By: Kayla Anderson

As the days get colder and snow starts to stick to the ground, getting exercise outdoors tends to get a little bit more difficult. Fortunately, though, there are lots of ways to still stay in shape.

Here are some fitness options in the Incline Village/Crystal Bay area that will help you keep your stride going into the winter months:

High Altitude Fitness

With climbing gyms in both Incline Village and Truckee, HAF prides itself on its state-of-theart climbing walls and fitness facilities. The HAF on Northwoods Boulevard in Incline Village has been around for more than 15 years. Along with a fitness room full of weight equipment, treadmills, LifeFitness cardio machines, LifeCycle spin bikes, and more, HAF has locker rooms, an 800-sq.-ft. group fitness studio, 500-sq.-ft. spin/TRX studio, a snack bar, dry saunas, a dedicated yoga studio, and a climbing wall. www.highaltitudefit.net LIVE.WORK.PLAY.

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Incline Village Recreation Center

This rec center in the heart of town is sometimes referred to as the “YMCA of Incline” probably because it appeals more to families and Incline Village/Crystal Bay residents who pay the yearly IVGID rec fee get a discount for going there. The 37,000-sq.-ft. facility has an indoor swimming pool, basketball court, cardiovascular room (with recumbent bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, etc.), and strength area.

Group and aqua fitness classes are offered, there’s a pro shop and snack bar in its lobby area, and personal trainers are on hand to help you reach your fitness goals. www.inclinerecreation.com

Tahoe Fitness Loft

Located on Mays Boulevard behind Glasses Wine Bar and kitty-corner to the post office, Tahoe Fitness Loft is one of those gyms where you are motivated to stick with it long enough to see the results thanks to its fun and challenging group fitness and customized personal training plans. It keeps its classes small, allowing the gym to offer all kinds of movement activities from spin classes to Barre Sculpt and Pilates. Its instructor lineup at TFL is stellar, too, because it includes amazing local marketing specialist (and Barre instructor) Janelle Hibler, Mountain Golf Course head golf professional Ashley Wood, and Bridget Crowe of the mother/daughter interior design firm Bridget Giroux Design. Tahoe Fitness Loft also has a center in Tahoe City. www.tahoefitnessloft.com

The Sanctuary

Owned by long-time local Rosie Weber, the Sanctuary is a wellness center/place of refuge where people can come together to connect, unwind, heal, and rebuild. Along with its multitude of yoga/barre class variations, The Sanctuary also provides massage, acupuncture, reiki, and ayurveda services. www.thesanctuarytahoe.com

Summit Pilates

Ever since she got into gymnastics at the age of four, Lisa Fleisher has had a lifelong dedication to staying healthy and fit. In 2011 she became a triathlete, competing in several Ironman races and triathlons. It was around that time when she took a Pilates lesson with her husband and fell in love with it. Fleisher is now a Romana’s certified Pilates instructor who teaches private, duet, and small tower classes (maximum five people). Located at 333 Village Boulevard Suite 202 in Incline Village, Summit Pilates helps people improve their strength, posture, body alignment, and overall physical fitness. www.summitpilatestahoe.com

D.C.’s Pilates

Using the Stott Pilates method, owners David and Jennifer Cummings offer 55-minute private, semi-private and small group classes on equipment. Available by appointment only at its studio on Tahoe Boulevard, famous clients such as Mike Love and John Stamos have even been known to drop in. dcspilates.com IVCBA.ORG

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Lakeside Personal Training

Holding the belief that working out is something you do, and training is somewhere you go, NSCA-certified (National Strength and Conditioning Association) personal trainer Trish McKowen is fully invested in her clients’ physical fitness journey and destination. Her systematic approach has yielded proven results as she guides people through a process that relies just as much on nutrition, mindset, and attitude as it does on exercise. Her studio is in the Country Club Centre in Incline Village. lakesidepersonaltraining.com

Free Fitness

Don’t want to commit to a gym membership but still want to stay in shape? Then consider these options:

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Walk the Tahoe East Shore Trail: This paved pedestrian path starts from the very eastern edge of Incline Village and ends at Sand Harbor State Park. It is popular year-round- even when there’s snow on the ground- likely because sections of it follow the Lake Tahoe shoreline. https://tahoetrail.org/ Go through the Incline Fitness Trail next to Village Green: If you’re short on time but want to get a quick workout in, go through the outdoor less-thana-mile fitness course next to Aspen Grove and Village Green. There are 18 fitness stations and it’s available year-round. www.inclinerecreation.com Play disc golf in the woods next to the IVGID Rec Center: Thanks to a generous donation from the North Tahoe Lions Club back in 2011 that partially funded this project, the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) was able to build an 18-hole disc golf course in the forest between the ball fields and tennis courts. If you’re going to play in the winter, though, just be sure to bring some bright discs. www.inclinerecreation.com

AMENITIES Heated Indoor Pool

Lobby Bar

Local & Seasonal Discounts Available

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Contactless Stay

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“Best hotel in North Lake Tahoe.

Excellent service, gorgeous rooms, beautiful & convenient location. Very helpful staff, a welcoming lobby, great coffee, very comfortable bedding. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a true Lake Tahoe experience.”

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Incline Village REALTORS® is delighted to announce the recipients of their annual awards.

SHANNON PISANO | 2023 AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR

Shannon Pisano, affiliated with Ticor Title, is the deserving recipient of the Affiliate of the Year award. Shannon has been a steadfast presence for both REALTORS® and community members over the span of three decades.

MARY MOSHER-ARMSTRONG | 2023 GOOD NEIGHBOR OF THE YEAR The Good Neighbor of the Year award is presented to Mary Mosher-Armstrong of Keller Williams Group One. Mary's extraordinary generosity shines through her active involvement with the Good Neighbor Committee, where she dedicates her time to community cleanups, Stuff the Bus, and various other commendable initiatives.

GRANT MEYER | 2023 REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

The prestigious REALTOR® of the Year award is bestowed upon Grant Meyer. Serving as the 2023 Incline Village REALTORS® President, Grant has consistently gone above and beyond in his dedication to the community. His unwavering willingness to support fellow agents and his enduring commitment to the Association makes him a deserving recipient of this honor.

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ground.

Step 2: Jump/ walk your feet back until your body is extended in a plank position. » Step 3: Perform a pushup, then raise your hips and walk/jump your feet forward toward your hands. » Step 4: Stand, repeat.

• Leg Series, perform all moves to complete a set. Perform three sets. » Squats, 10x: Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

Keeping your back flat and chest forward, bend your knees to lower into a 90-degree squat; return to standing by driving through your heels and squeezing your glutes. » Alternating Lunges, 10x: Take a big step forward with your right foot; shift your weight into your right heel, bend your knees until your right knee is bent 90 degrees; step your right foot back to the left to return to standing. Repeat with your left leg forward. Continue to alternate legs. » Jumping Lunges, 10x: Stand in a lunge position with your right leg forward. Keeping your chest forward, bend your knees and jump into the air, switching your legs midair to land with your left leg forward in a lunge position. Continue to alternate legs. » Jumping Squats, 5x: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Keeping your black flat and chest forward, bend your knees to lower into a 90-degree squat, then explode into the air, landing softly back in a squat position. Repeat. » Plank, 1 minute: Get into a forearm plank position with your feet shoulder-width apart and your elbows directly under your shoulders. Engage your core, quads, hamstrings, and glutes to keep your back flat.

• Wall Sit, hold for 2 minutes (work to increase time each workout). » Step 1: Stand with your back against the wall, feet hipwidth apart. » Step 2: Bend your knees to sink down into a 90- degree squat, keeping your back flat against the wall.

»

Training for

Winter Activities

By Jeff Orr, MD Winter is on its way, and if you are a skier or snowboarder, now is the time to start getting ready to get on the slopes rather than waiting until the snow is upon us.

Leading up to winter, you can begin working a consistent cardio, strengthening, and flexibility program into your activities: Cardio: Good exercises to increase your cardio include biking, walking, hiking, rowing, and running — these should be done two to three times a week at a moderate pace including some high-intensity, short duration bursts followed by passive rests.

Eventually, progress to high-resistance cardio for continuous intervals, which will help condition your legs for long powder runs this winter.

Strengthening: Strength training that focuses on large muscle groups like the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and your core will help build endurance for skiers and snowboarders.

This can help stabilize your hips and knees while on the snow.

An example of a bodyweight strength training program may include: • Walking Burpee, perform three sets of five reps. » Step 1: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, bend at your waist and knees, and touch your palms to the LIVE.WORK.PLAY.

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Flexibility: Finally, maintaining or improving flexibility is also important — your spinal mobility helps you feel strong and balanced on your gear. Yoga and Pilates are great ways to incorporate stretching and movement into your winter prep.

Preparing your body for the ski season should start well before you ever hit the slopes. By incorporating some deliberate and regular exercise and stretching, you can help prepare your body appropriately and lessen your chance of injury this winter season.

Dr. Jeff Orr is an orthopedic physician who specializes in joint injury and traumatic orthopedic injuries with Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Find award-winning orthopedic care in Carson City, Incline Village, Round Hill, or South Lake Tahoe. For more information, call 530.543.5554 or visit BartonHealth.org.

The Knitters Guild of Incline Village Celebrates 21 Years By: Kayla Anderson

the informal Wednesday meetings, taking yarn from the closet, and turning it into wearable/useable items that then are given to the Tahoe Forest Hospital, Sierra Senior Services, the Eddy House in Reno, and more.

Knitters Guild members are welcome to pull yarn from the closet that was generously donated by local thrift stores and residents if it is used to make something that can go back into the community.

It’s free to join the Knitters Guild, and knitters of all abilities are welcome to join a meeting. If you come up short on yarn, you can usually find more of it in The Guild’s stash. The Guild meets every Wednesday all year long from 1pm-3pm; some people are more active in the summer, others in the winter. There are some members who can’t attend meetings in person but still donate handcrafted items to meet a specific cause or need.

At the end of the two-hour knitting session, a member holds up a beautifully eyelet crocheted blue and cream blanket. It looks cozy, perfect to curl up with in front of the fire… made with love right here in Incline Village.

Barbara Nutting, Carol Coughlin, Mary Mosher-Armstrong Back row: Phyllis Adams, Gisela DuVigneau, Laurel Underseth

A few weeks before United For Action’s annual Winter Warmth & Wellness Drive, members of The Knitters Guild of Incline Village meet at the St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church to knit together and create warm winter wear to donate back to the community.

These fiber artists informally gather every Wednesday at the church from 1pm-3pm all year long to knit and crochet together, creating scarves, shawls, blankets, beanies, and more. As the weather cools off thus ramping up a need for warm clothing, these members are using this midweek cold sunny afternoon to make progress on their projects.

Former Incline Village resident Peggy Harrison started The Guild back in 2002, meeting up with her friends at the church to knit together and share patterns. Word got around and more local knitters started attending IVCBA.ORG

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B U S I N E S S

P R O F I L E

Dr. Jonathan

SMITH

By Meghan Ochs

By all standards Dr. Jonathan Smith is a community man, and by the even tougher standards dictated by Nevadans, he is also a true native Nevadan. Raised in Las Vegas, a graduate of UNR, and a regular visitor to Tahoe starting in the 70’s, Jonathan moved to Incline in 1993. In the thirty years since, he has lived a multi-faceted life as a doctor, father, business man, volunteer, coach and recreational sport enthusiast.

If eyes are the key to the soul then Jonathan has seen a lot of souls considering the number of patients he has seen over the years. His career has gratefully introduced him to hundreds of interesting people and the building of a lot of valuable relationships. Dr. Smith explained, “Eyeballs are pretty cool but so is the community aspect of this town and all of the wonderful people I’ve met.”

Outside of his practice Jonathan has also had the chance to meet people too. His community involvement has almost always been as busy as his practice. He spent years as a youth sports coach in soccer, little league, and youth basketball. He is an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, and is also a former board member of The Incline Village Hospital Foundation. Jonathan is also a thirty year member of The Rotary Club of Incline. In his free time he loves to golf and considers himself a casual skier, blue bird days are his favorite.

often takes half days with patients to complete office work or start the weekend early. He may dilate a lot of eyes but he is also keen on dialing back his life and stress. “Being an optometrist has many elements of a medical practice but with a Dr. Smith suspects his busiest days as both a community lot less stress,” said Dr. Smith. This statement seems apt given man and Nevadan are behind him. Lately he has his eyes on Jonathan’s quiet, low key and humble personality. It certainly retirement in the foreseeable future. Jonathan is hoping to start seems fitting for his recent life too as he slows down and gears traveling a lot more and spend more time with his wife and his up for a different life style. No matter when retirement and a adult boys, both of whom have chosen their own career paths new stage of life find him, Dr. Jonathan Smith will always be outside of optometry. He is still working five days a week, a man who loves his community, his state and be thankful for with some days being half days with patients. On Fridays he how much both have given him.

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© CHRIS TALBOT

After graduating Optometry School from the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, albeit his one non Nevada credential, he practiced in Las Vegas for a few years prior to moving to Incline. Upon that move to the northern part of his home state, Dr. Smith purchased an existing optometric practice in Incline and he has continued as a solo optometrist in that same location ever since. Jonathans practice employs two full time office staff, one of whom has been with him since he started in Incline, and the other is the daughter of his long time staffer who recently joined the practice. You can find Dr. Smith and his small, personal staff of two, at their office on Northwood Blvd.

Tahoe Film Fest The 9th Tahoe Film Fest will take place November 30- December 3, 2023, 100% of proceeds and ticket sales benefit the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC).

Jason Momoa Common Ground

To quote the great Bette

We may be also adding a few surprise feature film announcements! In our documentary section we have - “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s two important environmental films going to be a bumpy night.” COMMON GROUND and DEEP RISING narrated by Jason Momoa.

Tahoe Film Fest opens its 9th year with RATHER takes an intimate look at the a biopic directed by and starring Bradley astonishing career and brilliance of Dan Rather.

Cooper about the late great Leonard Bernstein . . . MAESTRO has only been screened in a select group of important THE SPACE RACE from National Geographic is an educational film festivals and we thank Netflix for exploration of the experiences of the first granting us this opportunity.

Black astronauts. Also from National Geographic comes THE MISSION Also from Netflix, Natalie Portman which is about John Chau, the young and Julianne Moore star in the new American missionary who went missing romantic drama MAY DECEMBER. while attempting to contact one of Other feature films include PERFECT the world’s most isolated indigenous DAYS directed by Wim Wenders, EILEEN starring Anne Hathaway - plus peoples on the remote North Sentinel Island. LAKOTA NATION VS. UNITED two films which have been submitted STATES is a lyrical and provocative by their countries as official entries for testament to a land and a people who Best International Feature Film - THE have survived removal, exploitation and TASTE OF THINGS from France and genocide - - and whose best days are yet THE SHADOWS OF THE SUN from to come.

Venezuela.

Davis in ALL ABOUT EVE

THE GREAT DIVIDE is perhaps the most polarizing subject in American politics on how to resolve our issues of gun violence and gun control throughout the country. In our music documentary section of films at Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room, we are pleased to be able to screen LET THE CANARY SING, a powerful new film about the life and career of Cyndi Lauper.

CARLOS explores a music industry legend for 50 years and a 10 time Grammy winning global sensation as well as a recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor - Carlos Santana. JOAN BAEZ I AM NOISE gives an account of not just her singular life of art and activism but also spins a complicated family story.

SAN FRANCISCO SOUNDS: A PLACE IN TIME features several artists of the time and tells the story of the scene between 1966 and 1976, framed by Monterey Pop, Altamont, Woodstock and The Last Waltz.

STAY TUNED AND UPDATED ON OUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

TAHOEFILMFEST.COM

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CLEAN UP THE LAKE OPENS A NEW ENVIRONMENTAL DIVE CENTER IN INCLINE VILLAGE

By Kayla Anderson

In 2017, filmmaker and Tahoe resident Colin West visited The Cayes in Belize and noticed an alarming amount of trash on the beaches. He felt like he needed to do something about it and learned about volunteerism. He came back to Tahoe and started hosting beach cleanups on Big Blue’s shores with money to go back into the Clean Up The Cayes conservation efforts.

of trash in just a couple of hours. They circumnavigated Donner Lake that summer in subsequent dives and learned a lot in the process.

“We had to think about so many logistics, like how to get our divers in the water (CUTL didn’t own a boat at that time and kayaks are not that conducive to carrying scuba equipment), where to put the trash, and how to It was during these sessions that West noticed that not separate the trash,” says CUTL Director of Operations only were the waters of Belize full of trash but there was Brad Flora. According to the United Nations Environment a fair amount of it in Lake Tahoe, too. He soon launched Programme, there are 83 categories of trash, 26 of them Clean Up The Lake and found a group of volunteer divers regarding just plastic. to go out with him to see what kind of invasive materials were under the surface. He started doing pilot research They were diving three days a week, doing three dives a dives in 2019 and the group cleaned up 600 pounds of day, all a volunteer effort. trash by Bonsai Rock in Sand Harbor in one day. West then formed a plan to do a 72-mile circumnavigation dive “We learned a lot [from the Donner Lake cleanup]. We around Lake Tahoe. realized we needed a wind protocol, a smoke protocol…a lot of days got cancelled,” Flora says.

The Covid pandemic delayed the Lake Tahoe dive a bit, but that didn’t stop Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) from “We got into a pattern of having super windy weekdays continuing its research. In 2020, volunteers did a test and then calm, nice weekends,” CUTL Director of dive one day at Donner Lake and pulled out 263 pounds Programs Sadye Easler adds. That 2021/22 winter was a LIVE.WORK.PLAY.

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big one, too- the CUTL crew had to bring thermoses of hot water to melt the dock lines.

Washo tribe, where they were able to incorporate some of their rituals into the cleanup.

Flash forward two years later, and the Clean Up The Lake Programs such as the open water session includes a halfeffort has come a long way. CUTL completed its 72-mile day in the classroom, two days of diving in a swimming cleanup of Lake Tahoe, removed more than 25,00 pounds pool (they have a partnership with the Truckee of trash from Big Blue and its shoreline. It also got a new Community Pool), and two days of open water diving at boat, a truck donated to them from Four Wheel Campers, Sand Harbor State Park. and is now teaching others how to dive.

“People can get their open water certification here but “We realized that we needed a lot of volunteers to do also learn about conservation diving,” Easler says. “Our what we do and thought about how to train people to mission is to ‘create an army of conservation divers,’ as become conservation divers,” Easler says. CUTL then Colin always says.” turned its Incline Village office space into a dive center to give people the opportunity to get PADI-certified For more information about the new Clean Up The Lake while including an educational/voluntourism component Environmental Dive Center in Incline Village, visit to it. The Environmental Dive Center officially launched https://cleanupthelake.org/. on August 17, 2023, and its first course was with the

Shahri Masters grew up at Lake Tahoe, staying on for the beauty, the lifestyle, and the people.

As a third-generation real estate broker, she followed the family path of real estate and construction.

Shahri will bring to you a historical perspective as wellasin-depthknowledge of the area, of TRPA and development,andofcourse –The Real Estate Market.

Helping buyers, Shahri Masters 775-831-8888 sellers, builders, and investors masters@inclineliving.com www.inclineliving.com since 1988.

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BRIDGET GIROUX DESIGN B U S I N E S S

P R O F I L E

By: Kayla Anderson

The mother/daughter interior design firm behind Bridget Giroux Design has taken Incline Village by storm ever since it was incepted in fall of 2022, and its client base and business continue to grow.

Both named Bridget (as well as a baby Bridget who was just welcomed into the world this past September), it all started when Bridget Giroux moved to Incline Village in 2021.

Giroux grew up in the Bay Area, and her parents Bridget and Bob Crowe moved to Incline Village 13 years ago. As the Crowes built a life on the East Shore, their daughter Bridget pursued a career in design. Giroux moved to the Midwest and went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Upon graduation, she worked at a luxury workroom that specialized in bedding and linens at one of the top designers in the area and later got a job with renowned American designer Holly Hunt working in design and product development. Giroux traveled all around the world for that job for six years and then covid came, bringing her traveling to a halt.

© Erica Zakrzewski

“Covid changed the way we thought about what life would look like,” Bridget Giroux says.

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Being back on the West Coast again, Giroux found a remote job continuing interior design, met her husband, and they thought for the first time ever of moving out of the city.

“At that point I knew how the industry worked and two things struck me about

Incline: 1) I couldn’t believe how many artists are here; and 2) there are so few places for them to show their work,” Giroux adds. “No one in Incline was really embracing that, so we saw an opportunity here to bring in this new perspective.”

The pandemic also brought a new demographic of residents moving to Northern Nevada who had an appreciation for contemporary fine art and home decor.

At the same time Bridget Giroux Design was launched, longtime Incline Village resident Piper Monika Johnson moved her fine art gallery from Incline Village to Truckee. Piper M. Johnson and the Bridgets met, and they began sharing artists. In the small office space above Drink Coffee Do Stuff, the Bridgets started hosting popup exhibitions. Its first few artists had roots in Incline, such as abstract artist Susan Watson, still life/landscape artist Mary Nagal Klein, illustrator Liz Paganelli, and mixed-media artist Jason Forcier. Since Giroux has such a sophisticated eye for design and a small showroom that does not keep regular hours, the Bridgets are highly selective in what artists they work with.

“There’s a nice mix of longtime locals and visitors who come to these popups, and it’s never crowded at our events. We have a targeted mailing list and personally invited people via email, so it feels more exclusive, although anyone is welcome to attend,” she says.

However, hosting popup exhibits for local artists is more of a passion project; the main breadth of their business is derived from more extensive interior design projects. They recently began a project where they helped gut an entire home down to the studs, putting in new tile, cabinetry, backsplash, vanity sinks- pretty much everything- in the kitchen and bathroom. They’ve worked with clients and their homes as far away as Maui to Kings Beach, Glenbrook, and Glenshire, but they’re mainly focused on Incline Village.

as much local as we can, trying to support art and the artisan ecosystem.”

Everything that the design team carries is handmade, artisan quality. The fall/spring holiday popups are great because you can get specially curated items right here in Incline Village without having to worry about driving to Reno.

“It’s possible to live with beautiful things that are not necessarily precious but aesthetically comforting, special, that tell a story,” Giroux says. Like Adrienne [Belair’s] porcelain ceramic work that’s dishwasher safe, easy to live with, yet handmade and artistic.

“People want their homes to be practical,” she says.

The Bridgets pride themselves on their ability to find upscale items that complement a relaxed mountain lifestyle and that they both work closely with their clients, personally aiding them through a project from start to finish.

“We do ‘everyday luxury’ projects and are trying to establish ourselves as a design resource for people. Our mission is to share these cool people who are making amazing work,” Giroux says.

This year’s Bridget Giroux Design Holiday Sip and Shop popup will run from the day after Thanksgiving from 5pm-8pm and then open Fridays-Sundays from 11am-4pm through December 23rd.

For more information about Bridget Giroux Design, visit www. bridgetgiroux.com.

“We take on different projects of different scales,” Giroux adds.

© Erica Zakrzewski

In December 2022, Bridget Giroux Design also hosted a monthlong Holiday Sip and Shop on the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. It’s something that they will bring back this winter season since last year’s popup was so successful.

They target high-end customers looking for heirloom-quality home furnishings with items that sell for $600-$1400 apiece, which could include anything from handwoven throws, fresh floral arrangements to c dishwasher-safe “modern fine China” dish sets that made from a porcelain ceramicist who lives in South Lake Tahoe.

“Our ethos is in the popups and art exhibits. We shop, and use IVCBA.ORG

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MCAVOY LAYNE PERFECTS MARK TWAIN

By Richard Miner

Thirty five years after beginning his stage career as The Ghost After performing “Cure for the Common Cold” for his dad and his of Mark Twain Incline’s McAvoy Layne rang down the curtain at dad’s long time friends McAvoy decided he’d found his niche and Virginia City’s Piper’s Opera House on the evening of September the white suit became his attire for all subsequent performances 30 with what he claimed to be his final stage performance. Mac’s including his visits to area schools. Over the course of the next amazing career spanned three and one half decades and over 4000 thirty plus years Mac admits to having had at least a dozen performances for audiences across the USA and around the World. white suits made to order, three or four by Josephine and after His penultimate performance was staged just a week earlier with she passed (Mac spoke at her funeral) three or four more ladies an outdoor performance for locals at St. Patrick’s Church which stepped up to the task and made the rest. He currently admits to was also a standing room only affair. If you missed my article in having seven white suits with accessories, “…six in the closet at the Spring Edition of LIVE.WORK.PLAY about how a local radio home and one I keep in the car so I can still go to work in case the morning show host became famed author and humorist Mark house burns down.” For years McAvoy’s suits have always been Twain’s meme you can read all about that here: https://issuu.com/ lovingly cleaned and pressed by his friend Mike Trute’s Incline articles/21009152 Cleaners. Mike, for his own part, also has a thespian streak and now performs as Snowshoe Thompson in venues around the Over the years many of you have said that if they had the chance Wasach, in no small part encouraged by his friendship with the they have questions they’d like to ask McAvoy. Some of these Ghost of Mark Twain himself. questions recur regularly so I’ve asked Mac some of the most frequently raised ones and here are his answers.

The Famous White Suit: McAvoy always performed as Twain wearing a beautifully tailored white suit so I asked him when did the historical Mark Twain first start wearing white in public?

McAvoy responded that most Twain scholars agree Twain first started wearing white suits upon the death of his beloved wife Olivia in 1904. But it was his appearance in 1906 in an address to the Library of Congress which was considering changes to copyright laws that marked the first time he began wearing white whenever he appeared in public. Twain, according to McAvoy, called his all white attire “my I don’t give a damn suit.” McAvoy’s first public appearance in white came while he was still working as the morning show host on Incline radio station KLKT and trying out his Mark Twain stories in the afternoons for local elementary school children. For what he regarded as his breakout performance he decided to make a surprise appearance as Mark Twain at his father’s 75th birthday party at the LaPlaya restaurant in Carmel, CA. And for that occasion he ordered a tailored white suit from a Carson City seamstress named Josephine Baldassare. At the time Mac was also training for the Iron Man races in Hawaii and for the bicycle portion of that event he was riding round trips on SR 50 from Carson City to Spooner Summit and back. “I’d ride downhill, have a fitting with Josephine and then ride back up to Spooner.”

How’s that for multitasking?

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HOLIDAY 2023 SUMMER

McAvoy’s Twain Monologues: Some of you like I have always Holbrook was the consummate actor and Twain impersonator wondered how many different Mark Twain stories McAvoy has before I came along. However Hal effected a voice for Twain that had in his repertoire over the years and whether each one is an was just a little too “southern” for my thinking.” Scholar William exact copy of Twain’s text on the subject or if they are edited or Dean Howells once said this about Sam: “He was the most rearranged to fit the circumstances. Mac replied that he probably desouthernized southerner I ever knew.” McAvoy’s opinion is that has mastered some 400 Twain monologues and that almost all “….by the end of his life Sam pretty well had shucked the Missouri are painstakingly edited from the original text to suit his audience. accent and from what his friends have said he pretty much spoke For example he mentioned that his rendition of “1601” which the King’s English.” was the grand finale of his Piper’s Opera House appearance was a good example of this kind of adaptation. Walking over to his book There’s more to this look at McAvoy’s portrayal over the years of case he pulled out a rare copy of that story which he explained Mark Twain that could not be included here for space reasons but was written by Twain just to amuse his good friend the Reverend the unedited copy is available on the LIVE.WORK.PLAY website, Joseph Twichell of Hartford, CT. 1601 was originally not published so I’ll conclude here with Mac’s quite unexpected response to one and had never been performed, at least in public, to the best of last question I posed: Mac’s knowledge before he performed it. Mac was gifted the bound copy on a trip to Germany many years ago and set about If you get bored with your retirement and decide to do just seeing if it could be tamed and condensed for verbal performance. one more performance what would it be? “For the first time I’d That slight and beautifully illustrated volume easily runs to twenty perform The Diaries of Adam and Eve with my old high school or more pages of text with exquisite calligraphy—enough material and college sweetheart, Tina Cole, in period costumes—Twain’s to easily comprise an entire half of a normal Ghost of Twain stage period, not Adam’s—right here in Incline Village and we’d do it presentation. And the language Twain employed would make for charity.” McAvoy, your adoring public can hardly wait! even a constable blush. So Mac shortened the text to something like 10-12 minutes and delivers it in flawless period English to the rare audiences who are probably hearing these words from Mark Twain for the first, and perhaps only time. And similar editing is required for much, if not most, of every monologue McAvoy has performed over the years as Mark Twain. Mark Twain himself said the following about the difference between the written word and spoken ones, “Written things are not for speech; their form is literary; they are stiff, inflexible, and will not lend themselves to happy and effective delivery with the tongue. They have to be limbered up, broken up, colloquialized and turned into the common forms of unpremeditated talk; otherwise they will bore the house, not entertain it. One will recite, the other won’t.” McAvoy’s performances prove Twain’s Maxim to a T. Perfecting Twain Speak: The only known recording of Samuel Clemens speaking as Mark Twain was recorded by Sam’s good friend Thomas Edison at Edison’s laboratory in the early 1900’s. It was recorded on one of the wax tubes that Edison had invented for the purpose and unfortunately for history, the wax was melted in a fire in the building sometime thereafter. Thus no person living today has ever heard what Mark Twain’s speaking voice sounded like. McAvoy says “I was 45 years old when I started perfecting my notion of how Mark Twain must have sounded in his 60’s and 70’s when speaking publicly. Now I’m actually six years older than when Twain died so I sure don’t need to sound old anymore.

If anything, I need to sound a little bit younger than I actually am!” Mac continues, “I have to give a big hand to Hal Holbrook.

McAvoy at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City 1988 IVCBA.ORG

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