December 20 to 27, 2018 by Tahoe Guide (Tahoe Weekly)

DEC. 20-26, 2018

TAHOE WINTER

BUCKET LIST AVALANCHE SKILLS

ESSENTIAL FOR BACK-COUNTRY USERS JOYOUS JAZZ FROM AROUND THE WORLD // THE HEARTBREAKING LIFE OF A COVER BAND // CANINE ADVENTURES IN THE TAHOE SIERRA // HOLIDAY TREATS WITHOUT THE SUGAR //

Kayla Anderson

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Volume 37 | Issue 35 TM

P.O. Box 87 | Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com

SUBMISSIONS Events & Entertainment Submit at TheTahoeWeekly.com Editorial Inquiries editor@tahoethisweek.com Entertainment Inquiries entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Photography production@tahoethisweek.com

MAKING IT HAPPEN

IN THIS ISSUE DEC. 20-26, 2018 8 13

Sierra Stories

Worship Services

Food Editor Priya Hutner priya@tahoethisweek.com

CHRISTMAS IN TAHOE FROM THE PUBLISHER

OUT & ABOUT Sightseeing

Lake Tahoe Facts

7 9

Family Fun

FUN & GAMES Horoscope & Puzzles

ARTS & CULTURE Steven Siomiak

The Arts

MUSIC SCENE Petty Theft

Entertainment Calendar & Live Music 22 Reno Jazz Orchestra

Art Director Alyssa Ganong production@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 106

Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com

Winter Bucket List

Events

Sales Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110

Graphic Designer Justeen Ferguson graphics@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 101

FEATURES Avalanche Safety

Angie Cardeña

Courtesy TCPUD

Publisher & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102

LOCAL FLAVOR Holiday Sweets

Tasty Tidbits

Wine Column

Chef’s Recipe

The Christmas holiday season is the traditional kickoff to ski season in the Tahoe Sierra, but thanks to early season snowstorms and lots of great on-mountain snowmaking at most local resorts, the lifts have been turning for weeks (and more than a month for some). The cross-country areas are also opening, with most enjoying great early season conditions, as well, making for great skiing for the holidays. When you’re done for the day at the ski resorts or looking for something else to do while you’re enjoying our beautiful community, read our annual “Ultimate Tahoe Winter Bucket List.” We’ve put together a new list of 100 things to enjoy this winter. Some you’ll have to do during the holidays, or you’ll miss out, while others you’ll need to grab your tickets soon before they sell out. Have other items on your winter bucket list? Share them with us and we’ll add them to next year’s bucket list; e-mail editor@tahoethisweek.com. Travel into the back country and into out-of-bounds areas at local ski areas is on the rise, so are the avalanche classes and clinics being offered in the Tahoe Sierra. We urge anyone that travels into the back country from snowmobilers to backcountry skiers to take an avalanche course and be sure to have all of the necessary gear (Bucket List #62 & #63). Writer Sean McAlindin looks at some of the local courses in this edition’s “Avalanche skills essential for back-country users.” Be sure to check out our Events Calendar and the Family Fun section for lots of great events featuring Ol’ Saint Nick throughout the Tahoe Sierra in this edition (and lots more at TheTahoeWeekly.com).

Copy Editor Katrina Veit Contributing Writers John Dee, Barbara Keck, Bruce Ajari, Mark McLaughlin, David “Smitty” Smith, Priya Hutner, Katrina Veit, Kayla Anderson, Lou Phillips, Sean McAlindin, Tim Hauserman, Alex Green, Lisa Michelle, Cam Schilling

TAHOE WEEKLY is published weekly throughout the summer and biweekly the rest of the year, with occassional extra issues at holiday times by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Thursdays. Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/ TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com. TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.

… the mighty Sierra, miles in height, and so gloriously colored and so radiant, it seemed not clothed with light but wholly composed of it, like the wall of some celestial city... Then it seemed to me that the Sierra should be called, not the Nevada or Snowy Range, but the Range of Light. –John Muir

Happy Holidays.  ON THE COVER Santa Claus has come to town and he’s hitting the slopes (including at Squaw Valley as he rides the Aerial Tram to get in a few runs as seen on our cover) and the sled hills as he makes stops all around the Tahoe Sierra this holiday season. Find out where you can find Santa in this edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com; click on Events Calendar. Photography courtesy Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.

Find us at TheTahoeWeekly.com | Keep up-to-date at 4

Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly & Instagram

@TheTahoeWeekly

Dec. 20-26, 2018

Come shop with us at The Resort at Squaw Creek! See the latest Dale of Norway fashions for slope & slope-side!

Steve Schmier’s Jewelry

SteveSchmiersJewelry.com • Boatworks Mall • Tahoe City • 530.583.5709

530.583.1874

SKI OR RIDE FOR FREE

400 SQUAW CREEK ROAD

OLYMPIC VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Purchase a CA or NV Tahoe license plate and get one free Alpine or Nordic ticket to the Tahoe resort of your choice*. Now you can play in some deep powder without having to dig deep to make a difference. Your modest commitment will help fund hiking and biking paths, and water quality and restoration projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For more information or to purchase your license plate online, visit tahoeplates.com.

Elyse Saugstad & Cody Townsend Professional Freeride Skiers *restrictions apply

TheTahoeWeekly.com

SIGHTSEEING

Santas are hitting the slopes across Tahoe. Keep your eyes open or don your best red and white and join the fun. | Mt. Rose Ski Area

One of the lake’s famous natural sites, a volcanic plug on the West Shore. TART

Explore Tahoe (530) 542-2908 | cityofslt.us

South Lake Tahoe

Urban Trailhead at base of Heavenly. BlueGo

Fannette Island

Emerald Bay

(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov

Lake Tahoe’s only island, home to an old tea house.

Heavenly

South Lake Tahoe

(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com

Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. BlueGo

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

West Shore

$10 parking | parks.ca.gov (530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours Located in Sugar Pine Point State Park. (Open for tours in the summer.) TART

High Camp (800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com

Olympic Valley

Aerial tram rides, Olympic Heritage Museum, ice skating, events and more. Ticket required. TART

Kings Beach northtahoebusiness.org

North Shore

Settled in 1863 as a stagecoach stop. TART

Vikingsholm Castle (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com

Emerald Bay

Watson Cabin

Tahoe City

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org

The oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places. TART

MUSEUMS Donner Memorial Visitor Center (530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov

Truckee

The Donner Memorial State Park features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party. TART

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org

Soda Springs

Gatekeeper’s Museum

(530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org

Tahoe Art League Gallery South Lake Tahoe

Features Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. BlueGo

visittahoecity.com

Historical sites and Commons Beach. TART

Tahoe Science Center

381

Incline Village

3066 Lake Tahoe Blvd. (530) 541-5255

Stateline 169 Hwy. 50 (775) 588-4591

Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900 Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)

Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (Depot)

TROA.NET

(530) 587-8808

Free | (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org

U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village

Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. TART

855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)

truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com

Truckee

Exhibits include the train’s role in logging, fighting snow on the railway, the role of Chinese emigrants and a children’s area. TART

(530) 426-3313, ext. 113 | auburnskiclub.org Showcasing the history of skiing. TART

U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600

U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City 3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)

U.S. Forest Service | Truckee 10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558

TRANSIT North Lake Tahoe & Truckee | laketahoetransit.com South Lake Tahoe | bluego.org

Truckee

Lake Tahoe Museum

North Shore

FLOW AT FARAD

South Lake Tahoe

Featuring historic photos & memorabilia, and the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum. TART

Featuring exhibits of work by local artists and works for sale by local artists. TART

Tahoe City

Truckee River |

Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., summer)

Tahoe City

Daily | (530) 583-1762 northtahoemuseums.org

Interactive exhibits, science & art classes, the BabyZone & the Jungle Gym. TART

Featuring local artists and workshops. BlueGo

Tahoe City

Self-guided tours, exhibits and hands-on activities. TART

Kings Beach

Museum and 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40. TART

North Tahoe Arts Center

(530) 544-2313 | talart.org

CAPACITY: 18,300 C

A 20,400 MARTIS 867 | CAPACITY: (530) 583-9283 tahoemaritimemuseum.org

VISITORS’ CENTERS

Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463

Western SkiSport Museum Donner Summit

Donner Summit Historical Society

KidZone Children’s Museum

Free | (530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com

Games. Tower of Nations. Olympic Flame. Olympic CAPACITY: 9,500 C DONNER 2,980 Museum at high camp. TART 50

Truckee Railroad Museum

Home to the North Shore’s largest sandy beach, in the heart of downtown. TART

Tahoe City

Olympic Museum Olympic Valley C 226,500 STAMPEDE 198,734 CAPACITY: (800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com 29,840 9 Winter Olympic PROSSER 6,356 Celebrate the homeCAPACITY: of the 1960

Tahoe Maritime Museum

Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle, see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island. TART

6,227.86

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

CAPA PACITY AC CITY:: 40,87 CITY 40,870 70

INDEPENDENCE 14,587

IN 2017:

225

West Shore

Truckee

6,226.79 |

200,000 AF

Eagle Rock

BOCA 5,702 truckeehistory.org | truckee.com

ELEVATION :

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

175

The Summit, just west of Truckee, holds the record for the United States’ snowiest April in 1880 when a storm dumped 4’ of snow in 24 hours.

Readings taken on Friday, December 14, 2018

150,000 AF

Truckee

Once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World.” Grounds open year-round. BlueGo

LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

125

Donner Summit

South Lake Tahoe

Drive through the neck of an old volcano.

Tallac Historic Site

(530) 541-5227 | tahoeheritage.org

East Shore

Cave Rock

100,000 AF

ATTRACTIONS

South Lake Tahoe

(530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org

Old Jail Museum (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org

Truckee

One of a few surviving 19th Century jails. TART

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com

Dec. 20-26, 2018

Donner Summit

Truckee Donner Lake

TRUCKEE AIRPORT

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

h Ta

SUGAR BOWL

WEST EAST SOUTH

DOWNHILL SKI AREAS

ra Rim T

Tahoe Vista

ALPINE MEADOWS

Dollar Hill

Lake

GRANKLIBAKKEN

Spooner Lake

Tahoe

Ta h o e R i m

CASINOS

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

DEEPEST POINT

Marlette Lake

Sunnyside a Tr

Maximum depth: 1,645 feet

TAHOE CROSS COUNTRY

Tahoe City

SNO-PARKS

Average depth: 1,000 feet

Crystal Bay

Kings Beach

Carnelian Bay

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

SQUAW CREEK

DIAMOND PEAK

Incline Village

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

Olympic Valley SQUAW VALLEY

NORTHSTAR

Truckee River

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREAS

MT. ROSE

RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

DONNER SKI RANCH

ROYAL GORGE

SKY TAVERN

SODA SPRINGS

CLAIR TAPPAAN

BOREAL

Reno & Sparks

TAHOE DONNER

AUBURN SKI TRAINING CENTER

Eagle Rock

NEVADA NORDIC

Glenbrook

Carson City

Volume: 39 trillion gallons There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons of water per day for 5 years.

Homewood o Ta h

HOMEWOOD

e Ri

DID YOU

m Tr a i l

Tahoma

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Meeks Bay

KNOW

CA Cave Rock

Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years Watershed Area: 312 square miles

Zephyr Cove

Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F

Emerald Bay

Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F

Cascade Lake

Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet

Ta h oe

R i m Tr ail

Average Snowfall: 409 inches

Fannette Island

South Lake Tahoe

Stateline HEAVENLY

CAMP RICHARDSON

Fallen Leaf Lake

BIJOU PARK / LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Meyers

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

FREEL PEAK

ECHO LAKES

Natural rim: 6,223’ Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. The top 6.1’ of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water.

Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

Shoreline: 72 miles Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles. If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water.

Permanent Population: 66,000 Number of Visitors: 3 million annually Kirkwood

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

HOPE VALLEY

Markleeville

KIRKWOOD

LAKE TAHOE

How the lake was formed

About 3 to 5 million years ago, the valley that would become the Tahoe Basin sank between parallel fractures in the Earth’s crust as the mountains on either side continued to rise. A shallow lake began to form in the resulting valley. Roughly 2 to 3 million years ago, erupting volcanoes blocked the outlet, forcing the lake to rise hundreds of feet above its current elevation, and eventually eroded down to near its current outlet. Between 1 million and 20,000 years ago, large masses of glacial ice covered the west side of the Tahoe Basin. Current geologic theory suggests an earthen berm (moraine) left by a receding glacier near Olympic Valley acted as a dam, causing the lake level to rise and then draw down rapidly when the dam catastrophically failed. Between

7,000 and 15,000 years ago, a four-mile segment of the West Shore collapsed into the Lake causing a massive submerged debris avalanche, widening the Lake by three miles and creating McKinney Bay.1 The Tahoe Basin is mostly granite, with little topsoil, and therefore few nutrients have washed into the lake to promote the growth of algae and other organisms that make water murky. As well, 40 percent of the precipitation falling into the Tahoe Basin lands directly on the lake. The remaining precipitation drains through the decomposed granite soil found in marshes and meadows, creating a good filtering system for water. Urbanization of the Tahoe Basin has eliminated 75 percent of its marshes, 50 percent of its meadows and 35 percent of its steam zone habitats. About 85 percent of all wildlife in the Tahoe Basin use these habitats.

About the lake Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California. It is fed by 63 streams and two hot springs. The Truckee River is Tahoe’s only outlet and flows from the dam in Tahoe City east through Reno and eventually drains into Pyramid Lake in the Nevada desert. However, water releases are not permitted when the lake surface level falls below the natural rim at 6,223.’ The lowest lake level on record (measured since 1900) was 6,220.26’ on Nov. 30, 1992. The Lake of the Sky appears blue in color as other colors in the light spectrum are absorbed and blue light is scattered back.

Lake clarity The University of California, Davis, operates the Tahoe Environmental Resarch Center, which monitors, among other

things, the clarity of Lake Tahoe. Clarity has been measured since 1968 and was first recorded at 102.4’. The waters of Lake Tahoe were clear to an average depth of 59.7 in 2017. The lowest average depth on record was 64.1’ in 1997. Lake Tahoe is losing clarity because of algae growth fueled by nitrogen and phosphorus.

Lake Tahoe’s discovery The first recorded discovery of Lake Tahoe by white explorers was on Feb. 14, 1844, when John Charles Frémont and Charles Preuss spotted the lake from atop Red Lake Peak. The lake went through several names before it was officially named Tahoe in 1945. Tahoe is a mispronunciation of the first two syllables of the Washoe’s word for the lake – Da ow a ga, which means “edge of the lake.” 

Learn more: Visit the Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village or tahoesciencecenter.org. Sources: Tahoe Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, “Tahoe Place Names” and David Antonucci (denoted by 1).

OUT & ABOUT

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Out

&ABOUT

OUTDOORS & RECREATION, EVENTS & MORE

Avalanche skills

ESSENTIAL FOR BACK-COUNTRY USERS STORY BY SEAN MCALINDIN

t’s already a full house at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee when Tahoe Mountain Sports business owner and recently-elected Truckee town councilman David Polivy introduces his annual Beers & Beacons event. The crowd is a mix of seasoned local skiers, split boarders and snowmobilers who’ve gathered together to dust off their gear and catch up after the summer, along with many who are new to the evermore popular world of back-country winter sports and the life-saving technology that goes along with it. Kenny Ackerman is a long-time snowmobiler from Truckee who just bought his first avalanche beacon, probe, shovel and airbag pack at Truckee Powersports Supply. The basic back-country set of beacon, probe and shovel allows people to locate and dig out buried avalanche victims. An avalanche airbag pack is a newer technology designed to be released by a rider caught in a slide in order to keep him or her as close to the surface of the snow as possible to facilitate a rapid rescue. Up until recently, it was out of the ordinary

Alpenglow Expeditions guide Tim Dobbins performs snowpack measurements.

country is inherently dangerous,” says Polivy. “We want people to have the skills, the gear and the knowledge in order to minimize the risk of any potential injuries or fatalities when we are recreating. It’s important to know what you are getting into and travel smartly in the back country. Whether you are a skier, snowboarder or snowmobiler, we like to get together and make sure we are prepared.”

Photo Credit

AVALANCHE COURSES In the Tahoe Sierra, there are many opportunities to learn about avalanche terrain assessment, travel and rescue skills. Costs range from $300 to $600 for two to three-day courses. AIARE maintains a list of courses at avtraining.org. Among those offering classes in the Tahoe Sierra are: Alpenglow Expeditions | alpenglowexpeditions.com Alpine Skills International | alpineskills.com Backcountry Babes | backcountrybabes.com

“ We want people to have the skills, the gear and the knowledge in order to minimize the risk of any potential injuries or fatalities when we are recreating. It’s important to know what you are getting into and travel smartly in the back country.”

–David Polivy

to see recreational snowmobilers wearing this type of gear. “More often more than not we’re not in serious avalanche country,” says Ackerman, who enjoys snowmobiling in the Jackson Meadows area north of Tahoe on State Route 89. “But you still have to be educated on avalanches. That’s really coming to light the last couple years with all the major slides we’ve been having.” E X C L U S I V E C O N T E N T AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Avalanche training will save your life The science of forecasting avalanches Myths about avalanche danger Avalanche training for back-country travels

According to American Institute for Research and Education (AIARE), approximately 25 percent of avalanche fatalities during the past five years have been individuals on motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles and snow bikes. Now AIARE offers courses around the country specifically meant for motorized backcountry travelers.

“Years ago, you heard about avalanches, but you didn’t see much awareness of it,” says Ackerman. “In the past, there were not as many people in the back country as there are now. We’re just here to see what kind of information is out there.” Mark Aston of Reno had recently returned from a snowshoe trek to Elizabeth Parker Hut in Canada’s Yoho National Park. “I’m a mountain climber in particular, but in the winter I wind up in avalanche terrain quite often,” he says. “When I go out with my buddies, I want to be able to take care of them and them take care of me.” Aston is signed up for an AIARE Level I course with Alpenglow Expeditions this winter where he will learn how to access potential avalanche terrain. Every year on average, 27 people die in the U.S. of avalanche-related causes, according to Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Even when skiing the inbound chutes at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Aston often wears his beacon to be safe. Last March, a slide within bounds at Squaw Valley buried five people and multiple major slides were witnessed in the Tahoe back country after a dry winter ended in record precipitation toward the

Donner Summit Avalanche Seminars | donnersummitavalancheseminars.com Eldorado Backcountry Ski Patrol | ebsp.clubexpress.com Expedition Kirkwood | kirkwood.com Lake Tahoe Community College | ltcc.edu

end of the season. While deep snow is welcomed by many, those who travel out of bounds are hoping they won’t need a miracle to survive the next slide accidently triggered by themselves or a companion. Katie Kuber, a local nurse who lives and recreates in the Tahoe Sierra, is at the event with her friend and ski partner, Mikki Zuiches. “As recreational back-country skiers we are not practicing as much as we should,” she says. “We should really be getting out there and working on our rescue skills all the time.” After a detailed explanation of the latest beacon technology by Ortovox brand ambassadors, some of the more eager folks gather outside to brave the cold for a chance to play around with the equipment. The excitement is real as the participants uncover a beacon hiding under a dusty snow bank. It’s only the beginning of the life-long training needed to prepare for that one moment one hope never happens, when the crown breaks and a ski partner is suddenly buried meters below the snow. “We put these on because we really believe in getting people excited for winter and reminding them that traveling in back

North American Ski Training Center | skinastc.com S.A.F.E. AS Clinics | safeasclinics.com Sierra Alpine Education | On Facebook Tahoe Mountain School | tahoemountainschool.com

FREE

AVALANCHE CLINICS Tahoe Mountain Sports Airbag Party and Backcountry Tech Night at Reno Craft Beer & Wine on Jan. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. | tahoemountainsports.com Sierra Avalanche Center Free course on avalanche-risk management for motorized users. | sierraavalanchecenter.org Truckee Jan. 25-27; registration open.

Feb. 1-3; registration opens Dec. 24. South Lake Tahoe Feb 22- 24; registration opens Jan. 14. March 1-3; registration opens Jan. 21.

March 8-10; registration opens Jan 28.



Dec. 20-26, 2018

OUT & ABOUT

EVENTS

Snowshoe by the light of the moon Tahoe Adventure Company offers full-moon snowshoe treks monthly with the next event on Dec. 22 for the Full Cold Moon. Participants will trek for 2 to 3 miles on easyto-use snowshoes through Tahoe’s peaceful, wintery forest by moonlight. Guides will discuss natural history and astronomy topics, as well as fascinating facts about the moon. There will be stops along the way to take in the beautiful views and enjoy snacks and hot drinks. This tour is popular with all levels, ages and abilities. All snowshoe tours are dependent on snow conditions. If the snow level is too low, the tour will proceed as a hike. The cost is $70 per person, which includes equipment. | tahoeadventurecompany.com

River Talk

Help with computers

Truckee River Watershed Council office Truckee | Dec. 20

Kings Beach Library Kings Beach | Dec. 20, 27

Join a short, informational River Talk about past and present threats to the Truckee River and how to help restore and protect it. Learn how human impact has damaged the Truckee River Watershed and hear about the work the Watershed Council is doing to reverse this damage. RSVP (530) 550-8760, ext. 5. 8-9 a.m. Free | truckeeriverwc.org

Ongoing computer help. First Thursdays of the month are “Exploring our Digital Resources”, second Thursdays are “Computer Q&A with Carl LeBlanc,” third Thursdays are “Everything iPhone” and fourth Thursdays are differing themes about computers and technology. Call or stop by for our class schedule. 3-4 p.m. Free | (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov

Reindeer Games

Northstar Silent Nights

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 20

Northstar California Resort Truckee | Dec. 20

Help find the Santa’s reindeer toys and be entered to win a special grand prize from Santa. Free game cards with lists of participating stores can be picked up in the ticket office. Participating venues will be hiding one of Santa’s playful reindeer somewhere in their store. Once spotted, merchants will stamp the participant’s game card. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free | squawalpine.com

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 20-23

Let Santa’s Reindeer take you on a special holiday path between Merry Wonderland and The Village at Squaw Valley free of charge. Complimentary sleigh rides are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis Sleighs can accommodate two to six guests per ride Each one-way ride is roughly 7 minutes 2-5 p.m. Free | squawalpine.com

Wrap Party Incline Village Library Incline Village | Dec. 20

Enjoy warm cider, holiday cookies and music while you wrap your holiday gifts. We’ll supply the wrapping paper, tape and scissors. 3-7 p.m. Free | (775) 832-4130, libraryaware.com

Enjoy ice skating and s’more roasting while watching Holiday classics from 5 to 6:45 p.m. | (800) 466-6784, northstarcalifornia.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

If you’re going to Ski Tahoe You should really See Tahoe

KIDS $84

byop

6 & UNDER SKI FREE ADULT LIFT TICKET online rates $104 peak days

$20 off adult ticket

Bring Your Other Pass Deal

Purchase lift tickets & rentals online: DiamondPeak.com • (775) 832-1177 9

OUT & ABOUT

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Family Fun Visit the Event Calendar at TheTahoeWeekly.com for a complete list of events. Suitable for children ages 3 to 5 with parents and caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Free | (530) 5753185, engagedpatrons.org

Story Telling with Santa

Courtesy Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 21, 22

Merry Wonderland family fun

Head to Merry Wonderland after the slopes for a fireside storytelling with Santa. He will be sharing traditional Christmas stories, songs and folklore. He’ll also be sharing milk and cookies for all to enjoy. 3 p.m. Free | squawalpine.com

The Polar Express Train Ride Carson City | Dec. 21-23

This magical adventure is a one-hour diesel train ride to the North Pole and back. While you won’t disembark the train, you will see Santa, his elves and the North Pole in all its splendor. 5-9 p.m. | visitcarsoncity.com

Kids can take free rides on the mini-rail Polar Express around the Ice Garden at Squaw Valley’s Merry Wonderland at Olympic Village Lodge. These train rides, available from 2 to 5 p.m. from Dec. 20 to 23, are a special tribute to the region’s history and the influence of the railroad that made life and industry in the Sierra possible. The Truckee-Donner Rail Society has constructed a mini-rail Polar Express around the Ice Garden for free rides to guests of all ages.

Young Readers Society: Teen Chapter

On Dec. 23 and 24, there will be special appearances by Santa and carving demonstrations in the Ice Garden from 2 to 4 p.m. Watch as professional ice carvers reveal the magic entrapped in ice and snow: penguins, stars and more. The events are free. | squawalpine.com

Teen Scene

Santa Train Wabuska Depot | Carson City | Dec. 22, 23

Nevada State Railroad Museum celebrates the 34rd year of Santa Train. Ride in rail cars pulled behind the historic V& T Railroad No. 25 steam locomotive. Santa hands out candy canes to all the riders and listens to children’s Christmas wishes. | nvculture.org

Santa’s Brunch Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 23

A delightful buffet feast of locally-sourced holiday favorites served in the bedecked Merry Wonderland in plenty of time to ride the sleigh, train, or hit the slopes after. 8:30 a.m. $18.94-$29.95 | squawalpine.com

Breakfast with Santa TC’s Pub | Truckee | Dec. 24

Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to join Santa for an intimate breakfast while Santa reads Christmas stories. 8-10 a.m. | eventbrite.com

Word After Word Books | Truckee | Dec. 21

The Teen Chapter of the Young Readers Society Book Club is held the third Friday of each month. Book Club selections will be announced the month before. Recommended ages 13 to 17. 5:30-6:30 p.m. | wordafterwordbooks.com

Kahle Community Center | Stateline | Dec. 21

Kids in grades 6-12 can shoot hoops, play volleyball, climb the rock wall and play arcade or video games. 6:30-9 p.m. $5 | (775) 586-7271

Santa & Penguin Pete Visit Diamond Peak Diamond Peak Ski Resort Incline Village | Dec. 24, 25

Santa and Penguin Pete will be handing out stickers and treats. Come get your photo taken with Santa and Penguin Pete and celebrate the holidays. Look for them on the slopes and in the Base Area. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free | (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade Snow Tubing with Santa Reindeer Games

Toddler Story Time

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 20

Incline Village Library | Dec. 20, 27

Mother Goose on the Loose South Lake Tahoe Library | Dec. 20, 27

Jump start your child’s brain development with this award-winning program that combines music, movement and literature. 10:30 a.m. | (530) 573-3185, engagedpatrons.org

With stories, puppets, music and movement for ages 18 months to 3 years. 11:1511:45 a.m. | (775) 832-4130

Granlibakken Tahoe | Tahoe City | Dec. 24

SnoVentures Activity Zone Olympic Valley | Dec. 21

Come enjoy a fun, family-friendly round of snow tubing with a special guest appearance of Santa Claus. $39 | (800) 403-0206

Breakfast with Santa Teen Center Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe Kings Beach | Dec. 20, 21, Dec. 24-27

Teen Center at Boys & Girls Club for 7th graders and older. Computers, TVs, video games, books, pool table and board games. Open gym Wednesday-Friday 6-7 p.m. 7 p.m. | (530) 546-4324, bgcnlt.org

Early Literacy Storytime South Lake Tahoe Library | Dec. 21

Build a child’s pre-reading skills with this engaging and interactive program designed to support a child’s early literacy development for a lifelong love of reading and learning.

TAHOE CITY, CA

Christmas Day Breakfast + Skiing with Santa at Tahoe Donner

Resort at Squaw Creek Olympic Valley | Dec. 22-24

Tell Santa all of your favorite toy wishes as you enjoy a breakfast buffet in Cascades from 8 to 10 a.m. | squawcreek.com

Snowball Festival Soda Springs Resort | Dec. 22, 23

Enjoy activities for everyone: arts and crafts, face-painting, custom balloons, photo ops, holiday snow tubing, snow parkour, a bounce house and The World’s Biggest Cup of Hot Cocoa. Planet Kids will have a holiday menu of chili, a DIY hot cocoa bar and craft beer for adults. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | skisodasprings.com

FREE BOWLING

each person who bowls 2 games at regular price gets a 3rd game free with this coupon

Celebrate the holidays at Granlibakken’s annual Torchlight Parade. The Torchlight Parade is followed by hot chocolate, mulled cider, s’mores, and gifts and photos with Santa. 5-8 p.m. Free | (530) 583-4242, granlibakken.com

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area Truckee | Dec. 25

Breakfast starts at 10 a.m. followed by a half day of skiing and riding with Santa. The lifts will open at 11:30 a.m. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | (530) 587-9444, chamber.truckee.com

RUFF, Read Up for Fun Truckee Library | Truckee | Dec. 26

Children can practice their reading skills by reading aloud to trained therapy animals. Kids can play and do crafts while waiting their turn to read. 4-5 p.m. Free | (530) 582-7846, truckeefol.org

Bowl Incline North Shore’s Complete Family Recreation Center VOTED BEST POOL ROOM ON THE NORTH SHORE! Automatic Scoring “Bumper Bowling,” Video Arcade, Billiards, Video Poker, Cocktails, ATM, Full Swing Golf Simulator 920 Southwood Blvd., Incline Village (775) 831-1900 email: bowlink@aol.com

T AHOE XC . ORG | 530-583-5475 10

bowlincline.com

Smoke Free Every Day!

Coupon good for the entire party. Limit 1 free game per person per visit. Not valid with other offers. Not valid for league or tournament play.

Dec. 20-26, 2018

Let the

EVENTS

Park-and-Ride

to ski resorts

Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit will be offering free, park-and-ride services to Squaw Valley and Northstar California will be offered from Truckee from Dec. 28 to 30 so skiers can ditch the car and be dropped off at the base of the slopes, as first reported at TheTahoeWeekly.com. The winter program will provide free bus service on weekends through mid-March from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The service for Squaw Valley will operate from the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District administrative offices and for Northstar from the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. Skiers and riders traveling to Alpine Meadows can take the bus to Squaw Valley and connect to Alpine Meadows via the Squaw Alpine Express shuttle. | tahoetruckeetransit.com

Free Truckee shuttles During one of the most festive times of the year, visitors and locals alike can reduce congestion by leaving the car behind and forget about traffic and parking hassles, using the free shuttle service connecting Truckee neighborhoods, Squaw Valley ski resort and Northstar California from Dec. 26 to 31, as first reported at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Truckee neighborhood shuttles will be providing service to and from downtown Truckee between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. daily. The neighborhood shuttles will service: Donner Lake, Sierra Meadows, Brockway, Gateway, Deerfield, West River Street, Prosser, Tahoe Donner and Glenshire. Connections to resorts can be made in at the Truckee Train Depot. | tahoetruckeetransit.com

No on-street parking Winter parking restrictions around the greater North Lake Tahoe area are in effect until May 1, 2019, as first reported at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Parking along roadway shoulders during this time is prohibited. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and fined or towed, if necessary. For information on winter parking and snow removal zones, visit placer.ca.gov.

Amgen returning to Tahoe

The 14 annual Amgen Tour of California will return to South Lake Tahoe in the spring for the fifth time. The Men’s Race Stage 2 will run from Rancho Cordova with a finish at Heavenly Mountain Resort on May 13, 2019, as first reported at TheTahoeWeekly.com. th

OUT & ABOUT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Good Times Snow

at Granlibakken

Heavenly Holidays Heavenly Village South Lake Tahoe | Dec. 20-27

Heavenly Holidays Family Festival con-

tinues with a search for Santa and his elves on the slopes, ice sculptures, breakfast with Santa, ice skating performances starring

Best in Snow

Family fun is right outside your door at Granlibakken Tahoe. Affordable skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in Tahoe City. Lessons & Rentals available. Lodging guests receive half-priced sledding passes and full-day lift tickets.

Disney characters, a Ferris Wheel, virtual reality, ski simulator, magic shows, symphony orchestra and a Heavenly Rail Jam. | tahoesouth.com

Holiday Fire Engine Drive Through Lake Valley Fire Protection District South Lake Tahoe | Dec. 20-23

Happy holidays from Lake Valley Fire

Protection District will be driving through neighborhoods for the holidays. Check the schedule online. Free | (530) 577-3737, lakevalleyfire.org

2 for 1

Entrėes Cedar House Pub Open Thursday-Sunday 5-9 PM Open daily during holiday periods. 2-for-1 entrees every Thursday & Sunday* Excludes holiday periods

Lifescapes Incline Village Library Incline Village | Dec. 21

A memoir-writing program for seniors.

2-4 p.m. | (775) 832-4130, washoelibrary.us

Festive Fridays Downtown Truckee Truckee | Dec. 21

Celebrate the holiday season in historic

downtown Truckee with Festive Fridays in December with free parking and holiday

530-583-4242 | Granlibakken.com

activities from 4 to 6 p.m. thanks to Town of Truckee, Truckee Chamber and Truckee Downtown Merchants Association. 4-6:30 p.m. Free | historictruckee.com

Noel Nights Northstar California Resort Truckee | Dec. 21

Kick off the holiday season with Noel Nights

every Friday night. There will be carolers, sleigh rides, face painting, holiday crafts and pictures with Santa. 5-8 p.m. | (800) 466-6784, northstarcalifornia.com

Stars & S’Mores Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe Truckee | Dec. 21

Spend the day by Lake Tahoe at NORTH LAKE TAHOE’S ONLY ALL-INCLUSIVE WINTER RECREATION FACILITY

Tahoe Star Tours will also host Stars

& S’mores at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe this winter. Participants are invited to meet at the resort’s Fireside Terrace for an engaging fireside astronomy session with telescopic viewing followed by s’mores around the outdoor fire pit. 7 p.m. | tahoestartours.com

Merry Days & Holly Nights Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 21

Celebrate Merry Days & Holly Nights in

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows with orchestra performances, farm to table dinners, ice gardens and so much more. This two-week holiday festival is fun for the whole family. Free | squawalpine.com

Full Service Bar & Restaurant SLEDDING /// XC SKIING /// ICE SKATING /// SNOWSHOEING

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

W INTER S PORTS P ARK . COM | 530-583-1516 11

OUT & ABOUT

TheTahoeWeekly.com

IT PAYS TO PLAY WITH

TAHOE’S MOST REWARDING PLAYERS CLUB!

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Santa & Penguin Pete Visit

Snow Tubing with Santa

Diamond Peak Ski Resort Incline Village | Dec. 24, 25

SnoVentures Activity Zone Olympic Valley | Dec. 21

Santa and Penguin Pete will be at Diamond Peak handing out stickers and treats and visiting the kids and kids at heart. Come get your photo taken with Santa and Penguin Pete and celebrate the holidays at Diamond Peak. Look for them on the slopes and in the Base Area. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free | (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Come enjoy a fun, family-friendly round of snow tubing with a special guest appearance of Santa Claus. $39 | (800) 403-0206

Ice Carving Demonstrations Village at Squaw Olympic Valley | Dec. 22-24

Watch as the magnificent Merry Days & Holly Nights Ice Carver reveals the magic entrapped in beloved ice & snow. Complimentary demonstrations 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free | squawalpine.com

Snowball Festival

JOIN TODAY AND RECEIVE

$10 IN FREE PLAY

111 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE, INCLINE VILLAGE

800.327.3910 GrandLodgeCasino.com

Soda Springs Resort Soda Springs | Dec. 22, 23

At the Snowball Festival, there are activities for everyone: arts and crafts, face-painting, custom balloons, photo ops, holiday snow tubing, snow parkour, a bounce house and The World’s Biggest Cup of Hot Cocoa. Planet Kids will have a holiday menu of chili, a DIY hot cocoa bar and craft beer for adults. 10 a.m.4 p.m. | skisodasprings.com

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON DOWNHILL SKI RESORT

LEARN TO SKI The region’s best place to begin CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER

ADVENTURE ON XC SKIS 100km of pristine grooming and endless fitness challenges

SNOWPLAY

TUBE + SLED One fee includes everything you need for winter fun

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY tahoedonner.com/exploremore 12

Chamber Membership 101 California Welcome Center Truckee | Dec. 26

For new, current or potential members to learn about the benefits of belonging to the Truckee Chamber of Commerce. Coffee and pastries. 8-9 a.m. | chamber.truckee.com

Moonlit Snowshoe Tour & Dinner

Galena Creek Visitor Center Reno | Dec. 22

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 26

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour

Club de Conversacion (Conversation Cub)

Tahoe Adventure Company Tahoe Vista | Dec. 22

Kings Beach Library Kings Beach | Dec. 26

Enjoy a guided hike through Galena Creek Park with a local specialist. Please bring appropriate clothing and plenty of water. If there’s enough snow, this will be a snowshoe hike. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | (775) 849-4948

Experience a snowshoe tour to the midmountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows, and enjoy an intimate seated dinner. The distance from the Alpine Lodge to the Chalet is onequarter mile uphill. 5-8:30 p.m. | (800) 4030206, squawalpine.com

Es ingles su segundo idioma? El Conversation Club es gratis y ofrece un lugar amistoso y divertido para que los adultos puedan practicar su ingles y aprender de la cultura norteamericana. If English is your second language, please join us for this fun, free, gathering to practice your conversational English. 5-6 p.m. Free | (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov

Disco Tubing SnowVentures Activity Zone Olympic Valley | Dec. 22, 23, 26, 27

Families can spin, slide and speed down the snow tubing lanes to vibrant DJ tunes as the night is illuminated with colorful lights and lasers splashed on the mountainside. Tubing starts on the hour for 55-minute session. 5-7 p.m. | squawalpine.com

Skiing with Santa

Ski & Ride with Jonny Moseley Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 26, Dec. 27

Ski and ride with Chief Mountain Host and Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley. Must be at least intermediate level to ski with Moseley. Schedule online. | squawalpine.com

Sugar Bowl | Norden | Dec. 24

Santa has been able to find some time in his busy schedule to join us at Sugar Bowl for some skiing with his favorite snow fans. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | sugarbowl.com

Visit the Event Calendar at TheTahoeWeekly.com for a complete list of events.

MARKETPLACE Call (530) 546-5995, ext. 110, to be included in Marketplace.

ALDER CREEK ADVENTURE CENTER

NYE SNOWSHOE TOUR Followed by drinks and fireworks viewing

Granlibakken Tahoe Tahoe City | Dec. 24

Guided Hike

Join a Full Moon Snowshoe Tours through the brisk mountain air of Tahoe’s pristine forests. 4-7 p.m. $70 | (530) 913-9212, tahoeadventurecompany.com

EXPLORE MORE

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade

SV Snow Removal

❄ Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows ❄ 12 years experience ❄ Local references ❄ We use shovels & snow blowers Call Bob at (530) 412-2703

Advertise in MARKETPLACE

Color

1 col x 2” $60 | 2 col x 2” $100 All ads included in free digital edition.

Dec. 20-26, 2018

FEATURE

Ultimate Tahoe Winter Bucket List Courtesy TCPUD

S T O R Y B Y K AT H E R I N E E . H I L L

#76 IT’S TIME FOR TAHOE WEEKLY’S ANNUAL Ultimate Tahoe Winter Bucket List, and we’ve come up with 100 new things to tackle this winter. Start now to make the most of the season.

1 Ski with an Olympian. Seriously. With Jonny Moseley at Squaw Valley. 2 Take in the views at Crystal Ridge at Diamond Peak. 3 Ski from the top of world at Squaw’s Palisades. 4 Ride Boreal’s Pop Up Parks. 5 Try out The Village terrain park at Diamond Peak. 6 Make your own ski video. 7 Enter it in Granite Chief’s Shreddit Showdown or the Kirkwood Deep Riders Awards. 8 The Silver Belt Series returns. Enter all three D-Money’s (Feb. 2), Banked Slalom (March 2) and Quad Crusher (April 9). 9 Or, just try D’Money’s, it’s an on-mountain scavenger hunt. It doesn’t get much better.

12 Take a guided mountain tour at Squaw Valley or Diamond Peak. 13 Take part in National Winter Trail Days at local Nordic centers.

Courtesy Squaw Valley

You’ll find links to resources on everything on our Bucket List if you go to the digital version of the story at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Winter under the Out & About tab.

#23

14 Take a course for women, by women with programs at many local ski areas. 15 Ski free on your birthday at Diamond Peak. 16 Ski uphill, then down at the Hump Day Hump at Sugar Bowl. 17 Bag the peaks – Judah, Lincoln, Disney & Crow’s Nest at the Quad Crusher Feb. 25. 18 Enjoy the Johnsville Ski Races this winter. 19 Then, sign up to race a longboard yourself. 20 Cross-country ski at Plumas Eureka State Park.

10 Enter Homewood’s new Community Cup Racing series.

21 Take a UTV tour at Heavenly.

11 Ride the Aerial Tram at Squaw to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

23 Don’t miss disco tubing at Squaw Valley.

22 Try ice dancing lessons at Truckee Ice Rink.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

FEATURE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

24 Try the ski simulator at Heavenly.

E X C L U S I V E C O N T E N T AT

25 Climb Mt. Everest in virtual reality at the Incline Village Library.

TheTahoeWeekly.com Looking for more? Try last year’s Ultimate Winter Bucket List

26 Take a sleigh ride at Sand Harbor State Park. 27 Go dog sledding at Squaw Creek. 28 Ride the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster at Heavenly.

45 Join a broom ball league in Truckee, Tahoe City or South Lake Tahoe.

29 Discover Tahoe’s public art – in roundabouts, in parks, at ski resorts.

46 Explore Coldstream Canyon by ski or snowshoe.

#85

Lisa Michelle

30 Search for chickadees & take in the views at Chickadee Ridge. 31 Snowshoe Castle Peak.

47 Think you’re the fastest skier? Test your mettle at Heavenly’s Gunbarrel 25.

32 Take a moonlight snowshoe tour & enjoy dinner at Alpine Meadows.

48 Snowmobile to the top of the mountain with guided tours available for every level. 49 Book a night at the Loon Lake Chalet. Or, stop by Jan. 26 & 27 for the Open House.

33 Try a snowbike at Northstar, Tahoe Donner or on local trails.

50 Spring Break in Tahoe. We promise you’ll enjoy it.

34 Pick up a copy of “50 Best Snowshoe Trails around Lake Tahoe” and start exploring.

51 SnowGlobe, WinterWonderGrass, Snowfest. There’s lots of fun festivals. Read the Tahoe Music, Events & Festivals guide at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

35 Ride the new lifts: Snowbird at Tahoe Donner Cross Country and the California Cruiser at Boreal.

Back country bliss

36 Enjoy the stillness of a snowshoe trek to Pole Creek. 37 Head to the slopes for the NASTAR National Championships at Squaw Valley from April 3 to 7.

52 Explore the back country. 53 Take a back-country class for beginners.

38 Snowshoe at Rabe Meadows.

54 Explore Mount Judah’s back country.

#73

55 Ride the Elephant’s Back on Carson Pass. 56 Go deep in Kirkwood’s back country. 57 Explore Huckleberry Canyon at Sierra-at-Tahoe. 58 It’s a classic. Jake’s Peak. 59 Greet the rising sun at Sunrise Bowl. 60 Explore the hidden chutes at Mt. Rose. 61 Ski the Lake Run at Sugar Bowl. You’ll need a guide. 62 Be avy savvy. Take an avalanche class. 63 Get your beacon & airbag. They will save your life.

Family Fun 64 Take in a magic show at The Loft. 65 Make homemade hot chocolate. 66 Make snow angels. 67 Practice making snowballs. 68 Have a good, old-fashioned snowball fight. 69 Use your skills at the Tahoe Donner Snowball Throwing Contest on March 31. 70 Join the fun at Soda Springs’ Snowball Festival. 71 Sled at historic Granlibakken.

Courtesy Granlibakken

72 Lift tickets too pricey? Sign up for the Ski Ducks program.

39 Host your own ski film showing. We have trailers for 37 of the season’s ski flicks at TheTahoeWeekly.com. 40 Listen to the “Mountain Storytelling” podcast from Tahoe’s Brendan Madigan. 41 Volunteer for the Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count on Jan. 11. 42 It’s a family affair at Kirkwood’s Banked Slalom Feb. 23 & 24. 43 Enjoy Squaw’s fireworks every Saturday Jan. 5 to March 30. 44 Ski at a family-owned ski resort – Donner Ski Ranch or Mt. Rose.

73 Try a Treetop Adventure Park. Yes, the ropes courses are open in the winter. 74 Enjoy the Mini Train Rides at Squaw until Dec. 23. 75 Take the kids to an indoor climbing wall. They’ll love it. 76 Spend the day at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park – ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing & cap off the fun with hot chocolate. 77 Winterpalooza. Enjoy tubing, snowman building & more Jan. 26 at Tahoe Donner. 78 Join the Lego Club every Saturday at the Truckee Library. 79 Kids rule at Squaw’s Kid-O-Rama from Feb. 16 to 24. 80 Pack a picnic and spend the day at Tahoe Meadows – snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling & skiing. 81 Record snowflakes. Order a Stories in the Snow Citizen Science kit.

Head south 82 Cross-country ski at Hope Valley Outdoors.

Dec. 20-26, 2018

83 Stay a night or two in a cabin at Sorenson’s. It’s magical. 84 Soak it in at Grover Hot Springs State Park. 85 Snowshoe to Grover Falls.

FEATURE

Open theto

Public

86 Explore the quaint town of Markleeville.

Culinary delights 87 Try the beans at Tahoe’s local coffee roasters; there’s more than you think.

88 Delight in the homemade pies at Donner Ski Ranch. 89 Enter your creation in the Salsa Showdown at Sierra-at-Tahoe. 90 Try our picks at TheTahoeWeekly.com for Tahoe’s Best Burgers.

The Incline Village Recreation Center is open to the public & features group fitness classes, a cardiovascular/strength room, massage therapy, 8 lane indoor pool, sauna, gymnasium & more. Now offering indoor pickleball for winter!

91 Join a class and learn how to make your own cocktails at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe or Resort at Squaw Creek.

Plan for a Healthy Year

92 Have a hankering for jerky? Try Tahoe Truckee Jerky’s local creations. 93 Go au naturel. Visit one of Tahoe’s natural food stores – New Moon in Tahoe City and Truckee, and Grass Roots in South Lake Tahoe. 94 Visit Tahoe’s only year-round farm shop at the Tahoe Food Hub in Alpine Meadows.

1-day adult Pass: $16 ($12 w/IVGID Picture Pass) 1-Week Family Pass: $70 ($53 w/IVGID Picture Pass) 1-year adult Pass: $689 ($517 w/IVGID Picture Pass) View full list of membership options & rates online.

Holiday Hours: Dec. 24 (7am-3pm) / Closed Dec. 25

95 Try Tahoe kombucha from Folk Brewing or Nash Kombucha.

980 Incline Way, Incline Village

InclineRecreation.com • 775-832-1300

96 Enjoy dinner at Tahoe’s oldest restaurants: Bacchi’s (1932) or Pfeifer House (1939). You’ll have to wait until summer to enjoy Chamber’s Landing (early 1900s) or Swiss Lakewood (1925). 97 Take the gondola at Northstar for a mountaintop dinner experience. 98 Take a brew tour of the Tahoe Sierra; there’s about a dozen. 99 Better yet, get the inside scoop with Tahoe Brew Tours. 100 Wine more your style? Enjoy a wine tasting at Tahoe’s wine bars, including a few pouryour-own purveyors. They also can help you pick the perfect wine gift. n

#18

Courtesy Johnsville Longboards

FEATURE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

SIERRA STORIES Ca nine Adventures in the Tahoe Sierra | P a r t I

BY MARK McLAUGHLIN

ree open spaces, clean streams and lakes, and the scarcity of ticks and fleas conspire to make the Tahoe Sierra a dog’s paradise. For more than 150 years, canine superstars have accomplished many impressive achievements in this region, including mountain transportation, searchand-rescue missions and sled dog racing. By the early 1860s, sled dogs were common in the mountains along with horse-drawn sleighs. Horses were sometimes outfitted with specialized snowshoes made of metal and leather. When the legendary skiing mailman John “Snowshoe” Thompson started a winter express service for freight and an occasional passenger, he utilized muscular breeds like Malamutes and Huskies to pull his sleigh through the Sierra after the snow settled. When the dogs couldn’t make it, the indomitable Thompson jumped on his skis and carried as much cargo as he could in a backpack that weighed up to 80 or 90 pounds. Thompson’s father had taught him to ski when he was growing up in Norway. After his arrival in California in the early 1850s, “Snowshoe” went on to become America’s first freestyle alpine skier. During the 1930s, Tahoe City’s Constable Harry Johanson wouldn’t have been able to patrol his far-flung district during winter months without his trusty sled dogs. Johanson arrived in April 1932 with no intention of settling in Tahoe

permanently, but he immediately fell in love with Big Blue and its snow-covered mountains. It reminded him of his homeland of Sweden.

By the early 1860s, sled dogs were common in the mountains along with horse-drawn sleighs. Residents found the Swedish newcomer polite and well versed in the skills necessary for travel and survival in their snowbound environment. In December 1934, Johanson received his U.S. citizenship and two months later he took the oath as Tahoe City’s second official constable. Harry Jo wasted no time in taking charge of his new role as the region’s sole law-enforcement officer. He usually covered his beat of 200 square miles by horseback during summer while riding his favorite mount, a handsome Palomino named Viking. During the snowy winter months, he traveled by dogsled. Harry Jo loved his dogs more than anything else in the world, especially his best lead dog, Kazan. One of his favorite quotes was: “A man’s best friend is his dog, better even than his wife.” HISTORIAN & AUTHOR

MARK MCL AUGHLIN’S NEWEST BOOK

Our mission is to reduce the incidence of hunger and its detrimental effects upon individuals, families, the community and the region.

WEEKLY FOOD DISTRIBUTION: MONDAYS TAHOE CITY

WEDNESDAYS KINGS BEACH

3:00pm to 3:30pm Fairway Community Ctr. 330 Fairway Dr.

3:00pm to 3:30pm Community House 265 Bear St.

TUESDAYS TRUCKEE

THURSDAYS INCLINE VILLAGE

3:30pm to 4pm Sierra Senior Center 10040 Estates Dr.

3:00pm to 3:30pm St. Patrick’s Church 341 Village Blvd.

(775) 298-4161

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• Word After Word Bookshop • Gratitude Gifts • Mind Play

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Johanson kept up to 15 dogs at a time, most of them Malamutes, to pull his sled. Despite severe storms that buried the region in deep snow, Johanson regularly made his rounds to check on year-round residents who were trying to tough it out during the harsh winter months. He occasionally sold dogs that he raised and trained to neighbors, including a partially tamed wolf and two Huskies named Sitka and Baree that wealthy eccentric George Whittell needed for use on his Thunderbird estate on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore. Sadly, in October 1937, Harry Jo’s favorite dog, Kazan, died after eating a poisoned chipmunk. Apparently, Kazan was the accidental victim of an ill-advised effort that summer to eliminate the pesky rodents from Tahoe City homes and businesses. During the 1930s, Johanson and his canine team performed in many adventure movies. Hollywood directors enjoyed filming action flicks at Lake Tahoe and Big Bear in the southern Sierra. Harry Jo often performed as a stunt double and had gigs in such epics as “The Call of the Wild,” where Harry stood in for Clark Gable; “White Fang” and “Rose Marie,” in which he doubled for leading man Nelson Eddy. Johanson preferred the devoted companionship of his dogs over any commitment to a woman. After one broken-hearted relationship Harry said, “The more I see of women, the more I love my dogs.” In the early decades of the 20th Century, Truckee thrived as the sled-dog-racing capital of the United States, attracting thousands of spectators each winter. Contestants traveled from as far away as Montana, Canada and Alaska to compete for cash awards and the prestigious national title. The International Sled Dog Racing Association claims that the first sled dog race in the lower 48 states was staged in 1917 in Ashton, Idaho. Ashton’s ongoing American Dog Derby calls itself the “oldest dog sled race in the United States,” but the town of Truckee actually held the country’s first sled dog competition in 1915. These canine-driven events were an integral part of the community’s annual Ice Carnival to promote winter sports and bring tourists and their money to the mountains. Among the many spectators to cheer on the dogs in that historic 1915 race was

LEFT: Author Jack London at a Truckee dog race, circa

1915. | Courtesy Truckee Donner Historical Society; RIGHT: Constable Johanson and his trusty lead dog

Kazan. | Courtesy North Lake Tahoe Historical Society

none other than noted novelist Jack London, author of “The Call of the Wild,” a popular novel he wrote in 1903. London spent nearly a year in Alaska during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush after which he penned his fictional story about a sled dog named Buck who struggled to survive abusive humans and an extreme winter environment. The book became an instant classic and brought London fame as one of America’s favorite authors. Three years later London wrote “White Fang,” a companion dog-centric novel that thematically mirrors his first. Truckee’s winter sports industry started in 1892 when resident Charles McLellan built a 450-foot-diameter ice rink in front of Truckee’s Commercial Row storefronts to attract skaters. Within two years, several of the town’s leading businessmen and residents formed a private company to build and operate a massive indoor ice-skating rink on Front Street in downtown Truckee. They were convinced that developing and expanding winter tourism could boost revenue with year-round activity. Their pioneering efforts resulted in the construction of the town’s first ice palace, which became the cornerstone of the earliest winter carnivals. Activities such as toboggan runs, horsedrawn sleigh rides and moonlit ice-skating parties on Donner Lake attracted residents in San Francisco and Sacramento. Skijoring, where a person on skis is pulled by dogs or horses, and later by motorcycles, was wildly popular. By 1930, entrepreneurs were running sled dogs to launch and tow glider planes with a paying tourist or two on board. Today, winter sports generate nearly $1 billion in annual economic benefits in the Sierra Nevada. Stay tuned for Part II in the next edition and at TheTahoeWeekly.com.  Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at thestormking.com. You may reach him at mark@ thestormking.com. Check out his blog at tahoenuggets.com or read more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on History under the Explore Tahoe tab.

Dec. 20-26, 2018

Horoscopes

FIRE

EARTH

AIR

WATER

FUN & GAMES

Puzzles

Michael Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor is an astrologer, counselor and life coach | SunStarAstrology.com

Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21)

You are in an enthusiastic and eager mood. As thrilled as you are with what is happening, you also want to get on with or through with it. What it is depends on the specifics of your situation, but it is something and may be described as deep, or perhaps, as heavy. The key to getting through with it is to get to the bottom of it and it is quite deep.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

A journey into a place of power and complexity, perhaps where an alchemical process is underway, whether you are aware of it or not, has begun. It can be likened to going to the engineering area of a large ship where the engines are fueled and fired. Meanwhile, outer social opportunities for fun and frolic abound. Each of you will have to attend to your own respective front for this round.

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19)Â

The Sun entering your sign should have a positive, empowering feel to it. This does not mean that you are entirely out of the water, though. The secret to your success now is to accept and embrace this feeling of being submerged. In this way, you are in alignment and not in conflict. It includes making extra efforts to truly see the others on your stage.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)

Okay, the health alert has been lifted. Hopefully, you paid attention and made a few adjustments. The focus is now on social interaction. Yet, you may be feeling quieter, more meditative, reflective and philosophical than you have in previous years at this time. This could prove to be a problem. Quiet is okay too and rich, deep conversation could feel like a gift.

Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19)

It seems pretty much everyone is dealing with the distraction of feeling pulled in a variety of directions and not least of all, you. Fortunately, Mercury and Jupiter together in Sagittarius are lighting up your spirits. They represent your golden opportunity to be social and fully present even while you feel drawn inward.

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23)

It seems that everyone is being pulled in different directions this year, if not literally, perhaps at least intellectually and emotionally. Positively, you feel more than enchanted; you feel deeply moved and inspired by rare glimpses of beauty that might even be described as sublime. To avoid any conflict, direct your focus to dive even deeper into this mystic moment.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)

Expansion and increase in your public and professional life continue. Mars, Neptune, and Chiron in your sign may not be making it easy to answer the call with full vigor. Mercury fast approaching Jupiter right now will help, however. It will coincide with the Sun entering Capricorn. You see, the universe knows you often need more time and a bigger push than other signs.

There is reason to say that your confidence levels are bubbling up to the surface. Yet, you also feel more challenged than you have for some time. Both of these feelings share an intimate connection, yet you must make adjustments, awkward or uncomfortable as they may be, to establish a direct and workable contact. Call it a labor of love.

As festivities begin, you may find yourself determined to make things happen. This includes gatherings and cultural activities. Blessed by a spirit of vision and mirth, offsetting an otherwise serious mood, you may also feel philosophically inspired. Reflection on what has been and what is next lingers in your mind. Above all, you want to be close to family and friends.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 21)

The synchronicities of destiny are guiding you to give birth to new methods of revealing your creative genius. Call it your unique style, if you like, but either way you are meant to bring down your ideas, inventions and/or strategies into practical use and application. One of your challenges is to realize that it is time even if there is yet much you have to learn.

Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22)

Okay, so you are busier than usual and may feel a bit stretched and stressed. On the high side, you have the opportunity to be a social success, juggling between diverse objectives that are hopefully gaining at least some attention. Negatively, you feel the weight of responsibility and are not able to feel as light as you like. Actually, you are just a choice away from the light side.

Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21)

Some years we feel inspired to go bigger and/ or further than others, like this year. You are excited by the prospects and keen to experience a full spectrum of ideas, interests and items on your bucket list. This certainly can include sharing quality time with key people. That your interests include a weave of play, prospect and philosophy is your business, literally.

Hocus Focus differences: 1. Helmet is missing, 2. Drain is missing, 3. Tail is shorter, 4. Flower pot is missing, 5. License tag is missing, 6. Tongue is smaller.

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)

If someone makes a dish of carrots, radishes and yams, could you call that root cocktail?

CryptoQuip

FEATURE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

H O L I D A Y

WORSHIP SERVICES BAPTIST Deerfield Community Church (formerly First Baptist Church of Truckee), 11605 Deerfield Road, Truckee. Sunday service at 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible study at noon. Pastor James Stark. | (530) 582-4045 First Baptist Church of South Lake Tahoe, 1053 Wildwood Ave., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday services at 11 a.m. Sunday Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth and Young Adults Bible study at 7 p.m. Women’s Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Alan Morse. | (530) 544-2743, firstbaptistchurchslt.com

St. Francis of Assisi, 701 Mount Rose Highway/State Route 431, Incline Village. Saturday Mass at 5 p.m. Sunday Mass at 9 & 11 a.m., & 5 p.m. in Spanish. TuesdayFriday Mass at 9 a.m. Saturday Sacrament of Reconciliation from 4-4:30 p.m. & by appointment. Christmas Eve Children’s Mass at 3 p.m. & Mass at 5 p.m. Midnight Mass at 11:59 p.m. Christmas Day Mass at 9 & 11 a.m., in Spanish at 5 p.m. Rev. William Nadeau. | (775) 831-0490, sftahoe.org

First Baptist Church of Tahoe City, 390 Fairway Drive, Tahoe City. Sunday service at 9 a.m. followed by fellowship. Kids’ Club & nursery offered during service. Wednesday youth group 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight services at 5:30 & 7 p.m. (child friendly). Pastor Scott Capshaw. | (530) 5837458, tahoeministries.com

St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe. Saturday vigil at 5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass at 8 & 10 a.m., 12 & 7 p.m. in Spanish. Monday & Tuesday Mass at 8 a.m. Wednesday Mass at 8 a.m. & 12 p.m. Saturday Confession at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 5:30 & 8 p.m. in Spanish. Midnight Mass at 12 a.m. Christmas Day Mass at 8 & 10 a.m. and noon. Fr. Mauricio Hurtado | (530) 544-3533, www. tahoecatholic.com

CATHOLIC

CHRISTIAN

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 10930 Alder Drive, Truckee. Saturday vigil at 5 p.m. in English and 6:30 p.m. in Spanish. Sunday Mass at 9 a.m. in English. Monday, Tuesday & Friday Mass at 8 a.m. Holy Hour with Benediction Friday at 8:30 a.m. Confessions Saturday 3:30-4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 4:30 and 10 p.m. in English & at 6:30 p.m. in Spanish. Christmas Day Mass 9 a.m. in English & 11 a.m. in Spanish. Rev. Vincent Juan. | (530) 587-3595, assumptiontruckee.com

Calvary Chapel of South Lake Tahoe, 807 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday services at 9 & 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Children & Youth Church at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Ladies’ Bible Study at 10 a.m. Youth Group at 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible study at 7 p.m. with childcare. Thursday Awana Kids Club at 6 p.m., Youth Group at 7:30 p.m. Service Pastor Jerry Foster. | (530) 544-7320, calvarytahoe.com

Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 905 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Saturday vigil at 5 p.m. Sunday Mass at 8 & 10 a.m. all year. Summer 2019 Mass at 9 a.m. at Marie Sluchak Community Park, Tahoma. Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m. & Solemn Christmas Mass at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Day Mass at 8 & 10 a.m. First Saturday Mass on Jan. 5, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Father Benedict DeLeon. | (530) 583-4409, corpuschristi-tahoe.org Our Lady of Tahoe Catholic Church, 1 Elks Point Rd., Zephyr Cove. Saturday vigil at 5 p.m. Sunday Mass at 8 & 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays Mass at 1:10 p.m. Saturday Confession from 4-4:30 p.m. & by appointment. Christmas Eve Children’s Mass at 4:30 p.m. & Vigil Mass at 9 p.m. Christmas Day Mass at 9 & 11 a.m. Father Larry Morrison. | (775) 588-2080, ourladyoftahoe.org Our Lady of the Lake (Mission Church of Assumption of the BVM), 8263 Steelhead Ave., Kings Beach. Sunday Mass in English at 4 p.m., Sunday Mass in Spanish at 6 p.m. Sunday Confession 3:30 & 5:30 p.m. Thursday bilingual Mass at 8 a.m. Christmas Day Mass 4 p.m. in English & 6 p.m. in Spanish. Rev. Vincent Juan. | (530) 5873595, assumptiontruckee.com Queen of the Snows, 1550 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley. Sunday Mass at noon from Easter Sunday to July. Outstation Sunday Mass at 9 a.m. at Marie Sluchak Community Park, Tahoma, summer 2019. Christmas Day Mass at 12 p.m. Father Benedict DeLeon. | (530) 583-4409, corpuschristi-tahoe.org 18

Calvary Chapel of Truckee, 11725 Donner Pass Road, Truckee High School cafeteria. Sunday service 10 a.m. with Sunday school & childcare. Wednesday evening home groups in Truckee and Incline Village at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Pastor Brian Larson. | (530) 587-1711, cctruckee.com Church on the Lake, a Home Church Network. Fellowship gatherings on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Randy & Josie Smith, 771 Titilist Drive, No. 3, Incline Village, Nev. Check Web site regularly for updated locations. Pastors Ken Kasterko & Jimetta Mayne. | (530) 580-8292, tahoechurchonthelake.org Incline Village Hispanic Foursquare Church/ Iglesia Cristiana Vida Nueva/Latinos for God, 754 Mays Blvd., No. 12, Incline Village. Servicios Domingo 10 a.m. Servicio de Navidad/Noche Buena, Domingo, 23 de Diciembre 10 a.m. Pastores John y Ruby Cole. | (775) 831-5030, inclinevidanueva.org Lake Tahoe Church of Christ, 3609 Vanda Lee Way (in the Seventh-day Adventists building), South Lake Tahoe. Sunday class at 10 a.m., services at 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible class at 7 p.m. Guest speakers. | (530) 208-9509, southtahoechurchofchrist.com Lake Tahoe Christian Fellowship, 3580 Blackwood Road, South Lake Tahoe. Sunday service at 10 a.m. Children’s ministries at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday Igelsia Vida Nueva Bible study at 7 p.m. Friday Iglesia Vida Nueva Bible Study at 7 p.m. Saturday Iglesia Vida Nueva service at 7 p.m. Pastors Terry and Cheryl Edwards. | (530) 314-7995, laketahoecf.com

New Life Church, 918 Northwood Blvd., Incline Village. Sunday service at 10 a.m. Nursery & New Life Kids meet at same time. Pastors Tim and Jen Allen. | (866) 248-2332, newlifeincline.org Sierra Bible Church, 11460 Brockway Road, Truckee. Sunday service at 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. (children’s church at both services). Tuesday Awana at 6 p.m. Wednesday Junior High & Senior High Youth at 5:30 & 7:15 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight services 5 & 7 p.m. Christmas day service at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Jesse Richardson. | (530) 587-6025, sbctruckee.com Sierra Community Church, 1165 Sierra Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday services 9 & 10:45 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Nursery care for ages younger than 3. Sunday school age 3 & older. Monday Bible study at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday Overcomers Outreach at 6 p.m. Wednesday Men’s & College + 20 Somethings Bible studies at 6:30 p.m. Friday Overcomers Outreach at 9 a.m. On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve services 6, 7:30 & 9 p.m. (no nursery during 9 p.m. service). Pastor Dan Wilvers. | (530) 544-7055, sierra.church Squaw Valley Chapel, United Church of Christ, 444 Squaw Peak Road (behind Tram), Olympic Valley. Historic chapel built for 1960 Winter Olympics. Sunday services at 10 a.m. High Camp services at 8 a.m., Free tram rides for attendees without skis or snowboards at 7 a.m. Christmas Eve children’s pageant at 4 & 5:30 p.m., Candlelight services at 7:30 p.m. Rev. James Kosko | (530) 4758956, squawvalleychapel.org South Shore Christian Assembly, 886 Glorene Ave., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday service 10 a.m. Children’s church at 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible study at 7 p.m. Pastor Bob & Marie Sapp. | (530) 541-0757, South Shore Christian Assembly on Facebook

WORSHIP SERVICE LISTINGS ARE

AVA I L A B L E ONLINE YEAR-ROUND AT

THETAHOEWEEKLY.COM Click on Community under the Explore Tahoe tab. Updates for listings may be sent to editor@tahoethisweek.com.

Tahoe Community Church, 145 Daggert Way, Stateline. Adult Sunday school at 9 a.m. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. Nursery care for newborn to age 5. Wednesday Men’s Bible study at 7 a.m. & Thursday at 6 p.m. Thursday Women’s Bible study at 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Pastor Mondo Gonzales. | (775) 588-5860, tahoecommunitychurch.org Tahoe Faith Fellowship, at Tahoe City Community Center, Fairway Drive. Sunday service at 10 a.m. Home fellowship & other services during the week. Pastors Bill & Betty Ransom. | (530) 583-3977, tahoefaithfellowship.org Tahoe Forest Church, 10315 Hirschdale Road, Truckee. Sunday service 9 & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday High School group at 7 p.m. Wednesday Middle School group at 7 p.m. Christmas services Dec. 23 at 9 & 10:30 a.m. “Christmas in Truckee” event on Christmas Eve in Historic Downtown Truckee, 10091 Donner Pass Road from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, caroling, candle lighting,

nativity story. Pastor Terrence Sutton. | (530) 587-7725, tahoeforestchurch.org Town Church Truckee, Glenshire Clubhouse, 15726 Glenshire Dr. Sunday services 10 a.m. Childcare for ages 5 and younger. Wednesday Men’s Bible study at 6:30 a.m. & Women’s Bible study 6 p.m. Pastor Luke Lewis. | (530) 448-3416, townchurchtruckee.com Truckee Christian Center, 11556 Brockway Road, Truckee. Sunday school & worship at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible study at 7 p.m. Pastors Jerry & Lynda Burks. | (530) 5874638, truckeechristiancenter.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE Christian Science Society, at For Goodness Sake, 10157 Donner Pass Rd. Sunday service & Sunday School at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Testimony meetings at 7:30 p.m. Childcare provided at all services. Reading room open after services and Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | (5305) 386-0173, christiansciencetruckee.com First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2081 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday service & Sunday school at 10 a.m. Wednesday meeting at 7 p.m. Childcare provided for all services. Reading Room open Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m. and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | (530) 541-7892, christiansciencechurchslt.org, talksthatinspire.org

EPISCOPAL St. John’s In the Wilderness, 1776 U.S. Route 50, Glenbrook. Sunday service at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 7 p.m. Rev. Victoria Warren. | (775) 586-2535, stjohnsnv.org St. Nicholas, 855 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. (services are pet friendly; well-behaved pets only) with coffee hour after. Worship in historic Chapel of the Transfiguration June to August. Christmas Eve Eucharist at 5 & 9 p.m. Christmas Day Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Conyers, presiding. | (530) 583-4713, stnicksepiscopal.org St. Patrick’s, 341 Village Blvd., Incline Village. Sunday services at 8 & 10 a.m., forum at 9 a.m.; Godly Play for preschoolers and grade-school kids at 10 a.m. Tuesday A Course of Miracles at 4:15 p.m., Healing service, a 12-step Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Meditation Circle at 5:30 p.m. Thursday Lectio Divina at 12:15 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Eucharist, Children’s Pageant at 5 p.m., Community Carol Singing at 9:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist at 10 p.m. Christmas Day Holy Eucharist with music at 10 a.m. Rev. Sarah A. Syer. | (775) 831-1418, tahoeepiscopal.org

JEHOVAH WITNESSES Kingdom Hall, 1325 Herbert Ave., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday service meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday Bible study, school and service meeting at 7 p.m. | (530) 544-4770 Kingdom Hall, 3005 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Sunday Spanish Bible discourse & Watch Tower at 10 a.m., English Bible discourse & Watch Tower at 1 p.m. Tuesday Bible study & service meeting at 7 p.m. in English. Wednesday Spanish Bible study & service meeting at 7 p.m. | (530) 581-0122 Kingdom Hall, 10155 Smith St., Truckee. Sunday service meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday Bible study, school & service meeting at 7 p.m. | (530) 214-8033

Dec. 20-26, 2018

JEWISH North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation, 7000 Latone Ave. (off National Ave.), Tahoe Vista. Friday Shabbat service at 7 p.m. High Holidays schedule & activities on Web site. Rabbi Evon Yakar. | (530) 546-0895, tahoetemple.org Temple Bat Yam, 3260 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe. Rabbi Evon J. Yakar. Thursday Torah at the Lake at 12 p.m. Friday Shabbat services at 6 p.m. Phone for schedule. Rabbi Evon J. Yakar. | (530) 5421211, tbytahoe.org

LATTER-DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Highway 267 at Kingswood Way, Kings Beach. Sunday service at 10 a.m. Bishop Kenneth Craig. | (530) 546-3065 Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 3460 Spruce Ave., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday service at 10 a.m. Bishop Ellis. | (530) 544-4475

LUTHERAN Christ the King, 3125 N. Lake Blvd., Dollar Hill, Tahoe City. Sunday worship & Sunday School at 9 a.m. Easter Sunday 9 a.m. Eucharist service with potluck brunch to follow. Christmas Eve Candlelight services at 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. No Christmas Day service. Pastor Ed Hilton. | (530) 583-1222, ctktahoe.net Hope Lutheran Church of the Sierra, 930 Julie Lane, South Lake Tahoe. Sunday service w/Communion 10 a.m. Nursery care & Chil-dren’s Time provided during service. Pastor Diana Turner. | (530) 5411975, Hope Lutheran Church on Facebook Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church, 11662 Hope Court, near the intersection of Brockway Road & Highway 267, Truckee. Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve family worship at 5 p.m., Candlelight, Lessons and Carols at 9 p.m. Rev. Joanie Tankersley. | (530) 582-4243, tlpc.org

METHODIST Church of the Mountains, 10079 Church St., Truckee. Sunday service at 10 a.m. Sunday school & infant care offered. Tuesday Women’s Bible study at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday Centering Prayer 12 p.m. Christmas Eve Build-a-Pageant Family worship at 5:30 p.m., Candlelight worship & Holy Communion at 9 p.m. Pastor Donna Farrell. | (530) 587-4407, churchofthemountains.com Lake Tahoe United Methodist Church and Retreat Center, 8425 Dolly Varden at Bear, Kings Beach. Dinner Church, Tuesdays 6-7:30 p.m. Simple, affordable retreat accommodations for 1 to 30 persons. Rev. Lisa Jean Hoefner, director/pastor. | (530) 546-2290, kbumc.org

NONDENOMINATIONAL Cornerstone Community Church, 300 Country Club Drive, Incline Village. Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. with Children & Youth services. Monday Men’s Bible study at 7 a.m., Community dinner at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Youth group 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve services 5 & 7 p.m., featuring al Denson & Julie Elias. Pastor Tony Slavin. | (775) 831-6626, cornerstonecommunity.net

FEATURE

Fallen Leaf Lake Church operated by St. Francis of the Mountains in the summer, 280 Fallen Leaf Road, South Lake Tahoe. JuneSeptember Sunday services at 8 & 10 a.m. All denominations welcome. Call to confirm. | (530) 544-6635 Tahoe Resort Ministries, weekly Sunday services at 2 p.m. at local ski resorts from Dec. 23 through Easter Sunday. Services are 15-20 minutes. Services at Squaw Valley, top of Big Blue Express. Alpine Meadows, top of Roundhouse. Northstar, top of Vista Express. Homewood Mountain Resort, top of Madden. Diamond Peak, top of Lakeview Quad. Mt. Rose, top of Lakeview. Sierraat-Tahoe, top of Easy Rider Express. Christmas Eve Candlelight (child-friendly) services at Northstar Conference Center & Village at Squaw (near Starbucks) at 4 p.m. Bethany Hansen. | (530) 583-7458, tahoeministries.com Unity at the Lake, 870 Emerald Bay Rd., Ste. 204-208, South Lake Tahoe. Sunday meditation 9 a.m. Sunday celebration at 10 a.m. Wednesday Pray/Meditation Circle at noon. Ministers Stew & Hillary Bittman. | (530) 544-2266, unityatthelake.org

PRESBYTERIAN Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church, 2733 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. Sunday services at 8 & 10 a.m. Adult Sunday school at 9 a.m. Children’s Sunday school at 10 a.m. Childcare for newborn to age 3 during 10 a.m. service. Friday Men’s Bible study at 7:30 a.m. Rev. Bob Kelley. | (530) 544-3757, tahoepres.org Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church, 11662 Hope Court, near the intersection of Brockway Road & Highway 267, Truckee. Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve family worship at 5 p.m., Candlelight, Lessons and Carols at 9 p.m. Rev. Joanie Tankersley. | (530) 582-4243, tlpc.org The Village Church, Mt. Rose Highway, 736 McCourry Blvd., Incline Village. Sunday services at 8 (traditional) & 10 a.m. (blended), Youth Sunday school at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday Men’s Bible Study at 4 p.m. Wednesdays Men’s Study at 6:30 a.m., Prayer Group at 10 a.m., Adult Bible Study at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight services at 5 & 7 p.m. Pastors Jeffrey Ogden and Tony Conragan. | (775) 831-0784, thevillagechurchnv.org

Skate | Swim | Gym Truckee’s Ultimate Recreation Destination

ICE SKATING RINK

RELIGIOUS SCIENCE Center for Spiritual Living Tahoe-Truckee, in the process of moving, meeting currently at Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema in Cobblestone, Tahoe City. Sunday Celebration & Youth Church at 10 a.m. w/childcare. Thursday Meditation service at 9 a.m. Rev. Liz Luoma. | (530) 581-5117, tahoecsl.org

INDOOR SWIMMING

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Heavenly Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3609 Vanda Lee Way, South Lake Tahoe. Sabbath school at 10 a.m., worship at 11:15 a.m. Pastor Tony Brandon. | (530) 544-3525, tahoeadventist.org Truckee Seventh-day Adventist Church, 11662 Hope Court off Brockway, Truckee. Sabbath Services at 10 a.m. | (530) 5875067, Facebook.com/truckeesda/ 

FITNESS CENTER

Drop In Adult BASKETBALL, Drop In Adult PICKLEBALL

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WWW.TDRPD.ORG Main Ofﬁce Phone: (530) 582-7720 | 8924 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161

THE ARTS

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Arts

CREATIVE AWARENESS

CULTURE

About an Entrepreneurial Boy AND HIS LASER MACHINE S T O R Y & P H O T O S B Y K AY L A A N D E R S O N

eventeen-year-old entrepreneur Steven Siomiak has a lot going on trying to finish high school, pursuing a career in law enforcement and managing his thriving family business making Tahoe-centric wooden keepsake ornaments that are flying off the shelves. In 2016, on a quick trip in Reno with his parents, Greg and Lynde Siomiak, Steven became fascinated by a 3-D printer. Later that year, on his birthday, his parents gave him a router machine, instead, which turned out to be his first business investment. Designed to cut steel and shape materials through a computer, the router and the software that went along with it, allowed Steven to create tangible, fun and useful items.

After Audubon: Art, Observations and Natural Science Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-April 21

Contemporary artists such as Penelope Gottlieb, Kara Maria and Donald Farnsworth pick up from where John James Audubon left off in new, celebratory and sometimes critical ways. | (775) 329-3333, nevadaart.org

Wolfdale’s Tahoe City | Dec. 20-31

Andy Skaff’s love of the West provides the inspiration for his light-filled, vibrant landscapes and cityscapes. His work ranges from classic, impressionist paintings to abstract distillations of familiar subjects. | askaff.com

Anne Brigman: A Visionary in Modern Photography Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-Jan. 27

This major retrospective exhibition rediscovers and celebrates the work of Anne Brigman, who is best known for her iconic landscape photographs made in the early 1900s depicting herself and other female nudes outdoors in the Sierra Nevada. | (775) 329-3333, nevadaart.org

Art at the Airport

and the load is shared.

Truckee Tahoe Airport Truckee | Dec. 20-Jan. 22

We make stuff and we deliver the orders

TOP: Steven Siomiak in his workshop.

and we get paid and

LEFT: A few of Siomiak’s Tahoe magnet keepsakes.

then start the process over again. My parents can run it without me when I become a police officer.” –Steven Siomiak

DEC. 20-27, 2018

Andy Skaff exhibit

“Now it’s a family thing

“I liked the idea of having a 3-D printer. I thought it was cool that it could make things,” Steven says. “But I got the router instead, which was better to learn on.” One of his dad’s friends, Jana Spano, owner of On Tahoe Time, asked Steven to make her a Lake Tahoe keepsake ornament. Steven realized that there had to be a better way to create a detailed product without using a router. “When you make something out of a piece of wood, you put the design into the computer and it generates a path for the machine to follow. The router cuts the material while a laser burns it. With a router you have to use clamps to hold the material down and the router would push the wood off the table. Therefore, you can’t do super detailed work with a router and you’re changing bits all the time,” he says. Lasers are known to be faster and more efficient, especially for engraving and creating lines, logos and other designs into a hard piece of material. “It turned out that lasers were the way to go for what we were trying to do,” Steven says. He upgraded to a laser machine and made phone stands and a chess set with a

THE ARTS

wooden/glass base accompanied with all the pieces. After he gave Spano the ornament, he made, she placed an order for 20 engraved wooden keepsake ornaments. His business, called About A Boy…, took off from there. “Once we delivered that first order, then we made more ornaments, more designs and began getting more refined,” Steven says. “It took a lot of work to get to that point.” After that first order, more stores started carrying About A Boy… ornaments; today they are sold in 23 gift shops throughout the Tahoe Sierra and as far as Genoa, Nev. However, Steven’s heart lies in becoming a police officer after he finishes school. Currently, About A Boy… helps pay for the cadet program he’s enrolled in.

“I’ve been doing the program for 3½ years now and it’s not the most-loved profession, but I really like helping people and it’s taught me a lot about how to deal with everyday situations. I was kind of shy before, but the program has taught me to be more comfortable with talking to people,” he says. Even though Steven expects that he’ll finish school and dedicate his time to pursuing a law enforcement career, he believes that About A Boy… will keep growing and thriving. “Now it’s a family thing and the load is shared. We make stuff and we deliver the orders and we get paid and then start the process over again. My parents can run it without me when I become a police officer. I taught my mom how to use the software so she can make ornaments on her own,” he says. The Siomiak family has also reinvested the money back into the business by purchasing more laser-cutting machines and finding a 1,600-square-foot building in which to work. “Honestly, I thought we would maybe do one order and then the machine would just sit around. I never expected to use it as much as we have,” he says. The Tahoe-centric wooden ornaments are sold at On Tahoe Time, the Welcome Home Shoppe and Camp Richardson General Store in South Lake Tahoe; The Potlatch in Incline Village, Nev.; Robin’s Nest in Kings Beach; and Cabin Fever Tahoe and the North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center in Tahoe City. | aboutaboyslt@gmail.com 

Art At The Airport, a program now in its fifth year, features local and regional artists. The current exhibit in the Truckee Tahoe Airport’s main terminal building run until Jan. 22, and features three local artists: John Echols, Abigail Gallup and Morgan Levay. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | (530) 587-4119, truckeetahoeairport.com

Art-Full Christmas show Artist Co-Op Gallery of Reno Dec. 20-28

Handmade gifts, ornaments, art, glass, pottery, photography and more. Local art from local artists and craftsmen. The show runs daily through Dec. 28. 11 a.m.4 p.m. | (775) 322-8896, artistsco-opgalleryreno.com

Bethany Laranda Wood: The West at Hand Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-March 3

While working in the field with the Land Arts Program of the American West, Bethany Wood collected images and impressions of major land features, such as Spiral Jetty and the Bingham Copper Pit. Her works take some of the largest land interventions in the West and transforms them into small intricate sculptures. | (775) 329-3333, nevadaart.org

Bikeriders by Dave Muskin Davidson’s Distillery Reno | Dec. 20-Jan. 7

Bikeriders by Dave Muskin featuring black and white photographs of Harley enthusiasts. | (775) 338-3148

Dec. 20-26, 2018

Arts

THE

Maya Lin: Pin River—Tahoe Watershed Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-Dec. 20

“Pin River—Tahoe Watershed” is a largescale wall installation made from thousands of straight pins showing the perimeter of Lake Tahoe and its tributaries. | (775) 3293333, nevadaart.org

LOCAL WATERCOLORIST

ON EXHIBIT

Paul Valadez: Selections from the Great Mexican-American Songbook

View a dozen watercolor paintings by local

Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-April 21

artist Ronnie Rector through Dec. 31 at the Kings Beach Library.

Using vintage sheet music of the “Great American Song Book” as his backdrop, Paul Valadez re-envisions the idea of the songbook, integrating nostalgic images with Spanglish text, resulting in a dichotomy of oblique visual ideas that are equal parts humor and social commentary. | (775) 329-3333, nevadaart.org

Rector is a watercolor artist living on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. She started painting in October 2008 after signing her Girl Scout troop up for a watercolor workshop. She had so much fun she decided to sign up for the adult workshop. She joined

Simon Dinnerstein and The Fulbright Triptych

a Reno watercolor group in 2009 in order

Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-Jan. 6

to learn from internationally recognized artists such as Charles Reid, John Salminen,

The Lasting World: Simon Dinnerstein and “The Fulbright Triptych” explores the noted New York artist’s creative arc from early, hyperrealist works through more introspective and fantastical later works. The exhibition’s centerpiece is “The Fulbright Triptych,” a monumental three-part work. | (775) 3293333, nevadaart.org

Michael Reardon and Gerald Brommer. Rector’s work has won several awards, been juried into national and international exhibits and recently published in “SPLASH 18, The Best of Watercolors.” She also enjoys teaching painting technique at

The T-Files: the Search for Tessie

regional venues. | placer.ca.gov

Tahoe Maritime Museum Tahoe City | Dec. 20-Jan. 6

Bloom constrasts in environments Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-31

Bloom is an Internet-based Earthwork that transforms data into an experience of playfulness and unpredictability. A seismograph measures the Hayward Fault’s movements and the data sets are captured and run through a computer program designed by the artists. | (775) 329-3333, nevadaart.org

California Landscapes McKinley Arts & Culture Center Reno | Dec. 20-28

“California Landscapes” is a selection of paintings from David Yapp that document the landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. When working with oils, Yapp creates his paintings using a combination of brushes, palette knives and sgraffito techniques to create a multi-layered relief to the painting. | (775) 334-6264, reno.gov

Celebration of the Reno Philharmonic Nevada Historical Society Carson City | Dec. 20-March 2

Historical Society exhibit celebrates 50 years of “The Biggest Little Orchestra in the World: the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra.” The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra positively impacts quality of life in Northern Nevada. The orchestra promotes understanding of other cultures and provides educational outreach to children across Northern Nevada. | (775) 687-0646, nvculture.org

THE ARTS

“Afternoon Tea” Ronnie Rector | Kings Beach Library Connection Through Form

“History of Transportation”

Reno City Hall Metro Gallery Dec. 20-28

Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-Jan. 6

The Reno City Hall Metro Gallery presents “Connection Through Form,” works by Leah Gerrard. Gerrard’s art is at once striking and delicate. Each piece is initially a bold, graphic statement that draws the viewer in to see complex and seemingly fragile workmanship. | (775) 334-6264, reno.gov

Dealers of Dreams Tahoe Maritime Museum Tahoe City | Dec. 20-Jan. 6

So popular was the Lake among boaters that many local marinas partnered with some of the most prestigious builders in the country in order to satisfy the needs of the Tahoe boating community. This exhibition explores the special relationship between boats, buyers and Tahoe, and the people that brought them together. | tahoemaritimemuseum.org

Gig Depio: Americana with Cadmium Orange Carson City Courthouse Gallery Carson City | Dec. 20-Jan. 31

The Capital City Arts Initiative “Americana with Cadmium Orange” by artist Gig Depio. “I was initially painting pictures of popular historic towns and landscapes of Nevada,” says Depio. | arts-initiative.org

This exhibits presents the stories of monsters that have a significant history, passed down from indigenous peoples, medieval travelers or reputable explorers. Along the way, the museum invites visitors to join us in the search for Lake Tahoe’s own monster, Tahoe Tessie. | tahoemaritimemuseum.org

American artist Helen Lundeberg’s “History of Transportation” traces a progression of labor from the Native American era to the dawn of the airline industry in the 1940s. On view through Jan. 6, 2019. | (775) 329-3333, nevadaart.org

Watercolors by Ronnie Rector

Holly ARTS

Whose Art is it Anyway?

North Tahoe Arts | Tahoe City | Dec. 20-31

Truckee Meadows Community College Reno | Dec. 20-Jan. 16

Handmade gifts by local artisans to help fill holiday stockings. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com

Laid Bare in the Landscape Nevada Museum of Art Reno | Dec. 20-Jan. 27

This exhibition assembles photographs, films and performance documentation by women artists who situate the nude female body in outdoor landscapes. “Laid Bare in the Landscape” brings together a range of imagery: from beautiful and sensual self-portraits, to sometimes-surreal and provocative statements by feminist artists beginning in the 1970s. | (775) 329-3333, nevadaart.org

Kings Beach Library Kings Beach | Dec. 20-31

View a dozen watercolor paintings by local artist Ronnie Rector through Dec. 31. | (775) 772-2210, placer.ca.gov

The Truckee Meadows Community College Main Gallery presents this group art exhibition by four artists including Rose Barry, Tenessa Melvin, Mona Al Saglab and Luke Ramsdell through Jan. 16. | (775) 673-7111

High Sierra Writers Barnes & Noble Bookstore Reno | Dec. 26

Join the High Sierra Writers every Wednesday. All genres. Bring your work. Both get and give critique. 7 p.m. | (775) 826-8882, highsierrawriters.org

Luminance McKinley Arts & Culture Center Gallery West Reno | Dec. 20-28 “Luminance” is a collection of photographs from photographer Edward Alfano that attempt to portray the past in the exact moment that they are captured. Alfano’s photographs focus on creating images that “explore time and space.”| (775) 334-6264, reno.gov

Visit the Event Calendar at TheTahoeWeekly.com for a complete list of events.

MUSIC SCENE

Music SCENE TheTahoeWeekly.com

LIVE MUSIC, SHOWS & NIGHTLIFE

The Heartbreaking Life OF A COVER BAND STORY BY SEAN MCALINDIN

Petty Theft | Dec. 27 | 9 p.m. | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev.

hile some music fans may choose to disparage the art of the cover band as a cheap, been-done or exploitive genre, this ageless mode of musical performance is unquestionably making a comeback in the 21st Century — if it ever even really went away in the first place. Back in the early 1950s when electric rock first took the world by storm, it wasn’t unheard of for musicians to make a living as composers and many popular groups of the day earned their keep covering songs written exclusively by fellow professionals in the craft. Somewhere along the line, perhaps during the cultural revolution of the 1960s, there was a movement toward bands writing their own songs. While this undoubtedly pushed the envelope of rock creativity over the decades, it also encouraged the recording of infinite universes of mediocre songs by unknown artists and many of those songs will never live to see the true light of day. With the advent of the self-promotion, post-Myspace era, presently displayed in the ubiquitousness of free-streaming platforms such as Bandcamp and Soundcloud, the concept in action of everyman’s art is surely reaching an anticlimax of sorts today. This leaves something to be said for the professional cover band. Case in point: Petty Theft. A combination of rock icon Tom Petty’s death and 15 years of steady touring have steered this workaday Bay Area group into one of the most well-regarded cover bands in the nation. “I think people have been wanting to gather with like-minded souls to celebrate Tom Petty’s music,” says guitarist Monroe Grisman. “When you play this music as long as we have, you feel like you lost a relative.” Like most Petty fans would tell you, Grisman was drawn to the artist born in 1950, son a Gainesville, Fla., tax worker and grocery store clerk, for one main reason: his undeniably catchy, yet transcendent catalog of compositions. “It’s all about the songs; what else?” says Grisman. “He was a master of his craft and I think any songwriter would tell you that. Of the 22 songs we play each night, 18 of those are big-ass hits. We try to rotate some hardcore deep tracks into each set, but there are a lot of songs that you just gotta play.” The first incarnation of Petty Theft was founded north of San Francisco in 2003 by lead singer Dan Durkin and bassist Django Bayless. They’ve since been joined by drummer Adam “Bagel” Berkowitz and guitarist Michael Papenburg. “He’s Mike and I’m Campbell,” says Grisman on the six-string duo’s approach 22

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

“ We’ve taken a lot of time and care to learn these songs. We don’t dress up like Tom Petty or try to play with the musicians’ specific gear. That’s not our style and, personally, it feels un-Petty-like to try and do that. We just try to make the music as great as we can every night.” –Monroe Grisman

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

CALENDAR

DEC. 20-27, 2018

DECEMBER 20 | THURSDAY Live Music Glen Eagles, Carson City, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Great Basin Carolers Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 4 p.m. Randy Ide Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 6-10 p.m. Line Dancing Hellfire Saloon, Reno, 6:30-9 p.m. Jazz for the Holidays Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Olympic Valley, 6:30-9 p.m. Axton & Co. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6:30 p.m. DJ Trivia MidTown Wine Bar, Reno, 7 p.m. “A World of Joy” Olympic Village Lodge, Olympic Valley, 7 p.m. Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Golden Girls Live: Holiday Special Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company, Reno, 7:30 p.m. Acoustic Wonderland Sessions Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, Sparks, 8 p.m. Holiday Dreams Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. Stampede Country Night Thursdays Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m. The Mousehole Family Christmas Extravaganza Brüka Theatre, Reno, 8 p.m. Karaoke The Pointe, Reno, 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 5 Star Saloon, Reno, 9 p.m. An Evening At the Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Spin Thursdays Peppermill Casino, Reno, 10 p.m. The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno

DECEMBER 21 | FRIDAY to the legendary Heartbreaker lead guitarist, Mike Campbell’s sparse, yet poignant, signature jamming style. Grisman, as the son of bluegrass mandolinist David Grisman, grew up around traditional music. He also plays in one of the Bay Area’s most promising original rock groups, American Drag. “A lot of people have a stigma with tribute bands,” he says. “I used to be one of those guys pissed off at the local cover band when people weren’t coming to my gigs because they were going to theirs. The bottom line is I like to play music and have a good time.” Since Petty’s passing on Oct. 2, 2017, at the age of 66 from an overuse of pain medication following an overwhelmingly successful 40th anniversary tour, countless tributes to Mr. Integrity have come out of the woodwork, some better (and more authentic) than others. Even though Petty Theft sometimes doesn’t sound a thing like the original

group, they are without a doubt one of the best versions in the lands. “We worked our tails off for years playing shithole bars to gradually grow to where we are now,” says Grisman “We’ve taken a lot of time and care to learn these songs. We don’t dress up like Tom Petty or try to play with the musicians’ specific gear. That’s not our style and, personally, it feels un-Petty-like to try and do that. We just try to make the music as great as we can every night.” No matter what, this music will live on well beyond any one musician’s existence, says Grisman. “In the end, people will remember Tom Petty as a great lyricist who had a song for any situation,” he says. “His songs are relatable to almost any human being you’d ever care to comment on, but he makes it easy to understand. That’s a fine art. Tom’s not with us, but his music lives on forever and I’m proud to be a part of that.” | pettytheftrocks.com 

Live Music Glen Eagles, Carson City, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas Carols Markleeville Library, Markleeville, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Great Basin Carolers Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 4 p.m. The Starliters Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 5-9 p.m. Drum Circle and Open Mic Night Art Truckee, Truckee, 6-7:30 p.m. Brother Dan Palmer Washoe Camp Saloon, New Washoe City, 7 p.m. Live Music Sands Regency Casino Hotel, Reno, 7-11 p.m. Tits & Giggles Comic Strip Show Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City, 7 p.m. The Peanuts Gang Trio Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 7 p.m. Stars & S’Mores Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Truckee, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20-26, 2018

MUSIC SCENE

C A L E N D A R | DEC. 20-27, 2018 Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Carson Comedy Club Carson Nugget, Carson City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Golden Girls Live: Holiday Special Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company, Reno, 7:30 p.m. Open Mic Night Art Truckee, Truckee, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Christmas On Broadway InnerRhythms, Truckee, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Dean O Holics Rat Pack Christmas Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 7:30 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Holiday Dreams Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. The Mousehole Family Christmas Extravaganza Brüka Theatre, Reno, 8 p.m. Free Live Music Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, Truckee, 8-11:55 p.m. “Fragile” Record Release Show with Sam Ravenna Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Karaoke The Pointe, Reno, 8:30 p.m. An Evening At the Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Jason King Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Jo Mama Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m. DJ Show Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Funksalot & All Good Funk Alliance Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 10 p.m. The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno “The Nutcracker” Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks

Dinner Murder Mystery Funtime Theater, Reno, 5:30 p.m. Handel’s “Messiah” Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Olympic Valley, 6-8:30 p.m. Live Music Sands Regency Casino Hotel, Reno, 7-11 p.m. The Peanuts Gang trio The Holland Project, Reno, 7 p.m. Christmas On Broadway InnerRhythms, Truckee, 7-8 p.m. Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Carson Comedy Club Carson Nugget, Carson City, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Golden Girls Live: Holiday Special Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company, Reno, 7:30 p.m. Chris Costa Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Holiday Dreams Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. The Mousehole Family Christmas Extravaganza Brüka Theatre, Reno, 8 p.m. Tommy Castro & the Painkillers MontBleu Resort, Stateline, 8 p.m. TV Kings and Queens Reno Ballroom, Reno, 8-10:30 p.m. Karaoke The Pointe, Reno, 8:30 p.m. An Evening At the Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Velvet Duo Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Jo Mama Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m. Dance Party with DJ Payne, DJ Montague St. James Infirmary, Reno, 9 p.m. DJ Show Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Indigo Grey Fat Cat Bar & Grill, Tahoe City, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. WORMHOLE Tahoe Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 10 p.m. The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno “The Nutcracker” Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks

DECEMBER 22 | SATURDAY Live Music Glen Eagles, Carson City, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Great Basin Carolers Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 4 p.m. Ugly Sweater Apres Ski Party Alpine Bar, Alpine Meadows, Truckee, 4-6 p.m. The Starliters Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 5-9 p.m.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Events

Entertainment

OUTDOORS Food & WineRecreation

Arts &Festivals

Culture DELIVERING

THE FUN

facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly |

SINCE 1982

@TheTahoeWeekly | issuu.com/TheTahoeWeekly

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MUSIC SCENE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

AXTON & CO. Dec. 20 | 6:30 p.m. Cottonwood Restaurant | Truckee MARK AXTON, the third generation of a legendary American songwriting family, brings his quartet to the coziest venue in town. Axton’s grandmother Mae Boron co-wrote the Elvis Presley hit “Heartbreak Hotel” and his father Hoyt wrote the Three Dog Night mainstay “Joy to the World.” | cottonwoodrestaurant.com

THE

PEANUTS GANG

TRIO

Sienna Shane

FOLK

JAZZ

Dec. 20 | 8:30 p.m. The Loving Cup | Reno, Nev. Dec. 21 | 7 p.m. Cottonwood Restaurant | Truckee Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. Holland Project | Reno, Nev. Dec. 23 | 6 p.m. Lahontan Golf Club | Truckee RENO’S PIANIST CONDUCTS The Peanuts Gang trio, which includes drummer Greg Miles Lewis and bassist Mac Esposito. They will perform a rendition of jazz piano great Vince Guaraldi’s 1965 soundtrack to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” with classics such as “Linus and Lucy” and “Skating.” | cottonwoodrestaurant.com, hollandreno.org, lahontangolf.com

HELLBOUND GLORY

ALT-AMERICANA

Dec. 25 | 9 p.m. Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev. RENO ROCKERS Hellbound Glory return to the Red Room for their annual Christmas show. | crystalbaycasino.com 24

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

DECEMBER 23 | SUNDAY Great Basin Carolers Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 4 p.m. Stephen Lord Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 5-9 p.m. The Peanuts Gang trio Lahontan Golf Club, Truckee, 6 p.m. Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Brian Wilson Presents The Christmas Album Live Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. An Evening At the Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Karaoke with Rock Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, 9 p.m. No Drama Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno “The Nutcracker” Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks

DECEMBER 24 | MONDAY Great Basin Carolers Village at Squaw, Olympic Valley, 4 p.m. Tandymonium Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 5-9 p.m. Karaoke Polo Lounge, Reno, 7-11 p.m. Holiday Dreams Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. Open Mic Whiskey Dicks, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. The Robeys Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

DECEMBER 25 | TUESDAY Ross Lewis Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 5-9 p.m.

Holiday Dreams Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. Stephen Lord Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Hellbound Glory Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 9 p.m. The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno

FUNKSALOT

DECEMBER 26 | WEDNESDAY Live Music Glen Eagles, Carson City, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday Après Music at Alpine Bar Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Olympic Valley, 2-5 p.m. Jason King Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 5-9 p.m. Open Mic with Canyon White Red Dog Saloon, Virginia City, 7 p.m. Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. The Magic Of Rick Thomas Harrah’s, Reno, 7:30 p.m. Alchemist Theatre presents “Love” Center for Spiritual Living, Reno, 7:30-9 p.m. Saints and Sinners Wednesday Night Blues Syndicate The Saint, Reno, 8 p.m. Holiday Dreams Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. Karaoke 5 Star Saloon, Reno, 9 p.m. Wacky Wednesday Karaoke Reno Pizza Baron, Reno, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. An Evening At the Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Mike Furlong Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Open Mic Anything Goes Jimmy Bs, Reno, 9-11:30 p.m. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

MOUNTAIN FUNK

Dec. 21 | 10 p.m. Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev. LOCAL DJ and bassist Isaac Freed, better known by his superhero alter ego Sir Funksalot, joins forces with dangerously delicious All Good Funk Alliance for a late-night party to kick off the holiday weekend. | crystalbaycasino.com

JO MAMA

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Dec. 21 & 22 | 9 p.m. Bar of America | Truckee TAHOE ARTIST Paul Covarelli leads a misfit band of North Lake Tahoe garage rockers named Jo Mama, who love what they do and do what they love in the place where they love to live. | barofamerica.com

MUSIC SCENE

Justin Halgren

Dec. 20-26, 2018

High Sierra announces lineup High Sierra Music Festival will return from July 4 to 7 in Quincy for the 29th consecutive year, as first reported at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

Greensky Bluegrass, Jim James, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Galactic, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Marcus King Band, ALO, The Polish Ambassador, The Nth Power, Jennifer Hartswick Band, Cris Jacobs Band, Cha Wa and Ron Artis II & The Truth.

Bob Hakins

ANNOUNCED ARE:

SOUL BLUES

TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS Dec. 22 | 8 p.m. MontBleu Resort and Casino Stateline, Nev.

| highsierramusic.com

TOMMY CASTRO’S musical roots come from a rough-and-tumble childhood in late 1960s San Jose where street-tough Mexican American and counter-culture hippies came together to drink, smoke, laugh, party and listen to blues, rock and soul music. | montbleuresort.com

Holidaa Partt, Specialtt Merrr-Cocktaill All Welcomm Nov. 23rr-Dee 25tt

Pioneer

Now servinn bruncc Saturdaa, Sundaa & Mondaa! Pioneer Cocktaii Club | 521 N. Lakk Blvv. Tahoo Citt, CC | (530) 523-0402 25

MUSIC SCENE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Joyous Jazz

BRIAN WILSON

DEC. 26 | WEDNESDAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

FROM AROUND THE WORLD STORY BY SEAN MCALINDIN

Reno Jazz Orchestra | Dec. 20 | 6 p.m. | Olympic Village Lodge | Olympic Valley

The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno Steve Lord Carson Valley Inn, Minden

Courtesy Reno Jazz Orchestra

DECEMBER 27 | THURSDAY

HOLIDAY POP

Dec. 23 | 8 p.m. Grand Sierra Resort | Reno, Nev. BEACH BOYS BRAINCHILD Brian Wilson presents “The Christmas Album Live” for the first time in its entirety with a crack band of musicians and vocalists, including long-time bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. | grandsierraresort.com

“There is a whole world out there that celebrates the holidays and music can bring us together. It’s a chance for your family and friends to gather and celebrate those relationships.” –Chuck Reider

Major Motion Pictures · Independent Films Live Music · Dance Performances

Mary Poppins Returns 2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm Dec. 19-Jan. 6 Visit TahoeArtHausCinema.com for showtimes, schedule, events + tkts

THE COBBLESTONE CENTER 475 N LAKE BLVD., TAHOE CITY, CA | 530-584-2431

JAZZ

he homegrown Reno Jazz Orchestra has been dazzling audiences with sound and soul for more than 20 years. This season, they visit Squaw Valley’s Merry Days & Holly Nights for the third year to embellish great music with grand Christmas tradition in the spirit of a jazz big-band performance. At Olympic Village Lodge, the talented and engaging 18-piece will explore holiday music from the four corners of the globe with a program that includes classic songs from Puerto Rico, Brazil, Russia, Austria, England, Israel and the United States. “The idea was formed last year after we performed ‘Joy to the World,’ ” says music director Chuck Reider. “I switched the words around to ‘A World of Joy.’ The idea was to see what we could find from different places. There will be some tunes you’ve heard all your life and some songs you haven’t heard before.” Unless, of course, you are from Brazil where “Boas Festas” is considered the national version of “Jingle Bells.” It means happy holidays in Portuguese. “Isn’t that what the holiday the spirit is all about?” asks Reider. “There is a whole world out there that celebrates the holidays and music can bring us together. It’s a chance for your family and friends to gather and celebrate those relationships. Our goal is to get people engaged in the spirit of the holidays. We want to eliminate the invisible wall between the audience and the performers.” The RJO will be joined for their holiday performance by the Pat Esters Gospel Choir conducted by Lori Johnson. “The energy, spirit and joy they bring with them is infectious,” says Reider. “You can see that in the audience’s response. People are getting up and carrying on. You have to see it to believe it.”

THE LOST ART OF JAZZ Reno Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1997 in the wake of economic changes in the casinos and a shift in popular music from swinging big bands to five-piece R&B and rock groups. “The origin of the group is from the showroom days when the big casinos all

had orchestras,” says Reider “That was full-time work back in the day.” The single-owner casino model made successful by the likes of Bill Harrah offered first-class entertainment to draw people in to gamble. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, these owners sold out to corporations when they realized the showrooms weren’t as profitable as they used to be. “When you have a synth, who needs four trombones?” says Reider. “Folks like me who didn’t want to leave the area formed this band to play the music we always wanted to play. When you’re doing a show and you’re working for somebody else, you do the music they ask you to play. Here, we choose our own music and produce our own concerts.” In 2006, the orchestra added an educational component in the form of Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra to assemble by audition the top middle- and high-school jazz talents in the Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Tahoe communities in order to provide opportunities for the performance, preservation, appreciation and study of jazz. “We want to pass on this jazz bug to the next generation because this music truly is America’s invention,” says Reider The veteran trombonist and conductor has seen the local talent pool grow exponentially during the past two decades. In February, he expects more than 15 school ensembles and orchestras to arrive for a celebration of musical history and improvisation. Students will attend clinics with professional musicians during the day and perform “Jazz in the Schools” in the evening at Reno’s Nightingale Concert Hall on Feb. 9 and 10. Also, on Feb. 10, noted drummer John Riley will perform a matinee performance. Reno Jazz Orchestra and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra are both 501(c3) nonprofits that accept donations via their Web sites. “Donations are the bread and butter of how we do what we do,” says Reider. “We appreciate all the support over the years.” | renojazzorchestra 

Live Music Glen Eagles, Carson City, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Brother Dan Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 5-9 p.m. Line Dancing Hellfire Saloon, Reno, 6:30-9 p.m. DJ Trivia MidTown Wine Bar, Reno, 7 p.m. Twas the Night After Christmas The Annex, Minden, 7-9:30 p.m. TOCCATA Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Golden Dragon Acrobats Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. The Magic Of Rick Thomas Harrah’s, Reno, 7:30 p.m. Acoustic Wonderland Sessions Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, Sparks, 8 p.m. Holiday Dreams Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, 8 p.m. Stampede Country Night Thursdays Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m. Karaoke The Pointe, Reno, 8:30 p.m. Karaoke 5 Star Saloon, Reno, 9 p.m. An Evening At the Improv Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Mike Furlong Boomtown Casino, Verdi, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Petty Theft Tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 9 p.m. Spin Thursdays Peppermill Casino, Reno, 10 p.m. Holiday Après Music at Alpine Bar Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Olympic Valley The Unbelievables Christmas Spectacular Eldorado Resort Casino, Reno Nevada Chamber Music Festival Nightingale Concert Hall, Reno

TA S T Y TIDBITS

Local

FOOD & WINE, RECIPES, FEATURES & MORE

Dec. 20-26, 2018

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Holiday Treats Without the Sugar S T O R Y B Y P R I YA H U T N E R

The menu focuses on meats smoked low and slow, using mesquite, hickory and applewood chips for a smoky, sweet flavor. Housemade barbecue sauces complement the meat. Indoors, the menu features classics such as smoked tri-tip, banana cream pudding alongside Southern-style sides. Summit Smokehouse is a ski-in, ski-out restaurant located off the Comstock Express chairlift. | northstarcalifornia.com

New offerings

at Granlibakken Granlibakken is offering new and expanded dining options for the 2018-19 season. The Cedar House Pub at Granlibakken will have extended hours and will be open Thursdays to Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.; and open daily during holiday periods. Rusty’s Kitchen, formerly the Ski Hut Snack Bar, will serve affordable, authentic Mexican food and American favorites. The new name is a nod to Kjell “Rusty” Rustad, a Norwegian skier and sailor who built the ski hut in 1947 and gave Granlibakken its name, which means “hill sheltered by fir trees” in Norwegian. Rusty’s Kitchen will be open Fridays to Sundays and daily during holiday periods. Gran Spot Concession will be open at the Ski and Sled Hill serving snacks, hot beverages and a full bar. | granlibakken.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Chocolate is my Cacao-dipped strawberries

The Summit Smokehouse at Northstar California has reopened after being renovated physically and conceptually to focus on a creative menu with simple, hand-crafted ingredients. As well, Summit Smokehouse now longer offers singleuse soda cups or bottles.

weakness and creating new and inventive ways to get a chocolate fix without sugar or dairy is an incentive. The ingredients my grandmother used in her baking and cooking were mainly refined sugar, bleached white flour and other processed foods. Times have changed and options are now available for a more health-conscious diet with unbleached and organic alternatives. The holidays can bring out the best and worst in us when it comes to food and drink. We tend to overindulge; we eat too much, drink too much and ingest a lot of sugary foods. It can be challenging with holiday parties and an abundance of delicious sweets. While too much refined sugar can wreak havoc on your system, deprivation is no fun either. Creating new twists on dessert favorites sans the refined sugar is my passion. There are many ways to make delicious and tasty desserts that don’t require refined sugar, gluten or dairy. Fruit pies, cobblers and crisps are easy to make using natural alternative sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. Apples, pears and dates are an excellent way to sweeten desserts, as well. Chocolate is my weakness and creating new and inventive ways to get a chocolate fix without sugar or dairy is an incentive. At a recent party, I prepared three desserts without sugar that were lauded by colleagues and friends. I made cacao-chocolate peanut-butter cups, mint chocolate stars and cacao-dipped strawberries. They were easy to make, were rich in flavor and delicious. The desserts used a base of ground cacao, coconut oil and maple syrup. Avocado chocolate mousse is another healthy dessert that’s fabulous for entertaining. Cacao coconut and almond fudge is creamy and loaded with coconut and

Priya Hutner holding a tray of holiday treats. | Alyssa Ganong

New menu, look for Summit Smokehouse

y grandmother baked dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies for the holidays. Each tin had an array of home-baked yumminess. Once in her kitchen, I was enveloped with the aroma of chocolate, spices and pure sweetness. The peppery scent of ginger cookies, the nuttiness of Russian teacakes and the baking of chocolate-chip cookies were only a few of the Christmas smells I recall. My brother and I devoured each cookie with great enthusiasm.

walnuts — I love creating variations with this recipe. Anything with coconut is my jam. Cacao-covered coconut is akin to a Mounds Bar, but not nearly as sweet and sugary. Add some almonds and it’s a novel rendition of an Almond Joy. A friend who lives in Bridgeport brought me some Coconut Haystacks from a local bakery. They were divine but made with sugar. I recreated them using dates and honey as sweeteners. They are the perfect addition to any holiday dessert tray. Many of us have personal reasons for not eating sugar or looking for alternatives. We also differ on which natural sweeteners to use as a substitute. Monk Fruit, xylitol and erythritol are the rage with people following a ketogenic diet (a low-carb, high-fat diet). These substitutes are low in carbohydrates and sugar. Stevia, a plant-based sweetener, is also often used in place of refined sugar. Agave is great in tequila but not a great substitute due to its processing and highfructose content. I tend to stick with maple syrup, honey and dates in my recipes. Let me know what desserts rock your holiday this season and share your recipes with me. 

Priya Hutner is a writer, health and wellness consultant, and natural foods chef. Her business, The Seasoned Sage, focuses on wellness, conscious eating and healthy living. She offers healthy organic meals for her clients. She may be reached at pria78@gmail.com or visit theseasonedsage.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read more.

CACAO PEANUT-BUTTER CUPS From the kitchen of Priya Hutner

½ C of coconut oil ¼ C of raw cacao powder 1½ T pure maple syrup (more to sweeten, if needed) 3 t peanut butter Chocolate mold or mini-muffin liners

Melt coconut oil and pour into a mixing bowl. Add cacao and maple syrup and mix well. Fill half of mold or liner with a spoonful of mixture and place in refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes or until solid. Add peanut butter on top of the hardened mixture and top with the cacao mixture. Refrigerate until hardened and enjoy.  27

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TA S T Y T I D B I T S Reno Beer Crawl

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

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Downtown | Reno | Dec. 22

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The Tahoe Fusion Food Truck will find a new home at Homewood Mountain Resort’s Big Blue View Bar this winter, featuring a new menu created by West Shore Café executive chef Robb Wyss. Highlights will include specialty housemade burritos like the Philly cheese steak burrito, orange chicken burrito, Mediterranean burrito and more. | skihomewood.com

New look for

360 Smokehouse The 360 Smokehouse BBQ, located at Sierra-at-Tahoe’s summit, received a face-lift to provide guests with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Desolation Wilderness, all while enjoying award-winning, on-mountain barbecue treats. | sierraattahoe.com

Farm Shop Tahoe Food Hub | Tahoe City | Dec. 20, 27

Shop for yourself and taste the difference that local makes. Choose from seasonal fruits and veggies, as well as a variety of local specialty food products and pasture-raised meet, eggs and dairy. 12-6 p.m. | tahoefoodhub.org

Third Thursday Tasting

Enter the wacky world of the Reno Beer Crawl. Purchase a commemorative cup or glass and get drink specials at as many as 20 different locations. It’s an easy walk (or crawl) to each downtown location. $5 | renobeercrawl.com

Holiday Mixology Resort at Squaw Creek Olympic Valley | Dec. 22

Learn how to make three delicious craft cocktails with Six Peaks Grille master mixologist Tamaneaka French. Participants will use fresh, seasonal ingredients provided. | (530) 581-6610

Art of Mixology The Ritz-Carlton | Truckee | Dec. 23

This entertaining, educational experience will feature freshly cut herbs, classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors to create three unique cocktails paired with appetizers. 4-5 p.m. $60 | ritzcarlton.com

Moonlit Snowshoe Tour & Dinner Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 26

Farm to Table Dinner with Olympians Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley | Dec. 27

Guests enjoy a cozy, family-friendly dinner in the company of some of the region’s most renowned athletes. Gather beside local legends for an intimate evening of stories, comradery and history over a delicious family style dinner. 5:30-7:30 p.m. | (800) 403-0206, squawalpine.com

S’morey Time Village at Northstar | Truckee | Dec. 27

Gather ‘round the fire pit and listen to the story of how Tahoe came to be while roasting s’mores and enjoying warm beverages. Fun for the whole family. | northstarcalifornia.com

The Pour House | Truckee | Dec. 20

Enjoy a wine tasting each month. 5-7 p.m. | thepourhousetruckee.com

Nightly 5-6 p.m.

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Visit the Event Calendar at TheTahoeWeekly.com for a complete list of events.

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Dec. 20-26, 2018

QUALITY WHISKEYS STORY & PHOTOS BY LOU PHILLIPS

he Emerald Isle is our first stop on Part II of our world-wide-whiskey tour. Ireland is the original home of commercial whiskey and is the home of Old Bushmills Distillery No. 1, the oldest licensed distillery in the world. The word whiskey comes from the Gaelic term uisce beatha, which means water of life.

Part I I When I teach a whiskey class, I always include a rye because it really stands alone in the world of quality brown spirits.

Irish whiskey offers enough similarity and enough uniqueness to make them a high-quality alternative to Scotch whisky.

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Leaping across the Pacific pond, we are off to the land of the rising sun where for 20 years the Japanese have disrupted the world of whiskey on the high end. They take advantage of their coastal climates similar to Scotland’s and Ireland’s — to grow barley and use the same processes of

First commercial whiskey distillery.

As with fine scotch, quality Irish whiskies start with malted barley and are aged in old barrels for a minimum of three years. They differ from scotch in that they rarely undergo the peat-smoke process and are usually distilled at least three times making for a smoother and more accessible palate especially when young. Irish whiskey offers enough similarity and enough uniqueness to make them a high-quality alternative to Scotch whisky.

Real rye rocks.

Next, we fly across the pond and visit our polite neighbors to the north to share a dram or two of their smooth and beloved Canadian whisky. These velvet devils are often labeled as rye whisky, although there is no legal requirement for them to contain any rye at all – those whacky Canucks. They rarely do contain high percentages of rye, but that notwithstanding, these blends do tend to be crowd pleasers and real values, as well. E X C L U S I V E C O N T E N T AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Read Part I online. Click on Wine Column under Local Flavor.

This begs the question: What is rye whiskey and where is it commonly made? Rye whiskey in the U.S. contains high percentages of that spicy grain and that spice bite is what really sets it apart. Rye whiskies are commonly made in Kentucky in bourbon distilleries and feature the same distilling and ageing processes but end up not only spicier but feature a drier finish, as well.

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From the land of the rising sun.

making fine scotch, making them specialized in long-aged versions of whiskey that, to my palate, combine complexity and ethereal smoothness like no other. Did I mention to bring your checkbook? Even without venturing into the high-end spirits shops where the four- and five-digit-priced bottles reside, one can get sticker shock looking at Japanese whiskies on the top shelf of the local grocer where entry-level bottles are $50 or more. So, there you have it, just in time for snuggling-by-the-fire season, the diverse world of fine whiskey where a winter warmer is just a sip away.  Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier in Tahoe and his consulting business wineprowest. com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns. Click on Wine Column under the Local Flavor tab.

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ere we are, right before Christmas and the spirit hasn’t quite found me yet. Oh, I know it’s coming. It will definitely happen. Maybe it just got buried under some of the snow. I thought I had found it while I was shoveling the other day, but then realized it wasn’t Christmas spirit I had struck, but rather a fire hydrant.

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I always use that really makes the gravy is cream sherry.

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The one ingredient that

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I remember one year I was living outside for Christmas and I was so certain Santa would be bringing tons of gifts, I wrote a sign asking him to please not land on my roof. I was petrified the reindeer would poke all kinds of holes in my tent with their hooves. Anyway, I thought I would tell you the one ingredient to be sure you have on your list for Christmas dinner. Every year during

the holiday season I get more requests for a gravy recipe than I get for all other requests for the rest of the year combined — or at least it seems like that many requests. The one ingredient that I always use that really makes the gravy is cream sherry. After you sauté the mushrooms, add some sherry and let it reduce before you add the turkey stock. You can add a little more to taste at the end after you thicken the gravy if you want. By the way, if you happen to be a vegetarian and want a little gravy for your potatoes and stuffing, just take some of the sautéed mushrooms after the sherry reduces and use your own separate pot, substituting vegetable stock for the turkey stock. Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas.  Smitty is a personal chef specializing in dinner parties, cooking classes and special events. Trained under Master Chef Anton Flory at Top Notch Resort in Stowe, Vt., Smitty is known for his creative use of fresh ingredients. Contact him at tmmsmitty@gmail.com or (530) 412-3598. To read archived copies of Smitty’s column, visit chefsmitty.com or TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Chef’s Recipe under the Local Flavor tab.

MUSHROOM GRAVY

From the kitchen of: Chef David “Smitty” Smith 1 qt. turkey stock left in the pan (or vegetable stock) 1 lb. mushrooms, sliced 2 C cream sherry 2 sticks butter 4 oz. flour 1-2 T sage 1 T poultry seasoning 1 t rosemary Salt and pepper

Make the gravy in the pan the turkey was cooked in. For a vegetarian gravy, use a separate pot and follow the same procedure. Pour the fat off the top of the liquid in the pan before pouring it into a bowl. You can add chicken stock to make 1 quart if there is not enough liquid from cooking the turkey. Set the pan on the stove top and sauté the mushrooms in one stick of butter on medium high. I like lots of mushrooms, so I use 1 pound; you can use as much or as little as you want. Add 1 to 1½ cups of sherry once the mushrooms are cooked and let the liquid reduce by at least half. Add the liquid and half the sage, poultry seasoning and rosemary. Bring to a low boil. Make a roux by melting half a stick of butter and adding 2 ounces of flour. Lightly cook the roux until it is starting to show a gold color and it smells nutty. Pour some of the stock into a separate bowl with as few mushrooms as possible and thicken this with a little of the roux. Pour the thickened stock back into your gravy and mix it in well so the entire batch becomes thicker. Repeat this process until you get the thickness you’re looking for. By thickening the gravy a little at a time in a separate bowl, you eliminate lumps. Once you have the desired thickness, finish seasoning with the rest of the herbs and salt and pepper, as needed. Add more sherry, as well, if needed. How much seasoning you need will depend a lot on how you seasoned the turkey and how strong the stock is.

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WHERE THE SNOW IS