There’s a tree outside my bedroom window that speaks to me. Yes, speaks with a perfectly symmetrical spray of pine needles that welcomes me when I rise in the morning and bids me adieu when I retire at night. It’s the very same constellation that welcomed me when I moved into Twain Haven 22 years ago. This flawless bouquet, in the shape of a microphone, speaks to me through Huckleberry, my pet jay, every day when Huck arrives for a Beer Nut at Happy Hour…
“Thanks for the Beer Nut, Pal, to celebrate this particularly pleasant pinecone day.”
Then this morning the unimaginable happened. I was gazing out the window at my noble pine needle comrade, ruminating about how lucky I am to have Huckleberry and our pine tree to associate, when Huckleberry suddenly burst through the middle of that spray of needles, parting it like a cape with his wings, and stood there staring at me as if to say, “Ta-Da! You’re right! This tree does speak to us both!”
My breath forsook me, and I came near falling onto the floor in astonishment. Huckleberry employs many different tricks to get my attention, from landing on the flagstaff and waving Old Glory, to banging on the window with his beak, but his bursting forth in the middle of our pine needle touchstone at the very moment I was focused on it, well, “out of this world” does not describe my wonder. It stopped my heart, and even now, half-an-hour later, I’m reflecting feverishly upon this affirmation…
I’ve had some surreal incidents in my life, but never one so palpable and profound as the flamboyant appearance of Huck in the exact time and place that I was contemplating his role as liaison between the tree and me. It gives me chicken skin to contemplate it…
Huck has been coming for Happy Hour every afternoon since 2017. Lately he has taken to raiding the rain gutter when I’m not at home, and flinging pine needles onto the deck as if to say, “Hey, I was here, where were you?!” It’s his calling card, and it makes me smile.
There is something clairvoyant going on between that tree, Huck and me. I don’t know exactly what it might be, but there’s a definitive telepathic link joining the three of us. It’s a bond that the tree and Huckleberry know more about than I do. Whatever it might be, I wish I could bottle it up and give it away to parties who are hell-bent on using violence to settle their differences.
The calming and charming effect of knowing that we three, Huckleberry, our tree and me, are aware of our supernatural alliance is a comfort me, and I don’t need to know how or why to appreciate the splendor of it. It’s the dangdest thing I ever struck, really, and I remain eternally grateful for the illustrious mystery of it all…
Lake Tahoe may not carry a national park designation, but thanks to decades of dedicated partnership, in many important ways it’s protected like one. Ninety percent of the land in the Tahoe Basin is public. Within this natural landscape, we also have vibrant communities of residents and visitors enjoying and stewarding this land.
At the same time, rising costs are pushing our workforce out of the basin, something partners are seeing firsthand. The people who teach our children, serve at our restaurants, and staff our hospitals increasingly can’t afford to live here, which means they are forced to commute from further away. This adds real pressure on Tahoe’s environment and communities.
Read on to see how Tahoe partners are working together to explore solutions, and how you can get involved.
Russell, Darya, and their teams have a great recipe for the perfect combo of food, entertainment, and fun. Those of you who already have been “Praying for Snow Sun”, thank you. Come celebrate that sun at this Pray for Sun party and bring your dog. Oh, you don’t have one? Pet Network is on hand to fix that problem!
DIY Weekend
It is DIY weekend and the best place to start is at Mountain Hardware in Raleys Center. They are showing off their new renovation and that means there are specials throughout the entire store.
As most of you know, I am NOT a DIY girl. I am going for the free hot dogs and a chance to dance during the day to Jacked Up. The Store Manager, Divina, says they “ONLY” have 450 hot dogs and they always run out…I’m calling it brunch at 11:30, so I can hit one more restaurant for Restaurant Week.
My top choice that night is the CBC’s Steak and Lobster House. Their special is Wagyu meatloaf. Hmm. I might have to bring Mike O’Neill, who loves meatloaf. PLUS I can stay for the concert by Los Kingdom featuring locals Arielle Virinis and Dave Green.
Thursday Is Like a Weekend of Its Own
Thursday is kind of like a weekend of its own.
It is the second Thrifty Thursday at Village Center. Take a look at Jessica’s (Tahoe Love founder and TFS Thrift Store Manager) graphic on IVCBA.org to see the cutest graphic ever for a shopping center event.
Street Tacos by Lupitas? I wonder what wine to pair with them from Glasses!
After shopping, I am heading to an Open House for a new nonprofit, the Empowerment Foundation. They are inviting the community to learn more about how they plan to bring awareness and support for survivors of human trafficking. Their office and Open House are in the US Bank building on Tahoe Blvd.
Thanks to Kristie Wells, Casa Tua realtor and Community Advocate, for organizing this first-time event and bringing so many relevant organizations to the same room.
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Tahoe Crew is heading to Nationals! Local youth rowers Asher Edwards, a junior at Incline High School, and Kennedy Kelly, a senior at North Tahoe High School, have qualified for the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida — becoming the first athletes from the Tahoe region to earn a spot at the prestigious event.
Now, Tahoe Crew is rallying community support to help cover travel expenses for the athletes, their coach, and equipment as they head to the national stage next month. Local businesses and community members can be part of the journey by supporting the fundraiser: Send Tahoe Crew to Nationals! Contributors who donate by May 26th have the opportunity to have their name or business logo featured on the team’s commemorative Nationals T-shirt. Donations of all levels are welcome and appreciated!
It’s an exciting milestone not only for these hardworking athletes, but for the entire Tahoe community — a chance to cheer on two local students as they represent Tahoe on a national stage.
Memorial Day Celebration on Monday at Village Green
May 20, 2026 | Member Submitted
Submitted by Lettie Miller, Incline Village Crystal Bay Veterans Club
The annual Memorial Day Celebration to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country will be held on the Village Green again this year on Monday, May 26. Highlights include the War Memorial groundbreaking ceremony conducted by the Incline Village Crystal Bay Veterans Club, followed by a continental breakfast in Aspen Grove provided by Cornerstone Church. A flag Retirement Ceremony will end this day of recognition. The entire community is invited.
Starting at 9 am with a flag raising, the event will feature a War Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony. It will be held on the upper portion of the Village Green, across from the Rec Center. Members of the Vets Club, IVGID board representatives, and the local chapter of the Military Officers of America Association will be conducting the ceremony. A monument and an obelisk dedicated to all divisions of the armed services will eventually be installed. The Incline Village Realtors Good Neighbors Club is donating two benches to the Memorial site, to be installed at a later date.
Founder and key supporter of the War Memorial, Michael Gross, will be in attendance. It is his vision for Incline Village to join with other American communities that have some form of Veterans/War Memorial. Each brings a greater sense of community and a shared remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for our country. The War Memorial will become a gathering point during our National Holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day) and other public events. The monument will be an easily recognizable Incline Village landmark and a focal point of community pride. In short, it sends a positive message to all who live in our area.
A Veteran’s Recognition Receptionwill be ongoing and is sponsored by the Incline Village Cornerstone Church. It is free and open to the entire community and celebrates all veterans.
A Flag Retirement Ceremonywill end this day ofrecognition. It symbolizes the patriotism and respect we give not only our veterans, but our community, our state, and our country. We do this ceremony to honor a recognized symbol of our nation, the American flag, and to retire those who have waved for patriotism and freedom for all.
Thank you in advance to all who attend. Be safe this Memorial Day!
National EMS Week: Honoring the Dedicated Emergency Medical Services Professionals Serving Our Community
May 20, 2026 | Member Submitted
During National EMS Week (May 17–23, 2026), the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) proudly recognizes and celebrates the dedicated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who provide compassionate, lifesaving care to our community every day.
EMS Week is a national observance that honors paramedics, EMTs, emergency nurses, physicians, and the many professionals who make emergency medical response possible. This year’s EMS Week theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” highlights the collaboration, compassion, and expertise that drive positive patient outcomes and strengthen emergency medical care nationwide.
At NLTFPD, EMS is a critical part of our mission. Whether responding to medical emergencies, motor vehicle collisions, backcountry rescues, cardiac arrests, or assisting during incidents, our firefighter-paramedics and EMTs stand ready 24/7 to provide high-quality emergency medical care when it matters most.
In a mountain community like Incline Village and Crystal Bay, EMS professionals face unique challenges—from severe winter weather and difficult terrain to high visitor populations and remote access incidents—yet they continue to answer the call with professionalism, expertise, and heart.
Recognizing the Faces Behind the Response
This week, we celebrate the NLTFPD employees who dedicate themselves to caring for others in life’s most critical moments. Our firefighter-paramedics bring skill, strength, compassion, and resilience to every emergency, while also serving as educators, mentors, and trusted members of our community. We are proud to recognize their extraordinary service during National EMS Week.
Did You Know? EMS professionals provide care for a wide range of emergencies, including:
Cardiac and respiratory emergencies
Falls and traumatic injuries
Stroke recognition and response
Wilderness and remote access rescues
Motor vehicle collisions
Behavioral health emergencies
Public standby and event support
How the Community Can Support EMS
Residents can help support EMS response by:
Learning CPR and how to use an AED
Keeping house numbers visible for responders
Ensuring emergency contact information is up to date
Creating defensible space and maintaining safe access to properties
Calling 911 immediately in a medical emergency
This National EMS Week, we invite the Incline Village and Crystal Bay community to join us in thanking the dedicated NLTFPD employees who answer the call with compassion, professionalism, and lifesaving care when it matters most.
A Message from NLTFPD
“EMS is about more than emergency medicine—it’s about people,” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “Our EMS professionals bring skill, compassion, and calm to some of the most stressful moments in a person’s life. During National EMS Week, we recognize and thank them for the incredible work they do every single day.”
Learn More& Stay Informed
National EMS Week was established in 1974 to recognize EMS professionals and the important work they do in communities across the country. To learn more about EMS Week, please visit: https://emsweek.org/
In The News – Incline girls chess team wins overall Nevada State Girls Scholastic Chess Championship for third consecutive year
May 19, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 5/19/2026, Written by Victoria Mastrocola
A team of four homeschooled girls are celebrating a historic, third-consecutive win after competing in this year’s Nevada State Girls Scholastic Chess Championship.
The girls competed against all Nevada schools in kindergarten through 12th grade, both public and private, before taking home the trophy– a remarkable feat for team members Kora Ostertag, 12, Acadia Holve, 14, her sister, Alora Holve, 12, and Allisyn Flower, 12.
Eric Ostertag, father of Kora Ostertag, not only coaches all four girls but also serves on the board of the Silver State Chess Association. He is responsible for leading the reorganization of the championship’s qualifier format.
READ MORE >
PHOTO: The championship title marks a remarkable milestone for (pictured left to right) Acadia Holve, Kora Ostertag, Alora Holve, and new team member, Allisyn FlowerVictoria Mastrocola/Tahoe Daily Tribune
If you haven’t seen it yet, construction is well underway on TNTNV’s long-planned Welcome Center remodel! Following demolition, crews are now busy with framing as the project moves along.
This project is funded through previously allocated funds and built with local contractors and crew, meaning those dollars are staying right here in the community where they belong. Big thanks to Smith Design Group and Fortress Construction for teaming up with us to make this project come to life. See the progress yourself in this Tahoe Daily Tribune article: Incline Village locals teamup on Welcome Center remodel.
When we reopen, the facility will be more functional and ready to serve residents and visitors the way they deserve to be served. In the meantime, our Welcome Center and administrative offices have temporarily relocated to 937 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 150, operating Mon-Fri from 9AM-5PM and Sat from 10AM-4PM.
Same team, same hours, just a new address (for now). We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming you back to our new center later this month, or our temporary one in the meantime!
And speaking of showing up, Dale is back on the Trail!
If you’ve spent time on the East Shore Trail, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Dale. We’re lucky to have this longtime Tahoe resident back for another summer as one of TNTNV’s most valuable resources. Dale will be out on the East Shore Trail Information Booth at the Tunnel Creek entrance, ready to answer any questions, share his local knowledge and make sure every person on the trail gets the most out of their time. If you see him out there, bring a friend, say hello and ask some questions!
Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Community Seminar Announced for Incline
May 19, 2026 | Member Submitted
Local agencies and experts provide practical guidance for residents and property owners.
A Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Community Seminar will be held on May 26, 2026, in Incline Village, bringing together local agencies, service providers, and community partners to provide residents with clear, actionable guidance on reducing wildfire risk.
As wildfire preparedness continues to be a priority across the Tahoe Basin, the seminar is designed to move beyond general awareness and offer practical steps homeowners can take to better protect their properties.
The event will feature participation from organizations actively working in wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and IVGID, along with local insurance professionals and home hardening experts.
Attendees can expect information and guidance on:
Creating and maintaining defensible space
Home hardening strategies to reduce vulnerability
What fire professionals evaluate during property assessments
Evolving insurance considerations in wildfire-prone areas
Local programs and resources available to support mitigation efforts
“This seminar is focused on giving residents practical information they can use right away,” said Kristie Wells, event organizer. “Wildfire resilience is a shared responsibility, and the goal is to connect the community with the people and resources that can help them take meaningful action.”
The seminar is open to anyone interested in better understanding wildfire preparedness and risk reduction.
Event Details
Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Community Seminar ? The Chateau, 955 Fairway Blvd, Incline Village, NV ? May 26, 2026 ⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Core programming starts at 5:30 p.m.)
The event is free to attend; advance registration is appreciated to help us plan accordingly.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and Play On Shakespeare Launch Landmark Five-Year Partnership
May 19, 2026 | Member Submitted
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (LTSF; Incline Village, NV), Great Lakes Theater (GLT; Cleveland, OH), and Idaho Shakespeare Festival (ISF; Boise, ID) are proud to announce a major new partnership with Play On Shakespeare, the nonprofit commissioning contemporary modern verse translations of the complete works of William Shakespeare.
This ambitious collaboration marks the launch of a five-year artistic and educational initiative designed to expand access to Shakespeare through bold new translations, innovative productions, and far-reaching community engagement across multiple regions of the United States.
The partnership will launch in 2026 with a new modern verse translation of The Winter’s Tale, written and directed by acclaimed playwright Tracy Young. The production will open at Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise in August 2026 before traveling to Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, where it will help inaugurate the company’s 65th Anniversary Season that fall.
“Our partnership with Play On Shakespeare expands the artistry at the core of our work,” shares Sara Bruner, Producing Artistic Director for LTSF, GLT, and ISF. “Shakespeare remains central to who we are, and these translations offer a powerful, immediate way for audiences to connect to these works. We are committed to producing the Bard’s work alongside bold translations and Shakespeare-adjacent pieces that keep the canon in active conversation with the present. This isn’t about replacing the classics, but expanding access to them and creating more pathways for audiences to experience the depth and humanity of these stories. This is text-based theater at its most vital – language that moves, connects and reflects our shared humanity in real time.”
Reimagining Shakespeare for Today’s Audiences Play On Shakespeare has commissioned playwrights from across the country to create contemporary translations of Shakespeare’s plays that preserve the poetry and dramatic structure of the originals while offering language that resonates with modern audiences.
Over the next five years, LTSF, GLT, and ISF will collaborate with Play On to bring these translations to life through an ambitious slate of work, including four full productions across five seasons, a newly commissioned world premiere translation of Hamlet and touring/multi-venue performances shared among all three organizations. At least one production will travel to all three partner theatres, creating a uniquely connected Shakespeare experience across the country.
“The partnership between Play On Shakespeare and Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theater and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival grew through years of careful, rigorous collaboration – production-based partnerships that spotlighted individual Shakespeare translations,” explains Sally Cade Holmes, Play On Shakespeare’s Head of Partnerships. “This next chapter expands that foundation. We remain committed to production-based work, but we’re equally excited to deepen our investment in Shakespeare access and theatrical innovation through multi-year collaborations with values-aligned institutions. Under Sara Bruner’s leadership, all three organizations share our dedication to exploring the ever-expanding ecosystem of Shakespeare translation, inviting playwrights into rehearsal rooms and shaping the future of theatrical practice.”
A Partnership Rooted in Community Beyond the stage, the partnership includes a robust slate of community-centered initiatives designed to deepen engagement with Shakespeare across generations. These programs include Community Schools programming in Boise using shortened Play On translations, support for Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s statewide school touring initiative called Shakespearience beginning in 2027, summer drama school offerings for students running from 2026 through 2030 and seasonal workshops that bring together artists, educators and community members to explore the plays in collaborative and inclusive ways.
Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to making Shakespeare more inclusive and relevant for learners of all ages. Equity and Artistic Collaboration A central value of the partnership is a shared commitment to equitable representation in casting and artistic practice. Play On defines this as fostering ensembles that reflect a wide range of lived experiences, including race, gender identity, ability and age, while creating meaningful opportunities for artists and communities that have been historically underrepresented in Shakespearean performance.
Play On Shakespeare will further support the partnership through a dedicated Resident Dramaturg, Dr. Lue M. Douthit, Play On Shakespeare’s Senior Dramaturg & Co-Founder. Dr. Douthit will collaborate closely with all three organizations to provide dramaturgical insight, audience engagement content and creative consultation throughout the partnership. Looking Ahead With productions, workshops, educational initiatives and new translations on the horizon, this partnership represents a bold new chapter for Shakespeare in the American theatre. One that connects more people to Shakespeare through vibrant, accessible language and ideas. About Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit organization established for the cultural benefit and enjoyment of all residents of and visitors to Lake Tahoe. Engaging over 30,000 adults and students annually at the specially built Warren Edward Trepp Jr. Stage at Lake Tahoe and in schools throughout the region, the Festival is committed to producing the finest cultural events and exceptional educational programming. Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is part of a unique, strategic producing alliance with Great Lakes Theater and Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Read more about the strategic alliance here.
About Play On Shakespeare
We are an artistic partner that funds and supports contemporary modern verse Shakespeare in theatrical practice, productions, and education. Through partnerships with artists and organizations worldwide, we deliver these translations via theatrical productions, workshops and trainings, podcasts, publications, and film. Play On Shakespeare is made possible through generous support of the Hitz Foundation.
