Northwoods Tahoe December 2024

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DecEmber 2024 Serving the Lake Tahoe Region

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Captain Elisha Stephens pictured here, successfully led wagons to California in 1844.

Photo Courtesy Donner Memorial State Park

By Mark McLaughlin Most locals and visitors to the TruckeeTahoe region have heard of the Donner Party tragedy that occurred in the winter of 1847, but few are aware of the story of Moses Schallenberger, a remarkable teenage boy who survived the winter of 1845 all alone at Donner Lake, 170 years ago.

Moses and the Townsends were members of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, a small group of 50 pioneers that consisted of 23 men, 8 women, 15 children and 11 wagons. The company organized at Council Bluffs in the spring of 1844. Nearly half of the emigrants were members of Martin Murphy, Sr.’s Irish Catholic family, who were traveling to the Mexican province of California where serious disease was considered rare and Catholicism was the national religion. The pioneers elected 40-year-old blacksmith and former mountain trapper Elisha Stephens as their captain. Active, quick and untiring, Stephens was a born leader.

He never wore a coat so all could see his sharp hunting knife, sheathed on his wide belt. He was tall, with piercing eyes, and exuded confidence and authority.

Continued on Page 4

December 2024

Publisher: harryJONES Editors: allisonJONES

MelanieCano Layout design: aaronJONES Contributing Writer: MarkMclaughlin

Pioneer Teen Spends Winter Alone

Born in Ohio in 1826, Moses was the youngest of seven children of Jacob and Barbara Schallenberger, immigrants from Europe. The Schallenberger parents died of cholera when Moses was just six years old and his older sister Elizabeth and her husband Dr. John Townsend took the toddler into their care, raising him as their own. The Townsends moved several times until they reached Missouri frontier country in 1841. By 1844, Dr. Townsend decided to move his family one more time. He thought California’s climate would benefit Elizabeth so they sold the farm, packed their wagon and headed to Council Bluffs, Missouri with 17-year-old Moses in tow. The physician also had a professional purpose for heading west— he intended to become the first medically trained doctor in California.

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Continued from page 3 His quiet, conservative temperament offset fears of rash or arrogant behavior. Stephen’s leadership qualities were essential to the success of this effort to bring wagons over the Sierra into the Sacramento Valley of California. Earlier attempts had all failed. There were 40 wagons heading west that year, most to the Willamette Valley in the Oregon

Country, but the 11 wagons in the Stephens-led outfit were heading for California.

On May 22, 1844, the group started their long journey. They made good time fording rivers and traversing the vast prairie before using the relatively easy grade at South Pass to cross the Rocky Mountains. Caleb Greenwood, an 80-year-old mountain man along with his two half-Native American sons had been hired The Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party were forced to as guides to assist Stephens dismantle their wagons on Donner Pass. with following the trail and communication with Indians.

Art Courtesy of Donner Memorial State Park For the first portion of the trip, all 40 wagons followed the Oregon Trail until Fort Hall on the Snake River. At that point the Stephens Party turned southwest towards the Mary’s River (later renamed Humboldt), following wheel traces left by emigrant guide, Joseph Walker’s wagons the previous year.

For six weeks they followed the westward-running river, using its precious water and grass to sustain their oxen and themselves.

Caleb Greenwood did not understand the language of the indigenous Indians that inhabited the region, but he communicated through signs drawn in the sand. The emigrants considered the Native Americans they met “poor and degraded” but they

were very friendly and every night, hundreds visited camp. The pioneers made sure to keep a close eye on their livestock, weapons and blankets when the curious Indians crowded around.

There is no lake at the end of the Humboldt River, only a dry depression in the arid landscape known as a “sink”. A barren desert 40 miles wide stretches to the horizon west of the Humboldt Sink. No wagons had ever crossed it. To avoid it, Joseph Walker’s group had struck out south eventually abandoning their wagons.

The Stephens Party was split on what course of action to take. It was early October and time was getting short… the first storms of winter were not far off. After a stressful delay of several days, a friendly Paiute Indian Chief they called Truckee entered camp.

Chief Truckee used sign language and diagrams to show Greenwood and Stephens that on the other side of the desert was a tree-lined river filled with fish. Skeptical at first, the pristine, rushing river they eventually found now bears the helpful Paiute Chief’s name.

The company crossed the desert and later the Truckee Meadows (now Reno) in less than a week, and then forced their oxen-drawn wagons up the steep Truckee River Canyon.

The precipitous cliffs of the canyon often forced them to march right in the riverbed. Constant immersion in the cold river water softened the Continued on Page 6

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Continued from page 4 oxen’s hooves, causing them to split painfully. Nonetheless, the bawling cattle were forced ahead. To stop now meant terrible death in the winter snow. Increasing snow flurries attested to that fact.

In early November, they reached the picturesque lake now called Donner.

Dark clouds cloaked the rugged mountain peaks and a foot of fresh snow already whitened the towering walls of granite. Winter was coming fast. Despite the urgency to cross the pass, Captain Stephens was forced to spend several days exploring the treacherous cliffs, searching for a way over.

At this point, six of the party including Elizabeth Townsend and her servant Francis, rode horses south along the Truckee River, becoming the first nonnative people to reach Lake Tahoe.

This splinter group then successfully rode over the Sierra on Tahoe’s west shore reaching Sutter’s Fort in the Sacramento Valley on Dec. 10. It is still a mystery why Elizabeth would leave the security of the wagon train and her husband as Dr. Townsend remained to help push the wagons up the rugged mountain pass.

Meanwhile back at Donner Lake, Stephens had found a small gap in the cliffs and given the order to move out. Lacking time and manpower, the pioneers took five loaded wagons and left six at the lake. The men dismantled the wagons while the

women and children carried gear and supplies to the summit. Piece by piece, the wagons were pushed, pulled and dragged up the sheer granite walls—it was torture for man and beast. By Nov. 25, 1844, after tremendous effort, five of the eleven wagons had been hauled over Donner Pass.

Moses Schallenberger buried with his wife Fanny and children.

The Stephens-TownsendThe headstone is located at the Oak Hill Cemetery near San Jose.

Murphy party became the first Dr. Townsend is buried nearby with a simple wooden marker. to pioneer a practical wagon Photo Courtesy Mark McLaughlin route over the Central Sierra, but three men, including young Their food supply consisted of a few Moses Schallenberger, agreed to provisions and two-half starved cows. stay behind to watch the remaining They had barely enough for one man, wagons stocked with valuable goods let alone three. to sell in California. They didn’t expect to be there long, but built a small 12 Moses said, “Death, the fearful, X 14-ft. cabin just in case. The crude agonizing death by starvation, literally hut was roofed with hides and pine stared us in the face.” After lengthy boughs, and included a log chimney. deliberation, they decided to make That night it snowed three feet. Years a dash over the pass. Stumbling later, in 1885, Moses recounted his along in primitive snowshoes made tale of survival to his daughter: “A with wagon wood and rawhide week passed, and instead of any strips, they made 15 miles the first snow going off, more came. At last day before they collapsed from we were compelled to kill our cows, exhaustion. Moses suffered severe for the snow was so deep that they leg cramps throughout the ordeal could not get around to eat. It kept and his legs trembled. Years later on snowing continually, and our little he remembered: “Foster and cabin was almost covered. It was Montgomery were matured men, and now about the first of December, could consequently stand a greater and we began to fear that we amount of hardship than I, who was should all perish in the snow.” Moses’ still a growing boy with weak muscles companions, Joseph Foster and and a huge appetite.”

Allen Montgomery, were competent hunters, but the abundant game The following morning, Moses was so disappeared with the first flakes. stiff he could hardly move. Foster and Without webbed snowshoes, the men Montgomery reluctantly shook hands struggled helplessly in the deep snow. with a dejected Moses as he headed

back to the cabin while they continued west towards Sutter’s Fort. Moses recounted that moment: “The feeling of loneliness that came over me as the two men turned away I cannot express, though it will never be forgotten, while the ‘Goodbye, Moses,’ so sadly and reluctantly spoken, rings in my ears today.”

Back at the lake, Schallenberger discovered animal traps and baited a few with some of his precious cow meat. The following day he was elated to find a scrawny coyote, but he could barely choke down the bad-tasting meat. On the third night, however, he snared two foxes which he found delicious. From then on, he caught just enough game to hold off starvation.

Life in the dark, snowbound cabin was miserable for Moses. Howling wolves interrupted his sleep and he constantly worried that his meat would run out.

He had just enough coffee for one cup, which he brewed up on Christmas Day. Fortunately his brother-in-law, Dr. Townsend, had left behind his library of books, which Moses often read aloud just to hear a human voice. Finally, on February 28, 1845 Moses spotted his Canadian friend Dennis Martin who had returned to rescue him. Martin had promised Elizabeth that he would save her younger brother if he was still alive.

Martin explained that the bulk of the women and children in the party had spent the winter about 10 miles west of Donner Lake snowbound on the South Yuba River, and were currently in the process of being rescued. He fashioned better snowshoes and helped a weak

and emaciated Moses over the pass where they joined the others trudging out of the frozen Sierra, down to the warm and green, flower-studded Sacramento Valley. It was March 1, 1845, exactly one year to the day the pioneers had left their homes in Missouri.

Despite all the hardships, there were no casualties in the Stephens Party.

Moses had spent three months alone at “Truckee” Lake, and lived to tell the tale. The women and children at the survival encampment on the Yuba River had also made it through their ordeal during the winter of 1845. Not only were no lives lost, but two babies were born during the journey, which increased their number to 52. As a group, strong leadership and incredible perseverance enabled them to succeed against many of the same challenges that would devastate the Donner Party two years later.

Unfortunately, pioneer physician Dr. Townsend and his wife Elizabeth both died of cholera while treating others with the disease in the epidemic of 1850. Moses Schallenberger became a leading figure in ranching, politics and education in Santa Clara County.

He operated a 115-acre orchard and ranch and a South Bay school was later named after him. His remarkable experiences were published in 1886 by historian Hubert H. Bancroft as a narrative entitled “Overland in 1844.”

Today Moses, who died in 1909 at age 83, is honored by a mountain ridge just south of Donner Lake, known as Schallenberger Ridge.

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December 2024

Maximizing Space and Cleanliness The garage often becomes a catch-all for tools, sports equipment, seasonal decorations, and more, leading to clutter and wasted space. However, with thoughtful upgrades, it’s possible to transform your garage into a well-organized and tidy area that maximizes every inch of space. If you’re looking to upgrade your garage here are some ideas that can help.

Install Overhead Storage Systems One of the easiest ways to free up floor space and keep things organized is by installing overhead storage racks.

These systems allow you to store items that you don’t need immediate access to, such as seasonal decorations or camping gear, high up and out of the way. This solution prevents clutter from piling up on shelves or the floor, while still keeping your belongings accessible when you need them.

Utilize Vertical Space with Shelving A common problem in garages is wasted wall space.

Adding shelving units along the walls can transform your garage into a highly functional area, making it easy to store tools, sports gear, and other household items in an organized manner. Adjustable shelving systems are especially beneficial because they can be customized to fit different types of items. Wall-mounted shelves also keep items off the floor, promoting cleanliness and reducing the risk of items getting damaged or lost.

Add Pegboards for Tools and Small Items Pegboards are an affordable and versatile storage solution for tools and other small items. Installing a pegboard on one of your garage walls gives you an organized place to hang tools like hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers, ensuring they’re always within easy reach. Pegboards also allow for adjustable hooks, giving you the flexibility to modify the layout as your needs change. This solution is particularly helpful, as it prevents tools from being scattered or piled up.

Optimize Your Garage Door with an Automatic Opener An automatic garage door opener with a remote or smartphone app can help keep your garage organized and efficient. Modern systems come with built-in security features, and you can even program them to close automatically after a set period. This upgrade helps maintain the cleanliness of the garage by preventing dirt and debris from accumulating inside while keeping the space secure.

Flooring Upgrade When it comes to garage cleanliness, the floor plays a crucial role. Concrete floors tend to absorb oil, grease, and dirt, making it harder to keep the area looking neat. Installing flooring options like epoxy coatings, rubber tiles, or interlocking floor mats not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garage but also makes cleaning easier. These flooring options are resistant to stains, easy to mop, and can handle heavy traffic.

Create a Dedicated Recycling and Trash Area Garages can quickly become a dumping ground for trash or recyclables, which adds to clutter. Consider installing a dedicated area for trash bins and recycling containers.

You can build custom cabinetry or a simple shelving unit to hide the bins, keeping them out of sight yet easily ac-

cessible. This system encourages regular waste disposal and helps keep your garage neat.

lights can be added for energy savings, ensuring your garage remains well-lit without using excessive energy.

Optimize Lighting Good lighting is essential in any space, and the garage is no exception. Installing bright, energy-efficient LED lights can illuminate your entire garage, making it easier to locate items while working or cleaning. Well-lit spaces also contribute to the feeling of cleanliness and order, helping to spot areas that may need reorganizing. Motion-sensor

Upgrading your garage with space-maximizing and cleanliness-focused features enhances its functionality and makes it a more pleasant and organized area to use.

With the right tools and strategies, you can transform your garage into a room you’ll enjoy.

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TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF WINTER TRAVEL While there’s plenty to appreciate about winter travel, including picturesque scenery and festive moments with loved ones, the season brings a unique set of challenges, too. However, you can take steps to manage potential stress as you prepare for the journey.

Consider these tips to for winter vacationing from the experts at World Nomads, which has protected, connected and inspired global travelers for more than 20 years. Designed to meet the needs of modern travelers, their flexible insurance protection plans provide coverage to more than 100 countries with benefits including trip cancellation, emergency medical, baggage cover and more to help you travel without the worry.

Set realistic expectations. Some destinations are better when the weather gets blustery, but winter conditions can affect your ability to enjoy certain attractions in other locations. Planning ahead for weather-appropriate

activities ensures you can make the most of your visit, whether it’s a prime winter destination or not.

Anticipate delays and cancellations. Unpredictable weather can hinder winter travel, so it’s a good idea to build extra time into your itinerary so you can roll with any potential delays. Especially if you’re traveling with children, have entertainment and backup plans ready so you can avoid adding tired, cranky kids to the mix.

Invest in travel insurance. To prepare for the unexpected, reduce your financial risk of unforeseen events with travel insurance. A leading travel insurance provider, World Nomads offers flexible travel protection plans for U.S. residents, including an Annual Plan that allows travelers to cover multiple trips (up to 45 days in length) over a 12-month period. Designed for frequent travelers, it includes travel insurance benefits for emergency medical expenses, baggage and baggage delay, rental car damage, trip cancellation, trip delay and more, for international and domestic trips that are over 100 miles from your home.

What’s more, all plans also cover some of your favorite winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding

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Pack with care. If you’re headed to a sunny spot, sunscreen is (hopefully) a given, but remember sunscreen is essential for cold destinations, too. Reflections off the snow can create sunburn as bad as those from a day on the water. Also be mindful that the air tends to be drier in many locations during the winter months; keeping your skin and body well moisturized can help protect and nourish you.

Maximize luggage space. When traveling to colder climates, the bulkier clothing you need to stay warm and comfortable naturally takes more space than a summer wardrobe. Fitting everything you need into your luggage may be a challenge, but you can boost your chances by getting extra organized. Compression bags and packing cubes can help save space, and rolling garments, rather than folding, is recommended.

December 2024

and beyond for added peace of mind (exclusions may apply). If something unexpected happens, your plan may provide reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, trip interruption coverage and medical evacuation coverage in certain circumstances.

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Prioritize function over fashion. When luggage space is at a premium, choose every item with purpose. That might mean forgoing an extra pair of shoes and selecting tops that mix and match with other articles of clothing for a more versatile wardrobe. Also be conscious of packing outfits that layer easily so you can add or drop layers to stay comfortable.

Find more resources for a successful winter getaway at WorldNomads.com.

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Art Opinion~

Conceptual Art and ReadyMade Works Undermine Artistic Integrity

In recent years, the art world has been swept up by a wave of conceptual and ready-made art that seems to redefine what it means to be an artist. The boundary between art and non-art has blurred, and the emphasis has shifted from creativity, skill, and technical mastery to the idea behind the work. While the evolution of art is a natural part of its history, there are growing concerns that these contemporary trends are undermining the very sanctity of what constitutes fine art. The advent of works like Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous *Comedian*—a banana taped to a wall—poses an unsettling question: Are we losing the essence of fine art, and in doing so, the respect and admiration that should accompany it?

The Traditional Foundations of Fine Art Fine art, traditionally, has been defined by the skill and creativity required to produce it. Artists like Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Leonardo da Vinci didn’t just rely on the power of the idea; they honed their craft through years of study, practice, and innovation. Their masterpieces are still revered today for their technical virtuosity and the emotional depth they convey. These artists didn’t just create “art”; they elevated the human experience through visual language, creating works that demanded intellectual engagement and emotional resonance.

From the meticulous details of a Renaissance portrait to the daring forms of Modernism, the classical idea of fine art was grounded in the capacity of the artist to manipulate materials with skill and originality. An artwork’s merit was, at least in part, measured by the artist’s ability to demonstrate technical mastery, whether in paint, sculpture, or any other medium.

The Rise of Conceptual Art: Ideas Over Execution Enter the era of conceptual and ready-made art—movements that champion the idea over the craft. In 1917, Marcel Duchamp famously introduced the world to the “ready-made” with his “Fountain”—a urinal signed “R. Mutt” and displayed as art. The idea behind the work was revolutionary: art is not about the object itself, but about the concept behind it. While Duchamp’s work was undoubtedly provocative and challenging, it also laid the groundwork for a shift that would later flood the art world with “art” that could be anything—from a can of soup to a shark preserved in formaldehyde.

Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian”—a banana taped to a wall—further amplifies the dissonance between contemporary art and the rich tradition of fine art. The banana, priced at $120,000, did not challenge technical boundaries or explore new artistic methods; rather, it banked on the absurdity of its concept and the social commentary about the commercialization of art. Yet, rather than stirring a meaningful discussion about society or art itself, it raises a troubling question: How far have we drifted from the standards that once governed the world of fine art?

Maurizio Cattelan “Comedian”

The Impact on the Art World While it’s important to acknowledge that art should always evolve and challenge conventions, the rise of conceptual and ready-made works has, in many ways, led to a devaluation of true artistic Continued on page 14

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Continued from page 12 craftsmanship. Works like Cattelan’s banana strip the role of the artist down to that of an “idea generator.” The problem is that, with so much emphasis placed on concept over execution, the bar for what constitutes art has been lowered to a point where anyone, regardless of skill or experience, can stake a claim as an artist.

This shift creates an environment where creativity and skill are not prerequisites for success. Instead, the market rewards novelty, shock value, and an ability to provoke a reaction—often with little regard for the depth of the work.

The danger here is twofold: first, it can dilute the cultural significance of art by elevating works that may not hold long-term value, and second, it erodes the sense of respect and reverence that artists of the past once commanded.

In the past, a masterpiece could inspire awe, wonder, and introspection. Now, a piece of duct tape and a banana can spark headlines and art-world hysteria. The irony is not lost on those who are committed to preserving the integrity of art—true masterpieces take years of dedication, deep

reflection, and, often, personal sacrifice to produce. Yet today, it feels as though fame and fortune can be attained simply by making a statement, even if that statement is nothing more than a joke.

A Call for Reasonable Standards It is not to say that contemporary art is without merit—far from it. There are brilliant artists today who push boundaries in new and exciting ways. However, the pendulum has swung too far in favor of art that is more about spectacle than substance. As the art market continues to be flooded with works that lack technical merit or creative depth, it’s time to ask ourselves: What is the role of art in society, and what should be the standards by which it is judged?

Fine art should remain a space where skill, vision, and creativity intersect to produce work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally compelling. While conceptual art has its place in challenging ideas and pushing boundaries, it should not be allowed to overshadow the rich tradition of craftsmanship and artistic rigor that has defined art for centuries. As much as we value new ideas, we must also recognize that there is something irreplaceable in the act of creation—something that can only be achieved through mastery of technique and a deep understanding of the materials at hand.

In the case of Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian”, we need to ask whether art is truly better for the inclusion of such works or if, in fact, the art world would be stronger and more meaningful if we returned to the ideals that made works by Matisse, Picasso, and their contemporaries so revolutionary. These artists did not simply have ideas; they translated them into something tangible, something that could be experienced and appreciated for both its visual and intellectual value. The question is whether art today is still capable of achieving that same level of depth, or if we are simply trading one kind of spectacle for another.

Rembrandt van Rijn “The Night Watch” 1642.

Oil on Canvas.

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Calendar of Events Dec 2024 -Mar 2025

Truckee Dec 31, 2024 ROCK + ROLL NYE AT ALDER CREEK ADVENTURE CENTER

https://www.tahoedonner.com/events/rock-roll-nye-atalder-creek-adventure-center/ Ring in the new year with live music from local group Bias and Dunn at Alder Creek Adventure Center’s all-ages, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration! Enjoy a festive tapas-style menu, a great selection of beer and wine and s’mores kits for the kids. The Times Square countdown will be streamed live on the big screen, with the big countdown taking place at 9PM (midnight EST).

Dec 31, 2024 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS AT NORTHSTAR

Jan 12, 2025 POKER RUN AT SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT https://www.sugarbowl.com/events

Join us for our annual game of ski poker, a family-friendly scavenger hunt all around the mountain. Ski & Ride to different “poker chip stations” on the mountain to earn cards in your poker hand. Family-friendly & no poker experience necessary. Proceeds benefit local schools in Truckee.

The game is simple: after registration at the Judah Lodge, check out the Poker Run trail map to see where all the Poker Chip Stations are hidden around the mountain.

Plan your route to all of the Poker Chip Stations, ski/ride to each zone, and take a selfie with the Poker Chip to prove you were there.

Bring all your friends, family, and smiles to create a memory of a lifetime. Northstar will be hosting a key headliner band and brining in all the experiential lighting with a DRONE show to bring the festivities to life!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS • DJ Replay on Village Stage | 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

• 360-photo booth | open from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

• Face painting station | open from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

• Big Crush performing on Village Stage | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

• Pyrotechnic Drone Show | 9:00 p.m.

https://www.tahoesnowfest.org/

At the end of the day, return back to the lodge within the time limit and you’ll earn a card in your poker hand for each station you visit. We’ll choose your best hand for you, and stack you up against other players to determine who wins! Tons of cash and prizes are up for grabs. Stick around for the afterparty with live music and awards.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Excellence in Education Foundation.

The Tahoe City Parade is back!! Sign up ( go to Parade Registration Tab on home page) to take part or come on out to watch as the best and brightest of N. Lake Tahoe compete to see who is the Best In Show ($1000.00 prize), Best Youth Entry, Most Tahoe, and Rookie of the Year!

Theme again is Lake Tahoe Mountain Mardi-gras. Staging this year is at Tahoe Lake School Parking Lot and will be open to float prep and staging on Friday March 3rd at 5pm. Parade Route is from the Tahoe Lake School to The light at Hwy 28 and Hwy 89. There will be vendors at the Penny Bear Park w/ Snowfest Merch, other and info on non-profits supported by our events.

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Jan 31, 2025 ULLR FEST AT DIAMOND PEAK

https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/ullr-fest/ The annual Ullr Fest Parade & Community Party will be held on the evening of Friday, January 31, 2025 at Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Join the community for an all-ages celebration, while raising funds for the Diamond Peak Ski Team (DPSEF). The festive evening will include a torchlight parade, bonfire, music, raffles, food, drinks and more!

https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/explore-the-resort/ activities-and-events

Mar 01, 2025 TAHOE CITY SNOWFEST PARADE

Come dressed in your best Ullr attire as the event is named for the Scandinavian god of winter and snow, who is widely regarded as the patron saint of skiers. Ullr hats will be available for purchase, while supplies last.

Admission and parking are free. Food, drinks, raffles, and merchandise will be available for purchase. Base Lodge Provisions (food court) will be open with full food and beverage offerings in addition to the outlet locations!

Please dress warm, as most of the festivities and the parade viewing will be on the deck and base area.

Dec 31, 2024 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION IN THE HEAVENLY VILLAGE

hhttps://visitlaketahoe.com/attractions/new-years-eve/ Ring in 2025 at Heavenly Holidays in the Village with Live Music by Apollo winner and America’s Got Talent Season 19 finalist Dee Dee Simon as the headlining performer.

And at 9:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, in time for the midnight Ball Drop in New York City’s Time Square, Heavenly’s Gondola Ball Drop will cross above the crowd, and a fabulous fireworks show will light up the night.

Jan 11, 2025 TAHOE ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL AT BALLY’S LAKE TAHOE http://www.laketahoefilmfestival.com/

Annual Tahoe Adventure Film Festival launches on January 11, 2025, at Bally’s Lake Tahoe.

Marking twenty-plus years of adventure sports cinematography and culture, Tahoe Adventure Film Festival (TAFF) is the annual gathering with the outdoor adventure community, animated with music, go-go dancers, wild entertainers, and dramatic action imagery.

Continued on page 18

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Northwoods Tahoe

December 2024

Continued from page 16 All before the films begin. It’s where the industry’s best filmmakers premier their latest adventure sports films one night only hosted by festival creator and adventurer, Todd Offenbacher. “We select the films, not judge them.

Then our community comes together to honor what these films represent”. It’s tongue in cheek humor, combined with a celebration of our unique South Lake Tahoe community, lifestyle and culture,” says Offenbacher.

TAFF inspires the adventure sports community with newly released films of daring exploits and epic adventures in some of the most remote places and harshest conditions that test the human spirit. Filmmakers capture the power and intensity of skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, mountain biking, BASE jumping and other heart pounding sports that feed our addiction to adventure. Some segments are special edits including previews of films that have not been released.

Offenbacher, TAFF founder and host of Outside Television, guides remote ski mountaineering trips to Svalbard, Norway, and Antarctica annually. The festival is an extension of Todd’s passion for life and adventure. Offenbacher has climbed first ascents around the globe including Pakistan, Tibet, Thailand, and Peru. “I’ve traveled the planet to ski, climb, and explore. I have immersed myself in so many other cultures,” says Offenbacher. “ There is no better way to open our eyes to the real world around us.”

For more information and tickets for all TAFF shows, visit www.LakeTahoeFilmFestival.com.

Mar 15-16, 2025 SUBARU WINTERFEST SIERRA AT TAHOE RESORT

and tasty surprises will be provided from our friends at YETI, Kate’s Real Food, Vafels, and Alpine Start. Subaru and the Ski Patrol will share how you can get involved and support the Avalanche Rescue Dogs. Subaru owners will enjoy VIP treatment and special gifts while supplies last.

Gather your crew, head to Subaru WinterFest and join us for an incredible celebration at Sierra-at-Tahoe!

Subaru is thrilled to welcome back, Subaru WinterFest, a one-of-a-kind music and mountain lifestyle tour that invites friends, family, skiers, snowboarders, music fans, and dog-lovers alike to bask in their love of adventure and all things winter!

The annual mountain destination event will feature nationally recognized Americana, bluegrass, indie, and electronic music talent presented by Harman Kardon. It will offer gear demos from latest gear and demos from Thule, Solo Stove, Mammut, Nordica, Dynamic Wax,100%, Luno, and Wilderdog. Delicious treats, warm beverages

Feb 06-09, 2025 EAGLES AND AGRICULTURE 2025

Reno Jan 16, 2025 2025 SHEEP SHOW

https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/convention/ sheep-show The Wild Sheep Foundation’s annual convention and sporting expo, the “Sheep Show®,” is the premier outdoor and mountain game hunting and conservation expo held in January at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada.

“Come for the Sheep, Stay for the Party™.”

Jan 31, 2025 BREW HAHA

https://www.cnty.com/nugget/calendar/events/ brew-haha Pints of fun await!

Enjoy a variety of brews from numerous vendors, creations from local artists and live music on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 8 p.m. at the Nugget Casino Resort Grand Ballroom.

https://www.carsonvalleynv.org/eagles-ag/ Calling all wildlife lovers! This annual weekend showcases birds, wide-open spaces and the cutest calves imaginable! Each year, the calving season draws raptors, including bald eagles, to Carson Valley. Eagles and Agriculture celebrates their arrival and offers a chance to witness these majestic birds. Highlights of the event include an opening dinner, where falconers bring their birds for up close viewing, tours for exclusive access to the ranches, a photography workshop, and a photo contest.

Bus-lead tours will be available this year, allowing participants to learn about the local lore while riding in comfort to each tour site. Tickets will be limited, so reserve early!

The annual Brew HaHa event benefits the Sierra Arts Foundation, a nonprofit creating space for teaching, nurturing and supporting arts within our community.

More information on the event, including a full schedule of available tours and activities, will be uploaded to the official Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

Check back in December 2024 for updates!

Mar 14-16, 2025 NEVADA PREMIER SPORTSMAN’S EXPO

Ca Foothills

https://renosportsmanexpo.com/

https://www.sierraattahoe.com/event/ subaru-winterfest-2025/

Carson Valley

Sportsman’s paradise of outdoor products, hunting and fishing trips, camping, cooking, hiking gear and so much more. Nevada fish and game sponsored events for kids, celebrities from the Outdoor Channel, Nick Mundt and Larry Weishuhn will be there all 3 days. NRA Wall of Guns raffles, Silent auction for hunts and gear is there for the taking. Low entry fee of 12.00 per adult and kids 12 and under are free. Buy your tickets at www.renosportsmanexpo. com or at the gate.

3/14: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3/15: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3/16: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m

Jan 01, 2025 AUBURN RESOLUTION RUN https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/ Auburn/AuburnResolutionRun

Welcome to the Resolution Trail Run – the perfect way to kickstart your New Year’s resolutions with a dash of adventure and a breath of fresh air. Join us on January 1st, 2025, at the Overlook Park for a thrilling and invigorating trail run that promises not only to get your heart pumping but also to set the tone for a year filled with health, fitness, and achievement. Every runner that completes the race, either in person or virtual, will receive this 2025 medal.