IVCBA.ORG, COMMUNITY EVENTS: Julie Malkin-Manning Sugar Pine Events & Marketing julie@ivcba.org
FREELANCE WRITERS: Kayla Anderson
Kristie Wells
BOARD MEMBERS
PRESIDENT: Mike Young
CO-PRESIDENT: Sheila Leijon
VICE-PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT-ELECT: Jason Jurss
TREASURER: Rick Sweeney
SECRETARY: John Crockett
MAIN STREET: Steve Porten
INCLINE SCHOOLS: Mary Danahey
BUSINESS: Dan Barden
COMMUNITY: Jenny Molinelli
MEMBER AND PRO-BONO CPA: Craig Iverson, Ashley-Quinn
PRO-BONO ATTORNEY: Rob Vinson, Sierra
Lawyers
Time For Brunch: Incline Village/ Crystal Bay’s Best Brunch Spots 26-27
Maestro James Rawie Celebrates 21 Years of Music With the Tahoe Philharmonic 28-29
LOCAL PROFILE: the Heart of a Community: Polly and Joe Wolfe’s Legacy of Giving 30
COMMUNITY LIAISONS
ENVIRONMENT: Amy Berry
INCLINE VILLAGE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: Louis Ward/Karli Epstein
INCLINE JUSTICE COURT: The Honorable Judge Melissa Mangiaracina
INCLINE VILLAGE REALTORS: Laura Vitencz
NLTFPD: Ryan Sommers/Andreina Quiroz
TAHOE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: Laura Roche/Claudia Andersen
UNR AT LAKE TAHOE: Doug Boyle
TAHOE PROSPERITY CENTER: Sarah Schmidt
TRAVEL NORTH TAHOE NEVADA: Andy Chapman
WASHOE COUNTY COMMISSIONER: Alexis Hill
WASHOE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE: Sheriff Darin Balaam
CONTRIBUTORS
Mary Danahey
Jenny Luna
Jen Malone & Ted Owens
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Please contact Mike O’Neill at 805.630-4442 Mike@IVCBA.org
PHOTOGRAPHY: Nathalie Sacci, Jen Schmidt
LIVE.WORK.PLAY. DESIGNER & PUBLISHER: J. Lewis Falconer Art & Design
PUBLISHING DISCLOSURE NOTICE
LIVE. WORK. PLAY. is the official publication of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Association (IVCBA). Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues and budgeted funds. The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by IVCBA or its Board of Directors of the projects, services or views contained therein.
Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.
COVER PHOTO: James Rawie - Photo Nathalie Sacci
Photo by Suzanna Scott
incline village crystal bay
Welcome to the spring issue of Live.Work.Play! I am amazed at the wonderful people and organizations we find to highlight every issue. We highlight someone or some organization from the 6 segments we think are of most interest: business, education, environment, arts and culture, wellness, and of course, community. IVCBA works to instill pride and a desire to work together to make Incline Village and Crystal Bay a sustainable community. We welcome new residents and visitors. As always, this issue celebrates our gratitude for this beautiful place and the people who make it such a wonderful place to be.
IN THIS ISSUE, LOOK FOR:
• Information on improvements in Incline Village Community Hospital and the commitment by Tahoe Forest Health District
• How a local resident makes cultural music fun and brings it to many regional
• locales through Tahoe Phil
• How Joe and Polly inspired Tahoe Family Solutions to start a new annual event,
• The Heart of Giving, through their dedication and leadership
• The changes IVGID is making to the Incline Beach to preserve the investment,
• not only in our recreational facilities, but also indirectly to the value of our homes
• Hometown pride: the high school We The People team is going to DC!
INCLINE VILLAGE MAIN STREET BEAUTIFICATION
We are proud to announce that the Gateway Roundabout improvements will happen this spring! Watch for the 7000 daffodils that were planted by the community last fall to bloom soon. Inclined to Bloom will continue its work to add hanging baskets and pots, and beautify the boulevards along Tahoe Blvd.
ABOUT IVCBA
We are a membership-based community and business association that works on behalf of the entire community. We have a community website, IVCBA.org, and a weekly SnapShot newsletter. We educate and convene the community on various community initiatives. Join at IVCBA.org.
Linda Offerdahl
Love Our Village?
Become a Community Supporter of IVCBA
Stay connected and help us build a stronger, more engaged Incline Village & Crystal Bay.
John & Patty Jansen
Dr. Jonathan Smith
Kern Schumacher Commissioner Alexis Hill
THE TAHOE AESTHETICIAN
By: Kayla Anderson
Using an integrated approach to protecting and improving your skin health has a slew of benefits, such as boosting your self-esteem, confidence, and overall mood (thanks to not being consumed about your perceived flaws). Not only can an aesthetic treatment make you feel better emotionally, but it can also shield your skin from further sun damage, environmental toxins, and the issues that come with aging.
Sometimes the business of cosmetic enhancements can be intimidating, but The Tahoe Aesthetician team immediately puts those worries to ease. Not only are they all beautiful, but these healthy skin gurus are also down-to-earth and understand the importance of feeling good while enjoying the Tahoe lifestyle.
The Tahoe Aesthetician is led by founder Kat Langridge. With over 22 years of experience and education, she opened The Tahoe Aesthetician in the fall of 2024. Shortly after, she was introduced to Cara Harding, a practicing aesthetician who always wanted to perform more advanced procedures. She apprenticed under Langridge before becoming a partner.
“It took a quick minute to realize Kat is so knowledgeable and so good at what she does,” Harding says. “And she has high standards like me, so it was a perfect fit.”
“I’ve always been a lone wolf, and I’m super meticulous, so I’ve been hesitant to work with anyone. But when we met, I knew I wasn’t meant to do this alone anymore,” Langridge smiles.
As The Tahoe Aesthetician recently moved to a new location at 770 Northwood Boulevard, Ste. 5 in Incline Village, Nurse Injector Tricia Walls also joined the team. She worked in neonatal care for many years but always wanted to get into aesthetics. When Tricia and her husband moved from Texas to Incline Village, she began working at a fellow medical spa doing Botox injections. Her favorite service is performing the Halo laser treatment for those who want new fresh skin but aren’t ready for surgery.
The newly renovated Tahoe Aesthetician luxury laser spa has more therapy rooms and a fresh, vibrant, and transformative atmosphere, which is how your skin feels and looks after a treatment. Its variety of services to help people look and feel their best includes SkinPen microneedling, chemical peels, dermaplaning, permanent laser hair reduction, laser therapy, and more. The spa’s innovative aesthetic technology enables The Tahoe Aesthetician to treat and enhance pretty much all skin types and skin conditions. A good example is The Tahoe Aesthetician acquiring the Neo Elite Aerolase laser, which has 36 FDA indicators easily and non-invasively treating skin issues like melasma, acne, wrinkles, skin tags, warts, and pigmentation.
“You can do as much as you want with it, and it works on any
skin type,” Langridge says.
Whether you’re a fellow medical professional or customer, it only takes a couple of minutes of talking with Langridge to realize she is incredibly knowledgeable in the world of aesthetics, and she is passionate about helping the Tahoe community.
Langridge always aims to make healthy skincare accessible for everyone and offers complimentary consultations to teens battling skin afflictions.
“It is dear to my heart to help people feel comfortable in their own skin, and acne is often associated with depression, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem,” Langridge adds. Teens will go to The Tahoe Aesthetician as a last resort to clear up their acne when Accutane doesn’t work, and The Tahoe Aesthetician has successfully treated some of the most difficult cases.
Being in such an active community, The Tahoe Aesthetician’s state-of-the-art technologies allow them to offer year-round treatments.
“You don’t have to change your lifestyle or hobbies to fit in a treatment,” Langridge adds, although she does mention having advanced services for people who do want downtime and can stay away from the sun.
No matter what your skin goals are, a certified and credible aesthetician at The Tahoe Aesthetician is happy to meet with you to curate a program tailored to your specific situation. And for a five-star rated luxury medical spa, The Tahoe Aesthetician’s services are a lot more affordable and accessible than you may think.
“A lot of people think skincare or improving their skin is out of touch for them, and I’m trying to break those barriers. I don’t feel like taking care of your skin should be a luxury; I believe it’s a human right,” Langridge adds.
For more information about The Tahoe Aesthetician, visit https://www.thetahoeaesthetician.com/.
in Incline Village
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CREATE AT LAKE TAHOE
Sierra Arts Workshop Faculty Spotlight
Learn from University of Nevada, Reno artists this summer
Three University of Nevada, Reno faculty artists are bringing their studios to the shores of Lake Tahoe through Sierra Arts Workshop. These immersive classes invite artists of all levels to explore photography, painting and printmaking while surrounded by one of the most inspiring landscapes we call home.
Inked & Impressions
Meg Pohlod | Printmaking & 2D
Pulled Away: Abstracted Landscape Painting & Canvas Building
Austin Pratt | Painting
Exploring the Lake Tahoe Environment Through the Lens Scott Hinton | Photography
We’re committed to addressing key issues in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, focusing on workforce and affordable housing through our Housing Committee. As a long-standing non-profit, we work to create lasting community impact.
As President, I am proud to be part of a team dedicated to supporting growth and enhancing lives in our community.
Tahoe Discovery Lab and AI in the Wild; The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe’s Strategic Plan
By Jenny Luna
“I always believe that science is done by people,” Michael “Mick” Hitchcock, interim CEO of Biomea Fusion, tells students in Patterson Hall, a large fire crackling in the hearth behind them. “Often by many people working on different parts of the same problem. That only happens when people get together, build trust, and imagine possibilities.”
The students, along with Hitchcock, were part of BioInspired Innovation, a one-credit weekend course at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. For three days, students worked alongside leaders from the biomedical industry, learning how research moves from the lab into real-world applications.
“Chatting with professionals gave me insight into how broad and interdisciplinary this work really is,” said Morgan Yeager, a graduate student in chemistry.
Christopher S. Jeffrey, professor of chemistry and director of the Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology, organized the course, believing this model of open conversations and deep connections happens naturally at a location like the Lake Tahoe campus.
A New Model for Discovery
At the center of this approach is the campus’s newly launched Tahoe Discovery Lab, a hub that connects the region’s environmental and scientific strengths with collaborators from around the world. The Tahoe Discovery Lab is designed to accelerate discovery, innovation, and workforce training in our area’s uniquely collaborative setting.
“I keep coming back to the idea of discovery not just as a concept, but as a place,” said Jeffrey. That vision was formally recognized this year when Jeffrey was named the Harold Walter Siebens Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship, a role that supports interdisciplinary scholarship, innovation, and community engagement.
Learning Rooted in Place
Another standout one-credit weekend course, AI in the Wild: Exploring Artificial Intelligence Through Nature, invites students to explore artificial intelligence through creativity and time outdoors. Taught by Lyndsay Munro, professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, the immersive class has students create projects shaped by worldbuilding and engagement with the
natural environment. Other one-credit weekend courses take students directly into the field, including a winter ecology course with snowshoeing through Tahoe Meadows, while discussing animal adaptations and snowpack dynamics.
Set on 18 acres, but with classes taking place across the Tahoe Basin, the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe fosters sustained engagement rather than transactional interaction. It is increasingly becoming a place where students, faculty, visiting experts, and community members come together to exchange ideas.
Have Your Voice Heard: Be a Part of the Strategic Plan
The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe is gathering input from community members for its newly launched Strategic Plan. The University invites you to share your experiences and ideas.
Big Changes Are Coming to Incline Beach
HERE’S WHAT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE SUMMER
By: Kristie Wells
After years of planning and discussion, construction on the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Beach House Project is set to begin in May 2026, marking the start of a long-anticipated reinvestment in one of Incline Village’s most iconic community spaces.
Residents and visitors should expect some changes to their beach experience over the next two summers.
Access patterns will shift, parking will be tighter, and familiar routines may look a little different. But the temporary adjustments are paving the way for a completely rebuilt Beach House designed to serve the community for the next 30 to 50 years - with a target opening ahead of July 4, 2027.
Why the Beach House Is Being Rebuilt
A common question throughout the planning process has been why IVGID chose to replace the existing facility rather than renovate it.
According to IVGID Director of Public Works Kate Nelson, modernization simply wasn’t feasible within the existing structure. Built in the 1960s and 1970s, the current Beach House cannot accommodate modern building codes or infrastructure requirements expected of today’s public-use facilities.
The new building will include a fully compliant commercial kitchen and updated restrooms - among the most complex elements of any public facility due to extensive plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and accessibility requirements. Meeting current standards would require more space and infrastructure than the original building can support.
As a public works project, construction must also comply with Nevada’s prevailing wage laws and procurement regulations. While these requirements increase costs compared to private construction, they ensure the facility is built safely, responsibly, and to standards intended to last for decades.
A Design That Lets the Lake Shine
The guiding philosophy behind the final design is intentionally simple: visitors come to Incline Beach for Lake Tahoe.
Rather than creating a visually dominant structure, the new Beach House is designed to blend into its surroundings while prioritizing durability, fire resistance, sustainability, and long-term maintenance efficiency. The building supports the experiencewithout competing with the shoreline views that define Incline Beach.
What Visitors Will Notice This Summer
Construction will begin with demolition and site preparation once weather conditions allow and approvals are finalized with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
Importantly, Incline Beach itself will remain open throughout construction. However, visitors should plan for a modified experience. The construction area will be fenced for safety, and the main entrance will be adjusted to separate beach access from active work zones. Parking availability will be reduced, increasing reliance on overflow parking at Village Green and surrounding areas.
Parking has always been part of the summer challenge in Incline Village, and officials encourage beachgoers to allow extra time and consider alternative transportation when possible.
Music on the Beach Continues - Just in a New Location
One beloved tradition will carry on during construction. Music on the Beach will temporarily relocate to Ski Beach for the 2026 season, where food and beverage service will still be available. While the setting will feel different, organizers are working to preserve the relaxed, social atmosphere that makes the concert series a cornerstone of summer in Incline Village.
What’s Coming in the New Beach House
When completed, the new facility will significantly enhance both everyday beach use and community events.
Planned improvements include expanded outdoor seating, a larger bar and food service area, fire pits for gathering and extended seasonal enjoyment, and dedicated infrastructure to better support live music performances.
One of the most noticeable operational upgrades will be yearround restroom access, greatly reducing reliance on portable facilities except during peak periods.
The overall goal is a more flexible, comfortable space that supports everything from casual beach days to community celebrations.
Investing in Incline Village’s Future
Much of Incline Village’s recreation infrastructure was built during the same development era decades ago. The Beach House project reflects a broader effort to reinvest in shared facilities that support quality of life while helping sustain long-term property values
Projects like this focus on stewardship - maintaining and improving community assets so they continue serving residents well into the future.
Looking Ahead
IVGID’s request to the community is straightforward: patience during construction and awareness of active work zones. While access routes and routines may temporarily change, maintaining safe public access remains a priority throughout the project.
If construction proceeds as planned, the community will gather at a newly rebuilt Incline Beach House before Independence Day 2027 - a space designed to reflect both the character of Incline Village and the pride residents take in caring for their shared shoreline.
The next two summers may feel a little different, but the result will be something lasting: a renewed gathering place built for future generations to enjoy Lake Tahoe together.
“Celebrate Dance” Takes the Stage
There are not many events in Incline Village where teachers, busine ss owners, parents, retirees, and students all share the same stage. But that’s exactly what makes the Incline Star Follies so special.
By: Mary Danahey, Incline Education Fund
Returning May 1st and 2nd for five performances at the Duffield Theater at Incline High School, this year’s theme, “Celebrate Dance,” promises high energy, bold moves, and plenty of unforgettable moments, including joyful, over-thetop lip syncing at its finest.
The Follies isn’t just for students. It’s a full community production open to anyone willing to step into the spotlight. Participants come from all walks of life. Some are natural performers. Others —often self-described introverts—muster up the courage to dance anyway. And that’s where the magic happens.
Over the years, parents have described their child’s participation as “life changing.” That might sound dramatic— until you see it. Whether someone is 8 or 68, walking onto that stage builds confidence in a way few experiences can. It takes vulnerability, teamwork, and a willingness to look just a little ridiculous for the sake of fun.
The result? Growth. Connection. Community.
The Incline Star Follies is one of the community’s most beloved traditions because it brings people together in a rare and meaningful way. It blurs generational lines. It turns coworkers into dance partners. It gives families a reason to laugh together. It reminds us that courage and creativity don’t belong to any one age group.
This year’s “Celebrate Dance” theme highlights the universal language of movement across decades and styles. Expect clever choreography, creative costumes, nostalgic throwbacks, and routines that will have the audience clapping along.
Just as importantly, the Follies is a truly family-friendly event. Grandparents sit beside toddlers. Neighbors cheer for neighbors. The Duffield Theater fills with laughter, support, and a shared sense of pride.
Behind the scenes, there is also a deeper impact. Proceeds from the event support local public schools through the Incline Education Fund, strengthening programs that benefit students across the community. So while the night is filled with fun, it also helps sustain something meaningful.
In a world that often feels serious and fast-paced, the Follies offers something refreshing: shared joy. No professional polish required. No perfection expected. Just enthusiasm, courage, and community spirit.
Whether you come to support someone you know or simply to enjoy an uplifting evening out, you’ll leave smiling— and maybe even inspired to sign up next year. Because at its heart, the Incline Star Follies isn’t about flawless dance steps. It’s about celebrating the courage to step into the spotlight together.
TO BUY TICKETS:
Scan this QR code or go to the Incline Star Follies website. There are multiple showtimes available, but seats tend to fill quickly, so get your tickets now!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
It takes a village to bring the Follies to life. If you’re not a dancer, you can volunteer as a hair and makeup helper, usher, room monitor, or ticket collector. You can also support the show by making a donation or becoming a sponsor. However you participate, you help keep this beloved community tradition shining.
Incline High We the People Team A Continued Legacy of Excellence
by Mary Danahey
This spring, Incline High School’s (IHS) We the People team captured the Nevada State Championship and earned the honor of representing our state at the national competition in Washington, D.C.—where the country’s top teams gather for a fast-paced academic showdown built on constitutional knowledge, teamwork, and poise under pressure.
Behind that success is the enduring influence of longtime coach Milton Hyams, whose leadership helped establish one of the most respected We the People programs in the country. Over nearly three decades, Hyams built a culture of rigorous preparation, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative learning that continues to define the program today.
The victory marks yet another milestone for a program that has become a defining academic tradition in Incline.
At the heart of the competition is the Center for Civic Education, the nonprofit organization behind the We the People curriculum, which promotes deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution and democratic principles through an inquirybased course of study. Students explore the philosophical foundations of government, landmark Supreme Court cases, civil liberties, and the evolving meaning of citizenship— culminating in a simulated congressional hearing where they present formal testimony before panels of judges and respond to rigorous, rapid-fire questions. It is civic discourse at its highest level, demanding mastery of content, clarity of thought, and composure under pressure.
What makes IHS’s achievement particularly remarkable is the scale of the stage compared with the scale of the school. The National Finals bring together 55 state champion teams and six elite wildcard teams from across the country. Many represent
large public high schools and well-resourced suburban programs with deep rosters, large teams, and extensive coaching support. Incline High School, by contrast, enrolls fewer than 300 students.
Yet year after year, this small mountain school competes—and excels—against programs many times its size.
That consistency traces directly back to the culture Hyams established. Over 26 years, he has guided Incline High to an extraordinary 17 national appearances, building one of the most sustained records of success in the nation. His philosophy emphasized preparation, shared responsibility, and teamwork as the program’s competitive advantage.
In a small program, there is no anonymity—every student must be ready. Students challenge one another, refine arguments together, and learn to “pick each other up” when questioning becomes intense.
The program develops far more than constitutional knowledge. Students learn to think critically, speak persuasively, analyze primary sources, and defend ideas with evidence and respect. Alumni frequently credit the experience with shaping their success in college, law, business, public service, and countless other fields.
For a school of this size, advancing to Nationals is about more than competition. It is proof that rigorous academics, dedicated teaching, and strong community support can level any playing field—and a reminder that excellence is defined not by size, but by commitment.
Those interested in helping support the team’s travel expenses—or learning more about the program—can visit https://www.inclineeducationfund.org/.
SPRING 2026 Fundraisers and Community Events
Fri April 24
Earth Day at UNR@LT
Sat April 25
Incline High School Crab Fest
Fri-Sat May 1-2
Incline Star Follies
Fri May 1
SCH Family Dance
May 16-25
IVCBA Restaurant Week
Sat May 16
LTS Empire Gala
Mon May 25
Vets Club Memorial Day celebration
Sat June 6
Pet Gala Fur Ball
Sat June 13
Village Clean-up and Incline Library
Block Party
Mon June 15
MOAA Thank a Vet Golf Tournament
July 2-5
Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration
July 11 - August 9
Classical Tahoe Gala
July 16
Lobster Dinner (IVCH Auxiliary)
August 16
TFS Shabby Chic
August 20
PEO Taste of Incline
August 30
AAUW Garden Party
INCLINE VILLAGE MAIN STREET
BEAUTIFICATION
Pots & Plants
Dancing with Daffodils
A Gathering Place at Christmas Tree Village
“Let�s make our village more beautiful, welcoming, and walkable.” - Linda Offerdahl
The original design and implementation was done by NDOT in 2021 and maintained by local service groups and volunteers. IVCBA established the Incline Village Main Street program in 2022 to revitalize the commercial core and undertake beautification projects. IVCBA was asked to take over the responsibility for the roundabout and the sculptures in 2023. Incline Property Management has done annual maintenance as a public service.
Improvements to the Gateway Roundabout are targeted for implementation in 2026. Iconic granite boulders, fir and aspen trees, along with perennials supported with irrigation are part of the new design. The entire traffic circle will be mounded higher to improve visibility. The bronze animal sculptures will be repositioned on the roundabout.
Collaboration between NDOT, Washoe County, IVGID and TRPA has been key to permitting the development. Private funding has been achieved through the Sierra Giving Circle, under the auspices of partner Incline Tahoe Foundation, a charitable nonprofit organization.
BUILDING PARTNERS
Proposed sketch of Gateway Roundabout improvements in 2026
LET’S PLAY Daycare & Preschool Resources
By: Kayla Anderson
Our lives are busy with things constantly vying for our time, but it can be especially challenging for families with young children to keep them constantly active, engaged, and well cared for. Luckily, several daycares, preschools, and kids’ programs are available locally to teach your littles life skills when you can’t be there.
“There are so many wonderful things for kids in our amazing town. They have the fortune of being raised in an area that is still connected with nature,” says IVCBA’s Mike O’Neill.
Daisy Trails Forest Preschool
tahoedaisydaycare.com
Running one of the only licensed home daycare centers in North Lake Tahoe, Daisy Trails Founder Harmony Shreve has been a licensed childcare provider for more than 25 years and has “loved every minute of it.” Her Daisy Trails Forest Preschool follows a nature-education-based curriculum that strongly encourages free play.
“At Daisy Trails Forest Preschool in the Tahoe Basin, the Sierra landscape is our classroom. Surrounded by towering pines, changing seasons, and fresh mountain air, children spend their days outdoors, building connections with nature, their community, and themselves. We begin with free play and relationship-
building before introducing structured learning, allowing curiosity to lead the way,” says Shreve.
Its full-time daycare program runs Monday-Friday from 7:45am-3:45pm, but be aware that it does fill up fast. Drop-in care is available seven days a week in the summertime.
Weekly enrichments such as tai chi, ballet, breath and balance, music and singing, and soccer are intentionally brief sessions (about 25 minutes) so kids can stay joyful and in a developmentally proper setting.
Daisy Trails also has programs for parents, too. Drop the kids off on Fridays to enjoy a Parents Night Out; the cost is $40 for four hours between 4pm-11pm.
On Tuesday and Friday mornings (9:30am-11am) through early June, the Incline Recreation Center opens its Preschool Playground, a warm, dry environment for kids ages 18 months-5 years to play in at the back of the gym. Equipped with a playhouse, slides, tunnels, balls, a bounce house, self-propelled vehicles, and more, this is a great space for parents to interact with their kiddos and maybe help wear them out a bit.
Potty-trained kids ages 3-5 can be dropped off at the indoor playground while parents work out at the Recreation Center, but it’s imperative that the parents or caregivers stay onsite.
The Village Christian Preschool
www.villagepreschoolnv.org
The Village Christian Preschool is a ministry to the community, with its hours of operation (7:30am-6:00pm) serving both working families and families seeking enrichment.
This Christian school for young kids shares the love of Jesus and his saving gospel while also enjoying the Tahoe lifestyle.
“We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so we spend a lot of time outdoors exploring, learning, and playing. We encourage play, imagination, and growth throughout our day,” says Head of Schools Cindy Liggett.
“Our goal is to send our kids off to their next life adventure with a relationship with Jesus and ready for kindergarten,” she adds, mentioning it’s exciting to see the kids go through the preschool and continue their education at Village Christian Academy.
Tahoe’s Connection for Families (TCF)
www.tcfkids.org
As a local nonprofit that has supported families since 2001, Tahoe’s Connection for Families provides a warm, welcoming indoor space where babies, toddlers, and children can explore, socialize, and learn through play. Along with hosting age-appropriate developmental playgroups for infants and toddlers led by experienced early childhood educators, Tahoe’s Connection for Families guides parents and caregivers to support workshops, parenting classes, and community gatherings. TCF offers weekend and monthly memberships for access to its cozy indoor play space and programs.
The Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe’s Duffield Youth Program
www.bgcnlt.org/incline-site
The Boys & Girls Club Duffield Youth Program (at Incline Elementary School) provides kindergarten-5th graders with before and after-school programs and summer camps. Activities often include beach days, dance lessons, sports camps, cooking camps, field trips, and more. In addition to its standard camps, the BGCNLT may offer specialty camps such as mountain biking, paddling, and hiking excursions.
Lake Tahoe School
www.laketahoeschool.org/academics/prek/
Since 1997, Lake Tahoe School has offered elementary school students a rich curriculum that inspires kids to forge strong connections with their world. By 2001, LTS had added more grades, serving students from PreK through eighth grade. LTS has steadily expanded, increasing its number of classrooms and enrollment, now serving around 240 students.
Lake Tahoe School’s PreK Program incorporates play and brain-based education to help children develop foundational social and academic skills for success as they grow up. Following a positive guidance program based on the values of love and logic, PreK students have access to hands-on materials in the classroom, as well as enrichment activities that utilize the school’s ultramodern science lab, the Duffield Hall athletic and performing arts center, and the music room library.
LTS has long since offered a half-day PreK3 program teaching language arts, math, and handwriting to 3-year-olds, as well as a full-day PreK4 program teaching all the above plus science and Spanish to 4-year-olds, but new this year, LTS is adding an extended day option for the PreK3 program.
“We have so many kids on our waitlist; from conception, people are calling to get on the list,” Sacci adds.
Honorable Mentions
While these organizations don’t offer regular preschool or daycare services, they do provide programs and special events for kids throughout the year:
Tahoe Family Solutions (https://tahoefamily.org/) offers low or no-cost services and summer camps to children and families living in the Tahoe basin, while the Incline Village Library (https://www.washoecountylibrary.us/libraries/ incline-village.php) puts on weekly Family Story Times and Paws 2 Read events.
TAHOE FOREST HEALTH SYSTEM’S “TRUE NORTH”
By: Jen Malone & Ted Owens
Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) was founded by the Joseph family with a simple belief — that people living in this region deserve healthcare close to home. It is in this spirit that TFHS is launching “True North,” a comprehensive community engagement initiative aimed at gathering input from residents, patients, second homeowners, partners, and staff to guide the health system’s strategic direction in the years ahead.
“As we prepare for the future, we’re asking one simple question: what does it look like when a health system is the center of health in a community?” said Michael McGarry, chair of the Board of Directors. “I look forward to working with our community to answer that question on behalf of the people we serve.”
Over the next few months, TFHS hopes to hear from at least 5,000 community members. This input will inform the organization’s strategic plan and help shape the future of healthcare in the region.
“Every voice will be heard and your input matters,” said McGarry, “this is an opportunity for the community to come together and decide what we want our health system to be.”
Focus Areas
For this effort, TFHS has identified three key focus areas that reflect both current challenges and future opportunities.
• Health Within Reach – Exploring ways to improve access to care, reduce wait times, expand services closer to where people live, and address affordability.
• Peaks of Excellence – Identifying specialty services and programs that would provide significant benefits to the community while enhancing the health system’s overall capabilities.
• Transformation – Reimagining healthcare delivery through innovation, workforce development, and new models of care tailored to the region’s unique needs.
How To Get Involved
People can share their feedback by taking a brief online survey available at tfhd.com/true-north. TFHS representatives will also be out and about all spring long at many popular community events, and have scheduled a series of listening tour events at local coffee shops and restaurants. The public is invited to come out, enjoy a free drink or bite to eat, and share their thoughts. To learn more d stay informed on all upcoming local events, visit tfhd.com/true-north.
Primary Stroke Certification
Tahoe Forest Health System is proud to share that both Tahoe Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital have earned Primary Stroke Center certification from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). This recognition reflects the Health System’s ability to rapidly diagnose and treat patients experiencing acute stroke using proven, evidence-based therapies, including the timely administration of thrombolytic “clot-busting” medication when appropriate.
“Stroke is very time sensitive and can occur at any time of the day,” said Brian Evans, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Tahoe Forest Health System. “By using tele-neurology services that are available 24/7, we can save lives and improve the recovery outcome of our patients. Our interdisciplinary stroke team, in conjunction with our local EMS, has developed a robust, lifesaving program that will benefit our rural community.”
By investing in advanced stroke care services and continuous quality improvement, Tahoe Forest Health System remains committed to delivering lifesaving, high-quality care close to home for both the Truckee–Tahoe and North Shore communities.
IVCH Surgery Enhancement Project
Incline Village Community Hospital Foundation received a transformative $7.8 million grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation* to support the IVCH Surgery Enhancement Project, a major investment in expanding access to high-quality surgical care for the North Tahoe community.
The grant—the largest in the Foundation’s history—will fund significant upgrades and expansion of the hospital’s surgical suite. Originally built in the 1980s to serve a smaller patient population, the current surgical space has faced increasing demand over the years. The modernization will improve efficiency, increase capacity, and create a more comfortable, patient-centered environment for both patients and staff.
Key improvements include the construction of a new surgical
procedure room to expand capacity for procedures such as ophthalmology, orthopedics, and gastrointestinal surgery. Additional enhancements include upgraded air-handling systems to meet modern surgical standards, renovated postoperative recovery areas, new flooring and fixtures, and an expanded registration area to improve patient flow and the overall patient experience. These upgrades will allow more procedures to be performed locally, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for specialized care.
*The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, founded in 2016 and based in Incline Village, Nevada, focuses on supporting Veterans with disabilities, companion animal well-being, and organizations with personal connections to its founders. Through this extraordinary gift, the enhanced surgical suite at IVCH will be named in honor of the Foundation, recognizing its commitment to strengthening healthcare in the community.
Special Thanks to Ellen Bjorkman
TFHS would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ellen Bjorkman for more than 30 years of dedicated service to Incline Village Community Hospital and the broader Tahoe Forest Health System. Ellen’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment have helped shape the hospital into the trusted community resource it is today.
“We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact she has made on our patients, staff, and the Incline Village community as she enters a well-earned retirement,” said President & CEO Anna Roth. “As we honor Ellen’s legacy, we are pleased to welcome Natasha Lukasiewich, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, as the new director of operations for Incline Village Community Hospital.”
Lukasiewich recently relocated to Incline Village and brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience and a strong background in rural and community hospital operations.
By: Kayla Anderson
Whether you’re into having tacos for breakfast or an omelette for lunch, brunch covers all the times of the day when you are probably the hungriest. Here are a few Incline Village brunch places that hit the spot for whatever you or your group are feeling:
Sage Leaf
893 Tahoe Blvd. #600 www.sageleaftahoe.com
From serving up braised bacon tacos and egg scrambles to a variety of Eggs Benedict, Sage Leaf uses only the finest, freshest ingredients to make delicious dishes everyone is always talking about. While many of its brunch meals include eggs, it is worth mentioning the Vegan Breakfast Hash, Biscuits & Gravy, and Tahoe Blue French toast that’s to die for.
Happy Tiers Bakery
868 Tahoe Blvd. #21
www.happytiersbakery.com
What started out as a cakemaking venture turned into a full-blown bakery, with Andrea Jurss not only making the best wedding and birthday cakes but, dare I say, the best cinnamon rolls in all of Northern Nevada as well. Happy Tiers also makes frittatas, quiche, paninis, and more, which can be paired with a specialty coffee drink or smoothie. If you’ve got a big party to feed, consider getting the Value Brunch Box or Family Brunch Box— they include a variety of items sure to please everyone.
Tunnel Creek Café
1115 Tunnel Creek Rd.
www.tunnelcreekcafe.com
Serving brunch every day from 9am-3pm, Tunnel Creek Café is perfectly situated for outdoor adventurers looking for a meal and/or a drink to sustain their treks down the East Shore Trail, hiking up to Monkey Rock, or mountain biking along the Flume Trail. I recommend a coffee and a Beesting bagel sandwich, a mocha to fuel your ride/hike, and a craft beer/burger combo for an afternoon wind-down.
Sunshine Deli & Catering
919 Incline Way
sunshinedeli.com
This longtime specialty café and catering company always has a rotating lunch menu with mouthwatering items you can see in its deli case, but it also serves Sunny Day bagel sandwiches, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, omelettes, French toast, and crepes on its everyday brunch menu. Even if you’re stuffed, be sure to grab a housemade sugar apple donut or two on your way out.
Crosby’s Kitchen & Cocktails
868 Tahoe Blvd. #4
crosbyspub.com
With its pup-friendly creekside patio, video poker machines embedded in the bar, and TVs throughout the restaurant fixed on the latest sporting events, it’s just a bonus that Crosby’s serves brunch all day long. Along with staples such as biscuits & gravy, pancakes, and variations of eggs Benedict, Crosby’s has cooked up specialties such as chicken & waffles; a grilled maple-apple pork chop with eggs, potatoes, and toast; and blueberry cakes. Pair your meal with a brunch cocktail like the Van Gogh Double Espresso Martini or the Tahoe Blue Spicy Bloody Mary.
MAESTRO JAMES RAWIE
CELEBRATES 21 YEARS OF MUSIC WITH THE TAHOE PHILHARMONIC
By: Kayla Anderson
On a lovely early spring evening, a group of about 30 classical music lovers gather at a home on Lakeshore Boulevard for a Tahoe Philharmonic Soiree Musicale Friendraiser. A shiny grand piano sits in the center room, with longtime pianist Tim Fuller at the keys. Kevin Matheson from Virginia skillfully plays the violin, strumming along to perform the lovely and lyrical sonatas.
“This is our clubhouse,” says Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus Artistic Director/Conductor James Rawie. The home’s owner is the lead flutist with Tahoe Philharmonic and helps with a lot of the orchestra’s fundraising efforts.
The Tahoe Philharmonic has been around for two years, which was the brainchild of Rawie after he left TOCATTA (which he founded 19 years ago). The Tahoe Philharmonic hosts eight concert series per year with four concerts in each series, a few soiree musicale house parties, and takes musicians/Tahoe Philharmonic supporters on an international tour to perform in ancient cities. Playing everything from classical symphonies to baroque chamber music, Rawie and the Tahoe Philharmonic musicians have been part of the Reno/Tahoe classical scene for at least 25 years.
“I have all local artists, and we’re here year-round. We’re here for the community,” says Rawie. “People in Incline like classical music, and with the new company, we have 35 donors that are local,” he adds.
Rawie says that growing up, there was always classical music in the house, but he didn’t embrace it until he went to college.
“My mom wanted to give me piano lessons, but I was into sports. I was the youngest Eagle Scout in America at the time,” Rawie says. He earned a degree with a focus in psychobiology from the University of California, Irvine, in 1969, narrowly avoiding being drafted into the Vietnam War.
While at UC Irvine, Rawie also played the trumpet and studied musicology more extensively. He later moved to New York City, earning a master’s degree in musical arts with an emphasis in orchestral conducting from Stony Brook University in 1979.
“It was a very exciting time to be there. Things were more affordable—I visited the Lincoln Center for just three dollars— and was learning from high-end performers,” Rawie says.
After three years in the Big Apple, a job came up in Puerto Rico, and he moved there to run a college student orchestra.
“They gave me a chorus, and I had great mentors. It was an idyllic job; I was scuba diving all the time and had a house on the ocean with a boat tied up to it. I swam a lot, trained to be an XTERRA athlete,” he recalls.
Having grown up in Big Bear, California, after twentysomething years, Rawie found his way back to the West Coast. Having heard about how good the skiing was in Tahoe, he came to Incline Village and bought a home here in 2006. Word got around that he was an established orchestra conductor, and he soon found a niche of classical music lovers all over Lake Tahoe.
“People asked me to do the Messiah [written by German composer George Frideric Handel], and musicians came from all over to perform it. No one was doing this kind of symphonic work. People were coming from South Lake Tahoe, Minden, and Reno to see the performances… everyone was doing all this driving, and Incline was a good center to easily take concerts to surrounding towns,” he says.
With Tahoe Philharmonic, Rawie continues to make concerts accessible, affordable, and memorable.
“There’s not much money in this, but enough for Class A soloists to have a Tahoe vacation,” Rawie adds. At that early spring Tahoe Philharmonic Soiree Musicale Friendraiser, a celloist staying at a donor’s house in Zephyr Cove talked about how amazing it was to be able to practice while staring out onto Lake Tahoe. That evening’s star musician, Kevin Matheson, even said during an intermission that he came to Tahoe last January and absolutely loves it, having returned several times since.
It was clear during the recital that having this quality of classical music in Incline Village is truly a privilege, and James Rawie is the key to keeping it going. Matheson then ended the night with a composition he wrote himself called “Liquid Blue,” which pays homage to Lake Tahoe, leaving the audience inspired and with smiles on their faces.
For Tahoe Philharmonic’s schedule of upcoming events or to support, visit https://www.tahoe-philharmonic.com/.
THE HEART OF A COMMUNITY: POLLY AND JOE WOLFE’S LEGACY OF GIVING
By: Kristie Wells
Polly and Joe Wolfe don’t think of themselves as community leaders. They will quickly tell you they don’t volunteer for recognition. Spend a few minutes with them, however, and it becomes clear why people trust them, why organizations thrive with their involvement, and why Incline Village and Crystal Bay are stronger because they have invested their time and resources here.
The Wolfes have lived in the community full-time for 22 years. What keeps them here, they say, is the people. “We’ve met the nicest people we’ve ever known in this community,” they shared. “It’s friendly. We’ve been accepted.”
That connection didn’t happen by chance. When they arrived, they knew almost no one. In their 50s, with their children grown, they did what many hope to do someday: they joined organizations, volunteered, and became involved. As Joe puts it, retirement leaves “a lot of daylight left,” and they chose to use that time to give back.
For Polly, that commitment began with Tahoe Family Solutions (TFS), then known as the Children’s Cabinet. A former teacher and reading specialist, she volunteered with Homework Club, helping elementary students, many learning English as a second language, build confidence after school.
Years later, the impact became clear. Students who once struggled to read English are now graduating high school, enrolling in local colleges, and earning full scholarships as they pursue careers in fields like nursing and education. Polly says moments like these reinforce a simple truth: showing up consistently matters.
the Nevada National Guard has seen average annual suicides drop from seven per year to zero over the past three years.
Over time, the Wolfes’ involvement with TFS expanded beyond tutoring to youth programs, mental health services, and direct family support. From helping eliminate school lunch debt to supporting resource pantries stocked with basic necessities, their focus has remained practical and local, helping families remain stable and children succeed.
Joe’s service followed a complementary path rooted in civic leadership. During his time on the IVGID Board of Trustees, he focused on solutions and fiscal responsibility, helping guide significant reductions in district debt while addressing complex infrastructure challenges. He serves on the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival board, where he believes arts and culture strengthen community connection and expand opportunity for local youth.
Joe also serves on the board of PTSD Now, an organization providing confidential mental health care for service members. The program removes barriers that often prevent military personnel from seeking help. The results have been profound:
When asked how they choose where to give their time and philanthropy, the Wolfes offer a simple answer. They support people they trust and programs that create measurable local impact. Time matters as much as financial support because personal involvement makes giving meaningful.
What makes Polly and Joe Wolfe inspiring is not perfection, but consistency. They serve, donate, advocate, and continue showing up even when civic work becomes challenging. Their philosophy is simple: if you see a problem, help solve it.
Their impact can be seen in students finding confidence, families gaining stability, expanded access to mental health care, and cultural programs that enrich the region. Leadership, they show, does not require a title. It simply requires caring enough to act.
Incline Village and Crystal Bay are stronger, safer, and more connected because Polly and Joe Wolfe chose to do exactly that.
