SITS News January 1, 2026

by | Jan 1, 2026 | 2025-2026

Welcome to the January 1, 2026 edition of the Soroptimist of Tahoe Sierra Newsletter!

Enhancing the lives of women and youth in our community and around the world. Rise and Shine with us on Thursday mornings!

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Enhancing the lives of women and youth in our community

and around the world.

Rise and Shine with us on Thursday mornings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible work our club accomplished together. Our mission of ‘Investing in Dreams’ has been the guiding force behind our community service initiatives, empowering women and girls to reach their full potential.

From organizing charity events to supporting local education programs, we’ve made a tangible impact on the lives of those around us. As a member, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and passion of our members, who have worked tirelessly to make our community a better place. And for the support of our community members that never cease to amaze with their generosity.

As we look to the future, I’m excited to see what the new year holds for us. We’ll continue to strive for excellence, to push boundaries, and to create opportunities for growth and development. I invite you to join us in embracing this vision, to dream big, and to work together towards a brighter future for all.

If you have been curious about us and would like to find out more, please visit our website https://sitahoesierra.org or join us any Thursday morning at 7:30 am in the Lisa Maloff Center at Lake Tahoe Community College. You will receive a warm welcome.

Let’s make this year count and continue to inspire and support one another in our pursuit of making a difference. Bring it on!

May 2026 be the best year ever!

A very special THANK YOU to Realtor Kim Valverde as she has pledged to be a 2026 Event Sponsor for our club! Thank you for your many years of partnership! We are so excited to again have your support and partnership to enhance the lives of women and youth in our community and the world!

A very special THANK YOU to Barton Health as they have pledged as a 2026 Event Sponsor for our club! We are so excited to again have your support and partnership to enhance the lives of women and youth in our community and the world! Thank you again!

Learn how you can become a 2026 Club or Event Sponsor here!

COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS

  • Fundraising is key to the funds we provide back into our community through scholarships, books, life essentials, and so much more. Currently we are asking all members to address the donation signup sheet that has been emailed out to sign up as the club contact for that business. If you need any assistance, contact Lisa Huard at [email protected] or ring her up!
  • Donations are already coming in! Go to Sits2026.org to view or donate items.
  • HWHW (Healthy Women/Healthy World) is organizing a Monthly Movement series. Each will take place following our business meetings around 9 am. Join us and bring a friend! Save the dates and let’s move! (Jan. 8, Feb. 12, ( Gentle yoga and a sound bath, cost of approx. $25) Mar. 12, Apr. 9, May 14, and June 11….activities will be announced)
  • SOCIAL Committee! Jan. 22 at 9 AM, let’s all gather at Elements for breakfast following our meeting. MORE SOCIAL to follow!
  • Technology Committee continues to be available to our ladies to learn more about our google account, our mail, and whatever else you need to help you be more efficient. Technology isn’t a fad, so get the amazing assistance that you need! Get a hold of one of the ladies at [email protected]

SITS Member Quick Reminders

Quarterly Member Dues for Jan-March and Happy Dollars: These funds are how we pay for our overhead expenses, so they are very important. Dues are generated by our Treasurers. Happy Dollars can be paid directly online on our website www.sitahoesierra.org on the Donate button. “Note” what the payment is for to help out our team!

SITS Committee Signups~ Go to our signup listing site for this new year of fun committee options here!

NEWS signups are here!

Our Soroptimist apparel line is ready for purchase! Liz Prestella’s Torq’d clothing line for women is our supporter of this endeavor. Members and appreciators of SITS are now able to purchase apparel and items from her website. See what items are offered and to order go here. Thank you to the SITS team and to Torq’d for all of the hard work.

Soroptimist Specific!

SNR conference celebrating 50 years from June 5-7, 2026, in Reno.

Biennial Soroptimist International conference will be held in Incheon, South Korea from July 22-25, 2026.

NON-SITS

Fun and Opportunities in Tahoe

There’s actually so much going on so you’re going to want to check out the EVENTS tab on www.southtahoenow.com, but here’s a few to get you started!

Holiday Fun in Tahoe!

For a complete listing of the many activities all of Tahoe can enjoy, check out the details here. Scroll down the article for New Year’s Eve fun!

This is the 39th Season of Tahoe Arts Project!

TAP performances include:

Push Physical TheaterJan 26-30, 2026,

Katie Jane Band-March 2 – 6, 2026,

Living Voices-“Our Revolution” will be presented in our LTUSD schools March 23-27, 2026, with an evening Community Presentation at LTCC on Wednesday, March 25, 2025, hosted by the Lake Tahoe Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution in collaboration with TAP and LTCC.

The Tahoe Women’s Community Fund is having their membership drive! The Tahoe Women’s Community Fund, a philanthropic leadership organization, is dedicated to building and engaging an inclusive and diverse membership of women interested in strengthening our community through the power of collective giving. Be a part of something big!

Vista Rise Collective (previously Live Violence Free) is always looking for volunteers. There are many opportunities, for both direct and indirect services. Cash donations are always welcome, but every Tuesday they accept non cash donations such as furniture, clothing, etc. For more information about volunteering, donations and/or services provided click here.

PETAL KINDNESS is a non-profit organization that rescues flowers to uplift others and helps divert green waste from landfills. They are in desperate need of vases. Drop them off at 2941 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Leave behind wooden pallet wall.

Petal Kindness rescues these flowers from the landfill and provides them to non-profits, hospitals, senior centers, and community-based organizations to bring comfort, joy, and healing to our local community members. Donations and volunteers are always needed!

Blood donations are desperately needed . Please see details here and make your appointment today!

Looking for up to date resources in our community? Barton Health has a list for all of us and it is actively updated! SHARE this link with others!

ALL YEAR LONG!

LTCC Basic Needs Center is looking for food donations. A variety of foods and basic need items are on the list. Click here for full list and drop off details

If you’d like to donate through our club, please bring your donations to the monthly business meeting and Lisa C. or Andie will make sure they are delivered to the college. Please include an estimate on the value as LTCC needs to keep records of that information.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has a quarterly newsletter to keep us all updated on fire safety info. Their goal is to help people learn about the fuels reduction products they are working on, seasonal fire safety info and other fire dept related news. Click here to sign up for the newsletter

Saint Joseph Community Land Trust has changed their Motel to Home (MTH) program from a loan program to a grant program and we’re hoping this will attract families living in substandard housing, who would like to live in a more permanent and adequate home. Please click here for more details

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless seeks community support in keeping people cared for.

Our South Shore community has been able to sleep better knowing that our homeless population has an indoor option. This winter season marked the 10th anniversary of the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) providing warm beds to the most vulnerable in our community.

The office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12-4 at the Red Lodge, 1137 Emerald Bay Rd.

More details here

Between Horses and Humans continues to grow! If you’re a lover of youth and a lover of horses, this is a program for you! You can keep up on their information by reading their newsletters here! Volunteers and donations are always needed. BHH Update-they are soon relocating to the Amacker Ranch!

Food Assistance Guide for So. Lake Tahoe. If you know of anyone in need, please share this information. Click and print!

Medical Equipment needed – Rotary’s David Kurtzman is heading a new program for our community. Free, used, in home medical equipment, like shower chairs, wheelchairs, walkers etc.
He can be contacted directly, 530-545-3283 to request items or donate.

We are always looking for fun and dedicated women to join our club!

Rise & Shine WITH US!

Visit our website to see all that we do and be a part of something big.

We meet at the beautiful Lisa Maloff University Center on Thursdays,

7:30 – 8:30 AM for information, friends, and fun!

Want to know about our Speakers? Click here to see our full calendar!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. And if you missed a week and want to catch up on our news, see below for this year’s publications.

Welcome to those business leaders and private individuals who back our efforts all year long!

Learn how you too can be a part of something big!

Learn more about becoming a 2026 Club or Event Sponsor here!

Thank you to our 2025 CLUB SPONSORS

Thank you to our 2025 Event Sponsors

Barton Health

South Shore Glass and Door

Palisade Investments

Coldwell Banker Select Real EstateZephyr Cove

Be Prepared!

We’re all guilty of putting off some of the most important things that take care of our family and ourselves.

Where are you at on emergency preparedness and providing that your estate is taken care of should something happen to you?

The only way to complete these tasks is to begin. Start with these links.

EVACUATION MAPS and More Specific to South Lake Tahoe!

Emergency Notifications

Sign up to get notifications.

Lake Tahoe Evacuation Plan

Grab and Go Emergency Bag List

Will or Trust?

Be a grown up and get it done!

More information helpful to you and your family!

AirMedCare Network

Quick Links

Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe

Soroptimist International Sierra Nevada Region

Soroptimist International of the Americas

Did you miss a week’s news?

No problem!

Dec. 11, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

Nov. 27, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 23, 2025

Oct. 15, 2025

Oct. 9, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

Sept. 25, 2025

Sept. 18, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

August 28, 2025

August 21, 2025

August 14, 2025

August 7, 2025

July 31, 2025

July 24, 2025

July 17, 2025

July 10, 2025

July 3, 2025

June 26, 2025

June 19, 2025

Wishing a very happy birthday month to our SITSters!

Maria del Carmen Martinez Jan. 8

Mireya Ortega Jan. 16

Christina Frohlich Jan. 17

Jeanne Prestella Jan. 18

Joann Tillson Jan. 22

Amy Simons Jan. 25

Laurie Brazil Jan. 27

We love to celebrate when our members joined Soroptimist each month.

Karen Houser Jan. 1, 2006

10 years!

Thought for the Day

As the sun rises on this New Year, let it illuminate new paths of hope and opportunity. Embrace the fresh start with courage and kindness, knowing that each day is a chance to write a new chapter in life’s journey.

Consider beginning your Thursday with us!

Meet us at the Lisa Maloff University Center at LTCC.

Join us for inspiration at 7:30 a.m. on Thursdays!

2025-2026 Board of Directors

  • President-Paula Peterson
  • Treasurer-Andrea Solis
  • Treasurer-Lois Downy
  • Recording Secretary-Nancy Muller
  • Corresponding Secretary-Julie Cary
  • Delegate-Lydia Rogers
  • Delegate-Jeanne Prestella
  • Director-Laurie Flesher
  • Director-Vanna Bells
  • Immediate Past President-LIsa Cali
Learn more about our club on our website at www.sitahoesierra.org

Laurel Society Members

  • Norma Poole (in memory)
  • Irene Morris (In memory)
  • Irene Radford (2006)
  • Lucille Holmlund (In memory)
  • Joanne Shope
  • Dilys Evans (in memory)
  • Kathy Southern
  • Teruyo (Terry) Kunibe (in memory)
  • Marilyn Milholland (in memory)
  • Doris Groelz (2011)
  • Wendy David (2012)
  • Pat Papp (2013)
  • Lydia Rogers (2014)
  • Trudy Mills (2015)
  • Cookie Rork (2015)
  • Diane Imbach (2016)
  • Lisa Huard (2017)
  • Nancy Muller (2023)
  • Shelly Martinez (2024)
  • Jeanne Prestella (2024)
  • Paula Peterson (2025)

What is the Laurel Society? Go here to learn about it!

Soroptimist International Of Tahoe Sierra

Post Office Box 18727,

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151

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