SITS News July 31, 2025

Sunshine

• Continues for our Wendy. You are a warrior, and we are all here for you.

• Shelly’s son had surgery on a broken shoulder bone. Get well, Kyle!

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• A Celebration of Life for Giada Lancellotti will be held on August 4th at Valhalla from 4 – 9 PM. Bring your swimsuit for a sunset swim in her honor.

Today’s speaker

There is a new name to one of the oldest nonprofits in the South Lake Tahoe community, and we were delighted to welcome Chelcee Thomas, Executive Director of the Vista Rise Collective, formerly known as Live Violence Free. Chelcee explained in depth the reasoning behind the new name and its logo, but 1st a brief history:

In 1977, a group of volunteers got together to form a rape crisis hotline in a two-room cabin. They became the South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center. As their mission expanded, so did their services and service area. In 2012, they changed their name to Live Violence Free in conjunction with the 35th anniversary, as they continued services to end violence in all relationships.

The nonprofit was always more than a name, it has a movement. And now that movement has a new logo and a name – Vista Rise Collective.

Why the Name Change?

Chelcee explained that the new name reflects who we are now, and where we’re going. Live Violence Free described what we were working against but didn’t always speak to what we’re working toward: healing, hope, and transformation.

Vista points to a clear and hopeful path forward and new perspectives

Rise honors the strength, resilience, and healing of survivors.

Collective is a reminder that this work takes all of us -the community coming together for a shared caused.

The logo is a visual representation of the heart and values of Vista Rise Collective. It reflects the journey of survivors and the collective vision of a violence-free community, rooted in whole person care.

Thank you, Chelcee, for a very informative morning. Vista Rise Collective is always looking for volunteers. There are many opportunities, 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.

SITS Member Quick Reminders

Quarterly Member Dues and Happy Dollars continue to be accepted at this time. These funds are how we pay for our overhead expenses so they are very important. 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 Newsletter wants YOU! Our newsletter is amazing and so is our team! The process is easy to learn and your commitment time is scheduled by you! You can prep ahead of your publication and make it a snap. Our team will be happy to teach you the point-n-click program and we’ll be at your side throughout the year. Sign up for your weeks now!

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.

Members, mark your calendars for these important upcoming events:

• SITS is DARK Thursday, Aug. 7.
• SITS RETREAT for all members will be at the home of Cookie Rork on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 9AM – 1PM. You can sign up here for food: https://signup.com/go/JJNuYdd
• Fall District V meeting, Sept. 20, Lakeland Village, co-sponsored with SISLT

South Lake Tahoe Residents:

Did you receive the emergency alert test?

If you answer is no, then it is time to sign up for emergency alerts in South Lake Tahoe and the rest of El Dorado County. Go to website here.

AND there’s MORE! Here are just a few items to consider and SHARE!

• Kahn Academy is the most spectacular educational tool for anyone at any age in so many subjects and it’s FREE to use. (You can support it and that’s encouraged). This is a resource that reaches the smallest nooks and crannies of our world. YOUR children and grandchildren can benefit from this resource. Go here to their website to learn more and watch a 60 Minutes report here.

• From the National Cancer Institute, here’s a Breast Cancer Risk Calculator. Another tool to consider. SHARE! Here’s a great Today’s Show interview with Olivia Munn and how this tool saved her life

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!

Kenyans in Reno Summer Party!

August 2, 2025 at Mira Loma Park beginning at 1PM.

Family friendly event filled with food, games, and traditions.

It’s that time for our annual Music on the Beach to benefit Tahoe Arts Project.

August 21, 2025 on the beach at Lakeshore Lodge.

Suggested donation of $20 for an amazing night of music and community .

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care could use donations of towels if you have some to take to goodwill, take them here instead. Check out their Facebook page 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!

UC Master Gardener’s Free Event. Click here for more information.

Valhalla kicks off its arts and entertainment season on June 6. Experience a sunset concert or an award winning play at the Boathouse Theater. Click here for information on all the events

Zephyr Cove Library’s latest programs for adults

Check out their website for opportunities offered.

www.library.douglascountynv.gov

Blood donations are needed and four are scheduled in our community. 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 seventh 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!