SITS News June 25, 2026

Tonight was a special occasion! It was the club’s 50th installation of Board Members and the beginning of our 2026-2027 year!

We gathered at the beautiful home of Wendy David to celebrate this extra special occasion. It’s our opportunity to formally thank the outgoing Board and welcome in the new. It’s also a time that we play. Thanks to the Installation Committee, we had a magical time. Special thanks go out to Kim Valverde, Shelly Martinez, Wendy David, and Cookie Rork for all of their hard work.

Joining us tonight were specials guests Governor Stacey Jensen, Irene Radford, Pat Olivera, George Freund and the two grandkids! Thank you for joining in on our fun.

Themed for the Harry Potter series, there were wizards and muggles alike. Several participants were in costume and our bar maid, Shelly Martinez, greeted guests with a Hogworts favorite, delicious ButterBeer!

We had a busy night ahead and it was Minerva McGonagale (President Elect, Kim Valverde), who led the way for our evening. Kim’s impersonation was spot on and she didn’t break out of character once! Would love to here her use that accent and inflections as an air traffic controller! (She’s a retired ATC)

Our Sorting Hat (yes it was real!) had its magic working overtime as the selections for the 2026-2027 Board were made. Thank you Josh Valverde for your spectacular performance!

We are so grateful to the ladies who are stepping up this year to join President Lois Downy lead our club.

President Elect, Kim Valverde

Recording Secretary, Julie Cary

Corresponding Secretary/ Sunshine, Nancy Muller

Treasurer 1 Year, Andrea Solis

Treasurer 2 Year, Jean Bergner

Director 1 Year, Elizabeth Stork

Director 2 Year, Lisa Huard

Delegate 1 Year, Lydia Rogers

Delegate 2 Year, Shelly Martinez

Past President with a big SMILE, Paula Peterson

Parliamentarian, Wendy David

And thank you to Mr. John Valverde, our in house photographer and to Raven, Kim’s future daughter-in-law, who always pitches in for our events.

Congratulations to all! This group never stops! Committees will be forming shortly as well as new goals for our amazing community. If you’ve ever considered getting involved with a group of hard working, fun, women, consider us! Check out our guest speaker schedule at www.sitahoesierra.org

COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS

We’re a busy group!

Technology Committee

• It’s never too late to gain more skills! The Tech team is 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]

Education Committee

• The Summer Reading Program will be another huge success thanks to the Education Committee and the SITS members who joined Cookie at STMS following today’s meeting. They worked hard on organizing the thousands of books that will be distributed to all kids K – 8 in our school districts prior to the end of school. Thank you ladies.

2026-2027 Club Dues are DUE!

Annual SITS Member Dues: Invoices have been sent out. Payment is due now and late after June 30. Please check your email for link to pay electronically. If you didn’t receive yours by email, please contact Lois or Andie asap.

SITS Member General Reminders

Quarterly Member Dues for July – Sept. and Happy Dollars: These funds are how we pay for our overhead expenses, so they are very important. Thanks to our Tech team and Treasurers, we continue to evolve into the most efficient payment and accounting methods. Use THIS LINK or QR Code to PAY YOUR WEEKLY, QUARTERLY, or YEARLY DUES AND HAPPY DOLLARS! *Be sure to use the drop down menu on the service charge and click “Other”, then type in “0”. You will not pay a service fee in doing this.

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 CONFERENCES!

• 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!

Rotary Mobility Program

Rotary of South Lake Tahoe is asking the community to help expand its Rotary Mobility Program. The club is seeking donations of wheelchairs, knee scooters, canes, walkers with seats, and shower chairs.. Donations of gently used mobility and medical equipment are appreciated. Rotary Mobility is a free community program. Community members interested in donating equipment or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact David Kurtzman at 530-545-3283.

Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids is working with the schools to promote bike safety and also to come up with new rules for school cell phone use. They are also constantly involved in actively working to reduce drug and alcohol use among our kids.

Community Safety Tidbit: South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is linked into a program purchased by El Dorado County. It’s the SMART911 program. Go https://ready.edso.org and create an account. Emergency services can gain important information on your home and who is in it as they are responding. You can provide as much or as little information as you want. Things like an elderly parent, pets, family members, Oxygen tanks in the home, etc., help first responders help you. Please take the time to check it out and SHARE.

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!