Published September 25, 2025

President Paula opened our meeting today on this beautiful fall morning.

Guests: We welcomed two fellow Soroptimist Sisters from other clubs! Shari Arribere from SI Loomis and Heidi Proske from SISLT! Thank you ladies for joining us on thie amazing morning.

Sunshine

Our “Sunshine” is something we do each week to those who need more support and a bit of a pick-me-up. We continue to send our thoughts and love to all.

Sunshine continues to be broadcasted for our warrior Wendy.

It’s with great sadness that we report on the passing of our Julie Nelson, a vital member of our club for many years. Julie moved to the east coast to be closer to family. She initially moved in with her sister and she even got herself a puppy. Julie was one of the most creative ladies and she was known for always dressed to a T and making things look beautiful. If you’d like to send a card to the family: Pat Arvidson (her sister), 120 Hollinwell, Ford’s Colony, Williamsburg VA 23188.

Keep Dave Wakeman, a long time resident and legend since 1947, in your thoughts. He isn’t well of late and his knowledge of our community is a treasure.

Good thoughts go out to a friend of Laurie F’s, “Deb”, whose brother just passed.

Today’s program!

“Is there a Doctor in the House? Well YES! In fact, we had two!

Today’s speakers are known to most of us at SITS. RETIRED doctors Greg Bergner and Paul Rork. What a pleasure it was to have both of them join us to answer questions that inquiring minds wanted to know! This legendary duo, along with Dr. Martin, served our community for over 35 years and they haven’t changed a bit! These Family Physicians have been a part of the many changing facets of the medical field and even though they are retired, they keep up on medical information and practices and are simply awed by the changes in the field of medicine.

The evolving healthcare landscape we are witnessing today presents both challenges and opportunities for individuals and communities alike. The familiar model of having a single physician who guides us through our healthcare journey from birth to end of life is becoming increasingly rare. Instead, we find ourselves starting with primary care providers who then refer us to specialists tailored to our specific needs. While this shift may seem daunting, it underscores the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, reminding us that we are not alone in our journeys. By fostering connections and advocating for accessible healthcare, we can work together to ensure that everyone in our communities receives the care they deserve. Let us embrace this change with optimism and a commitment to support one another, knowing that through shared experiences and collective action, we can create a more inclusive and empowering healthcare environment for all.

We began by asking the doctors what they saw as positives and negatives in the medical field today. Positive changes include the use of technology with medicine. Doctors in various practices have more information shared about a patient, leading to a more complete treatment. Cancer diagnosis and treatments are more advanced and AI has the potential to improve diagnostics all around.

It’s no secret that our healthcare landscape is facing some daunting challenges, particularly with the recent dismantling of the CDC, which has long served as a guiding light for medical practitioners. The defunding of the NIH raises significant concerns, especially as it jeopardizes crucial research funding across various fields, including cancer, which impacts countless lives. Additionally, the spread of misinformation from the Federal Government regarding medicines and vaccines is particularly alarming, especially when we know that science-based information can save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Now, more than ever, it’s essential for us to come together as a community, advocating for transparency and truth in medical communications. Let’s harness our collective voices to demand reliable information and support research initiatives, ensuring that women and girls have access to the essential resources they deserve. Together, we can foster a healthier future for all!

Both doctors stress that it is important to work with your primary care doctor in all aspects regarding your health. It’s up to each and everyone of us to educate ourselves and to advocate for ourselves.

We had a chance to pose some questions for our “Is there a doctor in the house?” morning.

• Why as we age do hand tremors occur? Tremors can be a symptom of other things but for a large majority of the population, they are benign familial tremors. It’s research that can perhaps put an end to this for many of us as time goes on.
• What types of tests should we have annually at the age of 60 and older? It’s important to have regular panels of your blood evaluated. Chemistry panels, lipid, PSA, etc. can be the first indicator of possible concerns. Regular screenings including mammography, colonoscopy, and bone density tests are also important.

The Doctors do not recommend whole body CT scans, Genetic testing, or tests such as CA125 unless directed by your primary care physician. These types of tests can lead you down a rabbit hole and can, for the most of us, cause more harm than good. They also expose us to things we want to avoid like radiation. Your family history is an important piece to your health puzzle so find out as much as you can and provide that information to your family members.

When it comes to Genetic testing, Dr. Bergner said it best, “Genes are NOT your destiny.” We can all do things in our daily lives which influence our genes. Our diet and how we treat our bodies have the most influence on our health. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine offers a vast array of information that focus on the 6 Pillars of Health. Resources such as the Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins offer diet and exercise guidance. Books and websites such as Forks over Knives are extremely useful. There are dieticians through Barton, so begin by visiting your Primary Physician for a referral. We also have June Denney in our community! She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and teaches at LTCC.

• What is your opinion of vaccines? Both Doctors couldn’t speak enough to the benefits of vaccines. They are safe and effective and have saved countless lives and tens of millions of dollars since first developed. MRNA, COVID, FLU, Tetanus and more. Many of our vaccines are annual as the disease itself mutates. Work with your primary physician as you make your decisions.

Frankly, we could have gone on for hours! Thank you so much to both Dr. Bergner and Dr. Rork for taking their time today. We appreciate the continued support to our community that you both offer.

RECAP of our Sierra Nevada Region District 5 Fall Meeting

Soroptimist International Sierra Nevada Region represents over 1400 members in 54 clubs located from Sacramento to Yreka in California and all of the state of Nevada. In addition to providing women and girls with access to an education, these clubs and our members also participate in the global organization-wide programs.

This year’s Fall meeting was a fabulous effort by both SI South Lake Tahoe and SI Tahoe Sierra. We had 50 ladies in attendance and our theme “Fall into Service”. It was a fabulous start on Friday evening as we gathered at Idle Hour to enjoy each other’s company, yummy treats, and libations at the shore of Lake Tahoe. Our meeting on Saturday took place overlooking the lake and beautiful sunshine. Susan Horst, our SNR District 5 Director and other fabulous dignitaries, led the day full of inspiration, practical considerations, and Federation information.

The guest speaker for the day was none other than our club’s Ruby Award Winner, Andrea Drew, of CoSpire. She is absolutely amazing and her talk reminded us that all impactful things occur when one has a clear purpose. Andrea is the founder of CoSpire, an initiative that provides women with exceptional professional development opportunities, where they empower not just careers, but personal growth and well-being. This holistic approach enables women to make strategic life choices and turn those choices into meaningful action—driving both personal and professional transformation.

Thank you so much Andrea for sharing your super power of connecting people with us.

Thank you to Governor Stacey Jensen and her entire team, and to Presidents Paula Peterson and Aletha Nelligan for their hard work and leadership. And thank you to all of the ladies who worked so hard on this event. You brought all of the clubs together for very important work. Your time, organization, and efforts made a difference for all of us so we could then make a difference for others.

Committee Reports:

• HWHW (Healthy Women/Healthy World) would like to thank part of their team for another successful Bread & Broth evening at Grace Hall. Our amazing trio were Lisa Cali, Lois Downy, and Deborah Noorda. Thank you ladies! Read all about it here!

• HWHW continued….is also 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! Oct. 9, Leaf Peeping Hike at Fallen Leaf Lake! (Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, May 14, and June 11….activites will be announced)
• SOCIAL COMMITTEE fun activities out include: Oct. 5, 3 – 7 PM. Witches Night Out at Valhalla. Tickets here. Nov. 16, 4 PM on is Friendsgiving at Laurie Fleshers. Signups coming soon Max. 30 peeps. Dec 18 following our SITS Holiday Party will be a Cookie Exchange. Jan. 22 at 9 AM, let’s all gather at Elements for breakfast following our meeting. MORE SOCIAL to follow!
• Technology Committee is thrilled that many of our members will attend the next Tech Cafe! Yeah ladies!

SITS Member Quick Reminders

Quarterly Member Dues and Happy Dollars: These funds are how we pay for our overhead expenses so they are very important. Dues is 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 for this new year of our fabulous club here!

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.

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!

Free Performance, Sept. 26. For more information click HERE.

Other TAP performances include: Push Physical Theater-Jan 26-30, 2026, Katie Jane Band-March 2 – 6, 2026, Living Voices-March 23-27, 2026. And don’t forget Dancing with the Tahoe Stars on October 11, 2025. Get your tickets here!

Join CASA for their 2nd annual Family Fun Day, happening on Saturday, September 27, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Hangar Lake Tahoe, 2401 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Read details here.

Tahoe Learning Haven OCTOBER FORUM

Winter Student Job Fair

WED., Oct. 8,2025  6 pm – 8:30 pm @ Boys & Girls Club of SLT (1100 Lyons Ave)_

 This year, we are hosting a WINTER student job fair for students looking for a job during the school year. We will host a resume building workshop, interview practice and a job fair for students (15-18 years old) who are looking for WINTER jobs here in on the South Shore. Businesses and employers from South Lake Tahoe will be on site to pass out applications, accept resumes, and even conduct interviews!  Sign up here.

LTCC Art Exhibition featuring Ian Ruhter. Open reception Oct.9 from 5 – 9 PM with his work being shown to Dec. 11, 2025. Read more about “The Lake” here.

Estate Planning and Philanthropy! This complimentary informational workshop on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6 PM, is designed specifically to discuss how you can help minimize your estate taxes while maximizing the assets you pass to your heirs. Topics covered include: What is Estate Planning and Who Needs it, Estate Taxation, Trust Planning, and our favorite, Charitable Giving Strategies. This is an ONLINE presentation and the details are here!

To register for the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless FACES event, click here.

Nov. 9, 2025

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.

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.

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 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!