SITS News August 20, 2026

Today’s meeting was opened by President Lois.

Lydia’s invocation today focused on the changing of the seasons and hating to say good-bye to summer. But, autumn is a time to unlock your potential – miracles will emerge in the canopy of colors.

Guests today were Karen and Donna – hope to see you again soon!

Sunshine goes out to our Maria. She should return to club next week. JoAnne Tillson is having knee surgery today – here’s to a quick recovery. Thoughts with Lois’ coworker Mark.

Congratulations to Jeanne P as she moves closer to being on the Board of Bread & Broth! Our dedicated members are all over the place.

Today’s meeting was presented by one of our own, Theresa Papandrea!

This busy mom works to improve our families and communities through two influential organizations she leads: TASK (Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids) and The Drug Store Project.

Theresa came to South Lake Tahoe after working in Colorado and becoming the regional director of SOS Outreach. She started with SOS when in one location, now they are national.

TASK was created after the Drug Free Communities Grant received by Tahoe Youth and Family Services ended. A few people who were part of that group worked together to become their own 501(c)3 to continue the mission of preventing and reducing youth substance use and related harm. Keeping kids safe through many different efforts with community partners.

Our Soroptimist Club has helped with their support of Soul Shoppe, which teaches kids resiliency skills.

Drug Store Project now operates under TASK. For more information, visit https://tahoesafekids.org/

TASK meets quarterly, has a table at many events to share tools to help families, has a monthly newsletter, and Theresa goes to all 4th and 5th grade classes to teach refusal skills and about the harms of vaping. They do outreach in the schools, partner on Drug Take Back Day, and much more!

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.

Committee formations are happening NOW! We are asking that all members, even those unable to make the morning meetings, signup for one General and one Service Committee. Much work can be accomplished on your schedule! SIGNUP HERE!

SITS will be the focus of a fundraiser in October so mark your calendars for Friday, October 16th: dinner at Cascade Kitchens. More info. to follow.

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.

COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS

We’re a busy group!

Education-SITS Led Committee

• Backpack Attack. Orders are arriving daily. The team will have an organizing meeting soon. Backpacks, filled with identified needed school supplies will be distributed within the community. Backpacks are distributed to Mt. Tallac High School, SLT Family Resource Center, CASA, Catalyst Community, and the Tahoe Homeless Student Coordinator. Questions can be directed to Laurie Brazil.

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]

NON-SITS Events

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 are a few to get you started!

The cast for Tahoe Art Project’s 13th annual Dancing With The Tahoe Stars was revealed during Thursday’s Music on the Beach Fundraiser. Our very own Chelcee Thomas will be the Tahoe Star with partner Jessica Wackenhut (both South Tahoe High grads!) Tickets go on sale Sept. 3 and can be purchased at https://www.tahoeartsproject.org/dwtts.

The always anticipated UC Master Gardener Plant Clinic & Sale is on Aug. 29, 2026. Details here!

Registration is required.

Tahoe Youth & Family Services are looking for our talented community members! A fantastic show is on September 26 at Harrah’s and you could be in the show or in the audience! See all of the details here and join in on the fun and fundraiser!

Support and Volunteer Opportunities for our Community!

The Tahoe Women’s Community Fund is a collective giving organization created in 2015. Through a simple grant making process, the annual proceeds from membership provide financial support to nonprofits that address pressing issues facing the communities of Lake Tahoe. Read more about this organization here and consider joining! Huge impacts are being made and there are no meetings!

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.

Todays pressing need is: men’s clothing, especially things that are business casual for folks to wear to work or to interviews. Also all sizes of socks and underwear.

They can be dropped off M-F 9a-4p at the Red Lodge 1137 Emerald Bay Rd.

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!