President Lisa opened our meeting on this beautiful morning.

Lydia's invocation opened with a quote from Martin Luther King, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." Today hope collided with reality as Wendy shared some good news, after months of challenges and disappointments. All our thoughts, prayers and tears were met with good news! UCSF finally was able to classify her tumor type and it is THE MOST responsive to chemotherapy. Not only that, but after chemo there is a maintenance medication that will add significant years to her life.

Sunshine continues in full force for our Warrior Wendy. She loves emails and text messages as she cherishes the love, and they are a comfort which brings her strength. Keep us posted girl!

Today's speaker was Kim George! Battalion Chief Fire Marshal and we caught her right as she is retiring!

She has had an amazing 24 year career in Tahoe and her talents have brought so much to our community. Aside from being a paramedic, nurse, fire fighter, and more, she is also the main force behind our Fire Wise Communities we have here in Lake Tahoe. Thank you so much for everything Kim.

Kim started her presentation with an explanation and demo of Hand Only CPR. This is a newer, simpler method that lay people like you and me can use to save a life without breathing into a stranger's mouth. It involves placing the heel of one hand just above the end of the rib cage and compressing continuously until help arrives. These compressions build up the blood pressure in the body and help oxygen circulate. Here is a YouTube of the process: https://youtu.be/6eRwgM2Pa4o

An even better solution to help a person having a cardiac arrest is to use an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). These devices are installed in almost every public building. Just look around and you will see them. As soon as you open the box, the device gives you instructions on how to use it and walks you through all the steps to create an electric shock that will hopefully restart a victim's heart. Here is a video of how to use and AED: https://youtu.be/BAWGjNAj_vA

There is a Good Samaritan law that protects people who try to help a victim, no matter the outcome. If you are trying to help, you are not liable.

Kim also discussed the Heimlich Maneuver to help a choking victim. Here is the correct way to do the maneuver: https://youtu.be/2dn13zneEjo?feature=shared If you are alone when choking, try bending over a chair or a counter to put pressure on your abdomen and dislodge the object.

Kim also talked about Narcan which comes in a nasal spray and can save a person's life who has overdosed on opioids. It will not harm someone who does not have opioids in their system. Pharmacies will give Narcan for free. Theresa also has Narcan from TASK for anyone who wants some.

And lastly we talked about tourniquets. Kim passed around the velcro tourniquets that the fire department uses, but said something is better than nothing. If a person is spirting blood from and accident, or there is a pool of blood around their body, you should apply a tourniquet. Do NOT release the tourniquet until the person has been transferred to a medical facility. Another great tool for bleeding is Quick Clot which comes in a gauze that can be stuffed into a wound to stop the bleeding. It contains a mineral that activates the blood's clotting mechanism. This is another easy item to carry in your purse or backpack for unexpected emergencies.

We want to thanks Kim, not only for this morning's important information, but for her lifetime of service to the community and inspiration to girls and young women. Just ask her Fire Department Engineer--"She's the Boss!"

Member Quick reminders:

Mt. Tallac Prom:  TONIGHT, Thursday, May 29, 2025

Mt. Tallac has requested our support to make goodies for their Prom Dessert Bar: cookies, bars, cake, bundt cake, pie…any yummy dessert you would like to make!  You can drop what you have made off the morning of the prom (5/29/25) at Mt. Tallac HS (1100 Lyons Ave) between 8:00 - 12:00. OR at Valhalla between 3:30 - 5:00. ALSO, if you would like to make them ahead of time, I (Karen Houser) have room in my stand-up freezer, so just give me a call & I can arrange to get them from you. Text or call me at 530-318-8756.

Quarterly Member Dues continue to be accepted at this time. These funds are how we pay for our overhead expenses so they are very important. In addition, 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! Make your payment 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.

Distribution of auction items will happen this weekend. Lisa H will send out a list for you to sign up for delivery of items. Then you can pick up those items from Jeanne at Coldwell Banker on Saturday from 1-2 or Monday through Friday next week from 10-4. Ask for Gia if Jeanne is not there.

Our Spring Fundraisers!

LAST CHANCE!

It's how we get so much done in our community and around the world.

Our Online Auction is OPEN and closes on Friday, May 30, 2024 at 8:00 PM. You can register to bid and have fun at www.SITS2025.org

Vacation Raffle Tickets on sale NOW through May 29th or until they are sold out! Tickets are $50 each and only 200 per property will be sold. You can purchase tickets for a week stay in a Maui condo, or a week stay in a timeshare anywhere in the world. For detailed Information on the properties and how to order your tickets go here. OR just email us at raffle@sitahoesierra.org to get the ball rolling! OR see a member to purchase yours in person. So many options so spread the word! WINNERS are drawn and announced May 30th.

Club Events

Specifically SITS 

Members, mark your calendars for our upcoming Fundraising events: Signups will be happening shortly. Kudos to Jean B and Laurie F for getting the signup.com prepared.

• This afternoon will will be serving cookies and lemonade to our Senior Project Participants. If you can help, set up will start at 1:30 in the high school commons area. Service will run until about 4:00 pm .
• Online Auction, NOW - May 30, 2025, 8 PM
• Vacation Raffle Ticket Sales, NOW - May 29 or until sold out. Winners posted on www.SITS2025.org in the morning!
• Auction Distribution Help begins May 31. More to follow! Please notify Jeanne P of your participation asap.
• Sierra Nevada Region Conference is June 6-8
• Installation, June 19th. Venue TBD
• Celebrity Tournament, July 9-13, 2025

We are a hands on club, and we need all hands on these important projects to raise funds for our community.

Fall conference with SSLT will be held at Lakeland Village on Sept. 20th.

Jeanne Prestella and Vanna Bells presented our SITS scholarship to   Aliana McLey at the Whittell High School Awards program, along with SISLT member Jane Moore.

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!

TONIGHT local wildlife expert Toogee Sielsch will present a public workshop on safe and effective ways to live with coyotes. The presentation will take place at the South Tahoe High School theater from 6-8pm. For more information see South Tahoe Now.

Lake Tahoe Historical Society presents Western Days on Saturday, May 31st! This is a family friendly event from 10 AM-4PM. You can have tours of the museum, enjoy food and libations, listen to amazing music, witness western entertainment, and experience hands on activities! Plan now to attend!

76th Run of the Highway 50 Wagon Train will be in Tahoe on June 1st. You don't want to miss this. Look here for a great video presentation on this unique event and share it everywhere!

Proscenium Players, Inc - Carson City's Oldest Theater Company presents Avenue Q on May 30th and 31st, June 1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, Sundays at 2pm.

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

Fundraiser for Live Violence Free. For more information and for tickets, click here.

The Optimist Club of South Lake Tahoe is kicking off the summer events with a meet and greet on June 3rd. Please see the flyer below and send it to your friends and people interested in getting involved with our community. 

Cospire upcoming speaker, Lilah Jones, June 5, 2025! ticket sales open the week of April 21, 2025—you won’t want to miss out!

We can’t wait to see you at Valhalla Tahoe for an inspiring day of learning, growth, and connection.

Our friends at Optimist have activities to calendar! Details are on their website at https://southlaketahoeoptimist.com/

Sawmill Pond Fishing Derby June 7th, and the

Day In Paradise is July 19th 

Between Horses and Humans Fundraiser

The Mane Event

Saturday, June 7th from 2 - 5 pm.

3079 Harrison Ave South Lake Tahoe CA

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

Blood donations are needed and four are scheduled in our community. Please see details here and make your appointment today!

Zephyr Cove Library's latest programs for adults

They offer so much, check out their website to see all the wonderful opportunities they have to offer.

www.library.douglascountynv.gov

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.

Important Updated information for your family from TASK (Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids)

TASK's mission is to prevent and reduce youth substance use and related harm - Keeping kids safe in collaboration with our community partners. TASK's mission is to prevent and reduce youth substance use and related harm - Keeping kids safe in collaboration with our community partners. On Jun 5 from 4-5pm TASK will host Dr. MCNamara who is speaking about co-existing disorders. For more information about TASK click here.

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 Learning Haven - Click here for all their information and a link to each month's newsletter.

TAHOE LEARNING HAVEN: Are you aware of the FREE monthly educational forums that Kathy Haven has set up for students, parents, and all interested community members? These are great! Most TLH forums are the second Wednesday of the month from 6:45pm-9pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe! Go here or tahoelearninghaven@gmail.com. Mark your calendar now

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!