By Peter Shelton, Watch Newspapers

It works every time. The season’s new ski movie comes to town in November just as snow is starting to fly, and all those dreams and memories built up over the summer come rushing out like a wind between the theater seats and the screen.

It happened last weekend in Telluride with the screening of Matchstick Production’s 2010 offering “The Way I See It”, starring, along with a host of new-school luminaries, 19-year-old local product Gus Kenworthy.

What Kenworthy did, with Bobby Brown and Colby West and others, on a huge jump in Alaska, requires a special language to describe, a language in which I am not fluent. They were flipping and twisting, grabbing tips and tails and spinning like out-of-control satellites off what Kenworthy called a “120-foot semi-stepdown.” The village of Alyeska and the pink, sunset waters of Cook Inlet looked to be straight down below them, as they were filmed, sometimes in super slo-mo, from a helicopter flying alongside the birdmen.

This is not skiing that most of us can relate to. But that didn’t stop a little voice to my right from shouting again and again, “I’m going to do that! I’m going to do that!” He was maybe 6.

Most of us aren’t, of course, going to do that. But the job of the ski movie from the beginning has been to summon awe – of genius athletes in fantasy locales – awe that transports an audience to a place of visceral identification. John Jay did it in the 1940s, when his shots of the world’s best skiers ripping down the glaciers of Mount Rainier inspired upwards of 5,000 American boys and men to join the 10th Mountain Division. Warren Miller continued the tradition in peacetime with his unique brand of ski-bum, chairlift humor. In the 1970s Dick Barrymore made day-glo, psychedelic ski-movie art.

Now Matchstick and their ilk are selling the same vicarious magic, and it might be argued that the boys from Crested Butte do it better than anyone of their generation. They’ve won two Emmys for cinematography and Powder magazine’s “Movie of the Year” award six times out of 10.

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‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’

Rated PG-13

4 bagels out of 5

By Howie Nave

It dawned on me a few days ago that an entire generation has grown up experiencing the Harry Potter series on the big screen. For those who started reading the books first it must have been an eager anticipation waiting to see if their imagination from the popular books would mirror (hopefully) the imagery captured from one’s mind.

What’s also amazing is that the filmmakers were able to keep Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) together to make this a truly amazing franchise ride. To think we’ve seen them literally grow up before our eyes in the theater makes it that much harder to say goodbye. Of course all of them are now very well off and probably don’t have to ever do another movie again. Yet, I will say this though — the filmmakers and all involved have truly saved the best for last.

Part 1 of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” brings the seventh and final book in the J.K. Rowling series to an end. (Part 2 will open July 15, so we’ll still have something to look forward to). It opened in theaters at midnight.

I was taken aback at how much the cast had aged into young adults and also how dark this movie was. In fact, the Minister of Magic proclaims that, “These are dark times. There’s no denying it.” Boy is he correct.

Daniel Radcliffe's Harry Potter gets ready to cast a spell on theater-goers.

And the friendship between our three principle wizards will be tested. Harry has been marked for death and the stress on them shows. Unlike past Potter movies there isn’t any time for clowning around or participating in Quidditch matches, oh no. It’s one thing when a fellow student attacks you because generally you’re both at the same experience level in wizardry, but when an adult wizard makes you a target, it’s more than a little unnerving.

Lord Voldemort is a sinister adversary and has more experience as a wizard, plus some powerful allies. He’s after the Elder Wand which is one of three Deathly Hallows that allow the bearer to conquer death. So the stakes are high this time out and he certainly has no problem eliminating Potter and his friends. For those who are loyal book readers you already know the battle and its outcome between Potter and Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), but for those of us who haven’t read the final chapter, but have only experienced the franchise on-screen it gets intense. Really intense.

I can’t even tell you how many times when I see a dark formation of clouds I’m wondering if Voldemort’s Death Eaters have been sent my way. The cast (as always) is solid with stand-out performances that include Bill Nighy (Scrimgeour), Rhys Ifans (Lovegood), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix) and two of my favs, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape.

Director David Yates will be the final one to close the entire franchise and at first I was somewhat concerned. I mean, I would have thought Chris Columbus would have been brought back to bring everything full circle as he directed the first two, setting the table, so to speak. Now after seeing Yates’ work it makes sense. He directed 2007’s “Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix” and 2009’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” where the franchise had turned much more serious by then. Yates is definitely the one to conclude the final chapter (or in this case, chapters with part 2 being the finale next year).

Yates is brilliant at making you feel uncomfortable and not just because of Harry’s enemies, but the location scenes. Much of the story is not only set in the dark, but the somewhat safe haven of Hogwarts is not nearby, leaving Harry, Ron and Hermione very much out in the open. It’s a strange feeling, trust me. And even though the movie has been given a PG-13 rating, there are plenty of scenes that may be too intense for the younger sect, so parents be forewarned. Fans of book and movies will not be disappointed.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” is rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence, frightening images and brief sensuality with a running time of 145 minutes.

Howie Nave is host/emcee/manager of The Improv at Harveys. You can hear him Monday-Friday 6 to 10am on KRLT FM-93.9.

Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Blue Ribbon Award winners were announced Nov. 18. The awards recognize and honor the achievements and impact of businesses on the South Shore.

Winners for 2010:

Geotourism Award honors a business providing authentic Tahoe experiences with a commitment to the local culture — Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina. Tahoe Rim Trail Association received honorable mention.

The Tourism category acknowledges an innovative program, promotion or product demonstrating a new way of engaging our visitors — Soaring NV earned the award and Lake Tahoe Marathon received honorable mention.

The Experience Award features a business with a unique ambiance and exemplary customer service, resulting in word of mouth and repeat customers — this award went to South Tahoe Crossfit, with Après Wine Company receiving honorable mention.

The Entrepreneur Award, for an owner who created a unique business, service or product, went to Joe Pettit of Sierra Athletic Club. Deb Howard of Deb Howard & Co. received honorable mention.

The Small Green Business Award (under 100 employees), for a business that has made a significant effort to improve and protect our environment by implementing a green service or program — Tahoe Solar Designs, honorable mention went to Winters Electric.

The Large Green Business Award (over 100 employees), for a business that has made significant strides to enhance and protect the environmental sustainability of our community — Marriott Grand Residence & Timber Lodge, honorable mention went to South Tahoe Express/Amador Stage Lines.

The Customer Service Award, for an individual who consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service — Karl Moe of the Tile Outlet. Honorable mention went to Ted Johanson of MontBleu.

The Public Agency Service Award, for an individual who consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service in the not so usual places — Edward Gardner of California DMV, honorable mention to Lydia Zuniga of South Lake Tahoe.

South Tahoe Pop Warner Cheer spaghetti dinner fundraiser is Nov. 19 from 5:30-7:30pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church’s Grace Hall. (1041 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe)

To go orders are available.

Tickets are $10 per person or $35 for four tickets,

Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to St. Theresa’s school.

Funds are being raised to send the girls to the Nov. 26 regional competition at Santa Clara University.

Go to www.southtahoepopwarner.com for more info.

South Tahoe Pop Warner Cheer spaghetti dinner fundraiser is Nov. 19 from 5:30-7:30pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church’s Grace Hall. (1041 Lyons Ave., South Lake Tahoe)

To go orders are available.

Tickets are $10 per person or $35 for four tickets,

Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to St. Theresa’s school.

Funds are being raised to send the girls to the Nov. 26 regional competition at Santa Clara University.

Go to www.southtahoepopwarner.com for more info.

By Kathryn Reed

A South Lake Tahoe male juvenile was arrested on charges of deliberately setting fire to state property.

Quick thinking by neighbors in the area of Washoe Meadow State Park on Oct. 15 ensured the blaze didn’t grow by more than 100-square-feet.

Because of the age of the suspect his name is not being released. However, Terri Mizuhara, spokeswoman for CalFire, said her department believes other youths were involved and more arrests are possible.

Michael Lipkin keeps an eye on the Oct. 15 arson fire in Washoe Meadow State Park. Photo/Lynne Paulson

An accelerant was used, but Mizuhara would not say what because of the ongoing investigation.

The youth was charged with two misdemeanors. His case is now being handled by probation.

“I think the family and the juvenile were very, very lucky this was not a critical fire season. Just a few short years ago we were looking at Angora,” Mizuhara said. “I know the family understands this could have been far worse than it was. It’s lucky people in the area saw smoke and responded appropriately.”

CalFire in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service did a juvenile fire setter assessment with the boy. The idea is to figure out if this is likely a one-time occurrence or a habit.

The mental health department provides any counseling that is deemed necessary.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter storm watch for the Lake Tahoe Basin from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.

The heaviest snow will be Friday night and again late Saturday night. Expect 2-4 feet above 7,000 feet and 1-2 feet closer to lake level.

White caps whip across Fallen Leaf Lake on Nov. 18. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Winds will be 20-30mph, with gusts of 50mp. Ridgetops could see 85mph.

All of this means there will be restrictions on the highways in and out of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Road conditions may be accessed from Lake Tahoe News’ home page.

The high on Friday is slated to be 38 degrees, the low 25; 28 will be the high Saturday and 15 the low; 23 the high Sunday and 11 the low.

To the publisher,

Both private and public sector employers commonly grant Administrative Time annually to their managers, supervisors and professional level employees, who are exempt from overtime pay.

These employees often work more than 40 hours per week and this paid time off is intended to offset additional hours worked, but it does not constitute additional pay [like overtime].

We don’t budget for administrative time in the budget because it is not a monetary item. Employees’ total annual salaries are budgeted which would include any administrative time taken throughout the year. Staff are granted administrative leave on a calendar year basis, and the number of hours are determined by their department head or manager. There is no “cash value” to administrative time.

It is “use it or lose it” at the end of the calendar year, and cannot be carried over or cashed out upon separation from employment. The city of South Lake Tahoe currently has 39 exempt employees who are eligible to receive administrative time annually.

Christine Vuletich, South Lake Tahoe director of finance

By Penny Fairfield

As winter approaches do you find yourself humming the old favorites “Jingle Bells”, “White Christmas”, “Silver Bells, “Sleigh Ride”, and that song about chestnuts roasting on the open fire? You are not alone. We all love these joyful songs.

The more than 50 voices of the combined Tahoe Choir and the Lake Tahoe Community College choir have been singing these familiar songs, too, practicing for their holiday concert in early December. They will perform on Dec. 3 at 7:30pm at the Duke Theater on the Lake Tahoe Community College campus. The second concert is a matinee at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Dec. 5 at 3pm.

Accompanied by the professional Reno quartet, The String Beings, the singers will present the magnificent “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi. This soaring masterpiece is one of his most popular pieces for chorus and orchestra. A short piece by Mozart and a selection by Morten Lauridsen, “O Magnum Mysterium”, open the classical portion of the program.

Following intermission a select ensemble of chorus members will perform a few songs for your enjoyment from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The combined chorus will then sing some favorite seasonal melodies guaranteed to put you in the mood for winter and the holidays ahead.

The Tahoe Choir has presented 39 years of concerts to the community. It is our great pleasure to bring you this lovely seasonal music again in early December in anticipation of the upcoming holidays.

Please join us as we sing “A Song of Joy”. Tickets are being sold by choir members and will be available at the door. General admission is $10, student and senior ticket price is $8, and children under 5 years of age are admitted without charge.

Penny Fairfield is a member of the choir.

Two people were arrested Nov. 17 on burglary and other charges stemming from the rash of incidents in El Dorado County.

Lt. Les Lovell told Lake Tahoe News the suspects who have been in the South Lake Tahoe area for two months are linked to 18 residential burglaries.

Craig Adams

Craig Ivan Adams, 30, and Katy Kelly Manoff, 26, were booked

Katy Manoff

into the El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe after their arrest at a South Lake Tahoe hotel Thursday night.

They have significant criminal histories with prior felony convictions, authorities said.

The investigation began in mid-September. As more burglaries were reported, a pattern emerged that connected the Tahoe burglaries to incidents happening on the West Slope. These burglaries were spread out over a large area and include four in the Meyers area, three in South Lake Tahoe, three in Pollock Pines, three in Cameron Park-Shingle Springs, two in Greenstone Estates, one in Camino, one in Granite Bay, and one in Incline Village.

Outreach to the community, including using the reverse 911 system last week, paid off with tips and information leading to Adams and Manoff.

In the hotel room where the suspects were living, investigators said they found stolen property, loaded firearms, illicit drugs, documentation indicating the whereabouts of pawned property, and cash.