North Lake Tahoe is geared up for three days of fun over Independence weekend.

North Tahoe Event Center hosts the July Fireworks and Beach Party at Kings Beach State Recreation Area from 4-10pm. The event includes food vendors, free watermelon eating, sand castle building, games, patriotic costume contests, music and live entertainment, glow toys, souvenirs and more.

A garden with beer, wine and mixed drinks is also available.

The sky lights up at 9:30pm.Fireworks can be seen from all parts of the beach, however preferred seating tickets are available for $12. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to preorder here.

Incline Village is hosting the eighth annual Red, White and Tahoe Blue Festival July 3-5. It features live performances by Billy Ray Cyrus and the Reno Philharmonic.

The Children’s Patriotic Chalk Drawing, Ice Cream Eating Contest, and Kids’ Bike Parade are some of the 25 events taking place. For more info, go online.

The fireworks show is at 9:30pm July 4.

The Tahoe City Downtown Association has a full afternoon of family activities leading up to the fireworks show off Commons Beach on July 4. For more information, go online.

By Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times

Books are like medicine, and pediatricians should prescribe their daily use to build up the brains of their youngest patients, according to a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Parents should read aloud to their infants every day and continue to do so at least until their children enter kindergarten, the academy’s Council on Early Childhood advised on Tuesday. Pediatricians should emphasize the importance of daily reading during routine health checkups and dispense books to their patients, especially those from low-income families, the experts said.

Asking pediatricians to act a little more like librarians may sound strange, but many studies have documented that literacy has lifelong benefits for health. For instance, adults who have trouble with reading are less likely to get preventive healthcare, are not as good at managing chronic diseases, are more likely to wind up in the hospital and are more likely to die prematurely, the policy statement noted.

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By Dionne Searcey, New York Times

Tracy Murphy was managing a nonprofit agency five years ago when her mother became seriously ill with heart problems. She promptly left her job to care for her, a task that has consumed Murphy ever since.

“For me, it was a no-brainer,” said Murphy, who lives in Syracuse. “When I was growing up she sacrificed for me.”

Murphy, 54, set aside her career aspirations, drained her savings account and eventually sold her gold jewelry to help make ends meet while shuttling her mother, who is 85, to doctors’ appointments and running errands.

“I always felt like I can find another job eventually — but I only have one mother,” she said.

Murphy is part of a small but economically significant group that is bucking a powerful decades-long movement of women of all ages into the labor market. In the years since the last recession began, many women like Ms. Murphy, in their late 40s and early 50s, have left the work force just as they were reaching their peak earning years.

The demands on middle-aged women to care for their parents, particularly during difficult economic times that force many families to share resources, are not the only reason for the shift. Some economists also attribute the unexpected phenomenon to extensive budget cuts by state and local governments, which employ women in large numbers and were hit harder during this recession than in previous downturns.

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Sarah McLachlan’s talents include singing, song writing, guitar and piano playing. Photos/Kathryn Reed

By Susan Wood

STATELINE – Singer-composer-musician Sarah McLachlan left no mystery about what kind of summer Harveys expects to provide as she led off a blockbuster lineup of artists for this summer’s outdoor concert series.

Diverse, prolific, prominent and up close and personal.

McLachlan didn’t miss a beat in her trademark personable style and self-made emotionally charged ballads the minute she hit the stage to start the concert series Tuesday – now in its 13th season.

“We have a lot more big names,” entertainment director John Packer told Lake Tahoe News before McLachlan took the stage.

The stage was set as a quasi nightclub with circular rings of light bulbs that changed color with the mood of the songs. They rotated between her well-known hits off her “Surfacing” LP and new album “Shine On” released in May for which the tour was named.

“This album for me was about gratitude – recognizing the things I’m grateful for. I’m just so blessed,” McLachlan said.

Beyond her successful career, she was the founder of the now defunct Lilith Fair that was dedicated to providing venues for female artists, has a school of music for inner city children, and is a supporter to the ASPCA to benefit animals.

Sarah McLachlan split her time between piano and guitar.

Dressed in a shimmery silver, sleeveless top, she launched the June 24 concert with her mega hit “Building a Mystery” off “Surfacing.” In 1991, this number was recognized as VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the ’90s.

Next, she jumped to “In Your Shoes,” the first track off the new album. The CD is a dual compilation for the lovelorn because break-up songs “have to be discussed.”

Then, there was love found, more specifically written for “her sweetie” on the new song “Brink of Destruction.” She laughed at the notion the title didn’t sound happy. But for the most part, it’s the type of collection of songs to lounge on the sofa with on a rainy day, or a warm summer Tahoe day.

“It’s so gorgeous here. You are so lucky to be living here,” she told the audience. And someone yelled out to make sure she was staying hydrated in the high elevation, something she noticed even with her noted breathy vocal delivery. “Yes, I’m drinking a lot. Thank you.”

She even took pre-submitted questions out of a top hat.

What’s her favorite place to travel? She rattled off New Zealand and Russia. But she further admitted her favorite place is her Vancouver, British Columbia, homeland. More personal, some asked about the most exotic place she’s made love – the bow of a boat.

With that, McLachlan never strayed from showing her personal side. She let the audience in on a secret. She admitted to stealing some “big ass” pine cones from Tahoe.

While many musicians connect with fans, McLachlan did in an unusual way. Names had been drawn to join her on stage in a living room set up for them to get the close-up perspective. It was all a part of what the artist-activist-philanthropist refers to as a way “to create positive social change.”

The participants on the sofas certainly enjoyed the gesture. They danced to the upbeat “Sweet Surrender,” chatted between sets and took selfies to spread the message of goodwill.

One woman told McLachlan that she’d been a fan for almost 20 years, and the song “Possession” changed her life.

Sarah McLachan has redefined front row for fans.

With more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, the Canadian native has made a longstanding career from her compositions, soulful ballads and diverse appearances.

From the song “Angel” featured in the hit movie “City of Angels” starring Meg Ryan and the sweet tune “Ordinary Miracle” for the “Charlotte’s Web” animated film, the artist has used her songwriting talents in a number of ways. Along with “Angel,” she performed in 2011 the other mega hit “I Will Remember You” to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 at the Pennsylvania plane crash site. The place marks where passengers fought back hijackers and brought down the plane.

She also composed the official theme song for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver – “One Dream.”

But for all the grand-scale awards, recognitions and worldwide acclaim, it’s the one-on-one intimacy that McLachlan is best known for. In between weaving in and out of albums with her musical sets, the latest includes a special tribute to her father who died four years ago.

“My dad was really an anchor for me,” she said of “Song For My Father.”

With the launch of that single, McLachlan earlier invited people through social media to submit photos with their fathers to be featured on her video.

McLachlan also gave the attentive crowd a glimpse of her family commitments with the new song “Beautiful Girl,” a tune dedicated to her two girls, ages 7 and 12. The lyrics are both sentimental and nostalgic for anyone who recalls the angst in coming of age.

“We’re gonna push on through, pretty girl

Just like we always do, beautiful girl

I know the world can be cruel, pretty girl

You’re gonna make it ‘cause you’ve got love on your side.”

The artist’s comfort level on stage was often apparent with her free-flowing arm gestures, passionate facial expressions and rocking-out dance movements. It was refreshing to see. And not every singer who writes about “your love is better than ice cream” can be taken seriously – even with a band as serious as hers.

With John Evans on bass, Curt Bisquera on drums, Joel Shearer on guitar and Vincent Jones (of Alanis Morissette fame) on keyboards, the group gripped the precision of a recording studio outdoors. And McLachlan’s signature high-range vocal chords held up better than ever. Her trick – “drinking warm water and honey” before performances.

The other reason the acoustics that night were so great for vocals is the sound engineering was superior, a change from the usual too-hot instruments drowning out the singers found at many outdoor concerts.

Four band members complement Sarah McLachlan’s music and vocals.

As professional as they were on stage, the group seemed to enjoy themselves. McLachlan had a commanding stage presence – whether standing with a guitar or sitting quietly down with her Yamaha grand piano.

“I want to say I’m having so much fun,” McLachlan admitted.

She must have been. After an expected encore of “Angel” – which brought a hush over the night, she broke out the ukulele and played it like she was hanging out at the beach.

“This was my very first instrument. I started playing it at 4 years old,” she said, breaking in the tune “The Sound that Love Makes” off the new album.

“This was better than expected, even as a fan,” Diane Berkovatz of Reno said.

McLachlan keeps up her Shine On tour at UC Berkeley’s Greek Theater on Friday night; the Greek in Los Angeles the following evening; and Humphreys in San Diego on Sunday.

The Harveys Outdoor Summer Concert Series also continues with country music acts Carrie Underwood on July 18; Zac Brown Band two nights later; rock band Train on July 25 and ’80s group Journey with the Steve Miller Band five days later.

With the South Shore noticeably picking up more summer traffic, the concerts “create a buzz” that coincides with a busy season, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Executive Director Carol Chaplin told Lake Tahoe News.

Possession of fireworks of any kind, including firecrackers and sparklers, is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Campfires are not permitted on National Forest beaches or in the general forest. For those planning to barbecue on the beach, bring gas barbecues instead of charcoal.

The annual alcohol ban will be in effect at Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove Resort, and Zephyr Shoals (the former Dreyfus Estate) from 6am to midnight on July 4. Additionally, county and state laws ban the possession or consumption of alcohol on the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Alpine Meadows and Chamber’s Landing Beach on the West Shore, from July 1-6.

These areas will be patrolled by law enforcement personnel from the Forest Service, Douglas and Placer counties, the Carson City sheriff’s Departments, and private security staff.

Traffic is expected to be heavy July 4 weekend. The Nifty Fifty Trolley stops at National Forest beaches along the South and West shores. At developed recreation sites, such as Kiva, Tallac and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, parking is allowed only in designated parking spaces inside the parking lots, not along the roadway.

Day-use fees for the Fourth of July at Pope, Baldwin, and Nevada beaches will be $20 and at Zephyr Cove Beach $25 to cover increased security and facility maintenance costs of the holiday.

Pets are not allowed at National Forest designated swim beaches, including Nevada, Pope, Baldwin, Meeks and William Kent. Leashed pets are welcome at Kiva Picnic Area from Valhalla Boathouse/Pier to Tallac Point in South Lake Tahoe, Echo Lakes on Echo Summit, Zephyr Shoals and Hidden and Chimney beaches on the East Shore, Coon Street Beach (at the boat launch) in King’s Beach, and Kaspian and 64 Acres beaches in Tahoe City.

Trash cans may become full, so plan ahead and pack out all garbage.

“Crazy Club” authors Christie Higman Rassuchine and Robyn Lindner, two gals who grew up in Tahoe and wrote the books based on their own Crazy Club in elementary school, will be having a Crazy Club Open Mic Morning on Aug. 2 starting at 10:30am.

They will read a portion of their newest book, “Larry’s Lucky Charm”.

Come dressed in a creative costume. Performing by yourself, with your friend, sister or brother is also encouraged. Sing a song, tell a joke, dance a jig, recite a poem, play an instrument — whatever.

The event is free at the South Lake Tahoe Library, 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.

For more info, email tahoe.programs@gmail.com.

By Anita Creamer, Sacramento Bee

Jim Patterson needed help. His granddaughter had tagged him in a photo of the two of them that she posted on his Facebook account, and he didn’t know what to do. So the 92-year-old retired carpenter, who lives in a Placerville retirement community, checked in with a social networking coach.

“If you’ll just scroll down,” said Blair Gregorvich, a Visiting Angels caregiver who has given computer skills classes to older adults in El Dorado County. “Now click on ‘Write a comment,’ and we’ll add one.”

“I never put any comments in, because I forget how to work it,” said Patterson.

Patterson was seated at the desktop computer in the corner of his living room, with Gregorvich peering over his shoulder while he typed in a few words.

“Now hit ‘Enter’,” said Gregorvich.

“That’s what I forget all the time,” said Patterson.

A growing list of the region’s seniors centers and church groups offer computer classes so older adults can learn to log on to the Internet, set up email accounts, research genealogy and even sign up for Facebook or use Skype to converse with faraway relatives. But what happens when seniors go home and sit down in front of their own computers, alone?

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Friends of the Library present Music on the Lawn with Sean Cummings.

“The Tahoe Bagpiper” brings more than 30 years performing experience and seven generations of clan tradition to tell the story and play the music of the Scottish Highland Bagpipe.

Bring a picnic dinner.

The July 23, 6pm concert is free at the South Lake Tahoe Library, 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.

By Kathryn Reed

Successfully crossing the Sierra in the winter of 1847 was part survival of the fittest, part luck and part tenacity.

For the Donner Party, it was mostly tragic. And while much has been written about cannibalism that took place, that is not the focus of Mark McLaughlin’s book “The Donner Party: Weathering the Storm”.

McLaughlin spoke last week to a full room at the South Lake Tahoe Library. His book, published in 2007, centers much on the weather. It was one of those epic winters, where winter started in October.

During the talk and slide presentation, McLaughlin delved into a bit of the legacy of lawyer Lansford Hastings. Hastings is important in the Donner story because he had created a shortcut.

The problem is the shortcut was ideal for men on horseback, not wagon trains full of families, with some who were not all that healthy.

Jim Reed (no relation), while he wasn’t the captain of the party, was the take-charge person in the group. It was George Donner who was captain, but he could be pushed around.

A seasoned mountain man had warned the Donner Party not to take the Hasting’s shortcut. But Reed said to heck with that advice. That one decision could be seen as their total undoing because it added three weeks to their journey.

The Donner clan had to hack their way through brush to make a road. It was roughing going through the Wasatch mountains.

“They nearly died of thirst in the Utah desert,” McLaughlin said.

By now the number of wagons in the party have been condensed. Goods are discarded. Some people are on foot. Half of the Donner Party was 18 years old or younger, according to McLaughlin.

Reed gets into a skirmish that ends with the death of a man, though self-defense is claimed.

Some have gone for help. Sutter’s Fort is known to provide supplies. Reed takes off, too, at about where Winnemucca is today.

But then the snow comes, and it keeps coming. Reed is trapped; unable to bring goods to his comrades – including his wife and four children. He tells John Sutter he needs to get supplies to the others. Sutter said they should be fine based on what Reed said they had.

What Reed didn’t know is the Paiute Indians had shot many of their animals and that people were ill. There were no fish to be had; lakes had been freezing.

Reed was finally successful in what was the second rescue party.

There are still descendants of the Donner Party who reunite every 10 years at Donner Lake.

Auditions for the production of “Rapunzel” are July 7 at the South Tahoe Middle School multipurpose room from 10am-noon. Those auditioning should arrive at 10am and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.

All students, entering first grade through grade 12 may audition. Participants must be at least 5.

Auditions are free. If cast, there will be a fee of $50 per child to participate in this weeklong theater program. A limited number of scholarships are available.

The show will be July 11 at 3pm and 6pm at South Tahoe Middle School Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors.

For more info, contact Peggy Thompson at 530.542.3632.