By Kathryn Reed

STATELINE – Veterans on both sides of the South Shore were honored Friday for the time they spent serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Day tributes started at 11am Nov. 11 in South Lake Tahoe as the American Legion honored those who have served and those who continue to.

Patty Smith, whose son Tim died in 2008 fighting in Iraq, recited a moving poem – getting choked up reading the segment “some have fallen”.

In Stateline, the Tahoe-Douglas Rotary’s noon program was the annual recognition of vets.

Brian Williams, who emceed the event, said three words bind Rotary and the military – “service above self” –the Rotary mantra.

Ben Lehman and Frank Reynolds

Six World War II veterans were among the attendees. Most of the tables in the room at MontBleu had at least one vet – some guests, some Rotarians. They ranged from infantry to rear admiral.

Ben Lehman, the retired rear admiral, dressed in his Navy blues looked like he could command a ship today. He joined the military just after the invasion of Pearl Harbor.

As a 20-year-old with an engineering background, he was told by his bosses he would be well suited to design ships. They sent him to MIT, gave him a four-month apprenticeship and said if things didn’t work out, there was always the South Pacific.

Some made the military a career. There were those who enlisted, and others who were drafted. Some saw combat, others did not.

But a certain pride emanated from each man who spoke – a selflessness, a commitment to those they served with, and to a country that didn’t and still doesn’t always understand the wars and conflicts they were involved in.

Bob Albertazzi, who works for South Lake Tahoe, was a guest Friday. Always one who speaks with a deference of respect to others, he didn’t elaborate on his Army years (1968-93) that included stints in Vietnam and the Gulf War.

Frank Reynolds never thought he’d make a career out of the Marine Corps. He is still involved as a civilian as the commandant for the Marine Corps League in Carson City.

A recruiter in May 1969 told him he would be going to Paris for boot camp. He was giddy. Parris Island, South Carolina – is what the recruiter meant. Reynolds finagled his way to San Diego instead.

He put in 20 years. Thought he was done. Then he got a call that he been activated for Operation Desert Storm. Reynolds said he spent most of his time roping goats, having snared one camel, too.

One vet had been in the current conflict in the Mideast, but didn’t say anymore.

Fittingly, bagpiper Sean Cummings broke up the event with various military songs – offering a bit of levity, while keeping with the solemn tone of the afternoon.

By Kathryn Reed

Across the room the trumpets echoed “Taps” – the distinctive military call also known as Last Post.

Lauren Tang was on one side of the South Tahoe Middle School auditorium, Christina DeLallo on the other. Their duet of sorts visibly moved the nearly 500 people who turned out Thursday for the fourth annual Veterans’ Musical Tribute.

The national anthem was one of the first songs played Nov. 10 at the veterans concert in South Lake Tahoe. Photos/Kathryn Reed

The hundreds of students who performed Nov. 10 were part of the South Tahoe High School Symphonic Band, STMS 6th Grade Concert/Advanced Bands, Tahoe Intermediate Honor Choir, STHS String Orchestra, Blue Ribbon Choir, STMS Symphonic Band, or STMS String Orchestra.

J.J. Clause and Linda Kurek, two of Lake Tahoe Unified School District’s music directors, were in Disneyland when the idea hit them to do this concert. They were there with students for an event when at sunset the Disneyland Band came down Main Street playing patriotic music and took down the flag.

“Linda and I were in tears,” Clause recalled. They decided a concert for vets was something they had to put on – especially with both of their dads being World War II veterans.

This year’s concert was even more moving for Clause, who as she honored the World War II vets in attendance, was able to acknowledge her father’s contributions to history as well. Harry Jenkins served in the Navy. Also recognized Thursday were John Filas, George Waymire and Jim Brathoude.

This tribute is about those who have or are serving in any branch of the Armed Forces. Uniforms dotted the audience of mostly civilians.

This concert is also an opportunity for the students, who have been practicing since the first day of school, to give something back, to become aware of what the men and women in the military have done, and to put a face to people who may seem more like historical figures in a textbook.

Each year the concert is a little different, though a handful of traditional songs – like the “Star Spangled Banner” – are performed each year. Each year the concert ends with a sing-along – “This Land is Your Land” – was the culmination this year.

Besides Kurek and Clause, the other instructors making the concert a reality are Casson Scowcroft, Paul Kushner and Sheri Schimmel.

One of the more haunting songs was “Adagio for Strings” performed by the high school String Orchestra. While Samuel Barber’s song was first performed in 1938, more people today would remember it from the 1986 movie “Platoon”.

Keeping with the emotional aspect of the night, a moment of silence was observed for the South Lake Tahoe men who have died in either the Afghanistan for Iraq conflicts – Garret Fant in 2011, Tim Smith in 2008, and Brandon Williams in 2006.

—————

Note: Veterans will also be honored at 11 this morning at the American Legion in South Lake Tahoe.

ngg_shortcode_0_placeholder (Click on photos to enlarge.)

“Distracted” opens this weekend at Lake Tahoe Community College’s Duke Theatre.

It’s billed as a hilarious, provocative, and poignant look at a modern family and an epidemic dilemma: Are we so tuned into our 24/7 info-rich world that we’ve tuned out what really matters?

What’s wrong with 9-year-old Jesse? He can’t sit still, he curses, he raps, and you can’t get him into – or out of – pajamas. His teacher thinks it’s attention deficit disorder. Dad says, “He’s just a boy!” And mama’s on a quest for answers. Is Jesse dysfunctional, or just different?

Don’t we all have ADD to some degree? Mom consults a psychologist, a homeopath, a neuropsychologist, and an environmental physician. She talks to neighbors, whose kids have their own diagnoses. A psychiatrist prescribes Ritalin for Jesse, but surely a pill can’t solve all of his problems.

Is it ADHD that causes 9-year-old Jesse’s outbursts, high energy, and inability to focus? And what about mom and dad? Has our information overloaded environment made us too distracted to separate trivial pursuits from what’s really important?

Some mature language and subject matter are part of the play, so a babysitter might be more appropriate for younger family members.

Performances are Nov. 12, 17, 18, 19 at 8pm, and Nov. 13 and 20 at 2pm.

Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 seniors, $5 students with valid ID, and children under 13.

Publisher’s note: Four students from South Tahoe High School were honored as Young Women of Distinction on Nov. 9 by Soroptimist International South Lake Tahoe. Different this year was the maturity shown by all the honorees and the eloquence of their thank yous to the service club, their school and their families. The following is what their principal had to say about each young woman at the lunch.

By Ivone Larson

With an extraordinary 4.5 gp and fluent in Russian, French and English, it’s no surprise that Anna Tikhomirova is interested in pursuing a career that will lead to international adventures in a city in either Japan, England or even exotic California. Anna has applied to UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, and hopes to attend UC Berkeley to major in international business with a minor in psychology or English. With her keen fashion sense, she dreams of a future in the fashion industry and has already been accepted to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

As a true renaissance woman, Anna loves to learn. She enjoys drawing, art, floristry, and after taking dance with Liz Niven, she discovered a love for ballet. Her favorite subject is AP literature as it challenges her writing skills and exposes her to previously unknown works and authors. Anna was a young ambassador to Japan for People to People International Youth Summit and a Rotary Youth Exchange student to France.

Anna Tikhomirova, Shannon Colleton, Shelby McIntyre, Tina Tu

She states that, “Going on exchange to France showed me that people aren’t required to be nice to you or give you things: They want to do it out of the kindness of their hearts and you should be grateful.”

As a world traveler and an AP Scholar with Distinction, Anna shares her talents and experiences with others as an AVID tutor.

Her English teacher, Bridey Heidel states, “Anna is one of the most poised and polished young women I have ever taught. In these days of texting shortcuts and casual slang, Anna’s old-school style is a breath of fresh air: She speaks in full sentences and has impeccable manners. Anna is graceful with her words and can articulate her point without belittling others — both enviable traits. She is also fabulous with her fashion. Whether her dress is retro or fashion-forward, every day she is a walking, work-of-art. Anna also speaks several languages and has seen more of the world than most. She carries this global sensitivity with her and incorporates it into her classroom discussions and literary analysis. But don’t mistake her polish and poise for fragility; Anna has a cement backbone and has overcome many challenges in her young life. I have no doubt that she will have an incredible life as an ambassador or an advocate.”

Anna, when Yves Saint Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – he must have been thinking of you, as your style is most definitely eternal.

With the completion of AP Spanish next term, Tina Tu will officially be trilingual – as she is already fluent in Chinese, English, and has a desire to learn even more languages. With an astonishing 4.5 gpa, Tina is applying to Stanford, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, however her top choice is UC Berkeley where she plans to major in computer science. She hopes to follow in her Uncle Harry Tu’s footsteps and develop computer software.

Tina has received awards for All Star Academics in recognition of her outstanding academic and athletic achievements in both track and tennis. She is an AP Scholar, a Golden Star Student and on the Honor Roll for maintaining straight A’s. She is the National Honor Society treasurer, an AVID tutor, and volunteers at the Barton Skilled Nursing Facility, as well as the Polar Express during the holidays, and in her spare time, Tina likes to sing in the Blue Ribbon Choir.

Tina has been fortunate to have the support of her loving family, her mother, father, and her grandmother, who helped raise her and instilled in her a high sense of values and morals. Tina states that she is lucky her mom is her mother because she is so hard working, generous, and supportive of all her efforts, as well as teaching her the value of the dollar. As for her father, she notes they are very similar as they are both quiet and reserved, yet both have a sense of humor and kind nature. He has a huge heart and through his actions, he demonstrates care and love for his family. Tina credits her Chinese upbringing for her respect for her family’s culture, as well as her American lifestyle, which has taught her individuality and enabled her to be open to other mindsets.

Her science teacher, Carla Zezula states, “Tina is a strong woman with a lot of determination and a breadth of skills. Tina is a part of a core group of strong intelligent young women that have been friends and supported each other through school. Tina is a fusion of Chinese and American cultures, taking the best of both and applying it to her life. She is strong, yet elegant, like the cherry blossoms.”

Tina, as you enter the computer science field where close to 90 percent of the students are male, stay strong like the cherry blossoms, and know that your family, and the women of South Lake Tahoe support you and believe in you.

Shannon Colleton is always inspired to be her best and never give up because her sister, Kelly, a sophomore, looks up to her. Shannon has applied to several colleges, including UC Davis, UC San Diego, Pepperdine, San Diego State, and the University of Oregon to pursue a career in conservation biology or as an athletic trainer. Her first choice of UC San Diego will allow her to be close enough to home to remain a role model for her sister, stay in touch with her loving family, and further her surfing passion.

Shannon is also quite an athlete. She was on 2nd Team All State for soccer, played varsity soccer for two years, and was twice named an All State Scholar. She was voted soccer team captain her sophomore and senior years, has been on the track team two years, and has been on the varsity ski team since freshman year, so no surprise that she hopes to play soccer in college. Oh, and that blue hair? Well, she is staying true to our soccer team tradition because she will be playing soccer in Dayton this Friday for the state playoffs. Go Vikings!

Shannon is also moved by the performing arts and from the time she was just 2 years old, she has studied tap, jazz, modern dance, ballet and has already been in two musicals. In school, Shannon stays active as the ASB secretary, and maintaining an amazing 3.9 gpa. In her spare time, she likes to run or read. Her favorite book is “Not Without My Daughter” as she was so impressed by the differences in cultures and the commitment of the girl’s mother in the face of tremendous adversity.

Biology teacher Carla Zezula, says, “Shannon is a quiet, respectful, sensitive, talented athlete and always gives 110 percent in everything that she does. She will be successful in whatever she pursues.”

Whether you become a conservation biologist or an athletic trainer, Shannon, we know you are destined to make a difference in the lives you touch.

Shelby McIntyre plans to become a corporate attorney in Southern California, where it is nice and warm, when she finishes college. Although she has numerous options, Shelby has narrowed down her college selection to UCLA, USC, San Diego State, UC Santa Barbara, Boise State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, or Alabama State.

Being the daughter of a coach, athletics have been part of Shelby’s life since birth. She has run varsity track for three years, varsity cross country for four years and served as the cross country team captain. She has received numerous athletic awards, including All State/All Regional cross country and track for all four years of participation; she is the Nevada 4A 1600 State Champion and the recipient of the All League Academic Award. When not competing, she relaxes by staying in motion as she is also a passionate skier, snowboarder, swimmer and runner.

Shelby is not just an athlete; she is also a remarkable leader. This past summer she was selected and attended Rotary Youth Leadership Camp. She is the ASB vice president and currently serves as the student representative on the El Dorado County Board of Education. She is also a Key Club member, is in National Honor Society, is an AVID tutor and is South Tahoe High School’s homecoming queen.

Even with all her involvement in athletics and leadership, Shelby manages to find time for her studies and maintains a remarkable 4.14 gpa. Fortunately, she has the support of her loving parents to keep her focused and to help her reach her goals.

According to Assistant Principal Marilyn Pawling, “Shelby is one of my favorites. You cannot say “no” to Shelby. If she wants something bad enough, like the jerseys for the female flag football fundraiser, she will find a way. I love her persistence and determination. Nothing is ever going to get in her way. She is the girl next door – athletic, smart, and darling.”

Shelby, with all the economic turmoil in our world, you are exactly the type of leader we need to represent corporate America. Best wishes for a long and bright future.

Barton Foundation and Barton Health’s Community Advisory Committee gave $25,000 to 10 South Lake Tahoe organizations to help fund health-related services and programs.

The recipients were honored at Barton’s third annual Philanthropy Day lunch Nov. 4 at Riva Grill.

The programs awarded addressed some of the area’s most pressing health needs such as nutrition, physical fitness, and mental health.

Michelle Feeney, Barton nurse, from left, Margaret McKean, LTUSD nurse, and Julie Regan, Barton board member. Photo/Provided

South Tahoe High School received $7,700 – the largest of the health grants. Margaret McKean, nurse for Lake Tahoe Unified School District, wrote the grant on behalf of South Tahoe High School’s Culinary Arts Program benefiting the “Healthy Choices – Eat Right” nutrition program.

The Healthy Choices – Eat Right program will involve the students in STHS culinary, drama, AVID and technology classes. They will be given the challenge to develop projects that will teach all ninth-graders and LTUSD elementary children – emphasizing healthy choices and how those choices impact energy, fitness, academics and long-term health. The program is set to be launched in spring 2012.

Other grant recipients are:

· El Dorado County Jail, “Healthy Education Addiction Recovery Through Self Responsibility” program – $3,200

· Drug Store Project, “Prevention of teen drug use program” – $3,000

· Family Resource Center, “Heart Health Series Workshops for Latinos” – $2,100

· Court Appointed Special Advocates, “Support of abused and neglected children” – $2,000

· Bijou Community School “Exercise Circuit Course” – $2,500

· National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Funding for medications provided to mentally ill patients” – $1,500

· Tahoe Youth & Family Services, “Nutrition programs along with the “Little Latina’s Program” – $1,000

· Sports Connection, “Funding for local youth to participate in athletic programs” – $1,000

· American Youth Soccer Organization (South Lake Tahoe AYSO 282), “Scholarship Fund” – $1,000.

The North Lake Tahoe Resort Association in collaboration with the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce has awarded $46,250 in grants to 17 businesses and organizations based in the North Lake Tahoe region.

Those receiving funding are the Squaw Valley Institute, Luminaries on the Lake; Big Blue Adventure, Tahoe Trail Running series; Big Blue Adventure, Lake Tahoe Triathlon; Tahoe Youth Ballet, ChoreoLab 2012; Tahoe Forest Hospital, Gene Upshaw Golf Classic; Squaw Valley USA, Squaw Valley Criterium; American Endurance Ride, Royal Gorge Round-Up Ride; Northstar Resort, ProGRT Mountain Bike Race; Granite Chief Communications, Sideways Slalom; Tahoe Sierra Century; California State Parks, Snow Heritage; California State Parks, Living History Day; Auburn Ski Club, Squaw Valley Mountain Run; Rahlves Bonzai Tour; Tahoe Maritime Museum, Tahoe Boats of the 1920s; Tahoe Mountain Sports, Disc Golf; and Flow Artistry, Lake Tahoe Flow Arts Festival.

The Special Event Development Grant Program provides marketing and promotional support to special events or projects and programs that bring visitors to the region; generate local and regional business revenue; provide local and regional media exposure; and opportunities for public relations. Grants cannot be used for capital investments, salaries, operational overhead, food and beverage, entertainment and supplies.

Funding for this grant program comes from Placer County transient occupancy tax.

As the “Official Shipper of the Holidays,” the United States Postal Service this week released the suggested mail-by dates to ensure packages, cards, and letters reach their intended destination before the 2011 celebrations begin.

Dates are provided as a guide for dropping holiday wishes into the mail.

Postmarking for domestic mail — mailed from and delivered within the U.S. — and international mail destined for overseas should occur by:

By Lenita Powers, Reno Gazette-Journal

When Lt. Col. Troy Ross returned to Reno last month, he became the last member of the Nevada National Guard to return from Iraq after President Barack Obama declared an end to the war on Oct. 21 and announced the withdrawal of all American military personnel by the end of this year.

Speaking for himself and not on behalf of the Nevada National Guard, Ross talked about his experiences during his two tours in Iraq, what he thinks about pulling out troops from Iraq and how he hopes Americans will celebrate Veterans Day this coming Friday during a question-and-answer interview in his Nevada Army National Guard office.

Question: What did you do while you were in Basrah, Iraq, and when did you return to Reno?

Answer: I got back Oct. 26. In Iraq, I was basically a primary care doctor. I worked in the emergency department, the medical clinic, taking care of soldiers, and in that capacity I took whatever came in the door — traumas or minor illnesses, sports injuries. We were the one medical operation in southern Iraq.

Q: What is your most poignant memory from the 15 months you served in Baghdad and your last three-month tour in Basra?

A: I guess I would have to say that both times I was really impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the young soldiers that I worked with — the infantry guys out doing patrols every day and the medics taking care of people. It was very encouraging to see, especially with some of them on their second, third or fourth deployments still being very committed to their jobs. They maintained their enthusiasm through all of it, being in very difficult living conditions — the heat and dirt. The temperature would get up to 120 and 125 degrees in the summertime, and just the time spent away from their regular lives. And when you’re out on a patrol operating in those temperatures with all your gear on, it really wears on a person physically, and not having regular access to showers.

Read the whole story

Lake Tahoe Unified School District music teachers Casson Scowcroft and Linda Kurek have been honored in recent months by their fellow Northern California music teachers.

They were each selected as conductors for regional honor bands, an honor bestowed on only the finest conductors and music educators.

Scowcroft was asked to conduct the Region 5 Junior High Select Honor Band at North Tahoe Middle School last school year. This band included 72 music students from the Quincy/Chester area to North Tahoe. Students for these bands are selected by an audition process and then they gather for two days of rehearsal and a culminating concert. Scowcroft took South Tahoe High School senior, Nick Sullivan, along to act as percussion instructor for the junior high school students.

Scowcroft and Kurek are helping South Tahoe High and South Tahoe Middle school music students prepare for taped auditions for the Northern California All State and Western United States Region Honor Bands and Orchestras.

Kurek was invited to be the guest conductor for the Western Slopes Music Educators Association 7th and 8th Grade Honor Band last month. This is the third honor band in recent years Kurek has been invited to conduct. Eighty students from numerous schools on the West Slope were selected by live auditions to participate in this event which also involved two days of rehearsals and a concert for the parents.

STMS students Josh Kornbeck (baritone sax) and Mario Mangiaracini (tuba) participated in this event also.

Both instructors will be at tonight’s school board meeting to make a presentation. Students are expected to perform, too. The meeting starts at 6.

Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus begins its seventh season with its annual holiday production of Handel’s Messiah.

The program includes selections from the Messiah as well as many holiday favorites. Vocal soloists include Tammy Brock, Katharine DeBoer, Joy Strotz, and Anna Helwing, sopranos; and Stuart Duke, baritone.

Performances are:

Dec. 14 at 7pm at Trinity Church in Reno.

Dec. 16 at 7pm in the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley.

Dec. 17 at 4pm in the North Tahoe Events Center in Kings Beach.

Dec. 18 at 3pm in St. Theresa Church in South Lake Tahoe.

Dec. 20 at 7pm in the new Assumption Catholic Church in Truckee.

General admission to all concerts is $25 adults, $20 seniors, and $5 students with preferred seating available for $35. Special pricing for room and dinner/concert combinations at Squaw Creek Resort are available by calling (530) 581.6615. Tickets for all concerts are available at the door or online.

For information, call (775) 313.9697 or visit Toccata online.