Truckee Climate Action Network Already Taking Action
A new organization has come together in Truckee in response to the threats posed by human-induced climate change. The Truckee Climate Action Network, or TCAN, is designed to help the community ‘come together, get educated and get active now.’ Beth Ingalls, founder of TCAN, described the group as a facilitator for local climate change actions, an umbrella that will help energize and organize local responses to global warming.
The members of TCAN are currently involved in several upcoming events. They are organizing the Truckee portion of the Step It Up 2007 campaign (see next announcement). They are also participating in and promoting the Tahoe Truckee Earth Day festivities that will take place at the village in Squaw Valley on April 28, and helping with the second annual Youth Service Symposium scheduled for May 18 at the Sierra Mountain Community Education Center. TCAN is also working with Truckee Donner Public Utility District to replace incandescent bulbs in the Truckee area with compact fluorescents.
For information or to join one of TCAN’s committees, contact Beth Ingalls at electriklady06@yahoo.com or Carolyn Hamilton at c.hamilton@cebridge.net.
Take National Action Against Global Warming, Locally
April 14
Local concerned citizens will join people all over the United States to say this to our legislators: ‘Step It Up Congress! Cut Carbon 80% by 2050’
Truckee Climate Action Network (TCAN) is joining Step It Up 2007 to catalyze a meaningful legislative response to climate change on a national scale. At the Truckee Regional Park, people will pose for a picture while holding signs and banners. Nearby, climbers will hang from the cliffs of Grouse Slabs with similar banners. Step It Up will then put the photos on the web, combining them with hundreds of others like them from towns all across the U.S.
Everyone interested in taking part should meet at the Truckee River Regional Park. The event will take place from 12 to 2 p.m. – the photo will be taken at 1 p.m. by the river below the picnic shelter. For climbers interested in participating in ‘Climb It for Climate,’ meet at Grouse Slabs at the same time.
For up-to-date information on these and other actions, as well as making this a carbon neutral event by carpooling and taking public transit, visit truckeecan.com call Carolyn Hamilton at 587-8774 or 412-0598 or email c.hamilton@cebridge.net.
If you’re interested in joining the climbing photo, contact Sara Taddo, 582-1952 or email sara@TDLandTrust.org.
The national Step It Up 2007 website is stepitup2007.org.
Feinstein Challenge
Double your Project MANA donations this March and April with the ‘Feinstein Challenge.’ Alan Feinstein is a philanthropist who, each year, pledges one million dollars to hunger relief organizations throughout the country helping to fight hunger. All donations made to Project MANA throughout the months on March and April will receive a matching portion from Mr. Feinstein’s. Donations are tax deductible. Donations may be mailed to Project MANA, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451. Info, 775-298-0008.
Help guide the future of the Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy will hold a number of public workshops throughout the region to gain input on community priorities and potential projects. The information will be used in the development of guidelines for program activity including grants, technical assistance and other support to communities. The SNC’s mission is to initiate, encourage, and support efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the citizens of California. ‘These public meetings are essential to help us understand local needs and priorities,’ SNC Executive Officer Jim Branham said.
There will be a workshop in Truckee on Tuesday, March 20, at 6 p.m., in the Truckee Town Hall. For info, visit sierranevada.ca.gov.
Grants Available From Community Foundation
April 6 is the closing date for grant applications to be considered for funding during the Spring 2007 Competitive Grant Cycle at the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation.
Have a great program or project that needs some funding? Consider applying to the Community Foundation. There are seven primary areas of interest: Arts and Culture, Civic and Public Benefit, Education, Environment, Conservation and Animal Welfare, Health and Human Services, Recreation, Youth Development. Grants are typically in the range of $5,000. Call Phebe at 587-1776 for questions about possible projects or the application process.
Applications are available by picking them up at the TTCF office, 11071 Donner Pass Rd, by visiting ttcf.net, by requesting one via email to phebe@ttcf.net or by telephone at 530-587-1776. The Grants Committee reviews each application, makes site visits to and/ or interviews each applicant. Turn around time is approximately six weeks. Completed applications must be returned to the TTCF office by 5 p.m. on April 6.
Everybody is welcome
The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority has made it easier for travelers with special needs or disabilities to enjoy Reno-Tahoe with a comprehensive online directory of accessible accommodations, activities and year-round outdoor adventures. The website is VisitRenoTahoe.com/access.
The ACCESS pages provide in-depth information tailored to special needs travelers, including wheelchair-compatible lodging facilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), private and public transportation options and local service providers that offer additional assistance. Information about adaptive sports and outdoor recreation including kayaking, skiing, golf, cycling and bowling as well as accessible parks and trails is also located on the site.
A New Age for the New Age
For the past 13 years, the Rainbow Bridge has been North Tahoe’s epicenter for all things New Age. Now, with a second store open in Village at Squaw, the business promises to expand its services to a whole new level. Also, this new location offers access to areas for conferences and workshops.
James Redfield, author of ‘The Celestine Prophecy,’ was very ‘excited about the potential of coming to Tahoe when I spoke with him the other day,’ says owner Sharon Freewoman. Let them know what type of workshops and speakers you would like to see here. The new store is located in Fountain Court right next to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in The Village at Squaw Valley, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Info, 530-584-6100 or therainbowbridge.com.
Congratulations to the North Tahoe Chamber awardees
The North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce presented their yearly awards on February 8. Melody Rebbeck of Best Western Truckee Tahoe Inn received Citizen of the Year; Ed Miller and Lolly Kupec of Wild West Communications received the Distinguished Community Service award; West Shore Sports received Small Business of the Year and Squaw Valley Institute received the Non-profit of the Year. For a complete list, email kym@puretahoenorth.com.
Sponsor the Earth
Tahoe Truckee Earth Day is looking for event sponsors – your donation is tax deductible. Raffle prizes are also a huge plus and the value is also tax deductible. Info, nichole@tahoetruckeeearthday.org.
Plus, this event is largely volunteer organized, so lend a hand for a few hours during the festival – they’ll even feed you and give you a t-shirt. Info, Lori Wester at Volunteers@tahoetruckeeearthday.org.
Sponsor the local brewski’s event
The new FiftyFifty Brewing Co. in Truckee is seeking sponsors for the first annual Park Crews and Microbrews Spring Jam ski and snowboard competition to be held April 28 in the Truckee Rodeo Arena. Teams of skiers and snowboarders from Tahoe resort terrain park crews will compete for ‘Best Park Crew in Tahoe.’ Interested in sponsoring? Contact Josh Smith, 530-550-2252 or josh@switchbackpr.com.
