Project MANA - A Hunger Relief Agency

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza: Project MANA staff and board of directors would like to thank Mrs. Dorothy Lemelson for donating $10,000 to our program. Mrs. Lemelson has been very generous to our community over the years donating not only to us but to many other organizations as well.

The funding we received will be used for hunger relief programs in the communities that we serve. The Lemelson Education and Assistance Program, founded by Mrs. Lemelson in 2001, supports programs dedicated to improving the daily lives of children and families through local community educational and cultural programs, projects and organizations.

We applaud her thoughtfulness and kind consideration to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Golf Fore Education 2008 Website

21, 22, and 23 June 2008

A collaboration of Incline Schools Academic Excellence Foundation (ISAEF), the American Association of University Women-Tahoe/Nevada (AAUW), Project MANA, and Lake Tahoe School.

Sierra Sun: A substantial spike in global food prices coupled with the dramatic oil inflation has taken its toll on the American economy, generating hardships for Tahoe-Truckee residents trying to make ends meet and provide for a family.

In an effort to pinch pennies, local consumers are making more trips to Reno for groceries, reaching out to hunger relief organizations like Project MANA and switching up some items on the grocery list to save money.

“I have two teenage boys and it’s very challenging to keep them fed,” said Karen Rogers, a West Shore resident. “I should buy down, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Health is too important to me.”

Rogers — a middle to upper class resident — said her strategy is shopping at Costco and Trader Joe’s in Reno three times a month where she can purchase organic food in bulk or on sale.

“I think it’s a better deal to go to Reno, I get more food for my money,” she said. “It’s so time consuming — that’s the only downfall. Time is money.”

To cope with the spike in her grocery bill, Rogers said she’s had to cut back spending in other areas.

“Over the last couple of years, the average Costco trip cost around $200 to $250. Now, it’s around $350 to $400,” Rogers said. “I’m the one that really loses out. I don’t shop for clothes and I take on odd jobs to supplement a little more.”

“There’s really no money for extra stuff,” she added.

In mid-April, the United States Department of Labor reported a 4.4 percent increase in food prices over the past 12 months, with the price of bread up 14.7 percent than a year earlier, and the price of milk up 13.3 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index report.

“In general, consumers need to be more aware of what they’re purchasing,” said Dave Heylen, spokesman for the California Grocers Association. “Clip coupons or go to the store with a list to reduce spending.”

However, living in a resort community where wages are often dependent on seasonal work has forced more local residents to rely on relief programs — especially as the shoulder season nears. One program that has seen increased traffic is the weekly food distribution offered by Project MANA.

“Over the last three weeks, we’ve been getting slammed,” said MANA’S Executive Director George LeBard. “It’s usually busier in the shoulder season, but I haven’t seen this many clients in probably 10 years.”

The food distribution service provides fresh produce and dairy products to North Shore and Truckee residents, and LeBard said while the Kings Beach location serves a weekly average of 40 families. That number spiked to 88 last week.

“I’m a little bit worried,” LeBard said. “With seasonal work, people have to struggle a bit more. They do it, they survive, but it’s a struggle.”

Hardships in North Lake Tahoe may not be as burdening as other areas of the world like West Africa, the Middle East and South America where price hikes have spurred food riots. But for Truckee resident Cecilia Murphy the sky-rocketing prices have forced her family to develop new penny-pinching strategies.

The single mother of four said she clips coupons, shops in Reno, has cut back on luxury expenses like clothing and sticks to purchasing discount items.

“My kids know when we’re shopping, unless it’s on sale, don’t ask,” said Murphy, a financial counselor at Tahoe Forest Hospital.

Another adjustment the family has made is trading beef products for ground turkey, chicken and pork, she said.

“We don’t buy beef anymore because it’s so expensive to feed the family,” Murphy said. “We have to be economical about our choices.”

With escalating food costs, high prices at the pump and a rash of home foreclosures, it may be difficult to find light at the end of the tunnel.

But Mark Pingle — a University of Reno economics professor — said while the oil problem won’t be solved overnight, he is optimistic that the United States’ economy will bounce back.

Additionally, Pingle said unless gas prices double, food inflation will be a short-term issue and price increases in the future won’t follow current trends.

“When you look at the history, the downturns tend to be temporary,” Pingle said. “There’s usually a silver lining in the cloud.”

Golf Fore Education 2008 Website

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza: For the fourth year, the Golf Fore Education auction and fundraiser will raise money for the Incline Schools Academic Excellence Foundation, Project MANA, American Association of University Women and the Lake Tahoe School.

The event, which each year raises thousands of dollars for Incline’s schools, should be exciting this year, said Project MANA executive director George LeBard.

“We’re really hoping to improve on our auction and cocktail party from last year, I think people will really enjoy it,” LeBard said.

Last year Golf Fore Education raised $89,000, said ISAEF chairman Bill Horn. He said this year’s fund will be split between the four entities involved in the event — with 30 percent going to MANA, ISAEF and AAUW, while 10 percent goes to Lake Tahoe School since they are a new member as of this year.

LeBard said the organizers of Golf Fore Education went “all out” on the carnivale-themed cocktail party, including a great meal, themed drinks and live and silent auctions.

The cocktail party is scheduled for June 21, the event’s first of three days, culminating with the Monday, June 23 barbecue and awards presentation ceremony at the Montreux Country Club in Reno.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on June 21 the cocktail party is scheduled to take place at Sierra Nevada College’s Patterson Hall.

LeBard said the event includes door prizes, raffles and a meal for only $25.
“We really want more people to come out this year, I think it will be a great event,” LeBard said.

Sunday, June 22 marks the start of golfing, as fans of the links will enjoy a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start at The Championship Course in Incline for a scramble event. It will be followed by an awards dinner at the Incline Village General Improvement District Chateau at 6:30 p.m.

Finally, an early start is planned for day three as golfers will make their way to the Montreux Country Club in Reno for a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start on a best ball competition.

A barbecue and awards reception will greet the golfers when they are done at 2 p.m. at Montreux, a course designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus.

Horn said so far only about one dozen golfers are signed up and is hoping for more than 140 for the day at the Chateau and 90-100 for the day at Montreux.

“Montreux is a world-class course and not many people get the chance to play there,” Horn said.

The price for all three days is $475 per person, with special packages for days one and two costing $200 and days one and three costing $300.

“When people ask me why they should spend $200 to play or sponsor a hole, I tell them it’s for the children and the money goes back to education in our community,” Horn said.

To sign up for Golf Fore Education or for more information, you can visit Project MANA’s Web site at www.projectmana.org and click on the Brochure: Golf Fore Education 2008 link.

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:   Artists at Lake Tahoe is an art gallery with a focus on art made by local Lake Tahoe artists. It is not stamped “Made in China”, nor is it mass produced art which you find sold in other stores. More importantly, owner Karen Colbert feels is it is imperative to give back to the community through supporting the non-profit organizations. Ten percent of her proceeds from her art shows are donate to local non profits.

What’s new at Tahoe Quilts?
The new name of the gallery is Artists At Lake Tahoe, formerly Tahoe Quilts. The gallery features art by several Lake Tahoe artists, and all merchandise is created by a local artist. This is the perfect spot to obtain Lake Tahoe art which is produced in Lake Tahoe. We also feature jewelry, silk art, art in wood, pottery, home décor, soaps, and many other gift items - all made by local artists.

Why the name change?
Changing the business name from “Tahoe Quilts” to “Artists at Lake Tahoe” will, hopefully, better state the type of business I am promoting. Many customers who come into my shop think the word “quilts” connotes that I sell fabric. I do not sell fabric; I sell art. The name change should direct customers looking for art into my gallery and better exemplify the merchandise that is offered in my gallery. Many of the visitors to my shop are “quilters” and looking for fabric or want to see my “quilts”. My gallery features my art and art of local artists. I am not a fabric stores, and I feel the name “Tahoe Quilts” was not representative of an art gallery featuring quality art.

How will this add to your business:
I hope the new name will attract people who are looking for art produced by local artists, and thus, bring in customers who are art buyers seeking local art.

How did Artists at Lake Tahoe begin?
Tahoe Quilts was launched in 1999 when I left my “full time” job. After completing a few quilted pieces, based on color transitions, my first art show was at La Petite Salon in Kings Beach. That show was so successful that it launched my business, and 10 years later, I now have my own studio/gallery space in Incline Village, as well as room for other local art. A 21 year resident of Incline Village and graduate of Sierra Nevada College, my Business Administration degree has proved invaluable in running my business. Having served on the boards of both Project MANA and North Tahoe Arts has helped me understand the necessity of giving back to our community and supporting community endeavors.

What future plans are there for Artists at Lake Tahoe?
I want to feature more artists in my shop and host more art shows to allow local artists to showcase their art. i would also like to donate money to the community – I donate 10 percent of my show fees to a local community non-profit organization. The Incline High School was the recipient of my last art show.

Is there anything you would like to add:
When we travel, we look for goods produced in the local area. It is extremely disappointing to look at a product for sale touting the local community that has a label “Made in China” stuck to the bottom of the item. “Artists at Lake Tahoe” provides art and gifts specifically made in Lake Tahoe. My shop supports local artists, the local community, and local non-profit organizations. “Artists at Lake Tahoe” provides visitors and locals an opportunity to immerse themselves in “local art.”
For information on Artists at Lake Tahoe call 775-833-0637 or visit the gallery at 923 Tahoe Blvd, Ste. 101A.

“Business Profile” is a regular feature that looks at local businesses in the Incline Village area. The Bonanza does not endorse this or any other business. If you would like your business to be profiled, please call the Bonanza at (775) 831-4666.