TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. — Content for briefs is selected from e-mail submissions to Community Editor Amy Edgett at aedgett@sierrasun.com. Items are published in the print edition news space permitting.

ANIMALS! opening reception

---

---

The new exhibit of photography and art is hanging at the Community Recreation Center in Truckee: ANIMALS! Tahoe Public Art Commission continues its artistic offerings with a community exhibit featuring the beloved animals in all of our lives. Wild animals and wild pets alike are the stars of the show. In addition to community photography, the exhibit also includes art works of Malanie Frakes, Aimee Had, Wendy-Marie Teichert, Katie Wolff and more.

The opening reception will be on Friday, Feb. 7, 5-7 p.m. Jason Wooley will fill the halls with live music. Enjoy a night of art, music, community, and refreshments.

---

---

P.S. Have you spread the word about the artistic bike rack project? Check for details at TDRPD.org.

‘Lean Startup Methodology: Promises And Pitfalls’

The Silicon Mountain Group announced February’s topic: Lean Startup Methodology: Promises and Pitfalls.

Lean startup is a new business approach that challenges the conventional approach to building companies and launching products. This point/counterpoint presentation will examine the Lean Startup Methodology, including where it originated, today’s practices and what the future may hold.

The guest speaker started programming for profit at age 14 and has built and sold two startups, including one to AT&T. He advises companies on technology stacks, product strategies/design and Agile development.

The meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m. at Pizza on the Hill, 11509 Northwoods Blvd. in Tahoe Donner. A $5 fee includes pizza, salad, and soft drinks.

Find Silicon Mountain on LinkedIn, Facebook and TahoeSiliconMountain.com, or sign up for email meeting announcements at http://bit.ly/14XGofL.

Post-fire environments, Washoe traditions

The Feb. 11 Good Morning Truckee will feature Dr. Will Richardson of Tahoe Institute for Natural Science with an overview of post-fire ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada. He will discuss managing those environments for safety, fuels, and ecosystem health and recovery.

Also presenting will be a Washoe Tribe representative, speaking about the tribe’s Truckee area use — significant places, travel routes, and the importance of the Truckee River. Attendees will be shown traditional baskets, arrows and arrowheads, and tools.

Good Morning Truckee is open to the public, held second Tuesdays at Truckee Tahoe Airport, 7:00-8:30 a.m. Price at the door for general public is $12; Truckee Donner Chamber members $10 and includes a continental breakfast and raffle.

Sponsorships opportunities are available. For more information, contact the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce at 530-587-8808 or e-mail info@truckee.com.

Life and teachings of the Buddha

Join Polly Ryan, MA for an exploration of the teachings of the Buddha through his life story and other parables. This course will provide a base of study and practice to create a firm foundation for the serious practitioner, as well as for those interested in exploring Buddhism. Wednesday mornings, 9-10:30 a.m. through May 21 at For Goodness Sake, 10157 Donner Pass Road, Truckee. This will also be available via Web Ex. The class will consist of dharma talks and meditation periods and two five-hour sessions, one in April and one in May. Entire course cost: $175-$250 or drop in $12-$15 per session. No one turned away for lack of funds. Contact Susi at 530-562-6003.

Lahontan 2014 Grant Cycle open

The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation in conjunction with the Lahontan Community Foundation (LCF) announced the opening of the Lahontan 2014 Grant Cycle. This year, LCF has approximately $85,000 available to award to organizations in the fields of health and human services, environment, education and arts and culture. All applications must be submitted online through Monday, March 3 at 5 p.m. Access the online grant application process at http://www.ttcf.net or with the following link: http://www.grantinterface.com/ttcf/Common/LogOn.aspx.

Be a mentor

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children? Learn more about Girls On The Run Sierras and Big Brothers Big Sisters Nevada County on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5-6:30 p.m. at Uncorked Truckee. Girls on the Run: a positive youth development program for third through eighth-grade girls.

Spring 2014 Season: After school program meets twice a week for 10 weeks starting March 17 and culminates with the Girls on the Run 5k Fun Run on Saturday, June 7.

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two types of mentoring — site-based mentoring at the Boys & Girls Club in Kings Beach or community based mentoring, where mentors pick up the children and spend time out and about doing fun activities of their choice. The commitment is an average of an hour a week for a year.

Visit http://www.girlsontherunsierras.org and http://www.bigsofnc.org.

Full moon yurt dinner

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones and friends? Join Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships for a Full Moon Yurt Dinner, a fundraiser for the Winter Discovery Center at Tahoe Cross Country. Feb. 14 and 15, with Chef Mike Ferrier of As You Wish Catering. Evening includes a moonlit hike, ski or snowshoe from the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area, mulled wine by a warming fire under the stars, a gourmet dinner served in the yurt, live music, and more.

Limited tickets cost $70 per person, which includes three course meal, tax, a beverage, ski or snowshoe equipment and trail pass. Benefits the Winter Discovery Center and environmental education. RSVP by Sunday, Feb. 9 by calling 530-583-5475.

This event is a snow or no snow event.

For a $25 donation SWEP will deliver an eight-piece box of handcrafted, gourmet chocolates from Dorina’s Chocolates to your table at the Feb. 14 or 15 yurt dinner.

Crab Lovers Night

Crab Lovers Night, Friday, Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m. The Rotary Club of Tahoe City will host an all-you-can eat crab dinner at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. Dinner will include all-you-can-eat fresh Bay Area Dungeness crab, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Entertainment provided by the NTHS Jazz Band beginning at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $45 adults and $20 children 14 and under. For tickets (limited) mail check made out to Rotary Club of Tahoe City to Jim Cline, P.O. Box 1725, Kings Beach, CA 96143, or call 530-546-4840 for information. Please mail by Feb. 7.

Republican Women to meet

Truckee Tahoe Republican Women’s Federation will meet Tuesday, Feb. 18, 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Rosie’s Cafe, 571 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Speaker William Wagner will discuss Sharia Law. Luncheon cost is $20, with reservations required at cherylastull@sbcglobal.net or 530-587-2042.