INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Content for the weekly community briefs section is selected from e-mail submissions to editor@tahoebonanza.com. Please include the 5w’s: who, what, when, where and why, website and contact information.

Parasol announces community fund grant cycle

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Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation announced the Community Fund will award up to $50,000 in unrestricted grant funding to organizations that make an impact in the regional community. As stewards of donors’ charitable dollars, Parasol’s goal is to invest in organizations exhibiting leadership in the field and challenging the status quo. Eligibility requirements: directly serve the Tahoe Basin; be recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt agency, 501(c)(3) public charity, government agency, school and/or faith-based organization in good standing; be incorporated in Nevada or California and in good standing; provide quality programs and/or services in arts, culture and heritage; community leadership/support; education and youth; environment and social services. Please visit http://www.parasol.org/communityfundgrants to download the application.

Applications and required materials are due at the Parasol office no later than 4 p.m. March 14, 2014.

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Incline Village Library news

Display cases: 50 years of Bohemia and Arts and Crafts style art glass from Joseph Huelle’s private collection. Feb. 19, 4-4:45 p.m., Family Story Time, children of all ages are welcome for stories, songs, games, and crafts. Feb. 26, 4-4:45 p.m. Celebrating Dr. Seuss Story Time. Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, would have turned 110 on March 2. Join IV Library in honoring the author of “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham” with stories and a crafty craft. Veteran’s Writing Workshop, Tuesdays through March 18, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thought provoking writing and reading exercises intended to encourage all veterans, active and retired, to write about their experiences for their own benefit or to share. No session on Feb. 18.

Story Time Survey, The Incline Village Library is considering the addition of a Toddler Story Time, children 18-36 months old. Contact the library to offer input.

Incline Village Library, open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 845 Alder Ave., Incline Village, 775-832-4130.

Closed Tuesday, Feb. 18 following the formal Presidents’ Day holiday.

Register for Veterans Legislative Symposium

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services will host a Veterans Legislative Symposium on March 8, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Silver Legacy Resort in Reno. The meeting is intended to bring together leaders and those interested in veterans issues to plan for the upcoming 78th legislature in 2015. Space is limited to 200 attendees. To attend, email pio.ndvs@veterans.nv.gov with the subject line “Veteran Legislative Symposium.” Coffee service will be provided throughout the meeting.

Free tax preparation

Free preparation of federal and California tax returns is now available for households with income under $52,000.

This service helps people to receive all of the tax credits to which they are entitled. Through the April 15 filing deadline, tax preparation appointments are available Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays, March 8 and April 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All appointments at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Non-Profit Center, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, call Tahoe Family Solutions at 775-298-0004.

Tax returns are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program operated by Tahoe Family Solutions. VITA representatives are also available to meet with local businesses and other organizations to provide information about the free tax preparation services and answer questions.

If you would like to schedule a visit, contact Mike Smith at 775-830-2050 or via e-mail at msmithtahoe@gmail.com.

AAUW to meet

The Tahoe Nevada Chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW) will meet Feb. 19 for dinner at the Parasol Building, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village. This meeting is open to the public. Cost of the dinner, catered by Gina and Jim Poulos of Crosby’s, is $30 per person. There is a social hour 5:30-6:30 p.m., dinner and program 6:30-8:30 p.m. AAUW is a nonprofit organization with a focus on advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. This month’s meeting will feature Sen. Omer Rains, an inspirational speaker, who after recovering from a stroke climbed Mount Everest. Sen. Rains is an active participant in worldwide humanitarian issues. To RSVP e-mail Barbara Pulver at barbeaauw@gmail.com or call 989-859-4860 by Feb. 17. Barbara will confirm your reservation by email or phone.

Diamond Peak releases new website

Diamond Peak recently released a fully redesigned website where skiers can see the snow total on one of the three live webcams. DiamondPeak.com is responsive, where skiers and riders purchase their tickets or lessons online on phones or tablets without losing access to media-rich features. With its social media integration, skiers and riders can connect and share pictures and video with the resort and each other during the ski day.

Visitors can view snow conditions, terrain improvements, rentals and lessons through a comprehensive digital experience. Diamond Peak developed this new site with KPS3 Marketing to offer skiers and riders a seamless user experience.

Governor proclaims 2014 ‘Year of the Veteran’

In a proclamation by Governor Sandoval, the state will recognize 2014 as the Year of the Veteran. “The Governor has stated clearly it is our goal to make Nevada the most veteran friendly state in the country,” said Kat Miller, director NDVS. “That is evident in his support and of veterans issues and advancing efforts to create more accessibility state wide for veterans and their families.” Find an online survey for veternas at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/nevadaveterans, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/veteransproviders to access the survey for Nevada’s veteran service providers and visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NV_Military_Comm to access the survey for Nevada’s military community.

Seeking state’s top senior citizen

The search for Nevada’s Senior Citizen of the Year began Feb. 1.

The National Silver Haired Congress Nevada Delegation, in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization (ASDO), established the award last year.

Frank Pati, a 76-year-old Mesquite resident, was honored by Governor Sandoval and the Congressional delegation as the first-ever Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year. Nominators described Pati’s efforts like this:

Who’s the next Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year? It could be a friend, a neighbor or a community leader. It could be someone from your town or across the state.

The competition is open to all those who are age 60 and older and have lived in Nevada for five years. The nomination guidelines and forms are available at nevshc.org.

The deadline for nominations is March 31. The award will be presented in May.