TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif — Content for briefs is selected from e-mail submissions to Community Editor Amy Edgett at aedgett@sierrasun.com. E-mail for print submissions may be 150 words. Items published in the print edition news space permitting.

Free tax preparation on North shore

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There is still time to get your taxes done for free. Households with income under $51,000 may qualify for free preparation of federal and California tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The program is operated by Tahoe Family Solutions (TFS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening the family fabric in the Tahoe Basin. This tax season, the TFS tax assistance site has already prepared tax returns for more than 40 households, with more than $60,000 in refunds generated.

From now through April 13, appointments are available on Saturdays, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. and Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. All tax preparation sessions will be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Non-Profit Center, 948 Incline Way in Incline Village. For more information or to make an appointment, call Tahoe Family Solutions at 775-298-0004.

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Truckee and Kings Beach Resource Centers offer free tax prep

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are teaming up again this year in the Tahoe region with local tax aide volunteers to offer free tax preparation assistance for low and middle income individuals, with special attention for those aged 60 and over.

Alex Graham, Frank Schneller and Georgia Smith are the tax aide volunteers who will assist residents with their tax preparations at the Family Resource Center of Truckee (FRCoT) and the North Tahoe Family Resource Center in Kings Beach.

Family Advocates at the FRCoT are able to provide translation services as well as connect participants to other community resources. While these services are provided free of charge, donations are gladly accepted.

The volunteers are providing their services at the FRCoT, by appointment only. The dates of the free service are: March 23 and 29; and April 6 and 12. Call 530-587-2513 to schedule your appointment!

Services at the NTFRC Kings Beach will take place on the following dates: March 28; and April 4 and 11. Call 530-546-0952 to schedule an appointment.

An Evening with Mark McLaughlin – Embracing Lake Tahoe’s History

Mark McLaughlin will present an illustrated slide show on the history of Tahoe City at the Tahoe City Golf Course on Sunday, March 24 at 6 p.m. Mark will showcase tales of excitement, including early logging, railroad and steamship era, a missed Olympic bid, and important early pioneers. Since its first settlement in the mid-19th century, Tahoe City has been a hub of commerce and a center of recreation for the Tahoe-Truckee region. As the historic gateway to Big Blue, this vital community has long been a visitor destination. For nearly a century, the Lake Tahoe Ski Club has produced outstanding athletes and champions, and today’s residents and businesses strive to maintain that same high standard. Cost is $10 for one drink and tasty appetizers served at the “Meet & Greet,” 6-7 p.m. Presentation begins at 7:05 p.m. RSVP to Jeff at 530-583-1516, ext. 2, call Don at 530-583-8496, or email spiderhay@me.com for information.

Tahoe City Golf Course: Next Steps Open House

Tuesday, March 26, 6-8 p.m. or Wednesday, March 27, noon-3 p.m. at the Tahoe City Golf Course Clubhouse. Hear about concepts and initial ideas the four partners are working on for the Tahoe City Golf Course. Share your ideas on their progress. Last year Tahoe City Public Utility District, Placer County, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and Truckee-Tahoe Airport District came together to purchase the Tahoe City Golf Course. These partners acquired the property because they believe the community amenity is valuable to both locals and visitors. For more information email seana@freshtrackscommunications.com.

BNI Tuesdays

For Goodness Sake, 10157 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. Take your business to the next level by using a reliable, structured and proven method of word-of-mouth advertising. It’s fail proof, it’s time tested and it’s an investment in your business and in your success. Check out the Truckee-Tahoe BNI chapter of the world’s largest networking organization. Truckee-Tahoe BNI does not meet during major holiday weeks, or TTUSD school snow days. Contact pmcurtis2600@msn.com or 530-582-5600.

Weekly Al-Anon meetings in Truckee

Are you concerned about someone’s drinking? Get help. Weekly Al-Anon meetings in Truckee are held Monday, 7-8 p.m., Church of the Mountains, 10069 Church St., Truckee and Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 10157 Donner Pass Road, Truckee. Your anonymity is protected at all times. For other meetings in area call 775-348-7103 (English) or 775-384-4485 (Espanol) or visit http://www.al-anon.alateen.org.

Ski and ride for $35 or less to benefit local schools

Downhill resort tickets may be pre-purchased the week prior to the designated dates at Porters Sports in Truckee and Tahoe Dave’s in Tahoe City, Truckee and Kings Beach. Cross-country resort tickets may be purchased the week prior to the designated dates at Paco’s in Truckee and Alpenglow in Tahoe City. A limited number of tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and will not be available at the resorts the day of the event. Check and cash are accepted at all store outlets and credit cards are accepted at Tahoe Dave’s outlets. Tickets are not refundable.

Tahoe Donner Ski Area, $25 lift ticket valid any one day, Sugar Bowl, $35 lift ticket valid any one day, March 23-29; Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, $35 lift ticket valid any one day at either resort from April 7 through end of season.

Proceeds from each lift ticket purchase goes directly to the Excellence in Education Foundation. For more information and updates, visit http://www.exined.org.

Dog Training Classes at Savvy Dog Training and Education Center

Calling dogs of all ages! Puppy II — Adolescent Basic Manners classes are starting Monday, April 22 and Thursday, April 25. Puppy Socialization and Adult Manners/Basic Obedience classes start on Wednesday, April 24. Want to do something fun with your dog? Try “My Dog Can Do That!” — Teaching Tricks which begins on Monday, April 29. Find more information about all classes on-line at http://www.thesavvydog.net or call 530-448-9808. Instructor Carla Brown, CPDT is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the AKC. The Savvy Dog Training and Education Center is located at 11448 Deerfield Drive, C-1 in the Deerfield Plaza by Truckee Bagel in Truckee.

Toastmasters in Tahoe City

Fridays, 7 a.m., 380 N. Lake Blvd., North Tahoe Arts building, Tahoe City. Learn how to think on your feet and express yourself in front of group. We teach you how to get those butterflies in your stomach to fly in formation. Visit http://www.bluetahoetoastmasters.com.