magic

You hear of the "great recession" causing issues in many areas from jobs and income to housing, but another victim is quality child care in South Lake Tahoe.

Prior to 2009 there were over 45 licensed day care providers on the South Shore, a majority of them licensed for 12 children and open evenings and weekends. Now, there are just 20, 12 of which are licensed for 12, the other eight are small licenses, for six children or less.

It is with deep heartbreak we say goodbye to Shallyn Diane Farris. She was a bright angel on this earth, full of life, love and kindness for all who knew her. Many who have visited South Lake Tahoe's Magic Carpet Golf over the years may have met Shallyn while she was working in the family business.

The native Sonoma county resident died on July 17, 2016. Shallyn loved horses, music, soccer, her family and friends. She was a graduate of El Molino High School and studied cosmetology at Lytles Beauty School.

Tickets for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad’s wildly popular holiday adventure to the North Pole via THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will go on sale starting Friday, Aug. 19 at 6 a.m.

The schedule of enchanted train rides runs from Nov. 17 through Dec. 23. For the past five years, every seat on every train has sold out for the V&T’s magical trip to the North Pole, making it imperative for parents and grandparents to make arrangements early.

The weather is starting to clear and temperatures are warming up, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Don't forget, when you are coming or going from the Lake Tahoe Basin, check out the Caltrans message board at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. Click on "Options" and "message boards." This handy tool shows you the exact time it takes to get from town over the mountain so you can stay longer and avoid the traffic!

Here is a list of some of the things to do on the South side:

Lake Tahoe Summer Kick Off Car and Bike Show at the Heavenly Village

Dr. Mireya Ortega of High Sierra Dental Care was recently the honored recipient of the 2016 Ruby Award given by Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS). This award honors women who are making an extraordinary difference in the lives of other women.

On behalf of the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH), I would like to thank our community for a successful inaugural season of the South Lake Tahoe Warm Room and the first overnight homeless services in the Tahoe Region.

Our agency appreciates vital funding provided this winter by the El Dorado Community Foundation, Tahoe Magic, and Reliapro Painters, along with many other community partners.

Here is a list of some of the things you can enjoy in South Lake Tahoe January 29-January 31, 2016:

Magic Fusion at the Loft Theatre & Lounge. A perfect blend of intimate Magic & Comedy. (530) 523-8024 - Loft Theatre & Lounge at the Heavenly Village, 1021 Heavenly Village Way

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday, January 5, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

The Loft opened on December 16 in South Lake Tahoe, offering the area's first indoor year-round live theater which also includes a lounge and Italian dining room.

Designed by PR Entertainment, the $1 million complex features 107-seats, a separate dining area serving authentic Italian cuisine, bar and upscale lounge, all on the top floor of Heavenly Village above the movie theater.

Magic and illusion fans will appreciate "Magic Fusion," The Loft's show staring Tony Clark, winner of the coveted Magician of the Year award and numerous television appearances.

The annual Barton Foundation Festival of Trees and Lights opened Wednesday at MontBleu with tree judging and the Senior Stroll.

The winners of the designer and school trees and wreath contests:

Designer Tree Category

Best Interpretation of Theme: No Place Like Home, by Cyndy Brown – Carlton

Most Elegant: Tantalizing Tango, by Belen Urrutia

Most “Out of the Box” (Creative): Steampunk Christmas, by Jeri Oishi & Enchanted Florist team

Best of Show: Tantalizing Tango, by Belen Urrutia

LTUSD Trees:

For years I thawed my turkey, covered it with butter and herbs and foil, and popped it into the oven, always afraid to steer away from what I knew worked.

That was, until I watched Emeril Lagasse on Good Morning America about ten year ago. Now, its all about the brine!

The first year I tried the brine I had the recipe all written out and followed it closely, but since then I improvise with whatever is in the kitchen cupboards.

Since this is Tuesday there is still time to do a brine, but you need to hurry.

The Loft at Heavenly Village has been in the works for months, and now it's just a few weeks from opening day on December 15.

The new indoor, year-round live theater is in a newly created space above the current Heavenly Village Cinemas created by PR Entertainment. It will include a bar and lounge, 107 seat theater and Italian restaurant featuring Chef Lisa Devenchezi-Miller, who also owns of Capisce? in South Lake Tahoe.

In a community with many needs, the Barton Foundation today donated $35,500 to ten different agencies that provide services to the residents of South Lake Tahoe during their annual Philanthropy Day. For the seventh year, the Barton Foundation gave away money raised through their annual fundraising efforts which include the annual Festival of Lights.

What would you do if you had a family miniature golf business you wanted to pass onto your four children? Build three more, of course!

In 1972, Bill and Mary Koplin built Magic Carpet Golf on land they purchased from Marjorie Springmeyer adjacent to what was once the South Lake Tahoe amusement park. Marjorie had overheard Bill and his real estate agent talking in a local restaurant about Bill's plans for building the course. "I have a piece of property I can sell you," Marjorie told them.

Tickets to board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride via the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, the annual Carson City family holiday tradition, go on sale online beginning August 20. (www.vtrailway.com)

Author of children’s adventure books, Mary Randall will speak on her book “A Walk Through the Woods” in a free presentation at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 a.m.

In her book Mary Randall asks the reader to believe in magic and have a zest for adventure as they trek along with Bobby and his pals through the Magic Kingdom of the woods. The reader will encounter talking animals, twists, turns, and secrets along with Indian spirits and ghosts of the Civil War. Randall hopes that readers will enjoy this amazing journey of surprises, mysteries and fun.

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Magic Dan performs Magic With A Message by combining great magic show with a positive message that enhances and reinforces education, reading, and self-esteem

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By now you may have seen or heard about pop star Taylor Swift's ground breaking performance at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on November 23. During the production of her hit, Blank Space, Swift is carrying a rose that is set on fire by a petal she pulls off. Her hand appears to catch on fire as well.

And it's all because of Alex Ramon, the 29-year-old part time South Lake Tahoe resident and star of Illusion Fusion during its two year local run.

A family favorite trip aboard the Polar Express to the North Pole awaits, but tickets are selling quickly.

Most trips are sold out, but as of Sunday evening there are still some seats available for the 8 p.m. rides on Dec. 7, 11, 13, 14 and 18. You may purchase tickets on line.

South Lake Tahoe non-profits were awarded $48,000 during the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority board meeting today. The 22 groups were each given between $1,000 and $3,000. The LTVA, in partnership with NBC Sports and American Century Investments, previously directed an additional $67,200 through on-site volunteer organizations and other efforts during tournament week to area high schools, Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe Booster Club, Boys and Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe, and the Gene Upshaw Scholarship

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad will once again offer service to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride starting Nov. 21. The magical story comes to life when the train departs the Carson City Depot on Eastgate Siding Road for a one-hour round trip journey to the North Pole. This event has consistently sold out since debuting four years ago and is expected to draw record numbers again this holiday season.

South Tahoe High Junior Mykala Muskovitz is spending Sunday participating in Tour de Tahoe, the annual bike ride around Lake Tahoe. The 16 year old doesn't just ride, which most of us would find as a big enough accomplishment, she raises money while doing so.

For the third year, Mykala is riding to raise money for a local charity.

In 2011 as an 8th grader, she made the 72 mile ride in 6 hours and raised over $2,000 for Boys and Girls Club and for winter hats and gloves for children at Live Violence Free.

Move over Awful-Awful, Lake Tahoe’s best burger is now the new burger in town in ‘the biggest little city’ and has its sights set on the ‘Reno’s Best Burger’ crown, and it’s only available at the new Reno location of the Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger.

What makes this newcomer think its Beaver Burger can unseat the decades old reputation of the Awful-Awful as Reno’s best? “It’s the meat that matters,” says Lucky Beaver co-founder Mike Leeper.

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Be transformed back to the 14th century this weekend in South Lake Tahoe as the 22nd Renaissance Faire makes Camp Richardson their home for two weekends.

Have you ever seen lance splitting jousting? Shot a quiver of arrows? Seen sword fighting? If you head over to the faire you'll see all that, and more, including a thousand actors dressed in period clothing walking around, taking to the stage or singing and juggling.

If you've never been, this is a fun and "must do" event on the south shore. It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Sundays.