SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Community Bank & Trust, a Georgia-based financial institution with deep local ties, has made possible the highly anticipated Cascade Kitchens, a commercial kitchen and food business incubator, which is now nearing completion. This will be a major addition to South Lake Tahoe’s culinary and business community
Cascade Kitchens, a collaboration between Alpine View Investments, Hospitality HQ, Borges Architecture, and MB Construction, is a dynamic culinary hub supporting local food entrepreneurs. The space features an open layout with exposed ceilings, seven vendor stalls, market-style kiosks, a state-of-the-art commissary kitchen with community memberships, and a bar highlighting regional beverages
Jeremy Gilpin, Chairman of the Board of Community Bankshares, Inc., the holding company for Community Bank & Trust, and Dreu Murin, Chief Marketing Officer for Community Bankshares Inc., are leading the charge behind this initiative. Both Gilpin and Murin, raised in rural America, split their time between Georgia and Lake Tahoe and are deeply committed to fostering rural economic growth through strategic financing solutions.
“Cascade Kitchens is more than just a new business—it’s a catalyst for economic development and an opportunity for small food entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Gilpin. “By utilizing government-guaranteed lending programs, we’re able to help projects like this take shape, providing essential resources for business owners who may not have had access otherwise.”
“The support from Community Bank & Trust, especially through the leadership of Jeremy Gilpin, has been instrumental in bringing Cascade Kitchens to life,” said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace. “Their commitment to rural America and small businesses is exactly what South Lake Tahoe needs to thrive. This project will provide invaluable resources to our food entrepreneurs, create jobs, and enhance our local economy. We need more of it!”
The project is the vision of Alpine View Investments.
“Community Bank & Trust has been a game-changer in making Cascade Kitchens possible,” said Fran Faulknor, Partner at Alpine View Investments. “Their ability to leverage government-backed lending solutions and their belief in supporting small businesses has provided the financial foundation for this project. Their involvement proves the power of community banking in bringing meaningful projects to life.”
Community Bank & Trust has been a champion of government-backed lending, helping business owners navigate programs such as SBA (Small Business Administration) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) loans to secure the capital they need. This approach ensures long-term sustainability for local enterprises, fostering growth without the typical barriers of commercial financing.
“The Lake Tahoe region is a perfect example of a community that drastically needs and benefits from smart, strategic investment,” added Gilpin. “We believe in the power of small businesses, and Cascade Kitchens is going to create jobs, inspire new ideas, and contribute to the fabric of our local economy. We are honored to be a part of its story.”
With final preparations underway, Cascade Kitchens is set to open its doors in the coming months, marking a new era for the food and beverage industry in South Lake Tahoe. Entrepreneurs interested in learning more about the space and its offerings are encouraged to reach out for leasing and operational details.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.- The Tahoe Chamber announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 Blue Ribbon Awards, the premier recognition program celebrating excellence in the South Shore business community. The Chamber invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to submit nominations for outstanding achievements by businesses that are Chamber member in 8 categories.
The annual Blue Ribbon Awards honor those who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and commitment to the South Shore community. Winners will be recognized at the prestigious and fun Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Edgewood Tahoe Resort, presented by Heavenly and Kirkwood mountain resorts.
“The Blue Ribbon Awards is an opportunity to spotlight the impressive contributions that make our business community thrive,” said Cristi Creegan, CEO of the Tahoe Chamber. “We encourage everyone to nominate deserving businesses and individuals who exemplify excellence and have made meaningful impacts in our region.”
Award Categories:
Excellence in Business Award
New Business of the Year Award
Volunteer of the Year Award
Sustainable Tourism Business of the Year Award
Community Enrichment Award
Customer Service (by a Business) Award
Customer Service (by a Public Agency) Award
Innovation in Business Award
Nominations will be accepted through April 25, 2025. A committee comprised of business leaders will evaluate all submissions based on the specific criteria for each category as outlined in the nomination form. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.
To submit a nomination, visit tahoechamber.org/blue-ribbon-awards/. The business must be a Chamber member to be considered; a list of members can be found at business.tahoechamber.org/list.
The Blue Ribbon Awards Ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 22 with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner, generously and deliciously hosted by Edgewood Tahoe Resort, followed by the awards presentation. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase beginning April 21, 2025. More details, including additional sponsors and what you can look forward to at the event, will follow.
RENO, Nev. – Sculptor June Towill Brown was recently knighted by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem for her decades of service and volunteerism throughout the West. Knighted by the Grand Master, Brown is now referred to as Dame June Towill Brown and Lady June.
Recently, Sir Simon DeBono, the Order’s Bailiff, and next in-line for Grand Master, asked Brown to sculpt a bronze to celebrate the Order’s pro-life campaign in Europe period. The sculpture entitled “Essence of Life” will be displayed in the Malta Priory.
June Towill Brown Investiture CeremonyProvided
“With over 40 years of my philanthropic work, I never dreamed that I would be knighted and have this honor not only to belong to the Malta Priory, but to have one of my sculptures created for this Order and that it will be permanently displayed on the Isle of Malta for many years to come.”
The Order is 1,000 years old and sanctioned by the Pope for being hospitallers and military support to help feed and protect those who need it most. Currently, they are feeding thousands of people today in Ukraine and Israel by air dropping bags of rice and trucking where they can.
“I was so honored to support this important initiative,” said Brown who is now working on the sculpture from her home in Reno, Nevada. “Essence of Life was the name that seemed ideal for the cause. I wanted to show how the beauty of life withstands the struggles of life and holds steadfast,” said Brown.
Brown is documenting the whole process from the beginning of the sculpture’s wire armature, through the bronze casting process and all the way to the presentation at the Malta Priory where the sculpture will be displayed.
One of Brown’s most accomplished works is the International Gateway to Lake Tahoe. She donated her time to create life-sized animals for Nevada’s largest roundabout in Incline Village, Nevada and largest outdoor art project in the Silver State. Her artistic time equated to a $250,000 in-kind donation.
Be it a bronze sculpture, commissioned statue or monument, prestigious trophy, or jewelry collection, research and respect for each of Brown’s subjects are reflected in her meticulous efforts to reproduce the dignity and beauty of her ever-evolving works of art.
“Artist Pablo Picasso once quoted: ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’ Picasso’s metaphor for life was envisioned over 50 years ago and continues to inspire me to this day,” noted Brown.
As an accomplished and award-winning artist, Brown’s passion for continuing to create new works of art is fueled by her life experiences and desire to share her visions through the sculpting medium.
“As an artist and educator, I am constantly learning and exploring life. By studying the structures of humans and wildlife, I can enrich the lives of others through my sculptures and the stories they tell,” said Brown.
It Started with a Glass of Wine
From her most recent roots in Northern Nevada, Brown’s work has been promoted worldwide through the Public Broadcasting System of Reno, Nevada among countless other media outlets. Within the PBS “ARTeffects” show, Brown told her life-long story of her love of sculpting and how it started with a ‘glass of wine.’
As she explained, she wanted to make a vintage-style Santa for herself. This spirit of innovation led Brown to take sculpting classes and design her first sculptures of clay dolls.
Thirty years later, Brown’s impressive portfolio includes bronze sculptures of animals, Shakespearean characters, Native American subjects, exclusive commissioned sculptures, awards, medallions, and a fine line of gold and silver jewelry.
“The Work of the Hand … Sculpts a Place in the Heart is my mantra. I love the adventure of meeting new friends around the globe, while at the same time, I am experiencing the incredible spirit of life in all things—and it’s a journey I love,” said Brown.
Sculptor June Towill Brown With Mike Love at International Gateway to Lake Tahoe.Provided
June Towill Brown’s Awards and Achievements
Humble about her artistic accomplishments, Brown has acquired honors only presented to those who have excelled in their field. Titles on this impressive list include: “Award of Excellence,” “Best in Show,” and “Best and Brightest,” to name a few. Most impressive was her selection as the Commissioned Artist for the Gateway to Lake Tahoe, the largest outdoor art project in the state of Nevada – in which she donated her time and talent to the roundabout which welcomes millions of tourists and residents annually to Lake Tahoe.
“Exclusive Volunteer Artist” Public Art Project / International Gateway to Lake Tahoe
“Commissioned: ‘Best in Show’ Trophy” Canadian Gypsy Vanner Society
“Feature Story” Tahoe Quarterly Magazine “International Gateway to Lake Tahoe”
“Art at the Classic” Draft Horse Classic for “Gypsy Fire”
“Feature Profile” Tahoe Quarterly Magazine
“Finalist, Women Artists of the West” WAOWing the Golden State Art Show
“Best and Brightest” Juried Award for “Gypsy Fire,” Scottsdale Artists’ Best and Brightest
“Award of Excellence” for “Horse Power,” Horse HeART 2010, “Let’em Ride Foundation
“In the Spotlight” Nevada Magazine, Feature Profile with photograph
2010 Finalist “WAOWing The Golden State” – Olaf Weighorst Museum –
“Best and Brightest for “Bloodline,” Scottsdale Artists’ Best and Brightest Juried Show
“Loveland Sculpture Invitational,” Loveland, CO
“Bohler Show,” Southern CA. Presented mixed media sculpted art figures
Professional Accomplishments
Educator at UCLA, Los Angeles for 20 years on Interior Design
Educator at Beverly Hills Adult School for 5 years on Antiques and Collectibles
Lecturer in USA and Japan on International Design and Color
Lecturer on Design and Color to Los Angeles and Beverly Hills charity groups
International President of International Society of Interior Design (ISID)
Board member of American Society of Interior Design (ASID)
Commission sculptures for both public and residential installations
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) were all named one of the top ten most effective Democratic Senators in the 118th Congress, according to a non-partisan study by the Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.
Senator Padilla was the second most effective Senate Democrat. He was the chair of the subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water of the Budget, Environment and Public Works Committee, as well as serving as the chair of the Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee. During the 118th Congress, he sponsored 92 bills, 9 of which passed the Senate, and two of which became law.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked Senator Cortez Masto as the seventh most effective Senate Democrat, noting in particular her work to pass the reauthorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act into law last year.
“I am honored to have been recognized as one of the most effective senators. Whether it’s lowering costs, promoting public safety, creating good-paying jobs, protecting Nevada’s pristine landscapes, or ensuring all Nevadans can get ahead, my priority is always serving the people in the Silver State. I look forward to continuing to fight for all Nevadans during the 119th Congress,” – said Senator Cortez Masto.
Senator Rosen was the ninth most effective Senate Democrat and the third-most effective first-term senator, making her one of only four first-term senators who “exceeded expectations” as above-average effective lawmakers.
Since arriving in Congress, Senator Rosen has worked across party lines to deliver for Nevada. She has been consistently named and reaffirmed as one of the most bipartisan members of the Senate. She has also been recognized as one of the most independent senators for being willing to break with her own party to deliver for Nevada.
“Nevadans know that I’m an independent voice for them in the U.S. Senate who works across party lines to get things done,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m honored to have been recognized once again as one of the most effective senators for my work to deliver for the people of Nevada. I’ll continue to be a strong, effective advocate for our state and will work tirelessly to help hardworking families thrive.”
The Legislative Effectiveness Scores are based on the combination of fifteen metrics capturing the bills that each member of Congress sponsors, how far they move through the lawmaking process, and how substantial their policy proposals are.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University legislative effectiveness scorecard can be found here.
KINGS BEACH, Calif. – Lake Tahoe will be able to experience the live movie concert of Right in the Eye. The performance is coming to the Fox Cultural Hall in Kings Beach on April 10-11.
Right in the Eye is a mutltimedia show composed of 12 films by Georges Méliès, a pioneer of the Cinema and a wizard of special effects.
Featuring a trio of virtuoso musicians, their performance, in and of itself, is a spectacle – as they create music from an extraordinary range of instruments: piano, a soundboard, percussion and guitar; aquaphone (marine harp), theremin, melodica, glockenspiel; and objects of everyday life such as stemware, circular saws, whistles, flying plates and takeaway food lids.
Since its creation in 2014, Right in the Eye has had over 700 performances in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, Romania, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, at two Avignon festivals and at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. In addition, this 11th tour features workshops with students of all ages, as well as masterclasses, residencies and special performances for Colleges and Universities across the United States.
Conceptual writer and composer Jean-François Alcolea is a complete musician — piano, chamber music, composition, jazz, rock and vocal music, as well as music for theater, dance and short films. Since 2000, Alcolea has created and presented his own shows with the collaboration of qualified artists and technicians. Pianist, com- poser, improviser and scenographer, Alcolea’s shows reflect his plural worlds, combining music, sound creation, lighting, still and animated images, street arts, dance, texts, and visual creations.
Alcolea also uses his experience as a music teacher to create a varied range of mediation offerings. With his team, he developed interactive online workshops, which were created in February 2021 for shows aimed at Canadian audiences and which, since then, have been tested in France as part of hybrid interactive workshops in person and online. He is currently working on a digital education platform project dedicated to images and music.
The performance can be view on Wednesday, April 10 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. or Thursday, April 11 at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m.
