Ski Season is Here! 2024-2025
The ski resorts are getting ready for an epic winter season, and we couldn’t be more excited! From epic powder days to cozy après-ski moments, the slopes are ready for you to experience all the fun and adventure that winter brings. Whether you're an expert shredding the trails or a newbie ready to hit the slopes for the first time, the opening of these resorts offers endless opportunities for unforgettable experiences. It's time to bundle up, grab your gear, and embrace the thrill of winter sports—let's make this season one to remember! Best Time to Ski: Early Season (November - December): While early season can be hit or miss in terms of snow coverage, the resorts often open by Thanksgiving. You might find fewer crowds during this time. Peak Season (January - February): This is when conditions are most reliable. The resorts are busiest around the holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend), so expect crowded slopes. Spring Skiing (March - April): Skiing in the spring can be fantastic, with softer snow, sunny weather, and fewer crowds, though you’ll need to be mindful of variable snow conditions as temperatures rise. Here is a list of the most popular ski resorts in our area and opening status. And for more information on each of these click here! Northstar California Resort OPEN Heavenly Mountain Resort OPEN Kirkwood Mountain Resort OPEN Palisades Tahoe (Squaw) OPEN Boreal Mountain Resort OPEN Sugar Bowl OPEN Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe OPEN Diamond Peak Thursday, December 12th Sierra at Tahoe OPEN
The Gift of Giving: Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season
The holidays are about more than just delicious meals, festive activities, and exchanging gifts. At their core, the season is meant to celebrate the true spirit of giving. It's a time to be a positive influence in your community, helping those who might be struggling. Here at The Berman Group, we encourage everyone to find ways to give back this year. Keep reading for some ideas on how you can make a difference! Adopt a Child or Family One of our favorite ways to give back is by adopting a child or family, ensuring they have gifts to open this holiday season. While many wish for toys or games, the majority of requests tend to be for everyday essentials like jackets, shoes, socks, and gloves. If possible, consider adopting a single child or a group of siblings to ensure they all feel equally cared for. The Children’s Cabinet – Each year, families and businesses collaborate to assist those in need. You choose the family size, and they ask for a minimum of $50 for each member. Learn more about adopting a family with The Children’s Cabinet here. The Boys and Girls Club – Through their Holiday Help Program, hundreds of families are supported with gifts, clothing, toys, and household items. To adopt a family in the Reno-Sparks area for the 2023 Holiday Help program, contact Dina Ciarlo at holidayhelp@bgctm.org. Safe Embrace – Children and families in need of support can be adopted through email or phone. To find out more, contact christmas@safeembrace.org or call 775-324-3766. You can specify your preferences for family size, individuals, or children, and they’ll match you with a family in need. Adopt a Senior If adopting a child feels like the right fit for you, why not consider adopting a senior? Many senior care facilities offer adoption programs where you can make someone’s holiday special. Or go through Be Santa To A Senior which focuses on giving in your local senior homes. Donate to a Food Bank or Collection Food Bank of Northern Nevada – The food drives listed are open to the public, and they welcome donations to help reach their goals. Many of these drives are hosted by local businesses, so your support directly benefits the community. Most needed items: Canned vegetables (low sodium or no salt added) Canned meals (soups, stews, spaghetti, etc.) Protein (peanut butter, canned tuna, chicken, dried beans) Grains (whole grain cereal, oatmeal, brown rice) Canned fruits (in 100% juice or light syrup) Dairy (shelf-stable milk) Baby products (formula, baby food, infant cereal) Karma Box – This community initiative provides non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and toiletries to those in need year-round. Several Karma Boxes are placed around Northern Nevada. Find one near you here. Raley’s Food for Families – When you donate to Food For Families, your $10 contribution can provide over 20 nutritious meals to neighbors in need. All donations stay local. You can donate online or at your nearest Raley's store. Involve Your Family Teaching kids about charity and generosity during the holidays is a wonderful way to instill values of kindness and empathy. Here are some family-friendly activities to get everyone involved: Toy Drive Surprise: Have your kids go through their toys and pick out items they no longer use. Donate them to a local charity or organize a toy drive in your community. Bake and Share: Spend a day baking cookies or other treats. Share them with neighbors, local firefighters, or elderly community members. Family Volunteer Day: Volunteer as a family at local shelters or food banks. Whether serving meals or helping with clean-up projects, your time can make a real difference. Holiday Card Workshop: Set up a station to make handmade holiday cards. Deliver them to nursing homes, hospitals, or military personnel. Donation Jar Challenge: Give each family member a donation jar. Throughout the holiday season, encourage everyone to add spare change. At the end, donate the funds to a charity of your choice. Visit a Senior Center: Organize a visit to a local senior center. Your kids can interact with elderly residents, play games, or just enjoy each other’s company. Meal Kit Assembly: Put together meal kits with non-perishable food and donate them to a food bank or shelter. Nature Clean-Up: Take a family walk in nature, bringing along trash bags to help clean up a park or trail. Read for a Cause: Host a family reading night where each book read contributes a small donation to a charity or local school. Giving Back Beyond the Holidays Although the holiday season brings a special focus to giving, it’s important to remember that kindness and generosity should extend throughout the year. Find a cause that excites you and consider volunteering or donating regularly. Many of the organizations we mentioned above welcome help year-round. At The Berman Group, we dedicate our time to the Reno Rodeo Foundation, Boys and Girls Club and other local initiatives as our way of giving back to our community.
Fall Landscaping Ideas & Prep for Northern Nevada
As the vibrant colors of summer give way to the warm hues of autumn, it’s the perfect time for homeowners in Northern Nevada to focus on their landscaping. The crisp air and stunning scenery provide an ideal backdrop for outdoor projects that can enhance curb appeal and prepare your yard for winter. Here are some fall landscaping ideas tailored specifically for the unique climate and geography of Northern Nevada. 1. Choose the Right Plants for Fall Color Autumn is a great time to plant trees and shrubs that provide vibrant fall color. Consider adding varieties like: Aspen Trees: Known for their stunning golden leaves, aspens thrive in the higher elevations of Northern Nevada. Serviceberry: This native shrub not only offers beautiful fall foliage but also produces edible berries in the spring. Sumac: This drought-tolerant shrub turns brilliant shades of red and orange, making it a striking addition to your landscape. 2. Fall Bulb Planting Fall is the ideal time to plant bulbs that will bloom in spring. Plant daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths now to ensure a colorful garden come March and April. Be sure to choose bulbs that are suitable for our climate, and plant them deep enough to withstand the colder temperatures. 3. Clean Up Your Garden Beds As leaves start to fall, take this opportunity to clean up your garden beds. Remove any dead plants, weeds, and debris to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. Adding a layer of mulch not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. 4. Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space With the pleasant fall weather, consider updating your outdoor living area. Adding decorative elements like: Fire Pits: A cozy fire pit can extend your outdoor enjoyment well into the cooler months. It’s perfect for gathering with friends and family. Outdoor Lighting: Install soft lighting along pathways and in seating areas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere as daylight fades earlier. 5. Consider Drought-Resistant Landscaping As water conservation remains a priority in Northern Nevada, incorporating drought-resistant plants can help reduce water usage while maintaining beauty. Some excellent options include: Lavender: This fragrant plant not only thrives in our climate but also attracts pollinators. Sage: Another native plant, sage is both drought-tolerant and an attractive addition to any garden. 6. Plant Perennials for Year-Round Interest Fall is a great time to plant perennials that will bloom in the spring and summer. Consider options like: Daylilies: These hardy plants provide beautiful blooms with minimal maintenance. Coneflowers: Their vibrant colors attract butterflies and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. 7. Create a Winter Wildlife Habitat As temperatures drop, many animals look for shelter and food sources. Consider adding features to your landscape that support local wildlife, such as: Native Plants: These provide food and shelter for birds and pollinators. Bird Feeders: Setting up feeders will attract birds to your yard throughout the winter. 8. Prepare Your Lawn for Winter A healthy lawn in spring starts with proper fall care. Aerate your lawn to relieve compacted soil, which improves nutrient absorption. Following aeration, apply a fall fertilizer to encourage root growth before winter sets in. Don't have the tools in the garage? Give us a call so we can connect you to our preferred landscaper for your end of the season clean up. 9. Winterize Your Sprinkler System Before the first freeze, it’s crucial to winterize your sprinkler system to prevent pipes from bursting. Here are steps to follow: Turn Off the Water Supply: Shut off the main valve to your sprinkler system. Drain the System: Use manual or automatic drain valves to remove any remaining water. Blow Out the Lines: If your system has a blow-out port, use an air compressor to blow out any residual water from the pipes. Insulate Exposed Components: Wrap any exposed pipes and backflow preventers with insulation or heat tape to protect them from freezing. If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, that is okay! Reach out to us and we can refer you one of our landscape vendors who can winterize your system for you. 10. Winterizing Fountains and Pools If you have outdoor water features, such as fountains or pools, it's important to prepare them for winter as well: Fountains: Drain the fountain and clean it thoroughly. Remove any pump and store it in a dry place. If your fountain is large, consider covering it to protect against snow and ice. Pools: Lower the water level below the skimmer, clean the pool, and add a winterizing chemical kit. Cover the pool with a proper winter cover to prevent debris accumulation. 11. Plan Your Spring Garden While it may seem early, fall is a great time to start planning your spring garden. Consider what worked well this year and what didn’t. Take notes on your garden layout, and make changes to improve sun exposure and plant placement for next year’s blooms. Conclusion As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cool, taking time to care for your Northern Nevada landscape can make a significant difference in both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you’re planting new species, enhancing outdoor living areas, or preparing your lawn and water features for winter, these fall landscaping ideas will help you create a beautiful, inviting space that can be enjoyed year-round. Not to mention, can help property value when your ready to sell!
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