Three summers ago, Krissi Russell's son Caleb set up a lemonade stand in the family's neighborhood. Later, a bear wandered through and came within 10 feet of the stand.

The event prompted Russell to write a song titled "Don't Feed Our Bears."

Later, the concept evolved into a book and CD, "In the Meadow (Don't Feed Our Bears) Lake Tahoe."

The book teaches the message all residents grow up with, Russell said: Don't feed the wildlife.

"It's a true story for anyone who lives in Tahoe," Russell said.

Because the book is a read- and sing-along piece, it can help children learn to read and teach them an environmental message, Russell said.

Russell, a Spanish teacher, said music is a great teaching tool because kids learn the words to the song, then identify the words and recognize the letters.

Russell credits others for helping her with the book.

Lois Olsen illustrated the book, detailing through watercolors how to behave around wildlife. The illustrations show a bear getting into a trash can, and another depicts people throwing away items in a bearproof container.

To accompany the words with music, Russell said BJ Bjorum played piano and Steve Walker recorded the song and played instruments.

The book is available at many different locations around town, costs $14.95 and includes the sing-along CD. For more information, call (530) 577-4335, or e-mail littlebearbooks@att.net.

Bringing summer tastes to life

It's summer, and chef Stephen Moise wants your palates to take full advantage of fresh flavors.

Moise, executive chef for Ridge Tahoe Resorts, has taught culinary courses at Lake Tahoe Community College. He now wants to use cooking demonstrations to entertain and display Tahoe food.

Many people know how to cook tri-tip and chicken, but they might not think to make a barbecue sauce, marinade or do a dry rub, he explained.

"This is an opportunity to add flair to the food they already know how to cook," Moise said.

The demonstrations begin Tuesday, with the first one focused on barbecue. Moise said he loves summer because the food brings friends and family together.

"You don't barbecue by yourself," Moise said. "It's a family thing; a joining and sharing."

At each event, attendees will receive a recipe from the demonstration, and a glass of wine paired with the day's tastings.

Later this summer, Moise's demonstrations will include salads and dressings, kids' cuisine, desserts and a clambake.

The cooking demonstrations cost $10, and are from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Zephyr Cove Resort. Participants are encouraged to mingle afterward until 6:30 p.m. For more information or for reservations, call (775) 589-4948.

Park Tahoe Inn upgrades nearly done

Over the past few months, the Park Tahoe Inn remained open as it balanced construction projects.

The $2 million renovations will be complete by mid-July.

Upgrades to the hotel include new furniture, carpet, paint, granite countertops and Tempur-Pedic mattresses in every room.

Exterior improvements include landscaping, new walkways and refurbished pool and hot tubs.

The inn is at the corner of Park Avenue and Highway 50, 4011 Lake Tahoe Blvd. For more information, call (530) 544-6000, or visit parktahoe.com.

- Have information on your business that you'd like to share? Contact reporter Sara Thompson at (530) 542-8009 or sthompson@tahoedailytribune.com.