Tahoe Donner News - June 2014 by Tahoe Donner Association

JUNE 2014

features

Ready, Set, Hike! With Chauncey Parker

Departments

President’s Message Vote! Vote! Vote!

Help Prevent Invasive Weeds Get involved

TAKE NOTE

Get Published Tahoe Donner photo contest

Putting Practice With golf pro, Rob Weizer

Eat + Drink = Happy Rosé wine

Truckee Tahoe Airshow Women in aviation

Let’s Get Together Summer is here!

News You Can Use June events

Architectural Standards Office Submit plans in advance

Don’t Miss Truckee Day June 7

Taking Care of Business Board meeting minutes

Cross Country Ski Center Receives approval

River-Friendly Lanscaping Rebates available

Monthly Calendar June events General Manager’s Message From Robb Etnyre’s desk Board of Directors Election Don’t forget to vote!

Where in the World is TD News? TD News travels the world

Tahoe Donner Tennis Center Award-winning facility

VOL. 15, No. 6

Welcome

JUNE 2014

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFF Alyson Stetz Brinn Talbot Gretchen Sproehnle Jenny Kendrick

President’s Message

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Tom Johns, btjtd@aol.com

Vice President

Jim Stang, jcstang@sbcglobal.net

Treasurer

Steve Miller, stephen.m.miller@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Secretary

Dick Gander, rwgander@yahoo.com

Director

Courtney Murrell, 2courtneymurrell@gmail.com

Board of Directors

board@tahoedonner.com

Postmaster Send address changes to Tahoe Donner News, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161 530-587-9400, Fax 530-587-9419

comdep@tahoedonner.com

Advertising Sales Creative Concepts + Media is the exclusive advertising representative. 775-327-4200.

Publishing Information Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive service mark right to “Tahoe Donner.” Any unauthorized use of such will be regarded as an infringement of that service mark right and is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its board of directors of the products, services, or views contained therein. Tahoe Donner News (ISSN 1550-6061) is the official monthly publication of Tahoe Donner Association, which is located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161. Each membership parcel receives one subscription to a domestic address. Additional subscriptions are available at the cost of $25 each. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and additional mailing offices. Member letters to Tahoe Donner are published in the Members section of tahoedonner.com, where publishing guidelines are available.

It’s that time of year again. No, it’s not the fact that the Golf Course opened on May 16, for an unprecedented early start date. It’s time for the Tahoe Donner’s annual board of directors election. You will shortly be receiving election materials for this year’s election, if you haven’t already. Two three-year terms are being filled, with three qualified property owners vying for those two seats. Do you want to see more trails, including the proposed Trout Creek Trail to downtown Truckee? Do you want to see more amenities focused on families? Do you want to see our facilities maintained and not permitted to deteriorate, as they have been in the past? Do you want to make sure that our financials are managed with fiscal responsibility in order to provide adequately for the association’s needs? Do you want to perpetuate our outstanding staff, that focuses on high quality customer service while still containing overhead? Do you want a board that makes maintaining the value of your home a priority? Whatever your response to these questions, you should choose a candidate that most clearly aligns with your view of how this association should be run. Along with the election materials, as usual, you will find Candidate’s Statements from each candidate that gives the voter some insight into the perspectives of the individual candidates. Candidates’ Night, to be held on June 7 at Northwoods Clubhouse from 7 to 9 p.m., will also provide an opportunity to get a better understanding of the candidates. Remember, Tahoe Donner’s board is the governing body of the association, and except for those matters reserved for action by the members, the board makes the decisions about how it operates and what its future will hold. With an annual operating budget over $14 million and a total annual budget of over $20 million, the board’s responsibilities are quite

substantial, and their decisions affect a large number of people in a significant way. As I have outlined in my messages in the past, a great deal of progress has been made toward modernizing our outdated and inadequate facilities and infrastructure in order to meet current and future membership requirements. The vast majority of the homeowners with whom I converse want to see us continue in this vein, as well as consider fresh approaches to maintain this special mountain community. Personally, I would hate to see us settle for the status quo or less. I want to especially encourage our second homeowners, who represent approximately 75 percent of our membership, to cast votes in this election. We need your input on your desires for Tahoe Donner, too. It’s important for every member of Tahoe Donner to be informed about issues facing the association, to attend the annual membership meeting, and to make your voice heard through your vote. In closing, I want to thank all of you for your support for the board and staff this year; it’s an honor to represent you. Vote, vote, vote!

TOM JOHNS | Board President

June

Monday, JUNE 2

amenity openings

Daily Golf Clinics Begin

ALDER CREEK CAMPGROUND

Clinics are approximately one hour, daily through the end of September. All clinics are $20 per student. See page 12.

OPENS FRIDAY, JUNE 13

saturday, JUNE 7

BIKEWORKS

OPENS FRIDAY, JUNE 13 | SEE PAGE 8

RECREATION HUT AT NORTHWOODS CLUBHOUSE FRIDAY, JUNE 20 | SEE PAGE 12

National Trails Day

NORTHWOODS POOL

Celebrate National Trails Day and join us for an afternoon hike along Donner Ridge for amazing views of Donner Lake. See page 15.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21 | SEE PAGE 12

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

For ADDITIONAL June EVENTS and information SEE letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get together on pAGE 8.

Kids Weekend Bike Camps Begin

ALL EVENTS ARE DEPENDENT ON CONDITIONS. PLEASE CHECK TAHOEDONNER.COM or call 530-587-9400 for updates.

Kids 10 to 18 can improve their mountain biking skills and explore the trails in these two-day weekend camps. See page 8.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

Recreation Archery Clinics Begin

Water Kids Club Begins

Tahoe Famous Tennis Burger Bash

These clinics include a basic safety/skills clinic followed by friendly competition and games. See page 14.

This club introduces kids to a variety of water-oriented activities at the Beach Club Marina. See page 9.

Join the warm-up clinic with one of our certified teaching pros and then test your skills in round robin play. See page 10.

tahoedonner.com |

FROM THE GENERAL MANager’s Desk

With overwhelming community support and the Truckee Planning Commission’s approval during last month’s hearing, we are excited for the opportunity to make long overdue improvements at the new Cross Country Ski Center and parking lot. The new operationallyand energy-efficient building is also designed to be environmentally conscious; our architects and consultants have proceeded in ways that put in place necessary protections of our natural resources. After many months of costly delay, this approval is a major step in finally moving into the construction phase of this project. The annual membership meeting and board of director election are upon us. You should already have received your ballot along with candidate statements. This year we have three candidates running for two open seats on the board of directors. Please vote for two candidates and return your ballot after signing the outer envelope. For members not registered to vote locally here in Truckee, this is the most direct way you have to influence capital investment and operations in our association’s representative governing body. For those registered to vote locally in Truckee, you will also have an opportunity to vote on Measure R this month. This is a sales tax measure to fund local trail construction and maintenance. Don’t forget to vote. Tahoe Donner’s Summer Fun Guide should have hit your mailboxes by now as well, detailing the endless possibilities for fun this summer throughout your personal resort. Copies are also available at each amenity along with weekly activity guides to help you plan the finer details of your summer activities. For this year’s Concert on the Green, to be held July 5, we will be hosting Super Diamond, a well-known regional Neil Diamond cover band. Don’t hesitate to purchase your tickets early; they are already selling at a tremendous pace. Last fall many of you participated in our 2013 summer customer service survey, which solicited your candid feedback across all our summer operations. Many outstanding comments were shared with us and we appreciate the excellent and passionate feedback. We have reviewed your detailed comments in order to improve our facilities, programs and services for this summer season. The following is a brief summary of improvements directly influenced by your feedback: • Additional conveyor pizza oven at Pizza on the Hill to help improve peak period pizza delivery times. • Expanded bocce ball court paver areas. • New more easily accessible recreation hut at Northwoods Clubhouse. • Tennis court resurfacing and new netting. • Expanded Member Service office hours during peak summer months. • New paddle boards and paddles at the Beach Club Marina. • Improved stair access to the upper Beach Club Marina lawn area.

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

• New Beach Club Marina fishing platforms and boat dock. • Additional safety measures separating the Marina boat launch and kayak launch. • More prime space kayak racks close to the waterline. • Healthier Beach Club Marina Grill food options. • Child ticket price for the Summer Concert on the Green. This handful of capital and service improvements just scratch the surface, as our board and staff are committed to continuous facility and service improvements for our membership here at Tahoe Donner. A “Single-Use Bag Reduction Ordinance” has been adopted by Truckee Town Council and will be implemented throughout the town of Truckee starting June 1. The ordinance prohibits all retail establishments in Truckee from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale. Reusable bags or paper bags are required to be used and are defined as either a bag made of cloth or other machine washable fabric that has handles and is at least 2.25 millimeters thick, specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. Businesses are required to charge customers at least ten cents per paper bag. Bio-based, compostable or biodegradable plastic alternatives and virgin paper bags are not permitted under this ordinance. An annual report form must be filled out and kept at businesses ready for inspection if required by Town of Truckee staff. CAL FIRE suspends burn permits and reminds residents that anyone who burns on or after June 1 in the Amador-El Dorado Unit and the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit will be in violation of the burn suspension and may be subject to civil or criminal action including cost recovery charges for a fire suppression response. Residents are encouraged to learn about defensible space on CAL FIRE’s website ReadyForWildfire.org. Enjoy June and don’t forget to vote.

Robb Etnyre | General ManageR

Coverings?

ON THE COVER Carson (10), Anna (8), and Tessa (6) Harrell have been playing tennis for two years, and have taken lessons at Tahoe Donner Tennis Center. Parents Liz and Matt play as well. Carson and Anna say they enjoy the sport because “it’s fun and you get to play with friends,” while Tessa’s favorite thing about tennis is her new pink racket. The family is from Mill Valley, Calif., but Matt’s job has taken them to Ireland, where they currently reside. Attracted to Tahoe Donner for the facilities and activities offered to kids, they are second homeowners here in Tahoe Donner.

Dickson Corporate Logos Dickson Realty Logo

Corporate Blue Logo: Can be used on white or light photo background

Tahoe Donner CONTACTS

Unacceptable Uses of Dickson Realty Logo

Member Communications (area code 530) Member Services

587-9400

info@tahoedonner.com

General Manager

587-9431

gm@tahoedonner.com

White L Can be backgro ground

Contact Member Services to be transferred to other administrative departments.

Amenities Alder Creek Campground 587-9462

o, NV 89523 Beach Club Marina

587-9460

campground@tahoedonner.com

Dickson Corporate Logos

marina@tahoedonner.com

ok for Squeeze-In) Bikeworks 582-9694 bikeworks@tahoedonner.com Cross Country Ski Center 587-9484

xcski@tahoedonner.com

Downhill Ski Area

587-9444

ski@tahoedonner.com

Equestrian Center

587-9470

equestrian@tahoedonner.com

Dickson Realty Logo

Forestry 587-9432 forestry@tahoedonner.com

587-9443 golf@tahoedonner.com View Golf and Course operate full-sized samples of our of blinds, The Lodge 587-9455 lodge@tahoedonner.com shades, shutters and draperies in our gallery. Pizza On The Hill 582-9669 pizza@tahoedonner.com We are proud to offer solutions for all your window Recreation Info Hut 587-9413 troutcreek@tahoedonner.com covering needs and provide the exceptional service you deserve. Tennis Center 587-9474 tennis@tahoedonner.com Trails 587-9432 trails@tahoedonner.com Trout Creek Rec. Center

587-9437

troutcreek@tahoedonner.com

Tahoe Donner Association Committee Chairs Architectural Standards, Jason Wooley aso@tahoedonner.com Covenants, Al Noyes

alandjosi@gmail.com

Elections, John Sorensen

jasoren10@gmail.com

Finance, Jeff Bonzon

jdbonzon@yahoo.com

General Plan Committee Co-Chair, Michael Fajans mhfajans@gmail.com General Plan Committee Co-Chair, John Stubbs stujod@sfsu.edu

Tahoe Donner Association Chartered Club Presidents Bridge Club, Robin Reese

rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Friends of TD Trails, B.R. Levine

tdtrails@gmail.com

Rowing Club, Dot Mace

dotmace@me.com

Senior Alpine Ski, Dave Wallace

dwallace0717@gmail.com

Tennis, John McGregor

jmpj1964@gmail.com.

9-Holers, Barb McCabe

barbmccabe@sbcglobal.net

Men’s Golf, Bob Moore

bob4moore@aol.com

Women’s Golf, Fran Macomber

franmacomber@aol.com

Hiking Club, Robin Reese

rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Quilt Club, Linda Brush

sewlinda@aol.com

Junior Golf Club, Jean Lai

jslai@comcast.net

TD 4-Wheelers Club, Bill Ratcliff

td4wheelers@gmail.com

Dickson Realty Tagline

ffordable Truckee Day!

Corporate Blue Logo: Can be used on white or light photo background

White Logo: Can be used on Corporate Blue background or dark Corporate Blue Logo:photo background Can be used on white or light photo background Corporate Blue Logo

White L Can be backgro ground w

B l i n d ISs JUNE & 7S h u t t e r s

Unacceptable Uses of Dickson Realty Logo

LocallyAnother ownedyear and hasoperated gone by and it’s time

Dinny Evans clean(800) up our beautiful Town of (530) 587-7757toor 400-8840 Realtor®

DRE #01126819

Direct

530.414.1420

You cannot change what you are, only what you do.

Truckee again!

Tahoe Donner residents can report in at Snowtech at 8 AM for some morning treats, an assignment for clean up and a t-shirt. This and other activities are posted on my new website at:

www.highaltitudehomes.com

Dinny

Dickson Realty Tagline

Philip Pullman The Golden Compass

EMAIL Corporate Blue Logo: Can be used on white or light photo background Corporate Blue Logo

dinny@highaltitudehomes.com White Logo: WEBSITE Can be used on Corporate Blue HighAltitudeHomes.com background or dark photo background with White Logo

tahoedonner.com |

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! By now, you should have received election materials for this year’s board of directors election. Two three-year terms are being filled, with three property owners running for these positions. The election materials include each candidate’s statement. These statements are the sole work of their authors (the association has not edited them in any way); their purpose is to give voting members some insight into the perspectives of the individual candidates. Statements may also be viewed online at tahoedonner.com/board/elections-2/2014-candidatesstatements/.

Also, please plan to attend Candidates Night, June 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Northwoods Clubhouse. This is an opportunity to hear candidates present their positions and views for the future of Tahoe Donner and for members to ask the candidates questions. Please read the election materials carefully. If something is confusing, or you have questions, please let us know—we’re here to help. Over the years, California law has made association elections more technical, and as specified in our director election materials, specific detailed procedures must be followed to be in compliance with these laws and for your vote to be counted. To cast your ballot, you must seal the ballot in one envelope, which is then sealed in another envelope. The outer envelope must bear specific information about you, the voter, including your signature. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN THE OUTER ENVELOPE WHERE INDICATED. If these steps are not followed exactly, according to California law, the ballot is disqualified.

PLEASE VOTE IN OUR ELECTION FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT! A MEMBERSHIP VOTING QUORUM IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE A SUCCESSFUL ELECTION. PLEASE CAST YOUR BALLOT TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. Questions? Contact Bonnie Watkins at 530-587-9431.

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

COMMUNITY

Get published! Back by popular demand, we’re bringing the photo contest back for Tahoe Donner members! Grab your camera or go through your photo archives and choose your best images that fit the following categories. We’ll select our favorites; winners in each of the three categories will be published in the October issue of the Tahoe Donner News and will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Lodge Restaurant & Pub.

Deadline: Sunday, September 7, 2014 Who may enter: Contest is open to all Tahoe Donner members of any age Categories: All photos must be taken at Tahoe Donner

• Nature: Did you see some cool cloud formations over the golf course? Beautiful snow drifts while snowshoeing? A glorious sunrise? Gather your nature shots and send them in. • People: Do you have a favorite photo from your family at Light Up the Night? Or fun in the sun with the kids at Waterpalooza? We’d love to see them!

CATEGORIES • Action: Did you enjoy a particularly beautiful morning skiing at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area or Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center? How about an exhilarating mountain bike ride into Euer Valley? Send us your favorites.

For contest guidelines and instructions on how to enter, see tahoedonner.com/photo-contest. Questions? Email comdep@tahoedonner. com. Start snapping!

tahoedonner.com |

P & INFORM

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PR E N construction summer 2014! Due to the I VAT E AM taking place as we proceed with our W new Cross Country Ski Center project, B I KR EE EP N TA LS & R Bikeworks has temporarily relocated to the Downhill Ski Area in the rental shop location. Limited parking is available at the ski area lodge, but there is ample parking located a short walk away in the main ski area parking lots. Come on out for our opening weekend, June 14! We sell and replace more than a third of our fleet each season. If you don’t need to rent, check out our tune-up and repair packages to get your bike in tip-top shape. Due to the great success we had with our Kids Camps last summer, we’ve expanded our offerings this year, and the camps will take place every weekend through Sept. 7. These two-day camps run from 9 a.m. to noon and are open to kids ages 10 to 18 who can ride a bike for an hour and a half at a time. We will focus on providing a fun, safe environment where kids can improve their general mountain biking skills while exploring the trails of Tahoe Donner. Our guides have years of experience teaching kids to become better riders. Cost for the camp is $80 per child; rentals are available for a separate cost if needed. Contact us for reservations or questions at 530-582-9694.

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| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

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UPCOMING EVENTS Tahoe Donner Sixth Annual NTRP Tournament - Grand Slam Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1

Join us for the event of the season as we host some top-notch competition from around Northern California and beyond. Because we received Grand Slam status from the USTA, this year’s event will offer two times the regular rankings points for all divisions. Sign up for the tournament, or stop by to watch and cheer on some of our local competitors as they battle it out for the championship title. Tournament entry is online at norcal.usta.com.

Alyson stetz/tahoe donner

Tahoe Donner Fifth Annual Summer Junior Challenger Saturday, June 14 – Sunday, June 15

Tahoe Donner is proud to host the Fifth Annual Summer Junior Challenger. Be sure to watch some of these up-and-coming tennis stars. This USTA event will not only draw players from all over Northern California but will also include many of our local athletes as they fight for ranking points and the Tahoe Donner championship title. This year’s event is focused on growing the game as players can play both singles and doubles for the same price. Sign up online at norcal.usta. com and click on the Junior Tournament link.

Tahoe Famous Burger Bash These Burger Bashes, sponsored by the Tennis Club, have become a mainstay of the summer tennis schedule. Join the warm-up clinic

with one of our certified teaching pros and then test your skills in round robin play. Stay for the post-match BBQ and potluck. Date: Saturday, June 28 Clinic: 3 p.m., Round Robin: 4 – 6 p.m. BBQ and Potluck: 6 p.m., Cost: free for Tennis Club members; $10 for Tahoe Donner members; $10 plus $6 court fee for guests

Margarita Madness Pro Exhibition Sit back, relax and watch the pros go to work as they battle it out on the court to entertain us and show us how it is really done. This event, sponsored by the Tennis Club, is free to all. Date: Saturday, July 5, Time: 3 p.m.

Breakfast at Wimbledon Your presence is requested, wearing your Wimbledon Whites (or pajamas) as together we shall share a spot of tea, strawberries and cream, and scones whilst we watch Wimbledon amongst our club tennis enthusiasts! Don’t forget to bring your English accent. Cheerio! Date: Sunday, July 6, Time: 6 a.m. Cost: $10 for Tennis Club members; $15 for non-members; $5 for children under age 12

The 2014 Junior Tennis program will start Monday, June 23 and run through Friday, Aug. 15 with a brand new structure that will focus on giving our rising tennis stars an opportunity to spend time in playbased learning and also in a structured clinic based format. Check out the website, call the tennis center or stop by to find the perfect program for your junior tennis enthusiast. Clinics and lessons at Tahoe Donner Tennis are a great way to develop new skills, get fit or even pick up a few strategies to turn the tides against your old nemeses. A full schedule of the clinic and lesson programs is available online at www.tahoedonner.com/tennis. Check out our new calendar online, then print out for reference all month long. As you can see, the month of June is sure to get summer off to a great start as we slice and dice our way to lots of fun at the best mile-high tennis center in the world. The Tahoe Donner Tennis Center is the epitome of summer in the High Sierra!

Ian mindell | DIRECTOR OF tennis

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

It’s that time of year: Tahoe Donner Association’s annual recreation

DANA HERLIHY | MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER

tahoedonner.com |

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The golf season is finally here! We’ve been very busy putting together R the golf shop and filling it with the latest and greatest in clothingOand NNE OE D S H A C T TaylorMade, equipment. With popular brands such as FootJoy, NIKE, AT I U Q A definitely E Titleist, Callaway, Adidas, Ashworth and many others, we BE H ER T THE O N N for.T D have everything that you’re looking And remember, if youAdon’t see E N O H E TA EV L A exactly what you want or need, just ask the golf shop staff and we’ll be I C SPE happy to special order it for you at no additional charge. To make room for the new merchandise we’re kicking off the season with some fantastic deals on selected items throughout the golf shop. From hats to clothing to clubs, there are some great savings just waiting for you… come check it out! It’s time to shake the dust off of those golf clubs and come join us for our weekday clinics. Starting June 2 and running through the end of September, these clinics provide a fun atmosphere for any skill level. R Each clinicNis one hour and costs only $20 per perEapproximately O N S C Efacets O E D cover I all V son. of the game: short game, sand basics, irons, R TA H We’ll SE B E R and woods, and putting. Starting times for all of the weekday M hybrids E M H A EL P & INFORM clinics begin at noon and there’s no sign-up necessary. Let our golf professionals help any part of your game and watch your scores drop! We’ve been getting creative and have come up with some great new specials for June at Tahoe Donner Golf Course. Watch your emails or K check our website to see what’s in storeEfor R E you this month. We hope C T R you join us soon – and often –Ufor what’s going to be a fantastic golf TRO CENTE season! EC

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E Summer is here. It’s time to play! Let’s get outside and have some fun in the sun and enjoy the recreation offerings at Tahoe Donner. The Recreation Hut, located at the Northwoods Pool will officially open for the season Friday, June 20, and will be open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Sept. 1. Call or stop by with questions, or visit tahoedonner. com/rec-programs/ for more information. Visit tahoedonner.com/shop to register for recreation programs.

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Kids Night Out Tahoe Donner hosts an evening of games, dinner, arts and crafts, a movie and even a bedtime story at the Northwoods Clubhouse from 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month for children ages 4-9. Space is limited; please make reservations online at ShopTD (tahoedonner.com/ shop). Call 530-587-9437 for more information.

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

Date: Friday, June 5; Time: 5-9 p.m. Please note: there will be no Kids Night Out on July 4. Where: Northwoods Clubhouse Cost: $20 per child; advance reservations required

Recreation Leadership Academy Do you enjoy outdoor recreation and teaching others? Are you looking for a job in the recreation field? If so, the Tahoe Donner Recreation Leadership Academy is the place for you! This course will give you the skills needed to guide and instruct all levels of participants in the most popular recreation activities in our industry. Your training will include learning to guide beginning to intermediate level hiking excursions, a class II whitewater guiding seminar, and beginner level bouldering, rock climbing and belaying excursion. Candidates will also receive theory and practical training in working with children, teens and adults while learning to lead activities ranging from archery to trivia to field games. Upon completion of this training course, participants who meet the course requirements will receive a course completion certificate as well as the American Red Cross certification in Wilderness and Remote First Aid. Recreation leadership certification or other equivalent qualifications are required for all Tahoe Donner recreation staff. Prerequisite: Current certification in CPR/AED. *If you are hired onto the Trout Creek Recreation staff and fulfill your season commitment, your course fee will be refunded less a $35 materials fee. Apply at tahoedonner.com Date: Saturday AND SUNDAY, MAY 31 - JUNE 1, JUNE 7 - 8 and sunday, june 15; Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: members $150; guests and public $175

Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED The American Red Cross certification in adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/AED not only prepares you to respond in an emergency but is a prerequisite for several courses and employment opportunities in Tahoe Donner and elsewhere. We will cover basic resuscitation techniques for adults, children and infants and practice those skills so that participants are knowledgeable and fluent. DATES: Wednesday, June 4, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Wednesday, June 18, 3 – 9 p.m. FEES: members $65; guests $75

Rock Climbing A challenging and fun morning of rock climbing with North American Ski Training Center (NASTC). All levels welcome, from first-timers to experienced climbers. All equipment provided. A minimum of five

people required to hold the clinic; 15 person maximum. DATES: Saturdays, June 28, July 5, Aug. 2, and Aug. 23

presents

TIME: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., COST: $40 per person

FREE EVENTS Bingo Enjoy Monday night bingo on the lawn outside Northwoods Clubhouse. Bring a blanket, enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill and play for fun prizes. Days: Mondays, Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Northwoods Clubhouse Season: Monday, June 23 - Monday, Sept. 1

Trivia Night FREE! Enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill while showing off your brain power. You may even win a free pizza! Please note, event will be cancelled at 7:15 p.m. if there is insufficient attendance by that time.

concert

Dates: Thursdays through June 26, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Cost: Free

Friday Family Movie Night FREE for the whole family! Grab the kids, order some pizza from Pizza on The Hill and sit back and get cozy together while enjoying a movie on our big screen at the Northwoods Clubhouse. Friday Family Movie Night takes place at 6:30 p.m. every Friday at Northwoods Clubhouse. Movies are rated G and PG. While we can’t publish movie titles, you can call Member Services at 530-587-9400 to find out what’s playing. NOTE: Movie Night will not take place on July 4. Dates: Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Cost: Free

(Continued on p. 14)

summer concert on the green: Super diamond

6 & under: free

kids (7-12): $15

adults: $35

add $5 to kids and adult prices day of the event

TICKETS ON SALE NOW at http://goo.gl/47t46u

When your parents popped in a Neil Diamond tape during long interstate road trips, you reluctantly sang along. But singing along to “Sweet Caroline” and “Song Sung Blue” can be addictive. Now, a band out of San Francisco can put a rest to that Diamond thirst. On July 5, Tahoe Donner brings Super Diamond to the mountains for our Summer Concert on the Green. Bring friends and family to sing along with you to Neil Diamond’s iconic music. Food and beverage will be offered by local Truckee favorites Burger Me and Fully Belly Deli, or you may bring your own picnic. Low-back chairs are permitted. For more details, see ad this page or log on to tahoedonner.com. Tickets are available online at http://goo.gl/47t46u.

doors 5 p.m. concert 6 p.m. Get ready for the Neil Diamond experience brought to you by San Francisco’s Super Diamond! Front man Randy Cordeiro, as the Surreal Neil, astonishes audiences with his live interpretation of the "real Neil." The show takes place on Tahoe Donner’s driving range, on a gentle slope surrounded by giant pines. Guests can come along and enjoy the music and bring your own food and drinks in a wonderful outdoor location. Visit us online for further information.

TAHOEDONNER.COM tahoedonner.com |

NEW! Archery Equipment Rentals

(continued from p. 13)

Rent bows and arrows by the hour. Renters must be 18 years or older. Completion of a safety checklist and waiver are required.

Summer Concert Series Bring a blanket and picnic or enjoy food from Pizza on the Hill while listening to the sounds of this summer’s contributing artists.

COST: $5 PER HOUR

Rent our outdoor movie screen for your own party or event!

Dates/Times: Saturday, June 28, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 30, 5 p.m. - 7

Our staff will set up, operate, and break down. Call the recreation coordinator at 530-5829646 for more details.

p.m.

FREE ACTIVITIES

COST: $400 FOR THREE HOURS OF USE;

The following activities are offered at no charge at the Northwoods Clubhouse when the Recreation Hut opens June 20.

DELIVERY FEES MAY APPLY.

COMING UP

Bocce Ball

Fourth of July Parade Free! Support Tahoe Donner, the Town of Truckee, and of course our freedom. Check out Tahoe Donner’s parade entry and cheer us on to victory as we strive to keep up our winning streak!

Sand Volleyball Bump! Set! Spike! Get out and enjoy yet another summer sport here in Tahoe! Check out our sand volleyball court behind Northwoods Clubhouse. For more information or to check out a volleyball for use, drop by the Recreation Hut.

DATE: FRIDAY, JULY 4, TIME: 10 A.M.

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COMMERCIAL ROW, COST: FREE ON

Horseshoes

Tahoe Donner has three bocce ball courts located behind Northwoods Clubhouse. The Recreation Hut is located at the Northwoods Pool and will have bocce ball sets for member and guest use. Head down to Northwoods Clubhouse and make bocce a new summer tradition. Please note, bocce courts are reserved for league play on Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. – dark.

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Private Archery Lessons For up to three people. Lessons must be made 48 hours in advance by calling the recreation supervisor at 530-582-9646. Private lessons will not be held during regular clinic times (see above). COST: $25 PER HOUR

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

evening hours during the week. Please include what days and times you would prefer.

Swim Club is back! Swim Club resumes at Trout Creek. Coach Lisa is back and you can join us Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. for an intermediate swim workout. If you are training for an event, want to learn new strokes, or just build endurance let us know and coach Lisa will tailor workouts to meet your goals.

LISA HUSSAR | RECREATION manager

June 21 & Sept. 13, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

ARE INTE

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(Continued on p. 16)

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Join the Trails department for an afternoon hike along Donner Ridge for spectacular views of Donner Lake and the surrounding peaks and learn about the natural and cultural history of the region. All ages and hiking abilities welcome. Meet at the Glacier Way trailhead. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to bring water and sunscreen.

June 7, 3 - 6 p.m.

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This is an annual Truckee town-wide event for residents to focus on cleaning up their streets and community followed by a huge family BBQ at the Regional Park in downtown Truckee. Tahoe Donner participants should meet at the SnowTech building at 17356 Northwoods Blvd at 8 a.m. to check in with event organizers and to get Truckee Day t-shirts and instructions. For more information, see truckeeday.org.

June 7, 8 a.m.

Truckee Clean Up Day

Are you interested in making a difference in your own neighborhood and helping to improve our trail system? In conjunction with the Friends of Tahoe Donner Trails Club and the Tahoe Donner Hiking Club, the Tahoe Donner Trails department is seeking volunteers for the summer trail days. Lunch is provided. We hope you will consider getting involved! Contact the Trails department for more information and to sign up. Visit tahoedonner.com/trails for ongoing trail dates and times.

for clinics, games and a nine-hole round of golf. We ask that participants have a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette of golf as well as some on-the-course experience. Activities begin at 2 p.m. with tee times starting at 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Jean Lai at jslai@comcast.net. If you are new to the program, look for our newsletter and application in the pro-shop in early June. Members from last year will receive the newsletter via e-mail. Mark your calendars ON for Thursday, Aug. 7 for our annual Tahoe OE D TA H S Donner Junior Golf Tournament! HILL

TD Volunteer Trail Days

AT T H E

CA Lic #960719

tahoedonner.com |

TD 4 Wheelers

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| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

Tahoe Donner 9 Holers Board: Left to right Lynette Powell, Member at Large; Julia Dill, Secretary; Barbara McCabe, President; Marianne Bowers, Vice President.

(Continued from p. 15) Donner tournament participants stayed at the Condominiums at Greenhorn for two days of Ryder Cup format with Dick Tomlinson’s team (The Toothaches) taking on Gary Botto’s team (The Bandits). Day one saw Greenhorn Creek set two NCAA standards with tough pins and pure greens. Botto’s Grotto was opened on the night of the first match with Gary at the barbecue. Great camaraderie ensued! Day two was a bit fuzzier for some at Saddlecreek. In the end it was The Bandits and Gary Botto’s team taking “The Cup.” All members of Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf Club (TDMGC) are eligible to earn TD Cup points and qualify for next year’s event. Each year the top 14 point-earners will qualify to play and the TDMGC subsidizes this trip for those lucky golfers to play this tournament. For the final standings in the 2013 TD Cup, visit our website at www.tdgolfclub.com and click on the TD Cup link. In addition to our weekend tournaments, did you know our weekly Wednesday skins games and team games are another excellent way to enjoy golf with your fellow members? This weekly format kicks off on June 4 — join in on any Wednesday. If you’re not familiar with this format, the skins game is stroke play with a handicap limited to 18 strokes played from the silver tees. The buy-in is $20. Prize money is awarded for skins, closest to pin, low net and low gross. A team game option alternates on every second and fourth Wednesdays. The team game will be either a two- or fourperson best ball format. Team game participants can also play in the skins game. Sign up for the skins or team game by calling the pro shop Wednesday morning at the latest to put your name on the list. Have fun golfing throughout the 2014 season!

The TD 4 Wheelers had a fun trail run in April. We drove the Boca Ridge trail not long after a snowstorm. The views were spectacular with snow covering the trees, snow-covered mountains and bright blue sky. Our trusty vehicles did great on the trails until a steep downhill required the use of our winches. But as all in the group agreed, that’s part of the fun of off-roading! After the run we all met up at the Blue Coyote for some pizza and burgers. It was a fun day with fun people! Please check out our website at td4wheelers.com. If you are interested in joining the club, send an email to td4wheelers@gmail.com. BILL RATCLIFF

Tahoe Donner Senior Alpine Ski Club This fun, active club welcomes all Tahoe Donner members who are advanced or expert Alpine skiers ages 55 and above. Membership information, membership forms and schedules of winter and off-season activities can be accessed on our website at tdski.com. We’re accepting renewals and new applications now. Off-season activities include kayak trips, tennis and golf tournaments, BBQs, fall ski conditioning classes at Trout Creek, a Halloween party at the Tahoe Donner Ski Lodge, a wine and cheese ski season kickoff event at a local ski shop, and a holiday party at The Lodge. Sign up and join this fun group!

dave wallace | club president Women’s Golf Club Regular ladies play days start on Tuesday, June 3. If you wish to play on Tuesdays, contact Megan McShannic at mmcshannic@ gmail.com. Thanks to all who helped with the course cleanup!

Dining Options Open daily for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and nightly for dinner at 5 p.m. with artisan-crafted cuisine and spirits. For more information, call 530-587-9455 or to see our menus, visit tahoedonner.com/the-lodge.

WildER Wednesdays Happy Hour specials will be offered all night long in the entire restaurant through June 25. Take 25 percent off small plates, soups and salads, plus enjoy drink specials. Don’t miss out on the last one! After June 25, WildER Wednesdays won’t be back until Sept. 3.

No Corkage Tuesdays Bring in a special bottle of wine from home to savor in the dining room and the corkage fee is waived on Tuesdays. Every other day of the week, bring in a bottle of wine from home and the corkage fee is waived when you purchase a bottle from our extensive wine list.

Happy Hour Enjoy drink specials and 25 percent off small plates, soups and salads from 4-6 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. Happy Hour discounts valid in The Pub only.

Golfer’s Early Bird Happy Hour Through June 26, golfers and non-golfers alike can take advantage of the Golfer’s Early Bird Happy Hour offered from 1-4 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. Happy Hour will be offered in The Pub only for drinks only.

Deck Opening Party, June 13 Celebrate summer and outdoor weather by joining us for our annual deck opening party, Friday, June 13! We’ll be offering Happy Hour all night in the entire restaurant and live music by Thom and the Tikis from 6-9 p.m.

Open for Lunch Seven Days a Week! There’s no better way to refuel after playing a round of golf than lunch at The Lodge. We offer delicious items from The Pub lunch menu available in the bar area. Lunch is served from 11:30-3 p.m. in the bar area only. The full summer lunch menu begins June 23 with lunch served from 11:30- 3 p.m.

Marco Polo Grill Opens, June 23 Lunch and drinks will be served from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Marco Polo Grill starting June 23.

LOOKING AHEAD Music on the Porch, July 9-Aug. 27 Enjoy the sounds of summer with Music on the Porch featuring live music by a different artist every Wednesday on The Porch from 6-9 p.m.

Try this month’s signature cocktail! Strawberry Basil Lemonade Svedka Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Fresh Muddled Basil Lemonade Splash of Cranberry

*Offers listed are valid during non-holiday

Splash of Soda

periods and are not valid with any other

Splash of Sprite

promotions or coupons. Offers subject to change.

Pizza on the Hill Open Thursday - Monday from 5 - 8:30 p.m. For more information, please call 530-5829669, or visit us online at tahoedonner.com/ pizza-on-the-hill to see our menu.

Open Seven Days a Week, June 23 Starting June 23, Pizza on the Hill will be open daily from 5-8:30 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy a summer evening dining on our outdoor patio.

Trivia Night, through June 26 Put your trivia skills to the test for a chance to win pizza! Trivia Night is held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursdays through June 26 (then returning in Sept.). Please note, event will be

cancelled at 7:15 p.m. if there is insufficient attendance by that time.

5-6 p.m. through June 26.

Sunday Half-Price Pizza Friday Night Movie Night Order pizza from Pizza on The Hill and sit back and get cozy with the family while enjoying a movie on our big screen at the Northwoods Clubhouse. Friday Family Movie Night takes place at 6:30 p.m. every Friday at Northwoods Clubhouse (no Movie Night on July 4). Movies are rated G and PG.

Happy Hour Every Day A great way to quench your thirst after a day enjoying the outdoors! Get $3 Coors Light drafts, $4 seasonal draft beers, $4 house cabernet or chardonnay by the glass, and halfprice wings at Happy Hour every day from

Pizza on the Hill offers half-price pizza all night every Sunday, until June 21. This promotion will return in the fall. This offer is valid for cheese or pepperoni pizzas for dinein or to-go orders! Limit 6 pizzas.

Bingo Starting June 23-Sept. 1, enjoy Monday night bingo on the lawn outside Northwoods Clubhouse from 630-8 p.m. Bring a blanket, enjoy a pizza and play for fun prizes. *Offers listed are valid during non-holiday periods and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons. Offers subject to change.

tahoedonner.com |

feature

Putting Practice Makes Perfect! By Rob Weizer, Head Golf Pro Golf season is here! It’s time to start setting some goals for your game and to start practicing and playing. I’m a big believer of an old saying that I was taught years ago to “practice smarter, not harder.” By incorporating some simple drills into your practice routine, you can utilize your time more efficiently and see positive results in your game… and who doesn’t want that? If your eyes keep seeing a ball traveling to the left or right, short or long, your subconscious will tell your body to compensate and attempt to correct the situation. The vast majority of golfers out there play golf with some type of compensating move in their golf motion, because as you know we all understand our “tendencies” and think we can fix ourselves. A golf lesson with a trained and certified golf professional can help you understand the problem in your swing and come up with a well thought-out game plan of drills and practice to quickly help the situation.

THE PUTTER In the game of golf, the putter is used on every hole. It accounts for almost 40 percent of an average score. There’s not another club in the bag that can claim that. So why do we spend most of our time on our full swing when the fastest way to reduce your score is through

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| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

better putting? I constantly see players spending a majority of their practice time hitting balls on the range, only to spend just a few minutes hitting some putts to various holes. You can use your time more wisely, and possibly even see better results in your score. I have two simple drills that I use with almost all of my students. While they may seem simple, they’re very effective in providing an understanding of what your hands and putter head do throughout the stroke. There truly isn’t one correct way to grip the putter. Whether your grip is hands together, conventional, or left hand low, one thing is certain: you cannot have a dominant hand in putting; they have to work equally. My favorite drill to see which hand is dominant is the split hand grip. (See photo #1). The hands must be completely split from each other, with equal pressure in both hands. Take a few practice strokes and at impact you’ll immediately understand and feel which hand is the dominant hand. Try putting at various holes using this grip and you’ll find that your distance and line improve dramatically.

Another of my favorite drills is the “push” drill while using the split grip technique. (See photo #2). Stand two or three feet away from the hole with your normal stance. I also use a few tees to emphasize the push motion of the stroke towards the hole. Rather than taking your normal “back and through” stroke, just push the ball towards the hole with the putter head, concentrating on holding your finish until the balls falls into the hole (see photo #3). The combination of the split grip along with the pushing motion helps you understand the relationship between the grip and the putter head. Try to incorporate these drills the next time you come out to practice or play. I know that you’ll see positive results quickly which will translate into a better score!

tahoedonner.com |

feature

Ready, Set, Hike! “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir Chauncey Parker learned to love nature at a young age. His mother, who grew up in a small logging town in northern Arizona, befriended some of the native Americans in the Apache tribe living on the outskirts of town in tipis, and from them she learned about the surrounding woods. She shared her love of the forest with young Chauncey, who became fascinated with seeing living things in the wild after he and his mother witnessed a doe and fawn feeding when he was 5 years old. Some of you may be lucky enough to have joined Chauncey on a guided hike in the past. If so, it is likely his enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors left an impression on you. From the flora and fauna to the natural history, Chauncey has a wealth of knowledge on our local environment. You can join him for an

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

educational hike on June 7, after the neighborhood Truckee cleanup day, from 3-7 p.m. Meet at the Glacier Way trailhead, bring a hat, a snack, and some water and prepare to be entertained and inspired. Recently, we sat down with Chauncey and asked him to share some tips on hiking in Tahoe Donner.

What are some of your favorite hiking trails? I love hiking from Skislope. Some people refer to the Eagle House — there is some parking across the street and a trail begins nearby, coming up from Alder Creek Road. Hiking up the drainage in spring and summer (May through July or later depending on temperatures and water) is a lovely walk. Along the creek there are many wildflowers and there is a nice variety of trees, including some large Western White Pines and Red Fir. This route can lead you up to Drifter Hut and Drifter Ridge, with spectacular views of Castle Peak and Euer Valley, or up to Hawk’s Peak. Or, just wander around Sunrise Bowl and Donner Ridge. A loop could be done from Glacier Way to Drifter then down to Skislope (leave an extra car at the Eagle House parking spot or walk back up Skislope to Glacier Way). It’s hard to say how long this hike is based on an individual group’s pace but should be about one hour for a short “out-and-back” to three or more hours for the full loop. You can head into Negro Canyon or add in Hawk’s Peak to a loop of

Donner Ridge to make it more strenuous.

What hikes are good for June? For July? Firewalker is north-facing, and therefore stays a bit cooler, although in summer, some sections can be sunny and hot midday. There is a spring/creeklet that flows through spring and into summer depending on snow pack, which offers some great wildflowers. A little further along Firewalker are two single tracks that head down into the valley and can be put together into various loops. There is some beautiful forest on the single tracks from Firewalker to the Valley. The road along the south side of Euer Valley heading out to Coyote Crossing and beyond has a variety of wildflowers that bloom throughout spring and summer. Sections of this road (mainly between the two single tracks) can be really muddy early season - not to mention fraught with mosquitoes – so best to wait awhile before hitting that trail.

those pesky mosquitos! any tips on dealing with them? Mosquitos are just part of our ecosystem here, unfortunately. Of course, they are more prevalent in damp, cool areas, and less in warm dry areas. Pay attention, anticipate, and either wear bug spray or keep moving! Don’t take a break in a mosquito-friendly area. Sometimes mosquitoes seem like they are everywhere, but 100-200 feet away in a breezy sunny spot there will be none. Spring and summer evenings can be much more favorable for mosquitoes (meaning, they like it, you don’t). A note on bug repellant: if you use DEET, do not handle amphibians or other critters. When I guide and want to be able to handle frogs, snakes, or bugs, I make sure to (Continued on p. 22)

Invasive Weeds Effort Takes

Time, Persistence, Education By Benjamin Levine Friends of Tahoe Donner Trails Club

The alien invaders are already among us. They are in your neighborhood, and on your street. Perhaps they are right outside your door. Noxious, invasive weeds are everywhere in Tahoe Donner, but with your help we can fight them. If one removes a plant from its native habitat and introduces it to another, the conditions usually prove too inhospitable for its survival. Occasionally, however, the opposite occurs, and the non-native plant, freed from the natural controls that inhibited its growth and reproduction, thrives in numbers and densities that would have been impossible in its native soil. The biological traits that incite their invasive character also make these plants difficult to eradicate once established. Kill them in one spot, and they pop up in another downwind. Raze them from the surface, and they resprout in numbers from root fragments below. Destroy an infestation one year, and it resurrects itself years later from seeds under the soil. Spray them with the most potent herbicides, and they develop resistance within a few generations. Here in Tahoe Donner we have musk thistle and Scotch thistle, diffuse knapweed and Russian knapweed. There are yards growing rampant with poison hemlock, and gardens inundated with perennial pepperweed. Bull thistle is nearly ubiquitous, and cheatgrass infestations pose a fire risk for us all. Spotted

Top Ten Trail ideas 1. Discover Euer Valley by following the Euer Valley Loop.

knapweed, a particularly nasty species that renders soil toxic to other plants, is widespread, and growing in huge proportions in at least one neighborhood. The greatest advantage invasive weeds enjoy is that they so often go unnoticed. That is why weed spotters are the critical component of any plan to combat invasive weeds. Spotters identify and report new infestations so that treatment can begin, and they follow up on old, previously treated infestations to watch for recurrence. Through workshops, weed pulls, and educational weed walks organized in collaboration with the Truckee River Watershed Council’s Weed Warriors, the Trails Club has helped a number of our residents develop a weed spotter’s trained and practiced eye. But with over 7,000 acres to cover, we need all the help we can get. If you stroll the neighborhoods or travel the trails, we want you to become a weed spotter. Gardener or golfer, full-time or part-time, eight or eighty, weed spotting is for everyone. When you’re on the hunt for invasive weeds, every walk or ride has added purpose. You will find yourself compelled to check over one more hill, and around the next corner, just in case. That vigilance will be rewarded, because once you start looking for invasives in Tahoe Donner you will, unfortunately, find them. And, of course, that moment of discovery has a thrill and satisfaction all its own.

climb from the Skislope Way trailhead; the views are worth the effort.

At Eagle Rock Lift, there is a population of musk thistle. Nevada County had treated most of the plants about a month earlier, but the plants have resisted treatment. Musk thistle is a Class A noxious weed which Nevada County is anxious to eradicate.

Adapting quickly, reproducing rapidly, and dispersing widely, invasive weeds are tenacious foes. But if we educate ourselves and act with purpose, we can match their tenacity with our own. We do not have to surrender Tahoe Donner to the invaders. We can repel them, but only if you join the battle. Should you find a possible invasive weed within Tahoe Donner, please do not attempt to manage it on your own. Instead, contact the Trails Club for advice on identification and reporting. Improper handling and disposal can make the problem much worse, and certain classes of invasive weeds must be reported to regional and county authorities for mapping, cataloging, and professional treatment. To learn more about invasive weeds and weed spotting here in Tahoe Donner, please visit the Trails Club online at TDTrails.org. To contact the Trails Club, or if you’d like to reserve a spot on the August 2nd educational weed walk with the Weed Warriors, please email the club at tdtrails@gmail.com.

Area for the summer. 8. A short hike from the Cross Country Ski

5. Glacier Point is an excellent family gath-

Center leads to a large aspen grove; this

ering area for hiking with small children,

is a great spot to catch spectacular fall

2. Look for fauna along the Alder Creek

picnicking, and taking in spectacular views

colors.

Loop including deer, coyote and beaver.

of the Sierra Crest and Donner Lake.

3. Take in the views of the Sierra Crest on

6. Look for the small cedar grove in the

Contact our Trails Department to inquire

the Drifter Loop or connect with the Don-

new Tahoe Donner Association properties:

about upcoming dates.

ner Lake Rim Trail for a thrilling downhill to

McGlashan Springs and Bucknam Tract.

Negro Canyon. 4. Hawks Peak Vista is a short vigorous

9. Sign up for our Trails Volunteer Days!

10. Join the Trail staff for an educational

7. Go for a group trail ride from Bikeworks,

hike along Donner ridge after Truckee Day

temporarily located at the Downhill Ski

on June 7.

tahoedonner.com |

(Continued from p. 20) not get DEET on my hands. We don’t want to contaminate critters or the watershed.

What about the wildlife here in Tahoe Donner? No matter how strong the temptation, do not feed critters. The phrase “a fed bear is a dead bear” bears repeating. Feeding bears and raccoons trains them to be a problem. Most animals are not aggressive but fiercely defensive if they feel threatened. Raccoons can be nightmarish; they can have considerable gumption and can be really aggressive, and their bites can be serious. The hazard of beavers can be underestimated too, as they can be aggressive and attack as well. If you encroach on an animal’s space, they will get afraid and will take you on as though their life depends on it.

Give critters space, watch quietly from a distance, and don’t help bears and other critters get used to people.

Why should we educate ourselves about our local natural history? I know I find natural history a lot more interesting than most. But, in terms of conservation and paying attention to our environment, it is really important. People will not be motivated to protect and take care of what they do not recognize or understand.

Can you recommend a good hike for fall colors? The aspen groves are nice anytime, but September and October, depending on temperature patterns, can be especially pretty. They are just a short hike from the Cross Country Ski Center – once the leaves start turning, you can’t miss them!

Anything else you’d like to add? There are a number of great new trails in the valley and more is being done to develop the trail system than ever before. Tahoe Donner’s Trails Department is a great resource; contact them with questions about the trail system or for advice on what’s blooming when and where. They can be reached at trails@tahoedonner. com (you can download a printable trail map online) or 530-582-9672.

How Much is my Property Worth? www.TDPropertyValue.com Bruce Watkins & Associates Real Estate Services

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

At age 13, Chauncey Parker made his first solo hike in the Grand Canyon. At 15, he was introduced to rock climbing and his fate was sealed. For over 20 years, he worked as a climbing guide and instructor, teaching for Outward Bound in four states and for climbing schools from New England to Southern California. For the past 10 winters, Chauncey has worked at Tahoe Donner Cross Country teaching and helping with the trail system, and has guided hikes in the summer. Although his primary career is now psychology, he stays in touch with natural history and greets springtime every year with anticipation and enthusiasm.

feature

Tahoe Donner Tennis Tennis players are a devoted bunch. Those who play at Tahoe Donner Tennis Center don’t need to be reminded that we have arguably one of the nicest tennis facilities in the entire Reno-Tahoe area. But for the uninitiated – those who pass by the sign and know only that there are some tennis courts somewhere near Northwoods Clubhouse – it may not be apparent how significant Tahoe Donner’s tennis operation is. Well, we’d like to fill you in on a secret. Not only does Tahoe Donner Tennis have 11 hard courts, seven kids courts, two practice walls, and a full service pro shop, but the beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained facility also offers lessons, clinics, junior camps, and special events. Tahoe Donner Tennis Center is home to the Truckee High School tennis team, and new this year, there is a local kids program offered after school in the shoulder seasons to help prepare junior players for competition. In addition, the outdoor patio with BBQ, fire pit, and shaded viewing deck is the perfect venue for the many special occasions and club-sponsored events the Center hosts each summer. But aside from all that, the biggest news each summer are the awards Tahoe Donner Tennis receives for the annual United States Tennis Association (USTA) tournaments that take place right here on our very own courts. Competitive tennis players are ranked by a system called the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP), which determines levels of competition in any USTA tournament. These ranking points ensure that players are evenly matched, whether they play a tournament

(Left) Tahoe Donner Tennis Center has won numerous awards since 2010, including Tournament of the Year, Grand Slam Tournament, and several Northern California USTA “Ace” awards.

(Below) Ian Mindell, Tahoe Donner’s director of Tennis and Malcolm Ridenour, assistant pro, teamed up to play men’s doubles in last year’s Pam Krone Memorial Tournament.

A Prestigious AND AwardWinning Facility in Tahoe Donner, Southern California, or Florida. After every tournament, players, coaches, spectators, officials, and parents (for junior tournaments) are asked for feedback about the event. Based on these evaluations, the top-rated tournaments are given a status of either Grand Slam or Tournament of the Year. Tournaments with this prestigious status are highly sought-after the following year, because they offer one-and-a-half to two times the ranking points of other tournaments. The status is also beneficial for the host venue, because it draws more participants and entries. Tahoe Donner Tennis consistently ranks at the top of the tournament list. For the fifth year in a row, our annual NTRP Tournament has received Grand Slam status. And, for the fourth consecutive year, our Pam Krone Memorial Tournament has received Tournament of the Year status, an honor that is more difficult to achieve because only three tournaments in each division are awarded this status. Based on a one to five scale, this tournament received a 4.972, which is one of the highest the USTA has seen from any tournament. What an achievement! In addition, each year the Northern California division of USTA presents its Ace Awards, which recognize not only high-ranking tournaments, but the individuals behind them. Since 2010, Tahoe Donner has won awards for Most Outstanding Senior Tournament (2011, 2013), Most Outstanding NTRP Tournament (2011, 2013), Captain of the Year for our USTA teams (2010), and Referee of the Year (2011).

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

DO DAVID CON

Our very own Ian Mindell, director of tennis, has received the Tournament Director of the Year award twice in 2010 and 2012, a great honor considering these awards are determined not only by the division board of directors, but by player votes as well. “It sounds like an individual award, but it takes a whole community to make a tournament run,” Mindell says. “I accept the awards on behalf of the whole club,” he adds. Modesty aside, the awards and tournament achievements were nonexistent prior to Mindell’s appointment as director of tennis in 2008; now it’s practically a given that the Tennis Center will win awards on an annual basis. “One of the reasons people like our tournaments is because we allow people to play the best of three sets,” he explains, noting that other tournaments try to shorten the play with tie-breakers after two sets to determine winners. “People like to play a full match.” Of course, our beautiful mountain setting doesn’t hurt, and the fact that Tahoe Donner often offers food and beverage at the matches, including continental breakfast and pizza parties, is also a draw. Tahoe Donner also negotiates for reduced hotel room rates for out-of-town players. “We try to make it a pleasant experience; we see many returnees and people who come back and invite their friends for a mini-vacation.” You don’t have to play at the USTA competition level to enjoy Tahoe Donner Tennis.

Check out the cardio tennis (no waiting in line for a drill in this clinic!) or the new TRX cardio classes, themed clinics, yoga for tennis, and even tennis Zumba. Don’t have a racket? No problem. Tahoe Donner Tennis offers free racket demos. No one to play with? There’s a state-of-the-art ball machine waiting for you. So, next time you pass that Tahoe Donner Tennis sign, take the path out to the Center to check out a tournament, practice your forehand, demo the latest technology, or just say hello. A facility this good just shouldn’t be kept a secret.

For a list of upcoming tournaments at Tahoe Donner Tennis, or to download our printable monthly calendar of events, see tahoedonner.com/ tennis.

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COMMUNITY

Eat + Drink = Happy By Michael Peters, director of food & beverage

Rosé This is not your grandma’s pink jug wine. Rosé is back and it is coming on strong! By definition, rosé (also known as rosado in Portugal and Spain or rosato in Italy) is a style of wine that incorporates some of the color from the grape skins, but not enough to qualify it as a red wine. The pink color can range from a pale orange to a vivid near-purple, depending on the grape varieties used and winemaking techniques. Varietals used to make rosé include pinot noir, grenache, malbec and syrah, to name a few. Rosé wines can be made still, semi-sparkling or sparkling, and they have a wide range of sweetness levels from bone-dry Provençal rosé to sweet white zinfandels and blushes. Rosé is produced with the skin contact method. Black-skinned grapes are crushed and the skins are allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period, typically one to three days. The must (from the Latin vinum mustum, meaning “young wine”), which is freshly pressed grape juice containing the skins, seeds, and stems of the fruit, is then pressed, and the skins are discarded rather than left in contact throughout fermentation, as is done with red wine making. The longer the skins are left in contact with the juice, the more intense the color of the final wine. How long ago the first rosé was produced is unknown, but it is very likely that many of the earliest red wines were closer in appearance to today’s rosés than red wines. This is because many of the winemaking techniques used to make todays darker, more tannic red wines were not widely practiced in ancient winemaking. Both red and white wine grapes were often pressed soon after harvest, with very little maceration time, creating juice that was only lightly pigmented. Even after the development of more efficient wine presses, many early winemakers still preferred making the lighter-colored and fruitier style of wine. There was an understanding, as early as the time of ancient Greece and Rome, that harder pressing and letting the juice sit

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

for a period with the skins would make darker, heartier wines. But the resulting wines were often considered too harsh and were therefore less desirable. This ideal lasted well into the middle ages, when the pale clarets from Bordeaux were starting to gain the world’s attention. To the powerful English market the most prized clarets were referred to as the vin d’une nuit, or “wine of one night,” which were pale-rosé colored wines made from juice that was allowed only a single night of skin contact. The darker wine produced from “must” that had longer skin contact were considered to be of much lesser quality. Silly Romans. The history of rosé would take a dramatic turn following the conclusion of World War II when two Portuguese wine producer families both released sweet, slightly sparkling rosés to the European and American markets. These wines would go to set record sales in Europe and the US and dominate the Portuguese wine industry for most of the 20th century. In 1975, Sutter Home’s White Zinfandel experienced a “stuck fermentation,” a problem that occurs when the yeast dies out before consuming all of the sugar. This problem juice was set aside. Some weeks later the winemaker tasted it, and preferred this accidental result, which was a sweet pink wine. This is the style that became popular and today is known as White Zinfandel, but in the early days was known as Cabernet Blanc or White Cabernet. Sutter Home realized they could sell far more White Zinfandel than anything they had produced to date, and gradually became a successful producer of inexpensive wines. They remain one of the biggest producers of wine, with annual shipments of over four million cases. That is a lot of grape stomping! In 1978 wine maker Charles Kreck trademarked the word “blush.” The name caught on as a term for the semi-sweet wines from producers such as Sutter Home and Beringer. Today, blush wine appears on wine lists more often as a category, rather than a specific wine. Here are some tips when shopping for rosé:

Basil lemonade rosÉ wine cocktail – makes 1 Ingredients: • 2 large basil leaves, roughly torn, or sliced • 1 lemon wedge • 5 ounces rosÉ • 1 ounce citrus vodka • Sugar or Sprite (bubbly), optional • Ice Directions: 1. Place basil and lemon in a glass and muddle well. 2. Fill glass with ice, then add rosé and citrus vodka. Stir. 3. Add sugar or Sprite (bubbly)

• Rosé, unlike red wine and Hedi Klum, does not improve with age so don’t get any ideas about storing it in your cellar. This is when the term “fresh wine” can actually be used. • Since so many different kinds of rosé are being made all over the world, the dry vs. sweet question matters a lot more than a wine’s country of origin. Old world (Europe) rosé usually tends to be more dry, while new world (California and everywhere else) tends to be less dry. There are many exceptions to the rule, but it is a good direction to start. • Never hesitate or feel embarrassed to talk about wine with a restaurant employee or wine store representative. Let people know what your tastes are and they will do their best to fit you with the right wine. The more you talk about wine the more you learn about wine. Or come by the Lodge and talk to me. It really is a lot of fun. • French rosé rarely disappoints. It’s hard to go wrong with anything from Provence, or the Rhône or Loire valleys. Provencal rosé, from southern France, tends to be very pale pink, or sometimes salmon-

colored. You will taste notes of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus. If you are looking for something a little bigger and bolder try a Spanish rosado, with it’s deeper pink color and up-front fruit flavors that work well with meat. They’re also less hyped and thus usually a good bargain. We are adding a great rosé by the glass at both the Lodge and Pizza on the Hill this summer: Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc. This wine is from the Tautavel region in southern France, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pryenees Mountains. It is a very light pale salmon color, with hints of crisp fresh citrus with a finish that goes on forever. It’s great for just sipping on the deck or as a compliment to our fish taco, calamari or daily fish selection at The Lodge and to the Hand Rolled Cannelloni or Basil Pesto Pizza at Pizza on the Hill.

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Insider Tip: Rosé is so versatile and inexpensive you shouldn’t feel bad about mixing it into cocktails or other refreshing beverages. At left, see a fun recipe to try at your next get together.

Catch all the fun of summer.

(Inset photos: New in-stock furniture by Lloyd Flanders... 30% OFF)

Fireworks. S’mores. Steak BBQ’s. Spa-Stargazing. Sunshine. Paddleboard stories around the firepit. You’ve just experienced a Mountain Home summer outdoors.

Spas, BBQ’s, smokers, firepits, patio furniture, outdoor kitchens, grilling supplies, accessories and more. Free local delivery, professional installation and excellent customer service. Serving you in two Truckee Locations: Main Showroom for fireplaces, spas and outdoor furniture 11403 Brockway Road • 530-587-6681; and, Downtown Truckee in the historic Loading Dock building 10115 Donner Pass Road • 530-550-8800 www.MountainHomeCenter.com

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SAT, JULY 12

9AM–5PM

COMMUNITY

Free Truckee Tahoe AirShow Highlights Women in Aviation FREE AIRSHOW FEATURES

• Women in Aviation • Patty Wagstaff, three-time national Aerobatic Champion • US Air Force Parachute Team “Wings of Blue” • Sandy Wiederkehr, AirShow Grand Marshal, and Truckee local • Free flights for kids ages 8 to 17 on Sunday, July 13 • Kids’ Zone, food court and Vendor Village • Other featured aerobatic pilots include: Kent Pietsch, John Melby, Dan Buchanan and the Red Star Formation Team • Free Speaker Forums TRUCKEE TAHOE AIRPORT www.truckeetahoeairshow.com

The free Truckee Tahoe AirShow and Family Festival will blaze across the Truckee sky on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Truckee Tahoe Airport. This year’s theme is women in aviation. Featured women in aviation include Truckee local and retired Flying Tiger/Fed Ex captain Sandy Wiederkehr, as the AirShow’s Grand Marshal; three-time national aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff; and several female pilots/jumpers from the U.S. Air Force parachute team “Wings of Blue.” In addition, Jeane Slone, author of “She Flew Bombers,” and 22-year-old pilot intern from Cessna’s Discover Flying Challenge Julia Hamlin will be at the event. This family-friendly event will highlight numerous world-class aerobatics, static aircraft displays, vendors, a kids zone, food court, free speaker forums, a pre-event dinner on Friday, July 11 and free flights for kids ages 8-17 on Sunday, July 13. Sign up on Saturday at the AirShow. This year’s event also welcomes Dave Pinsky as the AirShow’s Director of Air Operations, a volunteer position requiring dedication and numerous hours. Pinsky has been a Tahoe Donner homeowner for over 15 years. The Truckee Tahoe Airport District sponsors the event, and proceeds from sponsorships, vendor fees, dinner ticket sales, food/beverage sales and miscellaneous items go directly to local youth non-profit organizations including Experimental Aircraft Association local chapter 1073, KidZone Museum and the Truckee Optimist Club. Other major sponsors include Clear Capital, Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation, KRNV My News 4 Reno, Suddenlink and the Sierra Sun. For more information, see truckeetahoeairshow.com.

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| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

COMMUNITY

The first quarter of 2014 in the Architectural Standards Office (ASO) saw an increase in business due to the unseasonably warm and dry winter coupled with reports of an improving housing market. As a result, the office experienced an increase of 31 percent in plan submittals over the previous year. During this time we closed out 37 projects without having to wait for the snow to melt for final inspections. We’d like to thank the homeowners, contractors, engineers, and realtors who have helped get the building season off to an early start and the Architectural Standards Committee for their volunteered time to review these projects. We look forward to meeting and working with many more great people who are planning new home construction, exterior remodels, garage additions, or patio paver projects. ASO would like to remind homeowners, contractors and design teams to submit plans to the office for Architectural Standards Committee (ASC) approval prior to initiating any work. If planning a major project please call ahead for an appointment so you can be added to the next ASC Meeting, which generally needs up to a three week lead time. Per established rules, the office notifies adjacent property owners for most proposed projects so they may have the opportunity to comment. For that reason, all submittals must be made at least three weeks prior to scheduled meetings so that we have enough time to send appropriate notification to your neighbors. You can make an appointment for a plan submittal by calling the ASO at 530-587-9407. Please feel free to stop by or call the office with any questions you might have. The staff is here to assist you with any part of the building process. You can also come by the office to pick up permit application forms Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Thursdays from 12 to 5 p.m. Forms can also be found on the website at tahoedonner.com/architectural-standards/. Our staff has also seen an increase in bear and other animal activity with trash being strewn out of wooden garbage can enclosures. If you are considering replacing your old enclosure or don’t want to have to pull your garbage cans out to the roadway edge on Tuesday mornings,

Sheryl Walker, ASO Manager

please remember that the office has a list of approved animal resistant garbage can enclosures (ARGCE) in the office along with the permit application. The information is also available on the website at tahoedonner.com/covenants/.

Sheryl, Ali, and Roy | ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS OFFICE

PROUD SPONSOR

TRUCKEE DAY Saturday, June 7 Meet at SnowTech at 8 a.m. to join the townwide cleanup effort.

Homes On the Rise

The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed the following plans in April 2014: Unit/Lot 07/262 09/213 05/409 05/410 03/290

Street Address 13080 Solvang Way 11755 Brookstone Drive 10955 Skislope Way 10935 Skislope Way 11913 Snowpeak Way

Square Ft. 2682 2737 3300 3300 1840

Project House House House House House

800.452.3060 • snowtech.net • CSLB #825998 • 17356 Northwoods Blvd.

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COMMUNITY

June NEWS YOU CAN USE

featuring baroque instrumental music and songs. With narration by composer Doug Balliett, host of “the Brothers Balliett” on New York’s WQXR radio, this performance should prove to be an experience that is fun for the whole family. “I am so excited and very much looking forward to performing in Tahoe Donner, since I spent many summer days in my childhood there,” said Lindsay McIntosh, the group’s founder and baroque oboe player. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. and is donation-based with a suggested donation of $20. For more information, see newvintagebaroque. com or email newvintagebaroque@gmail.com.

New! Spring Drive and Dine Promotion at Golf Course For a limited time, purchase a round of 18 holes with a shared cart and receive a $20 food credit at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Through June 12, rate is $65 for members, $75 for guests, and $85 for public. From June 13 – 26, rate goes up by $10. Offer is valid for play any day after 1 p.m. through June 26, and the credit must be used for the same date of golf play. Pick up your coupon at the pro shop; must present coupon and valid receipt from the Tahoe Donner Golf Course. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. For more information, call 530-5879443.

CATCH A FREE RIDE TO TRUCKEE THURSDAYS

New Vintage Baroque Concert at Northwoods Clubhouse July 1 Headed by Tahoe Donner native Lindsay McIntosh (pictured above, second from right), the vocal and instrumental ensemble New Vintage Baroque consists of recent graduates from the Juilliard Historical Performance program. Praised in the New York Times for their “buoyant pulse and appealing energy,” this ensemble of young instrumentalists and vocalists seeks to explore the intersection of music, song, and story, fusing new commissions with music of the high baroque. On July 1, New Vintage Baroque is proud to present a program that focuses on Diana, goddess of the hunt and the moon, at Tahoe Donner’s Northwoods Clubhouse. It is a celebration of nature and storytelling,

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

Truckee Thursdays starts up again this month , and back by popular demand, Tahoe Donner is providing a free shuttle service to and from the event. Downtown Truckee Thursdays is a great community event with live music, great art, Foothills Farmers Market, children’s activities, a beer garden and a variety of vendors. The event takes place in Downtown Truckee for 11 weeks starting June 12 until August 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. The complimentary shuttle will leave from Trout Creek Recreation Center starting at 4:30 p.m. and will run every 15 minutes, with the last shuttle departing Trout Creek at 9:15 p.m. Shuttles from downtown returning to Trout Creek will begin at 4:45 p.m. and will run every 15 minutes, until 9:30 p.m. We will adhere to this schedule as best as possible, but unforeseen traffic issues may cause delays. Please no pets, bikes, or large strollers on our shuttle. For more information, please call Member Services at 530-587-9400 or Trout Creek Rec Center at 530-587-9437.

Father’s Day Golf Specials: Save 40% on Retail Looking for something to surprise Dad with on Father’s Day, June 15? How about a round of golf at Tahoe Donner Golf Course? Offering one of the best values in Truckee, this is a gift that is sure to please. And now, if you purchase rounds of golf in advance with member and public multi-play packages or season passes by June 15, you’ll receive a coupon valid for 40% off retail merchandise in the pro shop (not valid on golf

clubs or with any other offer). Member 5-play packs are $295, and public 4-play packs are $319, including cart; certain restrictions apply. Both packages may be used for separate rounds or all together for one foursome. If you’d rather purchase a single round, give Dad a gift certificate. For Tahoe Donner members, we can even add a dollar amount as stored value to his member card (bonus: he won’t have to keep track of the gift certificate). And remember, to save even more money, hit the links during off-peak periods (early and late season) as well as afternoon and twilight for significantly reduced rates.

Pizza On The Hill Now Open After Kitchen Renovations After closing for a month this spring, Pizza on the Hill has reopened for dinner, Thursdays through Sundays from 5 – 8:30 p.m. During the closure, work crews renovated and upgraded the kitchen, and installed a new additional pizza oven which will allow for faster customer service during peak hours. Come on in and try out some of our signature dishes, including hand-cut fried mozzarella sticks or garlic cheesy bread, served bubbly hot and golden brown with a marinara dipping sauce. On the lighter side, we also offer a full salad bar with fresh ingredients, bread sticks, and an assortment of salad dressings and toppings.

Book a Private Sunday Brunch at The Lodge - Site Fee Waived Book your own private Sunday brunch in the main dining room at The Lodge and we’ll waive the site fee! We offer a wonderful brunch menu perfect for a family reunion or after a wedding gathering in our spectacular dining room. There is a minimum of 30 guests. Contact groupsales@tahoedonner.com or 530-582-9643 for further information and menu pricing.

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530.587.3218 Weekly Home Inspections Home Opening/Closing Handyman Services Preventative Maintenance Concierge Services Full Service Cleaning Landscape Maintenance/ Maintenance/Defensible Space Vehicle Checks

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COMMUNITY

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss Truckee Day June 7 11th Annual Community Cleanup Day

Truckee Day is a town-wide street cleanup and civic pride day, now in its 11th successful year. Plan to be part of the fun on Sat., June 7. Once again, here in Tahoe Donner, SnowTech is sponsoring our neighborhood cleanup efforts. Meet at the SnowTech parking lot at 17356 Northwoods Blvd., where coffee, doughnuts and juice will be available to participants starting at 7:30 a.m. Registration officially opens at 8 a.m. Get there early to pick up your materials, volunteer t-shirt, and free lunch ticket. Pre-registration is not required. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be assigned a stretch of road to clean in your neighborhood. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult. It is a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, and gloves; bags will be provided by SnowTech.

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

In collaboration with Truckee Day, the Truckee River Weed Warriors will be present to hand out supplies and weed identification information. Neighborhood volunteers who want to also remove non-native invasive plants while picking up trash should look for the Weed Warriors station when checking in. A raffle will be held for Tahoe Donner participants, with prizes including a free season of snow removal or a $400 certificate from SnowTech, plus gift certificates to Tahoe Donner amenities and dining. After working up an appetite, volunteers are invited to at the town-wide block party and BBQ starting at noon at the Truckee River Regional Park on Brockway Road. For more information, see truckeeday.org.

COMMUNITY

Cross Country Ski Center Gets Approval After years of research, collaboration, plan development, membership review and feedback, the plans for Tahoe Donner’s new Cross Country Ski Center have now been approved by the Truckee Planning Commission. We are encouraged by the recent approval, and appreciate the support of those who attended the hearing, wrote letters of support, and contributed to our growing and vibrant community. Unless we encounter further delays, building construction costs are not anticipated to exceed $4.5 million, which is paid for through the existing Development Fund, and does not require a special assessment. Although the planning and approval process took additional time and we experienced delays to our anticipated construction start, we aim to provide access to trails and limited cross country ski operations in 2014-2015, even if within temporary structures as necessary. With overwhelming community support and Town of Truckee Planning Commission approval during the May hearing, we are excited for the opportunity to make long overdue improvements this summer at the new Cross Country Ski Center and parking lot, which are designed to improve operational and energy efficiencies, while implementing necessary protections to our natural resources.

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Visit CustomLearning.org or Call 530.587.5470

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COMMUNITY

River-Friendly Landscaping Rebates Available to Tahoe Donner Homeowners

Everyone can play a role in protecting the Truckee River watershed and the involvement of local homeowners is essential. Science shows that implementation of soil erosion control measures on already-developed properties – such as your home – is a critical step towards improving and preserving water quality. The Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) has developed the River-Friendly Landscaping program to help homeowners improve water quality by preventing or significantly reducing soil erosion from residential properties, which is a major source of pollution in our area streams and the Truckee River. River-Friendly Landscaping is available to older homes in established neighborhoods in the Truckee River watershed within the Town of Truckee, Placer County, Nevada County, and Sierra County. The soil that erodes from residential properties is caused by any water such as rainfall, snowmelt, or even from irrigation and hoses, moving over and through the ground. As the water moves, it picks up

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

“Program participants can expect not only an effective best practices implementation, but also beautiful results.” –Michelle Gartner, Tahoe Donner homeowner and carries pollutants such as fine sediment from bare soil, depositing it into rivers, wetlands, and lakes. River-Friendly Landscaping is a free, voluntary program that provides homeowners with a site plan and assistance to install soil erosion control measures. These measures are also referred to “Best Management Practices,” or BMPs. Examples of BMPs are roof drip line basins to capture runoff or groundcover vegetation over bare soil. Over 200 Tahoe Donner residents have already participated in the River-Friendly Landscaping program, helping to improve water quality in the Truckee River watershed. Jim Easterbrook is one of them. “The interview process with TRWC was seamless. They provided a laundry list of recommendations for our property that have resulted in not only river-friendly landscaping, but added beauty,” Easterbrook says. “The best item we installed last year was artificial turf. After preparing the back yard with drain rock and compacted soil, we installed 1000 square feet of plush artificial lawn, purchased from Western Nevada Supply. Everyone who walks in our back yard asks if it is real!” Another homeowner who has taken advantage of the River-Friendly Landscaping program, Michelle Gartner, says she appreciated the creative freedom allowed in the guidelines. “The River-Friendly Landscaping program helped to improve not only the water runoff on

This Tahoe Donner homeowner used a pervious walkway, terracing and vegetation to stabilize the slope. Over the course of several seasons, the vegetation will grow and help prevent erosion.

my property, but also the look of my property and some issues with the buildup of ice,” Gartner explains. She says the program was easy to sign up for, and provided a list of qualified landscape designers who understand the importance of best practices in preventing soil erosion. “What impressed me the most was the creative landscape designer, Don Triplat, who not only put in features that improved the adverse effects of erosion, but also designed a beautiful rock garden that helped keep ice off my walkway as the snow melted,” she adds. TRWC’s goal is to work with hundreds more Tahoe Donner homeowners. What difference does one home make? According to TRWC,

properties with no BMPs installed lose an average of one ton of soil per year, per lot. Often, it’s simple measures that can make the most difference. TRWC’s top recommended measures after visiting over 400 area homes are: • Drip lines: Runoff from your rooftop can cause drip line erosion. Roofs are impervious surfaces and rain that drips below the eaves can cause significant erosion and water damage. Using gravel, vegetation or other measures under your driplines protects the area, allowing runoff to soak back into the ground. • Bare soil: Bare soil areas are hot spots for erosion, susceptible to wind and water that can carry soil off the property to streams and rivers. Native or adapted drought-tolerant plants combined with mulch create a low-maintenance landscape and are great for stabilizing soils. Getting your free site evaluation will help you understand the measures you can take on your property to protect our native ecosystems. Qualifying homeowners can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for labor and material costs until all rebate funds are exhausted. To join in the effort, call 530-550-8760, ext. 7. TRWC brings the community together for the Truckee River. It focuses on collaborative solutions for the protection, enhancement and restoration of the Truckee River watershed. Funding has been provided in full through the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program (Clean Water Act Section 319).

Call for your free estimate!

A percentage of our proceeds goes to Truckee Trails.

Specializing in exterior paint and stain, interior paint, lacquer and fine finishes.

530.550.9332 www.EasterbrookPainting.com

tahoedonner.com |

Bulletin Board

Taking Care of Business Regular Board Meeting Minutes Summary April 26, 2014

JUST LISTED 14461 Skislope Way $225,000

We JUST SOLD 3 Lots on Skislope Way with another Just Listed! CALL US TO LIST YOUR TAHOE DONNER PROPERTY

Consent Calendar: Approved 4-0 (Director Stang absent) • GPC resignation (Heath) • Asphalt replacement Forestry Department • Replacement of Bandit 254 tracked chipper • Auto enrollment, employee salary savings plan Suspension of Membership Rights: Approved 4-0 (Director Stang absent) The board approved the suspension of membership rights and the recording of assessment

liens for members who have not satisfied their financial responsibilities to the association. Truckee Special Service Area 1 (TSSA-1) 2014/15 Assessment: Consensus The board directed General Manager Robb Etnyre to draft a letter of concerns to Town of Truckee regarding their recommendation letter on TSSA-1 and trail construction. Director of Finance and Accounting Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Stang absent) The board approved the unaudited preliminary March 2014 Financials. 2030 General Plan: No action This item was postponed to the June 20, 2014 regular board meeting.

These summaries are intended for general information purposes only. The minutes are available at tahoedonner.com, upon request in the General Manager’s office, or by calling 530-587-9431. A copy of the minutes and current agenda are posted outside the Member Services Office in Northwoods Clubhouse.

JUST SOLD 10935 Skislope Way

bonded and insured

cleaning JUST SOLD 10955 Skislope Way

JUST SOLD 12365 Skislope Way

Sharp Real Estate Team www.TheSharpTeam.com 17400 Northwoods Blvd (530) 587-8754

bre #00769865

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

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MEXICO

disus Resort, Mar y Jo and Pat Dowd at the Para Cancun, Mexico.

AUSTRIA

at Melk Ron and Leslie Kahn and Helen and Aric Clark the in Abbey, a 10th-century Benedictine monastery town of Melk, Austria. September 2013.

BRAZIL 35

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| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

tahoedonner.com |

FRANCE

Leonard and Sharon Klay on a trip to Germany, France and Switzerland celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this past July. This photo was taken in Strasbourg, France in the Cathedral Square.

SPAIN

Bob and Ma ry Falco at the home of the Knight’s Templa r in Ponferrada, Spa in, along the Camino Santiago de Compostela, November 2013.

ROMANIA

Marilyn and Steve Disbrow at Dracula’s Castle in Romania, September 2013.

DUBAI

Bob and Lynda Allen took a tour of the desert on the back of a camel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 2013.

Email your “Where in the World” photos to: comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg files of 300 dpi or higher for printing. Photos must include a copy of TD News. Please list the names of everyone in the picture, where and when it was taken, and a short description of your captured experience. Note: please be patient; it could take up to six months to see your photo published due to a large number of submissions.

| Tahoe Donner News | June 2014

Selling? Buying? Alison Knows Tahoe Donner. Chase International’s Realtor of the Year 2011, 2012 & 2013 ®

New Luxury Listing

Over the Rainbow Views & Luxury Living

12925PinnacleLoop.com

Amazing VIEWS of the Carson Range and more! This luxury home offers beautiful design, finish work and a fantastic setting for your family and friends. 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 3,782± sq. ft. compliment the bright and open floor plan, high ceilings, wood burning fireplace, barn wood floors, spacious dining area and chef’s kitchen. PLUS a 4th family/bunk room and spa. $1,350,000

New Listing

Sold 5-9-13

Live, Work, Play in Tahoe Donner

14550NorthwoodsBlvd.com

Unique 2,761± sq. ft. home with remodeled upstairs living, deck with forest view, 3 bedrooms and additional living area downstairs. HUGE double deep 4 car garage (with extra tall doors) perfect for the craftsman or outdoor enthusiast – plenty of room for hobbies or toys. $609,000

11075SitzmarkWay.com Lovely chalet in a private setting, backing to acreage. 4 bedrooms (2 en-suite), 3.5 baths. Listed for $849,000 – Sold for $837,000

“The Elder Group delivers. An interview with Alison and the Elder Group made it clear that they had the tools, know-how and drive to get our house sold quickly and at a fair price. Their results speak for themselves.”

– Fred Williams, Seller, 11075 Sitzmark Way

Contact Alison Elder. With Over $25.5MM in Tahoe Donner Property Sales in 2013, Alison Knows Your Market.

Alison Elder 530 582 8103

tahoe@alisonelder.com eldergrouptahoerealestate.com Cal BRE #01399851

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600

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