Tahoe Donner News - May 2014

2013

ANNUAL

REPORT SEE INSERT AFTER PAGE 16

MAY 2014

features

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see insert after page 16

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The Lodge Restaurant & Pub OpenTable.com award

Departments

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KENNY BLUM PHOTOGRAPHY

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Golf Preview It’s going to be a great summer

TAKE NOTE

President’s Message Supporting Measure R

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New Banquet Manager Meet Jeff Jack

Monthly Calendar May events

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Cross Country Ski Center Planning commission meeting

General Manager’s Message From Rob Etnyre’s desk

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Wildfire Survival A guide for homeowners

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Mandatory Boat Inspections Donner Lake

Let’s Get Together Get ready for summer

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Eat + Drink = Happy Tequila!

Architectural Standards Office Requirements for building

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Temporary Fire Ban New covenants rule

Taking Care of Business Board meeting minutes

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Yard Waste Disposal Town of Truckee Program

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Truckee’s Plastic Bag Ban Don’t forget your resusable bags

Board of Directors Election Voting information

Where in the World is TD News?

TD News travels the world

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2014 Snowman Competition And the winner is...

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VOL. 15, No. 5

Welcome

May 2014

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

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

Email

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.

President’s Message We are pleased to let the Truckee community know that at the Tahoe Donner Association board meeting on Saturday, March 22, there was a unanimous vote to support and endorse the vote for Measure R. We officially and wholeheartedly support this effort as it is in line with our vision to continue to offer unmatched recreational opportunities in Truckee and Tahoe Donner, now and forever.

The quarter-cent sales tax is a solid investment in our community trails infrastructure that will enable Truckee residents, visitors and second homeowners to continue to enjoy our endless and constantly improving recreational opportunities. This investment fits perfectly with our Tahoe Donner vision statement: Tahoe Donner is a vibrant and desirable mountain community, with modern recreational facilities, events, programs, and leading customer service, surrounded by accessible and healthy natural resources.

With more than 25,000 members and almost 500,000 amenity visits annually, the association provides standards for, and regular operation and long-term maintenance of, programs, facilities and open space. With a highly professional board of directors, staff and homeowner committee volunteers, the association engages the local community in a collaborative relationship, providing continuous improvement, innovation, customer service and fiscal accountability.

Tahoe Donner values the continued development and maintenance of trails in our community and is particularly looking forward to the planned paved Class 1 connector trail from Tahoe Donner to downtown Truckee that the Town of Truckee has been planning for several years as part of the Truckee Trails and Bikeways master plan. The Trout Creek Trail is proposed to connect Northwoods Boulevard near the entry monument of Tahoe Donner to Downtown Truckee at Bridge Street just north of Highway 80. We recognize that this trail will be a great connection for our members.

This trail will be primarily funded by Truckee Special Service Area 1 (TSSA-1) funds. All of the properties within the Tahoe Donner subdivision are contained within this TSSA-1 area. There is an existing annual

assessment on TSSA-1 properties resulting in approximately $590,000 per year of revenue to the special assessment fund. The main purpose of the TSSA-1 funds is to provide for maintenance to Tahoe Enjoying Easter Brunch at Donner roads the Lodge Restaurant & Pub more frequently than on other town roads. The use of these funds has been expanded in recent years to include projects that benefit the TSSA-1 service area, specifically trail projects and parking improvements in the town right-of-way.

This new trail will be a great addition to the recreational experience in Tahoe Donner and Truckee.

Funds gathered with Measure R are slated to expand the town trail system beyond this project as identified in the Town of Truckee Trails and Bikeway Master Plan. In addition, these funds will provide for the maintenance to the existing network.

The Tahoe Donner Association board of directors is excited about the upcoming efforts to expand the network of trails in Truckee.

We enthusiastically support the specifics that Measure R will fund including the completion of the Truckee River Legacy Trail and the maintenance of existing and new trails.

Furthermore, we substantiate the opportunity for children to have safe routes to walk and bike to school and the opportunity to preserve open space along trail corridors and connect Truckee to regional networks beyond town limits.

We are pleased to endorse Measure R and support all the efforts of the Town of Truckee to further recreational opportunities in our mountain community.

TOM JOHNS | Board President

May

Saturday, MAY 3

Tennis Across America Join us for opening day and a full day of free themed tennis clinics, including our popular cardio tennis. See page 10.

amenity openings DRIVING RANGE

CURRENTLY OPEN | SEE PAGE 11

SATURDAY, MAY 3

TENNIS CENTER

SATURDAY, MAY 3 | SEE PAGE 10

T-9 GRILL

FRIDAY, MAY 16 | SEE PAGE 16

GOLF COURSE

Golf Course Volunteer Cleanup Day Bring your rakes, trimmers, wheelbarrows and a good pair of gloves to help clear debris to get the course more playable. See page 11.

FRIDAY, MAY 16 | SEE PAGE 11

BEACH CLUB MARINA FRIDAY, MAY 23 | SEE PAGE 12

FRI. - SAT., MAY 9 - 10

TROUT CREEK REC POOL SATURDAY, MAY 24 | SEE PAGE 12

Summer Recreation Registration Begins Mother’s Day Weekend Treat mom to a special dinner at the Lodge Restaurant & Pub while the kids are entertained with fun activities. See page 16.

THURSDAY, MAY 22

Pizza on the Hill Reopens Pizza on the Hill will reopen after being closed for kitchen renovations, including the installation of an additional pizza oven. See page 16.

Online registration for recreation events and programs begins May 1 at 8 a.m for Tahoe Donner members and May 15 for guests. Note: registration for Day Camps and Aquatics programs opened in March and is open now; we are still taking reservations for some programs.

RECREATION FEE DUE Tahoe Donner Association’s annual recreation fee for 2013-2014, as well as any additional passes you purchased on your property, has expired as of April 30. The 2014-2015 recreation fee is now due and by paying this fee, each profile on your property’s membership may access Tahoe Donner’s private amenities without paying a daily entrance fee. See page 11 for more information.

For ADDITIONAL MAY EVENTS and information SEE let’s get together on pAGE 10.

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

tahoedonner.com |

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FROM THE GENERAL MANager’s Desk

Your neighborhood championship golf course opens Friday, May 16!

This is one of the earliest start dates ever for our beautiful mountain course, and the early season conditions are amazing. This, along with many great entry-level lesson programs (free clinics, group clinics, private lessons, additional nine-hole play) and the most affordable prices in the Tahoe region for an 18-hole championship course, make playing our course a must.

I want to welcome our new PGA head golf professional, Rob Weizer.

Rob brings more than 20 years of professional experience to Tahoe Donner Golf Course. I feel his background and experience are a great fit for us and his role here will greatly enhance the golf experience for members, guests and the public. You can read more about Rob on page 18. Please stop by the pro shop and welcome him to our community before heading out for a great round of golf.

It’s no surprise that this early start to our summer season follows a rather sparse winter. We are reminded that our outdoor recreation operations are greatly dependent upon weather, just like farming is, and that seasonal weather conditions in the Sierra are constantly changing.

Fortunately, we approach each year’s budget with this in mind in order to conservatively plan for the fiscal requirements of Tahoe Donner. I’m proud of our team’s diligence in continuing to improve services for our members, guests, and the public alike in a financially prudent way that has allowed us to maintain an extremely low annual assessment while still providing for core capital infrastructure improvements.

This success is really the result of a larger team effort that starts with your elected board of directors. These past several years, your board has focused on developing long-term plans to maintain Tahoe Donner’s facility (capital) infrastructure while continually improving service levels across all our operations in our resort community. The 30,000foot view of this effort takes the form of our Strategic Plan and 2030 General Plan, both of which complement our existing bylaws, business model, and sound financial practices. The board relies on consultation from our volunteer committees comprised of fellow homeowners, a full-time professional staff, and regular feedback from the membership.

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The integration of these three elements acts in an advisory capacity to the board and has been critical to the success over the last several years in our complex and multifaceted 501(c)4 operation.

In this issue of Tahoe Donner News you will find a comprehensive 2013 Annual Report special insert. This report details our clean independent audit results for 2013 along with last year’s overall positive results. I particularly want to thank Michael Salmon, our director of finance, and his entire team for their continued diligence and sound finance and accounting practices for the association.

As an additional update, we are greatly anticipating the final Town of Truckee Planning Commission review and approval of our new Cross Country Ski Center project submitted to the town in August of 2013. While we have seen several unfortunate delays in our application to replace the existing facility and parking lot with a new facility and improved parking lot, we now anticipate planning commission review of our application on May 20, 2014. Given an approval at that meeting, we are still optimistic we will be able to start construction on this project immediately this summer. This is months behind our conservatively planned schedule, and has already had cost implications. However, we are now accounting for this delay in our advance planning for temporary operations this winter so our members, guest, and public will still have access to our amazing cross country ski trail network this coming winter, even if the building is not yet complete.

Please don’t forget to join us at our annual membership meeting June 22, 2014 to review the state of Tahoe Donner and hear the results of the 2014 board of director election! Remember, your vote counts as one of the over 6,000 eligible property owners within Tahoe Donner compared to the just over 2,000 locally registered voters among the membership; this is your chance to directly elect your local representatives on the board of directors.

Robb Etnyre | General ManageR

REYNAUD PAINTING KEEPING YOU COVERED SINCE 1998

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Dickson Realty Logo

FREE ESTIMATES: 530.587.4723

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Tahoe Donner CONTACTS Member Communications (area code 530) Member Services

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General Manager

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Contact Member Services to be transferred to other administrative departments.

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STAINING / LATEX

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Amenities Alder Creek Campground 587-9462

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Beach Club Marina

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587-9460

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

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Forestry 587-9432 forestry@tahoedonner.com Golf Course

587-9443

golf@tahoedonner.com

The Lodge

587-9455

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Pizza On The Hill

582-9669

pizza@tahoedonner.com

Recreation Info Hut

587-9413

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Tennis Center

587-9474

tennis@tahoedonner.com

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

Trails 587-9432 trails@tahoedonner.com Trout Creek Rec. Center

587-9437

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Tahoe Donner Association Committee Chairs

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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, Jim Pyle

jim.p@sbcglobal.net

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

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Evans-Dinny TD April .indd 1

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3/11/14 8:29 AM

tahoedonner.com |

2014 board of directors election PLACE YOUR VOTE

Have Fun Stay Smart 2014 Summer Camps

9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Monday - Friday (After Camp Art/Play option available from 3 P.M.-5 P.M.)

$160/week Includes Swimming or Hiking Every Day! *Mention “TD News” before May 30th and recieve 10% off

Visit CustomLearning.org or Call 530.587.5470

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

You will receive election materials for this year’s board of directors election approximately the third week in May. Two director positions are open for election. The election materials include voting instructions and 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 owners some insight into the Don’t forget to sign the outer envelope! perspectives of the individual candidates.

For more information, plan to attend Candidates; Night, Saturday, June 7, from 7 - 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.

(Note: as provided by the amended restated bylaws, if two, but no more than two, eligible candidates submit a timely application for this election, the board of directors will declare those candidates elected and the director election concluded.)

Please read the election materials carefully. 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 the voter (name and property designation) and his or her signature. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN THE OUTER ENVELOPE WHERE INDICATED. Likewise, please do not make extraneous marks on the ballot itself. If these steps are not followed exactly, according to California law, the ballot is disqualified.

Please participate in these elections and cast your vote for the candidates you feel will best represent you on the board.

If you have questions, contact the elections committee (electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com) or Bonnie Watkins at 530-587-9431.

COMMUNITY

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub Recognized with OpenTable.com Diners’ Choice Awards The Lodge Restaurant & Pub at Tahoe Donner was recently recognized by OpenTable for best service, ambience, food and best overall for their Diners’ Choice Awards in the Tahoe area.

“We really appreciate our OpenTable diners helping us to achieve a 4.5-star rating,” said Mike Peters, director of food and beverage at Tahoe Donner. Peters, who notes that five stars is the highest OpenTable rating, says his staff strives for excellence in everything they do, and wants guests to feel like family from the moment they walk in the door. “Our chef takes great pride in our menu and in ensuring every plate is outstanding. Our front-ofhouse staff makes sure that everyone has a comfortable and pleasant dining experience,” he added.

Although locals of the area like to think of The Lodge as a best-kept secret, word is getting out about the divine seasonal cuisine. Executive Chef Lew Orlady crafts delicious dishes ranging from sharp white cheddar and chèvre gratin mac and cheese, to roasted baby beet and Macintosh apple salad, and grilled braised Angus beef short ribs with truffled whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus and a port wine demi.

Having started his career at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York City, Orlady demonstrates a style and flair influenced by several notable chefs and restaurants. Orlady’s passion for the culinary arts is exemplified in the food offered at this classic, bistro-style restaurant with Mediterranean and Pacific Rim influences.

OpenTable offers online, real-time restaurant reservations for approximately 30,000 restaurants. OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice lists are generated by feedback received from diners who booked through

DAPHNE HOUGARD

OpenTable.com. Only those diners with a seated reservation can submit feedback. Feedback is unbiased due to the large volume of responses resulting in ratings that are not skewed by extremes.

“We appreciate everyone who rated The Lodge Restaurant & Pub as one of the highest ranked of the top ten restaurants in the area and we hope to continue to impress our guests,” Peters said.

Don’t miss this month’s Three Course Meal Deal, a great value with a glass of house wine for just $25, offered Sunday - Thursday. To see Chef Lew’s new spring menu, make a reservation, or check out upcoming events and specials at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, see tahoedonner. com/the-lodge or call 530-587-9455.

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feature

WELCOME NEW BANQUET MANAGER Thank You and Good Luck, Tracy After working at Tahoe Donner for 12 years, Tracy Pulliam has recently taken a new position in Reno, Nev. working for Levy Restaurants, a company that provides food and beverage services at large events, concerts, conventions and professional sports facilities across the nation including high profile events such as the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby.

Pulliam started at Tahoe Donner in April 2002 at the Equestrian Center as a seasonal pony attendant and camp assistant and eventually worked as an equestrian wrangler as well. During her tenure at Tahoe Donner she also worked as a Snowflakes ski instructor and in 2006 she started at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub as a host and worked her way up to wait staff assistant, lead banquet server and ultimately banquet manager in June of 2011.

“I have watched Tracy move up through the ranks at The Lodge from hostess to banquet manager. Her passion, hard work and high standards have been a true asset to both the restaurant and the association,” said Mike Peters, Tahoe Donner food and beverage director.

“The first time I met Tracy I knew that she could do whatever she put

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

her mind to and it has been my pleasure to have her on board here at The Lodge.”

Peters went on to say that Pulliam has played an integral part in the vision for the restaurant. “She will truly be missed by all and we wish her nothing but the best in the future,” he added.

In her new role as a senior manager at Levy Restaurants, Pulliam will oversee all VIP/ premium catering at the five Reno properties Levy controls including the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno Events Center, Reno Aces stadium, Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, and the National Bowling Stadium.

Everyone at Tahoe Donner appreciates all of Pulliam’s hard work and wishes her the best of luck in her new endeavors.

WELCOME JEFF JACK Jeff Jack has recently been appointed as banquet manager to fill Pulliam’s position. Jack will be focusing primarily on events and banquets at The Lodge and is responsible for coordination of food service, banquet service, bar and kitchen operations and accurate reporting of inventory, labor, costs and reconciliation of restaurant revenue and expenses under the direction of the food and beverage director.

Jack has worked for Tahoe Donner since 2009. He started as a banquet server and became banquet captain under Pulliam’s management. He has also worked as a floor manager for the past two summers and was a server for the Lodge this winter.

Prior to working at Tahoe Donner, Jack has many years of experience in the local restaurant and event business including working for Graham’s Squaw Valley for the last eight years as assistant manager and server. Prior to that, Jack served as assistant manager and server at Chamber’s Landing. He has also worked as a wedding coordinator for the last six years at Destination Tahoe and helped to establish and develop Tahoe Tree Company’s wedding venue. Coincidentally, Jack actually trained Mike Peters, Tahoe Donner’s food & beverage director, at Grazie’s Restaurant — which was Peters’ first job in the Lake Tahoe Truckee area.

Jack grew up in North Lake Tahoe from the age of 11, and after living in Los Angeles for some time he returned to the area in 1997, which is when he started his career in the food and beverage industry.

When Jack is not working hard at Tahoe Donner he enjoys boating on Lake Tahoe and playing tennis.

COMMUNITY

Planning Commission to Review Cross Country Ski Center Plans May 20

While the plans for Tahoe Donner’s new Cross Country Ski Center were scheduled to be reviewed in April, the Town of Truckee recommended that the Planning Commission hearing to review the plans be postponed from the April 15 date for an additional review period. At press time, we are tentatively on the May 20 agenda.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Truckee Town Hall, located at 10183 Truckee Airport Rd. The Council Chambers are upstairs and immediately to your right on the second floor.

You can support this effort by writing a letter in favor of the project;

sample templates are available by emailing comdep@tahoedonner. com. If you wish to share your comments of support with Town Council and Planning Commissioners, as well as Town of Truckee and Tahoe Donner staff, you can reach all of them with this email address: supportTDXC@tahoedonner.com. (Please note, emails sent to this address will automatically be sent to all Town of Truckee Planning Commissioners, town council members, town staff, and Tahoe Donner staff.)

You may also attend the May 20 meeting to show your support and even plan to speak during the public comment period.

FREE window washing when you book your new exterior repainting contract by june 15th, 2014.

tahoedonner.com |

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DAPHNE HOUGARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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The 2014 A tennis is about to get C Hseason Lace up your sneakers and grab your racquet as we kick off the BE A I N Aday is Saturday, May R underway. Our opening season in style. This tennis club-sponsored event gets you out on the MP EN RIV S I AT E AM 3, and we want to invite you to our Annual N courts for a great afternoon of team tennis. The exciting format will TEN TER Tennis Across America Day. This event is have you buzzing from court to court and match to match as you fight CPE N E N sponsored by the United States Professional RIV for every game to help your team to victory.

AT E A M Tennis Association and features a full day of Date: SatURDAY, May 24; Time: Round Robin from 2 - 5 p.m., E R potluck at 5 p.m. free tennis clinics. The tennis center will highlight some of its summer N Nand BBQ N E DO O H I instructional programs for free. This will include themed clinics andTA AT O E R our popular cardio tennis.

R E CP R SixthE V Annual NTRP Tournament at Tahoe Donner S OG & D RAMS The Tahoe Donner Tennis Center is hosting its Sixth Annual OO W H T R National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) Tournament Friday, May Clinic and Fitness Schedule NO POOL 30 – Sunday, June 1. The NorCal branch of the United States Tennis The 2014 summer we will be teaching EN Rclinic schedule is set andP Rthis I VAT E A M NNE O D S will continue to offer many of our clinic favorites from Association (USTA) has designated this year’s event as one of the five with We O E a twist.

TA H ORK W Grand Slam events for the 2014 tournament year. Sign-ups are available E the heart-pumping cardio tennis to the instructional themed classes B I KR E EP online at norcal.usta.com.

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much more. Check out May’s schedule from the Tahoe Donner website or pick up a copy from the pro shop to see what’s in store at tennis this summer.

Ladies Drill and Weekly Play Dates The easiest way to get out and play tennis this summer is to just sign up and let us take care of the rest. With all of the organized play dates each week you will get all the tennis you need without having to worry about finding a fourth or making calls.

Tuesdays: Ron Marks Memorial Men’s Day, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays: Ladies Day Drill and Play, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Includes a 90-minute clinic and 90 minutes of play. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests.

Fridays: Ladies Day, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Sundays: Mixed Doubles Day, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

Junior Tennis Camps The return of our Junior Tennis Camps are a welcome addition to the summer program as we look to immerse our tennis players of the future in up to four hours of daily instruction and play-based learning.

The program will feature a flexible schedule to fit your child’s other activities and a pay-for-play only system. This program and the rest of the junior clinic schedule will start Monday, June 23.

Spring has sprung at Tahoe Donner Tennis. Look online at tahoedonner.com/tennis, give us a call at 530-587-9474, check out the Summer Fun Guide or stop by the pro shop for a complete list of events or more information on all the tennis activities at Tahoe Donner this summer.

Ian mindell | DIRECTOR OF tennis

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Sandy Williamson Pixie Baber Melissa Hodous

$50 Pizza on the Hill gift certificate $100 gift certificate at The Lodge N E R ON S OE D 2014-2015 Combo Ski Season TA H Pass R K

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B I Stay At press time, we have a few more prizes to give away. tuned to RE EP N TA ER LS & R N N O D hear who won the round of golf for four and tickets to our Summer S OE TA H A R5Dfeaturing Super Diamond!

UJuly Concert on the Green on G E L I F B responses, E Even with over 600 there are still many more updates E AT T H E H needed to get the most accurate demographic information, so if you haven’t contacted Member Services to update your profile, please do so now! You can log on to tahoedonner.com/update-your-profile, or call us at 530-587-9400 (select option 0).

Please note, your information will not be sold, shared or used by any outside organization or for any other purpose not reasonably related to your interest as a member. Privacy is a number one priority for Tahoe Donner Association.

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additional passes purchased. The product costs $245 for the term year, May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015. That can total up to a lot of savings!

NIS E Nbasic R Over the last few months, we have asked you to provide usTwith NTE CPEabout demographic information so we can not only be more informed N E RIV R AT E A M NNE R of customer service, T Elevel who our members are and provide E D O a higher N O E H TA NC but also so we have your T R I A information in case of an emergency— Scurrent E U I EQ EN P to everyone who participated in the BLIC AM E Kand you responded! Thank Uyou CRE R D E N Member Services information update contest.

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First and foremost, I’m thrilled to be part of such a great team here at Tahoe Donner! Everyone has been very supportive and welcoming as I get acclimated to my new position.

ER ONN OE D The golf staff is anticipating a fantastic golf season for 2014!

TA H The T I C S A course is looking like it is in great shape and we are very excited AQ U to be E R BE H ATfeaturN N Ewill have a fresh new look, opening up on May 16. The golf shop THE E DO NT E AHO V T E ing the latest and greatest inImerchandise from the biggest names in C AL S P E you’re looking for, just ask and we’ll specialgolf. If you don’t see what order it for you at no extra charge. Support your local golf shop, and look for some great deals and come on in to do some shopping.

Golf passes and multi-play packs are also now on sale. Purchase a season pass or multi-play pack and take advantage of the great savings.

DANA HERLIHY | MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER The driving range is now open daily and you can purchase your range passes in the golf shop. If you are looking to brush up on your skills and improve your game, group and private lessons are available; see page 18 or inquire in the golf shop for more details.

Golf Course Volunteer Cleanup Day Bring your rakes, shovels, hoes, weed whackers, trimmers, wheelbarrows and a good pair of gloves to help clear debris to get the course more playable. Meet in front of the golf shop for a briefing. Let us know that you are coming so we can be sure to have enough refreshments.

RSVP to patgemma1@att.net. For more information visit tahoedonner. com/golf.

Date: Saturday, May 3; Time: 8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.

ROB WEIZER | HEAD GOLF PRO

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FREE for the whole family! Grab the kids, order some pizza from Pizza on The Hill (reopening May 22) and sit back and get cozy together while enjoying a movie on our big screen at the Northwoods Clubhouse.

Starting May 23, 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.

Date: Fridays, May 2 and June 6; Time: 5-9 p.m.

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limited; please make reservations online at ShopTD (tahoedonner.com/ shop). Call 530-587-9437 for more information.

M Restaurant & Pub while L P Lodge TreatEmom special dinner at The & INFOR D O N to a Y A L P the kids are entertained with a bounce house and crafts both Friday OW S NSaturday, I and May 9-10, from 4-7 p.m. See dining section on page 16 for EN PU BLIC AM more details.

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FREE! Enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill while showing off your N E R trivia Nnote, brain power. You may even win a free pizza! Please E Anight E DO O H I AR TA SK will not take place while Pizza on the Hill is closed, through May 21.

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TE IC NB N Tahoe Donner hosts an evening of games, dinner, arts and crafts, a TTE MEM B R T D U E E L E T C movie and even a bedtime story at the Northwoods Clubhouse fromM5-9 C ANThe I NPE Beach Club Marina is scheduled to open May 23! Hours are 7 O EN J RIV R E AT E ARME p.m. on the first Friday of every month forDchildren ages R4-9. Space is S H A R a.m.

ONN E T E – 9 p.m., daily. We will open with full services, with the exception T N I E E O CEN TA H NER RIAN DON of the snack bar, which will have a limited menu to start.

T S ONEE R E H N U A O T I EQ N CE AN OE D EN PU For information on watercraft inspection requirements for aquatic RIIO BLIC AM T TA H EK T S E A R E UE D I QR ER C invasive species, see page 23 or visit Tahoercd.org/truckee-aquaticEN PU ALD R EECP R OUN B AM R EEK V LIC R G C E S O P R D GRAMS & invasive-species-programs/. A L D OR O U N D I OEG CAM PU W EN H BLIC AM P T We look forward toOa R Msummer at the lake and hope to see A C N fun-filled O OPLU B L I C A M E NI P ER N you on opening day!

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CIAL Trout Creek Recreation Pool Opens The pool opens Saturday, May 24 with early season hours on weekdays 3 – 7 p.m., and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekends through June 13. The pool is open daily after that; see tahoedonner.com/aquatics for details.

New Northwoods Pool Entry Fee

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

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On March 22 the board approved making entry rates to Northwoods Clubhouse Pool the same as other private amenities. Daily access rates at the Northwoods Pool are now $6 for members and $8 for guests.

Registration is still open for many of our popular summer aquatics programs; see tahoedonner.com/aquatics for more information.

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GR season. The Tahoe Donner Golf Course is projected to open MayM16Pand A I C N R scheduled play day is PMay the course should be in great shape. Our Efirst UBLIC AME ONN D E E S O R 29 and we play every Thursday TA H morning, CO Uexcept for the Fourth of July F the club as soon as possible.

R L week. If you are interested golfI in a social, non-pressured NNE G Oin playing E DO S EN PU You can also look forward to another guided hike here A H Oin Tahoe BLIC AM R T O K environment, then I invite you to join our club. Contact the club presiW E Donner to celebrate National Trails Day. Also scheduled B I KR for JuneE P7, it dent, Barbara McCabe, at barbmccabe@sbcglobal.net if interested. As Rto avoid conflict with theE Nneighborhood TA L S & R E N will take place in the afternoon DON a member you will be invited to our kick-off breakfast on May 22 and S D HOE A R T cleanup. On June 21 we will U Ateam up with the trails department for a other social events held in the summer. Happy Golfing!

I F E G project, L volunteer trail building and later in the summer we hope to BE HE NER AT T H E DON E continue the Alder Creek Meadow cleanup efforts that began last year.

O Friends of TD Trails TA H T I C S Perhaps we’ll also get the go-ahead for the long-anticipated McGlashan A U AQ and E The Friends of Tahoe Donner Trails club is for all who value BE H NER Springs cleanup. Finally, because invasive weed control has proven so AT T H E N O enjoy Tahoe Donner’s natural surroundings.

T N OE D H E A V T E popular, you can expect at least one, and perhaps two, thistle pulls atop L For the Truckee Day neighborhood cleanup on the morning of June 7, CIA SPE the ski hill. the trails club will partner with the Truckee River Watershed Council’s If you have an idea for a volunteer project involving Tahoe Donner’s Weed Warriors to organize invasive weed control efforts here in Tahoe trails and open spaces, the club is ready to help you bring that idea to Donner. Please visit TDTrails.org for all the details. Also, the Weed reality. For more information about joining Friends of Tahoe DonWarriors will return on Aug. 2 for another in-depth, educational weed ner Trails, please visit us online at TDTrails.org, or email the club at walk in Tahoe Donner. If you would like to teach your neighbors about TDTrails@gmail.com. invasive weeds on Truckee Day or attend the weed walk, please email (Continued on p. 14)

tahoedonner.com |

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Over 25 Years Experience

Tahoe Donner Hiking Club

FULL SERVICE TREE CARE & DEFENSIBLE SPACE

530.320.8061 halltreecompany.com

Licensed & Insured CCL# 924032 ISA# WE-8756A

Tahoe Donner local - ISA Certified Arborist – Jason Hall

The hiking season got off to an early start this season with two hikes off Highway 20 and then came to a screeching halt with the return of winter. The official season starts in May with shorter hikes on Mondays and longer hikes on Thursdays. The schedules will be posted on our website at http://sites.google. com/site/tahoedonnerhikingclub.

Lifetime memberships are $25 per person and membership applications may be downloaded from the website. The start of the season potluck will be held on Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please call Robin Reese at 530-582-1793 or email rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net.

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

Men’s Golf Club By the time you read this we should have completed two volunteer golf course cleanup days. The men’s club and both ladies’ clubs teamed together with direction from course superintendent Kevin Kuehne and moral support from our new head pro, Rob Weizer, for both events. Volunteers were equipped with shovels, rakes, weed whackers and trimmers as they attacked the rocks, pine cones, dead brush and weeds that were in the woods.

Refreshments were enjoyed by everyone after a hard morning of work. Course playability is one of the men’s club goals this season; we believe more people will return to play again if the course is easier to play (and therefore faster). Cleaning up the woods and rough should make a significant difference in making our course more playable for the average golfer. We might continue these efforts throughout the season—stay tuned for more information.

The Icebreaker, our first and most popular tournament of the year, is scheduled for Sunday, June 1. Teams are chosen randomly with a balanced number of high, medium and low

handicappers on each team. The format is a shamble which means the best ball of the four drives is chosen and everyone plays their own ball in from there. This is a great way to meet some new golfers and renew old acquaintances.

Appetizers and drinks will be served following the tournament.

Make sure you put this fun event on your calendar. Also, don’t miss the skins and team games on Wednesday afternoons. The schedule for all tournaments can be accessed on the website at tdgolfclub.com.

Tahoe Donner Quilt Club Starting in June, the Tahoe Donner Quilt Group meeting time changes from 1 - 3 p.m. to 6 - 8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. We do not want to schedule indoor meetings during the lovely summer daytime.

Programs this summer will include making baby quilts and learning new quilt patterns and techniques. It is fun when our members show and share their handiwork! Contact Linda Brush at sewlinda@aol.com with any questions.

TD 4 Wheelers Club The TD 4 Wheelers club is off to a great start. We have 15 members and are ready to start having some fun. We had our first trail run in April and are in the process of planning our May trail run. We are also planning some picnics, BBQs and some overnight excursions to fun, off-road locations. If you are interested in joining our club, please send an email to td4wheelers@gmail.com and we will put you on the distribution list to receive information on upcoming trail runs and events. The club is free to join and there are no dues, so come out and enjoy our beautiful backcountry scenery and put that four-wheel drive vehicle to work!

Women’s Golf Club The start of the Women’s Golf Club season is just around the corner. Once again we are looking forward to a wonderful summer of great golf and lots of fun. As usual, Kevin and his staff are working hard to have the course in tip-top shape. It was superb last season and we don’t expect anything less this season.

Play days start Tuesday, June 3, and continue through October 15. Following are some of our summer calendar highlights:

AFTER

June 3: TD Play Day – Big/Little Sisters paired June 16: PWGA Sacramento at Tahoe Donner June 17: Beat the Pro! (make your own foursome)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELISE FETT & ASSOCIATES

luncheon to follow

CATT takes great care in assisting property owners who want to find qualified and reliable designers, builders, specialty contractors, suppliers, and others for their new construction projects in the Truckee/ Tahoe region. Looking for multiple bids?

Visit CATT’s website. Click on the Request Construction Bid icon and simply fill out the form.

June 24: President’s Cup – Match play for all!!

July 29: GUEST DAY with luncheon Aug. 5: TD Play Day (team play qualifier) Aug. 12-13: Club Championship Aug. 26: Scramble with awards luncheon to follow Oct. 7: TD Alternate Stroke with 9-Holers Club (lunch follows golf)

A detailed schedule of all events and dates is included in our handbook and is provided to every member of the club.

If you are not already a member of the Tahoe Donner Women’s Golf Club, now is the time to join. Visit our website, tdwomengolf.org.

Applications are available at the site, or you may contact Glenda Bradley, new member chairperson, at tahoeglenny@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you on the course!

CATT does the rest.

Considering a Remodel?

The time to upgrade is NOW! BEFORE

Here to serve the community www.ca-tt.com/remodel 530.550.9999 remodel@ca-tt.com

tahoedonner.com |

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Dining Options Three-Course Meal Deal Open nightly at 5 p.m. with artisan-crafted cuisine and spirits. For more information, call 530-587-9455 or to see our menu, visit tahoedonner.com/the-lodge.

One of the best deals in town is back! Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and glass of house wine for only $25, Sunday - Thursday, May 4 - 29. Not valid May 5 or May 25.

WildER Wednesdays

Cinco de Mayo Party, May 5

Happy Hour specials will be offered all night long in the entire restaurant. Take 25 percent off small plates, soups and salads, plus enjoy drink specials.

A special Mexican-inspired menu will be offered in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Monday, May 5. Enjoy Happy Hour all night in the entire restaurant along with special $5 margaritas and $3 Corona beers.

Happy Hour – daily, all month long!

Every day for the entire month of May, enjoy drink specials and 25 percent off small plates, soups and salads from 5-6:30 p.m. Happy Hour discounts valid in The Pub only. Not valid Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25.

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.

Pizza on the Hill Pizza on the Hill will be reopening May 22 after being closed for renovations, including the installation of an additional pizza oven to improve service levels during busy periods.

Have you tried our new menu items yet?

Come in, Thursday - Monday from 5 - 8:30

Woman Owned Business CARPET • UPHOLSTERY Call for your FREE Estimate

DRY IN 1 HOUR! • Environmentally Safe • Pet Friendly • Satisfaction Guaranteed

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

Mother’s Day Weekend, May 9-10 Chef Lew Orlady will be serving up extradelicious specials in honor of Mother’s Day the weekend of Fri., May 9-Sat., May 10.

Treat mom to a special dinner while the kids are entertained with a bounce house and crafts both days from 4-7 p.m. The Pub will open one hour early for drinks only at 4 p.m. and food service will be available as usual at 5 p.m. all weekend. Happy Hour pricing will be offered in The Pub only from 4-6:30 p.m.

Tahoe Blue Vodka Tasting, May 24 Enjoy a vodka cocktail tasting, free of charge, p.m. For more information, please call 530582-9669, or visit us online at tahoedonner. com/pizza-on-the-hill to see our menu.

Happy Hour A great way to quench your thirst! Get $3 Coors Light drafts, $4 seasonal draft beers, $3 house cabernet or chardonnay by the glass, $4 cocktails and half-price wings at Happy Hour every day starting May 22 from 5-6 p.m.

compliments of Tahoe Blue Vodka from 5:30 - 8 p.m.

T-9 Grill Opens The T-9 Grill snack bar opens May 16 in conjunction with the golf course opening, weekends only. Stay tuned for more details. *Offers listed are valid during non-holiday periods and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons. Offers subject to change.

Take-N-Bake We make it and you bake it! It’s the ultimate for freshly baked pizza in the comfort of your own home. You can order any pizza off our menu or create your own. Come in to order, or call ahead to 530-582-9669. *Offers listed are valid during non-holiday periods and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons. Offers subject to change.

tahoedonner.com |

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feature

Fore!

Tahoe Donner Golf Course Preview

By now, you likely have heard the good news that opening day for Tahoe Donner Golf Course will be on Friday, May 16. One of the silver linings of a lean snow year is that the course recovers more quickly than a winter with higher than normal or even average snowfall. We are pleased to announce that the golf course is shaping up in spectacular fashion, and early season course conditions appear to be the finest in recent memory.

This bodes well for an amazing year!

“We are very pleased to appoint Rob Weizer as the new head golf professional here at Tahoe Donner,” says Robb Etnyre, Tahoe Donner general manager. “We feel that Rob’s background and experience is a great fit for Tahoe Donner and his role here will greatly enhance the golf Best Early Season Course experience for members, guests and the Conditions in Seven Years public.”

With this early opening – one of the earliest As head golf professional, Weizer will pro golf head Rob Weizer, openings ever for Tahoe Donner – we look forward be responsible for the implementation, to getting the course open so our members and administration, policies and fiscal practices of the golf course operaguests can appreciate why we are so enthusiastic about the upcoming tions. Weizer will ensure that Tahoe Donner’s Golf Course delivers a golf season, which could potentially be one of the longest seasons in our superior level of customer service by a knowledgeable and professional golfing history. staff. Additionally, Weizer will see to it that Tahoe Donner offers excel“We are experiencing remarkable early season course conditions,” lent golf instruction and clinic programs that meet the needs of the said Kevin Kuehne, golf course superintendent at Tahoe Donner. “The community. He will also oversee group, club and tournament events to course is in the best condition that it has been in recent years at this be sure they are well organized and run efficiently. early date.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to build on Tahoe Donner’s reputaThe 18-hole championship golf course will be open to the public tion as the premiere golf destination within the region,” said Weizer. “I seven days a week for the season starting May 16. Tahoe Donner’s am really looking forward to working with the various clubs, members driving range opened for the season April 19 and is open daily from 9 and public to ensure the quality of service they deserve and provide an a.m. – 6:30 p.m, until the golf course opens. After that, range hours will exceptional golf experience.” vary; see tahoedonner.com/golf/driving-range for updated hours of In addition to Weizer’s experience as director of golf at Auburn Valoperation. ley Golf Club, he previously worked as the general manager and executive partner at Morton Golf in Sacramento and was also the head professional at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa where he was heavily involved Rob Weizer Named as New Head Golf Pro with tournament operations and corporate outings as well as VIP tours To help you make the most of the fantastic golf season ahead, you and lessons. Weizer also spent several years as the golf professional and may notice a few changes at Tahoe Donner Golf Course. First and foregolf shop manager at Timber Creek Golf Club, a community association most, we have a new head golf pro. in Roseville, where he helped structure and revitalize the men’s and Please join us in welcoming Rob Weizer as PGA head golf profesladies’ club invitationals into premier events and was also influential in sional at Tahoe Donner. With more than 20 years of professional expethe redesign of the golf shop and club offices. rience, Weizer joins the team from Auburn Valley Golf Club where he Among his many accomplishments, Weizer is a recipient of the served as the director of golf overseeing the entire golf operation.

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

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Northern California PGA (NCPGA) award for clubfitter of the year. He has served Our group golf specials start at as the NCGPA examiner $60 per person. Plan a group and rules official for section outing of 10 or more this spring playing ability testing and or summer at Tahoe Donner served on the Sacramento Golf Course and then take Golf Council. Additionally, he advantage of wrapping up the has won multiple NCPGA secperfect day at The Lodge Restion tournaments and was a multiple quarter finalist in the taurant & Pub, our full service restaurant and pub with outdoor NCPGA match play. seating located right on the golf As a PGA Class A professional and nationally reccourse. Bring the whole gang! ognized certified clubfitter, Weizer can show golfers how important the proper equipment can be.

His work with some of the best golf professionals in the United States has helped him to develop and refine an easy to understand questionand-answer approach to learning golf. He believes every student has his or her own personal swing that is somewhat unique and he works with each individual’s strengths and limitations to help build solid, core fundamentals in order to achieve a winning combination.

Weizer was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., and spent time vacationing in Incline Village, Nev., at his family’s summer home every year while growing up. Though he spent most of his youth as a soccer athlete, he comes from a lineage of golfers. His grandfather was a Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) champion and his father played collegiate golf; his mother was an avid golfer as well. It was only natural that his first job out of college was at a municipal facility in San Jose, and thus was the beginning of a lifelong career.

When Weizer is not out on the golf course he is busy being a dad coaching his daughter’s soccer team, cooking, barbecuing or working on his yard. He may be reached at 530-587-9441, or rweizer@tahoedonner.com.

Did you know?

Even More Bang for Your Buck: Golf Season Passes and Multi-Play Packs Tahoe Donner Golf Course already offers fantastic value. Known as one of the best courses in the region, and having been bestowed with the title of “Best Greens in Tahoe” several years ago, you might think playing here would break the bank. Not so.

(Continued on p. 20) Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Truckee Donner Home Management

We provide a variety of home maintenance and management services, with an emphasis on superior customer service for second home and rental property owners.

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

www.TruckeeDonnerHomeManagement.com info@truckeedonnerhomemanagement.com tahoedonner.com |

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(Continued from p. 19) Our season passes and multi-play packages provide golfers with a variety of options, and with very few exceptions, 2014 golf passes, packs and daily green fees remain the same as 2013 rates. Tahoe Donner members may buy rounds in advance for as low as $45 per round – a 25 percent savings. Members of the public may purchase a Four Pack in advance and play for under $80 a round (including cart) – a 20 percent savings. Or season passes can be purchased for an even greater value. Go to tahoedonner.com and click on ShopTD to take advantage of early season discounts.

7-9; July 14-16; July 21-23, and July 28-30.

In both programs, lessons cover golf basics including putting, chipping, the full swing, course etiquette and general rules of golf. To sign up for either Get Golf Ready or the Junior Golf Schools, call the pro shop at 530-5879443 or see tahoedonner.com/golf/lessons for updates on dates and times.

ForeTees Reservation System for Members We will continue to offer ForeTees exclusively to Tahoe Donner homeowners, which is the recommended method of reserving your golf reservations.

“Be the Ball” Caddyshack movie references aside, the sport of golf can challenge even the most focused of athletes. We offer a variety of affordably-priced clinics with our pros to help you improve your game so you can make the most of your time on the course — and increase the fun factor at the same time.

Daily one-hour clinics for all skill levels are offered throughout the season. New last season, twilight clinics are also offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Clinics are scheduled for approximately 60 minutes and the cost is $20. Clinics run from June 9-Sept. 7, 2014. See next page for full list of clinic options.

Tahoe Donner also offers Get Golf Ready, a learning program that includes a series of five golf lessons for only $99. Instruction is targeted to the new or lapsed golfer and there is a maximum of 10 students per group lesson.

Get Golf Ready starts early June. For junior golfers, the Tahoe Donner Golf Course offers Junior Golf Schools, specifically catering to juniors 8-14 years old. The classes are from 8-10 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays on the following dates: June 23-25, July

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

ForeTees has made some changes to its reservation system for this summer; these will be most notable for those who log in from a mobile device such as a cell phone or a tablet.

This new technology will allow golfers to access all of the features of ForeTees not previously available on mobile devices, without the need to navigate to a different site.

To access ForeTees from your mobile device, simply navigate to the ForeTees link via tahoedonner.com/golf using your mobile browser, and log in as you normally do. You will notice two new options on the ForeTees login page: standard and mobile. Select the standard option if you are on a desktop or laptop computer; select the mobile option if you are on a mobile device. If for some reason your mobile device is not recognized, you can always click the “Switch to Mobile View” link at the bottom of most ForeTees pages.

To view a short presentation of this

3.917w x 4.97

enhanced mobile solution, see the link on the Tahoe Donner ForeTees landing page. You can also access this link and other how-to videos by selecting “Help� at the top of any ForeTees page.

Note: for an undetermined amount of time, the previous version of ForeTees mobile will remain as an option for you to use, if you have used it in the past. However, the enhanced full-featured version is a more advanced version of the software and ForeTees suggests you begin using it for mobile access.

Reservations may be made by Tahoe Donner members 14 days in advance. Members of the public will continue to use the GolfNow

reservation system, 12 days in advance. Both reservation systems are accessible through our website at tahoedonner.com/golf.

Come On Out! 2014 promises to be a memorable golf season. Come out early and often to make the most of it. And, pray for continued mild weather to allow the course to flourish.

See tahoedonner.com/golf for updates, information on clinics and events and new promotions. As always, give us a call at 530587-9443 or email us at golf@tahoedonner. com with any questions or comments. See you at the course!

Tahoe Donner 2014 Golf Clinics Clinics are $20 unless otherwise noted Note: Some times have changed from last year.

Get Golf Ready: Starts early June

For the new or elapsed golfer. Covers basics including putting, chipping, the full swing, course etiquette and general rules of golf. $99 for five lessons.

Mondays: Chipping and Pitching (12 p.m.)

Session covers fundamentals of chipping and pitching. Meet near the putting green.

Tuesdays: Bunker and Sand Basics (12 p.m.)

Reduce your score by learning how to get the ball out of the bunker and onto the green.

Meet near practice sand bunker.

Wednesdays: Full Swing Irons Only (12 p.m.)

Focus on hitting irons for the proper approach shot. Meet at the driving range.

Thursdays: Hybrids, Woods and Drivers (12 p.m.)

Learn the proper swing fundamentals to im-

prove your efficiency hitting the longer clubs.

Meet at the driving range.

Fridays: Putting Clinic (12 p.m.)

Putting accounts for nearly half of your score. Cut down wasted strokes by refining your technique and mental approach. Meet next to the short game green.

Saturdays: Full Swing Irons Only (12 p.m.)

Focus on hitting irons for the proper approach shot. Meet at the driving range.

Sundays: Introduction to Golf Clinic (12 p.m.)

To help the beginning golfer to understand the correct fundamentals in the golf swing.

Meet at the driving range.

Sundays: Junior Clinic (12 p.m.)

Ages 6-13. Meet at the driving range.

Twilight Clinics

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

tahoedonner.com |

21

COMMUNITY

Wildfire Survival Guide: Tahoe Donner The two most important aspects to surviving a wildfire are emergency preparedness and remaining calm. If you have not completed fire safety activities around your home, and a fire starts in the area, it is too late to try to remove brush and other combustible materials. Fire safety clearing should happen in the spring before fire season. The Tahoe Donner Forestry Department will assist you in preparing your home to make it fire safe. Call 530-587-9432 for more information.

IMPORTANT If you see a fire starting in the vicinity of your neighborhood, report it immediately. Do not assume someone else has already called.

In the Truckee area, dial 911 to report a fire.

EXTERIOR FIRE SAFETY TIPS 1. Store your firewood at least 30 feet from your home. Although Tahoe Donner allows you to store firewood next to the structure if it is fully covered with a tarp, this is not the best scenario. Wood should be stored away from the home during fire season and moved to the structure in late fall. Better yet, store the firewood in the garage.

2. Look into the possibility of installing ember-protective vents, and replacing plastic tarps with fireproof tarps.

3. Make sure the siding on your home and wood in your deck is in good condition and maintained.

4. Install double-pane windows with tempered glass.

5. Do not store any combustible materials under your deck.

6. If you have any gutters on the home, make sure they are free of debris.

PREPARING TO EVACUATE If a wildfire is in the area, the local radio station KTKE 101.5 FM will broadcast information. Also, information will appear on television on our local channel 6, TTCTV. If there is time before the fire arrives, take the following actions.

1. Park your vehicle in the garage, facing out, with windows closed and keys in the ignition.

2. Close garage doors but leave them unlocked.

3. Be sure to disconnect the automatic garage door opener in case of power failure.

4. Place valuable documents, family mementos and pets inside the vehicle in the garage for quick departure if necessary.

5. Plan for those items you need to take with you by preparing a list of the most important items, such as wedding photos or negatives, family albums, insurance papers or other documents.

6. Prepare a home inventory listing valuables with descriptions and serial numbers. File it with your insurance agent, and keep a copy at home. Your refrigerator or freezer may offer insulated protection for documents, photographs or other small items for which you have no room in your evacuation vehicle.

7. If you have to evacuate, use a preplanned route, away from the approaching fire.

Knowing all access routes in your area can help save time during an evacuation.

The escape routes from Tahoe Donner are by way of Northwoods Boulevard and Alder Creek Road.

THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE YOUR HOME 1. Move combustible yard furniture and other items away from your home or store them in your home or garage.

2. Close exterior attic, eave, basement and other vents.

3. Attach garden hoses to spigots and place

22

| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

them so they can reach any area of your house.

4. Place a ladder near the house to assist firefighters with access to your roof.

5. Fill trash cans and buckets with water and locate them around the house.

Do not waste time and water by wetting your home and surrounding area. You do not want to reduce the supply of water for firefighters.

THINGS TO DO INSIDE YOUR HOME 1. Close all windows.

2. Close all doors inside the house to prevent draft and slow the spread of fire from room to room.

3. Open the damper on your fireplace or stove to help stabilize the outside-inside pressure, but close the screen so sparks will not ignite the room.

4. Turn on a light in each room to make the house more visible in dense smoke.

5. Fill sinks, bathtubs and buckets with water. Other important water reservoirs inside the house include the water heater and toilet tanks.

6. Turn off pilot lights by shutting propane or natural gas line valves to minimize the possibility of igniting a ruptured fuel line.

7. Move furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors to keep it from igniting from the heat of fire radiating through the glass.

8. Remove curtains and drapes. If you have metal blinds or special fire resistant window coverings, close them to block heat radiation.

WHEN YOU LEAVE It is not necessary to leave unless a mandatory evacuation has been declared. If you do not feel comfortable staying, please leave safely.

You can always return when the smoke starts to clear. The local fire fighting and law enforcement agencies will determine if an evacuation

is necessary and implement the process.

If you are asked to evacuate, leave your home’s exterior lights on. Leave doors and windows closed but unlocked. It may be necessary for firefighters to gain quick entry into your home to fight a fire. Don’t worry about looting. The entire area will be isolated and guarded by law enforcement. If it becomes necessary to drive through fire, roll up the car windows, turn on the headlights, and drive slowly. A motor vehicle can be driven through considerable fire provided the driver stays calm. Look for other vehicles and pedestrians when driving through smoke-filled streets. Be aware of responding emergency vehicles.

IF YOU PLAN TO STAY Dress properly to prevent burns. Long pants, cotton or wool long sleeve shirts or jackets, and gloves will help protect you in a wildfire. Do not wear short sleeve shirts or clothing made of synthetic fabrics. As the fire approaches, go inside the house and stay there, away from outside walls and windows.

Be sure all doors are closed and unlocked.

Keep everyone together and remain calm.

Remember, it may get hot in the house, but it is many times hotter and more dangerous outside.

AFTER THE FIRE PASSES 1. Check the roof immediately. If you climb onto the roof, use caution, especially if it is wet.

2. Extinguish all sparks and embers.

3. Check inside the attic for hidden burning embers.

4. Check your yard for burning woodpiles, trees or other materials.

5. Check for any downed overhead power lines.

6. Keep the doors and windows closed.

7. Continue rechecking your home and yard for burning embers for at least 12 hours after the fire has passed.

8. Have all pilot lights checked and reignited by qualified service personnel.

You may not be able to prevent a wildfire, but following these guidelines will offer you and your home maximum protection. For information on fire prevention, please visit the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County at areyoufiresafe.com or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at fema.gov.

COMMUNITY

Mandatory Boat Inspections at Donner Lake Begin IN MAY Town of Truckee Aquatic Invasive Species Ordinance 2014-01 and Resolution 2014-07 As the summer season approaches, many of you will be pulling your boat out of storage and getting it ready for another season of warm days on beautiful Donner Lake. If this is part of your summer plan, you need to be aware of changes that will affect you for this upcoming season.

In January, the Truckee Town Council adopted Ordinance 2014-01 and passed Resolution 2014-07. The goal of the ordinance is to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into our local lakes. The resolution was passed to identify the fees and fines that will go along with the ordinance. The impact of an AIS infestation could potentially be devastating as has been the experience in several areas throughout the country. History shows that prevention is significantly less expensive, and more successful, than an eradication effort should an infestation occur. While the entire ordinance can be found on the Town of Truckee website, what follows is a summary of how this will impact your Donner Lake experience this summer.

The Town of Truckee is forming a steering committee to finalize the details of the inspection program, but they have shared some of the plans with Tahoe Donner Association. If you plan to launch your vessel in Donner Lake this summer, you will be required to get an inspection. The fee and location of this inspection is yet to be determined, but the location will most likely be at the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District boat ramp at the west end of Donner Lake. It is important to note that a vessel, as defined by this ordinance, is any motorized vessel or sailboat with a water ballast tank or bilge. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards will not require inspection.

If your vessel does not pass inspection, you will be required to have your vessel decontaminated at the Northstar or Alpine

Meadows vessel decontamination areas before you can launch in Donner Lake. If your vessel passes the inspection you will receive a sticker. There are a variety of fees associated with the stickers that you can choose to pay based on how you plan to use your vessel: • $10 per vessel – monthly • $25 per vessel - summer season (May through September) • $40 per vessel - annual • $20 per vessel – Donner Lake only summer season Aside from the Donner Lake only option, you will be required to have your vessel reinspected every month.

After the inspection, your sticker will be up to date and you will be allowed to launch at Donner Lake. If you come to the Tahoe Donner Beach Club Marina to launch your boat without a sticker, we will ask you to visit the inspection location before you can launch. If you choose to launch without a valid inspection sticker, you will be subject to violation fines.

For more information, please see tahoercd. org/truckee-aquatic-invasive-species-program.

tahoedonner.com |

23

COMMUNITY

Eat + Drink = Happy

By Michael Peters, director of food and beverage

TEQUILA Legend has it that tequila was discovered when a farmer’s wife noticed a rabbit becoming tipsy after eating a fermented agave plant.

That must have been one lucky rabbit!

Tequila was first produced in the 16th century near the city of Tequila. The Aztecs had previously made a fermented beverage from the agave plant, which they called octli.

When the Spanish arrived in 1521, and the conquistadors ran out of their own brandy, they began to distill agave to produce one of North America’s first indigenous distilled spirits: tequila!

Mexican laws state that tequila can be produced only in the state of Jalisco and limited regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Mexico is granted international rights to the word “tequila.”

Great tequila starts with the soil. The blue volcanic soil in the Jalisco region is particularly well suited to the growing of the blue agave, and more than 300 million of the plants are harvested there each year. Agave tequila grows differently depending on the region.

Blue agaves grown in the highlands region are larger in size and sweeter in aroma and taste.

Agave plants harvested in the lowlands, on the other hand, have a more herbaceous fragrance and flavor.

Around 1600, Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle,

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

the Marquis of Altamira, began mass-produc• Extra Añejo: aged a minimum ing tequila at the first factory in the territory of three years in oak barrels. This of Jalisco. Spain’s King Carlos IV granted category was established in March the Cuervo family the first license to com2006. mercially make tequila. Later, Don Cenobio Tequila is surrounded by myths, legends, Sauza, founder of Sauza traditions and college Tequila and president In Germany and some other students. We are all too of the village of Tequila countries, tequila is often familiar with the shot of at the time, was the first consumed with cinnamon tequila followed by the to export tequila to the lick of salt and bite of lime. on a slice of orange.

United States. In time, These days the wonderregulation established that real tequila can fully structured, painstakingly crafted tequicome only from the state of Jalisco—much like las are made to be sipped and enjoyed instead Champagne, Burgundy and Cognac, which of thrown down your gullet. are designated from those regions of the same Then there is the worm in the bottle. Tradiname. tion has it that whoever gets the last shot has Tequila is usually bottled in one of five to eat the worm, which will produce grand categories: visions. I am pretty sure that finishing a bottle • Blanco (white) or plata (silver): of tequila will lead to its own visions, worm white spirit, unaged and bottled or or not! In actuality, only certain mezcals, from stored immediately after distillathe state of Oaxaca, Mexico, contain a worm. tion, or aged less than two months in That began as a marketing gimmick in the stainless steel or neutral oak barrels.

1940s. The worm is actually the larval form of • Joven or oro (gold): unaged Blanco a moth, which lives on the agave plant. tequila that is colored and flavored One tradition we can certainly all get with caramel. behind a great margarita. This classic cocktail • Reposado (rested): aged a miniof tequila, orange liqueur, and lime served mum of two months, but less than a over ice in a salt-rimmed glass is steeped in year in oak barrels. mystery as to its true origin, but likely was • Añejo (aged or vintage): aged a first created as early as 1936. Some stories have minimum of one year, but less than it as an offshoot of a popular American drink, three years in oak barrels. the Daisy (margarita is the Spanish word for

bonded and insured

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daisy), made with tequila instead of brandy during the Prohibition. Another story claims a Dallas socialite, Margarita Sames, to be the drink’s creator. After hotelier Tommy Hilton attended one of her parties in Acapulco, Mexico, he reportedly brought the recipe back to the Hilton chain of hotels.

However you like your tequila, my sombrero is off to you! Don’t miss the great opportunity to come drink some great margaritas at the Cinco de Mayo party at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Monday May 5 we will have $5 house margaritas, $3 Coronas and some great Mexican specials. In addition we will offer happy hour all night long in the entire restaurant.

COMMUNITY

Temporary BURN Ban Covenants Rule to Be Considered In the April 2014 Tahoe Donner News, a 45-day member notification was posted notifying members the board of directors will be considering adopting a new covenants rule to provide them with the authority to establish a temporary fire ban, when and if the conditions warrant (such as high fire danger). The Covenants Committee has been discussing the idea of developing the rule for several months to address potential future needs. Additionally, the board asked the committee to discuss such a rule and prepare a recommendation of language to be discussed and potentially take action on after appropriate member notification and comment period.

The recommended new rule for temporary fire ban is as follows: Temporary Burn Ban. The board of directors may consider and approve establishment of a temporary burn ban of all outdoor wood fires, including those in a commercially manufactured fire burning device for all private properties, common area, and amenities.

At this time, there is no rule for a temporary ban on outdoor fires, thus the board cannot, with the exception of an emergency scenario,

make such a call. The rule as it is written now only includes wood burning fires. Use of BBQs including charcoal is and will continue to be allowed.

The board will consider all factors during the agendized item at the May 31, 2014 board meeting including but not limited to member comments, regional and state regulatory agency fire policies and authorities to institute restrictions, historical fire compliance within TDA, and more.

Your comments are welcome. Please send an email to arosenfeld@ tahoedonner.com, call 530-582-9630, or write to Tahoe Donner Association, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA, 96161.

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 |

25

SNOWMAN

COMPETITION Bunnies, amoebas, and hairy snowmen, oh my!

With the lean snow year, our annual snowman contest was a bit more challenging. Some of you reacted by getting inventive: a miniature snow zoo and a rock sculpture got points for creativity. The hit Disney movie “Frozen� inspired a plethora of entries this year. We enjoyed the stories that accompanied your creations and loved hearing how this activ-

ity brought family and friends together (including four-legged pals). Unfortunately, we could not fit all entries on these two pages, but all are included online at tahoedonner.com/snowman-contest-2014, or in the photo album at facebook.com/tahoedonner.

Thanks for participating!

A) BELLA HOLBROOK and her new friend, Frosty.

B) RICK AND COLBY PARADA built Frosty with Bella Holbrook (above) one day, and the next day made him a friend, Olaf.

C) MORGAN BLAKE and her snow zoo at the Snowplay Area.

April, 2014

MIA MIHOJEVICH WINNER! NIKO AND ow bunny! built their Easter sn C

26

| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

D) jake and ashley ryder built their snowman near Alder Creek. February, 2014

E) PENELOPE DEVORE and her first snowman! April, 2014 F) KALEA NORLAND was hoping for snow to grow her snow amoeba.

G) CARLY BERESH had a blast creating her snowman at the Snowplay Area.

H) ISABELLE ROSSETTI and her favorite Disney character, Olaf.

I) THE ZEZOFF FAMILY used a homemade snowman kit to create Donnie the snowman.

J) SHANNON WATRIDGE AND ELENA MESSNER used Disney’s movie, Frozen, for inspiration.

K) LANDON HOLMAN and his new hairy friend, Moe. L) DEAN EPPLEY, ASHTON AND DALE TITUS and their “snowman” Sir Rockingham. February, 2014 M) AMELIA AND ELIN BROOKS created a mama and baby snowman on their back porch.

tahoedonner.com |

27

COMMUNITY

Since the building season has started early this year, the Architectural Standards Office would like to take this opportunity to remind our members and contractors of some of the requirements for building in Tahoe Donner.

• Construction start and stop times: please don’t start too early or work too late. Construction hours are limited to 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

The upcoming holidays, recognized by this provision, are Memorial Day (May 26), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (September 1), Thanksgiving (November 27), and Christmas (December 25).

• Do not park on other people’s property or block the street.

• Deliveries should be made only to the property under construction.

• Be considerate of neighbors and reduce loud noises as much as possible.

• Please play your music at a reasonable level, and not loud enough to be heard over the noise of tools.

• Keep construction sites tidy.

• Store materials and scrap neatly on your property.

• Make sure the required sanitary facilities are on-site prior to construction and that your employees use them.

If you have concerns about a construction site, please address it directly to the contractor or the owner. Most are more than happy to take care of any concerns quickly and simply. If your concern is not resolved with this approach, please report concerns to us. Issues regarding garbage, litter, loud radios, and more should be referred to the Architectural Standards Office compliance officer at 530-587-9406.

As a reminder, if you are doing any exterior work on your home please call our office and give us a call prior and give us a description of the proposed work. Often the work is “like-for-like” and a quick call can help us update your file with these notes. If the work changes the exterior of your house or garage with material or color changes, please contact our office to see if a permit is required from Tahoe Donner.

Please remind your contractor that all new exterior work requires permits from both Tahoe Donner and the Town of Truckee.

Additionally, if you have any questions please stop by our office, contact us at 530-587-9407 or send an email to aso@tahoedonner.com.

SHERYL WALKER | ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS OFFICE MANAGER

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Homes On the Rise

The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed the following plans in March 2014: Unit/Lot 09/363 03/542 06/490 02/416 05/436

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

Street Address 12124 Bennett Flat Rd. 13224 Skislope Way 15329 Wolfgang Rd. 13466 Northwoods Blvd.

1398 Heidi Way

Square Ft. 2116 2225 2225 2099 2447

Project House House House House House

Bulletin Board

The Board denied approval of a golf pass holder surcharge of $20 for morning play by passholders July 1 to August 31.

Taking Care of Business Regular Board Meeting Minutes Recap March 22, 2014 Consent Calendar: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell Absent) • Marina dock replacement • Northwoods Pool daily access rate • Social media policy • Personal leave policy Presentation and Consideration of Auditors’, Report – Fiscal Year 2013: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell absent) Following a presentation by Matthew Krehe of Gilbert Associates, Incorporated, the board accepted the 2013 audit as presented.

Covenants Committee Rule Revision: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell absent) The board approved publishing for 45-day member comment the following new rule:

Temporary Fire Ban - The board of directors may consider and approve the establishment of a temporary burn ban of all outdoor wood fires, including those in a commercially manufactured fire burning device for all private properties, common area, and amenities.

Potential Truckee Sales Tax: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell absent) The board approved support for the Truckee Town Council’s request that Nevada County place a quarter-cent sales tax measure on the June 3, 2014 ballot to fund the construction and maintenance of trails within the Town of Truckee.

Director of Finance & Accounting Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell absent) The board approved the unaudited preliminary February 2014 Financials.

2014 Golf Rates: The Board reviewed: Golf Surcharge: Disapproved 5-0

Golf Cart Fees: Approved 5-0 The board approved an increase in shared cart rental from $17 to $20.

Golf Adult Member Midweek Plus Pass: Approved 3-2 (Director Murrell & Miller No) The board approved an increase from $950 to $1,000, with purchase by April 30.

Golf Adult Member Unlimited Pass: Approved 4-1 (Director Murrell No) The board approved an increase from $1,300 to $1,350, with purchase by April 30.

Range Tokens: Approved 5-0 The board approved an increase in range token rates, as well as an increase in the number of balls provided per token.

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. Copies of the minutes and agendas are posted in the Member Services Office.

THE BIG HAUL Mountain Home Center’s Annual Truckload Sale begins May 7 and continues through June 3, 2014

All Stoves & Spas At Our Lowest Prices of the Year! Just one more way we pledge to sustain your Mountain Home Style.

From our family to yours…serving Truckee for almost 30 years. We’re in it for the longhaul!

Join us in celebrating our Truckload Sale on Memorial Weekend with BBQ demos and in-store specials at our Brockway Road store.

Two Truckee Locations: 11403 Brockway Road • Phone: 530-587-6681 Historic Commercial Row • Phone: 530-550-8800 www.MountainHomeCenter.com tahoedonner.com |

29

COMMUNITY

Town of Truckee Yard Waste Disposal Program For defensible space projects and yard maintenance Owning a home in a mountain town comes with the responsibility of creating and maintaining proper defensible space. This year, as the weather warms and vegetation dries out, it is more important than ever to clear dead wood and brush from your property.

In March, the Truckee Town Council approved new yard waste disposal options for residents performing large yard clean-up projects.

Unlike the green bag program, which is appropriate for the disposal of small amounts of yard waste throughout the season, these new options are intended to provide residents who create a sizable amount of yard waste over a short period of time with a convenient and cost-effective method to dispose of that material. The new options include reducedcost dumpsters and an extended period for dropping off yard waste at no charge.

For the months of May, June and July, Truckee residents may purchase up to two six-yard waste-only dumpsters for $76 each. Dumpsters

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| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

GRETCHEN SPROEHNLE

are intended to be loaded with loose yard waste material, which means no bags are needed. This is a great time saving option. Dumpsters also accommodate larger woody material such as limbs and branches in addition to pine needles, pinecones, brush and garden waste. Call Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal at 530-583-7800 for additional details and to reserve your dumpster today.

If you have the means to self-haul yard waste material to the Eastern Regional Landfill (ERL), Truckee residents will be allowed to drop off up to six yards of yard waste, free of charge, between May 1 and Oct. 31. Again, bags are not required. Residents will need to unload their material once at ERL. To make unloading easy, lay a tarp on the bottom of the truck bed or trailer and load the material on top. Don’t forget, the California Vehicle Code requires the load be covered when driving to the landfill to prevent material from flying out. Truckee residents are required to bring proof of residency (such as a utility bill or driver’s license) in order to take advantage of the free drop-off. ERL is located three miles past the Mousehole on Highway 89 and up Cabin Creek Road. Free drop-off is available May 1 through Oct. 31, MondaySaturday, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Please refrain from using green bags as your primary mode of disposing of yard waste when creating defensible space. Green bags are intended to be a convenient option to dispose of small amounts of yard waste on an ongoing basis. Filling 20 or more bags at one time and leaving those bags at the curb does not remove the fuel load from your property, but rather consolidates it in front of the house. No matter how big the pile, the trash company only picks up four bags each week: a pile of 20 bags will take five weeks to be fully collected and larger piles even longer. The best way to prepare your home to survive a wildfire is to get the fuel load away from the property altogether. (See related article on page 22.)

Once the yard is cleared and defensible space is created, use green bags to maintain the yard throughout the season. Please do not place branches in green bags since they will tear the bags. Bags need to be secured at the top and must weigh less than 40 pounds each to be collected by the hauler. Green bags are available for purchase at the Tahoe Donner Member Services office at the Northwoods Clubhouse at $3.50 for a five-bag bundle. Other area retailers, including Mountain Hardware, Tahoe Supply Company, the Office Boss, and Tahoe Truckee Lumber sell them for about $1.25 each or $67.98 per case of 100.

Help ensure that the town is prepared for the unfortunate reality of wildland forest fire. Please utilize the drop-off and reduced cost dumpster options for your initial effort in creating defensible space. Once the property is raked, brush cleared and branches trimmed, then use the green bag program to keep the defensible space maintained into the fall. Remember: defensible space is California state law! Please contact the Tahoe Donner Forestry Office at 530-587-9432 or forestry@tahoedonner.com if you have additional questions.

COMMUNITY

Truckee Ban on Single-Use Carryout Plastic Bags

In a vote last November 25, the Truckee Town Council approved an ordinance aimed at reducing the consumption of single-use carry out bags in all retail stores within Truckee. This conclusion was decided after a robust multi-month public process where town staff held workshops, distributed surveys, and welcomed public opinion.

What do you need to know? Start bringing your reusable bags to the store now. As of June 1, 2014 all retail establishments are prohibited from distributing plastic bags. Paper bags and reusable bags will be available at a minimum cost of 10 cents per bag. Restaurants are excluded from the ordinance, at least for now.

If you have any questions, please visit the FAQs page on the Town of Truckee website, or email Ndorr@townoftruckee.com.

Tahoe Donner Compliance Specialist

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31

NEW ORLEANS Ronette and Larry Harper in Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisana, October, 2013.

EQUADOR

Bruce and Pam Dea r in Ecuador on a 27-day trip enjoying South America, October, 2013.

Italy

Bill and Ann Beaton hiking the Dolomites in Northern Italy, September 2013.

ORLANDO

Traci Kutler, Jeff Dodd and Griffin Kutler Dodd at Universal Orlando Resorts in Florida.

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.

32

| Tahoe Donner News | May 2014

Wishing You a Happy Spring!

Chase International Realtor® of the Year for 2011, 2012 & 2013 New Luxury Listing

Fabulous NEW Vision Construction Home

14258SwissLane.com

Nestled on prestigious Swiss Lane overlooking the 12th tee, this beautiful NEW split level chalet offers luxury and quality throughout. Three bedrooms, chef’s kitchen, BIG family room/4th bedroom downstairs, lush and private $739,500 setting and more. Offers year ‘round luxury living. Nicely sized garage and flat, sunny driveway. WOW! Lower Tahoe Donner

Pending

Prestigious Sitzmark Way

11199SitzmarkWay.com

11075SitzmarkWay.com

Fantastic remodel with adjacent acreage, low elevation, 3,308 s.f., lovely 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath retreat in lower Tahoe setting, many extras, perfect for a large or 2 family purchase. $1,149,995 Donner. Privacy year ’round! $849,000

Tahoe Donner Market Statistics • January 1 – March 31, 2014* Units Sold January 1 – March 31, 2014

10

10

6

6 0

$0 - $400,000

$401,000 $600,000

$601,000 $800,000

$800,000 $1,000,000

Over $1,000,000

List Price

# of Homes Sold

Average # Days On Market

% of Final List To Sold Price

Average Sq. Ft. Price

$0 - $400,000

6

54

97%

$235.83

$401,000 - $600,000

10

104

99%

$275.36

$601,000 - $800,000

10

67

98%

$281.62

$801,000 - $1,000,000

6

61

99%

$306.97

$1,00,001+

0

n/a

n/a

n/a

*Data from TSMLS, single family homes, excludes pending sales

“If you are in the market as a buyer, seller or investor, look no further. Alison is extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to and will win your business every step of the way. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone regardless of the situation. With over eleven years in the business as a real estate professional, I was blown away. Thank you Alison!”

– Scott Peterson, Seller & Real Estate Professional

With over $25.5MM in Tahoe Donner sales in 2013 and over $125MM sold in Truckee Since 2009, Alison Knows This Market.

Alison Elder 530 582 8103

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

The Scoop on Alison Elder:

Alison and the Elder Family Proudly Supports High Fives Foundation highfivesfoundation.org

16.82%

17.61%

12.28% 7.43%

19.34%