Tahoe Donner News - January 2012 by Tahoe Donner Association

JANUARY

06 Table of Contents

FeatureS

Snowflakes Ski School The Best Place to Begin

Craft & DIY Collage Placemat

Departments TAKE NOTE

President’s Message Past Present Future

Monthly Calendar Something for Everyone

General Manager’s Message About Tahoe Donner

Important Member News Capital Project Update

Let’s Get Together TD Events & Happenings

Bulletin Board Committee Meetings

Where in the World is TD News? TD News Travels the World

2012 Approved Fine Schedule Annual Posting

Free Ski Shuttle Save Gas and Ride with Us

Member Survey Help Shape the Future of TD

Honoring the Standouts Employee & Manager of the Year

4th Annual Snowman Contest Build the Best and Win

VOL. 13, No. 1

Welcome

January 2012 EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFF Amanda Birchenough Brittany Felton Amanda Wallace

PAST PRESENT FUTURE

Kirt Zimmer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Suzan Knisley, suzylynn@mindspring.com

Vice President

Tom Johns, btjtd@aol.com

Secretary

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

Treasurer

Ron Wulff, rwulff@sbcglobal.net

Director

Jay Lempinen, jjlempinenlost@sbcglobal.net

Board of Directors

board@tahoedonner.com

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

comdep@tahoedonner.com

Advertising Sales

SUZY Knisley | President

Tahoe Guide is the exclusive advertising representative for the Tahoe Donner News. Call (530) 448-3065 or (530) 587-1393

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. 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.

On the Cover Jacob Walker enjoys a warm hot chocolate on the deck at Tahoe Donner Downhill. Photo by Sasha Coben Photography

January is a month to both reflect on the accomplishments and celebrations of the previous year and look forward to plans for the New Year. Looking back, Tahoe Donner enjoyed another vibrant year full of accomplishments, the most notable being the purchase of several properties, including the Euer Valley, that will have a significant positive impact for many years into the future. Tahoe Donner not only has the largest number of amenities and activities to offer in the Tahoe basin, but in addition we continue to improve the lifestyle, aesthetics and efficiencies of this wonderful legacy property we as members own. Of course, this is all due to the commitment of our professional staff and the generous and consistent support of our many volunteers that has allowed us to effect change in the past and will continue to carry us toward improvements in the future. Next year we can look forward to all new signage throughout the association property that will update and modernize Tahoe Donner’s image in our community and beyond. And we can look forward to great meals and

a memorable experience in our own restaurants, The Lodge Restaurant and Pub and Pizza on the Hill, that have become mainstay gathering places for our members, along with other seasonal places to enjoy dining out right here, conveniently close to home. The board congratulates Mike Peters, our director of food and beverage, who has been recently named “Manager of the Year” at Tahoe Donner for all his accomplishments in the service and improvements of our restaurant operations. I am looking forward to checking out the Euer Valley on cross country skis this winter with a new perspective and the pride of ownership. Did you know we have one of the largest recognized cross country ski areas in the entire country? If you have not tried cross country skiing yet, it is an easy sport to learn and a great way to see the Euer Valley in addition to being a fun family activity. Years ago when I was a Girl Scout, I learned an Indian rain dance and recently I have been reciting it in hopes for a very large snowstorm in the mountains and rain in the valley. When I’m not in Tahoe Donner, I live in a small Sierra foothills town where the signage reads, “ A small town is like a big family.” And that is how I think of Tahoe Donner: a friendly community that provides a family atmosphere to come home to. A lifestyle that becomes a legacy to our future generations. I want to bring attention to the Tahoe Donner member survey that is now in process with the purpose of gathering information on what is important to you. Please take the time to complete the survey online so that when staff makes plans for the future, and when the Board makes decisions, we are keeping the needs of the members foremost in importance. You can also write comments directly to the Board at board@tahoedonner.com. It’s nice to call Tahoe Donner home. See you on the slopes.

January 1 1 & 2 5 W e d n e sd ays

9 Mo n d ay

Night Skiing Wednesday, January 11 and 25 5 – 7 p.m. @ Cross Country Ski Center

Something for everyONE! Wii Night Sundays, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Test your skills on the 150 inch screen! Enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill while challenging competitors in Wii tennis, baseball, golf, bowling, Mario Kart and much more. Free! @ Northwoods Clubhouse

Full Moon Snowshoe Monday, January 9 Meet at 6 p.m. @ Trout Creek Recreation Center Watch the sunset on a scenic snowshoe hike. Please pre-register 24 hours before the event by calling the front desk at Trout Creek Recreation Center (530) 587-9437. The cost of the hike is $7.50. Snowshoe rentals are $7.50. We suggest participants dress in warm layers and bring a hat and gloves, headlamp or flashlight, and water. The group will meet at Trout Creek and caravan together to the hike destination.

Night skiing tracks are unique in California. We are one of the few ski areas in the area that offers 2.5 kilometers of lighted tracks. Night skiing is $15 for adults (ages 13 – 59) and $13 for seniors (ages 60 – 69). Kids 12 & under and 70 and older always ski for free!

2 1 S ATUR D AY

Trivia Night Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Join in the fun at trivia night. Enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill, show off your brain power and win cool prizes. Free! @ Northwoods Clubhouse Family Movie Night Fridays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your favorite pillow and blanket, kick your feet up, and enjoy both classic and new G and PG rated movies. Free! @ Northwoods Clubhouse

Full Moon Tour and Dinner Monday, January 9 @ Cross Country Ski Center Enjoy a full moon ski or snowshoe tour followed by dinner at the day lodge. The tour is $15 for a season pass holder and $20 for a non-passholder. RSVP to (530) 587-9484. Space is limited.

Snow Carnival Saturday, January 21 10 a.m. @ Downhill Ski Area Come participate in a day full of events for kids. Events will include a match time race, a sled pull, a bounce house, ice cream and more. TahoeDonner.com |

FROM THE GENERAL MANager’s Desk

ROBB ETNYRE | GENERAL MANAGER Welcome to Tahoe Donner! This past year we welcomed over 300 new property owners who brought with them over 900 new members to our mountain community. With an almost 5 percent turnover in ownership and membership, I thought it might be useful to cover some of the fundamentals of our community:

• New members here enjoy the complete Tahoe lifestyle as it was originally envisioned when this community was founded in 1971. Tahoe Donner offers the widest range of amenities at the best price in the region. • Tahoe Donner is considered one of the largest common interest communities in the United States; comprised of 6,471 assessed units, with approximately 25,000 members, covering over 7,000 acres. • Information about the wide variety of amenities, activities, events and association business affairs can be found at tahoedonner.com. Additional sources of information about fun things to do at Tahoe Donner are abundant. Make sure you give us your email address so you can receive Weekly News (Mondays) and Member News (Wednesdays). You’ll receive Tahoe Donner News magazine at your primary address every month unless you tell us that you’d prefer to read it online. Monitors at every amenity also promote upcoming activities and special offers. • The 2012 annual assessment of $1,375 is composed of both an operating and capital component, and is adjusted annually to meet board of director approved requirements to operate and maintain the wide variety of amenities available to the community. • The operating component of the assessment only funds approximately 30% of the annual operating cost in our user-based amenity system. Users of each amenity, program or activity offered by the association are expected to pay for their use. Some amenities are only open to members and guests, while many are also open to the general public. The combination of these elements is extremely important in keeping the annual operating assessment low by asking individuals to pay for their use of the amenities and selling our excess capacity to the general public to

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

subsidize our year-round fun. Various daily, multiple daily and annual access products to our private and public amenities are available to provide our large and diverse membership a variety of purchase options. • Each property is authorized four ownership/family membership photo identification cards and can purchase up to four additional cards based on valid ownership/family status. Additionally, each property is authorized two Guest Cards. • The primary optional annual product Tahoe Donner offers to the membership only is the Recreation Pass (Rec Pass), which is valid from May 1 through the following April 30. For 2012, this annual unlimited access product to our private amenities costs $225 and is considered an alternative to paying daily entrance fees at our private amenities. The Rec Pass is valid for unlimited annual access to all the private amenities for all membership cards for each property. • The capital component of the assessment serves several functions, from the requirement to replace aging facilities and equipment components to purchasing new machinery and equipment to maintaining modern recreational and support service offerings for the entire community. The annual and future projected cost of this is distributed evenly across the entire assessed population.

At the web site, you can check out the 2030 General Plan, which outlines how Tahoe Donner will continue to update and replace aging infrastructure – so you can enjoy modern facilities that meet the needs of all users. There is no special assessment for these projects. Your annual assessment includes a portion which goes toward capital funds. We are here to help make your experience at Tahoe Donner extraordinary. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call, email us or stop by our Member Services office. And, for those with new neighbors next door, take a moment to say hello and welcome our new members to our great mountain community!

I wish you the best as you and yours begin new traditions at Tahoe Donner.

2012 fine schedule Tahoe Donner Association’s 2012 Budget approved by the board of directors includes the following schedule of fines: Unauthorized earthwork and site alteration $750 - 2,000 Construction violations $100 - 2,000 Deviations from approved plans $150 - 2,000 Miscellaneous violations $100 - 1,500 Camping on common areas $100 Off-road vehicles $150 Vegetation removal $100 - 5,000 After hours use $100 After hours parking $50 Fireworks & firearms $150 Hunting & trapping $150 Animal control $100 Equestrian use $100 Smoking $50 Amenity use and conduct rules $100 Private property rules $200 - 400

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

587-9400

info@tahoedonner.com

General Manager

587-9431

gm@tahoedonner.com

Contact Member Services to be transferred to other administrative departments.

Amenities Alder Creek Campground 587-9462

campground@tahoedonner.com

Beach Club Marina

587-9460

marina@tahoedonner.com

Cross Country Center

587-9484

xcski@tahoedonner.com

Downhill Ski Area

587-9444

ski@tahoedonner.com

Equestrian Center

587-9470

equestrian@tahoedonner.com

Forestry 587-9432 forestry@tahoedonner.com Golf Course

587-9443

golf@tahoedonner.com

The Lodge

587-9455

lodge@tahoedonner.com

Pizza On The Hill

582-9669

pizza@tahoedonner.com

Recreation Info Hut

587-9413

troutcreek@tahoedonner.com

Tennis Center

587-9474

tennis@tahoedonner.com

Trout Creek Rec. Center

587-9437

troutcreek@tahoedonner.com

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

anoyes@sbcglobal.net

Elections, Nan Carnal

ncarnal@sfsu.edu

Finance, Jim Stang

jcstang@sbcglobal.net

General Plan, Chris Nelson

nelson9025@sbcglobal.net

Have your home featured onTDHomes.com...

The Top website for Tahoe Donner Real Estate! sm

North Woods Group total sales volume YTD 2011 is $28,803,700... plus an additional $1,559,000 in volume currently under contract! Jan-Nov

Houses Sold* Average Price Under Contract as of 12/15*

2011

199

$544,402

2010

197

$582,431

Tahoe Donner Association Chartered Club Presidents Bridge, Sharilyn Nelson

nelson9025@sbcglobal.net

Friends of TD Trails, B.R. Levine

tdtrails@gmail.com

Rowing Club, Dot Mace

dotmace@sbcglobal.net

Senior Alpine Ski, Jeff Bonzon

jdbonzon@yahoo.com

Tahoe Donner Green, Sue Sorensen

tahoedonnergreenclub@gmail.com

Tennis, Linda Stewart

pindagold@yahoo.com

Nordic Ski Club, Carol Ozimek

president@tdnordicskiclub.org

9-Holers, Hilary Ward

hilary2@aabol.com

Mens Golf, Ralph Shindler

tdmensgolf@gmail.com

Women’s Golf, Denise Kosak

deezak12@hotmail.com

Hiking Club, Robin Reese

rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Quilt Club, Linda Brush

cbrush4110@gmail.com

back: Dave Donnelly, David Wright, Pete Griffin, Bob Colquhoun front: Jessica Ferguson, David Hipkins, Bruce Watkins Affiliated with Keller Williams Boice Realty. Each office is independently owned & operated. *Statistics are based on TSBOR MLS data for Tahoe Donner Single Family Homes.

TahoeDonner.com |

Euer Valley Membership Input

ver the last two months, the management team for Tahoe Donner has provided the membership an opportunity to voice their thoughts regarding the future use of Euer Valley through meetings and through the euervalley@tahoedonner.com email. We encourage the membership to continue to provide their opinion on the use of the valley beyond cross country skiing in the winter.

Moving forward, a series of focus group meetings will be held in January and February to initiate a working group forum on issues such as access, users, programming, and infrastructure needs. The focus group meeting objectives are twofold:

As outlined in the December issue of Tahoe Donner News, the Tahoe Donner website is the main hub of information for the Euer Valley topic. You can find meeting summaries, a video of the valley and other pertinent information posted on the web site. We will continue to provide updates through all the media channels Tahoe Donner has to offer. In addition to the input meetings and email, we recently sent out a membership survey which included questions specifically relating to the valley. If you did not or are not receiving the Member News emails on Wednesdays, please contact info@tahoedonner.com to ensure you receive this important survey, as well as continue to receive important Tahoe Donner business information.

These recommendations will be heard by the board of directors at the February regular board meeting where there will be discussion as to the next course of action. The importance of membership participation cannot be emphasized enough. If you cannot participate in the focus group meetings, we encourage you to attend the regular board meetings or email euervalley@tahoedonner.com. On a lighter note, we encourage you to get out and enjoy the amazing Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, programming and excellent food. The center offers lessons for all levels, so don’t be shy; cross country skiing is a low impact sport which is a great wintertime crossover sport to the many activities in the summer. On most days, you can find skiers of all ages and abilities enjoying the best grooming in the country and the most groomed kilometers in California. Our Cross Country Ski Center is one of the hidden gems of the Sierra, and with the Euer Valley land acquisition, Tahoe Donner is securing its place and value for the membership. We hope to see you enjoying this amenity as well the other amazing amenities and programs Tahoe Donner has to offer the membership.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

• Prepare draft recommended rules for Euer Valley. • Prepare draft recommended uses for Euer Valley.

Free ski shuttle to debut this month If you want to get an idea what Tahoe Donner homeowners like to do in the winter, just spend a little time at the intersection of Northwoods Boulevard and Donner Pass Road. You’ll see a long line of cars with ski racks heading out to Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Northstar and other area Tahoe resorts. That line of cars is often repeated at those resorts during holiday periods, and it’s fair to say that the bumper-to-bumper traffic is the least favorite part of the day for those people. A group of local leaders has been spending time on improving that situation and their first attempt at a solution is about to debut. The Truckee Free Ski Shuttle is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a bus that skiers can take from Truckee to Northstar California Resort or Squaw Valley USA, and back again at the end of the day. The park and ride lot will be located between the Truckee High School and the “old” middle school. We all love our personal automobiles, but there are plenty of good reasons to try out the shuttle: • Save on gas money. • Meet some of your fellow skiers and riders on the bus. • Get yourself a “goody bag” with offers from local businesses. • Fewer cars on the road means everyone gets there faster. • Avoid the long walk through the parking lot and get delivered right at the village. • Let a professional driver worry about road conditions and traffic while you relax. • Taking all those cars off the road has a significant environmental benefit to the beautiful Lake Tahoe area. • It’s free!

Take the members survey and help shape the future! Tahoe Donner homeowners are asked to share their opinions regarding summer operations and a few other items like uses of the Euer Valley. Just go to www.tahoedonner. com/membersurvey and you will be

The Truckee Free Ski Shuttle will run on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend (January 14 – 16) and potentially President’s Day weekend (February 18 – 20). At press time, details like the hours of operation for the shuttle were still being worked out. For more information, or to pose a question, visit Facebook.com/TruckeeFreeSkiShuttle.

prompted to log in with your Tahoe Donner username and password. If you need help with this, please feel free to contact the Member Services office at (530) 587-9400. If you would prefer that a hard copy be mailed to you (as opposed to taking

This pilot program is a collaboration between Tahoe Donner, Northstar, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, the North Lake Tahoe Chamber / CVB / Resort Association, The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, the Tahoe Truckee School District, the Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association and the Town of Truckee. If it is successful, the program could be expanded in the future. Here’s hoping everyone spends less time driving and more time skiing!

it online), Member Services can help with that. Members who have filled out the entire survey will be entered to win great prizes. Please note that only one survey may be filled out per household. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts. They will help staff, committees and the board of directors make important decisions that influence your experience here.

TahoeDonner.com |

LET’S TOGETHER With the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, it’s time to look ahead and begin to plan winter activities the entire family will enjoy. Sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, wine tasting, full moon events, movie nights and a snow carnival are just a few of the fun happenings to look forward to at Tahoe Donner. Don’t forget to check out the early morning skiing and new clinics for season pass holders offered at the Cross Country Ski Center or the wide variety of learn-to-ski programs at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Whether skinny skis and groomed tracks are your passion or carving fresh lines on our wide open bowls and soft corduroy makes you smile, you will find both at your fingertips. Hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream and snow angels are a must this month at Tahoe Donner! Come out and play with us…

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

Friday Family Movie Night

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Bring a pillow and blanket, kick your feet up and enjoy either a classic or new movie starting at 6:30 p.m. every Friday at Northwoods Clubhouse. Movies in this series are rated G and PG.

Here is this month’s Family Movie schedule: January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27

The Smurfs Spy Kids Rio How to Eat Fried Worms

For more information, please contact Trout Creek Recreation Center at (530) 587-9437.

Kids Night Out 5 - 9 p.m. Friday, January 6 Kids 4 – 9 years old are invited to join in the fun with crafts, dinner, a movie, and as well as cookies and milk. Registration must be made at least 24 hours in advance by calling (530) 582-9646. Cost: $15 per child.

Wii Night Play a friendly game of Wii on the big screen each Sunday from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Northwoods Clubhouse.

Thursday Night Trivia Test your trivia skills from California history to sporting events. You never know what questions are going to be on the list from week to week. Trivia is from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and the winner receives a certificate for a free pizza!

Full Moon Snowshoe - January 9 Join us for a fun guided snowshoe hike from 6 – 8:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9. We suggest participants dress in warm layers, bring a hat and gloves, headlamp or flashlight, and water. We will serve hot chocolate. Meet at Trout Creek Recreation Center and we will caravan to our hiking destination. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling (530) 587-9437. Cost of the hike is $7.50 with your own equipment, or $15 with snowshoe rental.

(Continued on the next pg.)

TahoeDonner.com |

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OE A TA H S K I skiing, we L vidual starts occur from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 29. In addition to recreational L I NH Courses close at 2:30 p.m. I will have 5 kilometer race series that begins D Oa W EN PU BLIC AM R We offer additional clinics and classes at 6 p.m. Night skiing tracks are unique in E N DON Y E R O T throughout the month, so please check tahoeCalifornia. We are one of the few ski areas TA H UN O C donner.com for a full list of updates. offering 2.5 kilometers of lighted tracks. This SS CRO I See you out on the tracks! fall we replaced most of the bulbs with bright N E PU BLIC AM white lights, so we expect the tracks to be JoJo Toeppner | TDXC Manager PR EN I V AT E A M brighter this season! Come try out night life at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area. Night Show your support for the Cross Country skiing is $15 for adults (ages 13 – 59) and $13 Ski Center by scanning your season pass each PR EN E R Kids 12R& under and I VAT E A M for seniors (ages 60N–N69). time you visit. With the new on-line purchasO E D T N H O Ealways ski TAolder 70 and ing system, some of your cards may need to be N C Efor free! A NER I A R T of night life, we also invite you to DON S E Speaking updated. We also ask all pass holders to please E O ARE H U I A I K Q T S E our full moon EN P U ski or come into the lodge andEsign B L I C A M snowshoe tour on MonE K a new release for HILL N R C W R I day, January 9. The tour includes appetizers the season if you already. D Ehaven’t DO AL EN PU BLIC AM R and dinner. Space is limited, so please call for January is a great month to tune up your NE DON I OE T R Y will reservations (530) 587-9484. skiing technique. We are offering new 7 a.m. H N A E T PU U NAttendees O BLIC AM C also receive aO limited clinics for season pass holders. Packages are The Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is S S edition TDXC wine glass CR I N to keep. $55 and include four one-hour clinics. geared up for a great 2012 ski season! The E PU S PR EN BLIC AM BER ER I VAT E A M M N E N Sunday, January 8, is the Sierra Nordic mountain offers wide open bowls, lightlyM O D D OE TT 7 a.m. - Clinics TA H M E E Instructor Schedule Duathlon. The event starts at 10 a.m. and is traveled slopes, great beginner terrain and a 10 kilometer race. The first 5 kilometers is a friendly, courteous staff. Come experience Monday | Nancy Fiddler RE P S RE N TAwhy& Tahoe RE R RE INTE stride andNthe second 5 kilometers is a skate. Donner is “the best place to begin.” Tuesday | GlennH AEldrige E LS N PR O D I E NER O Pre-registration is $25 for adults and $18 for Tahoe Donner aEvariety of ways Wednesday | Gray Schmitt R D O Nprovides TA H T E N O CE TA H the 2012 juniors. Race day registration is $30 for adults to enjoy Thursday | Chauncey Parker I A Nski season… R T E and and begins at 8:30 a.m. in one of our many Friday | Andrea N Miller E S sitting slopeside B E $23 forHjuniors ER UFrom I AT T H E E QAdirondack ON N Dalso Enext P U chairs E The Truckee Junior High and High School to warm fire pits while Andrea Miller teaches a women’s interM K O BLIC A EE TA H R C R race – the Sierra E D Nordic Team Fundraiser enjoying hot chocolate, to spending your first mediate skate clinic on Wednesdays from AL Skogsloppet - is Monday, January 16. This popday learning how to snowboard, Tahoe Don9:30 - 11 a.m. TheseHclinics are great for getE BE A THE I race is a great one ular 15 kilometer freestyle ner Downhill is truly “the best place to begin.” ting ready forT The Great Race andRare $175 for N E PU BLIC AM NNE O D to watch as a spectator or to participate in. With our improved teaching area, knowledge10 weeks. OE TA H On Thursday, February 2, we will host a able staff and fun atmosphere, there’s no place World Cup Orienteering competition. This quite like it. Most people don’t know about one E D O N N We are preparing for anotherN Iseason of E PU HO M B A LIC is one of four events that will be held in the of our best kept secrets, but we have someTA hidNight Skiing on Wednesdays from 5 – 7 p.m. Tahoe Basin. Come join the fun. Check-in and den powder stashes off Skip’s Plunge. Don’t be from January through February. Night skiing RE N RE R registration are from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Indidates are January 11 and 25 and February 8 N N E (Continued on the next pg.) TA L S & O D E O TA H TY

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Wine Tasting at The Lodge Saturday, January 14

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We have a new event planned for the second Saturday of January. Join us from 6 – 8 p.m. for a free wine tasting, featuring wines from the Michael David Winery. Michael and David Phillips represent the fifth generation growers in Lodi, with 650 acres of premium wine grapes. They will be pouring a diverse selection of wines. The Lodge will be offering several wines at a discounted price – by the bottle and by the glass – including their popular 7 Deadly Zins. We hope you will stop by to sample some delicious California vino!

Welcome Winter Party at The Lodge

Join us on Friday, January 20, for Happy Hour specials from 5 – 6:30 p.m. and live music starting at 6 p.m. Wear your most festive, ugliest or prettiest sweater for a special contest at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded!

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afraid to hit up Sugar Bowl, Northstar, Squaw or Alpine for that first powder day, but think about heading over to visit us on the second day for fresh lines. We have several events planned including the Snow Carnival on January 21. We invite everyone to participate in the fun day. Events include a match time race, a sled pull, a bounce house, ice cream, and more. The fun begins at 10:30 a.m. On January 28, come out and test your skills during the Race Series Event: Dual GS. Entry fees are $5 for two runs and a $1 for each additional run. Our event lineup for the season is jammed packed, so please visit tahoedonner.com for details. Be sure to check out our mid-week specials including Parent’s Day, Wacky Wednesdays, and Local Thursdays. Find us and like us on Facebook and Twitter to get more details through the season. For more information, please call us at (530) 587-9444 or visit tahoedonner.com. See you on the slopes!

Winter Wonderland Party at Pizza on the HIll

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Join us on Saturday, January 21, for happy hour specials all night long, $10 cheese and peperoni pizzas and a coolest winter hat contest at 7 p.m. We’ll also have a bunch of fun activities planned, so be sure to stop by! IT

All of us at Snowplay are ready to have some snow-tacular fun in January with lots of activities and events! To get your family excited for snow adventures come join our extended

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| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

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Dining Options The Lodge Restaurant & Pub Opens at 5 p.m. daily. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (530) 587-9455. Specials at The Lodge resume Monday, January 2, 2012.

Happy Hour at the Pub Drink specials and 25 percent off tasty starters, soups and salads from 5 – 6:30 p.m., Sunday – Thursday.

No Corkage Tuesdays Bring your own bottle of vino to enjoy with your meal and we’ll waive the corkage fee on Tuesdays nights. It’s the perfect time to enjoy that favorite bottle of wine you’ve been saving at home. Offer only valid during non-holiday periods.

WildER Wednesdays Happy Hour specials all night long in the entire restaurant! Enjoy 25 percent off small plates, soups and salads, plus drink specials.

Three Course Meal Deal $25 for a delicious three course meal and glass of house wine. Valid Sunday – Thursday through December 15. Offer not valid with any other promotion or special event.

Prime Rib Saturday Nights Starting Saturday, January 7, enjoy prime rib dinners at The Lodge.

Pizza on the Hill Open from 5 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday – Monday. Special holiday hours: Open from December 22 – January 3, except for December 25.

Football Fever Every Sunday and Monday with $.50 wings, $12 Coors Light pitchers and $3 Coors Light drafts.

Happy Hour Specials from 5 – 6 p.m. every day. Stop by after work to catch up with friends and relax with $3 Coors Light drafts and $4 glasses of house wine.

Half Price Pizza Hour A family favorite! Order a cheese, pepperoni or veggie pizza for half price from 5 – 6 p.m. on Sundays. Offer valid for take-out only, limit 10. For more information, or to place your order, please call Pizza on the Hill at (530) 582-9669.

TahoeDonner.com |

weekday hours from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from January 2 – 8. On January 3 tubing participants can get a tubing punch card to measure how many runs you can do in one day. If you haven’t checked out the new additions, come participate in the full moon snowshoe event on January 9 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Snowshoe rentals are $7.50 for two hours. Snowplay is excited to kickoff night tubing on Friday, January 13, from 1:30 - 6:30 p.m. Free festive glow sticks will be given to all participants after 4:30 p.m. that day. Finally, we will be open for fun on January 16, from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

BER

BLIC AM

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| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

BLIC AM

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Yoga for Structural Integrity Wednesdays, 8 – 9:15 a.m. (Lynne) RE EP R AnOintegrative practice that focuses on the N TA L S & R NNE D PR OE EN I VAT E A M TA H physical, psychological, and spiritual balance and integrity of the individual. Drawing from E R B traditions E E AT T H E H of Iyengar, Asthanga, Kripalu, and ONN D E O Kundalini yoga, YSI practice utilizes asana Keep TA H an eye out for our January New Year’s (yoga postures), pranyama (breathwork), resolution fitness incentive in upcoming E movement integrations, and philosophical WeeklyBNews email updates. We have some E AT T H E H exploration to bring the practitioner to a great classes on the schedule that are relatively greater awareness of his body, mind, and spirit. new this winter. Check them out! Spinning Core Strength & Balance N E R ON D E Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 4 – 5 p.m. Mondays & Fridays, 7:15 – 8:15 a.m. (Denise) O TA H This class offers a non-impact, highly effecThis intermediate/advanced class is tive way to build cardiovascular strength and designed to work Pevery muscle from head to V RO E GR MS & endurance. It’s the perfect mix of hard work toe and also focuses on Athe core muscles. Parand great fun while burning calories too. Class ticipants will gain overall strength, balance, maximum is 14 participants. and stabilization.

AT AQ U

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If youNare E R a senior Tahoe Donner alpine DON Eskier, O want to enjoy year-round sports activiH TA ties and a great social environment, R the Tahoe NNE O I D O ESki Club (TDSASC) is E NSenior Alpine P U Donner BLIC AM TA H for you. I TDSASC focuses on organizing over 20 ski EN PU BLIC AM days at reduced rates around the Tahoe basin, skills and racing clinics at Tahoe Donner Downhill, and ski trips throughout the country and Europe. Off-season activities include day hikes, ski conditioning workouts, bike and kayak trips, tennis and golf tournaments, N BBQ’s and holiday parties. P R I VAT E A M E The club welcomes all Tahoe Donner Alpine skiers, 55 years and above, who ski at ER ONN EN D T M E a proficiencyAlevel VAT E A O of intermediate, E N advanced, T H L E V skier is defined A or expert. (An C intermediate I E S Pcan as one who comfortably ski the Tahoe Donner Downhill.) Membership information, forms and schedule of events can be found at tdski.com. We had our first day at Northstar on December 15, and look forward to our next event at Tahoe Donner Downhill on January 4 – 6. Have some fun and join the club! PR EN I VAT E A M NER

EK CRE

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Tahoe Donner Senior Alpine Ski Club

ARE INTE

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ARE

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R UNT O C SS CRO I N O TA H

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Mariah McCloskey Recreation Coordinator

R NNE

Wishing You a Fabulous New Year Alison is Experienced in Standard and Short Sales New Listing

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Visit TahoeDonnerHomesforSale.net for property information.

“ I knew from the first time I spoke with Alison, we would choose her as our realtor. Her professionalism,

sincerity and knowledge of the market were very apparent. She went above and beyond in showcasing and marketing our property. Alison negotiated an exceptional offer and we closed in just four weeks from the time of listing! We made the correct choice! ” – Alan and Donna Cooke, Tahoe Donner Sellers

Tahoe Donner Market Statistics 2011 Price Range

Properties Sold – Price Range

100 80 60 40

100

20 $0 – $499,999

$500,000 – $749,999

$750,000 – $949,999

Over $950,000

Properties DOM Avg. List Avg. Sold Sold Sold Price Price SF Pricing

$0 – $499,999

100

$416,967

$399,831

$237.51

$500,000 – $749,999

$620,703

$596,661

$253.90

$750,000 – $949,000

$851,446

$823,062

$279.78

$950,000

143 $1,131,809 $1,061,454 $292.30

Sales statistics based on TSMLS, 12/16/11.

Buying or selling in Tahoe Donner? Contact Alison. You’ll receive Exceptional Results. And More.

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”

Alison Elder 530 582 8103

tahoe@alisonelder.com eldergrouptahoerealestate.com Alison sold over $30MM in Tahoe Donner since 2009

TahoeDonner.com |

FEATURE

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

The Best Place To Begin. TahoeDonner.com |

The best place to begin:

Tahoe Donner’s esteemed Snowflakes ski school SAY HELLO TO Andrew Like most Truckee kids, Andrew Ludwig learned to ski at a young age. “I started when I was three,” says the 19 year old Tahoe Donner native. “My parents put me in the Snowflakes program to learn how to ski and pretty much, the rest is history.” Ludwig, now a freshman at Sierra College and a certified Level One PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) Ski Instructor, found his passion for the sport along a familiar path at Tahoe Donner among countless skiing and snowboarding families from around the region. Growing up in Tahoe Donner, Ludwig started in a well-known program called the

Snowflakes Ski School. Snowflakes, as it is commonly called, is a learn-to-ski course for kids ages 3-6 that implements an easy two and half hour lesson designed to introduce young riders to the sport, the equipment, and the terrain and conditions that go along with it.

“Snowflakes is what boosted me into a true love of skiing.”

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

Blizzard “Snowflakes is what boosted me into a true love of skiing,” Ludwig says. “It’s what really got me excited to get out and enjoy the sport and the great outdoors at a young age.” Through Snowflakes, Ludwig learned - like so many others have in the past - the basic mechanics of the equipment and the principal movements of skiing. His progression took him through Tahoe Donner’s network of beginner lifts and renowned instructional programs including the next step up from Snowflakes, TD Tykes. Eventually he advanced to larger local resorts where he went on to become a podium-class ski racer in the Lake Tahoe region.

“Andrew is a great kid,” says fellow Tahoe Donner ski instructor and Truckee High School media teacher Rory O’Farrell. “That’s what’s so great about the family of ski and snowboard instructors up at Tahoe Donner. They all work with little kids all the time or they’ve gone through the program themselves. It’s their thing and they are all really, really good at it.” O’Farrell says the other significant reason he sees a lot of local families choose Tahoe Donner as a place to start is the simplicity. “You don’t have to buy 2,500 vertical feet and battle through the crowds just to get to the kid’s hill,” he says. “If you’re focused on

teaching your kids how to ski, all you need is an inexpensive, family friendly place like Tahoe Donner that caters to learning.” For Tahoe Donner Ski School Director Dave Walker, the focus on entry-level skiers and snowboarders was the primary reason he got involved. “It’s one of the biggest reasons I moved my family from South Lake Tahoe to Truckee,” says the 18-season veteran who started his career in the ski industry at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia and moved west to supervise and train ski and snowboard instructors at Heavenly Ski Resort before taking the helm at Tahoe Donner in 2009.

TahoeDonner.com |

“Instead of signing up 400 to 500 kids per day and loading up one instructor with 20 or more kids, we average no more than four to five students per instructor...” Walker, who has two children of his own - ages two and five, both in the Tahoe Donner Snowflakes program, says the close-knit, family atmosphere is unmatched in the Lake Improvements for the 2011/12 season Tahoe region. “We don’t deal with the huge volume that New this year at Tahoe Donner, the mountain management has directly addressed the other resorts see,” he says. “Instead of one of the safety issues with getting a younger generation of skiers and snowboarders signing up 400 to 500 kids per day and loading onto the chairlifts. up one instructor with 20 or more kids, we “Because we have fixed-grip chairlifts that don’t slow down like detachable lifts do, average no more than four to five students per it’s a challenge sometimes for the younger kids when the lift comes around too quickly instructor and on the busiest of days we’ll see and they’re not in position,” says Ski Area Manager Robert McClendon. “We’ve maybe 75 to 80 kids registered for the Snowworked hard to address that this year with the new angled loading ramps covered in a flakes program.” carpet-like material that will allow the kids to get up to and through the loading zone Walker also credits his young, passionate as quickly as possible and as safely as possible.” staff and instructors like Ludwig for maintainThe new loading ramps, notes McClendon, are something that a lot of other resorts ing a true one-to-one connection with the in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area have and he’s proud to get in place for Tahoe Donner Snowflakes participants and taking the time skiers and riders. to help each young skier or snowboarder learn “It should be a huge improvement for the Snowflakes and TD Tykes kids,” he says. the sport at their own speed. Another unique improvement for the 2011/12 winter season will be the “practice “It’s definitely a turnaround on the whole chair,” says McClendon. sport of skiing now that I’m an instructor,” “Our chairlifts have restraining bars, which can also be tricky for the younger kids,” Ludwig says. “I really enjoy seeing the next he says. “So this year we’ve developed a practice chair to teach the Snowflakes and TD generation having a good time and learning to Tykes how to load and unload the lift before they get on the real lift.” love the sport like I do. Plus, I’m even getting McClendon says the practice chair should be ready before the holiday rush. better through all the training.” Also new this year for any kids not quite ready for the slopes or for those not interTo keep the Snowflakes, TD Tykes and the ested in learning to ski or snowboard, Tahoe Donner is introducing a new, free coloroverall Tahoe Donner Ski School up to par and ing area and kid’s corner in the main lodge. on the same level as the surrounding larger resorts, Walker works with each of his staff to achieve ongoing levels of national certification Bassett TD Guide Ad 5.278x2.403_Layout 1 4/14/11 11:32 PM Page 1 and training each winter. This spring Ludwig will test for his Level Two PSIA Instructor Certification. “If I pass level two - oh yeah - I’m definitely going to stay at Tahoe Donner,” he says. “I absolutely love it here!”

WRITTEN BY JUSTIN BROGLIO

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

ProOF THAT Tahoe Donner is the best place to begin

SAY HELLO TO MarK ENGEL

ahoe Donner Downhill has been the best place to begin for many skiers, including one who was recently named to the U.S. Ski Team. Truckee local Mark Engel started skiing at 2 years old at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. (Pictured here making his pizza slice at an early age.) Engel won 14 FIS races last year, including back-to-back Western Region overall titles in 2010 and ’11. He launched directly into the C Team ranks instead of taking the normal route of most U.S. Ski Team athletes - through the pipeline of the U.S. Development Team. “It was four minutes from our home to the ski area,” says his mom Joanie, a Tahoe Donner employee. “If the kids were cold or

tired and started complaining after one run, it was no problem to call it a day, since it was free for the kids and so close to home.” Mark’s dad, Kurt – who is currently race department manager at Sugar Bowl ski area – taught all the Engel children to ski right here at Tahoe Donner until they were ready to move on to a larger ski racing program. “I think part of the reason I wanted to race was because I got a trophy the very first time I even raced (at Tahoe Donner),” Mark says. “Everyone got a trophy, but I didn’t know that and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I am really fast!’” We will be keeping our eye on this rising star and cheering him on this winter!

TahoeDonner.com |

What to bring for ski school Good eye protection: sunglasses or goggles with UV protection

Sunscreen: please apply before arrival

Waterproof gloves

Waterproof ski clothing: jacket and pants

Layers: based on weather conditions

Warm socks:

one pair only please, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t layer socks

Good quality ski helmet: included in the lesson price

Arrive early. Allow at least hour early to obtain equipment and get ready. 22

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

Details, Pricing & Requirements on the Snowflakes Ski School • Ages 3 - 6, and fully potty trained • 2.5 hour session • Morning Session: 9:30 a.m. – Noon • Afternoon Session: 1 – 3:30 p.m. • Three year olds may only sign up for one session per day.

• Sessions include ski equipment for the full day, instruction and an all-day lift ticket. • Helmets are required and are included in the lesson price. • Cost: $75 per session

Book online at shoptd.com or call (530) 587-9444 ext. 0

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HONORING “THE STANDOUTS” OF TAHOE DONNER Manager of the Year Mike Peters | Director OF Food & Beverage

Meet our team of professionals. Six loan officers and over 25 years of local lending experience.

Downtown Truckee:

10098 Jibboom St. - 530.587.3277 www.SierraMountainMortgage.com Toll Free Phone: 800.346.6733 Real Estate Broker California Dept. of Real Estate License #01135568 NMLS #277036

As Director of Food & Beverage, Mike has to pay incredible attention to planning, communication and relationships. Mike’s commitment to planning, building relationships and quality service has been especially noteworthy over the past year. Mike is an excellent ambassador for Tahoe Donner and is extremely adept at interacting with our members and guests. His constant communication with staff, the membership and guests has had a tremendously positive influence on all of Tahoe Donner. He’s been able to motivate staff to increase profits, reduce overhead and provide an excellent dining experience, whether at The Lodge, Pizza on the Hill, or at our Marco Polo Grill. The Lodge’s focus on quality service and operational efficiencies has resulted in reducing overhead costs while still providing specials that lure people in as repeat customers – resulting in a 9 percent customer volume increase over the previous year! As a manager, Mike goes above and beyond to nurture respect, collaboration and camaraderie among his team. Mike has inspired a talented team which provides the amazing atmosphere which surrounds our food & beverage amenities, especially at The Lodge. Great job, Mike!

EMPLOYEE of the Year Julie VanValkenburg | Human Resources (HR) Specialist As HR Specialist, Julie’s top concerns are for our employees. If Julie’s met you, she remembers you. When you come in to fill out paperwork, or pick up mail or a check, she treats you like a friend, not a business colleague. If you have a question, Julie will get you the answer. Julie touches everyone’s heart. Our employees, especially returning employees, are so happy to see Julie; it’s like coming home. They don’t even mind filling out paperwork. Julie explains any new policies and/or perks thoroughly and with great care to help all of our employees. She even gets a chance to practice her Spanish every now and then. Julie is the first person our employees see in their experience as an employee and member of the TDA family. She is such a great role model and welcomes EVERYONE with enthusiasm, respect and her immediate attention. The Human Resources department has taken on more and more tasks, and Julie just tackles whatever she is asked to do. She always offers great ideas and thoughts about ways to improve the department. Even when she is overwhelmed and feels pressure, our employees would never know it. Julie is a TDA Team Champion!

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

TahoeDonner.com |

Thanks again to OUR 2011 Winner the Scharp Family for their SUBMISSION 26

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

Fourth ANnual SNOWMAN CONTEST

step 4

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We know you’ve been waiting and brainstorming new ideas for the annual Tahoe Donner Snowman Contest. It’s one of our most popular contests – five years running! To participate, simply build your own snowman or snow creature, take your photo with it, and email the photo with a short story about your snow-building adventure to comdep@tahoedonner. com. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 9. Prizes will be awarded to the best creations. Top ranked creatures will be featured on Facebook and Tahoe Donner News.

step 5

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A little Refresher...

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Opening Doors To Truckee, Tahoe & The Sierra Since 1980!    

Price REDUCED

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13060 Oberwald Way Great Location

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12489 Falcon Point Place

2 Bathrooms

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1411 +/-SF Seasonal Creek Offered at $424,000

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Price Reduced 14th Fairway

14668 Skislope Way

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SOLD

4 Bedrooms 4 Bathroom 3027 +/- SF

Backs to Greenbelt

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3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms

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2081 +/-SF

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3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1584 +/- SF SOLD for $335,000

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DRE#00313415 ©2009 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC.

TahoeDonner.com |

Taking Care of Business Regular Board Meeting Minutes Summary

December 17, 2011 • Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0 ·· Property Casualty Insurance Renewal 2012 ·· Dissolution of the Tahoe Donner Family Interest Charter Club ·· Active Duty Military Discount at Public Amenities ·· Purchase of New Bus

November 19, 2011

• Committee Rosters for 2012: Approved 4-0 (Director Knisley Absent) The Board approved committee appointments for 2012.

• Director of Finance and Accounting Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Knisley Absent) The Board approved the unaudited preliminary October 2011 financials.

• Director of Finance and Accounting Report: No Action In the absence of Director of Finance and Accounting Mike Salmon, General Manager Robb Etnyre provided the Board with a review of the unaudited November 2011 financials.

• Treasurer’s Quarterly Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Knisley Absent) Treasurer Ron Wulff provided the Board with a report on the status of the Association’s investments funds.

• Committee Tasks for 2012: No Action The Board discussed committee tasks for the General Plan and Finance Committees for 2012. The Board provided direction to these two committees and indicated that they would review tasks for the Covenants and Architectural Standards Committee’s at the January 21, 2012 Board meeting.

• Tahoe Donner C&R’s and Architectural Standards Rules, Procedures, and Restrictions for Land Use: No Action The Board discussed conflicts that exist between TDA’s Governing Documents (C&R’s) and the ASC Rules and Restrictions relating to construction standards for residential lots. The Board provided direction to Staff and placed this item on the December 17, 2011 Board meeting agenda for further discussion.

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

Minutes of Tahoe Donner Board of Directors meetings are available to members at tahoedonner.com. They can be found on the Board of Directors page in the Members section. Alternatively, members may request that a hard copy be sent to them via the postal service. To make the request, contact Bonnie Watkins at (530) 587-9431.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

Bulletin Board

t’s early January and winter is here. The issue of blowing and/or pushing snow onto adjoining properties always pops up around this time. I’m sure that everyone is aware that your snow should stay on your property. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the steps to ensure that this happens. Too often we get calls from property owners complaining that their neighbor or their neighbors’ snow removal service is blowing or pushing snow onto their lot and sometimes against their house. Please when you clear your driveway, or have it done, make sure that you or your contractor blow or push your snow only onto your own property. Also, please keep in mind that the Town of Truckee has the right to place snow from the streets in the front 20 feet of our lots. Some folks are under the impression that their property starts at the edge of the asphalt street. Typically, property lines start between 15-20 feet from the edge of the asphalt. That means that the town has the right to push and/or blow snow up to 35 feet from the edge of the street. While garbage is a much more significant problem in the summer, we still need to dispose of it properly during the winter months too. Many properties now have metal enclosures. We keep hearing that many enclosures are not being closed securely and several have latches that no longer work. Please keep in mind that homeowners are responsible for all of their guests or renters, including uninvited bears that make a trash mess or destroy a garbage can enclosure. Please make sure that you, your guests or your renters close your garbage can enclosure securely. If you have any questions regarding this or any of our rules, please call us at (530) 587-9407, email at aso@tahoedonner.com, fax us at (530) 587-9427, or come in to see us at the Northwoods Clubhouse.

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To schedule an appointment call:

530-414-8850 References available

Enid Longo | Architectural Standards SUPERVISOR

Homes On the Rise The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed the following plans in October 2011: Unit/Lot 06/494 08/366 09/258

Street Address 15389 Wolfgang Rd 11666 Sitzmark Wy 12135 Bennett Flat Rd

Square Ft. 660 70 767

Project Fence Shed Addition & Deck

TahoeDonner.com |

How to make A Collage Placemat Preserve your memories and protect your countertops by creating a personalized placemat. The supplies are inexpensive. You can even use things from around your house. Gather your favorite keepsakes, magazines, craft supplies and even leftover wrapping paper from the holidays. This craft is fun, easy and useful when the kids get a little wild at snack time. Everyone in the family can make their own, or you can make several matching ones for any occasion. This is a great project for kids and parents to do together. Gather the family around the table this winter and get crafting!

Step 1: Cut two 11” x 15” pieces of clear contact paper.

Step 2: Peel off the back of one of the pieces of contact paper. Tape the contact paper to the table, sticky side up. Make sure it won’t accidently move around while you are decorating.

Step 3: Embellish the contact paper with your keepsakes to create a collage. Get creative!

Step 4: Once your collage is finished peel off the other 11” x 15” piece of contact paper and carefully lay it over your collage. Be sure to remove the tape holding the contact paper. Match up the edges, beginning on one side and moving toward the other.

Step 5: Test out your creation with your messiest snack and enjoy!

Supplies List: Contact paper (two sheets)

Scissors

Clear or masking tape Embellishments:

photographs, dried leaves, foam shapes, glitter, magazine cutouts, paper shapes, ribbon, stickers

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

Important: Make sure items you put in your placemat are fairly flat. If items are thicker than an eighth of an inch, the contact paper will not stick very well. Depending on the supplies you use, you may want to cover your table before beginning this project.

Panama

The Richter family (Kate, David, Zena, Jack and Kelly) finishing their ziplining experience in the Boquete canopy.

Belized Russ Teves with

n Sa ndra a ael a nd vor, Mich e r K im, T ictured in Ca r ter p r e c n e p S Ruins in e M ay a n th f o t n fro Belize. La ma na i,

Las Vegas

Dalene Behman and her sisters Elisha and Jeana visited Las Vegas to celebrate a birthday.

France

Larry, Kay, Ashley and Andrew Coskey in front of the Eiffel Tower while on a family trip. They also traveled to Germany and Austria.

Costa Rica

The Filer Five enjoy the beaut y of Costa Rica while zip-lining, hiking, playing at the beach, surfing, sailing, golfing and exploring.

TahoeDonner.com TahoeDonner.com||

Greec e The Sh

epperd family Rich, C - Laur aron a el, n d Caro Athen line - i s, Gree n ce.

Scotlabine,dBridget and

George, Deb inv ited neider were Nat han Sch alls ight at Much to spend a n in e Nor th Sea Castle on th . d an ire, Scotl Aberdeensh

Catalina Island

Tessa Debold and Gordon Simons at the music festival on Catalina Island. The weekend offered great jazz music and beautiful weather.

Mexico

and Ga ry ’s Ga ry and Kay Hill rs enjoyed a sister Linda Mye e Mayan Pa lace week of golf at th Porta Penasco and a day trip to Mexico. (Rocky Point) in

Email your “Where in the World” photos to: comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg 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.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2012

WE SELL TAHOE DONNER

Located in the Heart of Tahoe Donner

17400 Northwoods Boulevard 530.587.7474 CaliforniaMoves.com

©2011 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License # 00313415 Note: Data on this page is based on information from the Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors, MLS. Due to MLS reporting methods and allowable reporting policy, this data is only informational and may not be completely accurate. Therefore, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage does not guarantee the data’s accuracy. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market

Bob Ellis

Carla Stokes

Catherine White

Greg Mihevc

Lee Shontz

Ruthie Nicholas

Chris Carroll

Diane Stites

Phoebe Landre

Sandy Casey