Tahoe Donner News January 2016 by Tahoe Donner Association

JANUARY 2016 tahoedonner.com |

Welcome to 2106 and Happy NEW YEAR! Pending!

Spectacular and Luxurious New Construction Chalet

14050HanselAvenue.com

Gorgeous, NEW and finished with beautiful, craftsman level construction, this wonderfully designed Chalet offers a rare and functional design with FIVE BEDROOMS (master suite & one bedroom on upper level, jack ‘n jill and separate bedroom on lower living floor). Enjoy the open floor plan, chef’s kitchen, lovely dining area, gas fireplace, maple flooring, large deck with covered area perfect for a hot tub and year ‘round living. Access to the adjacent forest land and trails. Terrific for two families, with plenty of room for everyone! Extra large, deep garage. You and your family will thoroughly enjoy this remarkable, spacious home in mid-Tahoe Donner. $997,500 Pending!

11701OsloDrive.com

11576ChamonixRoad.com

Backing to Oslo private acreage. Spacious great room with wood stove, dining area with room for everyone, open kitchen with lots of storage. Two en-suite masters with large living spaces and a comfortable, easy living floor plan. Walk to Trout Creek Rec Center, $495,000 Tahoe Donner’s Golf Course, The Lodge and more!

Here’s the perfectly delightful, family cabin you have been waiting for! Located on prestigious Chamonix Road in lower Tahoe Donner, this wonderfully cozy two bedroom, two bath retreat is cute as a button and offers a great rental history. BIG sunny deck, carport too! $415,000

Two years before we decided to sell our Tahoe vacation home, we would receive new listings postcards monthly at our home in the Bay Area (Alameda, CA). We also noticed Alison’s new listings were featured prominently in the monthly Tahoe Donner magazines. When we decided to sell, Alison came to mind because we felt our property would receive the best exposure. Two weeks after listing, we received an offer over the asking price. – Robert & Selina Haynes, Sellers, 14581 Swiss Lane

With More Than $120,000,000 in Tahoe Donner Sales Since 2009, Alison Knows Tahoe Donner. Buying or Selling? Contact Alison Today!

Alison Elder 530 582 8103 2

tahoe@alisonelder.com eldergrouptahoerealestate.com | Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

Cal BRE #01399851

101 WAYS TO HAVE FUN Let us count the ways to have winter fun in Tahoe Donner! See how many of these activities you can check off the list. P18

DEPARTMENTS

TAKE NOTE

President’s Message Partnerships and relationships

Employee Awards Honoring Tahoe Donner’s standouts

Monthly Calendar Don’t miss our January events

Snowman Contest Enter your creation you could win!

Senior Team This month, meet Mike Peters

Winter Golf A beginner’s look at the new golf academy

We’ve unveiled two new projects recently.

See the photo essay for both the celebrations.

Let’s Get Together Your source for TD events and specials

Fitness Challenge Did you make a resolution? We can help!

P07

ASO News Winter TD rules and town ordinances

New Chef Meet Joe Casey, chef at Alder Creek Café

Board meeting A recap of the November meeting

Giving Fund TDGF supports Tahoe Food Hub

Where in the World

45-Day Notice Voting and election rules amendments

MEET MIKE PETERS Tahoe Donner’s food and beverage director is always at the ready with a joke.

P06

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR RIBBONS

SAFETY TALK It’s National Safety Awareness Month, and we have activities to help spread the word.

P16

is TD News? TD News travels the world

VOL. 17, NO. 1

WELCOME

JANUARY 2016

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFF Brinn Talbot Gretchen Sproehnle Jody Sergison Ashley Quadros

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Steve Miller, smiller@tahoedonner.com

Vice President

Jim Stang, jstang@tahoedoner.com

Treasurer

Jeff Bonzon, jbonzon@tahoedoner.com

Secretary

Courtney Murrell, cmurrell@tahoedoner.com

Director

Ron Wulff, rwulff@tahoedoner.com

Board of Directors

board@tahoedonner.com

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

comdep@tahoedonner.com

Advertising Sales Creative Concepts Media + Marketing is the exclusive advertising representative. Phone 530-582-4100.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PARTNERSHIPS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Hello members of Tahoe Donner and a

the space here to describe each committee, its

Happy New Year to you. As I begin to write

operations and critical function in the gov-

my President’s message on December 10, the

ernance of Tahoe Donner, and to thank each

sun is appearing after a disappointing one inch

member individually for their efforts. Needless

of snowfall. In my mind, it cements my belief

to say, we all owe them a huge thank you for all

Publishing Information

of why we installed snowmaking at Down-

the unpaid hours they contribute to the better-

Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive

hill and why the association maintains such

ment of this community. I wish to also say that

conservative financial assumptions around

I personally feel that our community gives

our operating budget. At this moment, after a

back to me much more than I put in.

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

snow-related surprisingly positive November

this publication does not constitute an

financial result, our members equity in our

rently in the process of reviewing and revising,

operating fund is approaching $1,500,000. Yet,

as necessary, the charters of all our commit-

of the products, services, or views contained

a poor Christmas holiday could swing that

tees to better meet the needs of Tahoe Donner

therein.

number positively or negatively by $300,000

in 2016. Much has changed in how Tahoe

Tahoe Donner News (ISSN 1550-6061) is

in either direction. We are hoping that snow-

Donner is managed in the last half dozen

making at Downhill will provide us with what

years. We have grown and matured into a

Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161.

is, in essence, business interruption insurance,

state-of-the-art homeowners association. At

Each membership parcel receives one sub-

and reduce the possible negative variance to

a weekend board working conference, we met

scription to a domestic address. Additional

the $100,000 range. As you read this message,

with officials from the National HOA Asso-

we will already have the answer.

ciation. They were literally astounded at the

endorsement or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its board of directors

the official monthly publication of Tahoe Donner Association, which is located at 11509

subscriptions are available at the cost of $25 each. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues.

Last month, we held our annual volunteer

Speaking about committees, we are cur-

professionalism that Tahoe Donner exhibited

Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and

appreciation party. This is our opportunity to

and stated that we could be held as a model

additional mailing offices. Member letters to

celebrate how important volunteerism is to

for others to achieve. To continue to excel, we

the functioning of Tahoe Donner. I wish I had

hope to better align the output of committee

Tahoe Donner are published in the Members section of tahoedonner.com, where publishing guidelines are available.

(Continued on p. 4)

January

SATURDAYS ALL MONTH

FOR ADDITIONAL JANUARY EVENTS SEE

LET’S GET TOGETHER ON PAGE 10 Saturday NIght Live Maine Lobster At the Lodge Restaurant & Pub every Saturday through Jan. 31. See page 15.

JANUARY 4-15

Learn-to-Ski Weeks

For those new to the sport, we’re offering great discounts! See page. 10 and 11.

JANUARY 8

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT OUR NEW FOO D TRU CK AT SNOWPL AY? Guinness World Record Attempt We’re going for another world record, this time to teach the largest lesson! See page 11.

JANUARY 9

Snowball Launching Contest

Try your hand (and your aim) at our first snowball launching contest of the season. See page 12.

ALL EVENTS ARE DEPENDENT ON CONDITIONS. PLEASE CHECK TAHOEDONNER.COM OR CALL 530-587-9400 FOR UPDATES. JANUARY 23

Winterpalooza

It’s a full day of snowplay fun with tube racing, relay races, snowman building and more. See page. 12.

JANUARY 24

First Annual Winter Festival

Join us for discounted trail passes, equipment rentals, free demos, music, BBQ and more. See page 11.

tahoedonner.com |

HONORING “THE STANDOUTS” OF TAHOE DONNER

ach year at the Tahoe Donner annual employee holiday party, employee and team awards are

given out in recognition of those individuals who have gone above and beyond in a number of areas. This year, 15 awards were given to honor longevity, customer service, and overall performance. Be sure to say congrats to the following team members, if you meet any of them in the upcoming months!

LONGEVITY AWARD (EACH EMPLOYEE, 20 YEARS)

BRIGHT STARS Javier Mora-Martinez,

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Maintenance Department

Linda Jafferian,

Dean Litchfield, Forestry Worker and

Office Associate, Member Services

Architectural Standards Office

Cari MacPhail, Ski and Snowboard School Supervisor and Day Camps Coordinator

Ronald Warren, Jr., Field Job Supervisor, Maintenance Department

Tracy Pearson,

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Jody Sergison, Lead Graphic Designer MOST IMPROVED DEPARTMENT Pizza On The Hill

Seasonal Accounting Clerk

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Lee Ann Gray, Accounting Technician

Communication Department

Security/Loss Prevention Manager

TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Rogelio Espinoza Gonzalez,

Kyle Winther, Lead Host,

Sean Connors, Maintenance Manager

Miguel Sloane, Director of Operations Ronald Neibert,

Golf Mechanic

Trout Creek Recreation Center

(Continued from p. 2) efforts with Tahoe Donner’s current needs. As an example, our efforts are initially

and the board down or from committee mem-

A tributary of the Truckee River, the south

bers up through their chairman. As projects

fork of Prosser Creek, flows through our Euer

focused on what has been called our General

are individually selected for study, they can be

Valley property. Over a century of dairy farm-

Plan Committee. Back when it was formed,

discussed for merit by the committee and, in

ing and horse camps has altered the floor of

its mission was to plan for the investing of

partnership with staff and board, recommen-

the valley in numerous ways. A walk-through

monies to be collected in the development

dations for change can be made easily early in

was conducted two summers ago by a group of

fund, and what at the time was $3,200,000 in a

the planning stage. This is how, for example,

scientists, government officials, senior staff of

restricted fund. Over the years, they have been

the Finance Committee functions. The frame-

the TRWC, and Tahoe Donner board members

highly successful in prioritizing investment

work for change is to be discussed at the Jan.

and staff. Very rudimentary findings were then

of over $25,000,000 in upgraded facilities,

22, 2016 board meeting.

discussed in a round table format. Since then

land purchases and trails. The changes these

Partnerships are also be discussed between

Tahoe Donner’s focus has been developing

upgrades have made are evident in every

Tahoe Donner and the Truckee Donner Land

and submitting our five-year trails plan and

aspect of the Tahoe Donner experience. With

Trust and the Truckee River Watershed Coun-

the land management plan (LMP) for permit

snowmaking being the final project to be

cil (TRWC). With their purchase of Carpenter

approval, which will also be presented at the

completed, the development fund balance now

Valley, the land trust became our neighbors to

Jan. 22, 2016 board meeting. The LMP is an

approaches $0 at year’s end. Each year a new

the north. In many respects the land trust and

internal document produced through scientific

$1,600,000 is added through assessments.

Tahoe Donner have very similar interests. We

study that is a broad environmental, biological,

both administer lands open to the public, have

cultural and historical overview of all Tahoe

advisory committee (name to be determined),

a keen interest in environmental stewardship

Donner owned property. With the LMP in

which can move more quickly as needs arise,

balanced with a respectful recreational use

hand, we can then prioritize projects, such

play a bigger role in oversight, draw on its

understanding, encourage habitat restoration,

as a partnership with the TRWC to study the

members’ expertise to spearhead projects,

and share a vision of an expanded winter and

Euer Valley, that align with our mission of land

and be more connected in a board, staff, and

summer trail system. We look forward to a

stewardship.

committee partnership. Information and ideas

mutually beneficial working relationship with

should more easily flow from staff, chairman,

them.

STEVE MILLER | PRESIDENT

The focus now shifts to a development fund

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

MEET AND GREET EVENT If you have recently purchased a residence in Tahoe Donner, please plan on joining us for the opportunity to meet board members, mingle with other new members, and learn more about the association. The evening will include hosted appetizers and a glass of wine or a beer, along with a raffle and a chance to win great prizes. WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 2 TIME: 5 - 7 p.m. WHERE: Northwoods Clubhouse RSVP: The RSVP deadline has passed, but if you are a new

CALLING ALL CREATIVE

SNOWMAN BUILDERS! Build your snowman and participate in the eighth annual Tahoe Donner Snowman Contest! A family favorite and one of our most popular contests, families and kids definitely don’t want to miss out on this fun contest! To participate, simply build your own snowman or snow creature, take a photo with you in it and email the photo with a short story about your snow-building adventure, including names of everyone in the picture, to comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg files of 300 dpi or higher for printing.

member and would like to attend, contact Member Services at 530-587-9400, then select option 0. SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY 5 P.M. ON FRIDAY, APRIL 1. THE BEST CREATIONS WILL WIN PRIZES AND BE FEATURED ON FACEBOOK AND IN THE TAHOE DONNER NEWS.

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 Tahoe Donner Campground 587-9462

Beach Club Marina

campground@tahoedonner.com

587-9460 marina@tahoedonner.com

Bikeworks 582-9694 bikeworks@tahoedonner.com Dickson Corporate Logos Cross Country Ski Center 587-9484

xcski@tahoedonner.com

Downhill Ski Area

587-9444 ski@tahoedonner.com

Equestrian Center

587-9470

Dickson Realty Logo

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

Trails 582-9672 trails@tahoedonner.com Corporate Blue Logo: Trout Creek Rec. Center

587-9437

Can be used on white or light photo troutcreek@tahoedonner.com background

Tahoe Donner Association Committee Chairs Architectural Standards, Rod Whitten aso@tahoedonner.com Covenants, Al Noyes Elections, Bette Rohrback Finance, Art King

alandjosi@gmail.com Unacceptable Uses of Dickson Realty Logo truckeebette@yahoo.com aiking156@att.net

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

tdgf@tahoedonner.com

Giving Fund Co-Chair, Dick Gander

tdgf@tahoedonner.com

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, Michael Eyton-Lloyd hmsmike1@aol.com Tennis, John McGregor

jmpj1964@gmail.com.

9-Holers, Marianne Bowers

mariannebowers@hotmail.com Dickson Realty Tagline

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 Can be used on white or light photo

TD 4-Wheelers Club, Bill Ratcliff

Equestrian Club, Susan Terrell

Corporate Blue Logo:

td4wheelers@gmail.com background Corporate Blue Logo terrellsf@earthlink.net

White Logo: Can be used on Corporate Blue background or dark photo backRealtor® ground

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Raised in the business and partnering in the business, the tradition continues. Unlike the weather, one thing you can rely on from High Altitude Homes is our service.

Dinny & Megan

White Logo: - Richie Norton Blue Can be used on Corporate background or dark photo background with White Logo

tahoedonner.com |

SENIOR TEAM

er Creek lie at the Ald and wife Ju lebration. ce g in en Mike Peters op d Center gran Adventure

Powder day! ‘Nu ff

Julie lton and wife With son Co r the day. fo s oe er rh are supe

, Mike and fa

said.

MEET THE SENIOR TEAM: MIKE PETERS BY GRETCHEN SPROEHNLE “Life is short, so enjoy every sandwich.” Those who work closely with Mike Peters, Tahoe Donner’s director of food and beverage, are treated to nuggets of advice like this often. Known for his quick wit, he often brings levity and entertainment to just about every situation with his humor. Coming up on his eighth year at Tahoe Donner, Peters has been in the restaurant business for 31 years. While in college, in order to raise money to travel abroad, he took a second job working at the No. 2 Bennigan’s in the country, located in Northern Virginia. While working there, he began bartending, and he was hooked. “Come on, a bartender in the 80s, that was about as cool as you could get,” Peters says. “Flipping bottles, beautiful girls, and lots of tips!” Peters also worked for the national restaurant group the Chart House, and after traveling in Europe and the Caribbean as well as some stints working for a lumber company, men’s clothing stores, a diamond jewelry

shop, and the largest ski shop on the east coast at the time, Peters headed west. A Tahoe resident for 17 years, he worked for local large restaurant businesses such as TS Enterprises (Jakes on the Lake) and PlumpJack Group at both of their Squaw Valley locations, in addition to a mix of other local restaurants and bars, before joining the Tahoe Donner team in 2008. As food and beverage director, he oversees all Tahoe Donner dining and food service facilities. “My motto is, ‘At Tahoe Donner if you can eat or drink it, I’ve got my fingers in it!’ Wait – that doesn’t sound so good. I really mean that metaphorically,” Peters laughs. Seeing an opportunity to take the food and beverage offerings here to a higher level, Peters first began overseeing some Lodge Restaurant and Pub operations as well as Pizza on the Hill. Now responsible for 10 food and beverage operations at Tahoe Donner— including the Alder Creek Café, located inside the recently opened Alder Creek Adventure Center, and the new food truck

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

operation at Snowplay — Peters, who was named manager of year in 2011, often feels like he needs to be in many places at the same time. How does he do it? “I bought a really fast car,” he jokes. Although it’s nearly impossible to have a conversation without some level of lightheartedness, Peters does sometimes have a serious side. He says what he enjoys most — aside from the obligatory wine tasting (“I have to make sure the wine we offer to our guests makes the cut!”) — is being a part of the celebration of life. Recognizing that when people come in to his restaurants, they are looking for an experience, Peters explains, “I have been honored to be a part of weddings, birthdays, farewells, proposals, first dates, anniversaries, and even saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed on,” he says. “I still tear up at the vow ceremony of stranger’s weddings, because I know that they are embarking on a wonderful journey. And especially here in the Tahoe Donner community, if we are lucky, we will continue to get to see them as they travel

through the different stages of their lives,” he adds. Peters has a passion for culinary arts in his personal life also; he enjoys cooking and often hosts and caters parties for friends. On the community front, he has been part of the KidZone here in Truckee, as well as the adaptive ski school and Juvenile Diabetes foundation in conjunction with Alpine Meadows Ski Area. He is currently involved in Little League and Cub Scouts, and along with his wife, Julie, he supports the PTO at the school of his 8-year-old son, Colton. Because of his outgoing personality, Peters is often out and about at Tahoe Donner events and facilities, and even played the part of “Surreal Neil” Diamond in the Tahoe Donner 4th of July parade float — with son Colton — before the Super Diamond Summer Concert on the Green two years ago. You’ll likely see him soon at an amenity or event, so do say hello. You might even get some additional words of wisdom, and by all means, be sure to take his advice and enjoy every sandwich.

mily

EVENTS TO REMEMBER Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had some exciting times at Tahoe Donner recently! On November 27, we unveiled the spectacular new Alder Creek Adventure Center at the Cross Country Ski Area with a grand opening party, open to the entire community. Then, on December 15, we fired up our new snowmaking system, as Tahoe Donner board and General Plan Committee members plus staff celebrated with a small ribbon-cutting ceremony. Let the winter begin!

tahoedonner.com |

GOLF

A BEGINNER’S EYE ON THE NEW WINTER GOLF ACADEMY BY ASHLEY QUADROS

Editor’s note: Have you heard about Tahoe Donner’s newest amenity? Here in the Tahoe Donner News office, we were curious about it, so we

My first impression of the TruGolf HD Simulator: Easier than Expected

sent Ashley Quadros, our content coordinator, to check it out. Following is

I was greeted by Joe Stakoe, assistant golf professional at the golf

her firsthand account of what you can expect at the Tahoe Donner Winter

course, who was enthused to showcase the new system. To my relief,

Golf Academy.

playing golf on the simulator required having no prior knowledge of

What is the Winter Golf Academy? The Winter Golf Academy offers virtual golfing—it’s a great way to continue golfing after the snow flies and the course shuts down for the winter. But what does virtual golfing actually entail? It can be a little daunting; I wasn’t sure if I would need to learn a computerized system in order to play or how difficult it would be to play, but I was pleasantly surprised after my first visit.

how it actually worked. Nor, at any point during my game, did I have to learn any features of the simulator to be able to play. Basically, if you can swing a golf club, that’s all you need to know in order to play, and if you can’t swing a club, Stakoe and the crew at the golf course are happy to teach you, too. “Beginners can come in and work on their game,” said Stakoe. “Any ability should come in, especially beginners. There is nothing difficult about this system. That’s the greatest thing about it. It’s very easy to use. There are options to make the course harder or easier, depending on your ability level.” Since I was a beginner, Stakoe set up the system to make it easier for me and started me off on the driving range so I could warm up and calibrate my clubs. (Clubs and balls are also included with your tee time if you don’t own any). All I had to do was hit the ball as I normally would and watch it fly. The simulator calculates your ball speed, club head speed, face angle, launch angle and final distance. After warming up, Stakoe showed me 27 courses from all over the world that I could virtually play, including Bethpage Black, Harbour Town Golf Links and Pinehurst No. 2, to name a few. After selecting my course, I had even more options: I could choose to play at sea level if I wanted it easier, at higher altitude if I wanted a challenge, or even at Tahoe Donner’s exact altitude if I wanted to simulate it as close as possible to our actual course. For golfers wanting more of a challenge, there are even options to adjust the wind to make it more difficult.

The Winter Golf Academy is located inside the pro shop at Tahoe Donner Golf Course and it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I imagined. Once inside, I was greeted by friendly staff and awed by my surroundings. The TruGolf HD Simulator, which is where you actually play your game of golf with real golf clubs and balls, is hard to miss. Almost reaching the ceiling, it was much larger than I expected. Near the simulator is a television where one can catch a golf tournament, as well as a lounge for relaxing. A daily happy hour is also offered.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

One feature I especially liked was the option to choose the view. For example, after hitting your ball, your view can follow the ball closely flying through the air in ball’s view, which is similar to a video game. You can also choose to follow the player’s perspective in classic view, which is what you would expect if you were actually playing. In this view, you hit the ball and watch it fly as far as your eyes can see; a small map simultaneously shows you where the ball is and takes you to the ball. Finally, there is the television view, which will show your game,

mimicking what you would see if you were watching a golf tournament on television. I opted for the ball’s view. I ended my game just as Tahoe Donner Women’s Golf Club member, Denise Rebar, and Men’s Golf Club member Brian Gauny, were arriving for their game. I stayed and watched them hit balls on the range for a bit before they played the course of their choosing. They agreed with me that it’s very easy to play (see below). It’s fast, easy, and a round of golf on average lasts just one hour, leaving more time for other winter activities or more rounds of golf. I will go back to play again; but don’t just take my word for it — check it out yourself!

Additional Reviews of the Winter Golf Academy For Rebar and Gauny, it was also their first time experiencing the Winter Golf Academy. “It felt completely normal loading my car with clubs,” laughed Gauny. “We really like going to the driving range, but it’s so far to drive in the winter, so being able to play here a few times a week is great.” Being advanced golfers, it didn’t take the duo long to adjust to the simulator. In fact, they found their results were nearly identical to what they experience on the course. “It’s great,” said Gauny. “It’s a good mat to hit from, and it’s not too far off from my normal distances.” Rebar compared the simulator to real golf and found it actually helped improve her game. “I like that it shows my club face because I have been struggling with that all year,” she noted. “It’s a really cool substitute for playing golf outside.” Gauny too found the simulator helpful for improvements. “I really like the visuals,” he said. “I like the

snow-covered path to the Win Denise Rebar walks along the Denise Rebar. by ided prov to Pho y. dem Aca

ter Golf

simulator at the Winter Golf Academy, and after my fun experience, I urge you to check it out too. At the very least, stop by, have a look around and ask some questions. It may be something new and different, but it’s also a great indoor recriational option this winter. The Winter Golf Academy is open every Thursday – Sunday from 1 – 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended to guarantee tee times but walk-ins are welcome too.

driving range quite a bit, especially the interactive feedback.” In addition to the instant feedback the simulator provides to golfers, instructors at the Winter Golf Academy also use custom digital software to include a full breakdown of the participant’s golf swing. Captured data and video can also be downloaded electronically to the student. Overall, Gauny and Rebar enjoyed playing their round of golf on the

BU ILT FO R BIG WINTE R S We focus on the most reliable and thorough cleanings and the most professional customer service.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE VIRTUAL GOLF ACADEMY

1. 2. 3.

You’ll check in and be greeted by friendly staff. Ask about happy hour! Staff will set you up on the system and have you/your group warm up on the driving range. You/your group will then pick your course (27 courses to choose from), select any desired challenges (wind, altitude, etc.), and pick your golf view (ball, television, classic).

Play! Staff helps along the way as needed and you’ll learn more about areas you can improve on in the process.

800.4 52.3 060 • SN OWT ECH. N ET CSL B # 8 2 5998 17356 NORT HWOODS B LV D.

tahoedonner.com |

ALLAN CRAWFORD

CL A N I O J

ARE INTE

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N T RY U O C S C ROS O TA H

MEM T TD MEE

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BLIC AM

It’s been the best start to a season in years and we have all been delighted to see so many people coming to check out the new Alder

O TA H

are several events andRprograms kicking off in EEK

D GROUN

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Creek Adventure Center and our trails. There

O U R SE C F L O G E

O TA H

BLIC AM

CA M P

E BLIC AM FEATUREDP UEVENTS

Free Demo Day & Wax Clinic Jan 2, 2016 From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., try out some of the latest and greatest skis boots and poles at ourH O E

DON

G UA E F I L R there as well as Pacos and Ski shop. Fat N EBike DON HOE A T S available (conditions bike demos will also be AT I Cpass AQAUtrail permitting). is required to particiTA

Demo Day. Salomon, Fischer and Swix will be

N E DO

NER

V ENT E L A I C SPE O TA H

AT T H E

pate in this free event. At 2 p.m., renowned waxing guru, Roger Chaney, will be sharing his secrets of taking care of your skis and how to wax for best performance. Clinic will be held in the club room from 2 - 3:30 p.m. This is a free event.

Learn to Ski Weeks - Jan. 4 - 15, 2016 To celebrate “National Learn to Ski Month,” Tahoe Donner Cross Country will be offering two-for-one private lessons and private lesson packages any midweek day from Jan. 4 - 15. A private lesson is the best way to try the sport or improve your skills, and our Professional Ski Instructors of America trained instructors

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

AT T H E

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January that you won’t want to miss.

are ready to help you. Cost is just $83 for two

SPECIAL PROGRMS

people. Call ahead at 530-587-9484 to book

Stay Informed Subscribe to our cross country ski email list

your lesson as spaces are limited.

NEW - Masters Training Group

Masters Training Group Begins Jan. 7

sessions this winter. Led by one of the legends

Enjoy the benefits of multi-week coaching

of ski coaches, Glenn Jobe and other top

sessions this winter. Led by one of the legends

instructors from Tahoe Donner Cross Country

of ski coaching, Glenn Jobe, and other top

Ski Area, this group will focus on ski tech-

instructors from Tahoe Donner Cross Country

nique improvement. Geared for the advanced

Ski Area, this group will focus on skiing tech-

TIME: 10:30 – 11:30 A.M.

TIME: 10:30 -11:30 A.M.

COST: $160 (SEASON PASS OR DAY TICKET REQUIRED FOR EACH CLASS). TAHOEDONNER.COM/SHOP OR 530-587-9484.

COST: $160 (SEASON PASS OR DAYE R N DON TICKETS REQUIRED) HOE

SALLY JONES | CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER MANAGER

TA H

N T RY U O C S C R O S FOR PROGRAMS S RWINTER

R EA A I K S ILL D OW N H ONN OE D TA H PU

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3:45- 5 p.m. with eight sessions starting in

km / 2 km races for all ages and abilities.

January. • Tuesdays – Junior Biathlon (second EK CRE D E R ski handling through eighth grade; A Lbasic skills required)

Intro to Biathlon Clinic - Jan. 23

ROU CA M P G

Biathlon combines skiing and rifle marks-

manship. Tahoe Donner’s biathlon coaches

EN PU ER BLIC AM offer clinics throughout the season. After E D O N N• Wednesdays – TD Nordic Kids (all levels; O H A T TY

E U R Skindergarten O range instruction and practice with our spethrough fifth grade) C F L O G cially designed laser biathlon rifles, you will BLIC AM

ski or snowshoe a short loop and try to hit the

targets with an elevated heart rate, just like at the Olympics! • 10 – 11:30 a.m. adult (13 years old and older) • 530-587-9484 or tahoedonner.com/shop

• Thursdays – TD Nordic Kids (all levels; kindergarten through fifth grade) • Fridays – Junior Racers (intermediate skiers; third - fifth grade) R NNE E DO O H TA PROGRAM FOR

TAILOR A UAT I CS Q A E R YOUR GROUP B E E H NNE A AT

• 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. youth (7 - 12 years old)

E V E N TGather a group of friends, give us a call, and L A I C E S P Ski Area we can tailor a program just for you! Please Join Tahoe Donner Cross Country O OE D TA H

for the first ever Winter Festival. We want to encourage you to come and experience what we have to offer at Tahoe Donner Cross

T TH

tahoedonner.com with your ideas, or call our

Country and the new Alder Creek Adventure

ski school at 530-587-9484.

Center. • Trail passes just $10! (normally $30)

Need Gear?

• Ski or snowshoe rental equipment just $15 (normally $25)

technical Nordic ski wear and outdoor winter

• Free lessons and tours

and Truckee area. Check out our jackets,

• The latest and greatest in cross country ski, snowshoe and fat bike equipment available to try free of charge • Live music and hearty BBQ • See the website for details about our parking lot shuttles that will run all day

We have one of the largest collections of fashion of any Nordic store in the entire Tahoe pants, tops, tights, skirts, hats, gloves, sunglasses, and much more. Top brands include Salomon, Swix, Toko, Sherpa, Pistol, Kuhl, and Smartwool. Tahoe Donner members and season passholders receive a 10 percent discount on all retail purchases all season long.

We are open! If you haven’t already, come out for a day of skiing and snowboarding. We have a new

t en n is

snowmaking system in place and we even have ER

E N T E Rthe next time CTucker, patrol dogs, Duke and N A I R EQ U EST you visit.

N a new ski patrolE dog, D O NDuke. Say hello to both

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For the month of January, we have lots of fun in store for you. Did we mention we are going for a Guinness World Record? We hope you will join us! O TA H

EVENTS

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I K E WO Learn to Ski orRSnowboard Month -BJan. NE E DO 4 -A8H Oand 11N- 15 T D S We’re celebrating Learn UARbefore? Never L I F EGskied RE

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HE E AT T to Ski Band Snowboard Month. On Jan. 4 - 8 HE

and Jan. 11 - 15 we are offering Learn to Ski or Snowboard packages for just $39. These packages are only for first timers, which include an all-day lift ticket, rental equipment, and a 1.75 hour group lesson for ages 7 and up.

Learn to Ski Guinness World Record Attempt - Jan. 8 At 10 a.m., the team at Downhill will participate with other resorts across the country in an effort to break a group world record for teaching the largest learn to ski and snowboard lesson ever. 50 skiers and 50 snowboarders will be able to participate with advance registration required (first come, first served). See tahoedonner.com for more info.

Tahoe Donner Race Series - Jan. 9, 23, Feb. 6, 27, March 6 Throughout the winter season, fun public race events will be offered on five Saturdays at

tahoedonner.com |

NER S

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MEM T TD MEE

KIDS BSign your UTHE L C A child up for one or more of these Challenge yourself in one of our Fun O I NRace popular afterschool J programs which run from Fundraisers: Choose from 15 km / 10 km / 5

Winter Festival - Jan. 24

See you on the trails.

WHEN: THURSDAYS, JAN. 7 – MARCH 4

WHEN: THURSDAYS JAN. 7- MAR 4 (NO SESSION FEB. 18)

to sign up.

advanced trails).

geared for skier who can ski advanced trails.

the subscribe button top right of our webpage

intermediate/advanced skier (who can ski

nique improvement (both classic and skate),

Sierra Skogsloppet - Jan. 18

to get updates on events and specials. Click on

play’s Fastest Tube Event! Heats will run every half hour from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Winterpalooza - Jan. 23 Join Tahoe Donner Snowplay for the first ever Winterpalooza! This all-day event includes tube racing, snowman building, relay races, and more.

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour - Jan. 23 Take in the beauty of a full moon by participating in a scenic snowshoe hike above Donner Lake from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Meet at Trout Creek Recreation Center and caravan to the trailhead. Participants are encouraged to dress in warm layers, Sincluding hats ER EMB and gloves, and Tbring T D Mwater, a headlamp or E ME

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advance.

flashlight. Please reserve at least 24 hours in ARE INTE

ROGER BURNS | RECREATION SUPERVISOR

ALD

Start your family tradition here this winter!

CA M

E ? ER O L F C O U R S G ONN S OE D E C I TA H V R SE R M E M B E Well, here we are in the middle of the O TA H

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. The races

has the best three results in the series will

NER

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wintertime fun! The ski slopes are up and running, and the snow keeps falling. It’s a great

Prizes are awarded at each race, and whoever

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ride down a blue slope can race and have fun.

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are formatted so that anyone who can ski or

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Tahoe Donner Downhill specializes in teaching beginners.

time to work on your golf game. Wait a minute,TA H O E D A E R A I L S K18 and what? How am I supposed to work onKmy ski lodge. The race categories are: AQ UAT I Lmale H N E E W R R E O N T Cand freezing D female 18 and over, Hours O Nground game with snow on the over, male 17 and under, UE N R O E DT R O N T T E R NNE TA H O D V CE E We’re open every Friday – Sunday for sledtemperatures? I’m glad you asked… and female 17 and under. Cost: $5 for two race OE C Y L E R A I R T C N E U P B O S Golf Academy is your place for S C runs, and $1 per additional run. Our first race ding, but we also offer extended days of operaC H C LAUThe Winter A E B tion throughout the season, including daily A R I Npractice or play. Come join us in our lounge, is Jan. 9! Come on out! M through Jan. 3, plus Jan.R18, Feb. 15 - 19 and located in the golf pro shop. Our TruGolf E T N Ski and Snowboarding Safety Weekend E C April 4 - 14, Simulator uses the latest in launch monitor is a.m. - 4:30 p.m. e n n9:30 t - Jan. 16 - 18 technology, providing you with both club and NER UPCOMING EVENTS Children and adults may participate inE R DON E O ball data, clubhead speed, path, launch, speed NT TA H C EmounN many different activities around the A I R Friday Night Tubing Jan. 8, Feb. 5, N E R your T Nmake and spin all of the key factors that S E U E DO Q O E tain at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area to H A N March 4 EEK golf ball fly “virtually” Tinto ourEgiant AT I OHD R CR R C increase their level of safety. From fun scavE D R N Tube under the lights this winter at Tahoe screen. Whatever you want to work on, it’s P G R O U enger hunts, to a national coloring contest, to Donner D S in our controlled environment. Need Snowplay until 6:30 p.m. for night OOpossible W H T snow science and safety, there will be activiR O sledding. Conditions permitting. N OO L to know exactly how far your wedges go? No P ties for everyone. By participating in safety R E problem. How about how your driver? How far ONN Snowball weekend, participants receive 25 percent off O E D Launching Contest - Jan 9 TA H S K O R aim? Prove it! Come out to Tahoe does the Bridgestone ball go compared to the Have Smith helmets and goggles. I K E Wgood B Titleist? All of this and so much more is right Donner Snowplay at 1:30 p.m. to compete. Use R See page 16 for moreOdetails N N E on safety D here for you! OE one of Snowplay’s snowball launchers to see TA H S weekend. D R A If you’re looking to play, we also have 27 G Uslopes! how far your snowballs will fly! L IonF Ethe We’ll see you R E N championship golf courses for you to try. N Troon North, Torrey Pines, Bighorn, Cog Hill, I CS ROBERT MCCLENDON | DOWNHILL SKI Fastest Tube Event - Jan. 16 have their names posted on the plaque in the E HO TY

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| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

Fly down the hill at Tahoe Donner Snow-

and Firestone are just a few of the choices.

AT T

Play as a single or bring a group, whatever you

you are in the facility, check out the Century

wish. Session times start at just $25.

Club wall of fame and see the names of our

If competitive golf is more of your thing,

dedicated members who were inducted into

then we have that for you as well. Come and

the 2015 Century Club and earned a prized

play in our online events at selected venues

Century Club t-shirt by committing them-

across the virtual golf world. Each week there

selves to an active lifestyle and visiting Trout

will be two 9- or 18-hole stroke play tourna-

Creek at least 100 times before Sept. 30. It is

ments, and one closest to the pin contest; these

not too late to sign up. If you were a part of the

golf contests are included in your session

2015 Century Club you will automatically be

time. Each stroke play tournament starts on

entered into the 2016 challenge.

a Monday and runs for two weeks, ending on a Sunday. Players can participate at any time

like to take part in 2016 Challenge and receive

during the two week window. The closest to

monthly emails regarding our Century Club

the pin contests run for one week (Monday

programs, please send your name, email

through Sunday) and allow 15 shots for each

address, phone number and t-shirt size to

player, which can be taken in different sessions

troutcreek@tahoedonner.com. Trout Creek

if you wish. Players’ scores and distances will

will honor your commitment by celebrating

be uploaded to the leaderboards in this cloud-

your success at our Century Club Celebration

based system. Prizes are available to anyone

in October 2016, and of course, on our Century

who participates and are not tied to how

Club wall of fame. Throughout 2016 we will

players perform in the events. After each event

be offering program opportunities to keep you

is completed, everyone who participated will

motivated and educated about health, well-

be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon

ness, and fitness… check out our first work-

gift card, Titleist Pro V1 golf balls, and other

shop below taking place early January.

prizes. Winners will be notified via the email addresses in the player profile. Now you can play against other golfers from around the world. Come see how your game stacks up and bring your “A” game. The more players participating, the better! Our current hours of operation are Thursdays through Sundays, from 1 - 7 p.m. Reser-

E AHO

vations can be made by calling 530-587-9441; they are recommended but not required. ER N

S E RV I C E

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Please come by and check out what we have to

M B E R S offer! We look forward to seeing you soon. H

If you haven’t already signed up and would

P & INFORM

ROB WEIZER | HEAD GOLF PRO

New Fitness Challenge We’re pushing you to your limits this year as we all strive to live a little healthier, active lifestyle. Learn about the program in detail on page 24.

One-Month Introductory Fitness Class Pass Buy our one-month introductory class pass and take as many classes as you like within 30 days, for just $30.

Free Gym Orientation – Jan. 29 Join us at 4 p.m. for an orientation to Trout Creek Recreation Center’s facilities and programs. Take a tour and learn about facility

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REEK C T U O T R C ENT E R R EC I VAT E A M

Get fit this year with us!

Century Club Challenge 2016 The tabulation begins Jan. 1! Make it a resolution in 2016 to join the Trout Creek Recreation Center CenturyNClub N E R Challenge.

O OE D TA H Trout Creek in a while If you haven’t visited EV RAMS &

to take advantage of this great Tahoe Donner amenity, then 2016 is the year to join! When

a certified personal trainer. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing. Call 530-5879437 to make a reservation.

Time to Reset, Renew and Recharge – Jan. 6 Join us for a New Year, New You healthy living workshop. Learn what we put in and on our bodies and why it matters. Could you have toxic overload? Do you have low energy? Are you gassy or bloated? Weight gain? Poor sleep? Headaches? Poor digestion? Come hear how to improve such symptoms and improve your

OOD S L

TI ON A E R C E R how much you want and keep telling yourself

policies and the proper use of equipment from

tahoedonner.com |

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EV RAMS &

Friday Family Movie Night Bring a favorite pillow and blanket to Northwoods Clubhouse, kick the feet up, and enjoy both classic and new movies. Movie nights begin at 6:30 p.m. and the films are rated G and PG. Please call the Member Services at 530-587-9400 to find out what’s playing.

Thursday Trivia Night Night Trivia takes place every Thursday night inside Pizza on the Hill from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Get ready to test your brain smarts for a chance to win prizes. This weekly event is free! Event will be cancelled if insufficient participation by 7:15 p.m.

ROGER BURNS | RECREATION SUPERVISOR

MEM T TD MEE

BER

CL A N I O J

ARE INTE

TD 4 Wheeler’s Club Snow, cold, ice and slippery large rocks were the challenges faced by the TD 4 Wheelers on the Rubicon Trail in November. How many of R N N E have wanted you adventure seekersOout there E DO H A T to drive the Rubicon Trail? How about with I crossings and several inches of snow,P Uicy water EN BLIC AM rocks as big as an outhouse (okay, a large dog house)? Early in the month after one of our first snowfalls, one of our members, Don, got the great idea of heading down the Rubicon, west to east, to see how far we could get. It was a beautiful drive with the snow-covered ER

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EV ENT L A I C E SP 16 | Tahoe Donner News | January 2016 O TA H

S N OW P

L AY TY

N E DO

TI ON A E R C E R

O TA H

R EA A I K S ILL D OW N H

C O U NT S S O R C

ENT E R C s i n t en Y

COST: FREE (FACILITY ACCESS FEES APPLY)

C ENT E R N A I R EQ U EST

R CA M P G P

OUND EN

UBLIC AM td4wheelers@gmail.com. To read more about the club and see more pictures, please visit our website at td4wheelers.com or look us up on Facebook.

Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf ClubH O E D O N

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The TD Men’s Golf Club ended the 2015 seaE son with Ngreat N E R memories, a balancedBbudget E AT T H E H E DO O H TAand excited anticipation for next summer. We have four new board members: Keith Wil-

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• In addition to the weekly golf games, the TDWGC also organizes fun and N E RcompetiDON O E These H tive ladies’ golf events. include the A T Match Play, Invitational or Member-Guest, RE EP N TA LS & R and Club Championships.

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PLACE: TROUT CREEK RECREATION CENTER

TIME:

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nutrition.

EEK R C T U T RO ENT E R 6 P.M. R E C C

on five key areas of health and the power of

mountains and pristine lakes surrounding us, liams, Dave Wallace, Dave Westfall, and John providing Christmas card-like backgrounds. McGregor, replacing Bob Moore, Jim Dill and But there was evil on that trail in the form Bruce Watkins. Returning board members are of big rocks. Those rocks were covered with Pat Gemma, president; Art King, treasurer and snow and ice and presented us with several vice president; Mark Colombo, membership; challenges. Many of the passages required Jim Pyle, secretary; and Michael Blasquez, spotters to guide the drivers between and on director or tournaments with Jim Pyle also top of the rocks and many times you couldn’t assisting. see the rocks because they were covered by In November three board members comsnow or were under three feet of water. But we pleted the four hour NCGA training on handieventually arrived at an area just above Obsercap maintenance. They all passed the course vation Point that had great views and a little and thus our club is recertified by the NCGA less snow. We had our lunch there, warmed and authorized to issue index scores via the ourselves in the sun and then headed back the GHIN software system. same way we came. 2016 membership applications are pinned to The fun and adventure that day was conthe men’s club bulletin board outside the pro tagious and several of our club members who shop. For questions about membership, email weren’t able to make it the first trip encourPat Gemma at patgemma1@att.net. aged Don to take them down the Rubicon Tahoe Donner Women’s Golf Club again the next weekend. This wagon train The Tahoe Donner Women’s Golf Club didn’t fare as well as our first group. They (TDWGC) welcomes and supports new memheaded down to the Rubicon at about 10 a.m. bers, and encourages their participation in and faced many of the same challenges as the first group, but this time there was more snow events. Our mission is to: and it was even colder. 1. Promote and conserve the best interests This group made it even farther down the and true spirit of the game of golf. Rubicon, past Observation Point and halfway 2. Promote and foster a close bond among down Cadillac Hill. The extra time it took other members for our joint and mutual to get that far resulted in them having to ER ONN benefit. OE D H A drive in the dark much of the way back. One T 3. Stimulate and promote interest in the game vehicle got stuck on a rock in one of the water I EN PU R BLIC AM of crossings and folks had to wade through the N N Eat the Tahoe Donner Golf Course. Ogolf D E O freezing cold water, through mini icebergs to TA H Our season runs from late May to midhook up a winch. Another vehicle got wedged I N October our course is open to the public. E and PU BLIC AM between someOrocks N E Rand lost the bead on their N D Throughout the season we play a variety of E O TA H tire went flat and they had to get out tire. The games on Tuesdays and hold tournaments. We the air compressorsI to inflate the tire. All this have about 80 playing members. EN PU BLIC AM in the dark! They finally got to the end of the When you join the TDWGC, you will enjoy trail at 7 p.m. that evening. these special benefits: So if you’ve been looking for some fun and • Ladies’ golf tee times: the club sets aside PR adventure in your life, join the club and go EN R I VAT E A M NNE O D highly sought-after tee times on Tuesdays E O H four-wheeling with other folks who loveTdrivA for TDWGC. During these TDWGC events, ing the back roads. This is a wonderful group I Nyou will play with golfers of your own abilE P U K of very niceCpeople R E E who will welcome you and B L I C A M R L D Estretch your off-road skills. If you are ity, enjoy a friendly format game of the day, helpAyou and make lasting friendships. interested in joining our club, send an email to

overall health and quality of life. We will focus

P & INFORM

HOE

For more information, visit our website at https://sites.google.com/site/tdgolfwomen/ home.

DINING OPTIONS The Lodge Restaurant & Pub 12850 Northwoods Blvd. 530-587-9455 tahoedonner.com/the-lodge

Dinner Hours: 5 – 9 p.m. daily; open Christmas Eve from 4 – 8 p.m.; closed Christmas Day; extended evening hours New Year’s Eve.

WildER Wednesdays* Returning Jan. 7, every Wednesday Happy Hour is wildly available all night in the entire restaurant. Enjoy 25 percent off small plates, plus soups and salads.

Happy Hour* Returning Jan. 3, Happy Hour is offered every Sunday - Thursday in The Lodge Pub from 5 – 6:30 p.m.

No Corkage Tuesday* Returning Jan. 6, bring in a special bottle of wine from home to savor in the dining room

and we’ll waive the corkage fee on Tuesdays.

drink specials. At 4 p.m., the Pub menu will

SPECIAL OFFERS AND EVENTS:

be available with happy hour pricing offered

Saturday Night Live Maine Lobster – Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30* Starting Jan. 9, Chef Lew will be offering a different live Maine lobster special while supplies last (limited availability) on every Saturday for the month. Come early; come hungry!

Welcome Winter Party – Jan. 22 Welcome winter with us! We’re throwing a party and from 5 - 6:30 p.m., you can enjoy happy hour in the entire restaurant. At 6 p.m., we’ll start the live music with drink specials lasting until 9 p.m.

The Big Football Game! – Feb. 7

beer for just $2.

$10 Pizza Sundays*

Pray for snow! Anytime it’s snowing, it’s happy hour too!

New! Weekend Football Playoff Action* Starting Jan. 9, the bar will be open at 1 p.m. for drinks and appetizers for scheduled playoff games. Watch the playoff games on our 6x9’ HD screen or on our three HD flat screens. During games, our 5 for $5 deal will be offered. Choose from jalapeño poppers, onion rings with honey mustard, mini corn dogs, chips

ing dinner at The Lodge. Reservations fill up quickly for Valentine’s Day—don’t delay. Call us today to secure your table. *All offers listed are valid during non-holiday periods unless otherwise noted and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons. Offers subject to change.

glass; plus, enjoy wings for half the price! Not valid Jan. 1 - 3.

NEW! Snowflake Happy Hour*

Share the love this Valentine’s Day by enjoy-

and $4 house cabernet or chardonnay by the

the Hill resumes its hours of 5 – 8:30 p.m.,

JANUARY SPECIALS

Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14

Grab $3 Coors Light, $4 seasonal draft beers

dinner until Jan. 3. Starting Jan. 4, Pizza on

p.m. for drinks and appetizers.

starting at 5 p.m.

Happy Hour*

Offered from 5 - 6 p.m. Thursday – Monday.

playoff game days, the bar will be open at 1

food, the regular dinner menu will be available

Additionally, grab a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon

Pizza on the Hill is open daily for lunch and

Thursday – Sunday. On scheduled weekend

those with a hearty appetite for football and

drinks starting at 3 p.m. with happy hour

11509 Northwoods Blvd 530-582-9669 tahoedonner.com/pizza-on-the-hill

through Dec. 16

beef sliders and our Reuben sandwich. For

Instead of organizing your own big game

with queso dip, and hand-rolled taquitos.

Thursday – Monday, 5 – 8:30 p.m.

this day only, patrons can enjoy half off Kobe

party, party with us! The Pub will open for

Pizza on the Hill

DINNER HOURS:

throughout the entire game! As a special on

Enjoy cheese or pepperoni pizza for just $10 each, offered every Sunday night. Take it to go or dine in. Limit 6. Not valid Jan. 3. *All offers listed are valid during non-holiday periods and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons. Offers subject to change.

EVENTS Thursday Night Trivia** This popular event takes place every Thursday from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Pizza on the Hill.

Friday Family Movie Night ** Stop by Northwoods Clubhouse for Friday Family Movie Night every week. ** See page 14 for more details.

tahoedonner.com |

SAFETY

SKI AREA SAFETY Did you know that January is national safety awareness month? Tahoe Donner, along with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), offers safety programs for skiers and snowboarders to stay safe on the slopes. Before you hit the slopes, check out our website to educate yourself and your family on safety awareness! Following are a few important ideas to remember:

KNOW THE CODE! WHAT CODE? THE SKIER AND RIDER RESPONSIBILITY CODE! THIS INCLUDES: • Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. • People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them. • You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above. • Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others. • Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. • Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. • Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

LIDS ON KIDS • Be smart and protect yourself with a helmet. • One size does not fit all. Get your helmet properly fitted by a certified technician. • Strap it up. Always buckle your helmet—it won’t help if it falls off!

TREE WELL AND DEEP SNOW SAFETY • The easiest way to avoid a snow immersion suffocation (SIS) accident is to remain on

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

groomed areas and avoid deep snow and tree well areas. • Be aware of the recent snowfall and the depth of the loose snow - check local resources for recent snow conditions. • If you venture into ungroomed terrain: ·· Ride or ski with a partner and keep your partner in sight at all times. ·· Ski or ride in control. ·· Give tree wells a wide berth. Look at the open spaces between trees, not at them. ·· Skiers should remove ski pole straps. ·· Carry safety equipment including: Cell phone with resort emergency number, transceiver or beacon, AvaLung, whistle, shovel, probe, Recco Rescue System. • Keep your partner in sight at all times. In many SIS accidents, skiers and snowboarders have part of their body or equipment visible - but a partner isn’t there to see them.

SKI AND SNOWBOARDING SAFETY WEEKEND JAN. 16 – 18 Safety first! Children and adults can participate in many activities around the mountain to increase their level of safety. From fun scavenger hunts, to a national poster contest, to snow science and safety, there will be activities for everyone. By participating in safety weekend, participants receive 25 percent off Smith helmets and goggles.

• Take heart. Increased awareness and education reduces SIS risks. There are more reported cases of skiers and boarders being rescued by their partners each season. For more safety tips visit tahoedonner.com/ downhill-ski/safety. Information was collected from nsaa.org/ safety-programs/ and deepsnowsafety.org.

ELIZABETH AND OLOF CARMEL, TAHOE DONNER NEIGHBORS

When it’s snowy, you’ll be toasty.

Many thanks to Tahoe Donner resident, Olof Carmel, for the beautiful December Tahoe Donner News cover shot. Olof and his wife, Elizabeth, both international fine art photographers, have lived here since 1990. Together, they own Carmel Gallery, a photo and art gallery in downtown Truckee, as well

2016 budg et repo rt: see inser t insid e

as another in Calistoga. Elizabeth also teaches photography

DECEMBER 2015

workshops, has been featured in many prominent magazines including Sunset and People, and writes a regular column for Outdoor Photographer magazine. She was one of 12 photographers in the world selected as a presigious “Hasselbad Master” in 2006. Olof has won numerous awards for his photography as well as drawing and watercolors and is also a longtime licensed contractor.

Stay warm this winter with a beautiful fireplace or stove from Mountain Home Center. Visit our main showroom at 11403 Brockway Road in Truckee to select the fire perfect for your mountain home style. Free local delivery, professional installation and excellent customer service. 530-587-6681. www.MountainHomeCenter.com. (Shown here DaVinci 54” Pier fireplace with 20” tall glass.)

tahoedonner.com |

01.

Book a group snowshoeing adventure at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area and take on the Bearclaw trail.

02.

Meet patrol dog Tucker – or his new friend Duke - at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

03.

Take a wild tube ride down a gentle slope at Tahoe Donner Snowplay.

04.

Participate in “National Learn to Ski Month” at Tahoe Donner Cross Country and enjoy two-for-one private lessons and private lesson packages any midweek day from Jan. 4-15. During January 4-8 and Jan. 11-15, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is also offering Learn to Ski or Snowboard packages for just $39.

05.

Try the new Winter Golf Academy at Tahoe Donner Golf Course. It’s the ultimate virtual golf course experience, complete with a TruGolf HD Simulator, launch monitor and world class golf courses. Reservations required.

06.

Become a master skier by taking our masters training group course that meets on Thursdays from Jan. 7 – March 4 at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

14.

Launch snowballs for a chance to win prizes at our snowball launching contests, taking place at Tahoe Donner Snowplay on Jan. 9 and April 2.

15.

Take your dog on your next cross country outing and explore the Cup of Tea trail at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

16.

Don’t miss Saturday Night Live Maine Lobster! Starting Jan. 10, visit The Lodge Restaurant on all remaining days in Saturday and enjoy a different lobster special made by Chef Lew. Get it before it’s gone!

17.

Did you know Pizza on the Hill regularly offers specialty pizzas for a limited time? Stop by Pizza on the Hill today to try the latest creation.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

18.

How fast can you fly? Those interested can compete in our Fastest Tube event on Jan. 16 at Tahoe Donner Snowplay to determine who the fastest tuber of all is!

19. 20.

Check out our new learning yurt at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Get your toddlers in the cross country action by renting one of our chariot sleds, designed to pull your children behind you as you ski at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

07.

10.

Don’t worry about getting cold at Snowplay—visit our new food truck, known as the Snowplay Café, for hot grub and hot beverages.

08.

Don’t miss Friday Night Tubing, occurring on Jan. 8, Feb. 5 and March 4.

Keep your New Year’s resolutions by signing up for fitness classes or personal training at Trout Creek Recreation Center.

09.

Treat yourself to a winter mixed greens salad made with mesclun, roasted beets, roasted squash, chevre, pumpkin seeds and topped with cider vinaigrette, available at the new Alder Creek Café in the Alder Creek Adventure Center.

11.

Help Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area break a Guinness World Record for Learn to Ski Month on Jan. 8.

FEATURE

12.

A llow your children to be a star and sign them up for TD Nordic Kids, Midweek Junior Racers or Junior Biathlon, all offered January through March at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

13.

Take in the view of the association from Eagle Rock Summit at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

26. 21.

For the remainder of football season, it’s 5 for $5 at Pizza on the Hill. Choose from five different appetizers and enjoy them for just $5 each, plus $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon, every Monday and Thursday night. for just $10 each. Take it to go or dine in. Not valid during holidays or with other promotions.

22.

Warm up by fire pits on the sundeck at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

24.

23.

Sip a hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows from the new Snowplay Café.

Take part in our Sierra Skogsloppet fundraiser race series on Jan. 18 at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area and benefit local schools.

25.

Enjoy our famous breakfast burritos and mouthwatering French toast every morning at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. MARK NADELL

26. Sign your kids up for Kids Night Out at Trout Creek Recreation Center! Kids Night Out takes place on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month from 5 – 9 p.m. Kids will be entertained with games, crafts and dinner, while parents enjoy a night out.

27.

Welcome winter with us at our Welcome Winter Party at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub on Jan. 22! Enjoy live music and lots of drink specials.

28.

Try a midweek technique tune up at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

29.

Join us for the first ever Winterpalooza on Jan. 23 at Tahoe Donner Snowplay and delight your inner child with tube racing, snowman building, relay races and more.

30.

Sip a cold beer on tap at the Tahoe Donner Downhill bar as you kick back, relax and watch the game on one of our four large TVs. tahoedonner.com |

31.

Enjoy live music, delicious BBQ, discounted trail passes and free mini ski lessons, tours and demos at our first ever Winter Festival on Jan. 24 at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

32.

37.

Want to improve your golf game? Our new lessons offered at the Winter Golf Academy are like no other you’ve ever experienced. We will be teaching, coaching, and using video analysis in a controlled environment. Included in the lesson will be a full breakdown of the participant’s golf swing using custom digital software. Captured data and video will be downloaded electronically to the student. Reservations recommended but walk-ins okay.

Snuggle up with a “Snuggle with Me” warm adult beverage offered at The Lodge Pub.

36.

What kid doesn’t love pizza? Book a fun child’s pizza party at Pizza on the Hill!

Rent a fat bike and explore the trails at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

45.

Book a party or corporate event at Pizza on the Hill of 20 or more, and you’ll enjoy discount skiing or sledding too.

34.

Try Susie’s homemade brownies, a recipe by Chef Lew’s wife and available at the Snowplay Café.

43.

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Reservations recommended.

Nothing beats homemade chili and at Pizza on the Hill, you can warm up all winter long with a bowl and cornbread for just $7.95.

35.

Grab your honey and take part in a guided Valentine’s Day snowshoe tour through Tahoe Donner Snowplay.

44.

33.

Watch the big game and cheer on the NFL champions on Feb. 7 at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub and enjoy drink and food specials, plus 50 percent off Kobe beef sliders.

42.

46.

Attack your hunger with a helping of crispy shoestring fries covered in Whitey’s chili and cheese, only at the Snowplay Café.

ASHLEY QUADROS

38.

Save some dough at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area on Throwback Thursdays – oldschool discounts offered with lift tickets for just $13.

39.

Grab the whole family and try a laser biathlon clinic at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area— biathlon combines skiing and rifle marksmanship.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

40.

Party it up at Mardi Gras! The Lodge Restaurant & Pub is celebrating on Feb. 9 with live music, New Orleans Cajun specials, $4 Hurricanes, lots of beads, and more!

41.

Did you know The Lodge Restaurant & Pub makes homemade soup? Warm up with today’s special.

47.

Pick up a free, limited edition Tucker trading card at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

48.

Want private sledding and tubing time? On select weekdays, Snowplay can be booked out for private events for up to four hours!

49. 50.

Enjoy s’mores as you relax around the firepits at Snowplay. Take-N-Bake! Sometimes having dinner at home with your family is the best option of all, and at Pizza on the Hill, you can pick up any of our pizzas to bake at home, and you’ll enjoy $3 off the regular menu price.

56.

Do you or someone you know have a mobile disability? With reservations, adaptive ski lessons are offered at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

57.

Don’t miss $10 Pizza Sundays! Every Sunday at Pizza on the Hill you can order up to six cheese or pepperoni pizzas.

51.

58.

52.

59.

Grab the kids and join the team at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area for the annual Glowstick Parade on Feb. 20. Meet Parker the Penguin periodically throughout the season at Tahoe Donner Snowplay.

53.

Bring in a bottle of wine to drink with dinner at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub on No Corkage Tuesdays and the corkage fee is waived (not valid during holiday periods).

54.

Make sure your golf club is perfect for your swing. Get a club fitting today at the Winter Golf Academy.

55.

Come in from the cold and warm up with an organic, roasted chicken pot pie at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub.

60.

H ave you tried the Cheesy Bread at Pizza on the Hill? It’s a cheesy, gooey, yummy and hearty treat. Come in out of the cold and warm up with an order... you won’t be disappointed.

61.

Take the Tahoe Donner Challenge at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area on Feb. 21 and race to Drifter Hut, Hawks Peak, Euer Valley Cookhouse and back.

62.

63.

64.

65.

Try our warm spinach and baby frisée salad, made with balsamic shallots, Sonoma goat cheese and applewood smoked bacon dressing, available at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub.

Get wild every Wednesday night at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub for Wilder Wednesdays where happy hour lasts all night long in the entire restaurant (not valid during holiday periods).

Did you know snowshoe rentals are just $10 for two hours at Snowplay? Rent a pair and explore today. Get extra happy with happy hour at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Valid Sunday through Thursday, excluding holiday periods.

Purchase a season pass to save and get additional discounts all season long at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

Create a

custom group learn to ski package at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area that meets your needs— include a BBQ in Euer Valley if desired!

66.

It’s a Leap

Year and to celebrate, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is offering free lift tickets on Feb. 29.

67.

Try the

latest demo equipment from Elan, Burton, Scott, Nordic and Marker with our demo rental package at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

tahoedonner.com |

73.

68.

Did you know our fitness class schedule for Trout Creek Recreation Center is posted online and updated weekly? Sign up for a class today.

Go sledding at Tahoe Donner Snowplay. Sledding is for all ages and abilities!

69.

Purchase a season pass to save and get additional perks and benefits all season long at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

70.

Book a wedding, event, or corporate party at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub.

74. 71.

Try the Kitchen Sink at Pizza on the Hill. It has everything you want and then some!

72.

Check out our new snowmaking system at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

Like Trivia? You’ll love Thursday Night Trivia at Pizza on the Hill! Eat pizza and play in our trivia match of smarts for a chance to win prizes. Free to play!

75.

77.

76.

78.

Enroll the kids in a Snowflakes or Snow Shredders lesson package at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

80.

Take advantage of the $4 beer specials offered at the Winter Academy, kick up your feet, and relax in the lounge.

81.

Stop by happy hour at Pizza on the Hill every Thursday – Sunday and enjoy $3 Coors Light drafts, $4 seasonal draft beers, $4 house cabernet or chardonnay by the glass and half price wings. Not valid during holidays or with other promotions.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

Don’t let your golf game go—hit the virtual driving range at the new Winter Golf Academy. Reservations recommended.

Check out the new Winter Superstars Week from Feb. 13 - 20 at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area – with ski and snowboard races, sled pull, and mini terrain park event. Grab the family for a competitive day of snowman building for a chance to win prizes at Tahoe Donner Snowplay on March 5.

79.

Brush up on your skiing or snowboarding skills: take a lesson with our certified PSIA ski and snowboard instructors at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

82.

87.

97.

83.

88.

98.

Grab your grass skirts and coconut bras and head over to Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area for the Winter Beach Party on March 12. A re you a member of the armed forces? With valid ID, you can ski for just $25 Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

Don’t miss the I-Did-ARun, a hilarious annual event on March 13 for dogs to benefit the Humane Society at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Take bowling to the next level by tubing into human-size inflatable bowling pins for a strike on March 19 at Tahoe Donner Snowplay.

See the moon in a unique way—by experiencing it during a moonlit snowshoe tour on Feb. 20 or March 26. Book through Tahoe Donner Snowplay.

89.

Learn to cross country ski as a family by booking a family private lesson at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

90.

For a hearty meal guaranteed to fill you up, try our surf and turf sliders. This duo includes a Kobe beef slider with cheddar cheese and an ahi tuna slider with sesame, ginger and a sambal glaze, and of course, shoestring fries, available at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub.

91. 84.

Cruise down the new trail “Leary’s Laugh” at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

Get discounts on your rounds of golf at the Winter Golf Academy by purchasing a Session Play Card.

92.

Enjoy free skiing for ages 6 and under and 70 and over at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

Try our smoked trout sandwich served with smoked trout salad, greens, cucumber, caper-dill aioli all nestled on a whole wheat bun, available at the new Alder Creek Café in the Alder Creek Adventure Center.

Bring the kids (13 or younger) on a Tuesday and parents ski free at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

Help us build – and devour – a gigantic 200-foot banana split at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area on March 19.

85.

86.

93.

Celebrate spring with our 25-plus-year tradition on March 27 of touring the Euer Valley known as our Tour D’Euer at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

94.

Plan your child’s Snowplay birthday party today! Parties of 20 or more at Snowplay enjoy their own tables, fire pit, and a private sledding lane! Box lunches and s’mores can be added on too.

95.

Is a winter wedding in your future? Explore all our beautiful settings – among snowcovered towering pines at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, or overlooking a scenic winter meadow at our spectacular new Alder Creek Adventure Center. It’s sure to be memorable!

96.

Dare to pair cross country skiing with gourmet foods and wines at Taste of Truckee on March 26 at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

99.

French fry lovers won’t want to miss our sweet potato fries served with your choice of red curry ketchup, honey Dijon or our favorite, jalapeño ranch. Grab ‘em at the new Alder Creek Café in the Alder Creek Adventure Center.

100.

Sit by the fire in the Alder Creek Adventure Center and enjoy a glass of wine or a beer while you nibble on one of our après small plates, offered every Thursday – Sunday from 4 – 7 p.m. Can we recommend the smoked trout rillettes with crostini?

101.

On April 10, it’s our Last Day to Play BBQ at Snowplay, so get out there and enjoy live music, BBQ and sledding!

tahoedonner.com |

FITNESS

A FITNESS CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR Need to jump-start your new year’s resolution? Signing up for a fitness challenge could be just the thing you need to set yourself up on the right path to success. Trout Creek’s 12-Week Fitness Class Challenge is the

BELOW ARE RESULT AVERAGES ACHIEVED BASED ON SIX PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS, WITH NO PRESCRIBED DIET CHANGES:

perfect way to get back on track if you indulged during the holidays. Our 12–week program combines various Trout Creek fitness classes to meet the American College of Sports (ACSM) exercise recommendations: • Cardio – 60 minutes 3 to 4 times per week. Great for burning calories and important for your heart health. • Strength: 8-10 strength exercises 2 days per week. Builds lean muscle and helps with long-term weight loss. • Flexibility exercise once per week. Reduces possibility of injury, increases mobility, and improves posture. For the first four weeks, participants will go through a gradual buildup of frequency of each of the three activities, starting at 120 total minutes per week (two classes) and working up to 300 minutes per week (five classes). Over the next eight weeks, we will increase the intensity, maxing out at 420 minutes per week (seven classes).

Measurement

Average difference after 12-week period

Right arm

Chest

-1

Waist

-2.5"

Hips

-1"

Right thigh

-0.5"

Right calf

Weight

-6 lbs

3 minute step test

-17 beats per minute *

1 minute push-up test

1 minute sit-up test

+15

*Heart rate after stepping up and off a step for 3 minutes – determines cardiovascular fitness.

Cost: Members $270, Guests $378 (duration: 12 weeks) Includes before and after fitness test and measurements and 12-week fitness class programming (total of 30 classes). All levels welcome! Call 530-582-9638 to register or for more information.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT While it is common knowledge that a structured exercise routine is the best way to improve your health, strength, and to lose weight, sometimes you need to hear it from someone other than a fitness instructor. Read on for some real-life success stories from your neighbors right here in Tahoe Donner who have tried the program. “I began the challenge with a minimal level of fitness. Through the twelve weeks of progressive increase in fitness classes, I was able to lose substantial inches in my body measurements, achieve weight loss and improve my fitness levels substantially. The camaraderie and support of the other participants, the instructors and the managers at Tahoe Donner Fitness were incredible and a source of great motivation. I look forward to continuing on my fitness journey.” — Karen Norris “There is no more important relationship than that which we have with ourselves! We’ve always heard-it ... and darned if it ain’t so! It’s difficult to calculate all the benefits gained through these classes because the results keep expanding and extending themselves daily. I feel like I’m back in my 30s, if not better! Strength, stamina, more energy, flexibility and toning, plus less back, hip and knee pain. After only a few weeks, I (we all!) really looked forward to going to these fitness classes. The pay-off and rewards were and are undeniable. Being in good condition has really broadened my world of fitness and sports related activities that I probably would’ve just kept dreaming about if this challenge didn’t come along. Absolutely the best thing I’ve ever done to kick-start a fitness regimen! It is essential (at least for me) to surround myself in a culture of great health and with folks who share the same ambition. A huge ‘thank you’ to Trout Creek and all my new friends! See y’all in class!” — Suzanne Carlen

your group’s next destination Weddings | Events and Banquets | Golf Ski and Sled Groups | Family Reunions Corporate Meetings and Activities 530-582-9643 | groupsales@tahoedonner.com

tahoedonner.com/event-groups

“As a senior citizen who had recently embarked on a weight loss and fitness program on my own, I was delighted to be included in the Trout Creek Fitness Challenge. The challenge was for 12 weeks with an increasing number of classes, including aerobic, strength and stretch. I certainly went outside my own comfort zone taking these classes and in so doing so, discovered that I love Pilates and yoga and enjoy Zumba and the recent Ski Fit classes. All the instructors are top-notch and were encouraging and helpful. I also discovered that it was okay if I couldn’t do everything or had to modify because of my own limitations. As someone who normally doesn’t like group classes, I also found that it was fun to exercise with others in a friendly environment. During the 12 weeks, I have lost weight and inches and have gained more strength and flexibility. The challenge gave me the opportunity to try all the different classes that Trout Creek has to offer and pushed me to continue to improve my fitness level. Although the challenge has ended for me, I am continuing with the classes that I most enjoy and still working out in the gym.” — Valerie Maczek “I’m really excited to continue on the path of better fitness. The Fitness Challenge was just what I needed to jump start the process. At the beginning, I could barely make it through a class. Now, I have built strength, stamina and flexibility to not only make it through a class, but to push myself to do more and more in the classes. Now with snow coming down, I’m excited to see how this will also translate into winter sports.” — Melissa Hodous

tahoedonner.com |

FEATURE

MEET JOE CASEY, NEW ALDER CREEK CAFÉ CHEF BY ASHLEY QUADROS Get to know your neighborhood chef! Chef

we are offering a selection of gourmet

Joe Casey is not a new face around Tahoe

cheeses, specialty almonds and house

Donner, but he is the newest face at the Alder

pickled vegetables, but I plan to expand

Creek Café. Over the past eight years, he has

our offerings in the future.” (Note: small

either worked at Tahoe Donner or kept close

plates are offered Thursday - Sunday

ties to the team. Chef Casey last worked as the

from 4-7 p.m.)

opening sous chef at The Lodge Restaurant

These offerings also pair brilliantly

& Pub and now he’s leading the pack as the

with the wide variety of beer and wine

kitchen supervisor at the new Alder Creek

selections available at the bar, and

Café, located within the Alder Creek Adven-

expanded offerings may also come to

ture Center.

the lunch menu down the road too,

Chef Casey brings an extensive culinary

which is available daily. (See hours

past to the café. His dream to become a chef

of operation below). There are many

began in high school and soon thereafter, he

items on the menu to try, including

started cooking in restaurants. With now 20

the organic veggie panini or the bison

years of experience in the food and beverage

burger, but Chef Casey already has a

industry, including graduating from the Cali-

preference. “My favorite is the smoked

fornia Culinary Academy in San Francisco,

trout sandwich,” he said. “It’s a good

Calif. and cooking at many restaurants in the

balance of flavor and texture.”

Lake Tahoe and Truckee region, Chef Casey is

Speaking of flavor and texture, what

a welcome addition to the Alder Creek Café.

one ingredient does Casey think every

Chef Casey has a culinary vision in store

kitchen should have? Regardless of the

for Alder Creek Café visitors. “Our après ski

level of cooking expertise, it’s salt—but not just

menu is what I am most excited for,” he said.

any type of salt. “Diamond Crystal’s kosher

“It’s chance for people to come in and share

salt is essential,” said Casey. “It’s very impor-

small plates. This will be an evolving menu

tant. It’s all in the way they cut the salt.” To

that I want to take to the next level. Right now

make your food a cut above the rest, grab some

online, and be sure to stop by the Alder Creek Café to try one of his scrumptious creations.

the holidays. Warm up by the fire and enjoy a

HOURS OF OPERATION

nibbles. On Jan. 3, our happy hour starts up

selection of beer, wine, and our tasting plates menu, featuring house roasted almonds, a medley of marinated olives, and other light again from 4-7 p.m, Thursday through Sun-

and healthy homemade food, is open daily

day, with $4 draft beer selections and house

with an expanded menu. Grab and go items

wine, plus a $6 Chef’s Choice menu special.

are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

of Chef Casey’s preferred salt at the store or

ALDER CREEK ADVENTURE CENTER The Alder Creek Café, known for delicious

Joe Casey super vises the kitchen at the new Alder Creek Adventure Center.

The trails and facilities, including our

the lunch menu is offered from 11 a.m. - 3

retail shop featuring one of the largest

p.m. The bar is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

collections of Nordic outer wear in the

Thursday through Sunday, and from Dec. 22

area, are open from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

through Jan. 3 the bar will be open daily for

every day during the season.

TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND

TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND SUPPORTS THE TAHOE FOOD HUB A combined grant from the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund (TDGF) and the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation will support the Tahoe Food Hub’s effort in providing fresh, healthy food to Project MANA for distribution to local families in need. This innovative program involves both purchasing food and gleaning food from local farmers’ fields that otherwise would go to waste. Tahoe Food Hub started a gleaning program in July, 2015. Over the course of four months and seven harvests, they have helped donate 4,000 lbs. of produce to Project MANA from local farms. Gleanings from Mountain Bounty Farm yielded abundantly diverse produce including peppers, carrots, corn, tomatoes, squash, onions, potatoes, chard, basil, melons and more. “Having a gleaning team has been a goal for of the food hub from the beginning” remarks Susie Sutphin, Tahoe Food Hub Executive Director. “A lot of perfectly good food never makes it out of the field because the farmer doesn’t have time to harvest it. With a team of volunteers, however, that perfectly good food can get into the hands of the people that need it most.” “We’ve learned over the years that there’s a huge amount of great food out there just going to waste that could help feed folks facing food insecurity in our communities,” comments Brian Hunt, Food Supply Manager for Project MANA. “We started by rescuing out-of-date food from the grocery stores. Partnering with Tahoe Food Hub and their gleaning program has now allowed us to distribute much healthier fresh produce to our community members.” “Project MANA is one of the most well respected non-profits in the area,” said Jennifer Jordan, member of the TDGF Operations and Grant Committee. “They have been addressing emergency food needs in our community since 1991. Helping bring Project

MANA fresh food through the Tahoe Food Hub is a way for our Tahoe Donner members to contribute to the greater community we all enjoy.” The gleaning program requires a motivated and passionate coordinator to organize volunteers and make arrangements with the farms. Fortunately, Tahoe Food Hub has a powerhouse, Alex Herrera, former Truckee Elementary PTO President and long-time Truckee local. Herrera says the idea was a slam-dunk from the beginning. “The gleaning project is a win-win proposition for both the farmer and consumer. It directly addresses the well-understood crux of the hunger prob-

lem, which is not supply but distribution. A socially-conscious farm like Mountain Bounty (Nevada City) wants to see its occasional and inevitable surplus of crops find its way to food pantries, like Project MANA and onto the tables of those in need. What they were missing was simply the means to get it from where it’s grown to where it’s needed, and that’s where our team fits in.” Gleanings will start back up next summer and the food hub looks forward to working with more farms and welcoming more gleaners. A day of gleaning usually takes about five to six hours door to door and requires some light physical labor. If interested in learning more, join the Tahoe Gleaners Facebook page or contact the food hub at tahoefoodhub.org. “Members often ask the committee where their contributions to the TDGF will go,” commented Dick Gander, co-chair of the TDGF Operations and Grant Committee. “This grant to the Tahoe Food Hub is a great example of how Tahoe Donner members, both full and part time, can have an impact on the greater community.” If you would like to contribute to the Giving Fund, please use the insert in your annual assessment letter or visit tahoedonner.com/giving-fund. If you would like to volunteer for the committee or have questions, email TDGF@TahoeDonner.com.

tahoedonner.com |

BULLETIN BOARD

45-DAY NOTICE VOTING AND ELECTION RULES AMENDMENTS Following are new voting and election rules that the board intends

or allows any Member access to Association media for that pur-

to consider and adopt at an open meeting of the board on Saturday, Feb.

pose, then all Members advocating a different point of view shall

27, 2016. These rules are to comply with California law that made major

be allowed equal access to the same media. The Board shall not be

changes in the way membership votes in homeowner associations are to

required to allow access to more than one Member advocating the

be conducted.

same point of view.

Among other things, the law created a “secret ballot” method of voting in which voting is not conducted at member meetings but is conducted by ballots that are sent to all members. The law requires that the ballots in these elections and votes be opened and tabulated by inspector(s) of election at an open meeting or board meeting which any member can attend. The law also requires every association to adopt voting and election rules. The board has consulted with the association’s legal counsel to develop rules that comply with the requirements of the new law and which work in a practical way for our association. The board has also been working with legal counsel to prepare updated governing documents for our association, which will be presented to the members in the coming months. The new documents will bring our association up to date with current law and will eliminate confusing or conflicting provisions in our existing bylaws and CC&Rs. The voting and election rules will apply to the member vote on the amended documents mentioned above, as well as elections of directors and all other official membership votes.

TAHOE DONNER VOTING AND ELECTION RULES Article 1 1.1.

MEDIA

Access to Association Media – Candidates for the Board. The Board may but is not required to make Association media (i.e.,

ten statements, publication of written statements not to exceed a predetermined number of words and, in the case of broadcast statements, broadcast statements not to exceed a predetermined length of time. The Board may require that broadcast statements be pre-recorded to comply with time constraints. The Board shall not edit or redact any statement, but shall not be required to publish any statement that exceeds the predetermined length restrictions. 1.4. Responsibility for Content. All statements published in Association media pursuant to the “equal access” rules must identify the author or proponent. No anonymous statements will be permitted. The author and/or proponent of any statement or point of view shall be solely responsible and liable for the content of their statements. The Association shall not be responsible or liable for the content of any statement published pursuant to the “equal access” rules. The content of any candidate statement shall be limited to a statement of the candidate’s qualifications to serve as a director. Article 2

MEETING SPACE

2.1. Access to Common Area Meeting Space – Campaigning by or

posting on the Association’s official bulletin board/notice board/

the Board. The Board shall ensure that during a campaign all

kiosk, or official website, broadcasting on Association television

qualified candidates for election to the Board are given access to

monitors, or other notices mailed or delivered by the Associa-

common area meeting space, at no cost, for purposes reasonably

tion to the owners of the Lots or Units) available to qualified

related to their campaigns.

candidates running for election to the Board for purposes that are reasonably related to the election in which that candidate is running. If the Board allows any candidate access to Association media, then all qualified candidates shall be allowed equal access to the same media. 1.2. Access to Association Media – Other Matters. If the Board utilizes

1.3. “Equal Access”. “Equal access” shall mean, in the case of writ-

2.2. Access to Common Area Meeting Space – Other Matters. Whenever the Board places a matter before the Members which requires Member approval, the Board shall ensure that Members advocating a point of view on the matter are given access to common area meeting space, at no cost, for purposes reasonably related to advocating their point of view, whether or not they

Association media to advocate a point of view on any matter

agree with the point of view advocated by the Board on the matter

(other than election of directors) that requires Member approval,

at issue.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

Article 3

VOTING BY SECRET BALLOTS

For a vote on any of the matters specified in Civil Code section 5100(a), voting by the Members shall be conducted by secret ballot using a “double envelope system” as described in Civil Code section 5115(a). Ballots and two envelopes with instructions on how to return ballots shall be mailed by first-class mail or delivered by the Association to all Members entitled to vote in such vote or election. Ballots shall be distributed a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the deadline for voting. These matters are: (i) elections regarding assessments legally requiring a Member vote, (ii) election and removal of directors, (iii) amendments to the governing documents, and (iv) grants of exclusive use of common area property pursuant to Civil Code section 4600. For votes on any other matter, votes may be by secret ballot or by written ballot, and ballots may be distributed a reasonable time (which may be less than thirty (30) days) prior to the deadline for voting. Article 4

INSPECTORS OF ELECTION

4.1. Appointment of Inspectors. Whenever there is a membership vote or election, the Board shall appoint one or three inspectors of election.

more Lots or Units may not serve on the Board at the same time (Bylaws Article VII, Section 2(iii)). “Member” means a person who holds legal title to the property (i.e., is named in the deed for the property). 5.2. Nominations. The Board shall publish or post a notice recruiting candidates for the Board and stating the deadline for receipt of nominations. Any Member who satisfies the qualifications may place his or her name in nomination for the Board by giving written notice to the Board before the published deadline for receiving nominations. In addition, the Board may recruit qualified candidates and/or may appoint a Nominating Committee to nominate qualified candidates. 5.3. Notice of Known Candidates. After the deadline for nominations of candidates for the Board, nominations shall be closed. The names of all persons who are qualified candidates for election to the Board shall be set forth on the ballots. No “write-in” candidates shall be permitted on the ballots in the election of directors. Article 6

MEMBER VOTING RIGHTS

6.1. Qualification for Voting. Only Members in good standing shall be

4.2. Qualification of Inspectors of Election. Inspectors may be any

allowed to vote. A Member shall be deemed to be in good standing

persons the Board reasonably believes to be independent with

unless, after notice to the Member and an opportunity for hear-

respect to the matter or matters being voted on and may include

ing, the Board has found the Member to be not in good standing

the Association’s manager, accountant, or legal counsel or Mem-

and has so notified the Member in accordance with Civil Code

bers of the Association, but may not be a Member of the Board or

section 5855(a). As long as any co-owner of a Lot or Unit is not in

a candidate for election to the Board or a family member of a cur-

good standing, no vote shall be permitted for the Lot or Unit

rent Member of the Board or of a candidate. 4.3. Indemnification of Inspectors; Liability Insurance. Inspectors of

6.2. Voting Power of Each Membership. On each matter before the Members, only one vote shall be cast for each Lot or Unit. Once

election shall be deemed to be agents of the Association for pur-

a ballot is received by the inspector of election, it may not be

poses of Corporations Code section 7237 and shall be entitled to

rescinded. Cumulative voting is not permitted in the election of

indemnification by the Association to the fullest extent provided

directors.

by law. As provided in Corporations Code section 7237(i), the Association shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any agent of the Association against any liability asserted against or incurred by the agent in his or her capacity as an agent of the Association or arising out of the agent’s status as such, whether or not the Association would have the power to indemnify the agent against such liability under the provisions of Corporations Code section 7237. Article 5

CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD

5.1. Qualification of Candidates. Candidates for the Board must be

6.3. Election by Acclamation. If, as of the published deadline for receiving nominations, the number of qualified candidates for election to the Board is not more than the number of directors to be elected, then the qualified candidates shall be declared elected and shall take office at the first Board meeting following the deadline for nominations or, if later and an annual meeting is held, then at the first Board meeting after the annual meeting. Written notice of the election shall be given to the Members. 6.4. Proxies. In any election or vote of the Members conducted by the Association, only official ballots issued by the Association shall

Members in good standing and must meet any other qualifica-

be counted as votes. Proxies are not ballots and are not valid as

tions or restrictions set forth in the Bylaws. Co- owners of one or

votes in any election or vote conducted by the Association. tahoedonner.com |

BULLETIN BOARD

WINTER TAHOE DONNER R UL ES A ND TOW N OF TR UC K EE ORDINA NCES AWARENESS With winter here, the Covenants Committee would like to encourage members to review Tahoe Donner’s winter rules as well as to be aware of Town of Truckee ordinances that affect parking and snow removal on the streets. The committee urges owners to leave an information packet for renters or visitors of their home to ensure success within the community and good neighborly relations.

• Snow activities can be enjoyed at our Snowplay Area (with a ticket), or other trail locations, such as the Glacier Way trailhead. No sledding or snow play is allowed on the Golf Course fairways or greens. • Weather-related emergency parking is allowed through an emergency parking permit which can be picked up at the Northwoods Clubhouse or Trout Creek Recreation Center parking lot. Use of the emergency parking is specifically only for short-term parking, and is not intended as overflow or for other purposes. Additionally, parking within the parking lots is at the owners’ risk and Tahoe Donner is not responsible for loss, theft or damage of the vehicle should it occur. • Snowmobiles are not allowed on any portion of Tahoe Donner property, and it is a violation of Town of Truckee ordinance to operate them on the streets.

TOP WINTER TAHOE DONNER COVENANTS RULES • The Downhill Ski Area, Cross Country Ski Area, and Snowplay require day tickets or season passes during the season. Use of the facilities or trail system after hours is prohibited. Remember, night and day grooming does occur, and after hours activities puts everyone at risk.

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016

• During the holiday season, loud parties often result in complaints of noxious activity. Remember that voices carry a long way in cold winter months.

parking along the street right-of-way. This is especially true during storm conditions when parking on the street may impede Town of Truckee snow removal efforts. A word of safety caution, sledding down driveways and into the roadways is considered very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Thank you for your participation in assisting to make this an enjoyable winter for all here in Tahoe Donner. For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our compliance inspector at any time by emailing compliance@tahoedonner.com.

TOWN OF TRUCKEE STREET PARKING ORDINANCE During November through April of each year, parking along the street right-of-way is prohibited by the Town of Truckee unless approved permitted and signed areas are identified. Residents can be ticketed or towed for

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BOARD MEETING RECAP NOVEMBER 20, 2015 Consent Calendar: Approved 4-0 (Director Wulff absent) • Architectural Standards Committee alternate appointment (Hipkins) • Tahoe Donner Giving Fund resignation (Disbrow) • Elections Committee resignation (Snyder) • Investment policy resolution 2015-5

Boat Launch Beach Club Marina: No Action The board was provided with a presentation by Director of Operations Miguel Sloane on the operational effects of the closure of the Tahoe Donner Beach Club Marina Boat Launch for launching motorized vessels this past summer. Governing Documents Update Project:

Committee Rosters for 2015: No Action The board discussed committee appointments for 2016 in anticipation of acting upon them at the January 22, 2016 board meeting.

No Action Discussion took place regarding the ongoing project of updating Tahoe Donner’s governing documents in order to comply with California state laws.

Roof Maintenance Rule Amendment:

Action: Election and Voting Rules:

No Action The ASC is in the process of drafting a maintenance rule amendment for board consideration to publish for 45-day member comment. The board placed this item on the January 22, 2016 board meeting agenda for further consideration.

Approved 4-0 (Director Wulff absent) The board approved for publishing a 45-day member notification proposed new voting and election rules.

Director of Finance and Accounting Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Wulff absent) The board approved the 2015 preliminary October financials

Serving Truckee/Lake Tahoe Residential • Commercial

Executive Session: The board approved utilizing funding from the reserve program in the amount of $63,794 for Golf Course well-house component repair and upgrades.

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP CLEANLINESS & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

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tahoedonner.com |

GERMANY Scott Warner, Sara Warner, Shayna Warner, Susan BellWarner in Berlin.

GERMANY

Dav id Danis and son Kev in Dan at the Ma rienplatz, Munich.

SOUTH AFRICA

Roy and Kathy DeRenzi after a windy climb up to Cape Point, with a panoramic view of the Atla ntic

Ocea n and Buffels Bay.

Email your “Where in the World” photos to: comdep@tahoedon-

TURKEY Jerry and Kathi Schwartz, Michael and Denise Eyton-Loyd, and Vicky and Jim Pyle in Cappadocia.

ner.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.

SKI OR RIDE FOR FREE WHEN YOU PURCHASE A TAHOE LICENSE PLATE

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Purchase a CA or NV Tahoe license plate and get two free Alpine or Nordic tickets to the Tahoe resort of your choice*. Now you can play in some deep powder without having to dig deep to make a difference. Your modest commitment will help fund hiking and biking paths, and water quality and restoration projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For more information or to purchase your license plate online, visit tahoeplates.com. *restrictions apply

tahoedonner.com |

| Tahoe Donner News | January 2016