Tahoe Donner News March 2016 by Tahoe Donner Association

MARCH 2016 tahoedonner.com |

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

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FAT BIKING Snowing? No problem. With fat bikes, you can ride all year long.

P18

SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION Summer is right around the corner. Grab your calendar and start planning for a summer of fun now!

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BEST IN THE WEST Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area ranks as best in the West by the readers of USA Today.

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DEPARTMENTS

TAKE NOTE

President's Message March updates from the board president

Board duties Fiduciary responsibilities explained

March Calendar Don't miss any of our great winter events!

Winter Golf Activity Golf maintenance crew stays busy

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

45-Day Notice Property maintenance rule changes

Inspection Program Update on property inspection program

Giving Fund Update TDGF helps at-risk youth learn to ski

Election 2016 A timeline of dates for TD election 2016

Volunteer Ski Patrol It's not too lateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sign up for this season!

WAXING 101 Mystified by the whole ski waxing thing? No worries. We'll take you through the basics. You can even watch an online video.

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Meeting Recap Review the January 22 board meeting

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

VOL. 17, NO. 3

WELCOME

MARCH 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@tahoedonner.com

Treasurer

Jeff Bonzon, jbonzon@tahoedonner.com

Secretary

Courtney Murrell, cmurrell@tahoedonner.com

Director

Ron Wulff, rwulff@tahoedonner.com

Board of Directors

board@tahoedonner.com

Postmaster Send address changes to Tahoe Donner

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

News, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161

Greetings Tahoe Donner members! I hope

abrogate needed increases in the reserve

530-587-9400, Fax 530-587-9419

you are enjoying this wonderful winter we are

replacement component of your annual

having. It’s kind of a joke among my colleagues

assessment.

comdep@tahoedonner.com

on the board and committees, but I’ve made

On a more sober note, back at the Novem-

Advertising Sales

the window seat at the Alder Creek Adven-

ber meeting your board was presented with

Creative Concepts Media + Marketing is

ture Center my new office. As I sit there now

a routine staff report reviewing summer

the exclusive advertising representative.

I’m witness to the numerous activities which

operations. During the Beach Club Marina

today include: a second grade class enjoying a

discussion we were reminded that no boat

Publishing Information

day on cross country skis with their teachers

launch had occurred due to low water levels.

Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive

and parents, private lessons being conducted

It was further disclosed that more than 20

service mark right to “Tahoe Donner.” Any

with beginners on the meadow, an intermedi-

members had opined that they had enjoyed

ate skate lesson taking off with ex-Olympian

their experience more without the usual boat

is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising in

Glenn Jobe, and the constant comings and

launch occurring. As staff and the board does

this publication does not constitute an endorse-

goings of skiers and snowshoers of all ages and

with all trends in comments cards, we asked

abilities enjoying our trails and terrain. If you

staff for a more in-depth explanation at our

Phone 530-582-4100.

unauthorized use of such will be regarded as an infringement of that service mark right and

ment or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its board of directors of the

have not yet, I highly encourage you to experi-

January meeting and to further explore what

Tahoe Donner News (ISSN 1550-6061) is

ence what many guests have described to me

benefits might be expected if boat launching

the official monthly publication of Tahoe

as our new “world class” facility.

were to be curtailed. In the subsequent Janu-

products, services, or views contained therein.

Donner Association, which is located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161.

Nothing warms a board member’s heart like

ary discussion, safety, parking, beach volume,

lots of snow before Thanksgiving. We expe-

storage, and predominant member usage were

scription to a domestic address. Additional

rienced record revenue for the Thanksgiving

all discussed. No decision was made other

subscriptions are available at the cost of $25

and Christmas holidays which far exceeded

than to proceed with an aggressive member

our most optimistic forecasts, and in January

outreach effort to include: constituent user

the trend continues. The President’s holiday

email notices where available, news stories in

additional mailing offices. Member letters to

and local “Ski–Skate” week experienced good

our magazine, weekly all-member news blasts,

Tahoe Donner are published in the Members

weather and numerous guests enjoying what

placing a survey on our website, and holding

Tahoe Donner has to offer. All this good finan-

a member town hall discussion on the issue.

Each membership parcel receives one sub-

each. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and

section of tahoedonner.com, where publishing guidelines are available.

cial news already has your Finance Committee

During the upcoming February board meet-

exploring different scenarios which may

ing, which at press time has yet to take place, (Continued on p. 4)

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

March

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

FOR ADDITIONAL MARCH EVENTS SEE

LET’S GET TOGETHER ON PAGE 10 Friday Night Tubing Don’t miss tubing under the stars for the last time this winter. See page 14.

Have you entered our Snowman Contest yet? The more creative the better! See details on page 5.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

I-Did-A-Run This day is all about your dog—it’s a doggie snow race and a fundraiser! See page 13.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Green outfits, green beer and Irish food. Don’t miss this year's celebrations! See page 17.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

SNOW BIKING Come on out to Tahoe Donner Cross Country and give snow biking a try! We have trails dedicated just for fat bikes, which are great on uneven or variable terrain. Kilometers available change daily due to conditions, so visit the daily grooming report before hopping on for your ride. Rentals available daily. See more on page 18. ALL EVENTS ARE DEPENDENT ON CONDITIONS. PLEASE CHECK TAHOEDONNER.COM OR CALL 530-587-9400 FOR UPDATES. SATURDAY, MARCH 19

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

Snow Tube Bowling

200-Foot Banana Split Extravaganza

Taste of Truckee Gourmet Ski Tour

Like bowling? Take it to the next level and tube into inflatable pins for a strike at Tahoe Donner Snowplay! See page 14.

This isn’t your average sundae—it’s 200 feet of ice cream goodness and you’re invited to eat it for free! See page 14.

Mix cross country skiing with a gourmet food tasting and benefit local charities in the process. See page 12. tahoedonner.com |

Haulin' in the Hardware Congrats to our winners! Our kids on Tahoe Donner’s race team earned medals in February at the Tahoe League races at Heavenly. Pictured above from left to right are champs Audrey Boxwell (second in 9-year-old girls division); Keegan Green (first in 9-year-old boys division); Mackenzie Green (11th in 10-year-old girls division). Kayla Hubble, Tahoe Donner's race team coach, is behind the kids. Congrats to all!

(Continued from p. 2)

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QUALITY WORKMANSHIP CLEANLINESS & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Interior and Exterior Specializing in Staining Wood Restoration Superior Finish Painting Remodels and New Construction

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PO Box 11107, Truckee, CA 96162 BONDED & INSURED • CA LIC #764916

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

the compiled feedback will be analyzed and

encompassing Sierra eastern slope ripar-

discussed and further fine tuning of possible

ian habitat and forested lateral moraine and

alternatives and solutions will be presented.

upland. Two parcels of 320 acres are directly to

No decision, if any, will be forthcoming until

the north of our Euer Valley property includ-

March or April when all inputs are complete.

ing the north and south Crabtree Canyon

Please help by taking the Beach Club survey on

drainages. I am happy to announce that in

the website at tahoedonner.com/feedback. The

partnership with the Land Trust, environmen-

survey will be available through March 6.

tal conservation will be assured and access to

I’ve discussed before how rewarding acting

this truly beautiful and unique terrain will be

as a volunteer board member can be. Balancing

available to Tahoe Donner members and the

the goals of our association with the demands

public. In speaking to Perry Norris, Land Trust

of special interests has been the most chal-

executive director, he has informed me that a

lenging task of my five years on the board. The

campaign to raise funds for this purchase will

above Marina boat launch discussion is a prime

soon be launched. Please visit tdlandtrust.org

example. What is most disappointing is how

for more information and do your part to sup-

some members feel obligated to post mislead-

port this cause.

ing and inflammatory information on public

In my next message I hope to share with you

websites. I only ask that before you react, to

more information as it becomes available con-

explore Tahoe Donner’s website for accurate

cerning our five year trails development plan

information or feel free to contact board@

now in the permit process with Nevada County,

tahoedonner.com and I promise to respond to

as well as our land management plan which is

reasoned comments or questions.

now one and a half years in development and

Closing on a positive note I can report that the Tahoe Truckee Land Trust plans to close on the Carpenter Valley purchase soon. There are several parcels incorporating 1,320 acres

nearing completion. ‘Till then, cheers.

STEVE MILLER | BOARD PRESIDENT

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. 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

facebook.com/tahoedonner twitter.com/tahoedonner instagram.com/tahoedonnerassociation/

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

alandjosi@gmail.com

Elections, Bette Rohrback

truckeebette@yahoo.com

Finance, Art King

aiking156@att.net

General Plan, Dwight Walker

walker.dwight@outlook.com

Giving Fund Co-Chair, Merle Fajans

tdgf@tahoedonner.com

Giving Fund Co-Chair, Dick Gander

tdgf@tahoedonner.com

Unacceptable Uses of Dickson Realty Logo

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

White Logo:

Can be used on Corporate Blue Dinny backgroundEvans or dark photo back-

Realtor® ground

BRE #01126819

Direct

530.414.1420 Megan Evans Realtor®

BRE #01384362

Direct

530.448.9434

Senior Alpine Ski, Michael Eyton-Lloyd hmsmike1@aol.com

Website

Tennis, John McGregor

jmpj1964@gmail.com.

9-Holers, Marianne Bowers

HighAltitudeHomes.com

mariannebowers@hotmail.com

Men’s Golf, Bob Moore

bob4moore@aol.com Dickson Realty Tagline

Women’s Golf, Bettye Carmichael

ibboop@suddenlink.net

Hiking Club, Robin Reese

rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Quilt Club, Linda Brush

sewlinda@aol.com

Junior Golf Club, Jean Lai

jslai@comcast.net

TD 4-Wheelers Club, Bill Ratcliff

td4wheelers@gmail.com

Equestrian Club, Susan Terrell

Corporate Blue Logo: Can be used on white or light photo terrellsf@earthlink.net background Corporate Blue Logo

HIGH ALTITUDE HOMES

If you can dream it up, you can team it up.

Dinny

Megan

SNOW LEVELS ARE UP AS WERE THE 2015 HOME VALUES IN TAHOE DONNER. CALL US FOR A COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS IF YOU ARE CURIOUS ABOUT THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME TODAY

Dinny & Megan

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

tahoedonner.com |

TAHOE DONNER'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THEIR FIDUCIARY DUTY Tahoe Donner’s board of directors is the governing body of the association and ultimately responsible for the direction and oversight of the affairs of the organization. Tahoe Donner’s board of directors is made up of unpaid volunteers elected by the membership. Members of the board of directors act as representatives for the property owners of Tahoe Donner and, as such, they must become familiar with, abide by, and uphold the association’s governing documents, such as the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions (C&Rs), the bylaws, and the regulations contained in the architectural standards, and covenants rules. These governing documents establish the specific duties and powers of the board, outline the parameters of board authority and jurisdiction, and establish the rules that are required for the good of the community.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS; FIDUCIARY DUTY The director must remain focused on the best interests of the corporation. Loyalty to the corporation means subordinating personal objectives and needs to the financial requirements of the association. The board is subject to two broad duties: DUTY OF CARE (Due Diligence; Duty to Investigate) DUTY OF LOYALTY (No Self-Dealing) In this regard, Civil Code Section 1366 explicitly provides that the homeowners association shall levy regular and special assessments sufficient to perform its obligations under the governing documents and the Davis-Stirling Act, California Civil Code Section 1350.

Fiduciary Duty: A duty to act for someone else's benefit, while subordinating one's personal interest to that of the other person. It is the highest standard of duty implied by law (e.g., trustee, guardian). — Black's Law Dictionary Because board members are entrusted with the money and property of the association they are held to a higher standard and must avoid conflicts of interest. They are deemed "fiduciaries" and have a duty to act in the best interests of the membership and corporation. Directors of nonprofit corporations such as Tahoe Donner Association are fiduciaries who are required to exercise their powers in accordance with the duties imposed by the Corporations Code. This fiduciary relationship is governed by the statutory standard that requires directors to exercise due care and undivided loyalty for the interests of the corporation . Two Broad Duties. Upon their election to the board of a common interest development, directors become fiduciaries with powers to act on behalf of the association. As fiduciaries, directors are held to a higher standard of conduct and have two primary duties: (i) duty of care, and (ii) duty of loyalty. This applies to directors of both incorporated and unincorporated associations. A. DUTY OF CARE (Due Diligence; Duty to Investigate). Directors must be diligent and careful in performing the duties they have undertaken. (Burt v. Irvine Company.) Directors must: 1. Attend and participate in meetings so they can be informed about the association's business.

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

2. Make reasonable inquiry re maintenance issues, rules violations, safety, etc. 3. Make decisions. 4. Keep corporate records.

B. DUTY OF LOYALTY (No Self-Dealing). Directors must act in the best interests of the association even if at the expense of their own interests. This is more than just embezzlement of funds; it includes steering contracts to family members or taking actions that result in personal benefits to the director at the expense of the association. Violation could result in (i) liability for all profits received, (ii) all damages caused by the breach, and (iii) punitive damages. The duty of loyalty also extends to the support of board decisions by all individual board members. Business Judgment. In determining whether directors violated their fiduciary duties, courts will use the Business Judgment Rule. To avoid potential breaches, boards, like the Tahoe Donner Board, adopt ethics policies to guide directors. California Business Judgment Rule. Generally, courts will uphold decisions made by the governing board of an owners association so long as they represent good faith efforts to further the purposes of the common interest development, are consistent with the development's governing documents, and comply with public policy. Thus, subordination of individual property rights to the collective judgment of the owners association together with restrictions on the use of real property comprise the chief attributes of owning property in a common interest development. California also has a statutory business judgment rule. Corporation Code Section 7231, subdivision (a) provides, in relevant part, " [a] director shall perform the duties of a director . . . in good faith, in a manner such director believes to be in the best interests of the corporation and with such care . . . as an ordinarily, prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances." Subdivision (b) provides that the director is entitled to rely on information, opinions, and reports presented by certain specified persons. Finally, subdivision (c) provides, in relevant part, "[a] person who performs the duties of a director in accordance with subdivisions (a) and (b) shall have no liability based upon any alleged failure to discharge the person's obligations as a director . . . ." (Italics added.) A common occurrence with homeowner associations, the holding assessments artificially low due to owners political pressures on boards is the bane of many associations and the number one reason why reserves are under-funded and special assessments occur. Tahoe Donner’s board has a specific policy and funding plan in place to address future funding demands of our aging association. 2016 annual assessment of $1900 reflects a $100 or 5.5 percent increase over 2015. • The $826 Capital Funds portion was increased $20 to fund futurecapital needs of our aging assets. • The $1074 Operating Fund portion was increased $80 due primarily to drought-driven lower revenues and regulatory cost increases.

• The optional recreation fee was increased $10 to $270 in order to offset increases in operating costs. Tahoe Donner Association (the Association) prepares its annual revenue and expense budget in accordance with applicable laws, its own governing documents and budgetary policies and procedures. The Association’s approved budget also reflects the fiduciary responsibility of the Board and management, in protecting all owners investment in the Association, both for the 2016 budget year and into the future. The process begins with general direction from the board of directors regarding influential factors, such as the level of service to be provided, new community projects, economic conditions and changes to business operations. Capital and equipment expenditure budgets are formulated to determine the funding needs for the Replacement Reserve Fund, the New Machinery and Equipment Fund and the Development Fund. The operating budget is traditionally developed with attention to historical trends in revenue generation, consideration of economic factors that may influence revenue or expenses, achievable cost reductions across all departments, service levels to be achieved and staffing levels required. The Finance Committee participates in reviewing the budget prior to submittal to the board of directors and offers input for the board’s consideration. The general manager and director of finance and accounting then present the staff-recommended budget for Board review. The board subsequently directs staff to incorporate revisions it feels are appropriate. Please refer to tahoedonner.com/financials for the 2016 budget report and other financial information about your association. Source: Information in this article was sourced from davis-stirling.com.

Town Hall Meeting Recap BEACH CLUB MARINA BOAT RAMP FEB. 20, 2016 We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, Feb. 20 at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Over 85 of your fellow members showed up to provide feedback regarding waterline safety and the boat ramp at the Beach Club Marina. The presentation from the meeting, including the feedback from the audience, is available online (see below). At the board of director meeting on Feb. 27, discussion and review of the feedback from the town hall meeting and the results of the survey on the subject occured and a recap of that meeting will be available online at tahoedonner.com/board. If you have not taken the boat ramp survey yet, please do so tahoedonner.com/ feedback. The survey will be available through March 6. Again, thank you all for providing feedback in our efforts to make our Beach Club Marina a more enjoyable and safe environment for our members.

SEASON PASS SAVINGS!

GOLF Before you know it, golf season will be here, so now is the time to purchase your Tahoe Donner golf season pass or multi-play pack for 2016.

As of March 1, passes and packs are on sale at early season prices. Save 10% by purchasing early! Tahoe Donner Golf Course is a true mountain classic. The first championship golf course in the Truckee Tahoe area, the course set the standard for the others that followed. With 7,002 yards, this tree-lined classic is also the highest elevation course in the region. Offering a driving range, regular clinics, special events, and a full range of food and beverage options, Tahoe Donner has it all.

See all golf season pass and package rates at tahoedonner.com/golf

SKI We’re already looking forward to another great ski season next year, and to celebrate, we’re offering next year’s season passes at this year's rates starting March 15. Bonus: if you purchase a downhill, cross country, or combo season pass now, you can use it for the remainder of this ski season too! Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area is committed to being the best place for family fun and learning in the Tahoe region. We are known for our successful learn to ski program, one of the only in the area that starts teaching kids as young as 3 years old. The combination of our wide open bowls, excellent grooming and lightly traveled runs make Tahoe Donner Downhill a gem for beginner skiers and riders. Enjoy a small ski area that delivers a personal touch, unique to the area.

See all 2016-2017 season pass and package rates at tahoedonner.com/ski-season-passes

Also, the results of this past summer’s Capital Improvement Survey are located online. See links below: • Presentation from Town Hall Meeting: http://goo.gl/9ymqhG • Capital Improvement Survey Results: http://goo.gl/IdekOB

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT TAHOEDONNER.COM 530-587-9400

tahoedonner.com |

GE T READY FOR

SUMMER FUN! AT TENTION FA MIL IES ! IN AN EFFORT TO ASSIST IN THE SUMMER PLANNING OF OUR MEMBERS, TAHOE DONNER WILL BE OPENING REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 SUMMER DAY CAMP AND AQUATICS PROGRAMS BEGINNING MARCH 7. ADDITIONALLY, EQUESTRIAN HORSEMANSHIP CAMP REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MARCH 14 FOR MEMBERS AND MARCH 28 FOR PUBLIC. MEMBER REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY, MARCH 7 AT 8 A.M. FOR DAY CAMPS AND AQUATICS PROGRAMS, AND ON MARCH 14 FOR EQUESTRIAN HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAMS. Here are some important registration steps to help assist in completing the process:

DAY CAMP, AQUATIC, AND EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM MEMBER REGISTRATION To register as a member, each participant must be identified in the Tahoe Donner profile, even if they are 6 years old or younger. Additional members can be added to member profiles at the Member Services office, located in Northwoods Clubhouse. Members can also send an email to add a child to their profile. Send the email to info@tahoedonner.com. In the email include: member’s name, Tahoe Donner address, child’s name, birthday, and relationship to owner. 1. Create a login at tahoedonner.com/shop. To do so, members will need to enter their name and member ID number exactly as they appear on the member ID card. If the member completed the registration process last summer, the login for the member should be the same. Both previous and new users should log in and make sure all additional members added to the member’s property appear on the online registrant’s profile. 2. During the checkout process, links to waiver forms will be provided which will need to be completed and submitted to Tahoe Donner. 3. If there are any questions regarding registration, please contact Member Services at 530-587-9400.

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

GUEST REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY, MARCH 14 AT 8 A.M. FOR DAY CAMP PROGRAMS AND AQUATIC PROGRAMS. TO REGISTER AS A GUEST, EITHER A TRANSFERABLE GUEST CARD ID NUMBER OR A MEMBER CARD ID NUMBER MUST BE OBTAINED. DAY CAMP, AQUATIC PROGRAM GUEST REGISTRATION 1. Create a login at tahoedonner.com/shop. 2. During the checkout process, links will be provided to waiver forms, which will need to be completed and submitted to Tahoe Donner. 3. For all programs restricted by age, guests will be required to provide an accurate birthdate for the child. If the birthdate entered is found to be inaccurate, the child will be removed from the program and no refund will be issued. Please visit tahoedonner.com or watch for our Summer Fun Guide for the complete schedule of day camp and aquatic activities for the upcoming summer. For questions about the registration process, please contact Member Services at 530-587-9400. Please note: If the child member turns 7 years old prior to registration this year, Tahoe Donner members may be required to pay applicable member fees for them to be considered a member. Also, please be sure to check the status of the children well before the registration date so any issues can be resolved in advance of the registration date.

TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA

VOTED BEST IN THE WEST AND TOP 3 OF 10 IN NORTH AMERICA The votes are in for USA Today’s 10Best.com Readers’ Choice contest and Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area ranks among the best cross country ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada. After four weeks of voting for Best Cross Country Ski Resort, Tahoe Donner Cross Country finished third behind the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont and American Birkebeiner Trail in Wisconsin. Rankings are based on total number of popular votes received by each resort. The initial 20 cross country center nominees in the contest were picked by a panel of experts that included Sadie Bjornsen, Holly Brooks, and Sally Caldwell, all U.S. Olympians and current or former members of the United States Nordic Ski Team. “It is great to be recognized as one of the best. Not only were we nominated by a panel of experts that included Olympic skiers, but to finish as the top resort on the west coast is truly an honor,” said Sally Jones, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area manager. “At Tahoe Donner Cross Country, we pride ourselves in creating a top-notch skiing and guest experience every day. It is rewarding to see those efforts recognized by the voters.” Other resorts rounding out the top five include Devil’s Thumb Ranch

M a ke yo u r ai r qu ality a s c r i s p as t h e S ie rra. Carpet Care with all-natural products.

in Colorado and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area offers over 100 kilometers of terrain, specially prepared for the best experience for traditional cross country striding, skate skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. New this year is the Alder Creek Adventure Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering streamlined rental services, larger wax and locker rooms, expanded indoor and outdoor seating, a large Nordic retail store, as well as a pub with televisions and a fireplace. Additional improvements include new rental equipment, including a new fleet of Fischer SCS skate skis, classic skis and Salomon pilot combo boots; and new grooming equipment that includes a Ginsu grooming implement, allowing for higher quality, low snow grooming. Within the building is a new restaurant, the Alder Creek Café, serving fresh grab and go meals, house-made soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. Beer and wine selections are available as well, plus mention après tasting plates and a happy hour. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area is open daily to the public and offers private and group lessons, rentals and signature events through-

Call today to schedule a cleaning 800.452.3060 www.SNOWTECH.net 17356 Northwoods Blvd. CSLB #825998

out the season. See tahoedonner.com/cross-country for details. tahoedonner.com |

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

C T R O U TC E N T E R R EC I VAT E A M

H C LU B A R I NA EN

to stay out skiing later, but we ask that you

Thursday Trivia Night

a chance to win prizes! This weekly event is

best possible conditions for the next day. Don’t

free. Event will be cancelled if insufficient

forget: season passholders are welcome to ski

participation by 7:15 p.m.

from 7 a.m. on non-storm days.

NER D O N of Cake, Cup of Tea and allowedHon O EPiece TA

LU B C A N I JO MEE

E SH RBUNNY TIME: 11 A.M. – 1 P.M. THE EASTER ARE INTE ARRIVES AT 11:30 A.M. AND THE EGG HUNTS BEGIN AT NOON STARTING WITH THE YOUNGEST AGE GROUP. ADDITIONALLY, EASTER BRUNCH IS OFFERED AT THE RESTAURANT FROM 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. SEE TAHOEDONNER.COM FOR A COMPLETE EGG HUNT SCHEDULE, AS WELL AS THE EASTER BRUNCH MENU. N E R

Kids Night Out

DON HOE

OURS GOLF C TA

N On the first Friday and third PSaturday U B L I C A M E of

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• Weekends from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. only.

• Season passholders can ski from 7 a.m. on non-storm days.

NT E R E C s i n t e nfor See our multi-use page on the website on March 15! If you purchase yours now at this R E N D O N aboutEproof more season's rates, you can use it the rest of this O Edetails T R of shots needed and N TA H E C N season, plus all of next season. ST RtoIAget your dog on the trail. Ehow U Q E K REE The weather has been beautiful at the Cross Snow Bikes ER C D your sunALD N U O Country Ski Area.PDon’t forget R Also known as fat bikes, these bikes are CA M G screen! specially designed for riding on snow. We have Season passes for 2016/2017 will go on sale

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Night Movie and even a bedtime story. Par-

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N E on for you to try. Snow bikes are onlyEallowed DON

As the days get longer there is temptation

of games, dinner, arts and crafts, our Friday

ON may make reservations in advance O E D at Trout

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a small fleet of these bikes in our rental shop

Trails are open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ages 4 through 9 are invited to an evening

staff members look after your little ones. You

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every month we host Kids Night Out. Kids

ents can enjoy a night out while our trained

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WHERE: THE LODGE RESTAURANT & PUB TD M DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 27

ER EMB

AR EA I K S L WNHIL

from Penney the Bunny.

U NT O C S S C RO

Dogonit during the following hours: I • Monday E N (non-holiday) from 8:30 P U – Friday BLIC AM a.m. – 5 p.m.

spoon races, face painting, and a performance

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A friendly reminder that dogs are only

will be plenty of eggs to go around for kids ONN OE D TA H

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Dog Trails

ROGER BURNS | RECREATION SUPERVISOR

annual Easter Eggstravaganza egg hunt. There ages 12 and under. Come enjoy carnival games,

O TA H

Easter Bunny will be in Tahoe Donner for our

the trails by 5 p.m. to allow us to provide the

It’s an extravaganza like no other! The

8 p.m. Get ready to test your brain power for

Easter Eggstravaganza

needs to start as soon as we close; please be off

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night inside Pizza on the Hill from 6:30 –

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respect our 5 p.m. trail closing time. Grooming

Trivia Night takes place every Thursday

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Creek, or by calling Trout Creek at 530-5879437, or at Member Services or by calling Member Services, at 530-587-9400, ext. 0. Subject to cancellation. Space is limited; there is a maximum of 25 children and a minimum of five. $20 per child. DATES: FRIDAY, MARCH 4 AND SATURDAY, MARCH 19 TIME: 5 – 9 P.M.

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. Copyright rules do not allow us to print movie titles; please call Member Services at 530-587-9400 to find out what’s playing. to have fun. Check it out at Tahoe Donner Whether you call it snow biking or fat biking, you're sure trails. the Cross Country for a new experience on

tahoedonner.com |

O TA H

and Dogonit and on the snowshoe trails. Biking

Association.

may not permitted when there is soft new snow.

DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 20

more details about snow biking and our grooming report to get updates on trails open for bikes.

Women’s Skate Clinic Series There are still a few weeks left of the Tuesday morning Women’s Skate Clinic Series, so call to check if there is still room and improve the efficiency of your skate skiing. (Participants must be able to ski intermediate terrain). Call 530-587-9484 or stop by the front desk at Cross Country to sign up. DATES: TUESDAYS, MARCH 8 AND 13 TIME: 10 – 11:30 A.M. COST: DROP IN RATE OF $32/CLINIC IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE (EQUIPMENT RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE AT $25).

Taste Of Truckee - Gourmet Ski Event Featuring delicious offerings from local restaurants, including a selection from the new Alder Creek Cafe. Bring your own equipment, or rent skis or snowshoes and get a few free pointers from our experienced instructors before heading out on the trails. All-day ski pass included with admission. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to Tahoe Food

TIME: 12-3 P.M.

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

TIME: START ANY TIME BETWEEN 8-10 E A.M.; BBQ BEGINS ATT11 SH E R A.M. A RE IN

SALLY JONES | CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER MANAGER

COST: TICKETS $35 FOR ADULTS; $20 FOR KIDS. PRICING INCREASES $10 THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

Introduction To Biathlon Clinics After range instruction and practice with our specially-designed laser biathlon rifles, you will ski or snowshoe a short loop and try to hit the targets with an elevated heart rate, just like at the Olympics! DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 26 TIMES: 10 – 11:30 A.M. ADULT (AGE 13 AND OLDER); 11:30 A.M. – 1 P.M. YOUTH (7-12 YEARS OLD) COST: $32 (A TRAIL PASS IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE PURCHASED ON THE DAY OF THE CLINIC. SKIS OR SNOWSHOES RECOMMENDED).

Tour D’Euer Celebrate spring with this 25-plus-year tradition of touring the Euer Valley in your choice of distances from 7 – 25 kilometers. Refuel at the Cookhouse, then soak up the sun after the race with live music and a BBQ at the new Alder Creek Adventure Center. DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 27

KAYAK AND SUP STORAGE LOTTERY BEGINS IN MARCH

Save the date! Lakeside storage lottery for the Beach Club Marina begins on March 21 at 9 a.m. and closes on March 28 at midnight. The cost is $150 per spot. If you receive a spot, you will be notified by the end of the day on March 30. The lottery for spots on the exit side begins on March 31 at 9 a.m. and closes at midnight on April 7. The cost is $100 per

spot. You will be notified by the end of the day April 9 if you receive a spot. We will be taking payment and accepting liability waivers from May 27 through June 15 at the beach club. After the Beach Club opens, you can come by or call 530-5879460 to make arrangements. Ask for Ali or Tommy.

ALD

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See our multi-use page on the website for

CL JOIN A

C ROS S

Hub and to the Far West Nordic Ski Education

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our multi-use trails: Piece of Cake, Cup of Tea

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It sure has been a long time coming, but believe it or not spring weather and hopefully some great golf is just around the corner! N Are you ready to play your best? Right now it A H O E D O T might not feel like it, but what you do today BE NER can have a huge difference in your game in AT T H E DON HOE A T upcoming months. The good news is that many of us are thoroughly enjoying the fantastic skiing conditions that Mother Nature has provided this year… and it’s about time! But given all of the wintertime fun, it’s also about time to go and find your golf clubs, whether they’re in the garage or in a closest somewhere, dust them off, and focus in on some key items that will make your upcoming season much more enjoyable!

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First things first… Did you know golf season passes and packs are on sale now? As of March 1, you can purchase at early season prices. See tahoedonner. com/golf for details. Next... Do a thorough investigation of that golf bag and equipment of yours; how are your grips? Do you even remember the last time you changed them? What about all those golf balls rolling around in your bag? Do you know exactly what ball works the best for you? Have no fear; the Winter Golf Academy is here! No matter the issue, we can help with whatever you might need for your upcoming golf excursion or play date with your friends and family. As a year-round, full service golf shop, we can address any of your issues and make sure you’re starting the year fresh and ready to go. Here are a few simple tips to get your golf ball rolling in the right direction for the 2016 season. Practice first with short swings then full swings. Start with putting to establish rhythm and tempo. Chipping and pitching also require a lot of feel and tempo and therefore are another great place to start practicing. Think

of these shots as a miniature full swing, which will allow you to make a smoother transition to a correct full swing. Once you move to the full swing, make sure your grip, posture, and setup are correct. I like to think of these three areas as the engine that starts the golf swing. Without these key factors being sound and correct, it becomes almost impossible to swing the club correctly and to get consistent results. I would strongly suggest that everyone take advantage of the Tahoe Donner Winter Golf Academy. Consider taking some lessons, or perhaps bring some friends and book some time to play and have fun. Whichever you choose, I know that anything you do will benefit your overall game in the long run.

area, with many lessons and happy customers.

overall winner. And make sure you buy raffle

During the month of March, our demo skis are

tickets—all proceeds from the raffle benefit the

on sale in the rental shop, so stop by and pick

Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe and you

up a great deal. We’re always looking for staff,

might take home great prizes!

including lift operators, food and beverage

DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 13

positions and, of course, ski school instructors;

TIME: REGISTRATION IS FROM 12 -1 P.M. WITH THE RACE STARTING PROMPTLY AT 1 P.M.

so if you’re interested in a part time job, please fill out an application online. Get ready for these upcoming events in March:

COST: ENTRY IS $20 PER PERSON/DOG AND INCLUDES A GOODIE BAG.

Winter Beach Party

200-Foot Banana Split Extravaganza

Nothing beats a beach party in winter, right?

split for free! Grab some spoons because this

some tropical fun, live music, food and games.

will be one tasty monster at Tahoe Donner

Buddy Emmer Band will be making some

Downhill Ski Area. R NNE island tunes on the deck. This is great for the O D DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 19 OE TA H whole family and it’s free! TIME: 1:30 P.M. ON

R DATE: SATURDAY, N N E MARCH 12

V I C ES R E S R EM BE H

M LP O & INFOR OE D TA HTHE PARTY KICKS OFF AT 12 P.M. TIME:

AR EA I K S L L I D OW N H PU

sled down a snow covered chute against the

clock. Four weight divisions include: 0-25

C LU B H C A E B A R I NA 2016/2017 Season passes will go on sale March M for the fastest in each division with a trophy 15, and if you buy early, you can not only save R C ENT E the most money but also use the pass the rest s i n n e t of this year plus all of next year! NER N O D MiracleTAMarch and H O E is here N T EweR are hoping for E C N A RI a long winter! EQ U ESTIt’s been a busy season at the ski pounds, 26-50 pounds, 51-75 pounds and 75

We're already looking forward to next year!

pounds and over. Awards will be given to the I V AT E A M

competition raced by family teams at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. It is a giant slalom

REEK C T U O ER T R firstC Eand ence between C N Tsecond runs. The team E R component is a combined best difference from race, but the time that counts is the differPR

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a child in a family with the best difference from an adult in the family. The winning team

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N T RY

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Dogs of all shapes and sizes pull a weighted

Tahoe Donner Family Challenge

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The Family Challenge is a matched time

Y OW P L A

ROB WEIZER | HEAD GOLF PRO

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Help devour an incredible 200-foot banana

Join Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area for

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DINE. RECLINE. RELAX.

Get outside this summer. But first get inside Mountain Home Center. Let us help you build a timelessly beautiful (and, comfortable) outdoor space where your furniture sets the mood for this and many summers to come… just the way you want it to be. Shown here our Gloster Woven & Teak Collection. Plush. Contemporary. Comfortable. Whatever your Mountain Home style you’ll find it on display in both our Truckee locations: Main Showroom at 11403 Brockway Rd; Downtown at 10115 Donner Pass Rd. www.MountainHomeCenter.com

tahoedonner.com |

gets their name engraved on the trophy in the ski lodge. All children who complete their two runs will earn a medal, and there are other prizes as well. This event is free.

RECREATION CENTER AT 7:15 P.M. TO FILL OUT WAIVERS.

Sonder, a veteran Tahoe Donner employee,

Snow Tube Bowling - March 19

Manager. Stop in to say hello and congrats!

alley. Take bowling to the next level by sending your teammate down the tube lane in an

REMEMBER, ALL EVENTS ARE CONDITIONS PERMITTING. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE SLOPES!

attempt to knock down inflatable bowling pins

ties that Tahoe Donner has to offer. Board

RThrowing Contest - April 2 Snowball NNE

members are also invited to these mixers,

ES S E RV I C

E DO

Test your aim and try to hit the bullseye in

giving our newest members the opportunity to

meet our board in person. New members will

& INFO DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 2

receive electronic communication or a cour-

TIME: HEATS WILL RUN EVERY HALF HOUR FROM 1 - 2:30 P.M.

tesy phone call as new parties are planned. Our team is familiar with all the amenities and activities Tahoe Donner has to offer;

ROGER BURNS | RECREATION SUPERVISOR

Friday Night Tubing - March 4 Come tube under the stars!

EEK R C T U T RO C ENT E R R EC

C LU B B EACAHR I NA M

DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 4 TIME: OPEN UNTIL 6:30 P.M.

we have experienced all of our amenities and most activities firsthand, so we can offer

members free access to try some of the activi-

TIME: 12 - 2 P.M.

NER

addition, raffle prizes are given away to give

an excellent level of customer service and

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to meet with fellow new homeowners. In

DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 19

offer our new homeowners the opportunity

R M E M B Ethis fun contest!

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R NNE

These mixers have been a great success. They

for a strike.

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mented New Member Meet and Greet events.

TIME: 1 P.M.

ROBERT MCCLENDON | DOWNHILL SKI AREA MANAGER

This past year, Member Services imple-

This isn’t an average day at the bowling

DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 20

ON OE D TA H

has been named as our new Member Services

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infomation. Member Services also brings

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knowledge of the surrounding areas to Tahoe ES C I TA V R R E E T Snowman Building Donner from Sacramento, to Reno, to Truckee RS C E N Contest - March 5 R n n iscreation MEM BE t eyour Build and let the judging D O N N E and all around the big lake. We strive to have E AHO T Y ? begin. Good luck! LA all the information you need, so feel free to TER NER S N OW P DON E O DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 5 call, chat, H R R V I C ESemail or stop by and we’ll be happy R New to Tahoe Donner? E D O N N E TA E NNE S O D O R TIME: ALL SNOWMEN OE B E to assist you. TA H NE Monly AR EA MUST BE COMI OMNot TA H T I R Come in and see Member Services! K S PLETE BY 2 P.M. IN ORDER TO BE NNE E C R E A L O L D HI OE will Member assist TA H Services R E E K SERVICES YR you with gettingO U T CMEMBER A D OW NJUDGED. L P S W D membership T R C ENT E R S N O and guest cards to access H WOOyour T Full Moon Snowshoe Tour RO R R EC E N N L O the association’s amenities, we’d love to help B O DON U P L E A E O C Join Tahoe Donner Snowplay for Ia wintery AH T AC H I Nwith K AR NER E you get acquainted Tahoe Donner S B L DON L I E H O RteamA isthe outing lightWofNthe moon. ReserA EEK TA H under the M S R O K C Community. Our knowledgeable on R D O T U W vations T RO C ENT E R NER B I K E must be made at least 24 hoursC EinN T E R the various policies and procedures at Tahoe DON Y s R i R EC T en n B t U Donner Association. C O U N advance. L C H E R SATURDAY, MARCH 26 DATE: B EACAR I NA ONN R E OE D T N TA H C E THE TOUR IS FROM 7:45 P.M. - 9:30 New Member Services Manager M IANTIME: ER R T P.M. PLEASE ARRIVE AT TROUT CREEK S O N NSpin Class E We are pleased U N T EtoR announce that ‘Chelle TAHOE DNew Q E C s i Come T I O Njoin Nikoletta Bersentes at Trout A en n E t R C E R Creek for a unique new spin class. We will ER ONN R E O E DS S ASHLEY QUADRO H T D A T connect with our spirits through music, moveH WOO AN C E N T I R R R O T N N Edisplays her N S ment and breath. Nikoletta E L D Oalso U O Q O E P HOE A K T I O N you to come REE R Tinvite artwork at Trout Creek.RWe A E NNE O C D E D R OE TA H in and view her newest works on display and ROUN KS R O W S E BIK WOO D have some fun taking a soul ride and connectH T R R O E N N ON ing with your spirit! P OO L OE D S D R E R N DATE AND TIME: THURSDAY EVENINGS, 6 P.M. ON EG UA OE D TA H S K R I K E WO Yoga for Beginners Workshop - March 24 B R E N The Beginners Yoga Workshop is designed ON OE D TA H S D R for anyone interested in learning a foundaG UA E F I L tional practice, alignment and awareness of ER the body, mind and heart. The beginners’ S Y

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

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workshop will cover a brief discussion of the

Week 7: Aug. 1 – 5

cross country day at Tahoe Donner Cross

origin, philosophy and benefits of yoga, basic

Week 8: Aug. 8 – 12

Country Ski Area. It’s a great way to try a new

yoga postures and how to link Ujaii breath

Week 9: Aug. 15 – 19

winter sport. After several years, the club has planned to

PRICE: MEMBER - $499; NON-MEMBER $599

There will be time for open discussion and

return to Mt. Rose for a day of skiing. We orga-

questions. DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 24 TIME: 4:15 - 5:45 P.M.

nize bus transportation so members can relax

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enjoy a pre-Easter workout while your little

one gets a jump start on Easter by decorating a

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NER special Easter basket for our D O N EggstravaE Easter O H TA

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ganza on Sunday. See Easter Eggstravaganza

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Drop by Kid’s Club the day before Easter to

time this is published, our annual overnight

trip toCHeavenly I ES and Kirkwood will haveDbeen HILL SK V N R W E O S a good time to meet R completed. It is always R M E M B E new members NNE O D and ski somewhere different. OE RY T TA H N U O C planned in March will R O S Sevents CFurther be highlighted next month. Please visit our

KRYSTAL-RAE MECHAM | EQUESTRIAN OE TA H MANAGER

Early Easter at Kid’s Club – March 26

and socialize to and from the mountain. By the

with movement as we flow from pose to pose.

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website at tdski.com for more details on our

C R E E RK T U O R E Club E DONNER T 9-Holers TGolf N E Tahoe Donner DON Easter Sunday. C C Y O E R R NT TA H B It has been a great snowy winter in Tahoe IA N C E U C O U N T DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 26 L C R H T C S B EA AR I NA Donner but now our thoughts are beginning EQ U E to TIME: 9 A.M. – 1 P.M. EEK R C M R DE turn spring and A Lto N Dgolf. U R O E R T G N P opened up a percentage of our memCE CWeAMhave en n is ER t N N bership to non-Tahoe Donner property owners O R OE D E NNE TA H S O D R for the 2016 golf season. If you are interested in OE TA H F COU ENT E R L C O G N A I playing nine holes of golf on N Thursday mornNER ST R E U E DO Q O E H A K ings in addition toTenjoying N activities, REE T I Osocial EAfun R C E D R R N then we may be the golf club for you. NNE ROU E DO O H TA and May D S OO D S We play pre-season golf in April News for Horsemanship Camps! W H G UAtoR T E F R I O L (weather permitting) so it is not too early N P OO L We will be launching Horsemanship NER DON join. ER H O E If you have questions please contact our N A Camps on March 14 for members and open to T N S DO HOE UAT I CMarianne president, Bowers, at mariannebowQ S A K the public on March 28. Our equestrian day TA R O W R E E IK ers@hotmail.com or get an application at ONN camps are for ages 8 to 14. These are half-day,B OE D T N TA H ER E N V N tahoedonner.com/golf/clubs. O LE week-longHriding A I O E D camps for groups of four C E TA S P always Club Ski D Alpine S The Tahoe Donner Senior AR students with student/teacher Ga Utwo-to-one E F has a blast in the great outdoors. I L R ratio. Each student has his or her own horse DEPENDABLE S for the week. Students will learn the fundaTahoe Donner Senior Alpine Ski Club

activities.

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mentals of horsemanship, safety and riding skills. Grooming, tacking, arena work, trail riding, bathing and a horse show on Friday

are all part of the curriculum. All camps are open levels for beginner through intermediate riders. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered each week. Morning sessions take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and afternoon sessions are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

2016 Horsemanship Camp Dates:

As of early February, the ski club membership totals were around 210 members. With our current fabulous ski conditions, member turnout for our biweekly ski days has been

(530) 582-4027

Cell:

(530) 386-7528

www.DependableSnowRemoval.com

to 50 members skiing! As a bonus to an already discounted ski lift ticket, the club has provided a subsidy to those who may only have a season pass at one resort and who wish to ski at our other destinations. February plans included a few fun races held at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

Week 2: June 27 – July 1

The club provides a free clinic the day before

Week 3: July 4 – July 8

to get everyone comfortable for the race the

Week 4: July 11 – 15

following day.

Week 6: July 25 – 29

Decks • Paths • Stairs • Roofs • Ice Dams

Office:

fantastic. One day at Northstar, we had close

Week 1: June 20 – 24

Week 5: July 18 – 22

SNOW REMOVAL

Over the President's Day holiday week, the club changed the pace with a snowshoe and

tahoedonner.com |

Tahoe Donner Men’s Golf Club The Tahoe Donner Men's Golf Club 2016

To see detailed information on all upcoming tournaments, including deadlines to sign

schedule of tournaments is now available.

up, entry fees and full tournament descrip-

Property owners and guests who would like

tions, visit the Men’s Golf Club website at sites.

to join the men's club can find membership

google.com/site/tdmensgolfclub/tournament-

applications on the bulletin board in the hall-

schedule.

way outside the pro shop. We look forward to

Entry forms and fees must be in the Men's

another enjoyable and exciting season of play.

Golf Club drop box at the pro shop or received

2016 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE May 29 (date tentative): Ice Breaker (shotgun start at noon). Format: four-man shamble mixer and players will be assigned to teams based on A, B, C, and D playing levels. June 3: NCGA Senior Four-Ball Net Championship Qualifier (8 a.m. shotgun). Format: four-ball (two-person better ball). Best ball of a two-man team. June 18: NCGA Four-Ball Net Championship Qualifier (8 a.m. shotgun). Format: four-ball stroke play (two-person better

by mail no later than 5 p.m. the Monday before the tournament (see entry due dates for each online). All entry fees must be paid by check or cash and payable to TDMGC.

Tahoe Donner Quilt Club The Tahoe Donner Quilt Club has started a new community project: we are now making walker tote bags. We have several interested organizations so we think this will be a worthwhile undertaking. If anyone has fabric they can part with, a donation is much appreciated; we also need Velcro strips. ‘Chelle Sonder at Member Services is collecting the donations for us.

ball). Best ball of a two-man team.

There is never a dull moment as a TD 4 Wheeler. Photo by Coleen Liedholm .

vacations and the opportunity to actually ski this winter for a change, kept us off the trails but we are planning many new and exciting trails to run and places to go as I write this. The big trip coming up this month is to

July 10: The Match Play Qualifier (8 a.m.

Moab, Utah and the 50th Annual Easter Jeep

shotgun). Modified Stableford Format. The

Festival. The Easter Jeep Safari consists of

31 players receiving the highest points plus

trail rides, mostly day long trips, departing

last year's match play champion qualify for

from Moab throughout the nine-day event.

match play.

The official event is hosted by the Red Rock

July 23: NCGA Net Amateur Champion-

4-Wheelers Club, the local four wheel drive

ship Qualifier (8:00 a.m. shotgun). Format:

club in Moab. Members of the club lead the

Stroke play. Players will receive 100 percent

trail runs which are rated for difficulty from

of their course handicap at all levels of play.

one to 10. The trail runs take participants

July 30: Junior/Senior or Father/Son (8 a.m.

through gorgeous red rock canyons and over

shotgun). Handicap and Callaway divisions. Best ball of a two-person team in each division. Aug. 13: NCGA Zone Championship Qualifier (8 a.m. shotgun). Format: Best two balls of a four-man team. Play will be 90 percent of the course handicap using a maximum index of 18.4. Aug. 25 – 27: The Tahoe Donner Invitational, two-day event (9 a.m. shotgun). Sept. 9 – 10 (dates tentative): Club Championship, two-day event (7 a.m. shotgun). Sept. 25: Memorial (shotgun start at noon).

An example of the walker tote bags the Quilt Club is making. Photo by Marilyn Dundas.

The Quilt Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Northwoods Clubhouse from 1 - 3 p.m. We continue to make baby quilts for the Truckee Healthy Babies program of Nevada County and placemats for our local Meals on Wheels. Feel free to come to our meetings, meet these talented ladies and see our latest projects. All skill levels are welcome. If you have questions, please contact Marilyn Dundas at

Two flights with the guests/members play-

md11792@outlook.com.

ing in one flight and the TDMGC members

TD 4 Wheelers Club

playing in another flight. Oct. 2: Chapman (shotgun start at noon). Two-man team with a modified scotch format using 40 percent handicap.

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

The TD 4 Wheelers Club didn't have any trail runs in January that I can tell you about in this issue. The combination of heavy snow,

challenging rocks and terrain. Also on Thursday and Friday of the event week, there is a vendor and information display area that is free to the general public. There are hundreds of vendors showing the latest and greatest four wheel drive parts and accessories as well as tire manufacturers that display their latest products. If you've been looking for some fun and adventure in your life, join the club and go four wheeling with other folks who love driving the back roads. This is a wonderful group of very nice people who will welcome you and help you stretch your off-road skills. If you are interested in joining our club, send an email to 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.

DINING OPTIONS 12850 Northwoods Blvd. 530-587-9455 tahoedonner.com/the-lodge

celebrate with us! On St. Paddy’s Day, from 5 – 9 p.m., everyone is Irish for the night.

in the entire restaurant and Pub. Enjoy food

• Guinness Cans - $4

plates, soups and salads. Offer may not be com-

• Black and Tan Beers - $5

Mexican Mondays*

• Jameson shots - $5

Zarate will offer an authentic Mexican dish. Plus, $4 house margaritas will be available all night long every Monday night. No discounts will apply for these specials and prices will vary by the week. The specials are: March 7 - Chipotle chicken quesadilla with chips and salsa March 14 - Carne asada with rice, beans and corn tortillas March 21 - Chile verde carnitas burrito with chips and salsa March 28 – Picadillo chile relleno with rice and corn tortillas

St. Patrick’s Day Party Thursday, March 17 Put on your favorite green outfit and come

Happy Hour specials wildly last all night long

You’ll enjoy: • Corned beef and cabbage special - $16.95

Dinner Hours: 5 – 9 p.m. daily

Every Monday in March, Chef Freddy

WildER Wednesdays*

• Irish Car Bomb shots - $6

Easter Brunch – Sunday, March 27 The Lodge Restaurant & Pub will host a delicious all-you-can-eat brunch buffet on Sunday, March 27. Easter brunch is $39 for adults, including a complimentary glass of champagne or a mimosa, and $16 for kids. The Easter Bunny will pay us a visit and there will be games, crafts and more for kids 12 and under. See page 11 for Easter egg hunt details at the annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Reservations are strongly recommended. Preview the menu at tahoedonner.com/the-lodge/menu/. COST: $39 ADULTS, $16 CHILDREN (EGG HUNT IS FREE) TIME: 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. FOR BRUNCH (EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA ACTIVITIES FROM 11 A.M. – 1 P.M.)

and drink specials, plus 25 percent off shared bined with any other coupon or promotion.

No Corkage Tuesdays* Bring in a special bottle of wine from home to savor in the dining room and we’ll waive the corkage fee on Tuesdays.

Happy Hour* Enjoy drink specials and 25 percent off shared plates, soups and salads in the Pub, valid Sunday – Thursday from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Happy Hour cannot be combined with any other promotion or coupon.

Alder Creek Cafe Open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with grab and go items available all day from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Additionally, patrons can try our tasting plates menu offered at bar on Thursdays through Sundays from 4 – 7 p.m. Preview menu selections online at tahoedonner.com/

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

Dinner Hours: Thurs. – Mon., 5 – 8:30 p.m.

3 for 2 Mondays* It’s 3 for 2 Mondays all March long! Order three pizzas and you’ll only pay for two (taken-bake and to go orders included)! Complimentary pizza must be of equal or lesser value and cannot be used with any other coupon or offer.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Thursday, March 17* Celebrate Saint Paddy’s day with us and enjoy $10 cheese or pepperoni pizzas all night long (available for dine in or take it go); $8 green Coors Light pitchers and $2 green Coors Light pints. Deals cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.

Happy Hour* Quench your thirst with $3 Coors Light, $4 seasonal draft beers and $4 house cabernet or chardonnay by the glass; plus, enjoy half-price wings. Offered from 5 - 6 p.m., Thursday Monday.

$10 Pizza Sundays* It’s pizza for just $10! Grab this deal every

cross-country/dining.

No Corkage Sunday Nights Round out your weekend on the right note. Come in and enjoy some après tasting plates, while enjoying a bottle of wine from your cellar.

Live Music Every Saturday Night Live music takes place every Saturday night from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Alder Creek

Sunday at Pizza on the Hill. Valid for cheese

Adventure Center. Come and enjoy a differ-

or pepperoni pizza only; you can now take

ent musician every week! Free!

advantage of this deal for up to 10 pizzas! Take it to-go or dine-in.

Snowplay Café

Thursday Night Trivia

that lives at Tahoe Donner Snowplay.

It’s time to test your smarts! Trivia lovers—

The Snowplay Cafe is a new food truck Operating hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on

this is your chance to win big! Don’t miss our

Saturdays and Sundays. Items include

Trivia Night at Pizza on the Hill. See page 11

gourmet hot dogs, soups and hot bever-

for details.

ages and more, plus every weekend we

Friday Family Movie Night

feature a different special. Past specials

Enjoy a movie on our big screen for FREE. See page 11 for details.

have included Mahi fish tacos, breakfast burritos and steak and cheese sandwiches to name a few. tahoedonner.com |

*Promotions cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon and are not valid during holiday periods.

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub

DAPHNE HOUGARD

FEATURE

BY ASHLEY QUADROS Have you seem them yet? People riding bikes in the snow mixed

first thing you’ll notice is that the tires on fat bikes look huge compared

among cross country skiers and snowshoers—how are they even riding

to mountain bike tires. These fat tires let the bikes float over snow and

in the snow and why aren’t they sinking? These bikes aren’t just any

sand where normal mountain bikes would simply sink.” While fat bikes

plain ol’ mountain bike; they are known as fat bikes and they are taking

and mountain bikes look and operate similarly, the tires on fat bikes

the biking community by storm.

make them ideal for all-weather conditions, including trekking through

This trend, which gained heavy momentum in recent years, has actu-

snow, sand and even mud. It’s a way for biking enthusiasts to continue

ally existed in some form since the early 1900s with the first modern

riding in the winter months and in other unstable conditions without

fat bike created in the 1980s. As fat biking continues to become increas-

worrying about snow. It’s also a way for beginners to consider a new

ingly popular, it is now available at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski

sport Tahoe Donner now has to offer.

Area in the winter and Tahoe Donner Bikeworks in the summer, both located at Alder Creek Adventure Center.

What exactly is Fat Biking?

First Impressions of Fat Biking While Walker has been riding bikes all of his life, he bought his first real mountain bike in 1994 and shortly after began competing in races.

It’s another form of biking but the tires, which are fat (hence the

By 1998, he was working in the bike industry where he remains today,

name), allow for mobility in otherwise challenging conditions or vari-

but it wasn’t until the spring of 2015 when Walker tried fat biking for

able terrain. As Bikeworks manager, Dave Walker, explained it, “The

the first time. “The bike did better than I expected in the snow,” he

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

recalled. “I did find it to be physically harder than mountain biking, but it was fun as it was such a different feeling. I also learned that ice is still slippery no matter how wide your tires are.” Like Walker, Jody Sergison, avid mountain biker and Tahoe Donner’s lead graphic designer, also recently took up the sport, testing fat bikes on the snow for the first time this past February. “It was easier than I expected,” said Sergison. “I thought there would be less grip and the bikes would be harder to ride through the snow. The job Tahoe Donner does maintaining the trails is brilliant and it really helps. I now need to add a new bike to my collection!” Long-term rider Forrest Huisman had a similar experience. Huisman, who acts as Tahoe Donner’s director of capital projects, was raised in a family passionate about cycling and has been riding since he was 6 years old, both leisurely and later competitively, but it was only three seasons ago when Huisman first took a fat bike for a spin. “My first experience on a fat bike was in mixed conditions, where the trail was covered with sections of snow, mud, and rocks,” he recalled. “The handling was noticeably spongier and less responsive at times, but these characteristics were ultimately beneficial in other areas, allowing me to negotiate terrain that my standard mountain bike wouldn’t.” Riding a fat bike for the first time was a positive experience for all three riders; while a little intimidating at first since biking in snow and sand isn’t the norm, all three mastered the art of fat biking in one try

Snowing? No problem! With fat bikes, you can ride all year round!

since the only requirement of fat biking is knowing how to ride a bike, and if you can ride, you can surely fat bike.

The Pros and Cons of Fat Biking Although fat biking and mountain biking are both forms of cycling in the great outdoors, there are some noticeable differences when riding a fat bike. For Huisman, the fat tires themselves are essential, working as both a positive and a negative, depending on the rider and the conditions. “It doesn’t take extreme adventure to really appreciate the extra grip, shock absorbing quality and added comfort of fat tires,” he said. “Tire pressure, and the ability to change it for different conditions, is the key to fat biking and to enjoying the ride.” However, while noting extra grip is a perk of fat tires, it can also be a disadvantage at the same time. “Larger volume tires can also be a handicap,” he said, “as they aren’t as fast or responsive on asphalt or dry trail conditions, so chose your bike accordingly. Additionally, I’ve noticed that although these wider tires roll through varying terrain with ease, I prefer to stay on lower slope angles, as steeper trails require fitness and can be an additional challenge.” With additional challenges, Walker noticed fat biking required more endurance on his part too. When fat biking, he grows more tired than he would on a normal mountain bike. “Fat biking on the snow is definitely more of a workout than riding around the neighborhood,” he said. “It is a great workout and a new way to enjoy being out in the snow, but you’ll get tired a lot quicker than you’re used to on your normal bike.” Growing tired more easily might be a negative to some, but it is a positive to anyone looking for a good workout, outside of the standard gym setting. One’s level of fatigue will depend heavily on their overall level of health, activity and the terrain they are choosing to take on. Terrain plays an important role in the level of ease or difficulty one might tahoedonner.com |

fat bike by watching a short video of people fat biking on the trails at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area.

experience while fat biking, but for those looking for a bit easier of a ride, Walker advised, “I find it most enjoyable on hard-packed snow. The groomed dog trails at the Alder Creek Adventure Center are my favorite,” he said. Sergison agreed groomed trails make all the difference when it comes to fat biking. On his first outing, he noticed he wasn’t able to ride as fast as he normally could on a mountain bike, but he wasn’t riding for speed either. Instead, Sergison was happy to be out riding in the winter and took regular breaks to check out the scenery he had been missing since the fall. Overall, he felt fat biking and mountain biking were very comparable. “Apart from the obvious fat tires, I don’t think it differs much at all,” he said. “It’s all about getting out and having fun!” And fun he had!

Why Fat Biking is Worth a Try Just like with regular biking, fat biking is great for all ages and a fantastic way for families to go out together and explore, regardless of the time of year. “Even when skate skiing and downhill ski conditions are good, it’s still really fun to mix it up and go for a ride with friends,” said Huisman, who enjoys the extra variety Tahoe Donner has to offer. “I recommend that everyone try something new, so if you can ride a bike, and want to adventure through this winter landscape, I encourage you to give it a spin.” As conditions allow, fat biking is permitted at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area every day, all winter long on selected trails. Go out, have a little adventure and experience the trails like you haven’t ever before.

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

Watch the video at tahoedonner.com/fat-bike-video.

DAPHNE HOUGARD

Seeing is believing! Get a glimpse of what it’s like to

WINTER GOLF MAINTENANCE

GOLF

BY KEVIN KUEHNE, TAHOE DONNER GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT During the off-season, the main focus of Tahoe Donner’s golf maintenance department is to ensure that the course will be ready for the upcoming season. Administration, planning activities, building and shop organization keeps us busy throughout the winter months. In addition, machine maintenance to mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, and many other pieces of equipment is performed, as well as upkeep to the electric golf cart fleet that is used by our golfers. Painting and staining, whether to the building interior, equipment, or refinishing our many wood golf course accessories, is another off-season activity for the golf maintenance staff. During winter, we also work on the continued education required by various agencies and organizations within the golf maintenance industry to maintain necessary permits and licenses. In addition, we try to utilize the majority of our vacation time during this period, knowing that our free time will be limited from late spring through fall due to work responsibilities. Tahoe Donner’s golf maintenance department is the only golf course in the area that has its own snowcat, which is used on a regular basis throughout the winter months. One of its main uses is for building, maintaining and grooming Tahoe Donner’s Snowplay area, located on the driving range. We also work with our forestry department this time of year to help with the removal of undesirable trees in areas that are inaccessible during summer months. Using the snowcat, trees are “skidded” – or dragged over the snow-covered surface – to a location where they can be easily picked up by an outside source. Starting this month, the snowcat will be instrumental in the removal of snow from our greens on the golf course. In typical years, we use the machine to clear anywhere from 3 to 10 feet of snow from our greens down to a depth of roughly 4 to 8 inches. The remaining snow is removed using snowblowers and shovels. We’ve been provided with a great winter thus far! We at golf maintenance hope you all have been safely enjoying the much needed snow we’ve received this year. We’re looking forward to another great golf season, but for now, we’ll continue our winter activities so that we can focus on course preparation as soon as weather permits.

It may be off-season, but the golf maintenance crew stays busy all winter. Pictured here is the staff after clearing the fourth green in 2011.

use snowblowAfter the snowcat clears the majority of the snow, crew ers and shovels to remove what snow is remaining.

OPT IN FOR PAPERLESS COMMUNICATION TODAY! It’s 2016 and Tahoe Donner Association (TDA) is going green by cutting back on paper and mailing expenses. Receive TDA statements and other documents faster via electronic mail (email) and together, we’ll save trees in the process. Opting in for paperless communication is easy and takes only a few minutes. Just visit tahoedonner.com/opt-in and enroll today in paperless communication.

Visit tahoedonner.com/opt-in now to enroll tahoedonner.com |

FEATURE

GLIDING ACROSS EUER VALLEY — SLIDING DOWN SKIP’S PLUNGE A PRIMER ON WAXING SKIS AND SNOWBOARDS BY JILL OBERLY Whether cross country, alpine skiing, or snowboarding through fresh powder or on perfectly groomed conditions, the feeling of being on the trails and slopes is incomparable. That enjoyment can be enhanced when your equipment is properly waxed. Properly waxed skis will glide faster and turn easier. However, there is more to it than just the performance you may experience on the snow. “It’s not always about going faster,” Roger Chaney, wax guru said. Chaney hosts wax clinics at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center throughout the season. “A dry base is going to crack and break over time. Waxing is an opportunity to protect the investment that you made.” Properly maintained equipment will not only perform better on the snow, but will also have a longer lifespan in terms of that performance. “We’ve seen many, many skis this year that people have not waxed for two or three years,” Peter Werbel, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center assistant manager, said. “The ski is very dry and in my experience, which is 40-plus years, I’m not sure that those bases are going to perform as well as they were meant to.” However, when it comes to waxing, it is often difficult to know where to start or what the right approach may be. “There is so much emphasis on waxing. From the World Cup down to recreational skiing, it’s all about waxing and that can be overwhelming,” Chaney said. “I try to temper that in my clinics – there are ways for you to address this without fully getting into the science of it.” The most basic level of waxing, particularly for cross-country or Nordic skiing, is a topical wax application. These are the liquid or paste

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

waxes that can be rubbed directly onto the base of the ski just before heading out on the trails. “Topical waxes are the ones you have in your bag when you don’t have a lot of time and you want to put something on your skis because you know you haven’t waxed in a while,” Chaney said. “These are popular, because they are inexpensive and quick, but are still going to help you enjoy that experience when you are out there." While a topical wax will create a barrier between the snow and the base, it will sit on top of the ski and won’t really become a part of the base. For those interested in learning more and taking their own waxing to the next level hot or iron waxing may be preferred. Following is an overview of the waxing process and some tips to keep in mind: • If you are going to wax at home, make sure you have the right tools – a good iron, brushes (a brass or copper brush, and a nylon brush), and a sharp scraper. • It is important to start with a clean base of the ski. Make sure that no dirt or white patches are visible. Note that it is more effective to clean your skis with a good, hot scrape rather than using a liquid base cleaner which can be dehydrating on the base. • Once the skis are clean, drip or crayon the wax onto the ski. How you apply the wax is based on preference and comfort level. The most important thing is to make sure you have a barrier of wax between the iron and the base.

• When it comes to scraping, hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle, stay behind it, and push down with very little pressure. You want the scraper to be sharp so that it just peels the wax off the ski.

make the skis harder to control.

• The next step is to brush out the ski—first with the brass or copper brush, followed by a nylon brush. A general rule of thumb is to scrape less, brush more. According to Chaney, “you cannot over-brush a ski.”

when they are in contact with the snow.”

• Work tip to tail to polish the ski and remove any residual wax that may be left.

insight into proper equipment maintenance.

• With spring around the corner and the temperatures increasing, consider switching to a warm weather wax.

wax – multiple times a year ideally, but the

Generally the process of waxing for both cross country skis and downhill skis or snowboards is similar. However, the important differences that need to be addressed with alpine skis are edging and detuning. “I think the main thing people probably disregard is having a smooth edge,” Rick Ouchida, rental shop supervisor at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area said. “You’ll get a lot of pairs of skis where the edge of the ski feels like a jagged saw and those skis will be really grabby and they really won’t ski properly.” It may come as no surprise that hard-packed snow and icy conditions will dull edges quicker increasing the frequency with which they may need to be tuned. Rough and uneven edges will

“De-tuning a ski is also pretty important,” Ouchida said. “After we sharpen a pair of skis, we usually detune the tip and the tail a little bit, again so that the skis won’t be grabby Waxing and tuning services are offered at both the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center and Downhill Ski Area. Rental staff at both facilities can also answer questions and provide “What people need to do is a good hot iron really big one is you need to do one postseason,” said Tommy Kelly, ticket, rental, retail manager at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. “At the end of the season you need to buy a storage wax and really just cake it on your bases. You don’t have to scrape it—just leave it on there. Bases tend to dry out over the summer, especially up here where it is dry, and that can lead to the bases actually warping or in extreme cases shrinking—and then you have essentially ruined a pair of skis.” Chaney offers some final thoughts as well. “Don’t be afraid of the process. It doesn’t have to be daily. I want you to go out and enjoy skiing knowing that waxing is a part of maintaining your investment and it is also a part of wanting that ski to move quicker. Have fun with it!”

• Pay attention to the recommended iron temperatures on the box or labeling of the product. If you are going to err on one side, err on the side of running the iron cooler than the recommendation. Overheating the iron can damage the base of the ski. • Maintain movement of the iron on the ski. Don’t let it sit in one spot. • Once you have good coverage of wax on the base, let the wax cool naturally at the temperature of the room you are working in. • Once the ski has cooled, prior to scraping your ski, clean the edges and the groove (for cross country skis).

WATCH IT ONLINE! Waxing skis and snowboards is easier than you think. Watch our online video to get an up-close look at how it's done at tahoedonner.com/ waxing101.

tahoedonner.com |

BULLETIN BOARD

HOMEOWNER PROPERTY INSPECTION PROGRAM In February 2013 Tahoe Donner began the Homeowner Property Inspection program after a six month discussion at board of directors meetings and member communications. The program was developed as a part of Strategic Plan Goal 3: Strategic Plan Goal 3: Execute effective approaches to maintaining the Association’s architectural, covenants, and communication standards.

The inspection focuses on identifying properties whose exteriors may be in need of maintenance to keep with association standards. Tahoe Donner’s governing documents provide the basic authority to review properties to ensure compliance with minimum standards of appearance. Article V, Section 1(c) Maintenance of Existing Improvements and Lots. The Committee’s jurisdiction and responsibilities hereunder shall also extend to and include the monitoring and regulation of existing Improvements and Lots for the common benefit of the Tahoe Donner community to ensure that the Improvements and Lots are being maintained and used in accordance with Articles VI, VII, and VIII of this Declaration. Article VII Section 2 Owner Maintenance Responsibility. Except as may be otherwise provided in any Supplemental Declaration Recorded with respect to any Condominium project with the Properties, each Owner shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of his or her Residence and/or Lot. Maintenance of an improvement comes in many forms from faded and mismatching paint schemes to windows, and roof repairs.

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

The Committee has also noted a fair amount of unpermitted improvements on lots including decks, structures like bocce courts or basketball pads, pathways, driveways, and hardscaping. Any kind of exterior improvements must at least be reviewed by the Architectural Standards staff and committee at a minimum to review lot coverage and site plan accuracy. Many of the major items brought forth from the inspections relate to lot coverage exceeding the maximum percentage, and/or improvement into the setbacks or over property lines. As a result, owners may be required to pull back to approved levels and be fined. Education of the membership continues in this area with educational brochures such as the Site Setback brochure. Additionally, the Architectural Standards Rules, Procedures and Land Use specifically guides for a natural mountain environment which aims to protect

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE

• Strategic Plan goal development and yearly goals • Drafted Information Paper on new program and Board presentation June 2012 • Board guidance and program refinement August • Board approval of new inspection program September 2012 • Membership outreach Fall 2012 on new program • Program launched February 2013

Purpose: Inspect homeowner properties in order to ensure compliance with the governing documents. Emphasis will be placed on compliance not on a punitive measure*.

Vision: A community standard for property homeowner developed lots. Goal: Preserve the appearance of Tahoe Donner homes so as to maintain home values in an aging community.

Inspection Details: There are two parts to the initiative: Part 1: The program will be implemented on a Unit-by- Unit basis beginning with Unit 7. Approximately 250 homes in that unit are

the setbacks. Since the rollout of the program, over 1,300 properties have been inspected with 925 (71 percent) passing the inspection. The 375 properties not passing the initial inspection were equally split with between major and minor repairs needed (see below). The total inspected exceeds yearly targets as a result of homeowner/realtor requested inspections. The Architectural Standards Committee reports an overall success towards the goal of the program and thanks the membership for their participation and efforts towards maintaining a minimum standard. As the inspection program continued, management and the committee came to the opinion that inspecting to the existing New Construction Standards as outlined in the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and Architectural Standards Rules is Major repairs may include: metal roof bare metal, unpermitted improvements Minor repairs may include: staining, shiny metal

scheduled for exterior inspections from the street facing view. This is not new to existing operations, rather a codification of existing practices and a systematic approach to view the entire association beyond member complaints. Part 2: A full 360 degree exterior inspection will occur after a property transfer. This part of the initiative is new and allows the association to address any exterior compliance issues at rate of 250-500 homes per year. *Association management recognizes that “age” alone is not the sole factor of declining property appearance and will identify specific properties in need of maintenance attention and communicate their findings to the property owner.

in many cases too stringent for an on-going maintenance standard. As such, the staff and Architectural Standards Committee worked together these last seven months to draft new rules for the clarification of the minimum ongoing maintenance standards. The new rules will aid member education, understanding and compliance, as well as reaffirm the inspection scope and association authority to pursue compliance with the Association covenants and restrictions and Architectural Standards Rules, Procedures and Land Use. At the January 2016 board of directors meeting, management and the committee brought forth the draft of the on-going maintenance minimum standards rules for review. They recommended the board of directors approve the on-going maintenance rules as drafted for 45-day member notification of board consideration for adoption. The 45-day member notification and drafted rules are found here in this issue of the Tahoe Donner News and are posted on the website. Management, the Architectural Standards Committee, and the board of directors encourage review and comment of the drafted rules.

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tahoedonner.com |

BULLETIN BOARD

45-DAY NOTICE ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS NEW ON-GOING MAINTENANCE RULES New Architectural Standards on-going maintenance rules will be considered for action by the board of directors. The board of directors is expected to take action to adopt these procedures, as they are presented here or with some modification, at its April meeting, currently scheduled for Friday, April 22. The board welcomes any input you may wish to offer regarding this process. The proposed Architectural Standards ongoing maintenance rules are as follows:

X.1.2

Stone Siding or Accents

X.1.2.1 Stone is damaged or missing. X.1.2.2 Grout is obviously absent. X.1.2.3 Flashing is damaged, missing or needs refinishing. X.1.3 X.1.3.1

Metal Siding or Accents Damaged or missing portions of metal.

X. Maintenance

X.1.3.2 Finish is not uniform in appearance.

Due to the high altitude and weather extremes experienced in Tahoe Donner proper and continued maintenance of our property is especially important. Maintenance is the act of caring for property, preserving it from failure or deterioration, including painting, caulking, cleaning, and minor, non-structural upkeep as defined by the minimum standards described below.

X.1.3.3 Metal is rusting (not applicable to metal designed to oxidize â&#x20AC;&#x201C; e.g. Cor-Ten).

X.1 Exterior Wall Surface. For the maintenance issues listed below all repairs or refinishing to these items shall match currently approved colors, unless a permit is obtained. Minor repairs or repainting with the identical color scheme shall not require an ASO permit. Change in color or scheme will require a permit. X.1.1

Wood Siding and Trim

X.1.1.1

Paint is peeling or is not a uniform color on the surface of wall. X.1.1.2 Stain is absent or is not a uniform color on the wall surface. X.1.1.3 Siding and trim is missing, damaged, decayed, or does not match remaining siding and trim.

X.1.4

Stucco

X.1.4.1 Not uniform in appearance (stained, mildewed, or significantly discolored). X.1.4.2 Portions missing, damaged or substantially cracked. X.1.5 X.1.5.1 X.1.6

Other Wall Surfacing Any other material not covered above shall be maintained to keep its appearance as originally approved. Windows and Doors

X.1.6.1 Paint or stain is not uniform, or is peeling. X.1.6.2 Frames are visually inconsistent in appearance. X.1.6.3 Trim does not meet X.1.1 requirements. X.1.6.4 Windows, doors, and screens are damaged or are visually inconsistent in appearance. X.1.7 X.1.7.1

Foundations and Footings Damage that exposes unfinished concrete.

X.1.7.2 Foundations or piers not treated with a finish. X.2 Roof. The condition of a roof will be individually determined when viewed from any one of the four primary aspects (street view, two sides and rear). When repairing a roof from tree or storm damage, color shall be the best commercial match available to the existing roof material. Contact the ASO if the existing roof is too worn or faded to reasonably match any replacement panels. X.2.1

an example of fascia and The above photo illustrates maintenance is required .

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

siding where

Metal Roof. A roof will be considered to have failed Tahoe Donnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural minimum standards when:

X.2.1.1 More than approximately 20 percent of an individual roof aspect has bare metal showing. X.2.1.2 Areas where paint has peeled is clearly visible from the street or any neighboring property edge.

X.2.1.3 The roof aspect is not a uniform color due to unequal fading.

X.5.3

Dog runs/fences shall be maintained in their currently approved color, appearance, and function.

X.2.1.4 There are visible areas of rust (excluding weathering steel products that are designed to have visible oxidation) on that roof aspect.

X.5.4

Hot tubs shall be maintained in their currently approved color, appearance, and function.

X.5.5

At grade patios and walkways shall be maintained with a consistent walking surface. Repairs to heaving and settling shall be required as needed.

X.5.6

Retaining walls shall be maintained. Raw concrete walls shall be painted or stained in their currently approved color.

X.2.2.2 Discoloration shall be addressed.

X.5.7

X.2.2.3 Metal ice dam edging and flashing shall meet the same standards as a Metal Roof Section X.2.1.

Artificial turf shall be maintained per original approved installation.

X.5.8

Any paved surface shall be maintained, free from potholes or excessive cracking. Driveways should be resealed every two or three years depending on exposure, slope, and type of snow removal equipment used.

X.5.9

Exterior lights shall be maintained to the currently approved fixture and location, and be free of damage. Flood lights shall be maintained to be shrouded, have a uniform color, and directed only downward.

X.2.2

Composite Roof Shingles

X.2.2.1 Roof is to be free of numerous visible missing or damaged shingles. Replacement shingles to match existing color as closely as available.

X.3 Chimneys and Other Roof or Wall Vents. All chimneys, vents, conduit, piping, or ancillary features shall be painted or stained to blend and be consistent with the adjacent materials. X.4 Decks and ExteriorxStairs 3.917"w 4.972"h X.4.1

X.5.10 Fire pits shall be maintained in their exterior surfaces in accordance with the standards in X.1 for exterior finishes.

The horizontal surface of the deck shall be maintained with a uniform color, finish, and material.

Your comments are welcome via email at arosenfeld@tahoedonner. com, or by telephone to 530-582-9630. You may also mail comments via U.S. Mail to Tahoe Donner Association, 11509 Northwoods Blvd.,

X.4.2

Handrails around the Example of exposed metal on this chimney. deck shall be maintained with a uniform color and appearance through the structure. Any missing pickets or mesh shall be replaced to match existing.

X.4.3

Exterior stairs shall be maintained with a uniform color, finish, material, and free of damage.

X.4.4

Visible deck framing and hardware shall be maintained so as to be uniform in appearance.

Truckee, CA, 96161.

T H E 2 0 1 5 - 1 6 W O O D W A R D TA H O E

B U N K ER PAS S U N L I M I T E D AC C E S S TO T H E B U N K E R

X.5 Site Improvements and other Structures. The location of these items shall be as limited by lot setbacks. X.5.1

Sheds shall be maintained to match color and material of the house. See X.1 through X.4 above. X.5.2 Garbage can enclosures that are metal Animal Resistant Garbage Can Enclosures (ARGCE) shall meet the requirements of metal roofing above. Custom structures shall maintain the material and color scheme of the house, paragraphs X.1 through X.4. Both shall have functional doors and secure locking systems. This garbage can enclosure does not meet the minimum main tenance standard due to the pres ence of rust and inconsistent paint finish.

O N LY $ 2 9 9

W O O D W A R D TA H O E . C O M

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TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND

TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL SKI AREA AND TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND HELP AT-RISK KIDS This past November, the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund (TDGF) made a $3,000 grant to SOS Outreach to assist them in their mission to help at-risk youth. SOS Outreach is a national youth development non-profit which utilizes adventure sports to engage underserved and at-risk students in long-term mentorship relationships. The SOS curriculum encourages responsibility, self-confidence, service, and leadership skills by instilling the SOS core values: courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and humility. “The SOS presentation to the grant committee was very compelling, particularly how they collaborate with other non-profits,” said Jennifer Jordan, TDGF Committee member.

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

“This is a great example of how Tahoe Donner gives back to the greater community.” SOS works with local school districts and youth agencies to identify those students who will benefit from the structure and consistency of the curriculum. The program encourages students to set and achieve goals while increasing their ability to combat the risk factors they face. “SOS Outreach has been coming to the Downhill Ski Area since the 2010-2011 season. It’s a great partnership to continue to teach young skiers and snowboarders who are new to the sport while also introducing great core values to our youth generation,” said Rob McClendon, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area manager. “Tahoe Donner Downhill is

the perfect fit for programs like this. We pride ourselves on being the best place to begin and will continue working with groups like SOS Outreach to allow kids an opportunity to get outdoors and learn how to ski and snowboard.” This season’s SOS Learn to Ride Program started at the Downhill Ski Area on February 1 with participating youth from Truckee and Reno. Each program is five days in length and each day centers around one of the SOS core values. Each morning starts with a circle where youth share their definition of what the day’s core value means to them. They then participate in a snowsport lesson with instructors from the mountain, SOS volunteers, and staff. At the end of the day they participate in the closing circle where they reflect on the

day’s value and how it was used. The kids are always excited on the first day to get out on the mountain to learn a snowsport. In addition, Dick Schulze, SOS Program Coordinator and Tahoe Donner member, was excited to help kick off the programs at Tahoe Donner this winter. “I’ve been involved with SOS since 2000. It’s a wonderful way to get kids thinking positively about themselves and their futures. Many times I’ve seen and heard the kids applying the SOS core values in their sports,” Schulze said. Tahoe Donner is a great fit for the Learn to Ride program because it allows the youth to get comfortable with their surroundings as they are learning to ski or snowboard. SOS Outreach programs will be serving over 500 youth in the Tahoe area this winter. In addition to Tahoe Donner, participating mountains include Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Diamond Peak. SOS Outreach also has a university program for those who have graduated from the Learn to Ride Program. This winter, the university program in Tahoe will serve over 180 youth. These youth continue on with a mentor and not only ski and snowboard, but also complete service-learning days in the community, as well as attend life skills workshops which include leadership skill development and goal setting. Youth in this program have already completed over 225 hours of service in Lake Tahoe this winter. For more information about SOS Outreach, visit sosoutreach.org. To get involved or make a donation, contact Theresa Papandrea at 775-2980260 or via email at tpapandrea@sosoutreach.org.

“I like Tahoe Donner because it’s big and not so busy, and it’s nice to learn with other beginners,” — Sophia, age 8. “Being here made me feel comfortable and was a lot of fun,” — Sandra, age 13. The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund is chartered by the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors. All contributions are voluntary, tax-deductible gifts from Tahoe Donner members and friends. The TDGF is administered through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. For more information on the TDGF or to make a contribution, visit tahoedonner.com/giving-fund/.

tahoedonner.com |

BULLETIN BOARD

BECOME A SKI PATROLLER IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THIS YEAR! TAHOE DONNER IS SEEKING NEW MEMBERS FOR ITS VOLUNTEER SKI PATROL mentary voucher and a $5 rental voucher for each day you volunteer.

As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, the National Ski Patrol (NSP) is dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. The organization is made up of more than 26,000 members serving over 600 patrols, including Alpine, Nordic, and auxiliary patrollers. Members work on behalf of local ski and snowboard areas to improve the overall experience for outdoor recreationalists.

• $17 cafeteria lunch voucher, valid on the day you volunteer. • Unlimited coffee and hot chocolate from the cafeteria. • Access to Trout Creek for yourself, your spouse and dependents (access to Trout Creek is based on fulfillment of the minimum day requirement from the previous season).

Why should you join the Tahoe Donner volunteer Ski Patrol?

• $5 ski lessons for immediate family (spaceavailable basis).

• As you serve you will have the satisfaction of making a difference.

• End-of-season awards dinner, sponsored by the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area.

• You will learn new skills that will enhance the safety of your family, friends, and outdoor community.

• 25 percent off in the retail shop; “pro-form” products as available.

• Your skiing will improve significantly. • You and your family will be able to ski free at Tahoe Donner (see additional benefits below).

What must I do to join the Tahoe Donner Ski Patrol? 1. Be able to demonstrate that you can ski in a stable manner on the Tahoe Donner mountain.

2. Be willing to learn how to transport injured skiers in a toboggan. 3. Take the National Ski Patrol Outdoor Emergency Care First Aid Course. 4. Be willing to serve 10 days per season as a patroller.

Ski Patrol Perks include: • Complimentary season ski pass for yourself, your spouse and dependents plus a compli-

serving truckee and tahoe-donner for over 25 years

• interior

• exterior

• new construction

• home restoration

(530) 587.7525 30

| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016

www.DedenPainting.com CA Lic #960719

• $100 uniform subsidy for NSP vest, jacket, pants or backpack, upon completion of season-long ten-day NSP obligation. • Up 40 percent retail National Ski Patrol pro deals. For more information, please contact JoinSkiPatrol@tdnsp.org or 530-430-SKI1 (SKI plus the numeral one) to learn further details and how to get started on training.

TAHOE DONNER BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 2016 2016 is an important election year for the Tahoe Donner board of directors. Two (of five) director leadership positions are up for election. Application forms will be available April 1, 2016 in the Member Services office at the Northwoods Clubhouse. The deadline for submitting completed applications is May 2, 2016 at 4 p.m. If you are interested in contributing to the success and vitality of the Tahoe Donner Association, consider running for one of the open board seats.

Board of Directors Election 2016 Target Dates April 1

Candidacy applications available at Member Services.

May 2

4 p.m. deadline for receiving applications for consideration.

May 2

Election committee and staff meet to verify eligibility of those candidates who submitted timely applications; candidates are advised as to their qualifications and invited to submit a candidate’s statement.

May 11

Candidates’ statements must be received at Member Services office no later than 4 p.m.

May 20

As provided by Article VII, Section 5 (d) of the Amendments to the Restated Bylaws, if two, but no more than two, eligible candidates have submitted their timely applications for the two available seats, the board of directors declares those candidates elected and the director election concluded.

June 4

Candidates’ night at Northwoods Clubhouse.

June 24

Board convenes special board meeting at Northwoods Clubhouse for the tabulation of ballots. (Personally delivered ballots accepted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with photo ID).

June 24

5 p.m. deadline for accountancy firm to receive personally delivered ballots.

June 26

Annual membership meeting at Northwoods Clubhouse from 10 a.m. to noon. Personally delivered ballots are accepted at the membership meeting from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at which time voting in the director election will conclude.

BOARD MEETING RECAP JANUARY 22, 2016 Consent Calendar: Approved 4-0 (Director Wulff absent) • Tahoe Donner Giving Fund alternate Appointment (Ermak) • General Plan Committee resignation (Werschky) • General Plan Committee appointment regular member (Johns) • General Plan Committee resignation as co-chairs (Fajans & Stubbs) • General Plan Committee appointment as chair (Dwight Walker) • 2016 Election accountancy agreement • 2016 Election Inspector of Election agreement Tahoe Donner Committee Charters and Tasks review for 2016: No Action Discussion and reporting took place. Director of Finance and Accounting Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Wulff absent) The board approved the preliminary November 2015 financials. Ongoing maintenance rules amendment: Approved 4-0 Director Wulff absent) The board approved publishing for 45-day member comment a rule revision regarding roof maintenance. Architectural Standards 2016 Fees: Approved 4-0 (Director Wulff absent) The board approved the adoption of the Architectural Standards Fees and Fines rules. Drone Rule: Approved 4-0: Director Wulff absent) The board approved publishing for 45-day member notification a proposed new drone rule. Boat Launch Beach Club Marina: No Action Discussion took place regarding discontinuing motorized vessel launching at the Beach Club. Land Management Plan Update: No Action Director of Facilities and Risk Management, Annie Rosenfeld, provided the board with an update on the progress of this plan. Governing Documents Update Project: No Action Discussion took place regarding updating Tahoe Donner’s governing documents to comply with California state laws. Town of Truckee Traffic Impact Fee Program: Approved 4-0 (Director Wulff absent) Draft a letter of support for Town staff recommendation Executive Session: • The board authorized engagement of Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney tahoedonner.com |

NEW YORK

Jo Sander and her son Rya n at the US Open in New York City watching Rafa Nadal.

SKAGWAY, AK

Cindy Haigh before crossing the White Pass into the Yukon in search of the Klondike! Whitehorse here we come!

PERU Andrew and Trevor Lin on family vacation summer 2015,

MEXICO

experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu.

Alex, Melissa, Alister and Beckett Cobb

adventured to Huatulco, Mexico in Apri l 2015. Beckett, who is holding the magazin e, packed TD News himself. If it wasn’t for him, this family wouldn’t be famous!

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

SCOTLAND Greg and Cindy Diekmann standing on the famous Swilken Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course, believed to be the oldest golf course in the world, in St. Andrews, Scotland.

GERMANY

a “bike & barge” tour of Terry and Coral Cavanagh on English, the Rhine and the Rhein and Mosel Rivers (in photo was taken, they Moselle Rivers). On the day this , then biked and hiked up left the river trail in Moselkern to Burg Eltz.

SWITZERLAND Guenther and Debbie Hofen with friends Dave and Janet Swift on 3 month, 6,000+ mile, motorcycle adventure through 5 European Alp countries. Here at the Davos train station in Switzerland. The Hofen’s cabin is on Davos Drive in Tahoe Donner.

ISTANBUL

Jim Mills and Zheng Liang visit Istanbul and Topkapi Palace. This was a stop on a cruise on Holland

Americaship New Amsterda m.

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| Tahoe Donner News | March 2016