Tahoe Donner News - October 2013

OCTOBER 2013

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18 Departments

02 President’s Message

Summer recap; finance info 03 Monthly Calendar

A glance at October events 04

General Manager’s Message Operating cost increases; Marina update

28

Know your Property Line Architectural Standards Office

30

Taking Care of Business Board meeting recap

32 Where in the

World is TD News?

TD News travels the world 1

| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

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22

features

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Replacement Reserve Fund Maintaining property values

08

Let’s Get Together October events

18

Kids First: Kim Szczurek TTUSD board of education president and TD homeowner

22

2013 Photo Contest See who won!

TAKE NOTE

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Truckee River Day Sunday, October 20

21 Meet Dana Herlihy

New Member Services manager 31

Property Inspections For fire safety

VOL. 14, No. 10

Welcome

OCTOBER 2013 EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFF Alyson Stetz Brinn Talbot Gretchen Sproehnle Jenny Kendrick

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

President’s Message

Tom Johns, btjtd@aol.com

Vice President

Jim Stang, jcstang@sbcglobal.net

Treasurer

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

Secretary

Dick Gander, rwgander@yahoo.com

Director

Courtney Murrell, 2courtneymurrell@gmail.com

Board of Directors

board@tahoedonner.com

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

Email

comdep@tahoedonner.com

Advertising Sales Tahoe Guide is the exclusive advertising representative for the Tahoe Donner News.

Call 530-448-3065 or 530-587-1393.

Publishing Information Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive service mark right to “Tahoe Donner.” Any unauthorized use of such will be regarded as an infringement of that service mark right and is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its board of directors of the products, services, or views contained therein.

Tahoe Donner News (ISSN 1550-6061) is the official monthly publication of Tahoe Donner Association, which is located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161.

Each membership parcel receives one subscription to a domestic address. Additional subscriptions are available at the cost of $25 each. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and additional mailing offices. Member letters to Tahoe Donner are published in the Members section of tahoedonner.com, where publishing guidelines are available.

Labor Day has once again come and gone in Tahoe Donner. Summer 2013 was quite a success for the association, with new records being set at our numerous amenities including The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, Pizza on the Hill and especially the Beach Club Marina, which is now our second most–utilized facility, after the Downhill Ski Area.

Fall is a beautiful time of the year in Tahoe, so there is still plenty of time to enjoy golf, tennis, hiking and the marina. As a reminder, the golf course closes on October 20 and the Beach Club Marina on October 6.

Tahoe Donner received significant praise from the Town of Truckee and the Truckee Merchants Association for the free Tahoe Donner shuttle from Trout Creek Recreation Center to downtown Truckee for Truckee Thursdays. We started with just one shuttle at the beginning of summer, but the service was so popular, we added another. One Thursday, 800 homeowners took the bus. Beats dealing with traffic and finding a parking space!

Your board of directors and staff, with the invaluable assistance of the Finance and General Plan Committees, have been very busy with the preparation of the 2014 annual budget. This process begins in late August and culminates October 26 when the new budget is approved by the board and is published for property owners. The board has a fiscal responsibility to ensure that all our funds, including the operating, development, replacement reserve, and new machinery and equipment funds are appropriately funded to cover anticipated expenditures. It is a primary goal of the board to assure these funds meet our expected expenses in order to avoid special assessments.

In accordance with California Civil Code law, it is the policy of the association to fund a

reserve program that will adequately provide for repair and replacement of existing community-owned assets. Our 30-year reserve funding and expenditure plan is produced every three years and updated annually, for the purpose of scheduling and analyzing the association’s funding needs. Therefore, a comprehensive physical and fiscal analysis of all 1,600 items in the replacement reserve fund is being completed this year as required.

Additionally, the General Plan Committee, in conjunction with the Finance Committee, is currently working on the development and capital projects for 2014 and beyond. At this time, the committees have numerous projects in the planning stage as outlined in the 2030 general plan. These projects include the Beach Club Marina, new Cross Country Ski Center, a redesign of the equestrian campus, new Nordic and hiking trails with improved wayfinding signage, Trout Creek Recreation Center expansion, Trout Creek trail to downtown Truckee and eventually, the replacement of the Downhill Ski Area building.

The Tahoe Donner Block Party, put on by Tahoe Donner and Tahoe area service providers on September 21 was a big success. Next up is our annual Fall Festival on October 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Northwoods Clubhouse.

Tahoe Donner staff has been actively signing up new vendors and many are returning from last year, so this signature event should be better than ever. And, it’s not too early to make reservations for the Light up the Night ceremony at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub on November 30 with a gourmet meal, outdoor treats, games for the kids, and great entertainment.

Enjoy the fall.

TOM JOHNS | Board President

THROUGH OCT. 20

THIS FALL

TUESDAYS, OCT. 8 - NOV. 26

Seasonal Golf Promotions Fall and shoulder season golf promotions run through closing day on Oct. 20. Don’t miss out on these great deals. See page 12.

FRI. - SAT., OCT. 25 - 26 Season Passes on Sale

Cross Country Preseason Conditioning

Tahoe Donner Downhill, Cross Country and

Start the season feeling fit, strong, balanced

combo passes on sale at early season rates

and ready to ski as soon as the snow arrives.

through Nov. 30. See page 9.

See page 9.

Haunted and Not-So-Scary Haunted House Find your way through our haunted houses.

Candy, games, prizes and Halloween fun. See page 14.

For MORE OCTOBER EVENTS and information on the fall festival SEE let’s get together on pAGE 8.

18th Annual Truckee River Day It’s that time of the year—time to grab those gloves, shovels and boots and bring family and friends to help restore our Truckee River.

The 18th annual Truckee River Day is Sunday, October 20.

Volunteers have their choice of half-day or full-day restoration projects with different levels of difficulty. There will be 12-15 projects including a tree-planting project here in Tahoe Donner, as well as a trail relocation in Johnson Canyon, native plantings to help restore areas in the Coldstream Canyon floodplain, moving barriers in Martis Lake to eradicate aquatic weeds, and conducting surveys of invasive New Zealand Mud Snails in the Truckee River.

Projects start at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. and finish

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between 2 and 3 p.m.

The River Fair will be from 1-4 p.m. at Granite Flat Campground. This community event is presented in partnership with Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships and will feature fun environmental activities for kids and adults, plus the annual fish release at 3 p.m.

Food will be available for purchase from Red Truck. Everyone is invited to the fair, even if you’re not involved in restoration projects.

Thank you to this year’s funders, including donors to the Truckee River Watershed Council, Vail Resorts Echo, and the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce.

The Truckee River Watershed Council brings the community together for the

Truckee River Day. It focuses on collaborative solutions for the protection, enhancement and restoration of the Truckee River watershed.

To participate in this year’s restoration projects, please visit TruckeeRiverWC.org or call 530-550-8760, ext 1. The deadline for registration is Friday, October 11.

FROM THE GENERAL MANager’s Desk

The cost of operations just got a little more expensive. Two significant decisions by the state and federal government will directly impact the cost of doing business for Tahoe Donner. The first is no surprise, as we inch closer to the employer-mandated portion of the Affordable Care Act, now scheduled for a January 1, 2015 implementation date for large employers. This provision is expected to increase the operating cost of the association’s operating assessment by an estimated 4 percent or $200,000 in 2015, as the company will be required to offer healthcare benefits to an additional 15 individuals previously categorized as seasonal employees. Currently, the association offers healthcare benefits to 60 full-time employees; however, the association also employs over 400 seasonal employees during the winter and summer seasons. This results in over 700 federal W-2 forms issued annually, making Tahoe Donner one of the largest employers in the local community. Anticipating this impact along with the current year’s proposed 18 percent increase in renewal rate under our current plan, we have worked with healthcare insurers and providers to change our coverage from a fully insured program to a partially self-funded program

by WellNet. This will reduce our overall cost, yet provide valued health insurance. The company currently shares the cost of this coverage with employees at a ratio of 80 percent employer funding to 20 percent employee funding.

The second major impact to our operating cost will be the pending increase in California minimum wage rates. The currently proposed legislation will increase minimum wage rates in California from $8 per hour to over $10 per hour over the next three years. This summer and over the past several years, association members, guest, and public participation in programs, events and activities grew at a record rate, as I noted in my September article. For example, the Tahoe Donner Beach Club Marina visitation has grown over 41 percent compared to five years ago. In order to meet the service demand of this growing utilization volume across all operations, the association employed 17 percent more individuals in July and 9 percent more in August, as compared to summer 2012. With a fairly flat organizational pyramid structure, the direct cost of hiring our workforce will correspondingly increase with mandatory minimum wage increases starting in 2014. There will certainly be second and third order effects that will create a ripple across our entire pay structure, as more skilled employees will see their compensation levels erode compared to less skilled employees. The result will likely be an increased percentage growth of wages across the entire company structure over the next three years – as much as a 20 percent operating cost increase to the operating fund assessment (that’s about $1 million), coupled with a very marginal growth rate of the local employee base in a very competitive resort environment.

While the company had its first operating assessment increase this year in order to account for multi-year conservative averaging of revenue, within a climate-driven outdoor recreation industry (summer and winter), the previous four years had a zero percent increase, due to operating efficiencies and revenue growth ahead of expenses.

The likelihood of zero percent growth in the operating assessment is quickly diminishing in the foreseeable future without a reduction in services or significant increase in pricing. As always, service levels are

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reviewed on a regular basis, including annually with your elected board of directors in order to develop the next year’s operating and capital budgets. Operations with less than expected participation rates and negative net operating results are given additional review to ensure that service levels meet board of director established expectations and financial results. Additionally, new, improved, and expanded programs along with capital investments are considered to improve services for the membership as well as the net operating results of the association.

For example, the rather limited Bikeworks operation is now in its second summer season at the Equestrian Center, with tremendous results.

Now adding over $10,000 in positive net operating results, this operation has given us the ability to provide valuable access to members, guests and the public to our ever-growing and improving trail system.

It also allowed us to improve the day camp program offering to include a mountain bike riding class for kids, limited bicycle maintenance, and private guided lessons and rides.

Lastly, the Beach Club Marina improvement project is being reviewed by the board of directors to consider the feedback received by members, Town of Truckee staff, and the planning commission. This project, as approved by three different boards of directors starting in 2011, can be viewed under the capital projects page in the members section of the Tahoe Donner website. The key components would improve the snack bar eating area, provide ADA accessibility to the upper lawn picnic area, and decrease the hillside erosion from watershed from Donner Pass Road. With over 42,000 member and guest visits to the Beach Club Marina facility each summer (the second most visited and profitable seasonal amenity after the Downhill Ski Area), the proposed facility improvements are designed to better accommodate an already increased member utilization of this private facility. In addition, in 2010 Tahoe Donner requested that the Truckee Town Council make Truckee Special Service Area-1 funds eligible for a public right-of-way parking improvement project along Donner Pass Road (which the council approved that year and has each year since). While the Donner Pass Road parking improvement project is still in the works, the association is committed to improving the parking situation with additional shuttles from remote parking lots as we have in the past during peak periods. The board of directors is still considering the most appropriate final design adjustments and way to move forward with the established Town of Truckee approval process. I want to thank those 171 members who participated in the survey this summer on the Beach Club Marina improvement project. The results of this onsite detailed project survey (163 strongly support or support the project as presented, four did not care, and four were opposed to the project) were provided to the planning commission.

In closing, I want to thank all our members for taking advantage of your amenities in record numbers this past summer! We continue to

strive to improve our offerings, and your utilization speaks volumes, along with your regular and meaningful feedback via comment cards, emails and letters. This summer my staff and I reviewed over 100 of these customer focused feedback data points each week, with the vast majority of the comments, emails, letters and individual conversations exceedingly positive! We certainly always appreciate constructive feedback to help us improve our outdoor recreation community.

In order to provide the board of directors with key membership feedback on our future Equestrian Campus, the board will review long-term campus designs at a special workshop on October 20, 2013. Additionally, there will be a membership workshop on October 4, 2013 to review temporary Equestrian Center and Bikeworks operations, as well as trailhead parking for 2014 during the new Cross Country Ski Center Facility construction. The board plans to review both of these subjects before a final decision at the October 26, 2013 regular board meeting.

More information will be distributed on these subjects via the weekly member news emails.

Robb Etnyre | General ManageR

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

587-9400

info@tahoedonner.com

General Manager

587-9431

gm@tahoedonner.com

Contact Member Services to be transferred to other administrative departments.

Amenities Alder Creek Campground 587-9462

campground@tahoedonner.com

Beach Club Marina

marina@tahoedonner.com

587-9460

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

xcski@tahoedonner.com

Downhill Ski Area

587-9444

ski@tahoedonner.com

Equestrian Center

587-9470

equestrian@tahoedonner.com

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

“ 22 Years of Selling Real Estate in Truckee”

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

587-9437

troutcreek@tahoedonner.com

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

alandjosi@gmail.com

Elections, Nan Carnal

ncarnal@sfsu.edu

Finance, Jeff Bonzon

jdbonzon@yahoo.com

General Plan Committee Co-Chair, Michael Fajans

mhfajans@gmail.com

General Plan Committee Co-Chair, John Stubbs

stujod@sfsu.edu

Tahoe Donner Association Chartered Club Presidents

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Bridge Club, Diane Rowe

d2rowe@earthlink.net

Friends of TD Trails, B.R. Levine

tdtrails@gmail.com

Rowing Club, Dot Mace

dotmace@me.com

Senior Alpine Ski, Jim Pyle

jim.p@sbcglobal.net

Tahoe Donner Green, Sue Sorensen

tahoedonnergreenclub@gmail.com

Tennis, John McGregor

jmpj1964@gmail.com.

9-Holers, Barb McCabe

barbmccabe@sbcglobal.net

Men’s Golf, Bob Heath

roberheath@aol.com

Women’s Golf, Diane Kalliam

dkalliam@gmail.com

Hiking Club, Robin Reese

rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net

Quilt Club, Linda Brush

sewlinda@aol.com

Junior Golf Club, Jean Lai

jslai@comcast.net

| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING

Tahoe Donner’s Replacement Reserve Fund One of the primary business duties of an association is maintaining and preserving

2013 Annual Assessment of $1505 per Owner

by Fund

property values of common

$791 52%

property. To do this properly, associations must develop funding plans for future repair or replacement of major common area components, such as roofs, grooming snowcats, asphalt, swimming pool pumps, golf course greens carts and maintenance equipment, snow removal equipment, and more.

Reserve funding helps reduce the need for special assessments and can preserve or even enhance property values.

A core element of the 2014 budget is the approval of the annual assessment, which balances the budgeted annual expenditures of the operating fund and funds, over time, the capital funds of the association. The annual assessment is apportioned between operating and capital funds, and the capital funds are subdivided into the following funds: new machinery and equipment, development, and replacement reserve. The chart, upper right, shows the allocation of your 2013 annual assessment by fund.

New Machinery and Equipment Fund This fund allows for the acquisition of new items for operational efficiency gain, tools and or equipment to provide new member benefits or services, as well as new items of a non-large

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$30 2%

$250 17%

$434 29%

OPERATING FUNDS CAPITAL FUNDS: REPLACEMENT RESERVE DEVELOPMENT NEW EQUIPMENT

scale nature, identified by management or through the general plan process.

Development Fund This fund is used for large-scale projects identified in the 2030 general plan, including new member benefit projects and the building replacement of existing facilities.

Replacement Reserve Fund This fund accounts for the replacement program of existing assets over $2,000. The fund includes major repairs, restoration, replacement, and maintenance of capital components.

Note: the replacement reserve fund includes building components, but does not include the building itself. For the components of the association’s assets, the reserve study and reserve plan are the business plan tools for this fund.

Reserve Study and Reserve Plan A reserve study is an analysis of all capital components and assets the association owns leases or rents. A comprehensive reserve study

is performed every three years, and includes a physical analysis of every component. The study is updated every year. The reserve study product is a reserve plan which includes a listing of all components which have an estimated useful life of less than 30 years. The plan identifies components, locations of components, estimated service remaining life, estimated basis and estimated replacement cost. The plan also includes the estimated necessary annual contributions to the replacement reserve fund, which is used as a guide to conserve funds for the eventual replacement of each component.

Key estimates of the plan include estimating the remaining and useful life of each component as well as estimating the current replacement cost of each component.

Reserves and Governance California’s Davis-Sterling Act laws, which address reserves, require disclosures and a reserve study to be performed every three years, with annual updates. No specific funding levels or fund balances are required by law.

However, the law does require the board to act with fiduciary duty. The association’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, and covenants and restrictions specifically authorize the association, with board approval, to reserve funds for the cost of future repair, replacement, or additions to major components of the common areas and common facilities. The association is also obligated to maintain these common areas and facilities, as well as disclose the reserves information, and prevent the commingling of funds. The association’s policy

on this subject is currently resolution policy entitled 2013-03 Reserve Policy. This policy requires a minimum 4 percent increase each year until a 25 percent or more funded level is reached and until the fund balance is greater than or equal to 10 percent of the net replacement reserve assets. The policy states funding levels through the annual assessment are to be recommended by the general manager for board review and approval.

2013 Reserve Study In preparing for the 2014 budget, we have performed a complete physical inspection and financial analysis of common property components this year. The current study draft includes over 1,600 individual components with a current replacement cost of $39.9 million, a fully funded amount of $26.1 million, and a percent funded level of 16 percent.

Current replacement cost of $39.9 million — by location

Fully funded amount: This is a reserve calculation that values the usedup value of each individual component. For example, for a ten-year useful life piece of equipment that had a purchase price of $10,000 and is 7 years old, the fully funded value would be $7,000. The older a component, the greater the fully funded value of that component.

Percent Funded: This is a reserve calculation that divides the current cash fund balance in the replacement reserves fund (forecasted at $4.3 million at end of 2013) by the fully funded amount ($26.1 million). This equates to 16 percent funded at the start of 2014. The policy of the association is to achieve a 25 percent or greater percent funded level.

The current draft study indicates that over the next

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

30 years, $160 million will be spent to repair and replace existing common components.

This averages $5.4 million per year, while the 2013 funding level to reserve was $2.8 million. In order to avoid a potential shortfall in reserves in the long term (and avoid potential special assessments), and improve our percent funded level, management recommends increasing the reserve’s funding level each year over time in the near term.

We currently have sufficient reserves to handle near-term reserve replacement needs.

However, we need to increase funding levels over time in the near term, to address the aging components of this over 40-year-old association.

The common assets of the association benefit all owners and depreciate over time. By collecting reserve contributions from owners annually, the costs are fairly distributed among the owners that benefit. Reserve contributions pay for assets as they are currently being used up.

At the October 26 board of directors meeting, the board will perform a final review and approval of 2014 budget, which includes approval of the reserve study and funding plan. I encourage anyone interested in gaining further understanding of your association’s finances to attend.

For further information, the 2013 budget report, 2012 annual report, and monthly financials can all be found online at tahoedonner.com/financials/. Call or write anytime with questions regarding reserves or any other aspect of your association’s finances.

Michael R. Salmon Director of Finance & Accounting msalmon@tahoedonner.com 530-587-9418

The Fourth Annual

Fall Festival Join us Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Northwoods Clubhouse for Fall Festival – one of Tahoe Donner’s biggest and most celebrated events of the year! There will be arts and crafts vendors, a doggie dip, beer garden featuring fall beers, Bocce ball tournament, carnival area for kids with food and games, face painting, Log Jammer rides, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, bounce house and more. Live entertainment including a magician and local performances will be staged throughout the event. The Sneaky Creatures, a mischievous alt-gypsy swing sextet will play a blend of rock, jazz and Dixieland funk place from 2:15 – 5 p.m. The expansive pumpkin patch is of course a highlight, and we will even have a pumpkin-carving station! The cost is $15 for an unlimited wristband or $1 per ticket.

Don’t miss this signature Tahoe Donner event. For more information, visit tahoedonner.com, email recreation@tahoedonner.com or call 530-587-9400.

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sessions, Jan. 17 – March 14 Time: 3:45 – 5 p.m.

Cost: $120 per child

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Start the season feeling fit, strong, balanced Dates: Sunday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, R and ready to ski as soon as the snow arrives.

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N2, 16, March 9 Dec. 22, Jan. 5, P19, Feb. RI ME

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Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

COST: $120 per child

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Dates: Tuesdays, Oct. 8 - Nov. 26 (eight sessions) Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m.

WHERE: Cross Country Ski Center COST: $160, or $30 drop-in if space allows

Volunteer Cross Country Trail Days Please join us for our volunteer trail cleanup days to help get loose rocks and brush out of the way for early season grooming. Please email xcski@tahoedonner.com to let us know you are interested; we will notify you if plans change due to weather.

FOR KIDS Tahoe Donner Nordic Kids

FOR ADULTS Women’s Skate Group For intermediate skiers and above. dates: Wednesdays; 8 sessions, Jan. 8 – Feb. 26, time: noon - 1:30 p.m. cost: $160 per participant

An after-school ski program for Kindergarten – 5th grade, all levels welcome.

Masters Training Group

DATES: Wednesdays and ThursdayS;

Tuesdays: Jan. 7- Feb. 25, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

8 sessions, January 8 – March 5 TIME: 3:45 - 5 p.m.

COST: $120 per child for either Wednesday or Thursday program; $240 for both.

Midweek Junior Racers An after-school ski program for intermediate skiers in grades 3rd - 5th.

For intermediate skiers and above.

Thursdays: Jan. 9 – Feb. 27, noon – 1:30 p.m.

Sundays: Jan. 12 – March 9, 8:30 – 10 a.m. (no session March 2) COST: 8 sessions, 1 day/week $160; 2 days/week $ 260; 3 days/week $ 340.

Sally Jones | Cross Country Ski Center Manager

ski passes on sale now at early season rates Snow has already hit the higher elevations, reminding us that winter is not far away!

Tahoe Donner ski passes are now on sale and all winter program information, including clinics and season-long programs for both kids and adults is posted online.

Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area remains the best place for family fun and learning.

This year, we installed a new 700 square-foot yurt, which will allow us to provide a warm area during lessons that is not all the way at the bottom of the hill and gives us a separated place from the public (check it out on the web cam page at tahoedonner.com/web-cams). We

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offer a variety of services for families including ski instruction for children as young as three years, interchangeable lift tickets for parents, and a kid-friendly menu in the cafeteria. As you know, our size allows us to deliver that personal touch that larger ski areas can’t always provide.

At Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, we will be rolling out several fun, new programs and options for clinics this season, so keep an eye out for adult, junior and youth clinics including beginner clinics, as well as our popular women’s-specific and Masters clinics. We will also be taking over the after-

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school program previously run by Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District for Kindergarten through fifth grade, now named TD Nordic Kids. And returning this year will be our popular night skiing programs, as well as fun races and snowshoe tours.

Don’t wait for the snow to fly! Get your season passes early so you can save the most money and hit the trails and the slopes as soon as it snows. Purchase online at tahoedonner. com/shop.

Questions? Until the ski areas are open, Member Services can help at 530-587-9400 or info@tahoedonner.com. tahoedonner.com |

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Six loan officers and over 25 years of local lending experience.

Downtown Truckee:

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

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As the days get shorter and cooler, the time O comes where we must pack away the swimOE D TA H A suits in exchange for sweaters and welcome E C R E R PR Sat the Beach OG fall. The last day of operations RAMS O O DOct. 6. Please WSunday, H Club Marina will be T R N EL NOR O NO DO remember, everyone must Nhave their kayaks EP O O H I TA P R AT M E N I VOct. E A A E T out of storage by 6.

It’s been a memorable R R E CP R V E and successful We hope everyone O G summer.

RAMS & enjoyed spending time on beautiful Donner Lake and enjoyed the many special events and programs that were offered at the Beach Club Marina. We were proud to offer cocktail service at the beach for the first time ever. We look forward to another great summer next year and appreciate any feedback or input you may have. Please send your comments to marina@tahoedonner.com. Have a great winter!

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Robert Mcclendon | downhill ski area manager

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BLIC A this season we are offering a junior season pass and ticket rate for ages 13-17, which is a discounted rate. We are looking forward EN PU BLIC AM NIS to hosting a number of great events atN the TE R T BE Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski AreaC this winter ELN U C N PR R C H events, I VAT E A M Winter is right around the corner! We Asafety including fun N N Ea weekend A E E N B T E R of I E DO N O R E H C and Learn-to-Snowboard TA Learn-to-Ski MP A are currently finishing up a list of projects weeks, IAN EN RIV S T RN I S AT E A M E U including the 700-square-foot warming E yurt Children’s Glowstick Parade and I Q T E NPour famous N U B L IE ME E E K (pictured above), T C AR C Rschool N and sundeck for ski Carnival, and the popular Downhill Dummy R D E E CP UN ALD N O RIV R R ME E A painting and new carpeting, deck resurfacing, Race.

A N E G T M PDON C EIN T E R HOE CTAAmaintenance. and trail We are looking for employees! We need to N E N Registration for our P T R I UAB L I C A M S E U popular fill over 100 seasonal positions this winter — I and season passes are E Q ski Pprograms N UBLIC AME part-time, full-time, weekends andO N holidays.

NER ED O H KSS A R We provide training and Tsome great employee O D W E O Kplease perks, so if you’re interested BTIH WO fillE P out RE N TA L& R R ER LS O N N N at tahoedonner.com/ an application online OO E DO P S O D H R TA P A EN R RIV AT E A M GOU N N Eemployment.

E D F E I S O L E See you on Friday December 13, opening TA H B O RHK R E AT T H E NNE W E E DO K I O S day, conditions permitting. Remember kids H B RE TA TIC EP A N TA R U E & R L S N Q 6 and under and seniors 75 and over always A ON D SE OE D B H TA H EA ATR ski free at Tahoe Donner! We are ready for THE U G L I F EB another great ski season. See you on the E E AT T H E H slopes!

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PROVEN.

$1 per snow removal client is donated to the Truckee Donner Land Trust.

Sign up by Oct. 15th for our best price. Rates increase $50 after Oct. 15th.

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

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We offer several options for parties of 20 or more people in a private room or a complete buy out. Visit tahoedonner.com/event-groups to view our menus including passed appetizers and buffet choices.

Plated options are available upon request.

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Book a party at The Lodge and every guest can ski for free at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area or Cross Country Ski Center!

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Some say fall is the most spectacular time to play golf in the Sierra.

Out on the fairways, the air is fresher, the breeze is crisper and the E R ONN course is in the best condition of the year. For members, we have O E DsomeC S TA H TI UA special fall season promotions, below, and for the public, A weQare now E ER E AT T offering discounted green fees.DOur clearance Bsale inH E H O N Nend-of-season T N OE H E A V T E the pro shop offers discounts on clubs, shoes, golf balls, clothing, and CIAL S P E October 20 (weather permitting), so don’t more. We’ll be open through pack up your clubs yet — come on out for some fall golf and enjoy these promotions during this wonderful time of year.

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The Lodge has panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra scenery and now offers a new enclosed porch!

At Santa’s request, all room charges and site fees will be waived for Christmas parties before December 20th.

For more menu options on our holiday parties, please contact group sales at 530-582-9643 or email groupsales@tahoedonner.com

Fall Season Golf Promotions: through Oct. 20 Member for a Day

Selling?

Buying?

For Tahoe Donner members and accompanied guests: • 18 holes for only $45, including cart; for members and guests after 1 p.m.

• Nine holes for only $25, including cart; for members and guests after 2:30 p.m.

• Promotions apply seven days a week Early Twilight for Tahoe Donner members

Y ED N T R530 412 0583 CO U S S RO Crobbie@huntoonrealestate.com I N

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I Fall is in the air and tennis is still a focal point in the month of OctoEN ber at Tahoe Donner Tennis Center. We are looking to stay open longer this season with an emphasis on continuing our ever-popular cardio D S

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A O OE D A R E | DIRECTOR TA HEd Leinenkugel SKI TY

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tennis, themed clinics and ladies day drill and play activities. Private lessons, racket stringing, clothing and footwear sales will also continue into the month of October. Make a point to sign up for a clinic and take advantage of smaller class sizes this fall.

Don’t forget to use up your remaining six pack products as they will not be transferable to 2014. Our scheduled closing date is Sunday, October 13. Courts will remain open this fall until that first big storm of the year covers the courts with snow and leaves us wishing for warm spring days so we can get back out and play.

The tennis center will be hosting the High School Regional Tournament this fall on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12. This all-day event is sure to be a treat as our local Truckee High School stars will be battling it out with other Reno/Tahoe area schools for the right to move on to the Nevada State Championships. Please stop by to cheer on our athletes and watch some great tennis players in the making.

We are still tracking usage this fall and we ask you to please bring your ID cards with you for scanning. This is a very important element in determining scheduling of the tennis center’s hours of operation and opening and closing dates. Please scan your card manually after our closing date of October 13. The scanner is located on the right side of the check-in window; please listen for the ring to make sure that it scanned properly. After our closing date the entrance gate will be locked at night by security and then unlocked in the morning either by security, member services or a homeowner. If you see someone, homeowner or not, that is utilizing the facility incorrectly (skateboarding, biking, or abusing the courts, fencing, nets, or buildings), please report that to security at 530-448-9076. It is up to all of us to keep an eye on our special amenity here at Tahoe Donner.

See you on the courts this fall!

IAN MINDELL | DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

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Join us in celebrating our Centurions Friday, October 18, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Trout Creek Recreation Center.

Those who have visNER D O N 30 will N E ited Trout Creek 100 times byASeptember O T H T I O be made honorary Aand E R members of Trout Creek Century Club will receive a Trout Creek R E CP R V E S O Century Club T-shirt.

We will also unveil the Century Club Hall of GRAMS & OD O W H Fame and reward our SuperCenturions (150 visits), MegaCenturions ORT OOL P (200Nvisits), and of course the Centurion who has the greatest number PR E I VAT E A M of visits to Trout Creek.

The Recreation Pool is now closed for the season. Recreation swim hours are available in the first lane of the lap pool from 3 - 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on the weekends.

LISA HUSSAR | RECREATION manager

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Not-So-Scary Haunted House Find your way through our Not-So-Scary Haunted House or play games and enjoy a movie - either way you’re bound to get a sack full of candy and prizes! The Not-So-Scary Haunted House is recommended for kids with a low-scare tolerance—good for the little ones!

Check our website for details and for this year’s haunted house theme.

Date: Friday, October 25, 2013 Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Where: Northwoods Clubhouse Cost: Kids $2, Parents FREE

Haunted House Keep your friends close if you dare to enter our Haunted House! If you can make your way out of this brain-eating adventure you’re sure to be rewarded with some delicious treats.

Recommended for kids and teens who want a good scare this Halloween. Check our website for details and for this year’s haunted house theme.

Serving Truckee/Lake Tahoe Residential • Commercial

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2013 Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Northwoods Clubhouse Cost: Kids $2, Parents FREE

Family Movie Night Bring a pillow and blanket and enjoy either a classic or new movie starting at 6:30 p.m. every Friday at Northwoods Clubhouse.

Friday Family Movie Night movies are rated G and PG. Check with Member Services for this month’s lineup.

Fran Macomber, this year’s Tahoe Donner Women’s 18-hole club champion.

first day of the championship which helped propel her to victory over 28 friendly competitors. Although she doesn’t win every year, she has been able to stack up a lot of wins and is a wonderful role model, walking the course most days she plays. Congratulations, Fran!

The other winners in the flights are net scores. Kudos to all our winners!

Championship flight: 1. Fran Macomber, low gross champion; 2. Bettye Carmichael, second place; 3. Nancy Ralph, low net winner in flight.

Low net over the field: Carol Louderback (net 131) - Louderback was the low net champion over the field of players with a two-day total of 131 (65-66).

First Flight: 1. Leslie Williams; 2. Jeanne McGoldrick; 3. Barbara Reamer Second Flight: 1. Lydia Stang; 2. Bettee Palmer; 3. Marilyn Dundas Third Flight: 1. Lou Ashcraft; 2. Kathie Schwartz; 3. Sandy Casey The Tahoe Donner Women’s Club consists primarily of Tahoe Donner property owners.

ONN The season runs from late May to mid-October.

OE D TA H SK For more information about the club, email N H I L L W DO tdwgclub@gmail.com.

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530.550.7938

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

The Tahoe Donner Womens’ 9-Holer Golf EN PU BLIC AM B Club has had a fantastic season. The club U A CL N tournament was held the last three Thursdays I JO S RE HA E T in August and culminated with an awards RE IN R NNE banquet on August 29, during which the club E DO NT O E H TA NC A celebrated its 25th anniversary. Betty Baker, I R ST U Eclub I E Qthe one of three ladies who organized Tahoe Donner Women’s Golf Club EN P U25 K BLIC AM REE C R D E years ago, as well as long-time members May This year’s Tahoe Donner Women’s 18-hole UN ALD RO Gand P Candler Ruth Anderson, who joined that club champion is Fran Macomber, who in her M I CA E N also in attendance.

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Congratulations to the two winning teams of the 2013 summer bocce ball league

Skiles and Janie Sturman; second flight – Barbara McCabe; third flight – Joan Howard; fourth flight - Peggy Prescott. Our 2013 Club Champion is Barbara Skiles. Congratulations also to Vivian Wakefield who got a holein-one on the fourth hole on Aug. 29. What an inspiration she is at the young age of 80! The 2014 board of directors was elected by the members on this evening also, with the same slate of officers elected as 2013.

The club wishes to thank the following businesses whose donations assist the Tahoe Donner Junior Golf Program: Mountain Home Center, Ace Hardware, Z Market, Pros Ed, Charlie, John, Joe and James, Pizza on the Hill, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski, The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, True Salon (courtesy of Lissy Hudock), Glow Salon, and Golf Headquarters in Reno.

The club also thanks Ed Leinenkugel, Kevin Kuehne and their staff for a great season. For more information on the 9-Holers, see tahoedonner.com/golf/clubs.

Tahoe Donner Quilt Group, pictured left to right: Liz Kerwood, Lydia Stang, Marilyn Dundas, Susan Smith (the Child Advocates representative), Sue Klabunde and Linda Brush.

The Tahoe Donner Quilt Group The Tahoe Donner Quilt Group donated 14 quilts to the Truckee Healthy Babies program of Child Advocates of Nevada County. Truckee Healthy Babies helps expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start. Enrolled families receive the support and services of well trained, culturally sensitive home visitors who provide referrals to community resources, parenting information and emotional support.

For more information about this new program, please visit caofnc.org or search Facebook for Child Advocates of Nevada County.

The Tahoe Donner Quilt Group meets to make quilts and learn new techniques the first and third Wednesdays at the Northwoods Clubhouse. Contact Linda Brush at sewlinda@aol.com or Marilyn Dundas at jam11792@suddenlink.net.

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Above: Members of the team Il Bocce Nostra celebrate after the season playoff game. Left to right: Gail Shaheen, Dave Rhodes, Betty Ann Tavares, Mary Rhodes, Mary Hamilton, Mike Shaheen, Joanne and Noel Acker, Don Hamilton, Steve and Donna Oldfield.

Above: The Brawlers were co-champions of the competitive Bocce “A” League. In the back row (left to right): Jim Ralph, Herm Shaver, Ron Wulff, Mick Arata, Paul McGoldrick (team captain). Front row (left to right): Steve Nugent, Connie Nugent, Jeanne McGoldrick, Kelly Wulff, Nancy Ralph, Nancy Shaver, and Diane Arata.

Dining Options The Lodge Restaurant & Pub Lunch Open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. serving drinks and lighter lunch items from the snack bar menu at the T-9 Grill through October 20.

After Oct. 20, lunch will no longer be available.

Dinner Open nightly at 5 p.m. with artisan-crafted cuisine and spirits. For more information, call 530-587-9455 or visit tahoedonner.com/thelodge.

Pizza on the Hill Happy Hour* A great way to quench your thirst! Get $2 Coors Light drafts, $3 other draft beer, $3 house cabernet or chardonnay by the glass and half-price wings and nachos at Pizza on the Hill’s Happy Hour from 5 - 6 p.m. SundayThursday.

Thursday Night Trivia Trivia buffs, test your trivia knowledge from

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Happy Hour*

corkage fee on Tuesdays. Offer valid during non-holiday periods.

Drink specials and 25 percent off shared plates, soups and salads from 4 - 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 20, and from 5 – 6:30 p.m. starting Oct. 21. Happy Hour discounts valid in The Pub only.

Fall Early Happy Hour*

WildER Wednesdays*

Three-Course Meal Deal*

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

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

local history to current events, and win prizes.

Trivia Night is held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Prizes include gift certificates for free pizza. Event will be cancelled at 7:15 p.m. if there is insufficient attendance by that time.

Sunday Half-Price Pizza - Now Even Better!* New! We don’t want to limit such a great deal to just one hour. Now you can order and get the half-price deal all night every Sunday

Enjoy drink specials from 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. every day through Oct. 20, in The Pub only.

One of the best deals in town is back! Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and glass of wine for only $25, Sunday through Thursday through Nov. 14. *Offers listed are only valid during non-holiday periods and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons. in October for cheese or pepperoni pizzas.

Also, this offer is now valid for dine-in or to-go orders! Limit 6 pizzas per group.

*Offers listed above are only valid during nonholiday periods and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons.

Considering Selling?

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3,900± sq. ft. w/4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 3 car garage and parking pad. Sold for $895,000

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Gorgeous open floor plan, private setting with deck. 4 bedrooms, 2 en-suite masters, family room, chef’s kitchen, beautiful finish work and more - all on prestigious Tyrol Road. Flat, sunny driveway, easy year ‘round living. A turnkey situation is negotiable. Beautiful home.

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14246SwissLane.com

Nestled in the trees away from the street and adjacent to the 12th fairway. European style with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and lots of light. Great room, with vaulted ceiling, formal dining, and charming family room. Remodeled gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, deck and garden. $869,000

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13955SwissLane.com Delightful cabin awaits your family’s arrival!

This getaway offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, master suite w/private deck. Sold for $545,000

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14251TyrolRoad.com Lovely mountain chalet. Located off Ski View Loop. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,828 sq. ft., 2 car garage, flat lot and driveway. Sold for $527,000

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Beautiful views from this 4 bedroom, 3 bath, open floor plan design with an established rental clientele.

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Spacious and well designed, lots of light and an easy living, open floor plan. Turnkey delight.

Sold for $630,000

With Over $57MM in sales in Tahoe Donner since 2009, Alison Knows Your Market. Contact Alison Today.

Alison Elder 530 582 8103

tahoe@alisonelder.com eldergrouptahoerealestate.com CA BRE License #01399851

The Scoop on Alison Elder:

The Elder Family supports the Truckee-Tahoe Humane Society. www.hstt.org

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HUMANE SOCIETY TRUCKEE-TAHOE

Of

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Kids First

story and photos by melissa williams

TTUSD Board of Education President and Tahoe Donner Neighbor

K

im Szczurek believes in public education, focusing on what’s best for kids, and Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). That’s why, despite being a working mother of three, she stepped up to fill a vacant position when she saw that there were not enough candidates for TTUSD’s board of education in 2010.

Because TTUSD had been in a difficult and contentious period due to budget cuts and differences in opinion about the restructuring of the lakeside schools, many thought she was setting herself up for a thankless job. In fact, four of the five TTUSD board member positions needed to be filled. “I’d been paying attention to what was happening on the board for a long time, and I’ve always thought that if you want to have an opinion, you need to be part of the process. So when I saw that nobody else was going to run, I took the opportunity,” said Szczurek, who was elected president of the board. “All three of my children attend TTUSD schools. Although it takes away from my time with them, I feel an obligation to my community to try to make a difference.”

Today there is a much more positive outlook for TTUSD than there has been in several years. At a recent Good Morning Truckee meeting focusing on education, Jim Porter introduced Szczurek, saying, “The school board has been doing amazing things!” The statistics do look good: • Eighty percent of the class of 2013 TTUSD graduates are headed to two- or four-year colleges. Several were accepted at top universities

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across the country, and they collectively received more than $1 million in scholarships.

• There were no teacher layoffs in 2013 for the first time in four years.

In fact, 18 new teachers were added in 2012 and 24 in 2013.

• Tahoe Truckee High School and North Tahoe High School increased offerings in AP (Advanced Placement) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses and have plans to maintain and increase classes in those fields.

• Enrollment is up, including in kindergarten, which is a positive indicator of the health of the district.

While Szczurek acknowledges that the district is on a very good path under the leadership of Superintendent and Chief Learning Officer Dr. Rob Leri, and attributes much of this success to the board’s and Leri’s focus on basing all policy decisions on what is best for the kids, she believes that TTUSD has always had good schools, a supportive community and community organization partners, and dedicated teachers.

She feels that a big challenge has been changing conversations to focus on all the positive things that TTUSD has to offer. Szczurek is excited about the shift within the district toward more collaboration across the schools. She thinks that there are fewer politics and less of an “us vs. them” mentality between schools than there had been in the past, and that the district has become much more united with a greater focus on coming together to provide the best education for our children.

Szczurek also credited the work of previous board members in setting up the district for the tough economic times and budget cuts that hit in

strongly feels that all three schools she attended, including Donner Trail Elementary, Alder Creek Middle School, and Tahoe Truckee High School, provided her with a great foundation for college.

the past few years by adopting a strict financial reserve policy. “Those board members took a lot of flak for their reserve policy, but it’s what got us through the past few years,” she explained. “One of our biggest challenges as a new board was navigating through those bad financial times in the least disruptive way to the students as possible. We wouldn’t have been able to do that without using reserve funds.”

Szczurek has lived in the Tahoe area since 1988. She and her husband Norb, a Tahoe firefighter of 35 years who is now division chief for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, bought their home in Tahoe Donner in 1991. Szczurek served as chair of the General Plan Committee for the association for several years between 1995 and 1999.

The family loves the amenities at Tahoe Donner, especially the Cross Country Ski Center, the Beach Club Marina, and the year-round pool and facilities at Trout Creek Recreation Center. Szczurek kept fit by swimming in the lap pool at Trout Creek during all three of her pregnancies. Her oldest, Sarah Williams, was student body president and a valedictorian of Tahoe Truckee High School’s Class of 2013; Zachary is a freshman at Truckee High; and Hope is a fifth grader at Donner Trail Elementary.

Szczurek is very proud of the fact that her daughter Sarah completed all of her school years in TTUSD schools and is now attending one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country—Claremont-McKenna College in Southern California (she turned down UC Berkeley, much to the chagrin of Cal alum and Tahoe Donner neighbor and friend, Superintendent Rob Leri). Sarah, who is currently following a pre-med path,

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Szczurek, a CPA, is also administrative services director for the Town of Truckee. She feels that the totality of her background helps in her role as president of the board of education, from knowing how to look critically at numbers and budgets to her negotiation skills—particularly coming up with alternative ideas—that stem from her experience working in human resources and with local and federal government agencies.

Szczurek admits that serving on the board is time-consuming and that it takes time away from her family. She estimates that she spends an average of 10-15 hours a week volunteering as a board member. The TTUSD board meets twice a month on Wednesdays, with additional special meetings scheduled frequently. One of the first norms that the new board agreed on when they started meeting was that they would be respectful of the time of others. As a result, unlike board meetings prior to 2010, many decisions voted on at the board meetings are brought up first as information items ahead of the meetings, and members spend time researching and studying items on their own time.

While they are not allowed to discuss topics outside of meetings due to California’s open meeting law, the Brown Act, this has had a significant impact on the efficiency of board meetings. Also because the focus is on what’s best for students, board members all try to get into the classrooms and to school events as much as possible to see first-hand what’s happening with students in the schools.

Szczurek is excited about the “Pathways to Possibilities and Success” motto for the district that Leri brought to the district, as well as the new vision and beliefs that were formally adopted in January 2013.

“We spent several months on them, painstak(Continued on p. 20) ingly considering every word,” says Szczurek. tahoedonner.com |

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(continued from p. 19)

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The board and district have been working to bring the vision to life in the schools, particularly the belief that students are the focus of all decisions. In the past six months, the board has dedicated two public board meetings to student panels: one in April that included student representatives from each of the high schools and middle schools where students gave direct feedback to the board; and a second panel, held in August, which was made up of alumni who had graduated in the past three years and who are now attending college. Students discussed how TTUSD prepared them for college as well as specific ways that the schools could have better helped them. Several alumni brought up how lucky they were to grow up in the Tahoe area. One of the beliefs in the new vision focuses on that very topic, stating: “The Lake Tahoe region is precious, and we value our physical environment and integrate this element into our educational goals.” Szczurek says that TTUSD has many opportunities for hands-on environmental study with help from community partners, but welcomes ideas to introduce even more. Said Szczurek, “When students get excited about science and math through studying rivers and lakes and want to practice environmental stewardship as a result, everyone’s winning.”

With this winning attitude and continued dedication by individuals like Szczurek, students, teachers, staff and the community will all come out ahead.

T

CA Lic #960719

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AHOE

| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Bulletin Board You’ll see a new face at Member

TAHOE DONNER HIRES DANA HERLIHY AS MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER Tahoe Donner has recently named Dana Herlihy as the new member services manager responsible providing outstanding service, knowledge and assistance to members and guests. Herlihy joins the member services staff already in place including Betty Baker, Michelle Sonder, and Linda Jafferian.

Herlihy comes to Tahoe Donner as a seasoned member services professional and team leader. Before joining Tahoe Donner, Herlihy was the member services coordinator at Tahoe Mountain Club, where she was regarded as a well-rounded leader and coach, improving the performance of her team members by instilling a sense of confidence in her staff. Prior to Herlihy’s position at Tahoe Mountain Club, she served as the visitor information specialist at the Visitor Information Center in Tahoe City where she assisted visitors by providing detailed information on local activities, history and facts about the lake, as well as the surrounding areas.

“Dana has a strong background in member and guest services and a vast knowledge of our region,” said Brinn Talbot, Tahoe Donner’s director of marketing and member services. “I expect we’ll see some great enhancements to our already fantastic team in this department.”

BRE#00313415

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Services this fall!

Meet the department’s newest team member, Dana Herlihy.

In addition to servicing members and guests, part of Herlihy’s role is to help improve the aesthetics of Tahoe Donner’s member services area.

Her vision is to brighten the area and make it more friendly and efficient with a goal to create more of a full-service concierge service for Tahoe Donner Membership.

“I really enjoy working with people and for an organization with a variety of amenities and offerings,” said Herlihy. “I love feedback and getting to know people and I’m looking forward to interacting with all the Tahoe Donner members.”

Herlihy is originally from Wilmington, Delaware, but has called Lake Tahoe home for the last seven years. When she’s not at Tahoe Donner experiencing all the events and amenities firsthand, Herlihy likes to spend her time outdoors snowboarding in the winter and riding her bike or enjoying the surrounding mountain landscape on walks in the summer. When she’s not spending her time outdoors, she is an avid reader with a special appreciation for historical novels.

Herlihy is looking forward to getting to know Tahoe Donner members, so go on in and say hello!

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Many thanks to those who submitted such wonderful photos for our annual contest. Our judging panel was made up of Tahoe Donner News editorial staff plus managers from across the association, including human resources, downhill and cross country ski operations, purchasing, accounting, capital projects, and more. Here are our top picks for this year; the winner in each category will receive a $100 gift certificate to The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Congrats to all — and start taking pix for next year’s contest!

2013 PHOTO CONTEST | ACTION

Photographer | Trent Brendel Date | July 4, 2013 This photograph was taken atop Donner Ridge overlooking Donner Lake and is titled “Blaze of Glory.”

Photographer | Barbara Roudebush Date | MARCH 20, 2013 “My 10-year-old niece (in back) and her friend came to visit us from Florida. Neither girl had ever seen snow before.

On their first day in Tahoe Donner we took them up to Glacier Way and found a good hill for sledding. They had a blast!”

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Photographer | LESLI HOBART Date | AUG. 2, 2013 “Fishing at the Beach Club Marina dock on Donner Lake.”

Photographer | PAUL GUERRA Date | MARCH 5, 2011 “Great skiing in Sunrise Bowl during the heavy snow winter of ‘10-’11.”

Photographer | STEVEN M. SCHONFELD Date | JAN. 16, 2013 “Snowshoeing on Glacier Way.”

Photographer | CHRISTINE MCCARTHY Date | AUG. 2013 “My sister enjoys archery and was inspired by the movie Brave.”

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Photographer | JEANNE WIRKA Date | MAY 19, 2009 “This is my daughter and five of her friends celebrating her 13th birthday by jumping into Donner Lake from the pier at the marina in mid-May. Definitely my favorite Tahoe Donner photo.”

2013 PHOTO CONTEST | PEOPLE

Photographer SHARON COAN Date | SEPT., 2010 “This is my granddaughter on her favorite Tahoe Donner playground.”

Photographer STEVEN M. SCHONFELD Date | JULY 4, 2013 “We were up on Glacier Way waiting for the fireworks to start. A father and daughter climbed up on one of the large rocks to get a better view while the sun was setting. It created a beautiful silhouette.”

Photographer | CATHRIN BARSCH Date | JULY 4, 2013 “Enjoying the Wibit at the TD Beach. Was quite a feat to stay on it.”

Photographer | CARLY LYKKE Date | AUG. 1, 2013 “Mason, age 3, just loves the Beach Club Marina! Here he is dancing on the dock after a 4 p.m. swim.”

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Photographer LYDIA WATERS Date | SUMMER 2013 “Alana at the Equestrian BBQ.” Photographer JULITA PATIL

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Date | FEB. 2013

Photographer

“5-year-old twins on their first descent down a black diamond.

‘Whoo-hoo!’ was the only thing they said the entire way down.”

KARL ERICKSON Date | JUNE 2012 “Our two boys exploring their ‘backyard’ - i.e. the paths behind Northwoods Clubhouse.”

2013 PHOTO CONTEST | NATURE Photographer | ROGER BURNS Date | MARCH 2013 “Rolling snowball in Sunrise Bowl.”

Photographer | HARRY CHIN Date | 2013

Photographer RON BARON Date | JULY 7, 2013 “My daughters and I were walking along the trail behind Hillside Drive around 8 p.m. when we spotted these two bears playing/foraging.”

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Photographer | STEVEN M. SCHONFELD Date | JULY 6, 2013 “Beautiful view of Castle Peak just before getting to Hawk’s Peak.”

Photographer | CATHRIN BARSCH Date | JULY, 2013 “This guy was outside of our home waiting for us to leave for dinner at the Lodge. We forgot to close the screen door in the front – and when we got back he had made quite a mess on the kitchen counter.”

Photographer | HERB HWANG Date | OCTOBER, 2012 “Mid- to late-October is my favorite time for photographing Tahoe Donner, when colors can be rich or subtle.”

Photographer | GUY MANVILLE Date | AUG. 5, 2013 “Timed exposure with the stars streaking and no moon out.”

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Bulletin Board

A situation came up recently that is worth sharing. A property owner recently planted some trees. Unfortunately, he planted them on his neighbor’s lot. This was not intentional as the property owner thought his property extended further than it did. If you are going to do any landscaping, please be sure of where your property lines are. If you have questions and cannot locate your boundary markers, please call our office. We may have information that can help you locate them.

If you are planting trees make sure you place them far enough apart. A good suggestion is that you call a nursery to determine the proper distance between the trees, depending on the species. Remember, the rear yard setback is intended to be preserved as a greenbelt area. This will be considered in reviewing applications for permits to remove trees in this area. The owner is exclusively responsible for identification of property boundaries, easements, and setbacks. Neither Tahoe Donner Association nor the ASC has any responsibility to certify that any improvement, structure or activity does not encroach upon any easement, setback, or adjacent property line.

On another note, we continue to receive calls about loose dogs. This situation is both unpleasant and potentially dangerous. We can’t emphasize enough the potential for harm when dogs are allowed to run loose. If you have dogs and want to take them out or let them out, you must be aware of what you may and may not do. The rules are very clear: “dogs shall only be allowed within any portion of the common area when they are leashed and otherwise under the supervision and restraint of their owners or other person accompanying the dog.” Common areas in Tahoe Donner are all areas that are not an individual property or the street. This includes the golf course. So, if you are not on your property or on the street, you are either on someone else’s lot or on one of Tahoe Donner’s many common areas.

The Town of Truckee Animal Control

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Department has asked us to remind everyone of the rules regarding dogs on the streets. The streets are solely within the purview of the Town of Truckee, whether it be animal control or police. If dogs are on the streets, they are required to be under the immediate control of the owner or caretaker. You probably won’t be giving your dog commands if you can’t see what it is doing. The best way to assure your safety, the safety of your dog, and the safety of your neighbors and their dogs, is to have your dog on a leash at all times.

According to the Town of Truckee Animal Control Department, your liability as a dog owner is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. If your dog is off leash and

attacks or bites another person or dog, you may be subject to a violation, as well as legal action. Being courteous to those around you by using a leash will help prevent any unpleasant situations. Additionally, if you rent your property, please be sure that your tenants are aware of all association rules.

To report loose dogs call the Truckee Police Department at 530-582-7830. If you have any questions about the associations rules pertaining to dogs or on any other subject, please call our office at 530-587-9407.

Enid Longo | Architectural Standards MANAGER

Homes On the Rise Unit/Lot 02/338 03/269 04/309 01/338 03/269 05/494 07/216

Street Address 12899 Northwoods Blvd.

14670 Northwoods Blvd.

14759 Northwoods Blvd.

16466 Northwoods Blvd.

14670 Northwoods Blvd.

13920 Davos Drive 13232 Solvang Way

Square Feet 1,481 ea.

2,450 2,100 480 2,450 381 700

Project Multiple units (3) House House Garage/addition House Deck Garage

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This private estate, located on 20 beautifully forested acres in Juniper Beautiful lakefront setting on tranquil Serene Lakes. Cross country skiing at Royal Gorge, alpine skiing at Sugar Bowl. Summer fun and Hills, offers top-of-the-world panoramic views of Boca, Verdi Peak adventure. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. Julie Riggs 530 368 1422 $860,000 and the Carson Range. Ross Collins 530 414 0619 $1,349,000

Office locations Zephyr Cove Glenbrook

Martis Camp Putting Course

Heart of Sierra Meadows

Over 1/4-acre lot with miles of paths and amenities. Lost library, 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. Walk to restaurants, golf, regional park and the family barn, amphitheater, fishing, golf course & clubhouse, and ski farmers market. HOA amenities include a heated pool, tennis court, lodge with lift to Northstar. Trinkie Watson 530 582 0722 $725,000 park with sand volleyball. Faith Sprague 530 412 2673 $379,000

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29

It’s Time to Build Again

Schaffers Mill Homesite

Beautiful level homesite on the 1st fairway at Schaffers Mill. Views across 3 fairways, foundation and plans for a distinctive family home included. Marcelyn Cohune 530 388 8272 $349,000

This beauty is one of the few golf course homesites still available.

Schaffers Mill has been selected as the site for HGTV’s 2014 Dream Home. Marcelyn Cohune 530 388 8272 $359,500

Marcelyn Cohune

| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Julie Riggs

Ross Collins

Faith Sprague

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Taking Care of Business Regular Board Meeting Recap

Truckee Donner Home Management

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

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

www.TruckeeDonnerHomeManagement.com info@truckeedonnerhomemanagement.com

August 24, 2013

• Consent Calendar: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell absent)

• Tahoe Donner Equestrian Club bylaws

• Finance Committee alternate member appointment

(Michael Eyton-Lloyd)

• 2013/14 pass and program rates

• Resolution 2013-6/Policy Resolution Review • Town of Truckee Trout Creek Trail Presentation: No action The Town of Truckee provided a presentation on “Trail 13”, a Class 1 recreational trail that would connect Bridge Street in downtown Truckee to Tahoe Donner.

• Cross Country Ski Center Update: No action

The board was provided with an update on this project; including parking count, floor plans and square footage breakdown, with interior and exterior perspectives.

• Tahoe Donner Foundation: No action Discussion took place regarding the feasibility of establishing a charitable arm of Tahoe Donner Association. Following discussion, the board placed this item on the October 26, 2013 board meeting agenda for further consideration.

• Director of Finance & Accounting Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell absent) The Board approved the preliminary July financials.

• 2014 Cross Country Center Construction Impact on Summer Operations: No action The board discussed operating options for Equestrian, Bikeworks, and trailhead parking in 2014.

• Strategic Guidance 2014 Budget: No action The board discussed the 2014 Strategic Plan Goals as related to the budget process.

• Executive Session Report: Approved 4-0 (Director Murrell absent) Director Johns reported that the board met in executive session today and approved the following:

• Beach Club Marina Improvement Project

The board approved appealing the Truckee Planning

Commission’s decision to deny the project as presented.

• Health Insurance Renewal The board approved the renewal of the association’s employee health insurance policy.

These summaries are intended for general information purposes only.

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

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Bulletin Board

Property Inspections for Fire Safety Unit 2 and Unit 8 to begin this fall First, I would like to thank all the members who have brought their properties into compliance and have maintained them. A lot of work has been completed and Tahoe Donner Association is really starting to look in excellent shape as far as fire safety is concerned.

With the fire season we experienced in 2007, many property owners expressed their concern about the level of fire safety on private lots. The board of directors listened to these concerns and adopted a four-year program to inspect all properties in the association, both developed and undeveloped. The goal of this program was to inspect approximately 1,500 properties a year and by the end of the summer season and have them in compliance with state law, local ordinance and association covenants and restrictions. We have completed the original four-year program and are now entering the third year of phase two. The goal now is to inspect 750 properties a year under an eight-year program. For the 2014 program we will inspect some of the properties located on the southeast side of the subdivision. The streets include Basel Place, Bavarian Way, Chamonix Road, KT Drive, Kitzbuhel Road, Mougle Lane, Munich Drive, Nordic Lane, Sitzmark Way and Tundra Drive.

The inspection area will also cover portions of Falcon Point Place, Hansel Avenue, Lausanne Way, Northwoods Boulevard, Schussing Way, St. Bernard Drive and Zurich Place. We will not be responding to complaints of properties outside of these three units as staffing levels will not allow.

This serves as written notice as required by the Tahoe Donner Association covenants and restrictions that these inspections will occur between the middle of October and the middle of November this year. These inspections will occur between the hours of 8 a.m and 5 p.m.

We plan to complete 50 to 100 inspections per day during this period. Inspectors will walk through the property in order to complete the inspections. All properties in the inspection

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

area will be notified by e-mail whether they are compliant or need some work to become compliant in the late fall or early winter.

For those properties with no e-mail contact address, we will send a letter stating whether the property passed or failed the fire compliance inspection. Upon receiving the noncompliance notice owners may request a copy of the inspection report to assist in planning completion of the required work. The official notification to properties not in compliance will be mailed in the spring and early summer of 2014 with a list of the deficiencies; owners will be given 45 days to complete corrections.

Authority for these inspections comes from the state of California Public Resources Code 4291, Truckee Fire Protection District ordinance 94-1 and Tahoe Donner Association C & Rs Article VIII, Section 1 (a) iii and iv. Following is a list of items we will be looking for: Developed lots Within 30 feet from the structure or to the property line:

• Pine needles removed from the ground at least 10 feet from the structure • All pine needles removed from the roof • No vegetation within 10 feet of a chimney or propane tank • All combustible material removed from under decks and next to the structure, including stored firewood • Nuisance firewood must be managed Within 100 feet from the struc-

height of the tree • All dead and beetle-infested trees removed • Break up “brush fields” so that individual bushes are left (allow for space between bushes to be 2 ½ times the height of the bushes) • Excessively dense tree cover thinned (generally trees under eight inches in diameter that are growing without proper spacing from one another or growing under the canopy of larger trees) • Nuisance firewood must be managed For all of the above items, 100 feet applies if your lot is flat. If your lot is on a steep slope, a greater distance may be required.

Undeveloped lots For the entire lot all of the following apply:

• For trees greater than 12 feet in height – all branches removed six feet from the ground • For trees smaller than 12 feet in height – remove the lower branches for half the height of the tree • Excessively dense tree cover thinned (generally trees under eight inches in diameter that are growing without proper spacing from one another or growing under the canopy of larger trees) • All dead and beetle-infested trees removed • All dry, flammable vegetation and woody debris between one-half inch and 12 inches in diameter removed (not pine needles) • Nuisance firewood must be managed Remember, items that pertain to your lot need to be maintained on a yearly basis. The C & Rs require that each lot be maintained in such a manner as to not create a fire hazard.

Failure to do so may result in a hearing before the Covenants Committee with the possible result of a fine being assessed until the required work is completed.

ture or to the property line:

• All dry, flammable vegetation and woody debris between one-half inch and 12 inches in diameter removed (not pine needles) • For trees greater than 12 feet in height – all branches removed six feet from the ground • For trees smaller than 12 feet in height – remove the lower branches for half the

BILL HOUDYSCHELL | HEAD FORESTER

tahoedonner.com |

31

BAHAMAS

Eric Christensen in the Bahamas on April 26, 2013 doing some seaplane island hopping.

NIA CALIFORhe NORTHERtoN rn rt No p of Mt. Lassen in

e Paul Guerra on th bed and skied with 28, 2013. He clim ril Ca lifornia on Ap ring conditions. friends in great sp

TURKS AND CAICOS

birthday in April John and Karen House celebrating John’s 50th 2013 in Turks and Caicos.

FRANCE

Jack and Ingried Sigovich in Normandy, France visiting the US Navy memorial monument honoring all the officers and sailors who fought on the beaches during the Normandy invasion.

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| Tahoe Donner News | October 2013

Email your “Where in the World” photos to: comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg files of 300 dpi or higher for printing. Photos must include a copy of TD News.

Please list the names of everyone in the picture, where and when it was taken, and a short description of your captured experience. Note: please be patient; it could take up to six months to see your photo published due to a large number of submissions.

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