Tenaya Elementary Student of the Month
Embracing 2025 with Faith and Purpose
2024 Thanksgiving Dinner ‘Took a Village”
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS in 2025
The WAVE Bus: A Lifeline for Nita and Her Mom
Tenaya Elementary Student of the Month
Second grader Mason Reis Fulfer is Tenaya Elementary School’s Student of the Month. According to his teacher, Jennifer Smith, Mason exemplifies outstanding character traits that make him an exceptional member of our school community. He is know for his kindness and respectfulness towards both peers and teachers, always ready with a smile and helping hand. Mason’s dedication as a hard worker is evident in everything he does, consistently putting forth his best effort. His ability to listen attentively and follow directions ensures his success in the classroom and serves as a model for others. We are proud to have Mason, who contributes positively to our learning environment.
Mason is the son of Melanie Fulfer of Groveland and Colton Davis of Sonora.
Embracing 2025 with Faith and Purpose
As we step into January 2025, the season of fresh starts is here. Fitness centers resemble Christmas Eve services, brimming with hopeful faces and new resolutions. Like many, I wish to anticipate what the year will bring, convincing myself that I can maintain control. Yet, the truth is, control is not entirely in my hands. While planning is essential, we must recognize our limitations and surrender to God’s will.
As I prepare this reflection in December 2024, I am reminded of the importance of spiritual trust. Ministry, at its core, is about introducing Jesus to those seeking Him. Our role is not one of control but of service. As the parable in Luke 12:16-21 warns, human plans can be upended at any moment. The farmer who planned for years of ease was reminded by God that life is fragile. Jesus continues in Luke 12:22-34, urging us not to worry, for control ultimately belongs to God.
At Gateway Community Church, our mission is to serve and guide our mountain community to Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, and discipleship. This year, I invite you to join this transformative journey. Opportunities to connect abound—our Friday Food Distribution, small groups for all ages, Children's Worship Ministry, and Sunday night volleyball at Tioga High School. Details can be found on our website: grovelandefc.com.
I cannot predict every detail of what 2025 holds but what I can affirm is that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Discover more at any local Groveland Christian church. We at Gateway Community Church welcome you to worship with us every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Come as you are and let us walk this path of faith together.
In Christ Service, Pastor Bob Kandels
2024 Thanksgiving Dinner ‘Took a Village”
By Patti Beaulieu
Rick Whybra, Linelle Marshall and myself are humbled and so appreciative of the success of the 36th Annual Groveland Community Thanksgiving Dinner that was held on Thanksgiving Day at the Groveland Resilience Center. We’re proud to be able to carry on this long-standing tradition to serve the greater Groveland community a wonderful, abundant holiday meal. Over 300 FREE meals were served and the generous donations from various local organizations and community members and the dedicated volunteers is what makes this event possible each year.
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Many thanks to the following who volunteered to make this day happen:
Alex Merriott & Reed; Allison Blattel, Asher & Logan; Amanda Klaahsen; Ann & Jay Jones; Ann Wood; Anny Olwin; Bob Swan; Brian Watson; Caree Hardcastle; Cavan Rose; Charlene and Corry Struve; Chris Spring; Clair Alves; David Ferraro; David Green; Dawn & Al Silva; Diane & Craig Filipowitz; Donna West; Dorothy Rosenbaum; Flora Siu; Gloria Marler; Hamish Watson; Hanna Sawyer; Jackie & Jim Sample; Jaydon Lee; Jim Dahms; John Huang; John Lee; Kathie & Rick Duarte; Karen Nessel; Karen Ahern; Kate Greene; Kitty Edgerton; Kym & Paul Purifoy Leon Liebster; Linda Kocher & Asher; Mark Stanley; Maureen & Steve Griefer; Melanie McCutcheon; Melody Johnson; Mike Ireland; Robert Hervey; Ryan Niedens; Sammy West; Stefani Reichle; Syd & Rich Robenseifner; Thelma & Dick Faux; Tom Hernandez; Tonie & John Kiefer; Val Bruce; Virgina & Mike Gustafson; Yuris Daudish, and the students and Tenaya and the Groveland 4H Club for the table and wall decorations.
With the support of the community and volunteers, we look forward to continuing this holiday tradition for many years to come.
Helping Hands Happenings
Patti Beaulieu
Happy New Year to everyone! As we begin a new year, many of us are reflective of the past year. 2024 was another very successful year for Helping Hands, tempered by the passing of one of our founders and our ‘crown jewel’, Hanna Bodle. We were so moved, but not surprised, to see the amount of community members at the beautiful memorial service held for her at Tuolumne Trails. She was a long-time member of this community and held a special place in the hearts of every one of us that had to honor to know her.
We made a necessary major change to our hours in January of 2024. Due to staffing and revenue issues, we decided to be closed on Tuesdays, as well as Mondays. Of course, we couldn’t be without our Senior Discount Day, so we just moved that to Wednesday. Fortunately, the community and volunteers have adjusted to this change and things are moving along smoothly with Wednesday to Saturday open days at the Thrift Store and Fridays and Saturdays at the Furniture Barn.
We continue to receive very generous donations and are able to pass this on to our shoppers by way of weekly sales and, of course, to our community with the financial support we continue to give to the schools, teachers, local organizations, events and causes, Food Bank, and others, just as we have for 42 years. Remember, YOUR donations go back to YOUR community. Because of YOUR donations and purchases, we look forward to another prosperous year in 2025.
There are always 3 departments on sale each week, so follow us on Facebook at Helping Hands Thrift Store and Furniture Barn of Groveland, our web page at Helpinghandsofgroveland.com or any of the local Facebook Buy and Sell pages for what’s on sell that week. We also publish our sales for the week in the Chamber’s Yosemite Weekly, which details ALL the local events for the coming week, in addition to those planned months in advance. Email pepp@yosemitechamber.org to get this valuable newsletter emailed to you each Friday.
Move it or Lose it!
Kathleen Malloy
Dr., Dr., give me the news. ….. I’ve got a bad case of an aging body. What might the Dr. say? Move it or Lose it!
You are cordially invited to join us as we move stretch and commune at Chair Yoga. All movements can be modified to your body. I promise I won’t make you twist into a pretzel.
THIS is the time. THIS is the Year. Quit moaning about your stiff back, sore joints, or (insert your ailment here ) and Do Something.
You haven’t tried everything, until you’ve tried Chair Yoga!
Mondays 10:45 -11:45. The Little House, Merrell R. Groveland. $5.00 suggested donation. Over 90 years of age? Ask for the Liz special.
Questions? call Kathy @ 840-4777.
MLK 2025
KATHLEEN MALLOY
The term “Beloved Community” became popular when it was used by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960’s to describe society transformed to God’s dream for humanity. However, the term originated with a Californian, the son of British immigrants who settled in Grass Valley during the Gold Rush.
Dr. Josiah Royce (1855 – 1916) was educated in his family’s remote mining town school and then in San Francisco, Oakland, and Germany. He earned a PhD from Johns Hopkins. Royce began his teaching career at University of California at Berkeley, though the bulk of his teaching career was spent at Harvard. Among his more famous students were: TS Eliot, George Santayana, and the black philosopher, WEB DuBois. Royce, a devote, yet critical, Christian wrote: “My life means nothing, either theoretically or practically, unless I am a member of a community.” Royce’s academic work, grounded in the history of the American West, took a critical view of triumphant individualism. He was interested in the functioning of communities.
Dr. Royce believed the key to creating community among persons was loyalty. “Natural Communities,” he wrote, exhibited vicious or predatory loyalty; they tended toward the destruction of others’ causes and possibilities fueled by strident, oppositional loyalties. Royce also perceived a nobler type of loyalty calling it “loyalty to loyalty,” an adherence to higher universal ideals. Communities who foster this kind of loyalty he called “Genuine Communities” or “Communities of Grace.”
Royce’s philosophical work took a more practical turn after a series of family sorrows. He was deeply impacted by WWI. He turned his intellectual attention to addressing the war and the Church.
About Christianity, Royce noted that doctrines and creeds come and go, but the Church as community goes on. Sometimes, a church community may become a “Natural Community” with conflict and abusive behavior because its loyalties are petty and privatized. However, a church community may become a “Community of Grace” if its loyalty is to the highest values. Royce called the perfect expression of Christian faith the “Beloved Community,” an ideal he though we could never reach, but should aim for.
55 years ago, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. read Royce’s ideas about community and reflected upon the conditions in the world during his lifetime: national racism, the plight of the poor, the destructiveness of war, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Dr. King reclaimed Royce’s idea of the “Beloved Community” not as unattainable ideal of the true Church, rather as the incarnate goal of living Christians. For King, the “Beloved Community” occurs here on earth and includes all human beings. It comes into existence when people embody the teachings of Jesus Christ – respecting all persons, creating well-being for one another, including one’s enemies. Amen. Soli Deo Gloria. (Glory to God Alone)
BOF/Groveland Christmas
It's been a season filled with Christmas cheer, made possible by the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers and the generous donations from our community and local businesses. We are deeply grateful for your tremendous support. Together, we've brought our town to life with shared decorations that connect us to our traditions, fill us with pride and joy, and warmly welcome visitors to our town.
This year, we celebrated the unique Christmas traditions that define our beloved town. We honored Thyera Owings, a key figure in our town's Christmas history, and paid tribute to Kay Glaves of the Lions Club, who has led the decorating efforts for many years. The metal bows we hang on the lamp posts each year are in dedication to Kay. The candy canes that line the pathway up to Ranch Revived, Randi n' Kevin's, and The Grove are a nod to Dotty Davies's iconic candy canes that once adorned her yard in PML.
Our town's delightful charm included the stacked wood-round snowmen, thanks to the craftsmanship of Jeremi Silva. Earl Mawyer of Precision Paints refreshed our beautiful wreaths, adding a touch of elegance to our decorations. We are truly blessed and fortunate to have such an incredible community that generously shares their talents and time. Your contributions have made this Christmas season truly magical, and we are deeply grateful for your dedication and hard work.
As we take down the decorations, tag them, organize them, and pack them away for next year, we thank Terry Michaud for allowing us to use his building again to break down and pack up the items before we move them into storage.
We are working on a long-term storage solution. We have a GoFundMe to raise money to store the decorations in a permanent spot. You can also support by writing a check and send it to:
As we prepare to take down the decorations, we need volunteers for the first week of January (weather permitting). If you're interested in lending a hand, please get in touch with Dawn Silva (408) 568-6969. And if you see us working, feel free to join us. We always appreciate spontaneous volunteer support.
BOF/Groveland Christmas Committee
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS IN 2025
By Nancy A. Reggio, Executive Director
The new year is approaching, and with it comes the perfect moment to reflect on the year gone by and dream big for the one ahead! As we look back on 2024, we ask ourselves: Was it a year of growth and fulfillment? Did we reach our goals? What new opportunities await us in 2025?
For me, joining Southside Community Connections last January was a life-changing experience. It’s been a year of discovery, growth, and connection. I’ve learned new skills, rediscovered old ones, forged meaningful relationships, and deepened my appreciation for this vibrant and caring community. Being part of the SCC family has been an honor, and I’m thrilled to continue this journey with all of you in 2025!
Looking ahead, we have ambitious and exciting plans for SCC. We’re ramping up our outreach to ensure everyone in our community knows about the life-enhancing programs we offer—like Helping Hands and Friendly Faces, where dedicated volunteers provide in-home support to residents.
Our transportation services, WAVE and WHEELS, saw remarkable growth this year, and we can’t wait to expand these programs further in 2025. Plus, we’ll be rolling out new offerings at The Little House—stay tuned for announcements!
None of this would be possible without you—our incredible supporters. Your donations of time and money fuel our mission and make a tangible difference in countless lives. Thank you for believing in SCC and for sharing our vision for a stronger, more connected community.
As we welcome the new year, keep an eye out for updates on our fresh, innovative programs launching in January. Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Nancy A. Reggio
209-962-7303
The WAVE Bus: A Lifeline for Nita and Her Mom
By Beth Martin, Transportation Coordinator
For Nita Faulkner and her mother, Nettie, the WAVE bus has been more than just transportation; it's been a game-changer.
The WAVE has enabled Nita, who is wheelchair-bound, to stay independent, care for her mom, and keep medical appointments—all without the need for a car.
After losing her leg and undergoing cancer treatment several years ago, Nita moved to a senior community in Modesto, with easy access to her medical appointments. She moved her mother, who can’t live alone, there as well. But the housing was expensive – and meanwhile, her mother’s home in Groveland sat empty.
"I found out about the WAVE when we were in Modesto," Nita said. “And I was so grateful. When I knew there was free, reliable transportation, we were able to move back to Groveland.”
The WAVE provides free transportation from Groveland to Sonora and Modesto several times a week, for medical appointments, shopping and errands. WAVE will go as far as Fresno, Stockton, Pleasanton and Sacramento for medical needs.
Now, Nita takes the WAVE once or twice a week. “The bus picks me up in my wheelchair at home and takes me to doctors appointments and shopping,” she said. "The people on the bus are wonderful. We talk, laugh, and sometimes even have lunch together," she adds. “It’s really opened things up for me. And it’s a relief to know my mom can come too, because she’s not able to go by herself."
To find out more about riding the WAVE or to register for a trip, call (209) 962-6952.
FOGL in 2024
Virginia Richmond, president
Friends of the Groveland Library celebrates our key accomplishments and contributions to the community during this past year. Among other activities:
FOGL volunteers read to preschoolers at the library every Friday morning.
We presented “Groveland Authors’ Day” with local authors presenting their books and describing their writing.
We continued donating books to the Sonora jail and juvenile detention center and to Skyline Assisted Living.
We donated $3,000 to Tenaya elementary school to purchase additional books for classroom libraries and we contributed $400 to Stuff the Bus to help purchase school supplies at the elementary school.
Volunteers manage the Book Nook to raise money for the library and to supply our community with gently used books for all ages.
Once again we donated $10,000 to the County to pay for our 5th day staff and to buy books for the library.
In March we provided books and volunteer readers for Read across America - Dr. Seuss Day at Tenaya elementary.
Bookleggers volunteers read to children in grades PreK- 2 to help instill love of reading early.
At the end of school, we gave away books to all students in grades K-4 to take home.
We donated books for the Toys for Tots Christmas project.
We invite you to join us in supporting literacy in our community and the Groveland Library. Just send your name and email address with a check for $25 to FOGL, PO Box 43, Groveland, 95321.
Our team of Book Nook volunteers
Children pick out free books t
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o take home
Local author Bill Ferraiolo describes his writing
Cream of Garlic Soup RECIPE
Recipe provided by Tom Knoth and Paula Martell
This recipe was created by Chef Susan Spicer and has been served for decades at her wonderful New Orleans French Quarter restaurant, Bayona. It might be a diet buster, but it’s a garlic lover’s dream, and nothing beats this soup for warming your tummy on a cool winter night.
· 3 cups onions, peeled and sliced (about 1 lb.)
· 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled but not chopped (about 4 heads)
· 2 tbsp. olive oil
· 1 tbsp. butter
· 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp. dried)
· 3½ cups chicken broth
· 1 bouquet garni (6 parsley stems, 9 thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf tied together)
· 1 to 2 cups day old french bread, torn into half-inch pieces
· 1 tsp. salt
· ¼ tsp. pepper
· ½ cup half and half or heavy cream
· Croutons (optional)
In a heavy-bottomed pot, sauté onions and garlic in butter and oil. Stir frequently over low heat until they turn a deep golden brown (about 45 minutes).
Add thyme, chicken broth, and bouquet garni and bring to a boil. Stir in bread cubes, salt, and pepper and simmer for 10 minutes, until bread is soft. Remove bouquet garni, let soup cool for about 10 minutes, then purée soup with an immersion blender, or in a food processor or blender (carefully!).
Pour into a pot, heat, and whisk in more chicken broth if too thick. Add half and half or cream to desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with croutons if desired. Makes 4 large servings.
Note: The “bouquet garni” items can be placed in a large tea strainer or wrapped up in cheesecloth and tied off with kitchen string.
CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS
2025: New Year, Same Challenges
As we begin 2025, CampTuolumne Trails is looking ahead to summer when camp comes alive with campers from June through August. Each year, the cost of running camp increases -- just like everyone else is experiencing. To help buffer the financial burden of providing a unique camp experience for our campers with disabilities, CTT has launched a Sponsorship Campaign to solicit sponsors to help offset the significant summer shortfall. CTT cannot exist without broad public support.
Over the past month, CTT has received our first Sponsorships from three generous donors to help us continue providing a very special place, which our campers look forward to experiencing each summer:
The Richard Elliot Family Foundation - Week 2: Young Adults 18 and over
Every year, we welcome back old friends who have been enjoying camp for years and first-timers looking forward to a new experience. CTT is one of the very few camps that do not have an age limit.
Richard and Camella Elliot have been significant supporters for more than five years. Richard is world-renowned as arguably the best jazz saxophone player on the planet. The Elliots are known for their philanthropy. In 2021, Richard released the album Authentic Life, a reference, I was told, to their passion for supporting great causes. We are thrilled to be considered one of those great causes.
Chicken Ranch Tribal Council - Week 3: CTT’s Youth Camp.
This is the part of our summer program that is reserved for our youngest campers. For many, this is their first overnight away from home. We welcome campers as young as seven.
While it is hard to miss the new casino in Jamestown, the Chicken Ranch Rancheria has quietly been giving back to the community. This year's sponsorship is the first engagement in what we hope will be a long partnership. We are honored that The Chicken Ranch tribal council has found Camp Tuolumne Trails worthy of their support.
Dipanjan and Shashi Deb - Week 4: Young Adults 18 and over
Much like Week 2, Week 4 is an adult camp. It tends to be attended by some of our more elderly campers (last year, we celebrated a 77-year birthday).
Dipanjan (DJ)) is the CEO and co-founder of Francisco Partners, one of the most successful venture capital firms in the country. DJ has been a supporter of camp since we first met in 2007. DJ supports camp not only for our mission, but also for our efficiency. This year DJ and Shashi decided to concentrate their philanthropy to a few efficient organizations. We are very proud that we made the cut.
This is a good start; however, CTT needs additional sponsorships and expanded funding sources. We ask that you consider donating to CTT. Our promise is to carefully leverage your donations to ensure another banner year for CTT’s campers. Your support helps CTT in continuing its goal to be the most accommodating camp in the U.S. Your donations are greatly appreciated, and all contributions are tax-deductible.You can use this link to make donations on CTT’s website https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/ or use this QR code.
Camp Tuolumne Trails’ mission is devoted to helping those with disabilities and those who support them by providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education and recreation. If you’d like to find out more about CTT, take a tour, volunteer or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please call CTT at (209) 962-7534, email info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: http://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.