Emergency Communications Update
PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE MEN’S GOLF CLUB
Giving, Fun, and Community Spirit in Groveland
SCC Was There When She Needed it Most
Brainy Groveland Provides Free Books to Third Graders
Meet the Board of the Friends of the Groveland Library
BOF/GROVELAND CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE
Pine Cone Singers: It Was “The Very Best Time of Year”
TENAYA ELEMENTARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
FROM PMLA SAFETY COMMITTEE
Bob Asquith
The Pine Mountain Lake Safety and Security Committee is a standing committee authorized by the PMLA Board of Directors to inform its decision making and promote its mission. The Committee meets every month.
Join Our Committee Meeting: Members may attend our committee meetings.
Our next meeting is March 12th at 9am via Zoom. Please email SafetyComm@pinemountainlake.com to obtain
your invitation.
Your Safety Committee continues researching and making recommendations to the BOD during 2025 on the following topics:
ü House numbering
ü Speeding
ü Roadway and Intersection markings
ü Text messaging
ü Power Outages
ü Emergency Communications
ü Updates to PML Safety and Emergency documentation
Please join us or email suggestions that will make our Pine Mountain Lake community safer for all members, guests, and renters. Please direct comments to our email above.
Emergency Evacuation—These maps are approved and ready to use. Maps show the routes out of PML and the major evacuation routes away from Groveland. Additional emergency information can be found at https://www.pinemountainlake.com/emergency-information-and-resources/
Evac Maps are on the
PMLA website. Download & print your copy.
https://www.pinemountainlake.com/.../PML-Evacuation-Maps.pdf
Please email comments to: SafetyComm@pinemountainlake.com
Emergency Communications Update
Bob Asquith
The recent fires in SoCal have again demonstrated the value of multiple communications methods. Groveland has a single path supported by one fiber optic cable that runs from Groveland to Sonora. That carries all land lines, cell lines, and Internet services.
· When that single cable goes out – YOU have NO communications.
· It has gone out during the Moc Fire and the Washington Fire (Sonora).
· The ONLY other communication channel is via RADIO.
· All you need is the Radio and the FCC radio license.
· Join the GROVELAND GMRS Radio network.
The PML Safety
Committee recommends you 1) buy a radio, 2) obtain your license and 3) join the
more than 300 residents of Groveland/BOF that already are participating.
Please email comments to: SafetyComm@pinemountainlake.com
This explains GMRS radio use –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziz7ZZcEd_k
This shows how to get license –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOuOIB1KCQ4
This radio works well – Radioddity GM-30–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwA8sjW60io
For additional info about Groveland GMRS -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/885555812498346
https://tcnrw.com/
https://tuolumnecountygmrs.weebly.com/radio-nets.html
Permission to join the GMRS Network and use the repeater is solely vested in Net Control.
PML LADIES CLUB
Sharon Newell
Beautiful holiday decorations and delectable food provided the perfect setting for our holiday lunch at the Lake Lodge. Evelyn Bealby and our VP Mae Franco outdid themselves. Our feast started with a Spiced warm pear salad over field greens, with a white wine and roasted shallot vinaigrette. Our entrée was a Braised Beef Short Rib with a burgundy demi glaze, Pancetta Penne with leeks, cremini mushrooms, arugula, smoked gouda cream sauce and Roasted Vegetables with herb butter. The grand finale was Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding with whiskey maple sauce. Robin and her team from Perfect Day Catering truly outdid themselves.
After lunch we enjoyed a holiday sing-along lead by our own Pinecone Singer Linelle Marshall. And finally, we did our Advent exchange which kept us happy and merry right up until Christmas!
Ladies Club meets the first Wednesday of the month except January and July. Our February 5 lunch “Galintines Day with Friends” will be at the Grill. We invite all PML Ladies to join us for the fun! For questions or more info, contact Cheri Darouze at 209-604-5008, or Sharon Newell 415-244-7514.
STCHS
Harriet Codeglia
As another year rolls around, we at STCHS (Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society) have accomplished a great deal. We recruited and trained 3 new docents, had the Cobden House (the little yellow house in Big Oak Flat) repainted, built an arbor at that property, had some damaged material safely removed from the stone Gamble Building, installed lighting in the stone building, added two new exhibits to the museum, doubled the size of the Hetch Hetchy Railroad exhibit, hosted a thank you lunch for docents and volunteers, we resumed our public speaker programs and we held two very successful fundraising events.
The list of volunteers who make all this possible is long. We thank them all! I specially want to thank the STCHS Board members who help steer this ship: Catherine Santa Maria, Treasurer, Dave Roberts, Kathy Brown, Scott Belser, Vice President and Patricia Gibson, Secretary.
On the not-so-positive side, our stone building in Big Oak Flat (known as the Wells Fargo Building) was damaged by a car in October. The driver claimed she swerved to avoid a deer, but she damaged the iron door hinges and the bricks and the stone sidewalk. We are working with her insurance company to make repairs.
It is the time of year when we ask our STCHS members to renew their membership. The dues we collect are key to continuing our mission of education, preservation and maintaining our museum. Stop by the museum to pick up your membership form.
Some new displays are in the works for 2025.
The speaker program will resume in the spring. Details will be posted on our website (grovelandmuseum.org) and our Facebook page.
The Wine Tasting Cruise will take place on May 17. The Labor Day Barbecue takes place on August 31 this year. And our need for volunteer help never ends.
The museum continues to be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 until 2. We can arrange special hours at your request. Leave a message at 209 962 0200.
PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE MEN’S GOLF CLUB
DAVE FERNANDEZ
2025 PMLMGC
Well, it’s that time of year. Winter weather kicking in and time to kick-off our 2025 season. 2024 was another great year for the PMLMGC. We continue to find better ways to improve our club and to enhance the tournament schedule. Please take a look at the website for our 2025 Tournaments. We kick-off the year with the annual ICE BREAKER TOURNAMENT scheduled for Saturday February 15th. Cheers to making 2025 another great year for the PMLM
TOURNAMENT TEE SELECTION
Many of our tournaments allow players to select what tees they will play from. It is important that players sign up for the correct tees. Any player can play from the Gold tees, regardless of their age or index, if they so choose. But only players that qualify may play from the Purple/Green tees. To qualify a player must be 70, or older, or have an index of 18.7, or higher. It is very difficult for the Golf Shop to make tee changes at the last minute. Any player that plays from incorrect tees risks disqualification. Typically, one team member will sign up a 4-man or 2-man team, so it is imperative that that team member sign up their team from the correct tees.
WEBSITE TOURNAMENT SIGN UP
Please continue to use the website, pmlmgc.com, to sign up and pay for tournaments. Using the website for tournament sign up and payment makes it easier for the club and the Golf Shop to manage tournaments. Go to pmlmgc.com to see the tournament schedule.
JOIN THE MEN’S GOLF CLUB
Any male persons who are current property owners, their siblings, sons, nephews, sons-in-law, and PMLA employees are eligible to join the men’s golf club. Go to pmlmgc.com and click on the button, Join the Club, to see the many benefits of club membership, as well as the ability to sign up on line. Applications are also available in the Golf Shop, or you can contact our Handicap/Membership Chair, Ted Toffey. Email Ted at handicap@pmlmgc.com, if you have any questions about club membership, or, if you’re a current member, your NCGA handicap index.
PML Lady Niners
Tammy Talovich
Quote of the month: For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a member of the Lady Niners contact Stacie Brown at happygem529@gmail.com. We play 9 holes on Tuesday mornings; it only takes a few hours and is a great opportunity to meet some awesome ladies!
December 5th: we had 11 players and there was no game – free play
Pars: #12,14,15,17 Nancy Johnson
Pars: #14 Linda Wall
Pars: #10,13 Deanie Martini
Pars: #17 Mary Steinkamp
Great playing ladies!
December 12th: we had our Christmas Luncheon
Everyone dressed up and had a fun time! The Grill provided lunch and it was awesome!
December 16th: a few of us delivered a $7500.00 check to Adventist Cancer Fund. This money was raised during our Wine in the Pines Cancer Tournament in October. With holidays and vacations it took a bit to coordinate a time to visit. I would like to thank all who participated with a donation, golfing and the live auction!
December 19th: No arranged play, everyone was no their own!
December 26th: No golf, Merry Christmas!
PINE NEEDLERS QUILT GUILD
SANDY SMITH
Wow... It is Valentine Month already. The new year of 2025 is really scooting by. Pine Needlers Quilt Guild wishes you a very Happy Valentines Day! Enjoy the chocolates and wine.
The Pine Needlers Quilt Guild meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month @ 10 a.m. under the Library. We do have a Meet N Greet at 9:30 so you can kind of catch up from Januarys happenings. February’s meeting will be on the 18th. Bring your lunch and join us after the meeting for a time to sew together, and learn new things too. We sew until 2 or 3.
Have you dropped into the Library lately? There are beautiful quilts hanging there, provided by our Guild members, check it out. If you would like to have one of yours displayed, please tell Leslie. Tourists love them and it is great fun for the Story ladies to use them when they read to the kids on Fridays.
Our February Guild meeting spotlight will be on Lynn Sigafoose and Carol Willmon as they present a Trunk Show. Two different styles and color preferences, something to please everyone. It is always a delight to see our quilters show their projects. The most wonderful thing about quilting is there is always much to experience, and learn about.
Bee Updates: Currently we have 3 active Bees. Get together with a friend or two and start your own if you want. Highly recommend that you keep the group to 6 and under. A Bee is pretty independent, set their own schedules, time, place, and what you want to do: projects together, charity work, perhaps for Bags of Love, hand sewing, or independent projects. Select a Queen, let the Guild president know the details of time and place, now you can enjoy the expanded world of quilting.
QUEEN BEES---WINA HELM QUEEN BEE
Bring your own project. Once in a while group projects in December had a guest teach a cute pin cushion project.
HONEY BEES---LESLIE TIMMONS QUEEN BEE
Have done several group projects, including the mystery snowflake quilt. We are now doing a stain glass quilt together. Also like to do independent and hand sewing projects.
BEE PEACEFUL---JEAN COX QUEEN BEE
Bring your own project, hand sewing, and an occasional project together. Did a decolorization project together last month. See you on Tuesday February 18th, 10 a.m. for our regular meeting. Meet and greet at 9:30. Also remember you can bring your lunch and sew with us after the meeting. If you have any questions give President Kris 650-722-0307 or V.P. 209-482-1406 Leslie a call.
PML Pickleball Club
Tammy Talovich
Pickleball = fun, friends, and fitness
Happy Valentine’s Day! If you need help in keeping those resolutions you set last month of getting into shape, meeting new people, or just simply having fun & enjoying life – you can accomplish these by playing Pickleball.
Come on out to the Pickleball Center (located by the golf course) every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 10:00 AM. During this time of year – it is weather permitting – if it’s cold that’s fine but wet courts are dangerous. Don’t worry if you don’t have experience or equipment yet, there will be Pickleball Members who can help and there are extra paddles to borrow. Please wear comfortable clothing & court shoes that won’t leave scuff marks on the courts. Oh, and don’t forget some water, you’ll need it.
Please don’t forget to purchase your Pickleball Annual Pass at the Administration Office; or you may purchase a daily or monthly pass from the Main Gate. It’s a new year and they will be checking to make sure that we have all purchased what we need.
If you are a PML home owner and want to join the Pickleball Social Club contact Tammy Talovich at tamtally1@gmail.com for a form, the cost is $15.00 per person. Being part of the club is fun, there are monthly, evening events. If you don’t play pickleball but want to be part of the social events, you will just need to join the club then you will get the emails.
Come on out and have some fun with us!
ROOFBB
Giving, Fun, and Community Spirit in Groveland
Audrey Prouse
Who likes to have fun?
Who is ready to get involved in something worthwhile?
Who wants to join a group of fun-loving ladies who give back to our community, making a real difference in Groveland?
We are deep in the planning stages for 2025 and we’re eager to welcome new members to join us in accomplishing our mission. The mission is simple: raise funds to donate back to our local schools, community projects, and neighbors in need. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to dive deeper into volunteerism, ROOFBB has something for everyone. So, come be a part of the fun—join ROOFBB and help us continue making Groveland a better place for all!
We want to share all the amazing things that we do throughout the year. As you can see from the list below, we are involved in events three different ways; holding our own fundraisers, partnering in Groveland community activities and projects, and having ROOFBB members-only social events for the pure joy of being together and having a great time with a fantastic group of energetic and accomplished women! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of all that?
•First Responder BBQ Appreciation (partnering with Yosemite Chamber of Commerce)
•Volunteering at Camp Tuolumne Trails in a variety of ways
•Shopping with Tenaya Elementary students for school supplies and clothing at the beginning of the school year
•Holding a variety of fundraising events at various Groveland locations
•49er Festival Taste of Tuolumne sponsored by Yosemite Chamber of Commerce (we walk in the parade and volunteer at the event down in the park)
•Luncheons twice a year for all ROOFBB members
•Supporting Trail Less Traveled with their holiday Giving Tree and other holiday charitable activities
2025 SAVE THE DATE- ROOFBB HAPPENINGS:
Feb. 9 Superbowl Breakfast Motherlode Fairgrounds
May 4 First Responder Appreciation BBQ Mary Laveroni Park
June 14 SummerFest! Mary Laveroni Park
September 20 49er Festival Taste of Tuolumne Mary Laveroni Park
In the greater Groveland area, organizations like ROOFBB charity are unique. There are only a few active service organizations. We serve our community, reminding all of of the positive impact that can be achieved through collective action. Volunteering with ROOFBB Charity is not just an act of kindness; it is a commitment to building a better, more compassionate world!
To learn more about ROOFBB organization, you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Nextdoor. You can easily apply to become a member using our website application: https://charity.roofbb.org/join.
**If you know someone who is in need or are in need yourself, please contact us immediately and we’ll see what we can do!!
DONATE! CONTACT US! FOLLOW US!
charity@roofbb.org @roofbbcharity
PML LADIES 18 HOLE GOLF CLUB
Thelma Faux
Here are the results of the recent tournament play:
December 12th – Team Point Bogie
First Place: Kitty Edgerton, Sara Hancock, Lisa Brown- Jimenez - 130
Second Place: Marcee Cress, Sue Perry, Christina Baines- 124
Third Place: Paula Parisi, Helena McMillian, Kathy Egan, Pricilla Park - 122
Fourth Place: Laura Kramer, Anne Clark, Elisa Hoppner - 121
December 26th – After Christmas Blues
First Place: Paula Parisi, Sara Hancock, Jodi Awai - 143
Second Place: Lisa Brown Jimenez, Jane Reynolds - 145
Third Place: Elisa Hoppner, Lina Sarratt, Tari Skelley, Laura Kramer - 146
January 2nd - 2 Best Balls on Odd Number Holes & 1 Best Ball on Even Number Holes
First Place: Paula Parisi, Teri Skelley, Laura Kramer, Helena McMillian - 89
Second Place: Sue Perry, Sara Handcock, Jane Reynolds - 92
Third Place: Elisa Hoppner, Lina Sarratt, Pricilla Park, Anne Clark - 93
Fourth Place: Lisa Brown-Jimenez, Kitty Edgerton, Sally Wrye - 98
January 9th -Left Right Partners
First Place: Jodie Awai, Linda Johnson, Jane Reynolds – 132
Second Place: Kitty Edgerton, Sara Handcock, Sally Wrye, Sue Perry – 136
Third Place: Laura Kramer, Helena McMillian, Tari Skelley, Paula Parisi – 137
Fourth Place: Marcee Cress, Marilyn Scott, Christina Baines – 138
Fifth Place: Linda Sarratt, Pricilla Park, Deanie Martini, Mary Steinkamp – 140
Birdies – Linda Johnson #14
The Pine Mountain Lake Ladies Golf Club plays every Thursday and is open to all women residents and owners of property in the Pine Mountain Lake community. Our club would love to add some new members and have modified our bylaws to allow female family members of property owners to apply for membership. If you are interested in becoming a member, we can arrange for you to join us as a guest, so that you can meet and play with some members and see what our club is all about. If you’re interested, please contact our PML Head Golf Professional, Mike Cook at 209-962-8620.
KAREN ANN HANDLEY
DECEMBER 31, 1940 – JANUARY 3, 2025
Sadly, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister and friend, Karen Ann Handley, died on January 3, 2025 at the age of 84. She was a genuinely kind and loving lady, who carried herself, always, with grace and dignity. Born on December 31, 1940, in Salinas, California, Karen was the firstborn of Alice and Larry Struve. Karen excelled in school and graduated from Salinas High School in 1958 and from Hartnell College in 1960. It was while attending Hartnell that she met her love, Wayne Handley. The two were married in April of 1961 and moved to Coronado where Wayne was stationed in the Navy. In 1965, Wayne and Karen moved to Greenfield, California where they raised their three children. Karen embraced motherhood with love and selflessness. When she wasn’t managing the office of their business, Crop Flight, Karen dedicated herself to her children and their many activities. Karen was passionate about family traditions and created holiday gatherings no one wanted to miss. She loved family ski trips in the winter and enjoyed time at their cabin in Arroyo Seco in the summers. Karen was active in Rainbow Girls, Girl Scouts, The Junior League and The Steinbeck House. She also enjoyed gardening, was a brilliant bridge player and an avid reader.
In 1984 Wayne and Karen began traveling the country for Wayne’s career in the airshow business and met many treasured friends along the way. These years were full of festivities and adventure, which Karen always embraced with her signature warmth and charm. In 2005, Wayne and Karen retired to Pine Mountain Lake in Groveland, California where they developed a fantastic community of friends. While there, Karen volunteered with the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum as a docent, the Groveland Library and Helping Hands Thrift Store and was a team leader for the Brainy Groveland reading tutors at the elementary school. She was also actively involved in many events held at the PML Airport. Wayne and Karen thoroughly enjoyed their time in Groveland, until September of 2023, when they moved to the Monterey Peninsula to be closer to family.
One of the most beautiful legacies that Karen has left behind for her family is a genuine love for one another. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family truly enjoy time spent together and that is due to the love, kindness, strength and beauty of our Mimi.
Karen was cherished deeply by her husband Wayne Handely, daughters Jayne Lord (Mark), Kim Feldhaus (Dan), Grandchildren Alison O’Halloran (Tim), Hayden Lord (Kory), Austin Lord, Brennen Handley, Josh Feldhaus, Nate Feldhaus, and great grandchildren, Sawyer O’Halloran, and Hadley O’Halloran as well as her sister, Jean Metz and many nieces and nephews. Karen is preceded in death by her parents Larry and Alice Struve, her brother Jon Struve and her son Ryan Handley.
A private burial was held in Greenfield, CA on January 17th and a Memorial Service was held on January 18th at Struve and Laporte Funeral Home in Salinas, CA with a reception following at the Corral de Tierra Country Club. If you would like, donations can be made in Karen’s name to:
Friends of Groveland Library (FOGL)
Po Box 43, Groveland, CA 95321
Free Yarn at The Little House
Samantha West, The Little House Supervisor
Are you a knitter, crocheter, or yarn lover? At The Little House our yarn stash has outgrown our available storage and we want to share our stash with the community, all for FREE! Donations are greatly appreciated and will be used to bring more programs to our facility.
From vibrant hues to neutral tones, and lightweight threads to chunky textures, we have yarn in every color, weight, and type imaginable. Whether you’re diving into a new project, stocking up for a rainy day, or just curious to see what’s in our collection, now’s the perfect time to stop by and explore.
Why spend time and money traveling off the hill for supplies when you can find exactly what you need right here? Chances are, we’ve got just the thing to bring your creative visions to life!
Swing by Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 2 PM, or call Samantha at (209)962-7303 to arrange a visit outside those hours. We’re here to fuel your creativity and share the joy of crafting with you. Don’t miss out—your next masterpiece starts here!
The Little House Program of Southside Community Connections fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for the Groveland and Big Oak Flat communities. By bridging generational divides, we provide a vibrant gathering space where individuals of all ages can connect, learn, and thrive together. We empower community members to stay active, engaged, and enriched with offerings such as exercise classes to promote health and wellness, art activities to inspire creativity, and a free learning library to encourage lifelong learning. Visit us at 11699 Merrell Road, Groveland, California.
SCC Was There When She Needed it Most
By Beth Martin, Transportation Coordinator
When Tracy Baker needed help the most, Southside Community Connections (SCC) was there for her. Married to Clyde for 25 years, Tracy had spent much of her time caring for him, especially during his final months when he was wheelchair-bound and dealing with severe health issues. The couple, who lived in Big Oak Flat, had no transportation; Clyde’s son Lonnie, who worked full-time, couldn’t always help. When they found out about SCC and the WAVE bus, it was a relief.
“Clyde said it felt so good to him not stressing out anymore, about how we were going to get anywhere,” Tracy recalled. Before discovering the WAVE, they couldn’t even get to the local pharmacy on their own. The WAVE made it possible for Tracy and Clyde to make their medical appointments, which was especially important as Clyde’s health worsened.
When Clyde was hospitalized in Modesto, Tracy was overwhelmed, panicked that she might not be able to visit him. SCC reassured her that the WAVE could take her there. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to see him again,” Tracy said, crying with relief when SCC arranged transportation.
After Clyde passed away, Tracy faced overpowering grief, financial challenges, and her own health issues. She struggled to navigate the system to receive benefits and missed critical appointments. SCC stepped in to help Tracy get through the darkest times, guiding her through paperwork, helping her remember her appointments, arranging transportation on the WAVE, and providing emotional support.
“SCC did so much for me and helped me get through a dark stage in my life. I will never forget that,” Tracy shared. Today, Tracy’s health has improved and she is in a better place, thanks to the support she received. "God bless SCC and the WAVE, because without that, I never would have made it."
Free Yarn at The Little House
Samantha West, The Little House Supervisor
Are you a knitter, crocheter, or yarn lover? At The Little House our yarn stash has outgrown our available storage and we want to share our stash with the community, all for FREE! Donations are greatly appreciated and will be used to bring more programs to our facility.
From vibrant hues to neutral tones, and lightweight threads to chunky textures, we have yarn in every color, weight, and type imaginable. Whether you’re diving into a new project, stocking up for a rainy day, or just curious to see what’s in our collection, now’s the perfect time to stop by and explore.
Why spend time and money traveling off the hill for supplies when you can find exactly what you need right here? Chances are, we’ve got just the thing to bring your creative visions to life!
Swing by Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 2 PM, or call Samantha at (209)962-7303 to arrange a visit outside those hours. We’re here to fuel your creativity and share the joy of crafting with you. Don’t miss out—your next masterpiece starts here!
The Little House Program of Southside Community Connections fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for the Groveland and Big Oak Flat communities. By bridging generational divides, we provide a vibrant gathering space where individuals of all ages can connect, learn, and thrive together. We empower community members to stay active, engaged, and enriched with offerings such as exercise classes to promote health and wellness, art activities to inspire creativity, and a free learning library to encourage lifelong learning. Visit us at 11699 Merrell Road, Groveland, California.
CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS
DORI JONES
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF “COMMUNITY”
CTT will always be first and foremost about its campers. Our passion to become the most accommodating camp on the planet is constant. However, achieving this daunting goal might not be possible anywhere else than in our own special community, where a limitless number of people have unique skills and backgrounds that help others in myriad ways.
Likewise, CTT is also committed to being an integral part of this community and giving back. And what a community it is! Groveland goes above and beyond when it comes to community service. That is only possible as a result of some serious collaboration between the local non-profits and service organizations.
From its inception, we have considered CTT to be a community asset. CTT has been the venue for men’s retreats, annual club meetings, holiday gatherings, celebrations of life, retreats for veterans with PTSD, and many more. We have opened our doors and shared equipment to neighbors who find themselves in need of mobility assistance. CTT’s big walk-in freezer has been utilized to stage food for fundraising events by many local organizations. For the 4th consecutive year, Tioga High held its senior prom in the Great Hall in January. Although these events are not ‘money-makers’ for CTT, it’s part of our calling and our way to show appreciation and to give back to the community that supports CTT.
Last summer, we signed an MOU with the Red Cross, designating CTT as an emergency OUR COMMUNITY CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS DORI JONES evacuation center. At the time of this writing, Jacqui Montero, our operations manager, is in Los Angeles for the Red Cross and lending her expertise to our SoCal neighbors suffering from the devastating fires. We also hosted a meeting in January between the Firewise USA Council, community leaders and California State Senator Alvarado Gil.
As in any community, there are a handful of volunteers that form the heart and soul of Groveland. We are proud to be part of the fabric that makes Groveland such a unique place. Please consider joining the effort—either by volunteering at CTT or any of the other fine organizations in our special town.
Brainy Groveland Provides Free Books to Third Graders
Virginia Richmond
The third grade students at Tenaya Elementary have enjoyed time with their Brainy Groveland volunteers this fall. Third graders select “just right” books from our collection to read, then discuss them with the caring volunteers. They’re learning how much fun and how educational reading can be. Just before Christmas, each student was able to pick a brand new book to take home as a gift from Brainy Groveland.
Our dedicated volunteers make the program possible and are making a real difference to the students. For more information about volunteering (normally once a month), please contact Virginia Richmond, v_richmond@yahoo.com or 962-6336.
Tenaya third graders love their new books!
Meet the Board of the Friends of the Groveland Library
Michele Roberts, President
Michele Roberts, President
Michele has served on the Friends of the Groveland Library board (FOGL) as VP, Secretary and now President. She has also been the co-manager of Book Nook since 2022. In her previous life, she worked in accounting and tax and was tax director of a public real estate company before retiring. She was president of Southside Community Connections and has worked with a number of non-profit organizations. Michele has been a full-time resident of Groveland since 2017 after vacationing here since 2000.
Jenny Ferraiolo, Vice President
Jenny grew up in Lodi, California, and worked for 31 years in the Lodi City Clerks office, serving as Deputy, Assistant and City Clerk before retiring in 2019. She also served as a regional director in the City Clerks Association of California, as well as a board member of the LOEL Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching lives of seniors in the Lodi area and currently volunteers at the Book Nook. Jenny and her husband, Billy, moved to Groveland in January 2023 and quickly fell in love with the community and its people.
Audrey Prouse, Secretary
Audrey became a member of the FOGL board two years ago. Before retiring, Audrey enjoyed a meaningful 30+ year career in education, where she worked in various roles, including as a teacher, mentor, and administrator. Audrey continues to use her extensive knowledge of children's literature to make a positive impact on her community. She has always been passionate about fostering a love for reading in young people. “I joined the board to give back to our community through promoting access to books for all and instilling a love of reading in all children,” she says.
Cathy O’Connell, Chairperson for Children’s Programs
Cathy directed early childhood programs in the Bay Area for a number of years. In addition, she worked with abused women and children eventually becoming the program director for the two non-profit shelters. Reading has always been a passion so when the Groveland Library had a part-time opening for a librarian she couldn’t resist applying for the position and worked for the library for several years becoming the Senior Librarian. She became involved in FOGL because it supports the children of our community by supporting Bookleggers and other programs and by providing books to help inspire reading. And she enjoys reading to children!
Harriet Codeglia, Treasurer
Harriet is a California native who retired after 40+ years in Human Resources and administrative management positions in a number of Silicon Valley startups. Her BA is from Santa Clara University. Since retirement to Groveland 15 years ago, she has served on the FOGL board as VP, President and Treasurer. Reading and public libraries have been an important part of her life since early childhood and she finds supporting the local library through FOGL rewarding and important for the community. In addition to managing the finances of the organization, she volunteers at the Book Nook Saturday sales and other fundraising activities. Harriet also serves on the Board of STCHS, the Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society, and volunteers in the museum and with the many projects of STCHS.
We are always looking for volunteers for our programs at the Groveland library, Tenaya Elementary School, the Book Nook, etc. If you love books and reading as much as we do (or even if you don’t) and you would like to give back to our community please contact Michele Roberts at (209) 962-4327 or mroberts@crossborder.com.
BOF/GROVELAND CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE
Dawn Silva
With Gratitude
As the holiday season comes to a close, our team of volunteers and the committee made quick haste to beat the winter rains and pulled down all the garland, wrap, and trimmings in two days! The support of our community fills our tanks each year to keep this time-honored tradition alive. Terry Michaud's unwavering support has again provided a staging area to place all the decorations so that they can be carefully tagged, organized, and packed away. Organizing the garland, ornaments, and trimmings each year takes days to sort and pack away so they are ready for the following year.
Thank you to everyone who purchased the snowman, which has significantly contributed to our fundraising success. Your support has been crucial in reaching our goal. We also extend our gratitude to all those who could donate on the Go-Fund Me page. The community's contributions are critical for this tradition to endure. Donations and support make this cherished tradition possible, bringing us all closer and embodying our Christmas Spirit.
Thank you to the volunteers for countless hours decorating the town and taking down the decorations at the end of the season. Your efforts brought joy, filled our hearts, and transformed our town into a magical Christmas wonderland, a sight that brought smiles to everyone's faces. We are deeply grateful for your dedication, which is truly the heart of our community's holiday spirit.
The committee is excited about the year ahead, which will be filled with planning and preparing for next year's festivities. We eagerly look forward to our continued partnership with all the businesses that have been instrumental in making our holiday decorating a success. With the community's continued support, we are confident that we can make next year's celebrations even more memorable.
The BOF/Groveland Christmas Committee
HELPING HANDS HAPPENINGS
Patti Beaulieu
Here we are in month #2 of 2025! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and has a very healthy and happy 2025! It sure seems like these months and years are flying by! This month we celebrate our ‘Valentines’ and we have our Valentine selection on display for your shopping needs with lots of stuffies for the little ones and grandbaby Valentines.
As is our usual policy, if there’s a 3-day weekend with a Monday holiday, we try to be open on that Sunday. That’s the case this year on February 16th since Monday, February 17 is President’s Day.
We’re deeply saddened by the December 9th death of our long-time, wonderful landlord, Leonard Cassaretto. He treated us very well, in our 30 years as his tenant at our current location. He was fair, honest and a friend to us all. Our town of Groveland has lost it’s most dedicated and loved resident. Rest in peace, dear friend.
We continue to proudly serve OUR community by providing financial assistance to the many organizations, functions, teachers, students and community members. This is due to YOUR generous donations and those that choose to visit and shop with us. THANK YOU for shopping and donating and for helping to support YOUR community!
Be sure to follow us on our web page @www.helpinghandsofgroveland.com, our Facebook pages, local Facebook Buy and Sell pages or the Yosemite Chamber Weekly On-line Newsletter for updates and weekly sale announcements.
STCHS invites new members.
The Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society (STCHS) is starting it’s 2025 membership drive and we invite you to become members of the Groveland Museum/ STCHS community. We thank everyone for your past patronage and ask you to join us and/or renew your membership to help us reach that goals for community engagement. Please come into the museum today and fill out a 2025 membership form.
We thought we’d have a fun and engaging campaign, so we’ve decided to “Name the Bear”. The bear is the biggest attraction for our smallest visitors. Watch your mail for the postcard (see attached.) Return the postcard in person at the museum in exchange for a voting ballot. Bring your kids and grandkids. The museum is open Fri-Sat-Sun from 10a-2pm.
2025 membership starts at just $25 per family. Our desire and efforts to preserve local history have not wavered and are as strong as ever. We thank our generous community for supporting our three major fundraisers: The Wine Cruise around Pine Mountain Lake, the Raffle mailer and the Labor Bay BBQ. Please consider joining the heart of our community and become a STCHS member today. Send Payments to P.O. Box 181, Big Oak Flat, CA 95305 or drop into the museum and say hello.
STCHS is a 501C3 Non-Profit charity – Tax ID #: 77-0132781; Donations are tax-deductible.
Pine Cone Singers: It Was “The Very Best Time of Year”
by Bob Swan
Well, the weather was a little sketchy, but the Pine Cone Singers were delighted to perform their Winter Concerts – “The Very Best Time of Year” – on December 13. 14, and 15. We want to thank everyone who came out share the enjoyment we get from singing for you. We hope you had as much fun as we did.
We could not do these concerts without the help of many folks, so we have a lot of thanks to offer. We thank Pastor Bob Kandels and the congregation of Gateway Community Church for allowing us to use their beautiful sanctuary for our performances, and their Fellowship Hall for rehearsals.
We thank Cris Todd for program design; Bonnie and Wayne Phillips for the slide show; Tom Radanovich for sound management; Frank Perry for videography; Paul Klahn, Jim Lopes, Bob Shannon, and Holly Chandler for box office, lobby, and ushering support; and Sam Parks for emceeing and dad jokes.
Thanks to Zoo-phonics for printing our advertising flyers and programs, to STCHS for the use of their video camera, and to all our very generous donors who keep us financially afloat. And, again, thanks to everyone who came to the show.
We particularly want to acknowledge our concert instrumentalists: Pianist Jason Jeffrey and percussionist Amy Mannon. As always, we thank the man who manages to bring out our best, whether we want it or not – our Music Director, Dennis Brown.
When you read this, we will have had one rehearsal, on January 28, for the Spring concert. It’s not too late to join us! Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 2:00 to 4:30 at the Fellowship Hall of Gateway Community Church We want to stress that you do not have to read music. We provide rehearsal CDs or mp3s for you to learn your part – and, in the process, learn to read music. For more information, please contact Bob Swan at (408)398-4731.
St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef
Recipe by Tom Knoth and Paula Martell
Basic Directions for Crockpot Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Potatoes:
5-6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 medium onion, quartered
1 quart of water
4 lbs. corned beef brisket
1 (1 lb.) bag of baby carrots
1 lb. small red potatoes, quartered
1 head of green cabbage, cut into wedges
Rinse your corned beef in water to remove brine. Set up a crockpot on low heat
and add garlic and onions in pot, then place beef on top. Add enough water to
cover the corned beef by an inch or more and the contents of the seasoning
packet (pickling spices that almost always come with corned beef).
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4 hours, and then add carrots and potatoes. At 6.5 hours, add the cabbage wedges. The corned beef is done when it is fork tender, but we check with a thermometer and are looking for 195-200 F internal temperature. Total cooking time should be 7 to 8 hours. If it is ready to soon, you can turn off the crockpot and leave everything inside for up to a couple hours. Serve corned beef slices and veggies with some of the broth in bowls.
Options:
Don’t have a crockpot? You could alternatively use a large covered pot heated on low (or simmer). First place onion wedges and garlic at the bottom of your crockpot.
You don’t have to use the traditional veggies; we also love cauliflower and/or brussels sprouts cooked in the corned beef broth.
Instant Pot Directions
Remove the corned beef from the packaging, and rinse. Rub spice pack contents all over the corned beef. Add 3 cups of water or other cooking liquid to the Instant Pot, place the rack back inside. Add corned beef (fat-side up) and top with sliced onions and garlic cloves. Cook the roast for 90 minutes on high pressure, then do a natural release for an additional 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
If cooking veggies as well, remove the brisket and cover with foil. Strain cooking liquid and add 2 cups worth back into your Instant Pot. Add quartered potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Cook on high pressure for an additional four minutes.
LOVE & FAITH
Pastor Bob Kandels
Greetings
As February unfolds, we find ourselves longing for the lengthening days and the warmth of sunshine in the Sierra Mountains, particularly in the breathtaking region of Yosemite National Park. This time of year also marks the season of Firefall, when God’s artistry is on full display as Yosemite Falls glows with a spectacular orange light. It’s truly awe-inspiring to see people from across the globe drawn to witness this remarkable phenomenon—a vivid reminder of God’s intimate presence and creative touch in our world.
February is also the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a tradition deeply rooted in the faith and courage of a Christian believer. Saint Valentine defied the Roman Emperor Claudius II by performing secret marriages in the name of the Lord, standing firm in his devotion to God over allegiance to earthly power. His steadfast faith ultimately led to his martyrdom, raising profound questions: Why would God allow a righteous servant to suffer? Yet, through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we see the ultimate expression of love triumphing over death. Jesus not only forgave our sins but also gifted us eternal life, as beautifully expressed in John 15:9-13 (New International Version)
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:9-13/NIV)
Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of love that never fails—a love that persists through life’s joys and challenges. God’s love for us remains constant, even in moments of doubt, anger, or disbelief. As we approach both the season of Firefall and Saint Valentine’s Day, let us reflect on the boundless, unchanging love of God.
If you want to know more about this amazing love, we warmly invite you to join us for worship at any of the local Christian churches. At Gateway Community Church, we gather every Sunday at 10:00 am, and we would be honored to have you worship with us.
In Christ Service
TENAYA ELEMENTARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
KAYLEE BECHTHOLD
Third grader Kaylee Bechthold is Tenaya Elementary School’s Student of the Month for November 2024. According to her teacher, Holly Miller, “Kaylee has been a wonderful addition to our class. She works hard, shares with others, is a kind friend, and always offers a helping hand. She is a role model for all students.”
Kaylee is the daughter of Michala Wemmer & Jacob Wemmer and Zackery Bechthold & Emily Bechthold of Groveland.
Congratulations Kaylee!
BAYLEIGH BUTLER
Fourth-grader Bayleigh Butler is Tenaya Elementary School’s Student of the Month for January 2025. According to her teacher, Alberta Janitz, “Bayleigh is an exceptionally hardworking student who consistently seeks opportunities to grow and improve. She embraces challenges with enthusiasm and maintains a positive attitude in all she does. As a role model to her peers, Bayleigh demonstrates respect towards both adults and her fellow students. She is an absolute pleasure to have in class this year.”
Bayleigh is the daughter of Heidi & Jeremy Butler of Groveland.
Congratulations Bayleigh!
