Accessible Transportation Options for Groveland Seniors
Spring into Learning at The Little House
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Talking Fire Insurance With Our State Representatives
Learn What Your Groveland Library Has to Offer
Pine Cone Singers Spring Concerts
DO YOU KNOW HOW YOU WILL COMMUNICATE IN AN EMERGENCY?
Accessible Transportation Options for Groveland Seniors
by Beth Martin, SCC Transportation Coordinator
Getting around Groveland and Big Oak Flat isn’t always easy if you don’t drive. Luckily, Southside Community Connections (SCC) offers two transportation services, Wheels and WAVE, to help you stay independent and connected.
WAVE features a three-passenger minivan and an eight-person, wheelchair-accessible bus. Whether you need to get to Sonora or Modesto for medical appointments or shopping, or even travel out of county for medical care (Stockton, Sacramento, Pleasanton, Merced and elsewhere), WAVE has you covered. Rides typically leave Mary Laveroni Park in Groveland in the morning and return in the afternoon. Best of all, WAVE rides are completely free (although donations are always appreciated!).
Wheels connects you with volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to help you get where you need to go. Whether it’s a quick trip to the post office or a medical appointment in Sonora, Wheels is here for you. If you’re over 55, can’t drive due to health or disability, or don’t have family or friends who can assist, Wheels is a fantastic option. Membership is just $30 per quarter.
We’re also always looking for more volunteers to join our Wheels team. Not only will you make a real difference in someone’s life, but you’ll also get to meet wonderful people. We’ll even reimburse your mileage!
Wheels and WAVE help you maintain your independence and give you peace of mind that you can get to shopping, errands and appointments, especially if you no longer want to drive down the grade. Many of our members have told us they didn’t know what they would have done without these services.
Getting started is easy! Just give us a call at (209) 962-6952, and we’ll answer all your questions and help you sign up. Or, drop by The Little House in Groveland (11699 Merrell Road) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. We’re always happy to help.
Spring into Learning at The Little House
Samantha West, The Little House Supervisor
March is here; there’s no better time to embrace new opportunities and refresh your routine! At The Little House, we’re committed to helping you grow, connect, and explore with resources and programs designed to spark curiosity and lifelong learning.
Did you know that we offer a FREE Learning Library available to all community members? This incredible resource is your gateway to discovering new passions and skills at your own pace. Whether you’re interested in mastering a new language, improving your photography techniques, or exploring the wonders of the night sky through stargazing, our Learning Library has something for everyone. With easy-to-follow courses and materials, it’s never been easier to expand your horizons from the comfort of The Little House or your own home.
In addition to our Learning Library, The Little House continues to serve as a welcoming space where neighbors can gather, share ideas, and support one another. Drop by to enjoy a cup of coffee, browse our book exchange or participate in a lively conversation about the latest community happenings during Thursday Lunch.
Spring is the perfect season for growth—both personal and communal. Stop by The Little House this month to see how we can support your journey of learning and connection. Let’s make this March a month to remember!
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. 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, we empower community members to stay active, engaged, and enriched. Visit us at 11699 Merrell Road, Groveland, California.
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
By Nancy A. Reggio, Executive Director SCC
Spring is almost here, and we can't wait to welcome you to an exciting lineup of events at SCC! Get ready for fun, laughter, and community spirit as we kick off the season in style.
🎲
Game Night – Appears to
be a Hit from the Start!
Launched in February, Game Night looks to become a favorite! Whether you're
flying solo or bringing a group, there's a board game for everyone. The
competition is lighthearted, the laughter is contagious, and the snacks are
delicious! Best of all, it's FREE! Stay tuned to our social media or call The
Little House at 209-962-7303 for upcoming dates.
🏇
Kentucky Derby-Themed
Golf Tournament – May 2 & 3
Get ready for our Spring
Fundraiser at PML Golf Course & The Grill! This two-day
event is a can’t-miss celebration:
📅 May 2: Kick things off in true Derby fashion! Wear your finest Kentucky Derby attire, sip on mint juleps, and enjoy mouthwatering appetizers. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed and Best Hat—so bring your A-game!
⛳ May 3: Tee off at our Golf Tournament, followed by a delicious lunch, an exciting raffle, and a thrilling auction. And, of course, we’ll be watching the Derby together!
🎟️ Get Your Tickets! Purchase tickets for individual tournament events or grab the full package for the ultimate experience! Golfers, please note that additional Pro Shop fees apply. Stay tuned for more details or call us for info!
❤️
Volunteer Appreciation
Day – May 31
Our volunteers are the heart of SCC, and we’re rolling out something truly
special this year! Join us on Saturday, May 31, as we celebrate the amazing
individuals who make everything possible. More details to come—stay tuned!
🚀
Exciting News Coming
Soon!
We're launching a brand-new initiative later this spring! Keep an eye on next
month’s newsletter for all the details.
Your support, generosity, and energy fuel everything we do. Our WAVE and WHEELS transportation programs continue to grow; our Thursday community lunch is thriving; classes at The Little House are expanding; we are adding Village on the Hill services. THANK YOU for being part of this incredible community! We can't wait to see you soon!
Talking Fire Insurance With Our State Representatives
By Gaby Huebner, Brownie Brohard, and Terre Passeau
Open Your Wallets, a Big Increase is Coming
Leaders of PML’s Clifftonites Firewise Community and Crest Valley Firewise Community
We were honored to host our state representatives – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil and Assemblyman David Tangipa – on January 24th in Groveland for a roundtable discussion on fire insurance. This meeting had been scheduled long before the LA wildfires, but the timing turned out to be very relevant.
We invited U.S. Forest Service Prescribed Fire and Fuel Specialist Pat Laeng, CAL FIRE Pre-Fire Division Chief/Unit Forester with the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Gary Whitson, and Groveland Community Services District General Manager Pete Kampa to give presentations on the fuel reduction work their agencies have done in and around Groveland. Chief Whitson pointed out the extensive work the residents of Pine Mountain Lake have done under the defensible space requirements of California’s PRC 4291 code, and the important role that Pine Mountain Lake Association plays in enforcing this code.
Groveland residents Chris Passeau and Marc Colton were invited to give a presentation on the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radio communication system they have established in Tuolumne County. They explained how this system is inexpensive and easy to use, especially in emergencies when cell phone service and landlines go down, when power outages occur, and when internet service is out. By using the GMRS system during a wildfire or any other emergency, residents are able to keep in touch with others and get real-time information from the Office of Emergency Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and CAL FIRE. If you would like more information about GMRS, you can email Chris and Marc at TuolumneCountyGMRS@gmail.com.
We shared with the Senator and Assemblyman that we feel the “one size fits all based on your zip code” approach taken by the insurance companies in setting premiums is inequitable, shifting the cost burden from property owners who don’t do any of their defensible space requirements (and rightfully should be charged higher insurance premiums) onto property owners who have done their defensible space clearances and whose properties stand a better chance of surviving a wildfire. We asked them to work with the California Department of Insurance and the insurance companies to use other criteria rather than zip codes when establishing premiums. Groveland can be used as an example of how communities can work together to increase their survival from a wildfire. But despite all the fuel reduction work that has been done in and around Groveland by government agencies and private property owners, having three Firewise Communities established in Groveland, the extensive GMRS network for emergency communications, having evacuation routes mapped, the use of Pine Mountain Lake as a water source that CAL FIRE uses for fighting fires, and having an airport in Groveland that can be utilized for fighting a wildfire (as it was during the 2013 Rim Fire) none of this seems to be taken into account by the insurance companies and Groveland continues to be in the highest insurance wildfire rating.
Assemblyman Tangipa explained that for decades California’s Proposition 103 has kept insurance rates low while home prices have soared, and the high cost of rebuilding after a loss has outpaced premiums – until premiums were allowed to be increased in recent years. During his recent conversations with insurance executives, he has been told that homeowners can expect increases of between $4,000 to $11,000. This will make homeowner’s insurance unattainable for most of us. He told us that while California’s FAIR Plan was created by the state decades ago, it is operated and controlled by insurance companies making the FAIR plan “fair” for the insurance companies not the consumer. There is a link below to the video of the meeting where you can see Assemblyman Tangipa speak.
The meeting was moderated by Earl Brohard. Other invited attendees were District 4 Supervisor Steve Griefer, Executive Director of TC Resource Conservation District Lindsay Mattos, cattle rancher and former fire chief Dick Gaiser, Pine Mountain Lake Association Maintenance and Operations Manager Rick Laffranchi, Pine Mountain Lake Association Fire Safety Coordinator Joe Milani, Tuolumne County Firewise Coordinator Karen Caldwell, and Camp Tuolumne Trails owner Jerry Baker.
After the meeting, Assemblyman Tangipa was taken on a bus tour to view some of the fuel reduction work that has been done in the area. At one of the stops, Chief Whitson explained the work that has been done using CAL FIRE grants and at another stop Pete Kampa explained work that has been done on GCSD property using a grant they obtained. The tour also stopped at the Pine Mountain Lake Airport so the Assemblyman could see the benefit of having such a valuable firefighting asset in our community.
Eli Mills with Access Tuolumne videoed the meeting. You can watch the recording at https://media.accesstuolumne.org/CablecastPublicSite/show/6438?site=1. Assemblyman Tangipa begins speaking at about 0:53:22.
We thank Jerry Baker for generously letting us use Camp Tuolumne Trails for this meeting, to Southside Community Connections for generously providing their bus for the tour, and to bus driver extraordinaire Rick Whybra.
Learn What Your Groveland Library Has to Offer
Jenny Ferraiolo
Libraries are essential to every community. They provide access to a wealth of information and knowledge and are a place where one can learn, discover, and develop, regardless of age, education, or income. One can find books on almost any subject, from the latest bestsellers to classic literature, from non-fiction to children’s books. Libraries also offer access to online databases, e-books, audiobooks, and other digital resources, as well as to programs and events such as book clubs, workshops, and lectures so people can learn new things and interact with others.
The Groveland Library is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to checking out books, magazines, audio books, puzzles, DVDs, and e-Books for FREE, the Groveland Library offers the following:
· Children’s Story Time on Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m., followed by a craft workshop
· Use of computers, copier, fax machine, and free internet
· Student Summer Reading Program
· Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Club on first Friday of every month
· Free tax forms and booklets
· Forms to register to vote
Free access anytime, anywhere to a catalog of materials (books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs) not found in your Groveland Library from over 80 participating libraries in California and Nevada through Link+ (visit https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/1114/LINK-Information for more information on the program)
ZIP Books: If the Groveland Library does not have a book you need, fill out a form, and Amazon will ship the book to you – once returned, the book will be put into circulation in the Tuolumne County library system
The Groveland Library is part of the Tuolumne County Library system with additional resources and programs provided by Friends of the Groveland Library (FOGL). FOGL operates the Book Nook, which offers bargain-priced books for all ages and is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. downstairs at the Groveland Library. Proceeds from the Book Nook pay for a fifth open day at the Groveland Library.
FOGL is always looking for additional support for the library and school enrichment programs, either with volunteers or financial support through membership, donations, or purchase and donations of books at the Book Nook. If you are interested in becoming a member of FOGL or volunteering at the Book Nook, contact Michele Roberts at (209) 962-4327 or mroberts@crossborder.com.
Helping Hands Happenings
Patti Beaulieu
Here we are in March and preparing for, yet, another holiday. This month we’ll deck the Thrift Store with Easter finery, stuffies, tableware, baskets and anything else needed to complete the holiday on Sunday, April 20th. We’ve put away our Valentine’s inventory, took a couple of weeks ‘breather’ and will be moving things around again to accommodate the Spring festivities. It’s a constant challenge to accommodate each season and keep our vast inventory intact.
We still have our coats and ski-wear in stock for those cold days and nights and the wonderful spring ski season. We have what you need, when you need it! We try to predict the season’s needs and stock the appropriate inventory. As we all know, our season’s weather is somewhat unpredictable, but we usually overlap inventory to have what’s needed. For instance, we ALWAYS have sleepwear and jackets for all seasons, even in the height of summer. Many travelers don’t realize how cold it gets ‘up country’ and are not prepared for chilly nights. We try to be prepared with warm items for them.
Our MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM has been very helpful to many who have a temporary need for a walker, wheelchair, commode, crutches, etc. We’re fortunate to be able to offer this FREE service to our community, and pleased that it’s been so successful and helpful when the need arises.
There are 3 pillars that make our organization a 43-year-old success - our loyal community that continues to support us with donations, those that purchase from us and our dedicated volunteers, without whom we wouldn’t exist. We’re honored to be serving and assisting the greater Groveland area when the needs arise, and it’s because of our loyal customers, donors and volunteers.
A HUGE THANK YOU to you all!!!
Pine Cone Singers Spring Concerts
by Bob Swan
We’re going back to our old ways. Our Spring Concerts will be held the weekend after Mothers’ Day, May 16-18. As usual the Friday concert will be at 7PM, and the Saturday and Sunday shows at 2PM.
This show will be a mixture of styles – some lush harmonies, some jazz, some pop, a couple of modern movie tunes. This will be an assortment of entertaining numbers (plus, of course, solos) that will offer everyone some things to love. I’ll have more details in next month’s article.
The concerts will be held at Gateway Community Church at 7PM on Friday, May 16, and 2PM on Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18. Tickets are usable for any one of the shows, and will be available at Premier Valley Bank and at B Beautiful Salon, as well as from any Pine Cone Singer. Suggested donation is $15, with children 12 and under free.
If you have questions, please contact Bob Swan at 408-398-4731.
DO YOU KNOW HOW YOU WILL COMMUNICATE IN AN EMERGENCY?
By Chris Passeau and Marc Colton
In a wildfire emergency (or any other emergency) when cell phone and landline phone services have gone down, the power is out and there is no internet, do you know how you will communicate with others and get updates? The solution is to use a GMRS radio. GMRS radios help provide real-time information to the citizens of Tuolumne County during emergencies.
What is a GMRS radio? GMRS, which stands for General Mobile Radio Service, is a licensed radio service that is used for two-way voice communications using handheld or mobile radios and a repeater system. You do need an FCC license to use GMRS radios, but unlike Amateur radios and Ham radios there is no FCC required test to get a GMRS license. The license fee is $35.00, the license is good for 10 years, and the license covers your whole family.
What is a GMRS repeater? In simple terms, a GMRS repeater is a device that receives radio signals from one radio and then retransmits the radio signal at a higher power to other radios. This process is known as “repeating” and allows for clear communication over a larger and greater distance.
We have purchased several GMRS repeaters with our own money and have strategically installed them throughout Tuolumne County to provide county-wide GMRS radio coverage. There is no fee to use our GMRS repeaters. We currently have more than 400 licenses using our GMRS repeaters; and since each license covers all family members, there are more than 1,000 people able to utilize our GMRS repeaters.
There are five GMRS repeaters in Tuolumne County: #1 in Groveland on Vernal Ridge, #2 on top of Duckwall Mountain, #3 on top of Cedar Ridge Mountain, #4 on top of Moccasin Mountain, and #5 at Columbia College. Our GMRS repeaters have backup battery power in case the power goes out. With these five repeaters Tuolumne County neighborhoods are well covered with radio coverage.
What is the purpose of the GMRS repeaters? Using the GMRS repeaters in any emergency can provide clear communication to users with updated real-time information on incidents. During a major emergency, a TCARES Amateur radio operator will be assigned to the Office of Emergency Services Center and will be able to communicate with GMRS and Amateur radio operators. With real-time information, members can be updated to evacuations and road conditions. The GMRS radios are also programed so that you can listen to Cal Fire and the Sheriff’s Office so in real-time you will hear if there is an evacuation order initiated.
GMRS repeaters have already been used successfully during recent wildfires in Tuolumne County. The first incident was last summer when a fire broke out in a Cedar Ridge/Twain Harte neighborhood. GMRS members were alerted by hearing sirens and hearing Cal Fire Air-Attack flying overhead. Members turned on their radios and were able to listen to real-time information and were able to keep in touch with their neighbors on the situation. The second incident was also last summer when a fire broke out in Tuolumne City. Members used the GMRS radio system to keep in touch with others, and throughout the day members updated each other on the status of the fire. And a third incident last summer was when a small fire started in Groveland and members used the GMRS radio to keep in touch with others and to update each other about the fire’s status.
GMRS radios are a perfect way for citizens to use a free radio service to keep in touch with each other during an emergency. If you would like more information, you can contact us at TuolumneCountyGMRS@gmail.com. Our web site is https://tuolumnecountygmrs.weebly.com and Tuolumne County GMRS on Facebook.
Scotcheroos
Recipe provided by Paula Martell and Tom Knoth
Perhaps you spotted a scotcheroos recipe on the side of a Rice Krispies box as early as the 1960s. The dessert is still a staple at sleepovers, potlucks, and bake sales throughout the Midwest, and is one of Paula’s childhood favorites. Most easily described as peanut butter Rice Krispies Treats layered with chocolate and butterscotch… need I say more?
· Nonstick vegetable oil spray
· 6 cups puffed rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
· 1/2 cup (100 g; packed) dark brown sugar
· 1 cup light corn syrup
· 1-1/2 tsp Kosher salt, divided
· 1-1/3 cups creamy peanut butter
· 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
· 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
· 6 oz. butterscotch chips
· Flaky sea salt (optional)
Lightly coat a 13 x 9" baking pan with nonstick vegetable oil spray, then line with parchment paper, leaving generous overhang on the long sides. Place 6 cups puffed rice cereal in a large bowl.
Cook brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1-1/4 tsp Kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, just until sugar is melted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add peanut butter and vanilla extract, and stir until peanut butter is melted and combined. Immediately pour over puffed rice cereal and, working quickly, stir to evenly coat cereal. Scrape into prepared pan and gently press into a flat, even layer, taking care not to smash the cereal too much. (Pressing it in too hard can result in dense bars.) Set aside.
Microwave chocolate chips, salt, and 6 Tbsp. water in a medium microwave-safe bowl on high power in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until melted, about 1 minute. Whisk vigorously until smooth and pour over bars and spread into an even layer.
Microwave butterscotch chips, remaining 1/4 tsp Kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. water in another medium microwave-safe bowl on high power in 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until melted, about 1 minute. Whisk vigorously until smooth. Drizzle over chocolate layer in thin streaks. Using a chopstick or thin knife, swirl butterscotch mixture into chocolate layer, being careful not to overmix. Let sit at room temperature at least 6 hours.
To serve, sprinkle flaky sea salt over scotcheroos if desired and cut into a 6 x 4 grid to make 24 squares. Store bars tightly wrapped at room temperature, or freeze in resealable plastic freezer bags up to 3 months.
Norman Edward Volponi
OCTOBER 7,1932 – FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Norman Edward Volponi was born October 7, 1932 in Livermore, California to Edward and Bertha Volponi. He passed away on February 2, 2025 at the age of 92.
He resided for 47 years in Livermore where he owned Norm’s Barbershop and The Side Pocket Family Billiard Parlor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He was a trapshooter and a founding member of the Livermore Pleasanton Rod & Gun Club. He was an outdoor writer and editor for several magazines and newspapers. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
In 1979 he moved his family to Groveland, California where he bought the Groveland Barbershop and continued enjoying his outdoor pastimes.
Norman is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jane Volponi, sons Norman Volponi, Jr. (Rocky) of Big Oak Flat, CA and David Volponi (Sharon) of Groveland, CA, daughter Gina Clemens (Mark) of Valley Springs, CA, and sister Betty Fiorella of Watsonville, CA.. He had six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend.
A Celebration of Life is planned for August 24, 2025 at the Norman Volponi Annual Trap Shoot at the Livermore Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club in Livermore, California. A local memorial is pending in Groveland, CA.
The Eyes of March
PASTOR BOB KANDELS
Greetings,
As we step into March, we begin to witness the early signs of spring in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The beauty of creation unfolds before us as Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls gain strength, fed by the rain and melting snow at higher elevations. While we anticipate warmer days, we also know that March and early April can still bring snowfall to Groveland and the surrounding areas. This month serves as a bridge, carrying us from the depths of winter into the promise of spring’s renewal. With daylight stretching longer into the evening, we catch glimpses of the brighter days ahead.
Hope is much like this changing season—something we hold onto in every stage of life. As we look forward to Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025, we are reminded of the greatest hope of all; the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet, for those who trust in Him, Easter is not just a day we celebrate—it is a daily reality. We are called to live as Easter people, walking in the light of Christ’s victory over sin and death. The challenge is to keep hope alive, to trust in God’s unfailing love, and to live in the truth of His salvation.
Just as baseball fans hold onto hope as spring training begins, we too are invited to place our ultimate hope in something far greater—the love of God, revealed to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Unlike worldly hopes that may fade, God’s love is steadfast and true. It is not merely a wish or a dream, but an unshakable reality. I encourage each of us to seek the Lord and pray, "God, show me how much You love me." When we sincerely seek Him, He is faithful to answer.
If you would like to grow in this hope and faith, I invite you to join one of the Christian churches in Groveland for Sunday worship. At Gateway Community Church, we gather every Sunday at 10:00 AM to worship, learn, and encourage one another in the love of Christ. We would love to have you join us.
“6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8/New International Version)
May you walk in the assurance of God’s love and the hope of His eternal promises.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Bob Kandels
