WHEELS KEEPS GROVELAND COUPLE IN THEIR BELOVED HOME

FRIENDS OF GROVELAND LIBRARY SUPPORTS “READ ACROSS AMERICA”

PINE CONE SINGERS SPRING CONCERT

MOORE BROS RECYCLING NOTICE

CREAMY BOURSIN CHICKEN RECIPE

TENAYA STUDENT OF THE MONTH

CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS

CELEBRATING THE VICTORY OF THE RESURRECTION

BEFORE YOU BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON YOUR LOT

CONTRACTORS PERFORMING WORK IN PML ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW PMLA RULES & REGULATIONS

WHEELS KEEPS GROVELAND COUPLE IN THEIR BELOVED HOME

BETH MARTIN – SCC TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR

The Yosemite Acres neighborhood of Groveland has been Kay and Bruce Crow’s home for 37 years. The couple have built their property into a peaceful retreat.

But when Bruce began needing ongoing medical treatments in Sonora, Modesto and Stockton last June, they faced an overwhelming challenge—how to get him the care he needed without moving away from the home they loved.

Kay , who struggles with ongoing back pain, found it nearly impossible to drive Bruce to and from his appointments each month. In addition to the drive, Bruce spends four hours in treatment – more sitting than Kay’s back can tolerate. “I tried it the first time, and I could barely get home,” Kay recalled. “I knew I couldn’t do this every four weeks.” That’s when she learned about Southside Community Connections’ (SCC) Wheels program. Wheels provides volunteer drivers who take Bruce to his appointments while Kay remains at home —exactly what they need.

The impact was immediate. “I thought we might have to move, and that made me so sad,” Kay admitted. “My life is here, in this community. But getting to Bruce’s appointments just wasn’t possible.” With Wheels, everything changed. “Everything is doable now,” she said.

Kay and Bruce also greatly enjoy their Wheels drivers. “We’ve met kind, wonderful, fun people,” she said. “It’s a good feeling to see that people care.” So far, she hasn’t heard of another community with a similar program – especially one as affordable. “One year of Wheels membership ($120) is less than a one-way cab ride to Sonora,” she said.

Kay and Bruce are deeply grateful for Wheels. “It’s made us realize we can conquer just about anything. Thank you to the staff and drivers for making this program work!” To find out more about Wheels, call us at (209) 962-6952, or drop by The Little House in Groveland (11699 Merrell Road) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SWING INTO SPRING WITH SCC

SAMANTHA WEST – THE LITTLE HOUSE SUPERVISOR

Get ready to tee off in style! Southside Community Connections is thrilled to announce our upcoming Golf Tournament with a Kentucky Derby Theme on May 3rd. This exciting event promises to combine the thrill of golf with the elegance and fun of the Derby, and we can’t wait to see you there! Here’s how you can get involved:

Sign up for the tournament: Gather your team and register by April 25th to secure your spot. All skill levels are welcome, so don’t hesitate to join the fun.

Join us for lunch: Not a golfer? No problem! Come by at Noon on May 3rd to enjoy a delicious lunch and cheer on the players.

Kickoff Cocktail Party: Start the festivities early at our Kickoff Cocktail Party on May 2nd. Sip on refreshing drinks, mingle with fellow attendees, and embrace the Derby spirit with your finest Derby-inspired attire.

All proceeds from the event will go toward expanding our community programs, ensuring we can continue to provide enriching opportunities for everyone in Groveland. Whether you participate as a golfer, a donor, or a spectator, your support makes a meaningful difference.

Don’t wait! Sign up for the tournament, donate, or RSVP for lunch today. Let’s make this event a smashing success and keep our community thriving. Visit us online at southsidecommunityconnections.org or call (209) 962-7303 to register and learn more. We’ll see you on the green—and in your Derby best!

HELPING HANDS HAPPENINGS

PATTI BEAULIEU

APRIL IS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH

As this is being written, I’m watching the snow gently fall, as we’re in the midst of a beautiful snowy day. As I looked back at some old photos, it snowed last year at this time. We had very little in the dead of winter but we usually have some nice spring snow. This now coincides with the time change that we did in early March. Living in the mountains, we need to be prepared for a change in weather by the day, or even the hour. but I’m sure none of us would trade it for anywhere else. Our stores will always be closed if it snows because the safety of our volunteers is paramount.

This month we celebrate Easter and our Thrift Store is awash with Easter items. Come in a pick up some little thing you might need to complete your holiday. We also look forward to the week of April 20-26 as we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation week. Our organization, as well as almost every other club and organization up here, from our 2 Stores to STCHS, the local historical society, are run by volunteers. Even our local annual 49’r Festival is, and always has been, completely run by volunteers. Please take the time to thank a volunteer, and YOUR volunteers, since they are what keep our town prosperous and an active, thriving, wonderful place to live.

Last month, we welcomed new volunteer Nathan Allen, who works at the Furniture Barn. Stop in and say hi to him, if you get a chance. We also have Rocky Sweet, a long-time Groveland resident volunteering at the Furniture Barn. They’re both wonderful men and an asset to our organization.

We look forward to welcoming many travelers and shoppers this coming season and hopefully some might be able to do some spring skiing. We still have ski-wear and many coats and jackets in stock, however this month we’ll transition to our spring/summer inventory. Come in and take advantage of all the clearance sales we’ll have on winter clothes, shoes and accessories.

In keeping with our commitment to assist our community, we’re also happy to now sponsor the Groveland Christmas Decorating Committee as we do the annual Groveland Thanksgiving Dinner. These two events are also totally volunteer and donation dependent.

Thank you all for your volunteerism, your donations and your patronage to our little, local Stores, the Thrift Store and the Furniture Barn, that make it possible for us to give back to our community.

REMEMBERING NORMAN EDWARD VOLPONI

BORN OCTOBER 7, 1932, PASSED AWAY ON FEBRUARY 2, 2025

Celebration of life, to take place on June 14, 2025, from 1-4 pm, at the Grill at Pine Mountain Lake, 12765 Mueller Dr. Groveland, Ca. 95321

FRIENDS OF GROVELAND LIBRARY SUPPORTS “READ ACROSS AMERICA”

VIRGINIA RICHMOND

“Read Across America” is a national program organized by the National Education Association to celebrate children’s literature and to encourage reading. It’s held annually on Dr. Seuss’ birthday – who authored so many beautiful children’s books and is a part of everyone’s cherished childhood memories.

Friends of the Groveland Library volunteers Cathy Shakespeare, Debbie Triplett, Cathy O’Connell, Shirley Horn, Linelle Marshall, Anita Millard, Laura Silvestro, and Janet Gregory read Dr. Seuss classics to children in Tenaya Elementary grades. Dr. Seuss books, besides being entertaining, carry important messages such as kindness and caring for others, the importance of being trustworthy and keeping promises, and using your imagination and inspiration for success.

Friends of the Groveland Library also made a gift of each book to the classroom libraries, as well as Dr. Seuss bookmarks for each student. Huge thank you to our volunteer readers!

PINE CONE SINGERS SPRING CONCERT

BOB SWANPLEASE NOTE SCHEDULE:

We’ve gone back to our customary schedule. Our Spring Concerts will be held on May 16-18 (the weekend after Mothers’ Day).

As usual for the Spring show, there will be a wide variety of arrangements, from madrigals, to jazz, to movie music, to pop music, and some pieces that just simply sound beautiful. And, as usual, there will be solos from some of our talented singers.

Speaking of singers, we’ve been happy to add several new members over the last year, so please welcome Nic Coffman, Rick Foulks, Sandy Guitelli, Sam and Laura Hutkins, Cathleen Kennedy, Kathy Madigan, and Katy Warner. They, and the rest of us, look forward to performing for you in May.

The concerts will be held at Gateway Community Church on Ferretti Road, 7PM on Friday, May 16, and 2PM on Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18. Tickets may be used for any one of the shows, and will be available at Yosemite Bank, Body Beautiful Salon and Spa, and from any Pine Cone Singer. Suggested donation is $15, with children 12 and under free. We hope you can join us.

If you have questions, please contact Bob Swan at 408-398-4731.

MOORE BROS RECYCLING NOTICE

WE HAVE DROP-OFF RECYCLING!!

All residents and visitors are asked to source separate their recyclable materials. There are designated bins located at our office located at 11300 Wards Ferry Rd. in Big Oak Flat where you may drop off your recyclable materials anytime Monday through Saturday 8am to 5pm (weather permitting). CLOSED SUNDAYS and major holidays.

Acceptable materials include:

• Aluminum beverage containers, tin cans, glass bottles and jars (all colors)

• #1 Plastic (bottle form only) ****#1 clear fruit/veggie, sandwich or salad clam shell type containers are NOT allowed****

• #2 Plastic (bottle form only) ****#2 colored plastic coffee containers are NOT allowed****

• ALL CONTAINERS MUST BE RINSED AND FREE OF LIDS AND CAPS

We also accept Mixed Paper, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, paperback books & shredded paper which can all be put in the same bin. NO WRAPPING PAPER ALLOWED

CARDBOARD BIN ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS INCLUDE:

Cardboard, Carton Board such as cereal and cracker and soda/beer boxes, etc. are also accepted and can be placed in the cardboard bin with the cardboard. THESE ITEMS NEED TO BE FLATTENED OR BROKEN DOWN AND ANY PACKAGING MATERIALS OR TAPE REMOVED.

IF THE CARDBOARD BIN IS FULL OR YOU HAVE A LARGE LOAD OF CARDBOARD TO RECYCLE, we ask you to take it to our shop location at 17641 Yates St. in Big Oak Flat where we still maintain a 50 yard cardboard recycle box.

PLEASE DO NOT THROW PLASTIC BAGS OF RECYCLABLES INTO THE BINS.

CREAMY BOURSIN CHICKEN RECIPE

RECIPE BY TOM KNOTH AND PAULA MARTELL

Boursin is a wonderful cheese spread that can be found in the deli section of most markets. Its great to serve as an appetizer with crackers, but is also the highlight of this rich and tasty chicken dish that is pretty easy and quick to put together. Give it a try:

INGREDIENTS

· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

· Salt and pepper, to taste

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· 1 small onion, finely chopped

· 8 oz mushrooms, cremini or button, sliced

· 2 cloves garlic, minced

· 1/2 cup chicken broth

· 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)

· 1/2 cup heavy cream

· Fresh basil and/or chives, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

The chicken breasts may be cooked whole or cut into smaller servings; season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (158 F). You can cover the pan to speed up cooking if the chicken is browning faster than it is heating up. When finished to temp, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Boursin cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve hot.

TENAYA STUDENT OF THE MONTH

February Student of the Month for Tenaya is Wyatt Weeks from Mr. Elliot’s 5th grade class. Wyatt Weeks is an outstanding fifth-grade student at Tenaya Elementary who exemplifies dedication, kindness, and leadership in the classroom. He consistently puts forth his best effort in all subjects, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a positive attitude toward learning. Wyatt is always willing to help his peers, showing compassion and respect for everyone around him. His enthusiasm for learning and his ability to collaborate with others make him a role model for his classmates.

Whether participating in class discussions, completing assignments with diligence, or lending a hand to a friend in need, Wyatt truly represents the values of Tenaya Elementary.

Wyatt’s parents are: Sadie Smith & Daniel Weeks. Congratulations, Wyatt, on being Student of the Month!

CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS

DORI JONES

DON’T MISS CTT’S 2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR!

Camp Tuolumne Trails is excited to host its 2nd Annual Community Resource Fair on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 12:30pm - 4:30pm. The purpose of this event is to connect our local community, our campers and their families and caregivers to organizations and non-profit resources in their area. Organizations offering resources for young families, seniors, and people with disabilities in Tuolumne, Calaveras and Stanislaus counties will be invited to have a table at the event. In addition, food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. If you attended last year’s fair, you’ll remember how much fun kids and adults had. Activities will include face painting, crafts, fishing in CTT’s fish pond and a petting zoo.

CTT will once again combine this event with an opportunity for potential campers and their families to an “open house” as a prelude to the start of our summer program. Camp staff will be available to lead tours of the camp facilities, answer questions and share more detailed information about CTT’s programs.

Participants in this exciting event at camp, will give first-time campers the opportunity to be better prepared for their camp session, become familiar with the grounds and get an idea of what to expect during a typical camp session.

Parents and caregivers will also feel more at-ease after having an opportunity to ask questions, see the grounds and prepare their camper for their upcoming stay.

MEET CTT’S NEW CAMP DIRECTOR MIKE YALEY

Michael Yaley CTT has named Michael Yaley to the new position of Camp Director. Mike is responsible for managing CTT’s day-to-day operations including overseeing summer camp and managing year-round programs, projects and business development. Mike spent 17 years as General Manager for Lair of the Golden Bear’s three family camps (Blue, Gold and Oski) in Pinecrest, which are run by the Cal Alumni Association.

Should we announce Jacquis’ departure and board position? By the time this goes to press we may have a Program Director.

SPRING VOLUNTEER WORK DAY

CTT’s biannual Volunteer Work Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 26. We will have two sessions: 8-12:00 and 12:00-4:00, with lunch served in between. You’re welcome to sign up for one, or both sessions. This is always a fun time to come out, meet some fellow camp lovers, and help get camp in tip-top shape for our summer campers. Please call camp at (209) 962-7534 or email: info@tuolumnetrails.org to sign up to volunteer.

SUMMER PROGRAM UPDATE

CTT already has a sold-out summer season and waitlists are forming. Over the last few weeks, CTT has been focused on job fairs and international recruiting for summer staff. Several counselors and nurses have committed to our summer season and CTT will have its first international staff from Ireland this summer! The maintenance team is replacing decks around several of the cabins and is readying CTT’s facilities and grounds in time for our summer campers. We do still have seasonal counselor positions open if you know someone looking fora summer job who might be a good fit!

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT CTT?

As we continue our efforts to improve camp accessibility and create programs that will benefit more campers with all levels of disabilities—a huge undertaking from a resource and financial standpoint—we hope you can help us further our mission by donating to CTT today. Please consider committing to a monthly pledge, an annual donation or include CTT in your legacy giving planning. Many of our supporters have shared some of the following ways in which they support CTT:

• Making a cash charitable contribution to the camp.

• Gifting highly appreciated stocks, bonds or any other financial security.

• Making the camp the sole or fractional beneficiary of your annuity or life insurance policy.

• As part of your Estate Plan, making CTT a beneficiary of their Will or Living Trust.

• Making the camp one of the beneficiaries of any real estate.

• Making the camp one of the beneficiaries of an IRA.

• For those who have reached the age of Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their IRAs, making a direct Charitable contribution from their IRA as part of their RMD requirements, may provide some tax advantages.

Camp Tuolumne Trails will continue helping these special kids long after we are gone. Your continued support to this noble cause is greatly appreciated.

Note: Tuolumne Trails Camp is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. We recommend that you discuss any of the above actions with your tax accountant prior to taking any action.

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

CELEBRATING THE VICTORY OF THE RESURRECTION

PASTOR BOB KANDELS – GATEWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH

At the heart of the Christian faith is the recognition that salvation cannot be earned through human effort alone.

We are all imperfect, yet through God’s grace, made whole. The Resurrection is a living testimony of that grace—an invitation to experience true freedom, hope, and peace. It calls us to live with purpose, guided by compassion, humility, and a deep sense of gratitude.

We will celebrate this week, starting Sunday, April 13th, with Palm Sunday worship at 10:00 AM. On Wednesday evening, April 16th, we will celebrate with a gathering meal for adults and a study from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Thursday, April 17th, we will have a worship service celebrating Jesus’s Last Supper with communion at 6:30 PM. On Friday, April 18th, we will celebrate Good Friday with worship, including pastors from First Baptist Church, Mountain Lutheran Church, and Gateway Community Church at 6:30 PM.

If you’re seeking to explore this transformative truth, we warmly invite you to worship with us at one of the Groveland Christian area churches. At Gateway Community Church, we gather each Sunday at 10:00 AM for worship and fellowship. All are welcome, and we look forward to sharing in the joy and hope of this season with you.

In Christ Service

Pastor Bob Kandels

BEFORE YOU BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON YOUR LOT

The Declaration of Restrictions (CC&Rs) states that no construction of any type (new construction, driveways, grading, lot development, etc.) can be performed without prior approval from the Environmental Control Committee (ECC).

Failure to obtain approval could result in the stoppage of work or even fines, and nobody wants that to happen. Inspections are made every Tuesday and reviewed by the Committee every other Thursday, so we can accommodate our members.

Please contact ECC before you begin any type of construction at 1-209-962-8605.