Helping Hands Happenings
Patti Beaulieu
How can it be June already? To me, it seems as though we just had Christmas! Oh well – time marches on. As we enter this summer season, the Thrift Store is very well stocked with summer clothing, hats, shoes, etc. At the Furniture Barn we have life jackets in all sizes, pool-noodles, summer outdoor toys, coolers, lawn chairs and other seasonal items - even some roller blades, tennis racquets and water-aerobics weights. If there’s something you need, try us before going off the hill for it. We might just have what you’re looking for.
By the time you read this, we’re probably now on our summer hours and open until 4 p.m. instead of 3 at both the Thrift Store (Wed – Sat), and the Furniture Barn (Fri & Sat). Donations are now extended until 3 p.m. at both locations. These hours are in effect from just before Memorial Day in May, until just after Labor Day in early September. Don’t forget that Wednesdays are Senior Discount Days – 10% off for 60+ shoppers!
We have different items on sale each week so check our ads in the Yosemite Hiway 120 Chamber weekly each Friday, our Facebook pages on the local Facebook Buy and Sell sites or our web page at www.helpinghandsofgroveland.com.
This month of June, we’re excited to honor our wonderful volunteers at our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the PML Grill. Our dedicated volunteers are the reason we can still provide a fun, successful shopping experience to the Groveland/Big Oak Flat, Greeley Hill and Coulterville residents, as well as all the world travelers that stop in. They’re so surprised at our selection and quality of merchandise and vast and varied inventory. This is all made possible by those of you who generously donate to us, and our volunteers who process, price, greet, sell and assist our customers. As a registered 501c3 (charitable, non-profit) we’re all so proud of our two little stores downtown and honored to be able to financially assist, donate to and sponsor those in our local community continually since 1982.
Many thanks to you who donate, shop, volunteer or just come in to visit us. We all love our community and are appreciative of the support you’ve given us throughout the years. As the 2nd longest continually operating business in Groveland (the Iron Door is 1st, of course) we plan to be around for many more, thanks to our wonderful, generous community members. We’re GROVELAND STRONG AND PROUD!!!
Summer Reading
Jenny Ferraiolo
Summer is here, bringing warm weather, outdoor activities, barbecues, and weekends on the lake. But just because kids are out of school and we are all dreaming of leisurely vacation days, it doesn’t mean we can’t encourage our young people to read…and get in some great reading ourselves!
FOGL is doing something bigger and better this year before students leave for summer break. For the first time, ALL students at Tenaya Elementary, grades TK-8th, will pick out a book to keep for themselves, encouraging summer reading. FOGL regularly provides reading materials each year to keep books in the hands of kids all summer long. This end-of-year book giveaway was on May 29, and several FOGL volunteers were at school that day to assist students in picking out books that would give them a great summer reading adventure.
For all our young readers, the library has a Summer Reading Program, which begins June 18. The Program meets downstairs in the meeting room at 2:30 p.m. each Wednesday through July 23. Participants are given a log to track their reading time and can earn books after completing different stages of reading time and books read. On each Wednesday, there is also a craft and other activities. If anyone has a talent or something fun to share, please contact Barbara Connelly at the Groveland Library at 209-962-6144.
For our preschool readers, the library offers children’s story time on Fridays at 10:30 a.m., followed by a craft workshop. This program is possible due to the generous individuals who donate their time to read to children. Currently, the library is need of additional readers. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Connelly at the Groveland Library.
Additionally, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is held on the first Friday of the month at 2:30 p.m. On May 2, STEM participants learned about and made a sundial, and on June 6 the group will learn about the human hand.
And of course, the library is filled with books for all of us to enjoy and check out, as well as the Book Nook where you can buy gently used books at a discount price to keep your summer filled with exciting reading. Some of us might enjoy a group reading experience – did you know there is a book club at the Groveland Library? The club meets on the second Friday of the month and discusses books from the BOOK IN A BOX program. Please contact Barbara Connelly at the Library if you would like to become a member. The Groveland Library hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Book Nook is open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FOGL is currently looking for additional volunteers to staff the Book Nook. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member of FOGL, contact Michele Roberts at (209) 962-4327 or mroberts@crossborder.com. Look for FOGL volunteers at ROOFBB’s SummerFest on June 14 at Mary Laveroni Park from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have a booth with membership forms, and volunteers can answer any questions about FOGL and volunteering at the Book Nook. Visitors will receive a Book Nook Buck, which can be redeemed at the Book Nook. Come see us!
Visit the FOGL booth at ROOFBB’s SummerFest and receive a Book Nook Buck, which can be redeemed at the Book Nook.
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
THE HISTORICAL OAK GROVE CEMETERY IS WORTH A VISIT
Patti Beaulieu, Secretary OGCD
Realizing that a cemetery is not a normal tourist attraction or place to sight-see, our local Oak Grove Cemetery on Memorial Drive (just east of the scar on 120) is a very interesting historical site. Take a drive up there and you’ll be quite surprised at the familiar names of many of the streets in town and/or in Pine Mountain Lake. There are tombstones and markers going back as far as the mid-1800’s, with such notable, local names as DeFerrari, Raboul, Laveroni, Lumsden and many others you may recognize.
This is a Tuolumne County Cemetery with local community members as the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees was formed on September 4, 1920. Leonard Cassaretto was the long-time President up until his passing late last year. The current Board of Trustees are Nancy Perry, President; Eugenia (Jeannie) Hooven, Treasurer; Patti Beaulieu, Secretary; Patricia Gibson and Ellen Guenther, Trustees. Our brain-trust, records-keeper and all-around expert is Randy Henderson, Groundskeeper extraordinaire.
We have flag raising and/or lowering ceremonies at 10 a.m. each Memorial Day, and at 11:11 each Veteran’s Day and the grounds are decorated with American Flags on the burial sites of the Veterans. The public is welcome to attend these ceremonies to honor all those that served our country in the military.
If you’ve never been there, it’s worth a short drive to see much of the interesting history of this area.
CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS
DORI JONES
CTT’s first group of summer campers--from United Cerebral Palsy Modesto--arrive at camp on June 29. Before our first campers arrive, our summer staff will have received rigorous training/certifications in CPR, First-Aid and California Epinephrine, as well as in-house training for personal care, lifting and transferring, behavior management, disability history, team building, etc. Everything necessary to ensure every camper has a fun and unforgettable summer camp experience.
2ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR: A BIG SUCCESS!
CTT hosted its 2nd Annual Resource Fair on Saturday, May 24, when families with young children and adults with disabilities enjoyed a day of community and family fun. The day included arts & crafts, face painting, fishing and food options. This special day provided families the unique opportunity to talk with local organizations that provide services and support to people with disabilities. We thank our community volunteers who gave up their personal time on a Saturday, and the vendors, who generously donated their time and resources: United Cerebral Palsy Stanislaus McIllwain Mobility - Demonstrating all- terrain bikes and power chairs Area 12 Agency on Aging Family Resource Network Groveland Trailheads DRAIL (Disability ResourcesAgency for Independent Living) WATCH Resources In conjunction with the Fair, CTT offered tours of the facility and activity areas around camp. Families got an up-close and personal tour of camp’s facility and learned how CTT can accommodate their child’s needs.
SUMMERVILLE ELEMENTARY RETURNS FOR THIRD YEAR
Summerville Elementary School returned to CTT for its third consecutive year for its 8th grade retreat in May. The 50-person group, which included 35 students, plus chaperones and teachers, took day trips to Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy. While at camp, they participated in recreational activities and a science project.
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 and adults 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 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.
Don't Take a Vacation from Your Faith
PASTOR BOB KANDELS
Dear Friends,
As June unfolds and ushers in the beauty of summer, we find ourselves surrounded by the splendor of the Sierra Mountains—warm days, breathtaking sunsets, and long hours to enjoy God’s majestic creation. Whether your plans include fly fishing, hiking Half Dome, relaxing at Tenaya Lake, or enjoying the waters at Pine Mountain Lake or Don Pedro, this season is a gift.
Summer is often a time to step away from our routines, to rest and recharge. But let us be reminded that our walk with the Lord never pauses. Jesus calls us to abide in Him always. In John 15:4 (NIV), He says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” Let this summer be a season not only of recreation but also of spiritual renewal. Stay connected to the Vine. Let your soul be refreshed as much as your body.
If you're seeking a way to re-engage with worship and community, we warmly invite you to our All-Church Picnic on Sunday, June 1st, following our 10:00 AM worship service. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect and enjoy fellowship together. Visit our website for full details: https://www.grovelandefc.com .
Wherever you find yourself this summer, consider joining a Christian church in the area. At Gateway Community Church, we worship every Sunday at 10:00 AM, and we welcome you to join us.
In His Service, Pastor Bob Kandels
Instant Pot Poultry Bone
Broth
Recipe by Tom Knoth and Paula Martell
This is one of our most frequently made items, because it is a base for so many soups and other dishes that we make, and it is also terrific just to sip as a broth – one of the healthiest things that you can eat. To us, it is “liquid gold”, and it is so much better than a store-bought broth or concentrate/cubes. On the stove it takes at least 16 hours to make, but in the instant pot, it only takes 2 hours of cooking!
2-3 lbs. Poultry Bones, that have already been cooked
(a turkey frame or a few chicken frames)
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Onion, quartered
2 stalks Celery
6 Garlic Cloves, smashed or halved
Cold Water (enough to cover everything in your stockpot or
crockpot)
Our most commonly used poultry item for this recipe is our smoked turkey. We will throw all of the bones and skin in the pot as well as the turkey legs, which we usually don’t eat much from. We have alternatively used the bones from a few rotisserie chickens, which we freeze until we have enough.
More recently, we have been purchasing chicken legs when on sale at Marval or Costless Market (usually 49 or 59 cents/lb on sale). I like to brine and smoke them before making broth out of them, and we will typically use the meat as well for the broth, because we are not big fans of chicken leg meat. But eat the meat and just use bones if you prefer.
Smoking is optional, but I do recommend that you cook the legs in oven or BBQ, the broth is better with cooked meat/bones.
This recipe is pretty easy, just put all of the ingredients in your instant pot, and make sure to keep the level below your instant pot’s “fill line”, then let it sit for 20 minutes (this will give the vinegar time to do its work on the bones).
Then set your instant pot for high pressure for 2 hours. When it is done cooking, allow it to sit for 30 minutes and then release the pressure.
We then place a colander over a large pan and pour all of the instant pot contents in the colander. Next step is to taste the strained broth. If we have used brined poultry, it usually tastes right (salt-wise), but if not (or if you used unbrined poultry), add ½ teaspoon of salt at a time and taste until you get the tase that you desire.
When the broth is properly seasoned, we then use a fat separator (available on Amazon) to de-fat the broth 1 quart at a time. It will take 5 minutes of rest before you can pour the defatted broth into a quart storage container. The other option is to refrigerate the pot of broth and skim the fat off the top the next day.
We typically get 4 to 5 quarts of broth per batch and freeze them until ready to use.
The Little House Needs You
Samantha West, The Little House Supervisor
The Little House, a program of Southside Community Connections, is open and ready for more. More laughter. More learning. More connection. And most of all, more community.
As we move into the summer season, we’re reaching out to residents of ALL ages, especially the younger generation calling Groveland and Big Oak Flat home. Do you have a passion or a skill you’d like to share? Have you ever thought about starting a book club, a parenting group, or a “mom chats” meet-up? Maybe you’d like to lead a craft night, fitness class, or discussion group in the early evening after work. Whether you’re experienced or just eager to bring people together, The Little House could be the perfect place to start.
We offer a flexible space ideal for hosting community gatherings, classes, or meetings. Our team is happy to help you get the word out and welcome others in.
The Little House exists to serve as a third space. A place beyond home and work where people can gather, connect, and grow. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved or start something new, this is it.
Call (209) 962-7303 or stop by The Little House at 11699 Merrell Road to learn more or talk with us about your ideas. Let’s keep building something beautiful together!
A Heartfelt Thank You to the SCC Community and Supporters
By Nancy Reggio, Executive Director
Spring has been an exciting and busy season at Southside Community Connections, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who made our recent Charity Golf Tournament such a tremendous success. Your support helped raise vital funds that go directly toward serving our community.
A special shoutout goes to Linda Sarrat, our amazing volunteer Director of Fundraising, whose dedication and energy were instrumental. Thank you to all our incredible volunteers, the PML Administration, PML Grill and Golf Course staff, Chicken Ranch, the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce, the Foothill Express, the SCC BODs, the SCC Staff, and the many businesses and individuals who donated raffle and auction items.
A heartfelt thank you to Nancy and Jim Brewster for their extraordinary generosity in donating a 5th Wheel RV for auction—an incredible gift that alone raised over $11,000 for SCC.
We encourage you to visit our website for a full list of donors—there are simply too many to name here, and we are grateful to each and every one. Be sure to check out the event photos from our Friday Night Kentucky Derby cocktail party and Saturday's golf tournament, luncheon, and raffle/auction!
Your support means the world to us, and we never take it for granted. Thank you for standing with SCC and helping us build a stronger, more connected community.
With gratitude,
Nancy Reggio
Executive Director
Shining Stars: Celebrating Our Volunteers
By Beth Martin, Transportation Coordinator
Even though National Volunteer Week was in April, at SCC, we celebrated our fantastic volunteers – our Shining Stars! – with a Hollywood themed Volunteer Appreciation event on May 31. Our dedicated volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization – we couldn’t do what we do without them!
What do our volunteers do? Several make phone calls to our members to check in and see how they’re doing and have a cheerful conversation to brighten their day. Others help with our weekly group lunch at the Little House, which is provided by Meals on Wheels out of Sonora. Participants enjoy a delicious hot meal and great conversations. The lunch is free to those of limited means, and $5 for others. Call (209) 962-7303 for more information.
Many of our volunteers are Wheels drivers. These dedicated individuals drive our members to shopping, medical appointments, and errands throughout Groveland/Big Oak Flat and to medical appointments in Sonora. These rides go a long way towards helping them stay in their homes “on the hill” with all that’s familiar and comfortable to them.
What’s involved in being a Wheels driver? It can be as simple as picking up groceries, mail, or prescriptions for neighbors who can’t drive to town or dedicating more time to take someone to and from a medical appointment in Sonora. Once your Wheels driver application/orientation is complete and you’re on our team, you decide how much time you can commit and which trips you can do. It’s as easy as that. Our Wheels drivers make a huge difference in our community, helping those who can’t drive themselves and don’t have friends or family nearby to assist. Please consider joining us!
To learn more, call us at (209) 962-6952, email wheels@southsidecommunityconnections.org, or stop by The Little House between 10 am and 2 pm (11699 Merrill Road).
TENAYA STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Sixth grader, Mia Cathey, is Tenaya Elementary School’s Student of the Month for March. Mia was nominated by her teachers, Mrs. Pretzer & Mrs. Beaudreau.
They note that Mia comes to school with a positive attitude and ready to learn. She has grown academically by leaps and bounds.
Because of her willingness to tackle her assignments, she is a great example to her classmates that hard work pays off. We are proud of you Mia! Mia is the daughter of Jeremiah & Michelle Cathey of Groveland.
Seventh grader, Layla Dalrymple, is Tenaya Elementary School’s Student of the Month for April. Layla was nominated by her teacher Britney Barsotti. She states that Layla has a strong work ethic inside and outside of the classroom. You can often find her reading her favorite books when she is not playing volleyball with her teammates. Layla is kind & caring toward her classmates and is always willing to share her favorite snacks with friends.
Layla is the daughter of Jennie & Leo Dalrymple of Groveland.
Eighth grader, Braxton Molica, is Tenaya Elementary School’s Student of the Month for May. Braxton was nominated by his Teacher Jude Hawkins, stating that Braxton is an easy-going teen with a quick smile. He enjoys his time on our sports teams and can be competitive in the classroom as well. He is generous with his knowledge frequently helping others. Braxton is a fun addition to a classroom because he is kind, funny and compassionate.
Braxton is the son of Mark & Silvia Molica of Groveland.
