NEW TENAYA PRINCIPAL
Jeffrey McFarland - Superintendent - BIG OAK FLAT GROVELAND
Dear Tenaya Elementary Families,
I am thrilled to announce that we have a new principal joining our Tenaya Elementary community! Please welcome Ashley Schmid, whose remarkable background in education reflects a deep commitment to nurturing our students’ holistic growth.
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Penn State University, complemented by three minors in English, Deafness and Hearing Studies, and Human Development and Family Studies. She further enhanced her expertise with a Graduate Certificate from Rutgers University in Learning, Cognition, and Development. With nine years of experience in public schools, Ashley has served three years as a Multiple Subjects Teacher for Grades TK-5 and six years as a Special Education Specialist and Case Manager for Grades TK-12.
In addition to her work in traditional educational settings, Ashley has spent 14 years as an Outdoor Educator with environmental non-profit organizations and private schools across California, engaging students from preschool through young adulthood. Having worked in six different schools in Mariposa and Tuolumne County, her diverse experiences have fueled her passion for fostering inclusive and nurturing learning environments.
Ashley’s educational philosophy embraces a holistic approach, recognizing the importance of academic, social, emotional, creative, and physical development for each student. She believes in the unique strengths and potential of every child, and it is our collective responsibility as educators to create a safe space where they are seen, valued, and inspired to grow. Her vision is to model empathy, resilience, and curiosity, cultivating a community that celebrates progress, fosters a love of learning, and guides our students to become critical thinkers, compassionate friends, and responsible citizens.
We are excited for Ashley to bring her passion and expertise to our school community. Please join me in welcoming her to Tenaya Elementary as we embark on this inspiring journey together.
Best regards,
Jeffrey J. McFarland
Superintendent - Big Oak Flat Groveland
Groveland Highlanders 4-H Club
Carol Willmon – Community leader
As the 2024-2025 4-H year comes to a close, and we prepare for another year, we would like to thank the volunteers and parents who have helped so many 4-H members "learn by doing". A big THANK YOU goes to Shannon Abbott, assistant community leader, Rabbits and Sheep; Rob Abbott, leader -Swine and Golf; Cathy Broome and Jenn Ahlswede, leaders -Cooking; Jenn and Adam Ahlswede, leaders- Coding; Lynn Sigafoose, Leslie Timmons, and Carol Willmon, leaders- Sewing, with helpers Donna Wolf and Maria Tortorelli.
Our club participated in many Community Service projects throughout the year - donating food to Tenaya School, donating socks to the Food Closet, made Valentines for the Senior Center, made pumpkins for the Groveland Thanksgiving Dinner, provided Color Guard for the 49er Parade and Aviation Day, and provided children's games for the STCHS BBQ. At the Calaveras Fair, the sewing members exhibited items they had made; at the Mother Lode Fair, they exhibited rabbits, sheep, goats, swine, and sewing.
We are getting ready for our new year to begin in September, with our first meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, at 6:00 in the Library Book Room; we will introduce our program, leaders and projects available.
For more information, please call Carol Willmon 962-7528, or Shannon Abbott 702-275-1426. All children, ages 9-18 are welcome; we are always looking for more adults who are interested in sharing a hobby or special talent with our youth in this educational program. 4-H is organized by the Tuolumne County Cooperative Extension Office through the guidelines of
the University of California, with the assistance of local volunteers and community organizations.
FOGL HAPPENINGS
Jenny Ferraiolo
FOGL Vice President Jenny Ferraiolo presents check to Head Librarian Anita Simpson with Tuolumne County Library to fund fifth day of library service at the Groveland Library.
Greetings all! Your FOGL board members and volunteers have been busy this summer. Here is a quick recap:
FOGL CONTRIBUTION TO THE TUOLUMNE COUNTY LIBRARY
Groveland is fortunate to have a library branch in our community. Because we feel it is incredibly important to ensure that residents have ample access to books, services, and activities, FOGL raises money each year to fund a fifth day of library services. This money pays for a librarian to staff our library and keep our programs running. Funds are raised through membership dues, generous contributions and donations, and Book Nook sales. On June 24, FOGL Vice President Jenny Ferraiolo presented Tuolumne County Head Librarian Anita Simpson with a check in the amount of $10,000 for the Tuolumne County Library. 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. Because of this yearly contribution, library patrons have an additional day each week to check out books, magazines, audio books, puzzles, DVDs, and e-Books for free, as well as free use of computers, copier, fax machine, and internet, free tax forms and booklets, and access to Voter Registration forms.
Book Nook volunteers enjoy luncheon in appreciation of their time and service in staffing the Book Nook.
BOOK NOOK VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
On August 4, our many Book Nook volunteers were treated to a luncheon in appreciation for their tireless volunteer hours and efforts in keeping our only bookstore in Groveland operating. Without these individuals, the Book Nook could not exist. The Book Nook is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It takes three people each weekend to staff the three-hour shifts: a sorter, shelver, and cashier. Additionally, volunteers set up the Book Nook each Friday before the sales, as well as deliver duplicate used books to the Dambacher Detention Center or to other contacts that may be able to sell the books for us.
STUFF THE BUS
FOGL once again assisted our elementary school students with school supplies in the “Stuff the Bus” event. Many parents cannot afford to buy basic supplies that their children need for school. On August 8, donations such as pens, pencils, notebooks, binder paper, glue sticks, crayons, scotch tape, pocket folders, and money, were dropped off at the Mary Laveroni Community Park parking lot from 8 a.m. to noon. As usual, our community delivered! Tenaya Elementary received many generous supplies and donations. FOGL Secretary Audrey Prouse presented a $500 check to Tenaya’s new principal Ashley Schmid. Thank you, Groveland, for helping our local students!
FOGL Secretary Audrey Prouse presents the Stuff the Bus $500 check donation to Tenaya's new principal Ashley Schmid.
CHRISTMAS IN GROVELAND
DAWN SILVA
CHRISTMAS IN GROVELAND, BIG OAK FLAT & ALONG THE 120 CORRIDOR
A Beloved Tradition Since 1968
Every year, our historic towns are transformed into a festive wonderland—thanks to a cherished tradition that began in 1968. Today, this magic continues entirely through the generosity of our community and visiting tourists.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible.
✨ How We Celebrate:
A new Christmas theme is chosen each January
This year we have two - White Christmas and Classic Christmas
There will be photo opportunities around town so bring your family down and take some pictures
Volunteers work throughout the year to bring it to life
Our towns shine with lights, displays, and photo-worthy scenes
Tourists and locals alike stop to enjoy, take pictures, and make memories
Thank You for Your Support
This tradition wouldn’t be possible without the donations we receive each year. Your support keeps the spirit of the season alive for generations to come.
🎁 To Donate:
Please make checks payable to:
BOF/Groveland Christmas
📬 Mail to:
BOF/Groveland Christmas
P.O. Box 201
17852 Highway 120
Big Oak Flat, CA 95305
Helping Hands Happenings
By Patti Beaulieu
It’s hard to believe we are now entering September. This past summer seemed to be gone in a blink of the eye. Now we’re in our fall mode, which includes closing at 3 p.m. and donations ending at 2 p.m., starting on September 3rd, having tons of sales on clothing so we can bring out our fall and winter inventory, start thinking about putting out our Halloween and fall merchandise, and dare I say it…. plan for when to start with the Christmas season. It’s exhausting just to think about it. What many probably don’t realize, is that since our Thrift Store has limited floor space, several times a year a few of the volunteer staff come in on a Sunday and rearrange the Store to accommodate the major holidays and season changes. Things are moved around, items are packed up and put in storage for the following year, etc. It’s a huge job to keep our little Thrift Store seasonally accurate. It would be impossible to do this during business hours, so we tackle it when the Store is closed. It’s a lot of work, but such gratification when it’s all complete.
This is also back to school season. We have a lot of office supplies, binders and such that might be needed. We’ve also had drastic sales on kid’s clothes for the back-to-school needs.
Please look for us, proudly marching, directly following the Grand Marshall entry of Leonard Cassaretto’s family honoring him, at the 49’r Parade on September 20th. Our organization is honored to sponsor the parade this year, with his memory as the Grand Marshall. He was our landlord and good friend for over 25 years and is greatly missed.
Enjoy the change of seasons and come in and take advantage of our seasonal sales. If you want to know what’s on sale each week, check out our Facebook page, several of the local Facebook Buy and Sell sites, the Yosemite Chamber Weekly, that’s posted each Friday on their Facebook page, or our web page at www.helpinghandsofgroveland.com. These all let you know what’s on sale in the coming week.
Brainy Groveland Supports Tenaya Students
The Brainy Groveland project, whose volunteers help third and fourth grade students with reading and math, made a major donation to Tenaya Elementary's Stuff the Bus school supplies campaign.
Family FUN Day Is Back
REV. GINGER DuMARS
Sat., September 27, 10:00 – 2:00
Hosted by Groveland Area Churches
Come & Celebrate Autumn with a FREE BBQ Lunch, FREE Kids’ Waterslide & Bounce House & FREE Family Games! YOU are invited to 2025’s Family FUN Day at Tenaya Elementary School’s Gymnasium, 19177 Highway 120, Groveland, on Saturday, Sept. 27! ALL Families are WELCOME! Students from Pre-K through High School ages enjoy meeting others from several different schools as they have fun with inside & outside activities.
Come & meet Firefighters from Groveland’s CAL Fire Department who plan to display their equipment and explain their services. These Family Fun Days are hosted & supervised by 4 local churches: Gateway Community Church in Groveland, First Baptist Church of Big Oak Flat, Groveland Christian Fellowship & Mountain Lutheran Church of Groveland. Check our Web sites for more info. about our churches & for exact Morning Worship times for 3 of our churches.
Mountain Lutheran Church (13000 Down to Earth Ct.) offers Sunday Worship Services at 4:00 p.m. with refreshments & visiting after Worship. We would love to get acquainted with you as we share God’s Love & Communion with you & each other every Sunday afternoon. May God Bless ALL teachers & students & parents as you begin a new school year! With Faith & Hope, Love & Blessings – Retired Pastor Ginger DuMars, Mountain Lutheran Church of Groveland
Family Fun Day
PASTOR BOB KANDELS
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
As we step into September, most of us have settled back into the school-year routine—fall sports are underway, and the first hints of cooler weather are arriving.
We’d like to invite all young families in our community to Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, at Tenaya Elementary/Middle School from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is free!
Enjoy a bounce house with water slide, fun gym games, and an old-fashioned barbecue lunch—hamburgers, Costco hot dogs, chips, soda, water, and yes… dessert!
This event is hosted by First Baptist, Groveland Christian Fellowship, and Gateway Community Church as a way to provide a safe, God-centered place for families to enjoy wholesome fun together. It’s also an opportunity to remind parents and kids that Groveland has several Christian churches ready to welcome you into worship and fellowship.
Pine Cone Singers: Back to Work for Winter Concert
Bob Swan
BACK TO WORK FOR WINTER CONCERT
By the time you read this, we will have held our first rehearsal for our Winter Concert. As usual, singing about snow and holidays feels a bit odd at this time of year, but winter will be along soon enough. BTW, it’s not too late to consider joining us. If you have an interest in choral singing, we encourage you to stop by a rehearsal during the next few weeks. It is not necessary to read music – we provide rehearsal CDs (or mp3s) that will allow you to learn the material at your own pace.
We rehearse at the Gateway Community Church on Tuesdays from 2 to 4:30, and we’d love to see you there.
For anyone interested in seeing (and hearing) what we sound like, there are a few performances up on youtube. Our channel is @pineconeperformers2131, or you can just search for Pine Cone Singers.
If you have any questions, please contact Bob Swan at 408-398-4731.
Dark Skies Neighborhoods
BOB ASQUITH
Dark skies are a valuable natural resource with cultural, environmental, and economic importance. They are crucial for wildlife, human health, and cultural heritage, while also offering economic benefits through reduced energy consumption and potential for astro-tourism.
Here's a more detailed look at the importance of dark skies
Cultural Significance
Connection to the Universe
Dark skies connect us to our place in the cosmos, inspiring awe and wonder, and
reminding us of our shared history and cultural heritage according to the U.S. National
Park Service.
Nighttime Navigation and Storytelling
Historically, dark skies have served as a guide for navigation, a calendar,
and a source of stories and cultural traditions.
Environmental Importance
Wildlife
Many nocturnal animals rely on darkness for survival, including navigation,
foraging, and reproduction. Light pollution can disrupt these natural
processes, impacting their behavior and potentially endangering their survival.
Air Quality
Dark skies are recognized as an air quality-related value, and light
pollution can be considered a form of pollution, impacting ecosystems and human
health according to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (.gov).
Ecosystem Health
Preserving dark skies can help maintain the health of local ecosystems and
promote biodiversity by reducing the negative impacts of artificial light on
wildlife according to DarkSky
International.
Economic Benefits
Reduced Energy Consumption
Dark-sky friendly lighting can significantly reduce energy
consumption and save money for individuals, businesses, and municipalities according to Dark Sky Consulting,
LLC.
Astro-tourism
Dark sky areas can be a draw for tourists interested in
stargazing, potentially boosting local economies through increased tourism
revenue according to the National Park Service.
Cost Savings
Reducing light pollution through better lighting design can
lead to long-term cost savings in energy and maintenance.
Human Health
Circadian Rythm
Natural darkness is essential for regulating our sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and
hormone production, including melatonin. Disruptions to these rhythms can lead
to sleep problems, mood disorders, and other health issues.
Mental Health
Exposure to natural darkness and the beauty of the night sky can have
positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and promoting feelings of
awe and wonder.
In conclusion, dark skies are not just a matter of aesthetics; they are a vital natural resource that supports a healthy environment, promotes cultural heritage, and offers economic opportunities.
Looking for HOPE?
MONICA BARLOW
Things are tough in this world! Where do you turn for help? You don’t have to do this alone! On the weekend of September
26-28, 2025, help is HERE! Cheri Peters, author and founder of True Steps Ministries will present steps for trauma recovery. Do you suffer from Anxiety, Anger, Abuse, Addiction, Depression, Divorce, Eating Disorders, Grief, Self-Injury, Sex Addiction, Thoughts of Suicide, Workaholism, Perfectionism, etc.?
Cheri’s “Celebrating Life: Healing Beyond Trauma Series” will help you to laugh, learn, and leave with tools that work! Meet Cheri for this FREE event at the Greeley Hill Community Center.
Friday, September 26th at 7 pm, Cheri will help you to see the light at the end of your tunnel. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday morning, September 27th at 10 am, Cheri will continue her compelling presentation with the title: “Tears, Talk, and Letting it Out: Suppressing emotions isn’t strength, it’s stress with interest.” This session will be followed by a FREE light lunch.
Saturday, September 27th at 2 pm, Cheri will share her third presentation: “Boundaries: Your Personal User Manual, making healthier relationships.”
Sunday, September 28th at 10 am, Cheri will dive into the fourth session. “Rest - Self-Care without the Fluff. Rest is not laziness, it’s a survival skill.” After this session, we will provide another FREE light lunch.
Sunday, September 28th at 2 pm, Cheri will finish with: “Bounce Back: How to Build Your Comeback Story. Resilience isn’t just getting over it - it’s moving forward, stronger and wiser.”
After this last presentation, local entities will be available to help with grief, addiction, and to provide available resources to give you the assurance that you are not alone and that hope is attainable. This weekend of hope is brought to you by your friends at the Greeley Hill Adventist Church. If any further information is needed, please call Monica at 209-486-9022.
CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS NEWS
DORI JONES
Family Camp Wraps Up
In mid August, family camp wrapped up its season, hosting about 30 families who have children with disabilities and their siblings. Families enjoyed all the fun that camp offers, and staff provided respite for parents who very seldom have a “day off.”
This summer, CTT hosted more than 250 campers and their families throughout the eight weeks of programming. According to many staff, families, caregivers and campers, it was one of CTT’s best years ever for camp and that's thanks to our phenomenal seasonal staff supporting us all summer. Next up, we have individual groups utilizing CTT’s facility and grounds this fall.
The Generosity of Others
CTT has been fortunate to have received a recent donation and grant that will unquestionably make a dramatic impact on CTT. The first is a significant donation from the Malcolm & Darlene Brown Trust, which will help carry CTT through 2026. The Browns were not only generous philanthropists, but beloved members of our camp family and the Groveland community. Their enduring legacy of service, compassion and joy will continue to shine at CTT in 2026 and beyond.
The second is a grant that was awarded to CTT from the California Lions Camp—District 4-A1 Lions Club. The grant will be used to help with the purchase of accessibility equipment and camperships for the 2026 summer camp season. This will help ensure that more campers have access to more of our camps as well as activities and facilities on site. Thank you Lions Club!
We ask that you please remember to include CTT in your estate planning. Without these generous gifts, CTT would not be able to fulfill its mission of providing unique camp experiences to people with disabilities.
Paul Purifoy and Jack
Volunteer Spotlight - Paul Purifoy
Paul and Kym Purifoy first met Jerry and Paula Baker in 2004, even before ground was broken for Camp Tuolumne Trails. In those early days, they helped prepare camp in creative ways—including releasing feral cats to help control the rodent population and keeping snakes at bay.
A firm believer that no summer camp is complete without animals, Paul introduced the camp’s first residents around 2010--a pair of donkeys named Jack and Jenny, and a little white miniature horse named Dandy. Ever since, he has lovingly overseen their care.
Paul, Kym and fellow volunteer and the late Jim Soderberg also brought their own brand of frontier-style fun to camp, entertaining children in full 1850s attire. Paul would (safely!) shoot balloons off Kym’s head, while Jim caught imaginary bullets in a bucket. At times, Paul and Jim would surprise campers dressed as dancing ostriches, spreading laughter wherever they went.
To this day, Paul remains a devoted presence at Camp Tuolumne Trails, regularly stopping by to lend a helping hand—and making sure the animals are happy and healthy.
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.
Please donate!
Need a Ride? Consider the WAVE!
Beth Martin - Transportation Coordinator
Need a one-way ride to catch Amtrak in Modesto? To pick up a rental car or your own car from the shop in Sonora? Have an appointment at the VA clinic in Stockton? Or do you just not feel like driving down the grade anymore? Southside Community Connections’ (SCC) WAVE transportation program can help!
The WAVE —short for Wheels and Village Express—provides free transportation from Groveland to Sonora, Modesto and other destinations Monday-Saturday for anyone over 18 who lives in the Groveland and Big Oak Flat area. Rides on our comfortable 8-passenger bus begin at Mary Laveroni Park in Groveland in the morning and end back at the park in the afternoon. Wheelchair riders and other disabled passengers will get picked up at home.
Currently, WAVE goes to Sonora on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Monday, Wednesday and Friday destinations are flexible within our service area, based on rider needs. Our service area includes regular rides to Sonora and Modesto for appointments, errands and shopping, and rides for medical appointments (only) as far as Pleasanton, Fresno, Stockton, Sacramento and elsewhere outside of Tuolumne County. However, Bay Area locations are outside of our service area.
The WAVE is here to keep Groveland rolling! But you must register in advance and request a ride a minimum of 48 hours beforehand (Monday rides must be requested before 2 pm the Friday before). Rides to out-of-county destinations should be requested well in advance, and are dependent on vehicle and driver availability.
Although there’s no fare for this service, we gratefully accept donations to help defray our expenses and ensure we can continue this service long into the future. To register, find out more, or request a ride, call us at (209) 962-6952.
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Nancy Reggio, Executive Director
Thank You for Supporting SCC!
We are so grateful for the continued support of our community. Your generosity directly impacts the programs and services that help our neighbors every day.
Here are a few ways your donations make possible:
🚑 AED machines for the bus, van, and The Little House.
🔒 Security cameras at The Little House to keep clients safe.
🎁 Holiday gifts for seniors and others without a support system.
🎓 Assistance for high school students.
❤️ Direct support for seniors in need, including wellness classes.
🔧
Operational costs that keep all of these programs running.
👉
Interested in supporting a specific project? Check out our Wish List to
make an even more direct impact www.southsidecommunityconnections.org
Services You Help Sustain
WAVE – Safe, reliable transportation for medical appointments, shopping, and errands. Riders travel from Groveland to Sonora, Modesto, and, when necessary, to Fresno, Stockton, or Sacramento.
Wheels – Door-to-door rides in the Groveland/Big Oak Flat and Sonora area for individuals who cannot drive due to surgery, illness, or age. Our volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to serve neighbors in need.
Village on the Hill – Supporting aging adults through daily wellness calls, walks, reading, games, light chores, and companionship. Small acts of connection that make a big difference.
The Little House – Our community gathering place for all ages. From communal lunches and fitness classes to Al-Anon, games, crafts, lifelong learning lectures, and more—there’s something for everyone.
How You Can Help
Your time. Your donations. Your volunteer spirit. They
matter.
They keep programs alive, strengthen community ties, and bring joy not only
to others—but to you as well. Thank you for being part of the SCC family.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community.
Host Your Next Event at The Little House
Samantha West - The Little House Supervisor
Planning a holiday party, or family gathering? Looking for the perfect spot for your next meeting, or community get-together? The Little House is more than just a hub for our programs, it’s your gathering place, too!
With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, flexible seating, and plenty of parking, The Little House offers the ideal setting for book clubs, birthday parties, workshops, baby showers, nonprofit meetings, and more. Whether you're planning something casual or a little more polished, we've got the space and the charm to make it happen.
Best of all? Rentals are available by donation, so your event can support a great cause, every dollar helps keep our community programs thriving!
Available Spaces:
The Little House Main Room
Seats up to 35 (or 25 with tables), Great for parties, presentations, and group dinners.
The Serenity Room
Seats up to 24, Perfect for intimate gatherings, meetings, or quiet craft nights.
The Playhouse
Seats up to 40, Ideal for youth groups, creative workshops, or casual meetups.
Reserve Your Date Soon! Holiday Weekends Fill Fast!
Stop by 11699 Merrell Road or call us at (209) 962-7303 to schedule a tour or check availability.
