Brainy Groveland Goes Back to School

Virginia Richmond

The Brainy Groveland reading and math programs have resumed for the new school year at Tenaya Elementary school.

Brainy Groveland is a volunteer program that helps Tenaya elementary students develop sound reading and math skills. We meet once a week to help fourth graders gain a strong foundation in basic math and to encourage third graders to enjoy reading by choosing “just right” books and discussing them with a caring volunteer.

The math program meets for an hour on Monday afternoons and the reading program is on Thursday afternoons.

The program is staffed by a wonderful team of 40 volunteers who meet with students and provide the caring support that kids so need. We appreciate their service to our young students. Volunteers typically sign-up for one session a month. The Tenaya teachers are big supporters of the program, as they see its positive results. The students also develop strong relationships with their kind volunteers.

If you are interested in learning more about the Brainy Groveland program, please contact Virginia Richmond at 962-6336. We provide training and all program materials.

 

Captions:

Volunteer Nancy Mora discusses a book with a student

Volunteer Ron Cone and friend

Volunteers Craig Prouse and Dianne McDermott with young math students

Groveland Community Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

We are pleased to announce and celebrate our 37th annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner for Groveland, and ALL surrounding communities. It will be held on Thursday, November 27th, 2025. Seating hours are 11:30 am – 4:00 pm.

Turkey & ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, yams, peas & carrots, corn, dinner rolls and three types of pie are all on the menu.

First come, first served. We are now accepting reservations of six (6) or more for your party. There is no charge for your dining experience. However, DONATIONS are ‘Gladly Accepted and Appreciated’. Checks can be sent to:

Groveland Community Thanksgiving - P.O. Box 308 - Big Oak Flat, CA 95305

Please join us at the Groveland Community Resilience Center located at 18986 Ferretti Road in Groveland. This will be our third year holding our event at this location, so be sure to come and reunite and visit with your friends, neighbors and community.

If you are willing and able to volunteer, please let us know. You may select one or more of three available shifts for food preparation, kitchen duties, buffet line or table serving.

To sign up as a volunteer, make a reservation for six (6) or more in your group or if you have any questions, please call us anytime on 209-770-9302.

Thank You!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP QUILT SHOW

Sandy Smith

The CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP QUILT SHOW will be held on Friday, October 3rd from 3p.m.  to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, October 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gateway Community Church at 19172 Ferretti Road in Groveland, Ca.

There will be over 100 quilts for viewing and yes, we will have a Boutique with many handcrafted and sewn items on sale both days.  On Saturday bring a friend or two and have a soup lunch with us beginning at 11 a.m. and maybe take home some baked goods with your Boutique items.

The Quilt show is possible due to  the Gateway Community Church Women's Ministry,  the Pine Needlers Quilt Guild, and the many many volunteers, both men and women, who help set it all up, and then take it all down.   Then there are the crafters, we thank you one  and all.  

Also a huge thank you to those who come and support us.  There is no admission fee but if you would like  to donate that would be wonderful.

So come, bring a friend and enjoy lunch after your visit to the show.  See you on the 3rd or 4th.

STCHS

Harriet Codeglia

STCHS (Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society) has for many years sponsored talks open to the public on a variety of topics. The talks used to take place in the downtown Community Hall, but COVID and a destructive fire closed that venue.

So STCHS started up again in 2024 offering free monthly speaker programs. The talks take place the first Friday of each month at the Groveland Community Resilience Center. The response has been wonderfully positive, and the events very well attended. Speakers have given presentations on Strong Women of Tuolumne County, Hetch Hetchy, the Hetch Hetchy Railroad, local wildlife, the geology of the region, and colorful local characters. Our most recent program featured two Yosemite National Park biologists who shared the story of the restoration of Ackerson Meadow. STCHS does not charge for these programs and everyone is welcome.

The programs are video recorded, and (eventually) will be on the Museum’s YouTube channel (Groveland Museum). In addition, DVD copies can be checked out of the museum for free. If you miss anything, all is not lost.

Speakers are lined up for each first Friday evening through the balance of 2025.

The museum is now open four days a week, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 until 2.

Pine Cone Singers Winter Concert

Bob Swan

As you read this, the season should be changing around to Fall, but right now it’s still Summer-ish. We’re working on our Winter Concert, and – somewhat unusually – only four of the sixteen pieces are mainly about snow. This really helps with the cognitive dissonance at rehearsal.

We’ve got a pretty varied collection to perform this year, from traditional carols like The Holly and the Ivy, to well-known favorites like The Christmas Song (“Chestnuts roasting…”) and The Prayer, and less serious numbers (Boogie Woogie Santa Claus, anyone?). Of course, there will also be special performances from some of our talented singers.

Three pieces are brand new to us, and we do have to brush up on our pronunciation of Latin, Spanish, and Italian, but we’re excited to be back to rehearsal with our friends. Thanks to Gateway Community Church for allowing us to use their Fellowship Hall.

Please save the date(s): Friday, 12/12 at 7PM; Saturday 12/13 at 2PM; and Sunday 12/14 at 2PM; at Gateway Community Church on Ferretti Road. We look forward to celebrating the holidays in music with you.

For more information, please call Bob Swan at 408-398-4731.

                                   

Helping Hands Happenings

Patti Beaulieu

I can’t believe this is the October article I’m now writing. The summer seemed to fly by and soon we’ll have Halloween and fall items out with Christmas is fast approaching. It’ll be here before we know it. As volunteers, we all appreciated our first month of a shortened day in September. We are now on our winter hours of closing at 3 and donations ending at 2 at both stores.

Our Fall décor and Halloween costumes were out in late September and they seem to increase in volume each year, so again this year, we have costumes for all ages – infants to adult. Come see what we have to complete your costume or to bring a little fall into your home or cabin with some lovely home décor items. As soon as Halloween is over, like the next week-end, Christmas will take over the Store and the Furniture Barn. Large items, like trees, garland, light strands, yard décor and large items will be at the Furniture Barn. Everything else will be at the Store.

This month we’ll begin to stock our racks with winter and fall clothing and shoes and boy oh boy, do we have a lot of them. There’ll be new items coming out daily, even hourly, so be sure you walk through the Store a few times to see it all.

We’ve also implemented our GROVELAND CARES project that collects money for personal or community tragedies or disasters. We’re now collecting for the TCU fire victims, primarily Chinese Camp. Donations can be made in the store or mailed to GROVELAND CARES c/o HELPING HANDS, PO BOX 713, GROVELAND, CA 95321. Your donations are tax deductible, since we’re a 501c3.

Since it’s the fall season, once again we’re proud to sponsor the Groveland Community Thanksgiving Dinner. This is the event that was held in the Groveland Community Hall for over 30 years, and has moved to the Groveland Community Resilience Center on Ferretti Road after COVID and the Community Hall fire. This is a FREE turkey dinner, with all the trimmings to anyone who walks through the door. Last year, about 350 dinners were served to local or visiting friends, neighbors, or travelers. Watch for the flyers all around town and on all the local social media sites. There will also be notifications in the local papers. It’s totally run by volunteers so be sure to call if you’re interested in helping out. The contact info will be on the flyer.

FOGL DONATES TO TENAYA

Jenny Ferraiolo

Friends of the Groveland Library (FOGL) is proud to support literacy efforts in the Groveland area. That includes helping with volunteers and funding at our local library and supporting reading programs at Tenaya Elementary School.

At the beginning of every school year, FOGL donates funds to Tenaya Elementary to assist teachers in purchasing new books for their classroom libraries. On August 26th, FOGL President Michele Roberts presented Tenaya’s new principal Ashley Schmid with a check in the amount of $4,000. The teachers and students get excited about new books, which leads them to become better readers. Research proves that enjoying reading is the single biggest predictor of academic success.

Quotes to encourage children to read

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” - Kate DiCamillo

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.”– Kofi Annan

“The whole world opened to me when I learned to read.”– Mary McLeod Bethune

FOGL NEWS

On September 23, FOGL hosted the Friends of the Tuolumne County Library (FOTCL) board at the Book Nook. The group included representatives from the Friends of the Tuolumne County Library, High Country Friends (supporting the Twain Harte Branch Library), FOGL, and Tuolumne City Friends of the Library. Discussions included FOTCL financials, Tuolumne County Library update, communications to members and the public, and branch updates. Following this meeting, FOGL held its regular board meeting.

FOGL President Michele Roberts presents $4,000 check to Tenaya principal Ashley Schmid for the purchase of new books.

CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS NEWS

DORI JONES

Camp News

Tuolumne Trails remains active well into the fall season. In September, camp welcomed 145 participants from multiple groups, including Los Medanos Honors, Breath in Yosemite and Leadership Stockton. This month, campers from RISE Family Camp and Studio 49 Fiber Arts will also enjoy the beauty of autumn at Tuolumne Trails.

Mal and Dar Brown Family Commemoration

To follow up on last month’s announcement about the very generous donation from the Malcolm & Darlene Brown Family Trust, CTT has dedicated its outdoor Amphitheater to the Brown’s and has mounted a commemorative plaque on the amphitheater. Please check it out the next time you visit camp. A big thank you to Bob Mackey for designing the stainless steel sign and arranging for its fabrication through SendCutSend, which donated the materials and laser cutting.

CTT Spotlight - Barbara Bussler

Many of you know Barbara from her Black Bear Mosaics studio in Groveland—but did you know she’s also been sharing her talent with CTT for the past four summers. Barbara has worked with our campers with disabilities to create beautiful mosaic pieces—some to brighten camp spaces (like the dragonflies on the back wall of the Great Hall), while others for the campers to take home as treasured keepsakes.

This summer alone, Barbara led seven sessions where campers created 144 mosaic rocks, 126 small- and medium-sized mosaics (dragonflies and flowers), and 15 large mosaics during CTT’s family camps. In total, more than 200 mosaics (including pieces from last year) are waiting to be prepared and installed around camp. She is inviting community members to help with the installation of those 200+ pieces at CTT at a date to be determined next spring—before campers return next June. Please direct message Barbara on NextDoor if you’re interested in helping.

Another project that Barbara was working on for the Groveland community is a very large mosaic mural mounted on the public restrooms on Ponderosa Lane—next to Echo Adventures and the Tesla charging area. This project involved 20+ community members and also artists from the WATCH Resources clay team in Sonora. Stop by and have a close look to find all the details that are hidden in the amazing mural.

In Memorium

CTT mourns the loss of longtime friend and supporter John Kerr. Born with Muscular Dystrophy (MD), John passed away unexpectedly at age 52 in August—just one day after training a group of young adults living with MD at CTT and discussing future endeavors with Jerry Baker.

John founded The John Kerr Foundation and brought his first group of young adults with MD (typically age 17) when CTT opened in 2008. Having faced the challenge of learning to live independently after being figuratively “dumped” at college by his parents to figure out independent living on his own, John—whose intellect and determination were extraordinary—dedicated his foundation to preparing others with MD for independent living. His guidance covered everything from applying for educational grants and finding jobs, to hiring and managing caregivers, navigating government services, and even dating.

CTT also played a special role in John’s personal life—it was here that he met his future wife, Krystle Englehart, who was working as a caregiver for other campers at the time. Their friendship soon blossomed into love, and they were later married.

John’s impact reaches far beyond CTT. Countless young adults with MD in the Sacramento area gained independence, confidence and life skills through his tireless dedication. His motto, “Go Find Life, Life Won’t Find You!” continues to inspire all who knew him. John will be deeply missed by the CTT community and by the many lives he touched.

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

The Wheels Program: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Beth Martin - Transportation Coordinator

Southside Community Connections’ (SCC) Wheels program is a vital connection to the outside world for many Groveland and Big Oak Flat residents. Wheels pairs volunteer drivers with seniors who have no one nearby to assist them, taking them to medical appointments in Sonora, and to appointments, the bank, post office, market, pharmacy and even the hair salon in Groveland.

For many, Wheels also relieves isolation and fosters independence. Riders appreciate not only the rides, but the kindness and companionship of their volunteer drivers—who live right here in the community. Drivers often say they get as much out of the experience as the riders do. It’s a powerful reminder that a simple act of service can have a lasting impact.

Wheels is a membership-based program, available for $120 per year or $30 per quarter. The modest fee helps cover administrative costs, and all rides are scheduled through SCC. Volunteers use their own vehicles, set their own hours, and are reimbursed for mileage if they choose. All Wheels volunteers undergo background/DMV checks, and a thorough orientation.

By stepping in to provide safe, reliable service, Wheels volunteers provide riders, and often their families, peace of mind. Wheels is an essential part of keeping our community connected, supported, and thriving.

To learn more about becoming a Wheels member or volunteer driver, call (209) 962-6952, email Wheels@southsidecommunityconnections.org , or visit us at The Little House Monday-Friday between 10 am and 2 pm, 11699 Merrell Road, Groveland.

The Little House is in Good Hands

A note from Samantha West, Little House Supervisor

Big news, friends and neighbors, I’m trading in my event calendar for a baby blanket (just for a little while)!

Starting this October, I’ll be stepping away on maternity leave to welcome a new addition to my family. It’s an exciting time, and while I’ll miss the daily buzz of The Little House, I know I’m leaving things in capable hands.

During my absence, we’ve brought on a Temporary Little House Coordinator who will be holding down the fort Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. They’ll be available to assist with all your favorite programs, facility rentals, volunteer needs, and community questions.

Need to get in touch? Easy, all emails can still be sent to tlh@southsidecommunityconnections.org , and our new coordinator will be happy to help.

I’ll miss seeing your smiling faces at The Little House, but I’ll be back before you know it! Hopefully with some baby photos to share and plenty of coffee in hand!

Thank you all for your continued support, patience, and love. Our community truly is the heart of The Little House, and I’m so grateful to be part of it, both as a team member and a neighbor.

The Opportunities of Fall!

PASTOR BOB KANDELS

As October settles into our mountain homes—from Yosemite Valley to Pine Mountain Lake, from Groveland to Big Oak Flat and beyond—we enter a season filled with new opportunities to gather, celebrate, and grow together as a community.

Here are a few highlights of events this fall:

Quilt Show & Craft Faire – Friday, October 3rd (2–6 pm) & Saturday, October 4th (9 am–4 pm) at Gateway Community Church. Come enjoy the artistry of quilts and explore handmade crafts just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Trunk or Treat – Friday, October 31st at Mary Laveroni Community Park in Groveland. A safe and joyful way for families to celebrate together.

Men’s Retreat – Thursday evening, November 6th – Saturday morning, November 8th at Old Oak Ranch near Sonora. Cost: $250 (lodging and meals included). Our guest speaker, Bob Osborne, a follower of Christ and former Los Angeles County Sheriff, will share his testimony and encouragement. https://www.oldoakranch.org

Each of these events reflects the heart of community life—neighbors coming together, sharing talents, encouraging one another, and building bonds that make our mountain towns strong.

It’s easy to get caught up in our own worries and needs, but God continually shows us that His grace works through others—the banker, teacher, mechanic, health care worker, those in hospitality and tourism, and more. Together, we experience God’s provision and His love.

I am grateful to be part of this community and even more thankful for the grace of Christ that binds us together. I warmly invite you to join us for worship at Gateway Community Church each Sunday at 10:00 am, where all are welcome to come as they are and experience the goodness of God in fellowship with one another.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Bob Kandels

Obituary

Lois R Nix

Long time Sonora, Groveland resident Lois Nix died August 18, 2025 after a short illness. Lois was born in San Bernardino county, and spent her childhood there. She married Norman Schlenker in 1962 and they had 2 children. Norman passed away in 1977. Lois met and married Alan Nix in 1983 and were married 42 years. Lois was active in the local Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Groveland. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend who was a shining light to anyone she knew. People described her personality as being so bright that strangers instantly became friends. She loved to play and watch tennis. She is survived by her husband Alan, daughter Kelly, son Brandon, stepson Craig. Also 1 granddaughter Chelsea, 6 great grandchildren, and 3 step grandchildren. Celebration of Life open house will be held October 26, 2025 at Pine Mountain Lake Country Club from 1-4 pm in Groveland, Ca.