FOGL Buys Books for You!
Virginia Richmond
Everyone wants to read the “latest and greatest” hot new fiction or the current political thriller. Of course, the county budget doesn’t allow the library to buy every book out there. Friends of the Groveland Library helps.
Your membership dues, donations and especially the proceeds of our weekly sales in the Book Nook provide funds to purchase additional books for our library, and for elementary school classrooms as well.
Each year FOGL contributes at least $5,000 towards the purchase of new library books plus $500 to Tenaya elementary school to augment classroom libraries.
As a result, our small library is very well equipped with new arrivals every month. Here are some of the latest additions to our collection:
The Last American Road Trip - a family’s journey to the most beautiful, fascinating, and bizarre places in the US during one of its most tumultuous eras.
The Woman Who Knew Everyone - the biography of the socialite, political hostess, activist, and United States ambassador, Perle Mesta.
Seven Things You Can’t Say about China – an unflinching look at the dangers of China's global influence
Boat Baby - NBC News correspondent Vicky Nguyen tells the story of her family’s daring escape from communist Vietnam
Donations made in
memory of community members are also used to purchase new books. A memorial
note is placed in each book purchased with memorial funds. Here’s an example:
If you would like to contribute, just send your donation to FOGL, PO Box 43, Groveland. Thank you for helping support literacy in our community!
BOF/Groveland Christmas
Dawn Silva
Soon it will be that wonderful time of year again! The Christmas team will begin decorating downtown, turning our little town into a charming holiday Hallmark scene. Each year, we add a few new touches — and this year, silver bells will adorn the vintage lamp posts. Frosty and friends will be returning for fun photo opportunities with the children, and we’re also planning two special photo spots: a White Christmas theme and a Classic Christmas theme.
Over the years, we’ve loved seeing families and tourists capture their holiday memories around town. Our goal is to keep bringing new, festive ideas to Big Oak Flat and Groveland that make visitors want to return each year to take photos, enjoy the decorations, and shop locally.
We couldn’t make this happen without our community’s generous support. Donations help us purchase supplies and create new decorations, while volunteers give their time to wrap posts, hang garland, and bring the holiday magic to life.
This year, we’ll begin pulling decorations out of storage on November 3rd. We’ll refresh garlands, add new lights, and replace any broken ornaments. Be on the lookout for a call for volunteers starting November 8th — we’d love your help! Hi
A special thank-you to the hardware store for donating paint, and to everyone who has already contributed toward new jumbo lights for the garlands. Your generosity keeps this wonderful tradition shining year after year.
Donations can be sent to:
BOF/Groveland Christmas
17850 HIGHWAY 120
P.O. BOX 201
Big Oak Flat, CA 95305-9998
CAMP TUOLUMNE TRAILS
DORI JONES
Camp News
Camp Tuolumne Trails (CTT) wrapped up a remarkable 2025 season, highlighted by successful summer sessions for campers with disabilities and a lively fall capped by the annual Studio 49 Fiber Arts gathering from Sonora. The year was filled with meaningful experiences, connections and lasting memories for our camper community and retreat groups alike. As we celebrate these accomplishments, CTT is already hard at work planning an even more impactful 2026 season—continuing its mission to help those with disabilities and those who support them by providing an accommodating and stimulating environment for healing, respite, education and recreation.
Update on Jerry Baker
Many in the Groveland community are aware of the recent health challenges faced by Tuolumne Trails’ Founder and Chairman of the Board Jerry Baker. In April, Jerry was diagnosed with a brain tumor and experienced a stroke during surgery to remove it. Despite these obstacles, Jerry’s unwavering spirit and dedication to Camp remain as strong as ever. True to form, his mind is always brimming with new ideas and plans to ensure Camp continues to grow and thrive for generations to come. His resilience and love for this community continue to inspire us all.
Your Gift Changes Lives
As 2025 comes to a close, we urgently need your support to keep the heart of Camp Tuolumne Trails (CTT) beating strong. Your year-end gift—no matter the size—directly impacts children and adults with disabilities, providing them with life-changing experiences, friendship and memories they won’t find anywhere else.
Every dollar helps us expand programs, improve facilities and welcome more campers who depend on the community’s generosity. Please don’t wait—make your gift today by clicking the “Donate” button on our website: https://www.tuolumnetrails.org/donate/
If you’d like to find out more about CTT, take a tour, volunteer or learn more about donating and legacy giving, please email us at info@tuolumnetrails.org or visit: http://www.tuolumnetrails.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on camp happenings.
Please Donate
HELPING HANDS HAPPENINGS
Patti Beaulieu
We’re closing in on the holiday season and with that comes the time change – fall back one hour on Sunday, November 2. We’re almost done with Halloween, depending on when you read this, and are minds are now on turkey, dressing, pies, friends and family - and all the other things associated with Thanksgiving. We’ll be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will open at 11 a.m. on Black Friday, which is a HUGE shopping all over the country, especially for Helping Hands. Family, friends, out- of-town visitors and week-enders make it an annual tradition to shop with us on that day or sometime that long week-end. They know we have our Christmas décor and clothing out at our low prices and, of course, certain items and departments will be 50% OFF as they are each week.
Once again, we’re the proud sponsors of the Groveland Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day, at the Groveland Community Resilience Center, so we’ll see many of our community members there. This is a FREE dinner to anyone who walks in the door. If you don’t have other plans, come and have a super meal with many other community members. You’re sure to see many folks you know or even meet some new friends. If you’d like to volunteer to work at the dinner, on one of the 3 shifts, please call 209-770-9302 and leave your contact information.
We all have to give a huge thank you and extreme gratitude to this community for its generous donations to GROVELAND CARES, which is Helping Hand’s local collection project for various personal or public disasters. This fall, we focused on the devasting CHINESE CAMP fire in early September. The Chinese Camp community was overwhelmed with the generosity of ‘Groveland’. We were able to donate 6 truckful’s of sleeping bags, coolers, tents, blankets, clothing, shoes, tools and whatever else they needed during those first few days. In addition, we were proud to send them over $7,000 that was donated to our collection can in the Thrift Store. It certainly proves that GROVELAND CARES!!! We’re a wonderful community filled with caring residents. We should all be proud to live in such caring and generous small towns here on ‘the hill’ - Big Oak Flat, Buck Meadows and Groveland.
WE WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND WE HAVE MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR.
Local Women’s Cancer Support Group
LORETTA SLOCUM
You need not be alone in your fight against cancer. The women of the Groveland Cancer Support Group gather the last Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Mountain Lutheran Church, 13000 Down to Earth Court, off Ferretti Road, next to the nursery. You will be most welcome and embraced by a circle of compassionate, empathetic listeners in a non-judgmental atmosphere, who always learn from each other along the way. Please call Loretta Slocum at (209) 962-0584 if you would like more information.
Tenaya Student of the Month
Second grader Meadow Rodriguez-Gottberg is Tenaya Elementary School’s Student of the Month.
According to Meadow’s teacher, Casey Ahrens, Meadow is a kind person. She is always willing to help anyone who needs help. She is respectful towards both peers and teachers. Her ability to listen attentively and follow directions ensures her success in the classroom. We are proud to have Meadow in our school community.
Meadow is the daughter of Jordan Rodriquez and Harley Gottberg of Groveland.
Congratulations Meadow!
2025 Groveland Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving Dinner Committee
We’re 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.
This event is made possible because of willing volunteers and generous donations. Several volunteers have ‘worked’ it for many years and look forward to doing it each year. It’s become a tradition in many households.
Turkey & ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, yams, peas & carrots, corn, dinner rolls and three types of pie are all on the menu. It’s truly a FEAST!!
Seating is on a first come, first served basis, however this year we’re accepting reservations for parties of six (6) or more. There’s no charge for your dining experience, however, DONATIONS are ‘Gladly Accepted and Appreciated’ at the event, or can be mailed 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. There’s plenty of parking and easy access for those with walkers or wheelchairs. 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 want 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 our Turkey Hot Line @ 209-770-9302.
Thank You!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Being Thankful!
PASTOR BOB KANDELS
As we begin the month of November, we pause to give thanks for all that October has brought us. We are grateful for a wonderful celebration at the Mary Laveroni Park and the joy of the “Trunk or Treat” event. Soon, many of us will gather with friends and family around the Thanksgiving table to share good food, laughter, and love.
This is the season when we transition from the warm colors of fall to the bright and festive colors of Christmas. Yet during that transition, we take time to reflect and give thanks—both in worship and on Thanksgiving Day itself.
I’ll admit, there are moments when I find myself wrestling to find reasons to be thankful. Yet even in the midst of life’s challenges—both big and small—I make the daily choice to rise each morning, knowing that God is still on the throne. Salvation is always within reach if I simply choose to believe.
I am deeply thankful for the ministry and presence of Gateway Community Church and for our mountain community. Through Sunday worship services, we grow deeper in our faith and relationship with God. We celebrate marriages as couples enter a covenant before the Lord. We rejoice with believers through the powerful act of baptism—a beautiful outward sign of inward faith. And we walk with people as they ask life-changing questions about what it means to have a real relationship with Jesus as Savior. All these moments give us powerful reasons to be thankful and remind us of our shared gift: the gift of Jesus.
You are invited to join our area churches for worship. We gather on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Gateway Community Church, and we would love to have you join us.
In Christ Service,
Pastor Bob Kandels
Congratulations to Wick Schultz, our Volunteer of the Quarter!
Beth Martin, Transportation Coordinator
Southside Community Connections (SCC) is proud to honor Wheels volunteer driver Wick Schultz as our Volunteer of the Quarter. For the past year, Wick has been bringing not just rides, but conversation, companionship, and joy to his passengers. Whether it’s a quick trip to the Groveland Pharmacy or a long drive for a medical appointment in Modesto, Wick makes the journey special.
“The people are my favorite part of this job,” he says. “If they want to talk about underwater basket weaving, I’m all there.” Wick takes his cues from his riders, letting them set the tone. For many, the ride is one of their few chances to share stories and connect with someone new. Wick’s humor and warmth help put them at ease. “I always try to get a smile on their face in the first couple of minutes,” he explains.
Beyond good conversation, Wick offers something equally important—reliability and respect. He lets passengers decide which routes feel most comfortable and makes sure they can count on him to be prompt. “Just the look of gratefulness on their faces makes me happy,” he shares. “It’s what keeps me motivated.”
From pointing out ospreys near the James Roberts Bridge to talking about his candy-apple red car, Wick brings a personal touch that turns rides into experiences. He knows that SCC’s Wheels and WAVE transportation makes it possible for many to remain in the Groveland or Big Oak communites they love.
For Wick, volunteering is a way to give back while also brightening his own days in retirement. “It makes you feel good, like a Boy Scout or Girl Scout,” he says. “The joy you see in people’s faces—it’s priceless.”
Congratulations, Wick, and thank you for helping SCC keep our community connected!
To learn more about SCC’s Wheels and WAVE transportation programs, or how to volunteer, call us at (209) 962-6952.
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS THANKS SUPPORTERS AHEAD OF OCTOBER FUNDRAISER SOCK HOP
Nancy Reggio - Executive Director
Southside – October 2025 – Southside Community Connections (SCC) extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, and support in preparation for our upcoming October Fundraiser Sock Hop.
Though the event has not yet taken place, the outpouring of community spirit and generosity already shown has been truly inspiring. From volunteers and donors to local businesses and sponsors, your contributions are helping to make this event possible — and meaningful.
We are truly grateful to all of you. Your support helps us continue to build connections, strengthen our programs, and serve the Southside community with heart and purpose.
A full list of event supporters, partners, and contributors will be published in late October following the event. In the meantime, SCC looks forward to seeing many of you at the Sock Hop for an evening of fun, music, and community celebration.
Thank you for helping us spread kindness and connection this fall. Happy Fall from all of us at SCC!
Southside Community Connections, The Little House
Nancy Reggio – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
What’s Next on the SCC Calendar?
As the holiday season approaches, Southside Community Connections is shifting focus to our Stockings for Seniors program, set for early December. We'll soon begin collecting donations to help fill holiday stockings with warmth, comfort, and cheer for local seniors.
If you’d like to contribute, please contact The Little House at 209-962-7303 for ideas on needed items — such as socks, gloves, gift cards, candy, and other small, thoughtful treats.
Also coming in early December: The Little House Tree Lighting! Keep an eye out for the official date and time — we hope you’ll join us for this festive community tradition.
Pine Cone Singers: The Wonders of Winter
Bob Swan
There’s some snow in the higher mountains, and we’re well into rehearsals for our winter show. You could say we’re Getting’ In The Mood because It’s the Holiday Season and maybe the Boogie Woogie Santa Claus might come by and sing The Christmas Song or The Prayer….
Okay, I’ll stop now. I guess I can’t really fit all of the song titles into this article. Anyhow, we have a really nice variety of pieces, and we’re working hard to make them as beautiful (What Sweeter Music) or fun (Mele Kalikimaka) as they should be.
By the time you read this, tickets should be available from any Pine Cone Singer. Other outlets will be listed on flyers. Suggested donation is $15. Children under 13 are admitted free.
Please save the date(s): Friday, 12/12 at 7PM; Saturday 12/13 at 2PM; and Sunday 12/14 at 2PM; at the 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.
