Resource Connection mobile food pantry reaching more residents in need

The Resource Connection Mobile Food Pantry comes to Copperopolis the first Thursday of the month across from the Armory. At the same time there is USDA commodities distribution in the Armory.

Mark Twain St Joseph's Health Fair a plethora of 'healthful' information

According to the Mark Twain Medical Center website, "Over 60 community organizations participate each year (in the annual Health Fair), providing information about available insurance programs, nutrition, support groups, etc.  Flu and pneumonia shots, blood tests, and bone density studies are just a sampling of some of the screenings that are available."

There were many booths, balloon artists, face painting, bouncy houses, delicious foods prepared by the Lions Club and much, much more.

If you missed this health fair, multiple mini-fairs are held throughout the year in the community, with a focus on screenings and immunizations, and the Spring Health Fair will be held in March at Ironstone Vineyards. For more information call 754-2564

For more pictures CLICK HERE

Grape harvest small scale - creating homegrown wines part 2

So, in my infinite wisdom, I was able to conveniently find myself rather busy on the day of harvest a week or so ago at the Crawford 'estate' for the annual Cabernet Sauvignon grape harvest.  But as I had participated in the harvest the year before, my curiosity got the better of me and I couldn't wait to see the next step...hopefully it was less labor intensive.

While the idea of grape pressing always calls to mind the image of Lucille Ball, dress hitched up, stomping in a large barrel full of grapes, I was relieved to find this was a rather antiquated way of pressing grapes, and thankfully not one I would be participating in today.

Once at the Crawford home I was excited to find both David and Lorraine already full swing into the crushing of the grapes. But I found, even this is a science. The tops were removed from large bins holding grapes that had been sterilized and with wine yeast added. The mush (which I am sure has a technical name that I am not aware of) had a heady scent, musky yet rich. Definitely smelling of early wine stages. Not that I ever knew what that meant before, but now I did.

Large scoops were ladled into the grape press and the juices began to flow.

Photos: Me ladling de-stemmed, crushed grapes into grape press and David showing how much juice still remains in the mush prior to pressing.

Dana Pfeil for Superior Court Judge Dept

Parks and Rec Flea Market 10-11-14

Murphys Community Club and Business Association meet the candidates day a little damp but informative

The skies cleared just in time for the Murphys Community Club and Business Association meet the candidates day held in Murphys Park on Sunday, September 28, 2014.

Candidates for Judge Dept 1 and 2 were on hand, as well as candidates for District 3 Supervisor, Mark Twain Health Care District and School Board hopefuls.

The attendance was sparse yet this seemingly allowed for more one-on-one interaction with the candidates.

The CG has interviewed CCWD Candidates, MT School Board candidates and Congressional candidates. We hope to have judicial interviews done soon. Stay posted.

For more pictures CLICK HERE

Lake Tulloch Lions selling tickets to the preview night of SRT's play 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

Meet Avery Strauch - Copperopolis Elementary student council

Avery Strauch is enjoying his second term as Vice President of the Copperopolis Elementary student council.

 

Avery held the position of Vice President last school year and "ran again this year because last year it was so much fun I wanted to do it again." According to Avery the Vice President supports the President by "helping people and making the school a better place. "

Avery is in 5th grade and enjoys math. His hobbies include ukelele and piano.

He hopes to be a pediatrician when he grows up. "I want to help kids."

VFW Ladies Auxliary Copperopolis recognized by Operation Mend for their efforts

New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports

9-29-14 Fishing Report

Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding

520,010 acre-feet of water.  The lake level dropped just over one foot this week and is currently at 862 ft. above sea level and 216 ft. from full.  The water is stained in most of the lake. There are mud lines forming near the shore throughout the day, especially on windy days. The average water temperature is 74-78 degrees.  Tuttletown launch is closed. Glory Hole Point boat launch is the road leading off the end of the point.  It is a dirt launch without courtesy docks and 4wd is recommended.

Calaveras Chamber of Commerce Press Release New Executive Director Named

SAN ANDREAS—September 29, 2014-The Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that they have hired Valley Springs resident Staci Johnston as the new Executive Director.

As a former business owner, Staci Johnston says she's excited for the Chamber to build a better relationship with our business community no matter how large or small the business. 

“I have a deep commitment to make a positive impact upon our county as the Executive Director, and on behalf of the Chamber it is our goal to help build our new businesses as well as promote our longtime merchants within the county”, remarked Johnston. “I am looking forward to showcasing our business owners and recognizing their dedication to  our communities and ultimately our county.  I feel blessed to live in such a wonderful area full of a variety of businesses and I want to see individuals succeed in their endeavors. The Chamber will work closely with our resource agencies and utilize their services to promote a successful business experience in our county.”

Chamber President Mark Borchin and Executive Director Staci Johnston

Governor Signs Runner-Sponsored Bill to Help Disabled Veterans

SACRAMENTO – Legislation sponsored by George Runner to protect California’s disabled veterans has become law. Senate Bill 1113, authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), passed the Legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support, and has been signed by Governor Brown.

“This new law will help those who bravely served our country,” said Runner. “Bureaucratic delays will never again rob veterans of the tax benefits that are rightfully theirs.”

Under California law, veterans who receive a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of their home up to $124,932 or $187,399 in 2014 and equivalent amounts adjusted for inflation in future years. The exemption starts on the date of disability and disabled veterans may claim a refund for up to four years of back taxes paid.

Fleetwood Mask - an incredible concert

The final concert of the Town Square September concert series knocked it out of the park with tribute band Fleetwood Mask.

The CG will let the pictures tell the story.

For more pictures CLICK HERE

Tim Healy Superior Court Judge Dept 2

Gov signs legislation to aid veterans and their families

SACRAMENTO - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed legislation to support California's veterans and active duty military personnel and their families.

The Governor signed the following bills 9-27-14:

LIVE Comedy at the Sports Pub

Upcoming candidate nights in the County

Sept. 29th (Monday) 5pm to 7pm – Valley Springs: Candidates Night at La Contenta Golf and Country Club.  Meet and greet all the local candidates for office sponsored by the Calaveras Chamber of Commerce. 

Sept. 30th (Tuesday) 5pm to 7pm – Angels Camp: Candidates Night at Camps Restaurant at Greenhorn Creek Golf Course.  Meet and greet all the local candidates for office sponsored by Angels / Murphys Business Association. 

October 7th (Tuesday) 5pm to 7pm – Arnold: Candidates Night at Sequoia Woods Country Club.  Meet and greet all the local candidates for office sponsored by the Greater Arnold Business Association. 

October 9th (Thursday) 5pm to 7pm – Murphys: Candidates Night in Murphys Gardens at 557 Algiers Street.  Meet and greet all the local candidates for office sponsored by Wine, Women & Wealth of Calaveras County. 

Meet Adam Qualls - Copperopolis Elementary student council historian

Adam Qualls is a 6th grader experiencing his first time in the political arena as student council historian.

According to Adam the job of historian is "to keep track of events, student of the month and yearbook." He hopes to be sending some of his photos to the Gazette so the town can see what Copper kids are up to.
He ran for the position because he felt "it was important."
His favorite subject is math and his hobby is playing the drums. His brothers, Austin and Ben play bass and guitar and they have a small family band. "I didn't say we were good, but we like it."
He hopes to grow up to become a father or a paramedic.

Clear week ahead with warmer weather headed our way

• 9-29-14
• Today Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
• Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
• Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
• Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.
• Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 56.
• Thursday Sunny, with a high near 90.
• Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 60.
• Friday Sunny, with a high near 94.
• Friday Night Clear, with a low around 61.

Board of Supervisors evening meeting agenda for 9-30-14

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting 9/30/2014 6:00 PM Board of Supervisors Chambers 891 Mountain Ranch Road   San Andreas, CA 95249

Candidate Night - Valley Springs TONIGHT!! 9-29-14

Honor the Fallen

It is with great joy that the Copper Gazette reports no military personnel have paid the ultimate sacrifice since the last released report on September 20, 2014 by the US Central Command.

Please keep the family and friends of the 6807 Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn casualties as confirmed by U.S. Central Comman, in your prayers and thoughts.

BH v Calaveras

Just a few shots from the end of the JV game and the beginning of the Varsity game.

For more pictures CLICK HERE

Calaveras Chamber of Commerce mixes it up in Copper

On Thursday 9-25-14 the Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce held their monthly mixer at Roasters in Copper Town Square hosted by Castle and Cooke.

Mixers are events for small business owners and community members to come together to network.

Many businesses throughout the County were represented as were many candidates.