Letter to the Editor re: sad ending and a new start from Al and Sandi Gilbert

It is with a sad heart that I have learned that the Copper Gazette will be closing. I have enjoyed reading the "community news" and looking at the pictures that have always been better than any other news professional could take.
I guess some of the sadness is selfish, as Charity has always been the biggest supporter of the local VFW Post here in Copperopolis. Without the Gazette there will not be the strong support and coverage we have become accustomed to. The coverage of the parades, ceremonies, activities and much more will be sorely missed. Unfortunately, the "local newspapers" do not cover our community like the Gazette has, and I doubt they will fill in the huge gap that the Gazette will leave. I know other community organizations will miss the great coverage and news that we have all enjoyed.

No more; traffic reports, fantastic fire coverage, personal interest articles, births, deaths, concert photo's, local government news and meetings coverage. And that's just a small part of what the Copper Gazette has done over the last 4 years.

A new start for Charity is, in all reality, a good thing for a great person. I have had the extreme pleasure of knowing and working with this exceptional person for over 4 years. I never knew where she got the energy. I asked Charity many times how she  does it, but never received an answer that made sense, but that was Charity- full of energy and enthusiasm. Charity Maness never says no to anything. Others before self and family for a long time, but now it is time for a new start. I can honestly say, she deserves this.

I wait with anticipation to catch up with the "new" Charity. I can see the smile already.

We will miss the Copper Gazette, Charity. But now maybe we will be able to sit and talk a little longer without you jumping up and running to another photo shoot, or meeting or fire or accident or one of a hundred other things you have covered.

Goodbye Copper Gazette, it's been a great run. Charity, we love you. We love you for all you have done for Copperopolis.

Al & Sandi Gilbert

Dear Copperopolis.....

11-22-14

Dear Copperopolis,

As owner/editor/journalist/photojournalist for the Copper Gazette for the past 4 years I have had the opportunity to meet the most amazing people in our community; see firsthand how incredibly huge our hearts are and how when the chips are down we come to the aid of those in need. We excel in education, sports, veteran outreach, religious experiences, community activities and so much more. It has been an honor and privilege to cover the multitude of events I have attended.

With this said, it is time for me to slow down, to spend more time with those I love and focus on my future.

I will be closing the Copper Gazette Monday November 24, 2014. 

The page will remain open for access to previous news stories by search engines.

I would like to thank so many people for this wonderful experience, but I think the largest debt of thanks would be to my family who watched me repeatedly run out the door at dinner to cover an event, or watch me take shots of Easter while my own grandchildren were experiencing their first hunt. Its my turn to support my children and be the grandmother their little ones deserve. 

Thank you Copperopolis for allowing me to bring you the news and events of our area for the past four years and for allowing me into your lives. You have all touched my life, some so deeply you will never be forgotten.

All my love,

Charity Maness

Volunteer firefighters needed

Winning Ways Advice Column by Marge Powers

Stop Settling for Less and Upgrade Your Life!

Welcome to the next ‘New thought of the Week and Upgrade Your Life’ Series.  This 12 week series will give you valuable ‘New Thought’ Information and Advice that will help you learn how to enjoy the Holidays that are fast approaching.  We hope our advice will open you up to a new way of celebrating them.

Ah yes, the Holidays, they’re supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, and as you know they can have a way of turning into a very stressful time.  The holiday season can often bring unwelcome guests, an overwhelming array of demands, parties, shopping, baking, cleaning, socializing and entertaining to name just a few. Or perhaps you may be spending the Holidays alone and are feeling a little lonely or depressed.  But whatever the source of your angst, family dynamics, financing, lack of self-confidence, or painful memories, etc…you are certainly not alone and there ARE solutions.

Burning suspension lifted, restricted burning hours in effect

Suspension Lifted, Restricted Burning Hours

SAN ANDREAS – Following recent rain, CAL FIRE’s Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit has lifted the suspension of burning within State Responsibility Area (SRA) in Calaveras, Tuolumne, and the eastern portions of San Joaquin and Stanislaus that are within the SRA effective Monday, November 17, 2014.

Payless IGA wweekly ad 11-19-14-to 12-02-14

To view the Payless IGA weekly ad for week 11-19-14 thru 12-02-14 CLICK HERE

Sonora PD press release re: felony arrest from battery resulting in great bodily injury

Since 1 October 2014, there have been five cases in which two suspects had assaulted local homeless people. One victim was beaten so severely he was transported to a Modesto area hospital for treatment of a skull fracture. The victim’s descriptions of the suspects were extremely vague. However, the police department developed two persons of interest and was following up on leads.
On 18 November 2014, at approx. 7:17 pm, in the area of Save Mart on Stockton Road, the victim who had suffered the skull fracture in an earlier attack was assaulted again by the same two suspects.
Officers were able to locate and detained two 17 year old male juveniles from Sonora, who matched the description of the latest assault. One of which was a person of interest in the five previous assaults committed on homeless people. Both juveniles were identified by the victim as being the subjects who had attacked him. The juveniles were taken into custody for felony battery resulting in great bodily injury and turned over to the Tuolumne County Probation Department.

Town Hall Arts Kids Club

Kids’ Klub
Saturday, December 6 • 10:30 am to noon
Angels with Kim Barrington of Angels Camp
This is a great FREE watercolor class for kids of all ages. There is no cost for instruction or supplies.  Funds for these classes are obtained through silent auctions of artists’ donated works. Class size is limited, so sign up now with Larry at Town Hall Arts.

www.townhallarts.com

(209) 785-2050

Umpqua supporting local small businesses

Once again Umpqua Bank held an event supporting local small businesses.

On Saturday November 15, 2014 multiple small home businesses set out their wares for some pre Christmas shopping in a low key environment.

There was jewelry, candles, toys, handmade craft boxes, and more.

CM

Town Square tree lighting 11-29-14

Chairs for Charity in 2015

Chairs for Charity returns to Calaveras County on Saturday, January 31, 2015!

Mark your calendars!

The Calaveras Arts Council and Soroptimist International of Calaveras County are again partnering to host this fun affair.  The venue, as before, is The San Andreas Town Hall. It’s not too early to begin thinking about that unique chair, stool, bench or “a place to sit” and transforming it into a “Work of Art” that will garner the most money for the charity of your choice.

Wine tasting at Roasters a delicious event

The town seemed to be ready and primed for a good wine tasting as Roasters Coffee Corner was packed to the walls on Saturday night, 11-15-14, featuring flights from Irish Vineyards and live music by Nick Isaac.

The fire glowed outside on the patio, welcoming guests to sit and enjoy, while the music entertained those inside. George, owner of Roasters, even took a turn at the mic with skill.

Roasters made their famous wrap appetizers to pair well with the wines. As the music played the evening continued past the scheduled time with little complaint from wine drinkers and employee alike.

To view more pictures CLICK HERE

CM

Town Square Taste of the Holidays

Taco Tuesday at Roasters!

240 Town Square Rd, Copperopolis
785-5282

New Deputy K9 Buster Sworn in at annual Friends of the Calaveras Sheriff Office luncheon

On November 12, 2014 the Friends of the Calaveras Sheriff Office (FOCSO) held their annual luncheon to thank their sponsors and to meet their newest deputy....Deputy Buster.

Buster was sworn in by Sheriff Gary Kuntz and received his new badge.

Buster, and the whole K-9 program, is sponsored by the FOCSO. From his collar to his specialized car, he is one pampered pup.

At 3 years old Buster has been actively working for the past 6 months and has participated in over 20 drug busts.

FOCSO also supplies the department with equipment and supplies that are simply not in the budget but at times necessary.

Captain Macedo took a moment to thank the supporters, "Though we only get to recognize FOCSO once a year, as equipment purchased by you arrives (at the Dept) we thank you often. Some of this equipment makes a genuine impact...invaluable tools...we sincerely appreciate it." 

"The mission of the Friends of the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office (FOCSO) is to support the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office by providing funds for programs, projects and equipment through events, fundraising, membership, networking and donations from both the public and private sector."

The generosity of FOCSO allows our law enforcement to be more efficient and our communities to be safer. Please join those who support our law enforcement community and consider donating to FOCSO.

https://www.friendsofthecalaverassheriffsoffice.org/Home.html 

For more pictures CLICK HERE


CM

VFW Ladies Auxilairy gifted an American Flag flown over a mission in Afghanistan

The VFW Post 12118 Ladies auxiliary has been sending out 'support the troops' care packages with the financial and donation help from the community for two years now and have received some nice notes and letters of thanks.

But the ladies were in tears on Veterans Day when they were presented with a certificate of appreciation and an American Flag that had flown on a mission over Afghanistan from one of the recipients of their boxes of goodies.

CW2 Kelly Abercrombie (pilot), a Highway Patrolman out of the San Andreas office, was one of the recipients of the ladies support the troops care packages. The boxes meant so much to him and his crew that they chose to recognize the ladies with a certificate and a mission flag.

Kelly could not make the parade in person and asked that I, Charity Maness, stand in for him. I was honored.

When the ladies were called to the front of the crowd they did not know what they were being called to receive.

Never needing thanks for what they did, as it was a gift from their hearts for the service of our military, the ladies were moved beyond words.

From the ladies auxiliary to Kelly Abercrombie and crew "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service and for the honor of the recognition." 

Greenhorn Creek’s Men’s Golf Club Raises $3400 for the Resource Connection Food Bank

Greenhorn Creek’s Men’s Golf Club Raises

$3400 for the Resource Connection Food Bank

Greenhorn Creek’s Men’s Golf Club raised $3400 for the Resource Connection Food Bank at their annual Member Appreciation Tournament last Saturday, November 8^th. Eighty members in 20 foursomes competed in the tournament, celebrating the completion of their 2014 tournament year.   Format was a combined Best Ball and Scramble; Prizes were awarded to 1^st thru 10^th place foursomes and closest to the pin on holes #6 and #15. The tournament was followed by lunch provided by Camps Restaurant, an awards ceremony, general meeting and installation of the 2015 Men’s Club Board.

1st Place	2nd Place	3rd Place – Tie	3rd Place – Tie	Closest to the Pin Winners
Joe McIntyre,	Dan Lippstreau	Rich Cathcart	Mike Schroyer	Steve Armknecht on Hole  #6  - 5'5"
Bob Kolakowski	Dave Gigliotti	John Leeper	Randy Tonascia	Jim Dillashaw Hole on #15 - 3'7".
Dan Lewis	Bob Timko	Tim Miller	Charlie Creighton
Roland Gove	Ron Rivera	Angelo Archini	Jim Bidwell

                                     

Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort is located in Angels Camp. For more information go  to www.greenhorncreek.com or call 736.8111.

Tuolumne County Sheriff Office press release re: Human remains identified

On 10/27/14 the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s recovered human remains from New Melones Resevoir.  An autopsy was conducted, Detectives and members of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department have been working to identify the deceased.

  The deceased has been positively identified as, seventy four year old, Wayne Morris Fry, of Tracy CA.  Mr.  Fry was reported missing in April of 1995, after he fell out of a boat on New Melones and presumably drowned.  His body was not recovered  and the case has remained open since April of 1995.

  The case investigation has concluded and his death has been ruled accidental.

Honor the Fallen

Once again the Copper Gazette is happy to announce that the US Central Command has not listed any deaths of military personnel overseas since October 24, 2014

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the family and friends of the 6813 Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn casualties as confirmed by U.S. Central Command.

'A Christmas Carol' and the Black Bart Theater

Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol is presented this holiday season in Murphys at 580 S Algiers Street at the Black Bart Playhouse by Murphys Creek Theatre. Directed by Cyndie Hoffman-Klorer this talented cast brings this story of light, goodness and charity to the foothills. Narrated by Sean-Pierre Wilson, the story unfolds as Scrooge (Stephen Daly), insists that Christmas is a humbug. Neither his lovable nephew, nor affable solicitors and cheerful carolers can bring the joy of the season to Scrooge's miserable heart. When his 7 years dead partner Jacob Marley, played by Allen Test, appears to warn him of his last chance for salvation, Scrooge finds himself face to face with - himself. It isn't until he sees the pure kindness of the Cratchit family and the least member of it, Tiny Tim, that Scrooge begins to understand what is at stake.

 Taylor Hunt as The Ghost of Christmas Past,
Photos courtesy of Gold & Dust Studios

Karaoke at the Sports Pub TONIGHT!!! 11-15-14

Karaoke at the Old Corener TONIGHT!!! 11-15-14

Wine tasting at Roasters TONIGHT!!! 11-15-14

Stage 3 theater's Christmas play "Greetings" - good Christmas entertainment by Shari Schweigler

What’s the funniest thing about Christmas?  Other people’s dysfunctional families!  Stage 3’s current production of Tom Dudzick’s  Greetings! gives us a good dose of that crazy, crazed, family hilarity, combined with sweet fantasy and maybe a little food for thought.  All in all, a good Christmas entertainment --- kind of a modern Dickensian Christmas Carol.

Stage 3 has assembled a group of five, fine actors under the inspired direction of Jay Newington.   Anthony DeGregorio, striking the right tone for the son who got away, and Susannah Holland, amazing as his disabled sibling who will never leave, have pleased Stage 3 patrons this season in previous roles.  Mike Moon, the cranky dad, Sherry Dumos , the perfect longsuffering wife and mother, and Kaitlyn Brennan, the sweetly innocent houseguest, are all veterans of Stage 3, as well as other area theaters. Dumos played a much more abrasive character in Stage 3’s most recent production, Good People.

Copper Grille entrees 11-14-14 and 11-15-14

Entrées          

Grilled New York Strip Loin

Roasted Onion and Potato Hash, Rosemary Red Wine Demi Glace, Sautéed Red Chard     22       

                                                                    

Grilled Angus Beef Roulade 

Wild Mushroom Duxelles, Sauce Chasseur, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccoli      18 

Brined Pork Tenderloin

Israeli CousCous Salad, Autumn Fruits, Caramelized Fennel, Sage Honey, Whole Grain Mustard Sauce    17.5

Dover Sole Meuniere

Crispy Lemon Risotto, Parmesan Crunch, Summer Squash, Warm Brown Butter and Caper Vinaigrette    17.5

Sautéed Jumbo Prawns           

Crispy Smoked Chili Polenta Cake, Creamed Roasted Corn, Red Pepper, Leeks and Applewood Bacon    19.5      

Pasta of the Moment

Braised Lamb Ragu Pappardelle, Garbanzos, Rapini, Charred Tomato, Mint, Basil, Chevre      16.5

Sonora Regional Medical Center Welcomes New Neurologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist

November 12, 2014 (Sonora, CA) — Sonora Regional Medical Center welcomes fellowship-trained neurologist and sleep medicine specialist Anahid Hekmat, MD. Dr. Hekmat earned her medical degree at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. She completed a medical internship at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, neurology residency and clinical neurophysiology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, and sleep medicine fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center. 

Sonora Regional Cancer Center Welcomes New Hematologist-Oncologist

November 12, 2014 (Sonora, CA) — Sonora Regional Cancer Center welcomes Roozbeh Mohajer, MD, a hematologist-oncologist and hospice and palliative medicine specialist who has joined Mussa Banisadre, MD, and Abdol Mojab, MD, at the Center. Dr. Mohajer will provide care for patients fulltime in Sonora. He will also serve as the medical director of Oncology Services and help with the development of the new Cancer Center soon to be constructed at the corner of Greenley Road and Mono Way.

CHP Press release re: "Have a Good Ride" grant kicks off to help reduce motorcycle collisions in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California continues to see a growth in the number of motorcyclists on its roadways. With increasing numbers of both cars and motorcycles, educational efforts and motorcycle safety awareness continue to be an important issue for the California Highway Patrol (CHP). With an overall goal of reducing motorcycle-involved fatal and injury collisions and victims, the CHP has been awarded a motorcycle safety grant to help promote and provide education on motorcycle safety.
“We want our roadways to be safe for everyone,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “With a grant like this, we are given the opportunity to help educate both motorcyclists and passenger vehicle drivers about the safest way to share the road.”

CHP Press release re: Federal Grant ot Help CHP Curb Impaired Driving

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced receiving a federal “Reducing Impaired Driving” grant, which will fund 150 sobriety checkpoints, 75 DUI task force operations, proactive DUI enforcement patrols through September 30, 2015, and at least 100 safety presentations.

CHP press release re: CHP to Combat Aggressive driving

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced that it is implementing a yearlong, federally funded traffic safety campaign to reduce the number of collisions associated with aggressive driving.
“Every year, speed and aggressive driving plays a role in the death or injury of thousands of people in California,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Through this enforcement and education campaign we seek to curb the number of fatal and injury collisions linked to speeding and other dangerous driving.”

Vouchers for Veterans within the Angels Camp Veteran Memorial District

The A/C Veterans Memorial District has once again voted to issue a $50.00 food voucher to all Veterans residing in the District. The vouchers will be distributed Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th from 11am to 3 pm.  If you have a question about whether or not you live in the District, give Tony Tyrrell a call at his office; 736-1778.
The Veterans Memorial District office is located at; 1219 Rasberry Lane in Angels Camp.
If you know of any Veteran that lives in the "District area" let them know about this, also some of our Comrades do not have e-mail access, let them know too. If any  Veteran needs a ride to pick up his voucher and or pick up the groceries, let me know. The voucher is redeemed at the Angels Food Market. The voucher is not for alcohol or tobacco, food only.
This is a great thing that the "District" is doing for the Veterans.

Christmas shopping at Umpqua Bank

Winning Ways Advice Column by Marge Powers

Stop Settling for Less and Upgrade Your Life!

Welcome to the next ‘New thought of the Week and Upgrade Your Life’ Series.  This 12 week series will give you valuable ‘New Thought’ Information and Advice that will help you learn how to enjoy the Holidays that are fast approaching.  We hope our advice will open you up to a new way of celebrating them.

Ah yes, the Holidays, they’re supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, and as you know they can have a way of turning into a very stressful time.  The holiday season can often bring unwelcome guests, an overwhelming array of demands, parties, shopping, baking, cleaning, socializing and entertaining to name just a few. Or perhaps you may be spending the Holidays alone and are feeling a little lonely or depressed.  But whatever the source of your angst, family dynamics, financing, lack of self-confidence, or painful memories, etc…you are certainly not alone and there ARE solutions.

CFPD 11-14-14 Board meeting agenda