Get ready to 'spring forward'

At 2 a.m. on March 11, 2012, it will be time to turn your clocks forward one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Plan Your Next Birthday Party at Cruiser's - YUMMY

Saddle Creek Garden Club beautifies Copper Elementary

On Saturday March 3, 2012 at their semi-annual event - spring and fall - the Saddle Creek Garden Club came out in full force to weed, plant, harvest and prune the gardens and landscaping at Copperopolis Elementary.

The program, which began three years ago, has taught multiple Copperopolis children the benefits and beauty of gardening. The club built above ground vegetable gardens for each classroom at Copper school and taught the children about seasonal vegetable growth and cultivation. Due to the strict guidelines on pesticide use around children the club used this opportunity to also teach the children about natural pest controls, ie: plants that repel certain bugs.

Each spring the group, which seems to grow every year, brings their shovels, trowels, rakes, pruning shears, and plenty of garbage cans and hits the ground running. Upon entering the school grounds the first noticeable overgrowth tended to was the 'elephant grass' that can cut and slice at little hands and had all but covered the fire hydrant. Moving from there the team spread out weeding flower beds that they had so lovingly planted years ago with bulbs and have since split the bulbs and planted more through the school grounds. They weeded the gardens, pruned the roses, the flowering trees and tried desperately to remove the invasive crabgrass seemingly one root at a time.

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam now available on Kindle

 

On April 9, 1967, in a letter from Jim Piper to his young bride Michelle, he wrote, "I thank God each night for my wife and my life and also enjoy each breath that I take and praise every morning I wake up too. It means another day gone, another day I'm alive and another day closer to being home with my wife forever."

PFC James Dennis Piper was in killed in action two days later on April 11, 1967 in the jungles of Vietnam.

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam follows the journey of James D Piper from draft to KIA. Each handwritten letter from Jim to Michelle has been carefully transcribed and historical documentation has been added. Cross referencing and correlating data from sources such as declassified CIA documents, Pentagon Papers, LBJ diaries and unrestricted use of Weider History Group archives has created a historically correct and profound journey through eight months of the Vietnam War. Chronologically juxtaposing Jim's personal and tender letters written to his young bride with public facts and documents of the war on each of those same dates allows the reader an intimate and compelling snapshot of that time in history.

To purchase your kindle version click HERE

Library Casino Night 3-17-12

Governor announces appointments

Francis Johnston, 75, of San Rafael, has been appointed to the Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun, where he has served since 2008. Johnston is a retired rear admiral in the United States Maritime Service. He was the western region director for the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration from 1990 to 2008 and the head of maritime affairs for the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1990. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $600 per month. Johnston is registered decline-to-state.

Buy a piece of History - Copperopolis Historic Commemorative Bricks still available

In 2010, Copperopolis celebrated its 150th anniversary.

The Copperopolis Community Center would like to invite you to join your friends and neighbors in creating a permanent link to our future by purchasing a commemorative brick engraved with your own personal message.

The bricks will be permanently installed and displayed as part of the historic District area on Main Street, between the Museum and the Calaveras Phone Company buildings.

With your involvement and dedication, many will walk upon or view the bricks, learn of the history and enjoy the charm and beauty of the area for generations to come.

To order your Copperopolis Commemorative Brick click HERE to download a printable PDF order form.


For more information on the Copperopolis Community Center please visit  http://copperopoliscommunitycenter.blogspot.com/

FOAC - Friends of the Animal Community Adoption Day - placing animals in need in loving homes

On March 3, 2012 the Friends of the Animal Community (FOAC) held an adoption day at Bark n Bubbles Dog Wash next to Payless IGA. FOAC representative Stephanie answered multiple questions from potential pet owners and the curious alike. Not daunted by the number of animals needing homes compared to the number of interested adoptees, Stephanie said, "We will not give up." Her drive to find loving homes for each animal that comes through FOAC is contagious. There was no 'hard sell' no 'guilt sell' just a group of people with huge hearts and the wish that each animal in their care finds a home.
At this particular adoption day there was a litter of 9 week old Beagle crosses, all snuggly, wiggly and fun. There were also a three year old Terrier cross (possibly with a Border Collie) with a great disposition and family ready.

Canyon Hawk Dog Training - Teach your dog better manners in 6 weeks!

MTUESD regular board meeting agenda for 3-8-12 to be held in Angels Camp

MARK TWAIN UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 8, 2012
Open Session 5:30 P.M.
Closed Session 5:35 P.M.
Open Session 6:30 P.M.
981 Tuolumne Avenue
Angels Camp, CA 95222

Hazardous Weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA
510 AM PST TUE MAR 6 2012

CAZ066-067-070115-
NORTHEAST FOOTHILLS/SACRAMENTO VALLEY-MOTHERLODE-
510 AM PST TUE MAR 6 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

WINTER STORM WILL MOVE THROUGH THE AREA TODAY AND TONIGHT SPREADING
MOUNTAIN SNOW AND SOME RAIN SHOWERS IN THE VALLEY. WINDS GUSTING
OVER 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE HIGHER SIERRA.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

A WARMING TREND WITH DRY WEATHER THROUGH FRIDAY. HOWEVER...SATURDAY
BEGINS THE CHANGE TO A WET UPPER LEVEL TROUGH PATTERN.

Letter from Lungren re:the Jobs Act

Here it is: the jobs bill that the President asked for in his recent State of the Union address.  Promising to sign such a bill, the President asked that Congress send him a jobs bill that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.  Our bipartisan JOBS Act - Jumpstart our Business Startups Act - does exactly that.
Small businesses account for 66 percent of new jobs.¹  And in our own area, 87.6 percent of businesses employ fewer than 20 people.²  In recognition of the fact that any sustainable and robust economic recovery will mean a reinvigoration of our small businesses and entrepreneurs, our JOBS Act is targeted to increase capital formation, spur the growth of startups and small businesses, and pave the way for more small scale businesses to go public and create more jobs.

Statement by Assemblymember Olsen on Education Funding and Today’s Student Rallies

SACRAMENTO – 3-5-12, Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, issued the following statement in response to student rallies at the State Capitol in support of education funding:

“I stand with the students and educators here at the Capitol today, and across the State, who are advocating that the Legislature make K-12 and higher education funding a priority. The vast majority of Californians have been clear that education should be one of our top budget priorities as a state, and I agree. California economic success is directly tied to educational success. Our students need top-quality schools that give them the opportunity to reach their career and educational goals. And California’s job creators need top-quality schools that provide them with a steady stream of well prepared, educated employees. 

County accepting applications for Copperopolis Community Plan Advisory Committee

Calaveras County is now accepting applications for the Copperopolis Community Plan Advisory Committee. The committee will be comprised of seven members appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The role of the committee is to:

§  Review the planning effort started in 1992, the Vision 2020 report and the draft Copperopolis Community Plans; 

§  Provide community input and insights on staff’s effort to reconcile the land use and circulation components necessary for the General Plan update;

§  Provide recommendations on the vision statements and guiding policies for Copperopolis to be included in the General Plan update;

§  Help identify options to move the community plan forward and find grants or other funding sources for the planning and environmental analysis needed.

§  Once the Copperopolis Community Plan and the General Plan are adopted, the committee will be disbanded.

The committee will need to establish a regular meeting date and time.  It is anticipated the committee will meet once or twice a month.  Members will need to review materials outside of meetings to prepare for upcoming agendas. The meetings will be open to the public in accordance with the Brown Act.

Copper Cougar Girls Volleyball brings home a win

The Copper Cougar girls volleyball 5th Grade Teams had their first matches 3-2-12 against Jenny Lind. In the first match, our white team won 25-11, and followed with 25-7 game to close it out.

In the second match, our blue team won 25-22 and took the second game 25-10.

Congratulations Cougars!!!! A great start!!!

 

Poll results

Recent poll question:
Would you like to have a skateboard park in Copperopolis?

34 votes

27 yes
4   no
3   maybe

Stockton Thunder fundraiser to benefit Copper School 6th grade science camp

Celtic Faire Coming to Sonora Mar 9, 10 & 11 2012

For more information visit http://sonoracelticfaire.com/

Spellman's preliminary recall response submited to County Elections Office

District 5 Supervisor Darren Spellman's response to the recall petition is due at the County Election Dept on Tuesday March 5, 2012. When he completed comprising his response he submitted his response to media outlets. The following is his response:

Recall Response (March 2012)

Legally it only takes twenty unhappy voters to file recall paperwork, but I will never make excuses for defending the thousands who elected me, rather than seeking approval from the political in crowd.

The voters want lasting solutions, not just band-aids, for important issues in our county.

8th grader Amanda Cox receives recognition award from Angels - Murphys Rotary

At the Angels-Murphys Rotary luncheon 3-1-12 held at the Alchemy restaurant in Murphys, students were recognized for their scholastic achievement for the semester. One of the students was Copperopolis's own 13 year-old Amanda Cox.

Mark Twain history teacher Jeff Airola was asked to introduce the award recipients, yet before he did he thanked the Angels - Murphys Rotary for acknowledging scholastic achievement, pointing out that there are many resources within the system to help children that fall behind or need help, but that to honor those that do well receives much less attention.

Introducing Amanda as soft spoken yet articulate, committed to her studies and an amazing writer had Amanda blushing and her family clapping with pride.

CFPD Board meeting agenda 3-8-12

COPPEROPOLIS  FIRE  PROTECTION  DISTRICT

370   MAIN  STREET,  COPPEROPOLIS,  CA 95228

MEETING  AGENDA                MARCH 8,  2012                                                                                      PUBLIC  SESSION   6:30  P M 

CLOSED  SESSION  TO  FOLLOW

1.  Open Public Meeting

2.  Roll Call of Directors

3.  Approval of Agenda   This is the time for any Director to ask that an item be considered in a different order than listed below.  New items cannot be added to this agenda for deliberation or action, but may be added to the agenda of a future meeting pursuant to Item # 10 below        ( Identification of Items for Future Meetings).   

4.  Approval of Minutes   Minutes of the Public Meeting February 9, 2011, and, Closed Session February 9, 2011.                                                                                                                  

 5.   Correspondence

 6 .   Public Comments  This is the time and place for the general public to address the Board of Directors regarding items on this agenda.  Members of the public wishing to address the Board of Directors regarding items not on the agenda for this meeting may do so as long as the subject matter is within jurisdiction of the Board of Directors (Government Code section 54954.3 (a)).  Comments are limited to five minutes per individual and five minutes for speakers representing an organization.  This time limit may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.(Government Code section 54954.(b) )  

Honor the Fallen 2-19-12 to 2-25-12

Air Force Lt. Col. John D. Loftis

Died February 25, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

44, of Paducah, Ky., assigned to 866th Air Expeditionary Squadron, Kabul, Afghanistan; died Feb. 25 from gunshot wounds received during an attack at the Interior Ministry in Kabul. Also killed in the attack was Army Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II.

Army Maj. Robert J. Marchanti II

Died February 25, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

48, of Baltimore, Md., assigned to 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Division Security Partnering Team, Maryland Army National Guard, Baltimore, Md.; died Feb. 25 from gunshot wounds received during an attack at the Interior Ministry in Kabul, Afghanistan. Also killed in the attack was Air Force Lt. Col. John D. Loftis.

Army Staff Sgt. Ahmed Altaie

Died February 25, 2012 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

---

41, of Ann Arbor, Mich., assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team, Divisional Training Center, Special Troops Bn, 4th Inf Div, Fort Hood, Texas; died in Iraq after being kidnapped in Baghdad on Oct. 23, 2006. He was declared "missing - captured" on Dec. 11, 2006. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner at Dover Air Force Base, Del., positively identified his remains Feb. 25, 2012.

Army Sgt. Joshua A. Born

Died February 23, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

25, of Niceville, Fla., assigned to 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died of wounds caused by small-arms fire Feb. 23, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Also killed in the incident was Cpl. Timothy J. Conrad Jr.

Army Cpl. Timothy J. Conrad Jr.

Died February 23, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

22, of Roanoke, Va., assigned to 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died of wounds caused by small-arms fire Feb. 23, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Also killed in the incident was Sgt. Joshua A. Born.

Army Sgt. Allen R. McKenna Jr.

Died February 21, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

---

28, of Noble, Okla.; assigned to 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Feb. 21 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of unspecified causes.

Welcome to the Country - a humorous look at life in the country ~ by, Charity Maness

So you’ve decided to move to the country, where lawn and yard décor take on a whole new meaning…

There are no pink plastic flamingos to be found out here. We country folk have a different way of decorating the outside of our humble abodes. Just to give you a hint, we have a real hard time getting rid of anything, and I literally mean anything. Things that city folk might consider junk, we might just consider lawn art.

I think we can all agree that the traditional old rusty windmill adds quite a bit of country charm to an old farmstead right? But a windmill in the front yard of my little two acre spread? I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking thats a bit of a stretch. Who knows, maybe Wyatt, yes, the same genius that moved me here to Tombstone, knows something I don’t. Just maybe he snuck out one night under the cover of darkness with his divining rod and struck a vein of liquid gold, in this land of scorching heat, better known as “water.” The result of his infinite wisdom is a strategically placed windmill of questionable proportions gracing my front lawn.

Welcome new advertiser - Arbonne, premium skin care and nutrition products

A Pure Approach to Looking and Feeling Great…
with Premium Skin Care Products

Arbonne premium skin care products are formulated in Switzerland at the Arbonne Institute of Research and Development (AIRD) and made in the U.S.A. Our proprietary skin care formulas are: Botanically based pH correct Hypoallergenic Dermatologist tested Never tested on animals Formulated without animal products or by-products Formulated without mineral oil Formulated without dyes or chemical fragrances*

Scientifically Advanced Weight Loss and Nutrition Products

Based on similar principles that propelled the success of our skin care products, Arbonne expanded into total body care with Arbonne Bio-Nutria® and Figure 8®. Developed for every stage of life, these nutrition, weight loss, fitness, life enhancement products are convenient, safe and backed by the latest scientific research and formulated: Using the finest botanical ingredients Using standardized botanicals and herbs Using proprietary herbal blends that work synergistically with active components for optimal results Also, all of Arbonne’s dietary supplements are formulated: To meet U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) disintegration time standards (30 minutes) Without colors, starch, added caffeine, preservatives or salt To provide maximum absorption with highly bio-available ingredients

For more information visit http://www.janetpiper.myarbonne.com/

Karaoke TONIGHT at Sports Pub 3-3-12

Texas Rick Karaoke TONIGHT 3-3-12 at the Sports Pub!
8 - ???

785-4646

New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports

Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,965,672 acre-feet of water. The lake level has been steady for the last three months. It is currently at 1049 ft. above sea level and 39 ft. from full. The water temperature is 51-54 degrees and crystal clear.

 

Lisa Ditlevson caught four and release 9 back to the lake for others to catch.

Trout: Very good! There were lots of very nice fish caught this week, with most anglers catching their limits. The average size fish is about 2-pounds. Trout are right up in the shallows, spawning and chasing bait.  Bank anglers have been using Power Bait (the garlic scent is working great), Gulp Eggs, marshmallows, and nightcrawlers to catch them. It is very important that your bait floats. Use small hooks, plenty of Power Bait, and a worm blower to float a crawler. The entire bait rig is very simple but effective. It consists of an egg sinker, barrel swivel, 12" to 48" leader, and a small hook. Most of the fish that are being caught are full of small shad. Try using shad patterned lures. Rapalas are great little baits that look and act like baitfish. Try using a Floating Rapala in the morning and switch to a Countdown in the afternoon. Trolling anglers have been catching some fish in the back of the major creek arms (Carson Creek, Coyote Creek, and Angels Creek.) Try fishing closer to shore and follow the contour of the bank. A lot of fish are up shallow. Side planning and long-lining a floating or jointed Rapala has been producing a lot of fish and some pretty nice ones too. Also, since the fish have been shallow, some anglers have been doing well casting lures at the bank or dropping an anchor and using bait.

Karaoke TONIGHT at the Sports Pub 3-3-12

The Sports Pub will have Karaoke by Texas Rick tonight from 8:30 to 12:30!
Come join the fun!
785-4646

Assemblymember Kristen Olsen poses the question - Has Education Been a Budget Priority?

Has Education Been a Budget Priority?

Many in Sacramento have spoken about their commitment to protecting education funding in the state budget.  But when you take a closer look, you will see that education takes a backseat to health and welfare spending when spending plans are put on paper.

Even though tax revenues grew, K-12 programmatic funding actually dropped by $700 million from the prior year.  At the same time, health and welfare spending grew by $3 billion year over year. 

In the Governor's 2012-13 budget plan, schools would again be targeted for massive potential cuts, even though revenues are expected to grow $4.8 billion without tax increases. At the same time, funding for health and welfare programs would be left largely intact.

Thank you Todd at CalTel

The Copper Gazette would like to thank Todd at CalTel for getting us 'back on line' after a nasty virus attacked our computer!!

You rock!!!

Sonora PD press release re:drug arrest

2 March 2012, at approx. 1:36 am, an Officer from the Sonora Police Department stopped a 1990 Chevy pick-up for traveling 45 miles per hour in a posted 25 mile per hour zone.
The Officer contacted the driver who was identified as John Vires, 34 of Columbia. The Officer determined Vires was on searchable probation, as the result of a drug conviction in Tuolumne County, and that his driver’s license was suspended.

CCWD 3-5-12 meeting agenda

http://www.ccwd.org/pdf/bod/bod_2012/20120305bdagn.pdf

weekend weather - National Weather Service

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 36. North northwest wind around 7 mph becoming east northeast.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 65. East northeast wind around 7 mph becoming west southwest.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. West southwest wind at 6 mph becoming east northeast.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70. East northeast wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Livezey convicted of involntary manslaughter

Olsen Introduces Measures to Reform Government by Eliminating Unnecessary Bureaucracy

SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, has introduced three bills to reform government by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy. Assembly bills 2328 – 2330 will eliminate the Law Revision Committee, the Electronic Transfer Funds Task Force and the Commission on the Status of Women, which have all been proposed for elimination or consolidation by Governor Brown.

“It is especially important during tough economic times to make sure that government is working efficiently and effectively,” said Olsen. “Eliminating redundant and unnecessary bureaucracy will save taxpayers money and help begin to restore Californians’ trust in government.” 

Recital to highlight budding Copperopolis pianists

On Sunday March 4, 2012, at 3:00 pm. a Music Recital will be held at the Historic Armory on Main Street in Copperopolis highlighting 13 of Patt Hopper's piano students. In addition to Patt's 13 students, there will also be performances by 5 'guest' piano students, one voice student and a dance performance by one student. As an added bonus a guest banjo player will accompany his grand daughter on one of her pieces.

Patt Hopper's students range in age from 5 years-old to 15 years-old. Many of her students have played in previous recitals. "Their past year of study and practice really comes through in the pieces they've chosen to play." Said Patt, who is excited for the upcoming performance.

Letter from Sharon Romano re:Spellman recall response

I see that you have a link on the Copper Gazette to Spellman’s Calaveras West Blog post, “Russ Thomas recall scoundrels exposed,” which is full of inaccuracies and, as his style, full of name calling. I would like to make sure you have the entire timeline and the background story that’s going on.

Friends of the Animal Community Adoption Day - 3-3-12 - at Bark n Bubbles

Adoption Day Raffle:

WIN FREE GROOM OR BATH - $1 EACH OR $5 FOR 6 TICKETS

50% OF PROCEEDS GOES TO F.O.A.C.

Drawing  MARCH 3^rd @1:30pm (need not be present to win) Tickets avaiable inside Bark n Bubbles

Danny Burton at the Sports Pub

Beginning March 6, 2011, every Tuesday evening from 6 pm to ??? Danny Burton, lead guitarist and vocalist from Copper Holdings Company, will be playing his acoustic and electric guitars with a repertoire of songs that crosses generations and genres.

There is no cover charge for these Tuesday night music-filled evenings. And don't forget...Azzo will be tending the bar for you.

Danny Burton at Snaps Coffee House Hovey Wine Tasting event

Candidate Forums - for State Assembly, District Attorney and Supervisorial Candidates

Candidate Forums

The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association is sponsoring a series of candidate forums inviting State Assembly, District Attorney and all Supervisorial Candidates.

The first event, co-sponsored by the Copperopolis Community Center, will be held in Copperopolis at the Historical Armory on Main Street on Monday, April 23, 2012, 6:30 to 9:30 PM.

The forum will feature the Assembly Candidates first, then District Attorney Candidates and finally all Supervisorial candidates.

There will be time to mix with the attendees. 

Information tables will be provided for campaign materials and light refreshments will be served.

Additional forums are planned for Valley Springs and Mokelumne Hill. Details to be announced.

For more information contact CCTA at 785-1491   

Spellman response to recall via Spellman Blog

http://calaveraswest.com/2012/02/29/russ-thomas-for-supervisor-recall-scoundrels-exposed/

Letter from Tilman Sherman re: Spellman served with intent to circulate recall petition

There are a lot of misunderstandings about the recall process. To legally sign

the petition to recall Spellman, you must be a registered voter and live in

the “old” District 5. In order to sign you need not have voted for Spellman,

nor voted at all in the election that brought him to office. Getting the

required number of signatures on the petition doesn’t recall Spellman, it puts

the matter on the ballot. Candidates wishing to replace Spellman for the

remainder of his term will also appear on the ballot. Should the recall be

successful, the supervisorial candidate with the greatest number of votes will

immediately replace Spellman.

The recall committee has carefully timed this recall effort to get the issue on

the November 6 general election ballot, so it will NOT be necessary to hold a

costly special election.

The recall committee is looking for additional people who are willing to

circulate petitions, distribute literature, and put up flyers. The recall

committee is making every effort to minimize expenses, however would

gratefully accept donations to help cover costs of publishing the required

legal notices, printing petitions, and other necessary expenses.

More details about why this recall is necessary, information about Spellman’s

poor performance, and how to sign up to help with the recall may be found

at www.RecallSpellman.com. You may also call (209) 890-9939, or send an

email to info@recallspellman.com.

You can make a difference! Take action – sign, walk, call, donate!

SAN ANDREAS, CA, FEBRUARY 28, 2012: Just prior to Tuesday’s Board of

Supervisor’s meeting, Darren Spellman was served with the “Notice of Intent

to Circulate Recall Petition.” The proponents of the new recall (those

initiating the intent to recall) are Valley Springs and Copperopolis

constituents of the former District 5 that elected Spellman in November

2010.

Twisted Oak Winery brings home the Gold

Earlier this month Twisted Oak Winery competed in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition bringing home a Gold and three silvers for their 2010 Rueben's blend - a Marsanne, Roussane and Grenache blend.

Wine Enthusiat Magazine has also given two of their wines top marks:
2009 Calaveras County "Torcido" Garnacha and 2008 Calaveras County "The Spaniard" Tempranillo.

If you would like to taste some of the Twisted Oak award wining wines you can visit one of their two tasting rooms:
Hwy 4 at Red Hill Road in Vallecito
363 Main Street, Murphys

Or you can always ask Snaps Coffee House and Wine Bar owners Randy and Sue Bresee to host Twisted Oak Winery right here in Copperopolis for a fun evening of music, friends, appetizers and award winning Twisted Oak wine tasting. 785-1616

Copperopolis Olive Oil Company - shopping local saves money

The Copperopolis Olive Oil Company is and has been offering free shipping for orders over $75.00!

Think of all the gifts of local olive oil you can send for FREE! And the Copperopolis Olive Oil Company is not limited to olive oil alone, they "carry all things olive." Stocking handcrafted one of a kind olive woodwork, olive motif items, lotions, soaps, cookware, salad bowls, utensils, lamp supplies and so much more.

Add in their large selection of flavored balsamics and you will quickly find that you have fallen in love with this store. Sampling is promoted with John and Josie happy to serve and regale you with stories of their orchards, grand kids and the fun they have as olive 'farmers.'

If you want to try your hand at growing your own olives, John and Josie stock a variety of Olive trees and when they mature, the Copperopolis Olive Oil Company will mill your olives for you and a reasonable cost.

For more information about the Copperopolis Olive Oil Company (along with recipes and olive oil in the news) visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Copperopolis-Olive-Oil-Company/127427053995598

or visit their website at  http://www.copperopolisoliveoilcompany.com/
  

CFPD Volunteer FIrefighter Dominic Celilio - living, eating and breathing firefighting

17 year old Bret Harte senior Dominic Celilio is not sure quite how he became so passionate about fire fighting, but can tentatively trace it back to his father Tom Celilio's interest in serving the community through his volunteer firefighting position at CFPD.

Dominic would watch his father "and all the guys" at training and enjoyed everything about the 'job.' At the time, there was not a cadet program in place, but as soon as there was Dominic was all in. "I decided to try it and I love it!"

Not stopping there, Dominic enrolled in the ROP fire program at Bret Harte and quickly became proficient enough that he is now, as an advanced fire tech student, a teachers assistant to Chief Rosebrook for the beginning fire tech class at Bret Harte.