by Diana Pasquini, San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center

When thousands were evacuated from their homes due to raging wildfires, emergency shelters were set up to house the evacuees until the danger had passed. Food that normally fills our pantry shelves was rerouted so that evacuees could be fed. As our supplies dwindled we began to worry that we would soon be completely out of food. Then, without us saying a word, local donations began to pour in. Poultry farmer, Ken Manning had stopped by to bring us fresh eggs and noticed how bare the shelves were. Not only did he return with dozens of eggs, he went shopping in Marysville and arrived laden with large sacks of red and russet potatoes, as well as oatmeal and a large box of plastic bags so that we could bag  up commodities into family sized portions. Next Masters Market donated large sacks of black, mung, navy, and pinto beans as well as canned soups and other miscellaneous edibles. We also received a large box of homegrown pears from Charlotte Killigrew, as well as peaches and pears from Robert Dickter. As soon as the Food Bank of Nevada County was able to reassume distributions, our stalwart volunteer Nancy Lorenz procured an entire truckload of foodstuffs ranging from yogurt and canned vegetables to horseradish and chocolate ice cream.

We are truly grateful to those who enabled us to continue feeding our community during trying times. We are additionally grateful to those who have donated food throughout the year. The FRC’s Food Pantry is able to serve people because of the kindness and generosity of those who step up to help others in need. We are grateful to all our friends and neighbors for their ongoing  help and support.

 

Full Moon Harvest Stew

Bottomless bowl meat or vegetable stew, salad bar, and bread.       

A family friendly harvest celebration to benefit the North San Juan Community Center!

North San Juan Community Center—29190 Hwy 49

Saturday, November 4th    5:30-8:30 pm

Music by Bodie Wagner

$12/person or 2/$20—$5 Children 6-12—Children 5 & under FREE!

Call Sue at 530.292.9525 for more information

 

 

by Diana Pasquini, San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center

Did you know that Twin Ridges Elementary School District encompasses an area that stretches all the way from Bridgeport to Graniteville and over to the little town of Washington? At one time there were four schools operating within the District: Grizzly Hill, Malakoff, Oak Tree and Washington. Since enrollment has decreased dramatically, there are only two schools that now offer K-8 educational programs to children from these rural foothill communities. TRESD is overseen by a board comprised of dedicated individuals who are devoted to achieving an excellent education for the children of Washington and the San Juan Ridge. 

If you would like to learn more about our community schools or contribute to the success of our children, you are welcome to contact any of TRESD’s Board members.

Malik Goodman

Guitarist and construction worker, Malik Goodman is the proud father of 4, aged 21, 19, 11, and 8. His youngest daughters, Sienna and Sophia, are Grizzly Hill students. When asked about his goals as a school board member, Malik replied, “The school board is responsible for creating a framework that anticipates changes and problems that could arise and provides the schools’ direction. I want to see certain programs enacted and changes made. I want to see an afterschool program until 5 every day; and I want to see a preschool. I want to see the school’s assets, such as the greenhouse, being used to their greatest potential. I want to encourage parent participation and a feeling of ownership of the school.”

Malik can be reached at: malikedwardgoodman@gmail.com 

Rachel Kozloski

A soils scientist for Ascent Environmental, Rachel Kozloski, is the mother of Lydia and Noah, a 2^nd grader and a 4^th grader at Washington School. Devoted to the success of both Washington and Grizzly Hill Schools, she is passionate about achieving her goals. “I saw a really big need with our school and our community and I wanted to get involved in making it better. I want to see the District thrive.  It matters for both our communities. We see them as being separated by a river, but our District depends on the health of our communities and vice versa. I would be really satisfied if I could see our schools as well-functioning communities where the parents are engaged and the students are citizens.”

Rachel can be reached at: rachel.kozlowski@yahoo.com

Christopher Little

Shady Creek Outdoor School’s Program Coordinator Christopher Little is the father of Grizzly Hill 5^th grader Izaya and 3^rd grader Nemo, and TRESD’s newest board member. “I really take pride in living in this community. Since becoming a parent I’ve found being on the school board to be a wonderful opportunity, not only to influence my boys’ lives, but also an opportunity to do some good in the school and ultimately the community. My goal is to dream big and leave the schools in a better condition than when I came. I want to showcase what we have going on, and continue to grow and get better.”

Christopher can be reached at:  575.8546 or swampwarriors@aol.com

 

Mindi Morton

A TRESD Board member for 10 years, Mindi Morton has devoted most of her life to the care, well-being, and education of children. For 23 years she was a home day care provider, then the owner, director and teacher of  Oak Tree pre-school for 3 ½ years. She has been a facilitator for Head Start’s Celebrating Families, a Girl Scout leader, and a 15 year PTC member. Mindi is the parent of four Grizzly Hill graduates: Marshall, Tommy, Julia, and Jessica. Her two grandchildren, Jason and Charlee, have also attended Grizzly Hill. “I’ve always loved Grizzly Hill and as an involved community member it was a natural extension to become a school board member. (In 2002) I was asked to run by the school teachers, administration and the District Office staff. My goal is to prepare the students for high school. In our small community it’s important that our students can compete with students from larger schools. I’m always pushing the sciences and technology. My dream is to have a school where all the kids are excited to get up in the morning to go to school. Most days I feel my dream has been realized.”

Mindi can be reached at: 292.3174 or 559.4172

Becky Wayman

Current chairperson of TRESD’s Board of Trustees, Becky Wayman is a staff researcher at UC Davis’ Forest and Fire Ecology Research Lab, and the mother of two daughters, Alia and Ivy, 4^th and 1^st grade students at Grizzly Hill. Becky explained her impetus for being on the Board. “I care a lot about community schools. Seeing how many local families don’t send their kids to the local school motivated me to step in, to make Grizzly Hill and Washington the best they can be. My current highest priority (this has been a priority of mine from the beginning.) is to help move the District in a direction that offers great educational opportunities for students who are struggling and those who excel through greater emphasis on hands-on learning. My other main goal is to support the staff to build a cohesive curriculum and traditions.

Becky can be reached at: 292.3669

 

From a flyer

FREE CLASSES FOR CAREGIVERS at CONNECTING POINT

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster can strike at any time without warning. Being prepared is essential to protect yourself and the person you care for. Learn how to make a plan and stick to it.

Instructor: Chris Espedal

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Time: 3:30-5 pm

ABOUT US

Connecting Point is a public agency dedicated to providing programs and services that support the health and independence of people in our community. We have served seniors and people with disabilities and their caregivers since 2008.

Register online at connectingpoint.org/events or by phone at 274.5601.

 

by Mary Moore, San Juan Ridge Community Library

Hours: Tue. & Thur. 11 am- 7 pm, Sat. 10 am - 4 pm

Phone:  292-3008

· Wi-fi and computers available for public use

· Work stations and comfortable seating

· DVDs for checkout, Book sale shelf, Periodicals, Children’s room

· Experienced staff on hand

· An ever-evolving collection of wonders

 

Hooray!! In mid-October the County Supervisors approved a Letter of Understanding between the County Library system and our own “Ridge Library.” Recognizing that with generous donations of money and materials, and volunteers working many, many hours, we have created a REAL Library. One of our projects was to help pass Measure A, which gave the County Library money to improve services to rural areas. So, with this Letter of Understanding, the “Ridge Library” will now be funded to independently provide services in this area. Though we are loosely tied to the County, they committed to helping us upgrade technology, develop our collection, and share some programming.

While $50,000 sounds like a lot for the year, much of it will be absorbed in our usual expenses of insurances, utilities, and supplies. Two of our volunteers will be put on partial salaries which will rejuvenate them. Immediately, we celebrated by getting a nice thick rug for the children’s room to keep them warm in winter. We will be doing two story hours per month: on the second and fourth Mondays from 11 to 11:30 A.M. More to come!

With our new ties to the County Library, came an exciting working relationship with the Friends of Nevada County Libraries. For the past 7 years they have been funding and staffing the Foley Historical Library in Nevada City. With the passage Measure A the County is taking back the financial responsibility for that facility. The “Friends” called us to see if we needed help. So far they have gifted us 2 cases of white copy paper, two new computers are being ordered and(trumpet fanfare) they will be helping us purchase new carpeting. If you haven’t tripped on the holes, bumps, and throw rugs, you will soon.

Fear not, the San Juan Ridge Community Library Board is not retiring from cooking and putting on our fund raisers. It is so nice to have our basic expenses covered…but we still have plans for improvement. We are thinking of more comfortable chairs for folks using the computers… and someday a better system for the catalog and check out system. Of course, we welcome your input!

 

 

by Diana Pasquini, San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center

Every holiday season the Salvation Army teams up with Nevada County Sheriffs to help families provide a brighter holiday for their children. The San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center is delighted to play Santa’s Helper  by interviewing moms and dads to gather ideas for their children’s wish lists. Although the goal of Toys 4 Tots is to provide playthings for children, in some cases clothing and footwear may also be requested. San Juan Ridge parents who wish to participate in this wonderful program will be able to drop by the FRC to sign up for holiday gifts from October 23^rd through December 1st any time during business hours. Prior to coming, parents are advised to talk with their kids to get gift ideas based on their interests, needs and desires. We also advise parents to make note of current sizes if they plan to request clothing or footwear.

The Salvation Army will inform parents by mail when gifts can be picked up at the Family Resource Center. Usually occurring around the third week of December, Nevada County Sheriff’s Deputies and Posse merrily emerge from trucks and vans laden with holiday surprises for eagerly awaiting families. Over and over again we are deeply moved by the generosity of those who work tirelessly and give freely so that all children may have a Happy Holiday. We at the Family Resource Center look forward to sharing in our families’ holiday preparations by helping to make their children’s dreams come true.

 

by Rev. Pinkie Varner, NSJ Community Church

November 4^th we hope to see you at Swabbie's on the River 5871 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA 95837 (out by Sacramento Airport) for a fundraiser for Shriner's Children's Hospital and North San Juan Community Church! Our own Pastor Pinkie has been asked to guest with “Rockin' Down the Hiway”, a Doobie Brothers Tribute band and to open for “Journey Revisited”, a Journey tribute band. (Both bands are stellar!!) 11 am to 4 pm / $10.00 donation at the door and (if affordable) new unwrapped Toy and or gently used clothing, school supplies, canned goods. Pastor Pinkie is also responsible for photos with Santa at Swabbie's. What a day that will be!

November 23^rd is our Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner – everyone is welcome! 4 pm will bring forth the turkey, the ham and all the fixin's; stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, green bean casserole and of course, mac & cheese! We play movies about Thanksgiving like “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. We have interesting prizes for the pumpkin dessert contest – we had one whole table of desserts last year. Everyone appreciates all the donations and all of the help!

 

by Diana Pasquini, San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center

Even though temperatures are still warm and balmy, winter is on its way. If you need assistance with heating your home with firewood, propane, oil, or electricity, you are urged to call the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program at 1-888-524-5705.

LIHEAP is a program that has helped many of our friends and neighbors over the years. The application process is a simple one that is initiated by calling the toll-free number. It is important to begin the process as soon as possible so that you’ll be cozy when those chilly winds start rattling your windowpanes.

 

by Diana Pasquini, San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center

Many thanks to those who have donated vehicles to the San Juan Ridge Community Library and Family Resource Center! Your donations help us to serve our community. It’s easy to donate a vehicle. Just call the Center for Car Donations at 877-411-3662 and tell them that you want to donate a vehicle(s) to the San Juan Ridge Community Library. They’ll take it from there. Thanks again for thinking of us and helping us keep our doors open.

 

by Erin Noel, Community Legal

FREE legal advice and  referrals from lawyers.  Donations welcome.  Date for October TBA.  At the SJR Family Resource Center—18847 Oak Tree Road.

You must make an appointment to be seen.  Please contact Community Legal at 265.3425 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  This clinic is staffed by volunteers, and is not affiliated with PARTNERS Family Resource Centers, Twin Ridges Elementary School District, or Nevada County Superintendent of Schools.