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A Fruitful Quest for a Better Life

Sep 15th, 2011 | By
A Fruitful Quest for a Better Life

A Calaveras County resident recalls the 1930s “fruit tramp” days, moving into and through California following the harvest, in this excerpt from her autobiography.



Sheriff’s Community Service Unit

Sep 15th, 2011 | By
Sheriff’s Community Service Unit

In an era of public-safety budget cuts, a corps of dedicated volunteers reaches the 20-year mark and wonders: Will anyone else step forward to help?



Healing Power of Pets

Sep 15th, 2011 | By
Healing Power of Pets

Meet five foothill residents who are living proof that pets can be the best medicine.



Bee Happy: Sierra Foothill Beekeepers Association

Jun 15th, 2011 | By
Bee Happy: Sierra Foothill Beekeepers Association

No matter what the initial attraction, one consequence keeps beekeepers stuck on their bees: love. As devoted fan Lorinda Forrest puts it, “You develop a love for your bees that’s not easy to explain.”



Finding Your Roots: Back to England

Jun 15th, 2011 | By
Finding Your Roots: Back to England

No matter your heritage, you will more than likely find at least one of your ancestral lines leading back to England. Let’s make something clear, though. When some folks say England, they are really referring to all of the British Isles. Not so! The following is a general breakdown that will help you with the correct
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The View From 103: Bill Hoffman

Jun 15th, 2011 | By
The View From 103: Bill Hoffman

He saw the Lincoln Memorial being built, and later served in the 7th Cavalry. Meet 103-year-old Bill Hoffman, witness to history. He’s also an avid fan of the latest technology (you can friend him on Facebook). This cheerful centenarian’s advice: Live for today.



Eight Great Day Outings

Jun 15th, 2011 | By
Eight Great Day Outings

One of the greatest benefits of living in the Mother Lode is the natural beauty that surrounds us. And there’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with family – both young and old. Below are eight one-day outings, suitable for  both grandparents and children. Most are free, or at least low cost,
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The Gift of Second Chances

Mar 15th, 2011 | By
The Gift of Second Chances

When Bobby Medina left gangs, prison and drugs behind, he found hope, love and a new life. Yet his mission to help others find the same remains a struggle against long odds.



Seniors on the Edge Watch Safety Net Unravel

Mar 15th, 2011 | By
Seniors on the Edge Watch Safety Net Unravel

AJ Holmes of Sonora and Dorothy Bates of San Andreas have never met, but the two women have much in common. Both live in tiny, cheerfully decorated homes that reflect warmth and creativity. AJ is a former singer and actress, and Dorothy, a retired nurse’s aide who plays harmonica and pens country songs. Both are
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Raider Parader June Price Rides Again

Mar 15th, 2011 | By
Raider Parader June Price Rides Again

You might guess that Mother Lode Roundup parade stalwart June Price is, at least chronologically speaking, a senior citizen. You might not guess that she used to be shy – “very shy,” in fact. Shy won’t come to mind as the 73-year-old great-grandmother of six rolls through downtown Sonora this Mother’s Day Weekend in her
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