The Chicago Park Garden Club

There will be handouts The Pressed Flower Card Makers will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 and Monday, Feb. 20 at the Peardale Firehouse Community Room. The Flower Arrangers will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Community Room and will be working on ivy topiaries. The membership is open.

For information call (530) 265-8210.



Sierra Table Tennis

Open-play table tennis, 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays at Echo Ridge School, 15504 Liberty Circle Dr. in Nevada City.

For information, call (530) 265-2834.



Grass Valley Elks Lodge #538

W meet the first and third Wednesday of the month. Lodge opens at 5, dinner at 6, lodge meeting at 7 p.m. We host Bingo every Thursday night with doors opening at 5 p.m. Third Monday of every month is taco night. Best $1.50 tacos in town. Public is welcome for Bingo and Taco night. Our historic lodge is available for rent for weddings, meetings, dances, etc. We have food service available or you can cater your own event as well as two full service bars can be provided. For information or reservations call (530)273.8342 or e-mail events@grassvalleyelks.org.

For general information, leave a message at (530)273.9228 or e-mail secretary@grasssvalleyelks.org.



American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The AAUW - Nevada County Branch members kicked off their public policy interest group for 2012 on January 31. This interest group uses Great Decisions, a national civic education program, developed by the Foreign Policy Association, to encourage discussion and debate of important global issues and challenges. This meeting featured guest speaker Juliana Prechter, co-founder of the non-governmental organization “Giving Children Hope." A Nevada Union High School graduate, Juliana has been involved in bringing medical aid and education to Iraq since 2004, and she plans to return to northern Iraq as an English language teacher at University Dohoc.

We are gearing up for “Mardi Gras Mischief” Game Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 at the Golden Empire Grange in Grass Valley. Open to the public, the day features a jambalaya luncheon in addition to a wide array of games, door prizes, raffles, and silent auction. A $20 donation, which goes to fund the Branch's local scholarships to Nevada County female high school and Sierra College graduates, is required for lunch reservations. Reservations must be received by February 10. For more information: e-mail contactinfo@aauwnevadacounty.org or call (530) 470-9395. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the AAUW Nevada County Branch strives to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.



Monthly Book Swap

The community book swap will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, at Scooter's Place, 139 Joerschke Dr.,, Grass Valley. Bring your used books, CDs, DVDs and recent magazines and trade them for others. All free. We will be in the back warehouse.

For more information, call (53) 615-4155 or visit www.ncbookswap.webs.com.



National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Grass Valley Chapter #1335

"The North Star House, its people, and its plants" is the title of the talk to be presented at the February 9 meeting. Built in 1905, the North Star House was designed by the renowned California Arts and Crafts architect Julia Morgan. The House served as the superintendent's house for the North Star Mine, and was commissioned by Superintendent Arthur De Wint Foote and his wife, the author and illustrator Mary Hallock Foote. Decades of neglect contributed to the deteriorated state of the house, but a gradual, constant effort by collaborating forces within the community are returning this gem to its former glory.

Presenting the program will be Rose Sponder, a member of the North Star Historic Conservancy Board of Directors, who serves as secretary and outreach Chair. She has been an active supporter of the North Star House mission for two years. The monthly luncheon meeting of the Grass Valley Chapter will be on Thursday, February 9, at the Moose Lodge, 15694 Allison Ranch Road (just off Hwy. 49) Grass Valley. Social hour begins at 11:15 a.m. and lunch is served at noon, followed by the program and a short business meeting. Those interested in attending the program only should arrive by 12:45 p.m.

All active and retired federal employees and their spouses are eligible to join NARFE and are welcome to attend chapter meetings held the second Thursday each month (except July and August) at the Moose Lodge.

For information and lunch reservations, call Larry Kinkor, president, at (530) 265-6477.



Democratic Women's Club

Congressional candidate Jim Reed will be the featured speaker at the February 4 breakfast meeting of the Nevada County Democratic Women's Club. The presentation will follow a lavish breakfast and short business meeting at 9:30 a.m. at Trolley Junction Restaurant, in the Northern Queen Inn, Nevada City. Please RSVP by Monday, January 30, to Sally Smith at sjyws@yahoo.com or call (530) 273-3051. Reed will be hosted the same day at a "Meet and Support" from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Nevada City Veterans Building upstairs hall. This is an opportunity to interview the Democratic candidate for Congress' new First District. The Democratic Women's Club meets the first Saturday of each month at Trolley Junction for breakfast and a timely program.

For more information, visit at www.NevadaCountyDemocraticWomensClub.org.



Frank Gallino Post 130, American Legion

“Dine-in, Dine-in” is at 5 p.m. on Tuesday February 7 at Veterans Memorial Hall 255 South Auburn Street in Grass Valley. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Menus for this pre-valentine dinner is beef Wellington, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, dessert, tea and coffee, The price will be $10 for this one exceptional meal. Call for reservations at (530) 272-2160. Our Auxiliary members will be eager to serve this special meal.

E-Waste event on Saturday Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial parking lot in Grass Valley So save all your stuff for OUR E-Waste. All monies will go for window upgrades in our Veteran's Remembrance Room. All veterans groups will be there to unload you!



The Gold Country Chapter of LeTip International

We meet Wednesdays from 11:46 a.m. to 1:01 p.m. at Kane's Restaurant at 120 East Main Street in Grass Valley. We welcome anyone interested in growing their business! Our speakers this week were Dan Sweigert, with Dan Sweigert Construction, and Don Augustine with Indigo Wood and Metal Works. Dan spoke about his favorite remodeling job that he has completed over his career, including photos.

Don Augustine shared in informative handout about the different type of cabinet construction and material to be used.

Tip Master Joe Imel announced the Top Tipper for last week was John Curtis, with Palisades Property Management, who passed 5 tips! A total of $5,300 in completed revenue from our referrals was turned in for the week.

Join us to learn more information about Gold Country LeTip, please call (530) 477-3727 or join us for lunch on Wednesday!



The Grass Valley/Nevada City Chapter of LeTip International

We meet Tuesdays from 7:16 to 8:31 a.m. at Trolley Junction Restaurant at 400 Railroad Avenue in Nevada City. We welcome anyone interested in growing their business! Guests should bring 50 business cards, and be ready to tell us about your business as you learn about ours. Our featured speaker on January 17 was Mark Walker of Marks Heating & Air. Mark talked about the different types of heating systems, the pros and cons of different systems, and what type of systems work best in various climates.

BUSINESS MIXER! Please join us on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for appetizers and light conversation. Our mixer will be held at the brand new Ol' Republic Brewery at 124 Argall Way, Nevada City. Bring your business cards and make NEW connections for more business! Our next mixer will be held on Tuesday February 21. Stay tuned for location of event.

For more information about Grass Valley/Nevada City LeTip, please call (530) 477-4777.



Nevada City Lions Club

At a recent meeting, Seven Hills Bicycle Recycle Program Manager, Steve Davis, visited our club and gave an excellent program of the School's important bicycle recycling program. Mr. Davis, along with his students take bicycles and rehabilitate them for distribution to those that are unable to purchase new bikes. He brought a slide show that shows his students at work and photos of the final distribution of the rebuilt bikes to a group in the Sacramento area. It is an excellent program and the Nevada City Lions Club has supported the school's efforts over the years. For information about the bicycle rehab program, contact Mr. Davis at Seven Hills School, (530) 265-1840. As a result of the presentation by Mr. Davis, the Nevada City Lions made a donation of $400 towards the Seven Hills Bicycle Recycle Program. The Nevada City Lions meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at Seaman's Lodge in Nevada City.

For information contact President John Meyer at (530) 432-3562 or Secretary Doug Wight at (530) 477-0134.



Nevada City Inner Wheel Club (Spouses of Rotarians)

Nevada City Inner Wheel continues to help with the KARE Crisis Nursery fundraisers by baking pies to be sold at their booths during the Penn Valley Rodeo, the Draft Horse Classic, and the Celtic Festival.

As part of our District Literacy Project, our Nevada City club distributed copies of the district's own published children's book to Hetty's Haven, Domestic Violence and Nevada County Child Advocates. If there are other organizations who believe they would be interested in receiving the books, please contact Marilyn Alstrand at (530) 265-2771.

In December, Nevada City Inner Wheel helped make two families' Christmases a little brighter by filling their "wish lists." The club also continues to contribute toward the Maternity Health Clinic and our Inner Wheel U.S.A. Foundation, Myoelectric limbs for children. Meetings are held at the Holbrooke Hotel on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow.

For information, contact Claudia Edwards at (530) 272-4818.



Penn Valley Toastmasters

Everyone (over the age of 18) is welcome to come to Penn Valley Toastmasters OPEN HOUSE on February 16 at Players Pizza from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Eat, have fun and chat as you also find out more about the rewards of being a Toastmaster.

"What do you think 2012 will bring?" That was the question President Steve Hatcher posed to Penn Valley Toastmasters members on January 26th for introductions.

Marjorie Quist was voted Best Speaker for "Is It Really That Important?" - a speech that gave listeners clear tips about how to create an introduction. She even handed out paper and asked the audience to take notes. Best Evaluator went to Steve Hatcher; Jeff Pylman won Best Table Topics for opening a fortune cookie and creating a delightful scenario about how a plane would soon fly him to a "fun place.” “Raucous” was our Word of the Day.

Toastmasters is an excellent place to learn how to improve your speaking, listening and leadership skills. Our meetings always include laughter — and we love having guests! We're located at 17422-B Penn Valley Drive in the Penn Valley Shopping Center. Our meeting room is past the Penn Valley Market, under the stairs and across from the laundromat. We meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

For information call (530) 432-8488.



Newcomers Club of Nevada County

The Newcomers Club Monthly luncheon will be at the Alta Sierra Country Club on Wednesday, February 22.

Dr. Helen McCarthy will speak on the “Protection and Preservation of Native American Tribes in Central California.” Dr. McCarthy, Ethnobotanist (interrelationship of people and plants) and Social Anthropologist, U.C. Davis, is an expert on First Nations in our region, especially the Maidu Indians. Experience the trials, tribulations and courage of the Ancient Indian tribes, as you learn, understand and appreciate how their descendants are living today.

Doors open at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. Menu choices are; roasted ham with au gratin sweet potatoes or Pacific red snapper with bay shrimp on rice or chef's choice vegetarian selection. Entries include tomato basil bisque soup, side of Swiss chard and praline cheesecake for dessert. Beverages included. Luncheon cost is $18. Reservations must be in by Monday, February 13.

For information, call (530) 478-1114 or (530) 470-9191.



PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of Placer County

We will hold our monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 13 in Conference Room A at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, 11815 Education Street, Auburn. PFLAG is an advocacy and support group for the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer) community and their allies. In honor of Valentine's Day, this month's program will feature three young LGT couples who will talk about their obstacles and successes in forging relationships, the unique challenges that LGT couples face, and recent positive changes for LGT couples in Northern California's social environment.

PFLAG meetings are open to the community, and all interested persons are cordially invited to attend.



Sierra Singles Club

Monthly meeting February 8 at 1:45 p.m. in the Community Center dining room, 841 Old Tunnel Road in Grass Valley. Interested mature singles are invited to attend. Plans will be made for activities such as dining out, plays, movies and other group events.

For information, contact Shirley Corry at (530) 274-3355.



Gold Country Kiwanis 

We meet at Kane's Restaurant Thursday's from 12 to 1 p.m. Our Guest speaker this week will be John Paul, the owner / CEO of Spiral. in Nevada City. We welcome interested persons to join us at our luncheon to hear our guest speaker and to learn how Kiwanis helps children. 

For information call Cal McKitrick (530) 210-4493.



Pioneer Arts Club

Well known local artist Cheryl Wilson will be giving a demonstration of portrait painting at Pioneer Arts' February 8 meeting at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. The meeting will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and members of the public are welcome to attend this free presentation. Cheryl Wilson has taught art classes at Sierra College and has won numerous awards for her oil paintings of animals, people, and landscapes.  Her work can be seen at the Smith Gallery in Sacramento and Stone Griffin Gallery in Campbell.

The deadline for entering Pioneer Arts' 29th Annual Spring Membership Show is April 1. The exhibit will be on display at the Center for the Arts from April 10 through May 6. Details about the show can be found on the club website. New members are welcome to join and enter their work in the exhibit. Whether you are an experienced artist, a complete beginner, or simply a fan of the arts, consider joining Pioneer Arts.  We welcome all new members. 

For more information about Pioneer Arts and its programs, see www.pioneerartsclub.com.



Gulldalen Lodge, 6-128, Sons of Norway

Dr. Susan Walima of Nevada City, author of “Finnish Sauna, Japanese Furo, Indian Inipi … Bathing on Three Continents,” will present the program at the February 13 meeting of Gulldalen Lodge/Sons of Norway. The “History of Religions and Folklore” and the “North Sea Culture Zone” are the subjects of Dr. Walima's Ph.D. dissertation. She is of Norwegian and Finnish heritage.

The group will meet at 6 p.m. in Ponderosa Hall (NC Fairgrounds, Gate 2) for a Valentine Soupper Supper. A board meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m., preceding the general meeting.

Lodge members will participate with its Viking ship float in the Mardi Gras Parade in Nevada City on Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m. They will also sponsor a piano-accordion concert by Knut Eric Jensen on Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church of Grass Valley. A reception will follow the concert. At its January 9 meeting, officers for 2012 were installed, including Sven Fjeldheim as president.



The Gold Country Yacht Club

We are having our monthly meeting on the second Wed. of each month. Feel free to join in this month on Feb. 8, dinner begins at 6 and the Commodore's bell is at 7 p.m. During the winter months, meetings are held at Alta Sierra Pizza Parlor. The club is getting ready to sail into a busy year with races, the Go for the Gold Regatta, Catalina Nationals, No Motor Day, Youth Sailing and more. All salts are welcomed with or without a boat.

For more information, visit gcyc.net or call (530) 265-2070.



Sierra Express Bicycle Club

Hosts several rides a week for all levels from beginner to advanced. These rides are a great way to get acquainted with other riders and to learn new bike routes.

Maintains a list-serv to keep people aware of group rides and cycling events.

For more information, visit http://sierraexpress.org.



Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC)

Mountain Bikers hosts a “No Rider Left Behind” ride thefirst Saturday of every month. We also lead trail work parties and advocate for more and better trails for mountain bikes. We maintain a list-serv to keep people aware of trail conditions and group rides.

For more information, visit http://bonc.org.



Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC)

We raise money for area youth cyclists, builds new trails, and get young people on bikes. We also hold various events, including riding clinics, races, and trail work days.



NC Business Network International (BNI)

The Nevada County Business Builder chapter of Business Network International is a dynamic new referral group that helps local businesses grow and thrive. Guests are welcome to come to a weekly meeting and consider joining. We have an opening for a graphic designer, caterer, photographer, landscaper, pet groomer and others. Only one business per category so you benefit from our referrals. Connect with us on Facebook at BNI Grass Valley.

Come check us out! The group meets weekly, noon to 1:30 p.m. every Thursday at Goomba's Restaurant, Highway 174, Grass Valley.

For more information call (530) 205-9509 or visit www.bnigrassvalley.com.



Chapter Preceptor Nu Delta of Beta Sigma Phi

We are a social, cultural and service oriented sisterhood for women all around the world. With chapters in 20 countries, you can be sure you'll have a new group of friends whenever it's time to relocate. Our local chapter meets twice a month at noon on Mondays at a member's home. We support several local philanthropic organizations and have an informative cultural program at each meeting. Social events are scattered throughout the year for fun and building friendships. There is always a sister there for support whenever the need arises.

For information, call Betty Dalpez at (530) 265-2107 or Lois M. Robinson at (530) 272-6804.



Nevada City Elks Lodge # 518

Meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Lodge opens at 4 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. The first Monday is Deli Night, the second Monday is Burger Night with quarter and half-pound burgers, the third Monday is Mama's Spaghetti Night and the fourth Monday is South of the Border Night. You are invited to join us for our events. Our Hall is available for rent for weddings, birthdays, meetings and most other functions. We have food service available to serve your event, and a full bar can be provided.

For information or reservations, call (530) 265-4920.



Nevada County Bonsai Club

Mission: The Nevada County Bonsai Club is dedicated to promoting the art of Bonsai. We will strive to create interest and inspire participation by those interested in the art of Bonsai, from beginners to advanced artists. We will provide and coordinate information on Bonsai through meetings and through demonstrations by Bonsai artists at our meetings and workshops. The Club is open to all those interested in the Art of Bonsai.

Goals: Our ultimate goal is to instill in our members the appreciation and enjoyment of the Art of Bonsai, and the satisfaction that comes from the creation of living art. Also, the Club's goal is to provide an environment that allows members and visitors to learn the history of Bonsai as well as to learn and share the art of Bonsai in a comfortable social setting with other Club members.

Club History: Established in April 2007, the Nevada County Bonsai Club was founded by Leo Martinez of Grass Valley on Apr. 21, 2007. The Nevada County Bonsai Club is a social, nonprofit club, founded for sharing the beauty and enjoyment of Bonsai, through teaching and communicating the living art form of Bonsai. Club meetings are at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month in the Nevada County Library Community Room, 980 Helling Way in Nevada City.



Gold Country Community Services Club

Tunisian meatballs was the lunch served last Friendship Wednesday, while bluegrass sing-along band, Plan B, entertained. Homemade, nutritious lunches are served every weekday in the High Noon Cafe. The suggested donation is just $3 for seniors 60+ ($6 for those 59 and younger). Friendship Wednesdays feature entertainment. Reservations are recommended, and it's a good idea to arrive a few minutes early. Our February menus are out now, so come in, pick one up, and plan your meals. On the back of the menu, check out the many classes, activities and services we offer.

COFFEE MUG ALERT! If you've got extra mugs - clean and unstained - we'll use them to serve coffee. Just bring them in, and give them to the volunteer receptionist. In addition to helping the environment, it will save us money. (No need to purchase paper cups!)

For High Noon Cafe reservations, information, and volunteer opportunities, phone Gold Country Community Services at (530) 273-4961 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reception is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We're located in the Nevada City Senior Apartments on Old Tunnel Rd. in Brunswick Basin.

For more information, visit www.goldcountrycommunitycenter.org.



Gold Country Computer Learning Center

Our non-profit organization offers a variety of low-cost computer classes and workshops. Beginning to advanced computer basics, digital camera, photo editing, spread sheets, MS Office Business: Word & Excel and more.

For class information and to learn more about volunteer opportunities, call (530) 273-0497 or visit www.gcclc.org.



Early Risers Toastmasters

Special thanks to Nancy Stevens for being our guest. With Vice President Connie Suddath at the helm, we enjoyed a series of mini-icebreaker speeches. Members covered topics from childhood lessons, to travel in Cuba, how to Salsa dance, how to appreciate nature, life and adventures.

Every meeting is a chance to learn something new about others, as well as improve your own communication and leadership skills.

Guests are always welcome and never have to speak. We meet for breakfast at Trolley Junction every Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m.  Isn't it time to set the speaker in you free?

For more information, call (530) 273-9777 or visit www.toastmastersnevadacounty.org. ;

 

Nevada County Genealogical Society

The NCGS meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Community Room of the Helling Library in Nevada City.

For information, call Helen Martini at (530) 273-0855.



Nordic Skiers of Nevada County (NSNC)

NSNC is a club that promotes back country skiing and snowshoeing. The club meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every winter month at Seaman's Lodge in Pioneer Park, Nevada City.

The club promotes back country skiing and snowshoeing by organizing trips and car pooling to the local Sierra. A variety of trips and skill levels are scheduled in advance while impromptu trips are organized through Yahoo groups. The club is always looking for new members.



Sierra Wine and Grape Growers Association (SWGGA)

If you are interested in growing grapes, making wine, wine tasting or learning about wine in general, please join us for cheese and crackers at our monthly meetings and bring a bottle of your favorite wine for all to taste. You do not have to be a grower or winemaker to join our group! We have fascinating speakers at our meetings discussing subjects like vineyard management, winemaking or critiquing wine. We have a summer picnic, a holiday party every year and fund an educational scholarship to a local student. Our club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, usually at Ponderosa Hall (Gate 2) at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

For information, visit www.swgga.org.



Nevada County Republican Women Federated

NCRWF meets at noon on the third Tuesday of the month at Alta Sierra Country Club.

For meeting information call (530) 274-0803, e-mail NCRWF@hotmail.com or visit www.nevadacountyrwf.org.



Widowed Persons Association, Chapt. 14

Many of our members are looking forward to joining the Roadrunners for a 15-day cruise to Hawaii in March.

Our next meeting will be on February 10 at the Holbrooke Hotel.  We welcome new members.

For information please call Nickie at (530) 272-7292 or Eileen at (530) 272-2487.



Friends of Hospice

We are currently accepting applications from men and women who would be interested in joining this auxiliary of Hospice of the Foothills to promote the work of HOF and educate the community about hospice through fund raising activities.

Please phone (530) 274-5121 for information.

 

Higgins Diggins Lions Club

Seats are still available for Higgins Diggins Lions' Club Annual All-You-Can-Eat Crab and Shrimp Feed on Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11. Tickets cost $35 per person or $30 per person for parties of eight or more. The Valentine's Day themed event will also feature pasta with meat sauce, salad and garlic bread. Desserts will be available for purchase.

The no host bar will open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at Higgins Lions Community Center, 22410 E. Hacienda Dr., Grass Valley (near Lake of the Pines). All proceeds from this and all Lions' Club events are donated back to the community. Last year, Higgins Diggins gave donations locally to Kare Crisis Nursery, Interfaith Food Ministries, Hospitality House, Divine Spark, awarded $5,500 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and provided glasses to individuals in need.

For tickets and information, call (530) 268-0565.



Grandmothers for Peace of Nevada County

Please join us for our meetings at 11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Community Room of the Madelyn Helling Library as we plan activities and projects to focus awareness on creating a world of peace for this, and future generations.

For information, call Shirley at (530) 265-5545 or e-mail grannies4peace@hotmail.com.



The Gold Country Welcome Club

The club has formed yet another activity group, this one for movie lovers. Meeting once or twice a month to view first runs or classics, it's always a lively discussion afterwards. The Welcome Club is a nonprofit social club of about 700 members. In addition to supporting local charities, hosting dinner/dances and monthly speaker events, the club has more than 20 activity groups. There is something for everyone's hobby or special interest from Bridge to woodworking.

For information, visit www.NCNugget.com.



Duplicate Bridge Club

Do you want to have fun? Improve your Bridge? Bid farewell to the wrong contracts? Meet interesting, intelligent, friendly people? Lots of people in our area play Chicago and Party Bridge. In contrast, Duplicate Bridge is a world-wide variation of social bridge but different in that each hand is played in competition with others playing the identical cards. In this way, the score for each hand, whether strong or weak, is based on relative performance, and the element of skill is heightened whilst that of chance is reduced.

Our sanctioned ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club has games from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday mornings and from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday at the Golden Empire Grange (near Kmart). A slight fee is charged and snacks are free. We are a very friendly and caring group. Duplicate Bridge is fun, educational and excellent exercise for your mind. But wait, there is more — we invite you to join us for a free play at one of our games.

For information, call Bruce Lester at (530) 477-9586.



Grass Valley Moose Family Fun Center

Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2217, Women Of The Moose Chapter 1767

We have events each month for both young and old. We have a playground for the children and a kennel for our four legged friends. We have RV spots, RV social events, and our motorcycle enthusiasts, the Moose Riders, have special events throughout the year. We serve tacos every Monday evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m., dinner every Friday at 6 p.m., and breakfast every Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. We also have many events throughout the month.

We are a members only family fraternity whose goal is to serve our seniors, our children and our community. We are a Moose Family Center which means we cherish our children for they are our future. We are the friendliest place in Grass Valley. Stop by and check us out. We are located off of Hwy. 49 about a mile north of Alta Sierra Dr. at 15694 Allison Ranch Rd. Check us out on the web at www.GrassValleyMoose.org.

For information, call (530) 273-1070.



Hope Bearers

Our Christian cancer support group meets at Foothill Church. Those with serious chronic illnesses, including cancer and their care givers are encouraged to come and share in a safe environment concerning this difficult time in their lives. Receive understanding, compassion and love from folks who have had encounters with or presently are fighting these diseases. We meet at 6 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month at Foothill Church, 14600 State Hwy. 49 in Grass Valley.

For information, call Edda (530) 530-432-2862, click on INEED and go to Hope Bearers or visit www.FoothillChurch.org.



Sierra Writers

We provide a venue for writers of all types to meet, share and learn. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Madelyn Helling Library, with six speakers per year – open to the public. There are two “Open Reads” each year where anyone can submit a few pages anonymously to be read aloud and critiqued constructively, and local critique groups provide supportive feedback in the writing process. In May, we honor the winners of our Young Writers Contest.

For information, call (530) 432-1801 or visit SierraWriters.org.



Bicyclists of Nevada County Mountain Bike Club

We are committed to responsible mountain bicycling, preservation and improvement of riding opportunities, cooperation with other interest groups and the education of cyclists and non-cyclists alike. We regularly hold group rides and trail building and improvement events.

For information, call (530) 205-DIRT (3478) or visit http://Bonc.org.



Craft Guild of Nevada County

We are open to anyone who is interested in sharing their craft with others and in selling handmade items locally. To learn more about what these crafters and artisans are doing, check out the Guild's blog: http://CraftGuildNevadaCounty.BlogSpot.com.

Guild meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at the Superintendent of Schools office, 112 Nevada City Hwy., Nevada City – Houser Conference Room.

The Guild is a non-profit community service organization. Over the years, donations have been made to a number of local charitable groups. Recently these include Women of Worth, the Friendship Club and the Neighborhood Center of the Arts. The Guild has historically offered scholarships to graduating high school seniors who want to pursue a career in the arts. Guild members also provide monthly tray favors for several local senior care facilities as well as holiday gifts for the residents and home-bound seniors during Christmas time.

For information, visit www.CraftGuildNevadaCounty.org.



Auburn Newcomers

The nonprofit's only purpose is to provide varied activities and new friendships for all singles or couples who call the foothills home, whether they are new to the area or established residents. Year-round social activities include groups for dinner, lunch, theater, cards and walking— to name a few. Come to open house to learn more about the club's various social activities.

For information, call (530) 823-6027.



Healing through Loss and Grief Support Group

Anyone who has experienced emotional loss, be it current or in the past, is welcome.

For information, call (530) 265-3258 or visit www.LossAndGrief.org.



Gold Country Stamp Club

Is Grandpa's old stamp collection in the attic gathering dust? Bring it in and we will help you sort the trash from the treasure, the gems from the junk. If you are considering selling these family treasures for, say, some new transportation, we could help you decide if you'll be browsing for a Beamer or haggling over pre-owned sneakers. On the other hand, maybe you would rather pick up where Grandpa left off and fill in some of those blank spaces. We can help with that, too! We're the Gold Country Stamp Club, and we meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of each month. Hitch a ride on down to the dining room of the Nevada City Senior Apartments, 841 Old Tunnel Rd. in Grass Valley. Everyone is welcome.

For information, call (530) 477-0108.



Sierra Express Road Bike Club

Weekly rides for riders of all levels.

For information, visit http://SierraExpress.org.



50s Plus Social Singles

The group invites all who are interested in making new friends and sharing in fun activities to check us out by joining in one of our socials, 6 to 7 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month at the Holbrooke Hotel, Grass Valley.

For information, call (530) 271-0303 or (530) 273-6898.



Al-Anon Adult Children of Alcoholics

“Children should be seen AND heard.” Please join us from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Tuesday evenings for book and study discussion for adult children of alcoholics. This is a nonprofit, 12-step group meeting. The gathering is non-smoking and open to both men and women. Meetings are in Classroom 5 in the back of the Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main St. in Grass Valley.



Rooster Tails Fishing Club

Auburn Elks Lodge, 195 Pine St., Auburn.

The 28-year-old, 150 plus member Rooster Tails Fishing Club of Northern California, Inc. is a non-profit organization that meets the third Friday of each month to educate, entertain and enhance a fishing experience. Unlike many bass and fly fishing clubs that concentrate on very specific types of fishing, the Rooster Tails Fishing Club provides a balanced mix of fishing techniques presented by fishing experts targeting a variety of fish species on multiple types of waters.

For information, call Jim at (530) 887-0479, e-mail pres@roostertailsfishingclub.org or visit www.RoosterTailsFishingClub.org.



The Gold Country Italian American Club

Meets from noon to 3 p.m. every third Tuesday at various local restaurants for lunch, games, presentations and socializing.

For information, call Don Mortara at (530) 271-7491.



Evangeline Chapter # 9 Order of the Eastern Star

The Order of the Eastern Star is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world to which both men and women can belong. The tenets of the Order are Fidelity, Constancy, Loyalty, Faith and Love.

Evangeline Chapter meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Nevada City Masonic Center, 108 N. Pine St. in Nevada City. Come join us for fellowship and dessert prior to our meeting at 6:30 p.m. and meet some of our friendly members.

For information, call Kathy at (530) 478-1286.



TOPS Club

The TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets Fridays at the Salvation Army Fellowship Hall, 10725 Alta St. in Grass Valley. Meeting is at 10 a.m. Weigh-in before at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.



12-Step spiritual journey writing workshop

Word-A-Live Church is sponsoring a 12-step study writing workshop for individuals who grew up in less-than-nurturing or chaotic homes. This workshop uses the Twelve Steps in a Christian context. Located at 10528 Spenceville Rd. in Penn Valley. The workshop is designed to help restore the spirit and provide a workable formula for confronting the past. It is a model for surrendering one's life to God. Emphasizes the relationship between the Twelve Steps and the practice of Christian living.

For information, call Beverly at (530) 210-4651.



NA-Golden Empire, Grass Valley Chapter

The chapter has started a monthly study group that meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the BriarPatch Community Room. The group is called UNA: Focus on Women, which is for all genders to hear presentations and discuss “living in a culture of respect for all.” The same group with just women meets the months in between as UN Women's Circle, affiliated with the UN Women's Circle Campaign.

For information, visit www.UNAUSA.org.



Mothers Prayer Warriors

Our group is now meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Monday at Twin Cities Church. If you are a mother who has lost a child, you may gain strength and knowledge from our unique Bible study.

For information, call Cyndi Fellman at (530) 432-8148.