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

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 of each month (except July and August) at the Moose Lodge.

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



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)

Our club meets at 7 p.m. monthly on the third Thursday of every month, usually at Ponderosa Hall (Gate 2) at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

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.

For more information about SWGGA, visit www.swgga.org.



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. You don't have to be a biological grandmother; it's about looking at the world we want to create two generations ahead. All ages and genders welcome (join us, grandfathers!).

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



Nevada County Tea Party Patriots

Twice a month we have free ucomoing events open to the public. Meetings are at noon the second Wednesday of each month at Ponderosa Hall at the fairgrounds. Lunch is available for $5 donation. The fourth Wednesday of each month is a 6:30 p.m. meeting (same location) with a guest speaker. The next meeting, featuring California Senator Doug LaMalfa, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22.



The Nevada County Chapter of Health Care for All-CA

We will meet at noon on Saturday, February 18 at Sierra Mountain Coffee Roasters, 671 Maltman Dr., Grass Valley. This meeting is open to the public, and newcomers are welcome. HCA is working to bring universal, single-payer (Medicare-for-all-type) health care to all Californians.

For more information call Mindy at (530)273-3033 or email mindy@bagglady.com.



Gold Country Welcome Club

We welcome a new doctor in town! Young, energetic and caring, Dr. W. Chad Statton gave an excellent talk at this month's luncheon at the Holbrooke Hotel. An oncology surgeon, he explained in lay terms the risk factors, screening and treatment of breast and colon cancers. Are you new to this area? The Gold Country Welcome Club is an all-volunteer nonprofit social club. In addition to a monthly luncheon or dinner/dance, they offer over 20 activity groups from bridge to hiking, gardening, woodworking, skiing, book clubs and more.

For more information, visit www.NCNugget.com, or call (530) 478-0999.



Le Tip of Grass Valley and Nevada City

Business mixer! Please join us 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.. on Tuesday, February 21 for appetizers and light conversation. Our mixer will be held at the brand new Ol' Republic Brewery at 124 Argall Way in Nevada City. Bring your business cards and make new connections for more business! Find out how Le Tip can successfully and exclusively promote your business. Le Tip of Grass Valley and Nevada City is a unique business networking system which guarantees your business category would be protected and promoted exclusively by our chapter members for as long as you remain a member in good standing. Find out more by attending our business mixer. It is free and fun to attend.

For more information, call Membership Chair, Ryan Meacher, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones at (530) 272-9092.



Gold Country Celtic Society

The “Gathering” this month is on Wednesday, February 22. Join us at 6 p.m. to socialize. Sit down to a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. Bring a salad, entree or dessert to share for six to eight, tableware and beverage of your choice. Coffee, tea and water will be available. Afterwards, enjoy a Celtic concert of the Uillan Pipes and the Small Pipes performed by a local duo, Josh Ford and Jade Arias. The Uilleann Pipes, pronounced “ill'in,” are the characteristic national pipes of Ireland. The (Scottish) Small Pipes, have a softer sound than the better known Highland Pipes. Tap your feet to the music! Guests are welcome. You don't have to be Celtic! Nevada City Veteran's Building, 415 North Pine Street.

For more information, call (530) 272-1316 or visit www.nevadacountycelticclub.org.



Nevada County Consolidated Veterans Council

The Nevada County Consolidated Veterans Council in conjunction with CEAR is planning a Free E-waste Drop-off Event on February 18 in the parking lot at the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building, from 9 a.m. to p.m. at 255 S. Auburn Street, Grass Valley. Of primary concern is promoting the preservation and use of the Veterans Memorial Building, a 1930's Art Deco building. The GVVMB is available to the entire community for parties, conferences, weddings, sports leagues, shows and other functions. Public rooms are available for rent. The Veterans Council is sponsoring the E-Waste collection to raise funds for the renovation of the Veterans Remembrance Room windows. We will unload your items. Electronic equipment, monitors, laptops, printers, computers, televisions and small household appliances are acceptable. Not acceptable are large household appliances, furniture, hazardous waste of any type; no tires, batteries, pesticides, water heaters, fluorescent lights, etc. CEAR is a state approved electronic waste collector and recycler. Visit www.cearinc.com or call (916) 388-1777 for recycle information. All hard drives are shredded at the secured facility which is monitored 24/7.

Local contacts for the E-Waste event are Jim at (530) 263-0702 and Margie at (530) 265-4878.



Newcomers Club of Nevada County

We are a women's social club, which offers participation in a variety of activity groups that include; Newcomer coffees to meet and share, book clubs, bridge groups, Bunco groups, cooking clubs, Day-Trippers, enrichment, garden club, knitting group, Mah-Jongg, Canasta and a walking group. Groups and clubs are always evolving depending on the interest of the members.

The Newcomers Club usually meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month for a delightful luncheon and stimulating entertainment. Watch for each month's exciting program that will be coming to you through Club News. You won't want to miss the March program. World traveler Brent Nixon, producer of the film “Coral Reef Dreaming,” presents his message; our coral reefs are in jeopardy. New members are welcome and do not have to be new residents of Nevada County.

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



Native Daughters of the Golden West, Manzanita Parlor No. 29

We will hold a social meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Members are urged to bring their favorite lemon bars for all to share, as well as your lemon bar recipe. Guests are welcome. The meeting will be at the Odd Fellows Hall, 113 So. Church St. in Grass Valley. Please bring non-perishable food items for the food bank.



Pioneer Arts

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 display their work in the exhibit. At our March 14 meeting artist and teacher Patricia Perbetsky will be leading an art critique. Pioneer Arts members are encouraged to bring their art to the critique. As always, the public is welcome to attend the 1 to 3 p.m. .meeting at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. Please note corrections to the Pioneer Arts 2012 calendar.  The company that published the calendar labeled several holidays on the wrong dates. 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, visit www.pioneerartsclub.com.



Penn Valley Toastmasters

"What do you consider paradise?" That was the question President Steve Hatcher posed to Penn Valley Toastmasters members on February 9 for introductions.

Guests Elizabeth Dunn, Ruth Schwartz, Gabe Dick from Empire Toastmasters and Elizabeth Dedmon from Placer Gold Toastmasters came to help Penn Valley's club with our Evaluation Contest. Lee Zasloff from Empire Toastmasters was our engaging model speaker. Our first place winner for Best Evaluator was Merrill Hall, and Steve Hatcher was our second place winner.

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.



Gold Country Kiwanis 

We meet at Kane's Restaurant on Thursdays from noon to 1p.m. Our Guest speaker this week will be Mike Carville, owner of the South Yuba Club in Grass Valley and Nevada City. Mike will talk about health and wellness. We welcome interested persons to join us at our luncheon to hear our guest speaker and to learn how Kiwanis helps children in Nevada County.

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



Gold Country Community Services

A delicious spaghetti lunch was served. Lunch is served each weekday promptly at noon in our High Noon Cafe, and you're welcome to join us (reservations highly recommended). We also need to hear from folks with felled trees that our Wood Program can turn into firewood. Once cut, stored and dried, it's delivered to over 100 low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

By the way, if you have unwanted coffee mugs that are clean and unstained, please drop them off at the Center during business hours. We'll use them instead of paper cups. To make lunch reservations, donate wood, ask about the classes, activities and services we provide or the volunteer opportunities we have available, phone (530) 273-4961 (Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Reception is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gold Country Community Services is located in the Nevada City Senior Apartments on Old Tunnel Rd., Brunswick.

For more information, visit www.goldcountrycenter.org.



Sierra Singles Club

The group plans to participate in the Empty Bowl benefit for Hospitality House at the Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 25. On Wednesday, February 29, lunch is planned at Wonderful III. The National Theatre Live production of "The Comedy of Errors" at Sierra Cinemas is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6. Membership is open to mature singles who enjoy dining out and attending local events as a group.

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



The Widowed Persons Association, Chapt. 14

We will be having our monthly meeting today, Feb. 18 at the Holbrooke Hotel. Our group keeps growing each week as we welcome new members. Next month's meeting at the Moose Lodge in Grass Valley we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a corned beef and cabbage luncheon. 

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



Foothills Horticulture Society

Karen Bansemer, a horticulturist from Prospector Nursery will speak on fruit tree pruning, fertilization and spraying at 6 p.m. on March 21 in the Madelyn Helling Library Community Room, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City. A plant raffle and refreshments follow the talk. Foothills Horticulture Society meets once a month. Winter meetings are held at the Madelyn Helling Library and summer meeting locations are at interesting outdoor locations. First meeting is free. Annual membership is $12.

For information call Perry at (530) 269-3444.



Nevada County Genealogical Society

We will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. on February 14 in the Madelyn Helling County Library Community Room, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City. Our speaker is Nancy Sauers who will be speaking on " Immigration into the Port of New York" which also includes Ellis Island. Nancy has been doing genealogical research for 30 years and is the local researcher listed for Nevada Co. Genealogical Society website. She has visited Ellis Island, and will describe the various port immigration facilities, data bases and websites. The N.C.G.S. Study Group will resume meeting from 1 to 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday March 27, also in the Library Community room. The public is invited to attend both meetings. 

Call (530) 272-8388 for further information.



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.



Nevada City Soroptimists

Calling all bingo players! The 12th annual St. Patrick's Day Bingo and Luncheon is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 10 at Seaman's Lodge in Pioneer Park. Tickets are $17 and include bingo cards and lunch. Tickets can be purchased from any Nevada City Soroptimist or at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Nevada City Soroptimist scholarship programs.

For more information, call Carol York (530) 798-6066 or Cindy Hintz (530) 264-7019.



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.



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.



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.



The Chicago Park Garden Club

There will be handouts The Pressed Flower Card Makers will meet at 9:30 a.m. on 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.



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.



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.



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.



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. 



Gulldalen Lodge, 6-128, Sons of Norway

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. 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

We host 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. We maintain a list-serv to keep people aware of group rides and cycling events.

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



Early Risers Toastmasters

Have you ever wondered what Grass Valley was like half a century ago? Do you know how to Skype? And what happens when you can't sleep? These were the topics our three speeches covered last Tuesday, Feb. 14. This week's trophy went to Shelley Drievold. Area Governor, Jeff Pylman and Assistant Area Governor, Gale Pylman visited us to encourage us to invite guests. Guests are always welcome, and never have to speak. Stimulating speeches and helpful evaluations are guaranteed. So is a delicious breakfast. Early Risers Toastmasters meet every Tuesday morning at Trolley Junction. The meeting starts at 6:30, and ends by 8 a.m. Got questions?

For more information, call (530) 273-9777.



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.



Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC)

Mountain Bikers hosts a “No Rider Left Behind” ride the first 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.



Empire Toastmasters

At the February 10 meeting of Empire Toastmasters, visiting Assistant Area Governor Gale Pylman was voted Best Speaker for her speech “15 Minutes of Fame.” Her evaluator, Lisa Lehr, won the Best Evaluator trophy. The Table Topics trophy went to Ruth Schwartz for her impromptu talk about ordering a whole bunch of shoes online and receiving swimsuits instead. Empire Toastmasters are also preparing for their annual International Speech Contest.

Toastmasters welcomes all who are interested in improving their speaking, listening, and leadership skills — skills that will serve you in business as well as in life! Empire Toastmasters meets at noon on Fridays at Trolley Junction restaurant in Nevada City. Guests are invited and are never required to speak.

For more information, contact Lee Zasloff at rlzasloff@aol.com or call (530) 916-212-9789.



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.