Bower Cave

“Dear Mr. Atkins, on July 18 you were issued a visitor’s permit at the Stanislaus National Forest Groveland Ranger District that allowed access to the Bower Cave site. Clearly aware of the restrictions, you authored an article published in the August issue of the Sierra Mountain Times, which promotes public visitation to the site and includes photographs taken from the interior of the cave. Although we commend you for your article, publication of photographs taken from the cave interior was an irresponsible action, as it could lead others to do the same and get injured in the process. This is of great concern to us, as we are responsible for public safety at the site.” – Margaret Dowd, District Ranger.

- I agree. I was irresponsible and should never have  published the photos. I would like the readers of the SMT to know that although visitation is allowed through the acquisition of a visitor’s permit, no one is allowed to enter the cave due to hazards. ~ Editor

Google SMT

“This may be a little too dweeby, but if you use Google News (http://news.google.com) you can personalize it with local news. If you enter 95383 for your area of interest, it comes up with all SMT stories. How cool is that?” – George.  

- Dear George,  That‘s so cool.  I checked it out, and you’re right!  Right under a shooting trial posted by the Union Democrat, is our “SMT All Around”…NEAT, strange in a way, but very cool!  Thanks.  ~ Publisher

Twain Harte Parade

“All the guys in my residential care home (for DD) and I just so much enjoyed the Christmas activities in Twain Harte.It’s just so nice to be able to take a short drive, not worry too much about parking, see old friends, watch a parade, drink cocoa and be home in an hour and a half! Just right for us. I want to thank everyone for all the hard work you do to make Twain Harte such a magical place. From Kathi on the parade to Marilyn’s garland to Jazz at 8 ….and everyone else I don’t know by name – we so much appreciate it.” – Kim Malavey, in response to Greg Kristapovich’s photo essay on Twain Harte’s Christmas Parade.

Best Weekly Ever!

“Just wanted to say how much I appreciate the SMT. We are lucky to have a good general Mon.-Fri. newspaper in our wonderful world up here, but you guys are the best weekly ever. I appreciate your changes for the better (even if the font is sometimes hard for us oldsters) and love all your writers. I have the paper at my shop to distribute, and I always grab the first one for myself. It’s just full of wonderful news, info and tidbits. Love you guys! Thank you so much for all you do!  And our SMT delivery lady is really great too!” – Paula Johansen, Sonora Blueprint & Copy Co.

-Thank you so much Paula. We are lucky. If we didn’t have the Union Democrat, we’d have to cover real news type news, which seems really depressing. Reading it is one thing… I’m glad they write it.  And I’ll be sure to let Harriet, your delivery person, know she’s great. We couldn’t do this without her. ~ Publisher

Cooking Up Something Good

“Dear Tim, Congratulations on your new adventure. What fun for you. I applaud your entrepreneurial spirit. The new format and style of the publication is very upscale and upbeat. It appeals to a younger audience. I am very impressed with your graphic vision. KIDS LOVE TO COOK is pleased to be a part of the ‘change.’ Enjoy!” – Toni Richardson.

- Hey Toni, Thank you. You are one of the reasons people love our publication. We cooked up the Chinese Chicken Wings last Saturday along with homemade fried rice and pot-stickers. Even my 4- year old couldn’t get enough. Talk about appealing to a younger crowd! ~ Publisher