Serving the Community in More Ways Than One! Story and photo by Greg Kristapovich
Soroptimists Gear Up for Twain Harte A La Carte 
Maura Murphy with her “MMM Cheesecake,” which will be featured at Twain Harte a la Carte! In 2003, Maura, with her cheesecake, helped the Eproson House win the Readers Choice “Best Dessert Award” at the Best of Times Gala!
The women in this story spend a lot of time serving their community. Three belong to Soroptimist International of Twain Harte; the fourth serves food at The Rock Pub and Restaurant in Twain Harte. May 30th, at Twain Harte’s Meadow Plaza, they will all put their energies together, helping to present a premiere event, the 13th Annual Twain Harte, a la Carte, a food and wine tasting (and auction) benefit for Soroptimist International of Twain Harte! One of the featured participants is Maura M. Murphy, representing The Rock! In this, her first appearance at a la Carte, Maura will present her award-winning specialty: The MMM Cheesecake! Born in Inglewood, CA, Maura and her family moved up to Tuolumne County shortly after she graduated from Antelope Valley High School in 1995; and, as she says,
Three members of Soroptimist International of Twain Harte, from left to right: Stephanie McCaffrey, Gloria Escalier and President Patt Koral.
“I’ve been loving it ever since…getting away from the rat race and getting up here where it’s beautiful, (she loves hiking, swimming and camping) – and people are calm and mellow.” But it was her childhood that ultimately led her to a la Carte! “Obviously, I love to bake! My mom never cooked, but we baked together. As a kid, I would do that for fun, cookies and cakes. I read a lot, but I don’t read a lot of cookbooks. I kind of like to wing it! I’ve baked, oh gosh, since I was old enough to hold a measuring cup! My mom would measure it out, and I’d pour it into the bowl. It was something for us to do – and the house smelled nice! Maura’s come a long way! But sorry, gentlemen, she’s already spoken for. Her significant other, Ben Peters, is a local lad, (his family lives in Mi-Wuk.) “Ben’s currently in the Army and stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA.” Maura noted. ”I thought about mailing him a cheesecake,” Maura revealed. “I guess you could do freeze-dried. They do have to be refrigerated. They did it on (the TV show) Friends, once. I saw them mail a cheesecake! ”A la Carte should be an exciting event for Maura – and for all who attend! More than 25 restaurants and wineries are participating! There will be a silent auction with 61-plus items (also, nine “live” auction items and three raffle items) By attending a la Carte, you help the Soroptimists help the community! Currently, the group’s largest projects (among their many projects) include the Summerville High School Girls’ Softball Field, theatre seating for Summerville High’s Connections Academy, as well as the Soroptimist Women’s Breast Health Center at the Cancer Center of the Sonora Regional Medical Center. Soroptimist International was formed in Oakland, CA in 1913. There are chapters all over, including Sonora, Groveland and Twain Harte – which has 41 members. Says Stephanie McCaffrey, “The goal of the Soroptimists is to improve the lives of women and girls, throughout the world, and in our local communities!” President Patt Koral interjected, “That’s what ‘Soro’ means: best for women!” Stephanie invites all to the a la Carte event! “Come and enjoy the spirit of Twain Harte through fine food, fine wine and fun!” For tickets and/or information about joining Soroptimist International, please call 928-1616!
