WawonaNews.com - April 2022
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of March 8
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Calendar for 2022-23
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of March 8
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF IRS FORM 990 – RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX
INFORMATION ITEMS
- REVIEW DRAFT DONATIONS POLICY
- YWECS FUNDRAISER UPDATES
- STAFF REPORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Calendar for 2022-23
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
WAPPOA MEETING SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 9am, COMMUNITY CENTER
We will be having this meeting in person. Masks are optional, and we can try to distance, depending on the number of attendees. (See below for info on a recording of the meeting)
We hope to have speakers at the beginning of the meeting - from NPS (staff, Ranger report, Wawona fire), Mariposa County (Rosemarie Smallcomb - Supervisor, Melinda Barrett - Fuels Reduction) , Wawona Hotel, Redwoods, the Wawona School, and the UC Merced Field Station.
After the meeting (around 12:00), there will be a BBQ lunch for sale at the Pine Tree Market. This is part of a fundraiser for the School's Raise the Roof Fund. Lunch costs $15 and you have a choice of pulled pork, chicken or vegetable entree, plus salad, corn and a roll. There will also be a raffle, with tickets available at the market all weekend (winning tickets pulled at 10am Sunday, Apr. 9 - need not be present) Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, and if you buy lunch ($15) and pay $20, you'll get 2 raffle tickets!
Raffle items include a 2 night stay at the Tenaya, a big box of goodies from the Wawona Store - including bottles of prosecco and pinot noir, a $75 gift certificate for dinner at China Delight in Oakhurst and more!
AND.... Katie Henderson will be selling t shirts - that she has made! These will become sought-after classic Wawona items, so be sure to get one!!
And, lastly, for those of you who cannot attend the meeting, and would like a video - here's the deal. There is no internet at the Community Center, so we can't do a ZOOM video.
I have asked around for someone who knows how to do a video recording (and has the equipment) that they can then make available in some way for those who ask for a link to view it. I have not been able to find anyone.
I googled it and discovered that you can do a 3 hour video on an iPhone 12, and then upload it to a Google Drive and have it available to watch. Just not sure I can pull that off. Is there anyone out there who has a solution? If so, please email me at [email protected]. I will make every effort to solve this problem!
Hope to see many of you there, and will miss the rest of you!
Stay safe and well
Trish
We will be having this meeting in person. Masks are optional, and we can try to distance, depending on the number of attendees. (See below for info on a recording of the meeting)
We hope to have speakers at the beginning of the meeting - from NPS (staff, Ranger report, Wawona fire), Mariposa County (Rosemarie Smallcomb - Supervisor, Melinda Barrett - Fuels Reduction) , Wawona Hotel, Redwoods, the Wawona School, and the UC Merced Field Station.
After the meeting (around 12:00), there will be a BBQ lunch for sale at the Pine Tree Market. This is part of a fundraiser for the School's Raise the Roof Fund. Lunch costs $15 and you have a choice of pulled pork, chicken or vegetable entree, plus salad, corn and a roll. There will also be a raffle, with tickets available at the market all weekend (winning tickets pulled at 10am Sunday, Apr. 9 - need not be present) Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, and if you buy lunch ($15) and pay $20, you'll get 2 raffle tickets!
Raffle items include a 2 night stay at the Tenaya, a big box of goodies from the Wawona Store - including bottles of prosecco and pinot noir, a $75 gift certificate for dinner at China Delight in Oakhurst and more!
AND.... Katie Henderson will be selling t shirts - that she has made! These will become sought-after classic Wawona items, so be sure to get one!!
And, lastly, for those of you who cannot attend the meeting, and would like a video - here's the deal. There is no internet at the Community Center, so we can't do a ZOOM video.
I have asked around for someone who knows how to do a video recording (and has the equipment) that they can then make available in some way for those who ask for a link to view it. I have not been able to find anyone.
I googled it and discovered that you can do a 3 hour video on an iPhone 12, and then upload it to a Google Drive and have it available to watch. Just not sure I can pull that off. Is there anyone out there who has a solution? If so, please email me at [email protected]. I will make every effort to solve this problem!
Hope to see many of you there, and will miss the rest of you!
Stay safe and well
Trish
Wawona Hotel Reopened For The Season Once Again
Thomas Goodreau ~ Hotel Manager
The Wawona Hotel has reopened for the season. This includes three meal services going back to full table service.
Dining Room Hours: Breakfast: 7 a.m.—10 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.—2 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m.—9 p.m. Dinner reservations are recommended.
Thomas Goodreau ~ Hotel Manager
The Wawona Hotel has reopened for the season. This includes three meal services going back to full table service.
Dining Room Hours: Breakfast: 7 a.m.—10 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.—2 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m.—9 p.m. Dinner reservations are recommended.
Glacier Point Road Nordic Trail Conditions Update
The Badger Pass A-frame is currently open and staffed 7 days/week by Wilderness staff to answer questions and issue backcountry Wilderness permits. The final day to access the Glacier Point road Nordic trails is April 3! For more information call 372-0408.
Snow conditions: Last week's rain-on-snow event significantly impacted the snow coverage on the Nordic Route system around Badger Pass. All trails now display significant bare ground and skiing all the way to Dewey Point is no longer possible. The Glacier Point Road is no longer groomed, but is still very skiable with larger sections of exposed pavement to be expected. Composting toilets are open for use at Glacier Point, Summit Meadow, Bridalveil Creek #21, and Sentinel Dome parking. The Glacier Point cabin remains closed for the season.
Remember to bring cross country skis or snowshoes if you plan to come up to explore the Wilderness around Badger Pass. Nordic ski routes are intended for ski or snowshoe travel only. Please never walk or hike on the ski trails as post hole damage (however shallow) is long lasting and presents real hazards to all other winter recreators.
We look forward to seeing you up there! (L. Kahn / C. Carter)
The Badger Pass A-frame is currently open and staffed 7 days/week by Wilderness staff to answer questions and issue backcountry Wilderness permits. The final day to access the Glacier Point road Nordic trails is April 3! For more information call 372-0408.
Snow conditions: Last week's rain-on-snow event significantly impacted the snow coverage on the Nordic Route system around Badger Pass. All trails now display significant bare ground and skiing all the way to Dewey Point is no longer possible. The Glacier Point Road is no longer groomed, but is still very skiable with larger sections of exposed pavement to be expected. Composting toilets are open for use at Glacier Point, Summit Meadow, Bridalveil Creek #21, and Sentinel Dome parking. The Glacier Point cabin remains closed for the season.
Remember to bring cross country skis or snowshoes if you plan to come up to explore the Wilderness around Badger Pass. Nordic ski routes are intended for ski or snowshoe travel only. Please never walk or hike on the ski trails as post hole damage (however shallow) is long lasting and presents real hazards to all other winter recreators.
We look forward to seeing you up there! (L. Kahn / C. Carter)
Job Opening at Pine Tree Market
Job Details:
Part-time · $15 - $16.50 / hour
Posted 12 hours ago
Job Description:
We work hard to make sure locals and visitors are able to make the most of their time in Wawona. Let's have some fun while providing hot sauce and hiking advice. The position is seasonal, but we may need help during the off season, from time to time.
Schedule: Flexible Schedule, 20-29 hours per week
Benefits: Employee discounts
Job Details:
Part-time · $15 - $16.50 / hour
Posted 12 hours ago
Job Description:
We work hard to make sure locals and visitors are able to make the most of their time in Wawona. Let's have some fun while providing hot sauce and hiking advice. The position is seasonal, but we may need help during the off season, from time to time.
Schedule: Flexible Schedule, 20-29 hours per week
Benefits: Employee discounts
Pine Needle Pickup
Our District 1 Supervisor Rosemarie Smallcombe worked with Shannon Hansen, Mariposa Public Works, in cooperation with Melinda Barrett at the Resource Conservation District and their vegetation management project (Fuels Reduction Grant) in Wawona, and they have developed a plan to do the Wawona pine needle pickup without any additional cost to Wawona residents. There is no specific date yet, but needle pickup will be completed in time for property inspections by Yosemite Fire crews.
Our District 1 Supervisor Rosemarie Smallcombe worked with Shannon Hansen, Mariposa Public Works, in cooperation with Melinda Barrett at the Resource Conservation District and their vegetation management project (Fuels Reduction Grant) in Wawona, and they have developed a plan to do the Wawona pine needle pickup without any additional cost to Wawona residents. There is no specific date yet, but needle pickup will be completed in time for property inspections by Yosemite Fire crews.
Studhorse Units Being Assessed For Burning
The Studhorse units are being assessed for burning toward the end of March or early April. These units are located southeast of the community of Wawona and north of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41), approximately two miles northwest of the Mariposa Grove.
Fire Managers work closely with Park staff and local air pollution control districts to time burning operations to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any burning and operations will only be conducted under favorable conditions.
Thank you for your continued interest in Yosemite Fire!
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
The Studhorse units are being assessed for burning toward the end of March or early April. These units are located southeast of the community of Wawona and north of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41), approximately two miles northwest of the Mariposa Grove.
Fire Managers work closely with Park staff and local air pollution control districts to time burning operations to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any burning and operations will only be conducted under favorable conditions.
Thank you for your continued interest in Yosemite Fire!
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Reminder To Send In Your Right Of Entry Form
This is a reminder to send in your right of entry form for removing dead logs and debris from your property. This work will be done in the summer of 2022. Before the work can be done, arborists will come to every property in Wawona this Fall/Winter and assess what needs to be done on that property. They can't do that without having a signed Right of Entry form. This is free to all, under a grant that Melinda Barrett has secured. She is with the Mariposa Resources Conservation District. Fill out the form and return to Melinda by email or by mail - the information is on the form. So far, Melinda has received 58 signed forms - so many homeowners still need to get this done!
This is a reminder to send in your right of entry form for removing dead logs and debris from your property. This work will be done in the summer of 2022. Before the work can be done, arborists will come to every property in Wawona this Fall/Winter and assess what needs to be done on that property. They can't do that without having a signed Right of Entry form. This is free to all, under a grant that Melinda Barrett has secured. She is with the Mariposa Resources Conservation District. Fill out the form and return to Melinda by email or by mail - the information is on the form. So far, Melinda has received 58 signed forms - so many homeowners still need to get this done!
Fire Update
Active burning in Yosemite Valley has wrapped up with a total of 55 acres complete. The portion of the Valley Loop Trail that was temporarily closed will remain closed through the weekend and smoke will linger in the area. These treated units had previous fire activity in 2001 and 2008.
Fire crews will begin burning piles in the Mariposa Grove Thursday March 17. Smoke will be visible in the Wawona community.
Active burning in Yosemite Valley has wrapped up with a total of 55 acres complete. The portion of the Valley Loop Trail that was temporarily closed will remain closed through the weekend and smoke will linger in the area. These treated units had previous fire activity in 2001 and 2008.
Fire crews will begin burning piles in the Mariposa Grove Thursday March 17. Smoke will be visible in the Wawona community.
WAPPOA Meeting April 9th
On April 9th, we will have our WAPPOA meeting in person at 9am in the Community Center.
Masks are optional.
We will try to have a Zoom or recording available for those who can't be there. Will let you know later.
Wawona School needs a new roof that will cost $100,000. The staff and parents have been fundraising a year now, and have raised around $55,000, so still need quite a bit. They would like to get it all by summer, so the new roof could be installed before the beginning of school in the Fall. So, please help to support them, or let them know if you have any new ideas on how to fundraise!
Fundraising for the school on the weekend of April 8-10 will be:
BBQ Lunch served at the Pine Tree Market on Saturday (around noon)- choice of pulled pork, chicken or vegetarian plus salad, corn and roll. Minimum donation is $15. A donation of $20 will include 2 raffle tickets
A raffle at the market all weekend with winning tickets pulled at 10am on Sunday the 10th. Raffle tickets will be $5 each or 5 for $20. Awesome items include a 2 night stay at the Tenaya Lodge, a big box of goodies from the Wawona Store( including a bottle of nice prosecco and one of pinot noir), a $75 gift certificate for dinner at China Delight Restaurant in Oakhurst. and more!
Quilt Raffle at Redwoods office - one of our homeowners, Michele Ambry has donated a handmade quilt to the school for fundraising. It's at the Redwoods office,where you can purchase raffle tickets Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets may also be purchased via mail - Make a check payable to TWECS, write "quilt raffle" in notation area, and include your name, email address and phone number. Please send a check to:
Stacy Boydstun
Quilt Raffle
Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School
PO Box 2068 , Wawona CA 95389
The winning ticket will be pulled on Labor Day weekend! You do not need to be present to win.
If you cannot be in Wawona that weekend, you can still donate to the school. All check donations will receive a tax donation letter mailed to you for your records. Pay to the order of Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School (YWECS), for Raise the Roof Fundraiser.
Please send it to
Raise the Roof Fundraiser
PO Box 2068
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Hope to see many of you that weekend! Our next WAPPOA meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 4th.
Stay well
Trish
On April 9th, we will have our WAPPOA meeting in person at 9am in the Community Center.
Masks are optional.
We will try to have a Zoom or recording available for those who can't be there. Will let you know later.
Wawona School needs a new roof that will cost $100,000. The staff and parents have been fundraising a year now, and have raised around $55,000, so still need quite a bit. They would like to get it all by summer, so the new roof could be installed before the beginning of school in the Fall. So, please help to support them, or let them know if you have any new ideas on how to fundraise!
Fundraising for the school on the weekend of April 8-10 will be:
BBQ Lunch served at the Pine Tree Market on Saturday (around noon)- choice of pulled pork, chicken or vegetarian plus salad, corn and roll. Minimum donation is $15. A donation of $20 will include 2 raffle tickets
A raffle at the market all weekend with winning tickets pulled at 10am on Sunday the 10th. Raffle tickets will be $5 each or 5 for $20. Awesome items include a 2 night stay at the Tenaya Lodge, a big box of goodies from the Wawona Store( including a bottle of nice prosecco and one of pinot noir), a $75 gift certificate for dinner at China Delight Restaurant in Oakhurst. and more!
Quilt Raffle at Redwoods office - one of our homeowners, Michele Ambry has donated a handmade quilt to the school for fundraising. It's at the Redwoods office,where you can purchase raffle tickets Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets may also be purchased via mail - Make a check payable to TWECS, write "quilt raffle" in notation area, and include your name, email address and phone number. Please send a check to:
Stacy Boydstun
Quilt Raffle
Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School
PO Box 2068 , Wawona CA 95389
The winning ticket will be pulled on Labor Day weekend! You do not need to be present to win.
If you cannot be in Wawona that weekend, you can still donate to the school. All check donations will receive a tax donation letter mailed to you for your records. Pay to the order of Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School (YWECS), for Raise the Roof Fundraiser.
Please send it to
Raise the Roof Fundraiser
PO Box 2068
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Hope to see many of you that weekend! Our next WAPPOA meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 4th.
Stay well
Trish
High Sierra Camps Closed For 2022 Season
Due to ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the National Park Service and Yosemite Hospitality have made the difficult decision to keep the High Sierra Camps closed for the 2022 season. As a result of the closure, guests with confirmed reservations will be notified of the cancelation via email and deposits will be refunded. The health and safety of Yosemite National Park visitors and employees is the park’s top priority and we thank you for your understanding.
We anticipate having the lottery for the High Sierra Camps 2023 season open on October 1, 2022."
Due to ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the National Park Service and Yosemite Hospitality have made the difficult decision to keep the High Sierra Camps closed for the 2022 season. As a result of the closure, guests with confirmed reservations will be notified of the cancelation via email and deposits will be refunded. The health and safety of Yosemite National Park visitors and employees is the park’s top priority and we thank you for your understanding.
We anticipate having the lottery for the High Sierra Camps 2023 season open on October 1, 2022."
Badger Pass Closing March 20
The anticipated closing date for downhill skiing is March 20, 2022. The Nordic Center and Tubing Hill will close for the season after operations on March 13, 2022. Skiers are encouraged to check conditions and ski area updates prior to travel by calling 209-372-1000. Up-to-date road conditions for Yosemite National Park are also available by calling 209-372-0200 (press 1, press 1).
The anticipated closing date for downhill skiing is March 20, 2022. The Nordic Center and Tubing Hill will close for the season after operations on March 13, 2022. Skiers are encouraged to check conditions and ski area updates prior to travel by calling 209-372-1000. Up-to-date road conditions for Yosemite National Park are also available by calling 209-372-0200 (press 1, press 1).
Extra Help Wawona Library Assistant I Position
DEFINITION To perform a variety of responsible, sub-professional library and clerical work in support of daily Library operations; to assist patrons in the use of the Library and related services; and to perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Library Assistant I is the entry-level classification in the series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties related to the circulation, reference, interlibrary loan, and collection monitoring operations of the Library
DEFINITION To perform a variety of responsible, sub-professional library and clerical work in support of daily Library operations; to assist patrons in the use of the Library and related services; and to perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Library Assistant I is the entry-level classification in the series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties related to the circulation, reference, interlibrary loan, and collection monitoring operations of the Library
COVID testing in Wawona through MARCH
Hello everyone,
We will be maintaining this service for the foreseeable future. Going forward, please use the following contacts for the following days:
Saturday/Sunday/Monday: Heidi 209-375-9520
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: Chad 209-375-9520
We are not able to do testing on Fridays and are only available every-other Thursday (3/10 & 3/24, etc.). For testing needs those days please use an alternate testing site.
Let me know if you have questions. Thanks!
209-375-9520
Please do not show up without calling ahead as we may be tied up on incidents or other operational requirements. If you have any questions please reach out to me or Chad by email or phone.
Thank you!
Heidi L. Edgecomb
U.S. Park Ranger
Wawona District
Yosemite National Park
209-375-9520
Hello everyone,
We will be maintaining this service for the foreseeable future. Going forward, please use the following contacts for the following days:
Saturday/Sunday/Monday: Heidi 209-375-9520
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: Chad 209-375-9520
We are not able to do testing on Fridays and are only available every-other Thursday (3/10 & 3/24, etc.). For testing needs those days please use an alternate testing site.
Let me know if you have questions. Thanks!
209-375-9520
Please do not show up without calling ahead as we may be tied up on incidents or other operational requirements. If you have any questions please reach out to me or Chad by email or phone.
Thank you!
Heidi L. Edgecomb
U.S. Park Ranger
Wawona District
Yosemite National Park
209-375-9520
