By Mary Turner and Sydney Turner
Free Market held another successful giveaway at the Odd Fellows Lodge. On the second Tuesday of each month, the organization distributes food boxes to residents of Knights Ferry and the surrounding rural communities. This month marked their largest turnout yet.
“We serve on average between 15 to 20 families, but this month we were able to serve 22. That was cool because we never know what to expect,” said Bethany Basmajian, Free Market’s founder.
Thanks to monetary donations Free Market was able to provide fresh produce and eggs from Sons Market as well as household and hygiene items to everyone who signed up. Additionally, a donor who contributes monthly provided hot dogs, buns, ketchup and mustard for each of the 22 food boxes.
All Knights Ferry residents are welcome to receive a food box. To apply, bring a valid form of identification, proof of residence, and proof of income to the Odd Fellows Lodge, doors open at 3:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Special accommodations and delivery services are available upon request. If you’d like to volunteer, set up starts at 10 a.m.
“A special thank you to the members of the Knights Ferry community that volunteer their time and resources to help Free Market achieve our goals!”
For more information about signing up for a food box or volunteer opportunities contact Bethany at 209-840-2643 or knightsferryfreemarket@gmail.com
*****
“A celebration of life was held for Miles Shuper on Sunday, June 8 at the Community Club. There was an amazing turnout and show of love and support for Miles on what was also his 81st birthday. Miles’ brother Donald was in attendance as well as four generations of family including nine grandkids and 11 great grand-kids. Several of Knights Ferry’s precious icons were on hand including Carol Davis and Joan and Jean Dyer. The Wright family presented Kathy, Miles’ wife, with a quilt made from car show T-shirts. Many wonderful, fun, and mischievous stories were shared as well as new ones many had not heard.” - Tracy Griesner
*****
Speaking of Tracy, you may have noticed a new furry neighbor in her yard. This adorable Queensland/Rottweiler mix is named Link after Tracy’s grandfather who was a founding member of the Community Club. What a lovely little addition to the town and playmate for Stella.
*****
A celebration of life for Nancy Franklin was held on June 8 following her passing on April 22, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born on October 15, 1934.
She was known in the community for leading a women’s dance class up at Benny’s place, which she taught for several years until his passing at which time the dance class moved to the Odd Fellows Lodge.
*****
Children in Knights Ferry and the surrounding communities are invited to an Australian Adventure-themed Vacation Bible School (VBS), hosted by Knights Ferry Community Church.
The three-day program will take place from Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26, running daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Knights Ferry Community Church, led by Pastor Henry Raven.
Arrive early to register your children! Please note that children aged 3 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All are welcome!
*****
Just a reminder that the Post Office is still looking for help one to two Fridays and/or Saturdays per month, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The post office is run by volunteers only for the Knights Ferry History and Museum Associates. If interested stop by the Post Office or contact Dolly at 209-881-3535 (Post Office) or 209-681-2402 (cell).
*****
Ongoing Events
Free Market - 2nd Tuesday @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Taco Tuesday - @ Rick’s Saloon
Clay Club - Wednesdays @ Knights Ferry Art Studio
Bible Study - Thursdays @ Knights Ferry Church
Thankful Thursdays - Free meal with drink purchase @ Rick’s Saloon
Community Trash Pickup - Last Sunday of the month @ Knights Ferry Art Studio
Upcoming Events
Water Board Meeting: June 18 at 7 p.m.
Vacation Bible School: June 24-26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Odd Fellows Potluck Social: June 26 at 6 p.m.
MAC Committee Meeting: June 26 at 7 p.m.
School Board Meeting: June 26 at 5:30 p.m.
*****
Do you have any exciting Knights Ferry local news or upcoming events to share? Contact Mary and Sydney Turner at knightsferrynews@gmail.com
