Quaint, romantic, intimate and charming all describe the Tin Lizzie Bed and Breakfast.  This lovely B & B is located in Fish Camp, which is two miles from the Southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

The stunning décor will take you back to elegant Victorian times, but guests will enjoy all of the luxury of a 1st class getaway.  Guests have their choice of staying in various rooms in the “mansion” or an attached private cottage.

Their romance package for two is sure to thrill.  Guests will experience fine dining, breakfast on their own private balcony, a picnic lunch, chocolate covered strawberries with sparkling cider at bedtime, a dozen roses, and even popcorn and marshmallows roasted at the open outdoor fire pit.  One of the most interesting experiences in this package is being able to drive a Ford Model A or Model T for the day.  Imagine touring Yosemite with the wind whipping through your hair, in one of these fantastic cars!

The Tin Lizzie is without a doubt the perfect spot to enjoy a honeymoon or just relax and enjoy one of the most majestic places on earth.  For more information or reservations on staying in this divine location, contact the Tin Lizzie at (559) 641-7731.        

Teaming with the EPA, many National parks throughout the United States are taking steps to reduce their global warming pollution.  Beginning this year, national park loving Americans can also do their part by joining the “Do Your Part for Climate Friendly Parks” organization.  The National Parks Conservation Association has launched a website that is dedicated to helping protect America’s national parks from the effects of global warming.  By visiting www.doyourpartparks.org, visitors are able to learn about the issues of climate changes as well as how they can help lower their own global warming pollution.  Visitors will be given the tools to make a difference.

Once on the website, visitors can pledge their emissions reductions to the national park of their choice. The EPA has provided a household carbon emissions calculator that will assist you with determining how much progress your household has made in reducing emissions.  You can even check your progress.  All reductions will help the park meet its carbon emissions goal.

There are 40 parks that currently participate in the program.  Each park has met or is working to meet the required milestones to be officially recognized as a “Climate Friendly Park”.  Only 15 US parks are currently participating in the “Do Your Part Climate Friendly Parks” website.
 
Yosemite of course is leading the charge as they are a Climate Friendly Park.  They offer a free shuttle system with hybrid buses for visitors.  This helps the park reduce its carbon footprint.  Yosemite’s goal is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent lower than they were in 2005 by the year 2010.  They are right on track for getting this done.
  
For more information on this program or information on how you can help the environment visit:  www.nps.gov/vose.

It is hard to believe that it is almost time again for the Madera County Fair.  I can almost smell the funnel cakes, corn dogs and cotton candy already.  It is a county tradition that both the young and old enjoy.

The 2008 Madera County Fair Exhibitor Handbooks are now available for pick up at various locations around the county.  The book provides information on what competitions are available this year, all deadlines and information on how to submit your items into the various competitions.

Groups or individuals are encouraged to submit their entries for the fun filled weekend.  Teachers are encouraged to make the fair part of their curriculum and submit their entries as well.  There will be the usual competitions as well as several more that were added to the arts and crafts, photography, agriculture, livestock and floriculture categories.   Winning entries can win; ribbons, awards and even cash!

Fair handbooks can be picked up in Madera at the Madera District Fair Office, 4-H/Coop Extension, Evans Feed and Livestock Supply, Valley Feed and Fuel, Madera Chamber of Commerce, Madera County Library, Madera Ranchos Library and the 22 Mile House.   They can also be picked up in Oakhurst at the Sierra Star or at Oakhurst Feed.

The theme this year is called “Grape Balls of Fire”.  The fair will run from September 4th thru September 7th this year.  For more information on participating in the Madera County Fair, call (559) 674-8511.   If you are unable to pick up your handbook, you can download it from www.maderafair.com.
 

There is no doubt that millions of people lives around the world have been saved by Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).  The purpose of taking a class in CPR is to give individuals the knowledge and skills necessary to help someone in need.  Class participants will learn to recognize and provide basic care for breathing, cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses.  Classes usually run in conjunction with first aid training.   Nowadays, CPR class participants will also learn how to work the automated external defibrillator (AED).  AED’s are used on victims who suffer sudden cardiac arrest.  Care is given until emergency personnel arrive and are able to take over care responsibilities.

There are no prerequisite classes to take in order to take a CPR class.  Upon completion of the courses, you will receive a CPR certification which is good for 1 year and a First Aid Certification which is good for 3 years.  It is a great program for adults and even teens who are considering taking up babysitting jobs. 

There usually is a fee involved with becoming certified.   There will be FREE classes offered on June 28th at Yosemite High School.  Classes will begin at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (English speaking only).  There will be a class beginning at 11:00 a.m. for Spanish speaking residents.  Each class lasts 4 hours.

If you would like more information or would like to register for a class, call (559) 455-1000.

Strike Up The Band

Written by George and Ira Gershwin

Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call
While the people shout “Strike up the band”

Hear the cymbals ring
Callin’ one and all
To the martial swing, strike up the band

There is work to be done, to be done
Let’s have fun, fun, fun
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand

Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let’s go
Hey, leader, strike up the band!

Come one; come all to the Celebrate America 2008 annual concert.  On Sunday, June 29th at 6:30 p.m. you are all invited to come and listen to the wonderful music that will be performed by the Oakhurst Community Band.
 
Deciding to not have the audience and band members baking in the heat, festivities will instead be held this year at the Yosemite High School Gym.  Come and enjoy wonderful patriotic music such as America the Beautiful and God Bless the USA (one of my most favorite songs).  There will be marches, the national anthem sung, and other patriotic tunes as a salute to the amazing armed forces.  The Oakhurst Community Choir will also take center stage and is sure to wow the audience.

This is a family event and it is FREE.  People are encouraged to bring a picnic and stay for this great Americana show.  Seating will be in the bleachers and the floor for those who have difficulty with the bleachers.  For more information, call (559) 683-4667, extension 371.  There is also a special surprise that is very hush hush.  What could it be?

E-Waste Recycling

Nothing says “thank you” to mother earth like recycling unwanted items instead of throwing them into the landfills.  Many items that people throw away can cause dangerous chemicals to be released into the soil.  Many items that people throw away are not only dangerous, but illegal to put into landfills.  In Madera County, E-Waste Recycling is a top priority once again.

There will be two recycling days coming to the area to help you get rid of those unwanted, yet recyclable, items.  This Saturday, June 28th from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. you can drop off your unwanted electronics at the Coarsegold Historic Village.  Items they are collecting include televisions, computers and accessories, telephones, cell phones and microwaves.  The second collection day will be on July 12th from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot.

If you are unable to make either drop off day, you can call and make arrangements for a free pick up of your electronic items.  If you would like further information, contact the Coarsegold Village at (559) 683-3900 or the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce at (559) 683-7766.

You too can help keep America beautiful!

In continuation to the post on Monday.

Is your “behind” like a triangle?  If so, heavy weight denim with only a little stretch is the way to go.  It will help round out your backside.  Pockets that are set high toward the waist will help keep a balance in your rear appearance.

If you have a “low behind”, you will find that you might need a little lift.  Avoid jeans without back pockets.  Those jeans will make your backside look lower and thereby bigger than it actually is.  Slim fit jeans give the illusion of a higher backside because they make legs look longer and sleeker. 

If you find that your “behind” is a bit wide, you should avoid wide-leg jeans which cling to your widest point and no place else.  You should buy straight-leg or boot-cut shapes that have pockets that are closely set.  You don’t want too much fabric on the jeans.

According to About.com…. “In 1853, the California gold rush was in full swing, and everyday items were in short supply. Levi Strauss, a 24-year-old German immigrant, left New York for San Francisco with a small supply of dry goods with the intention of opening a branch of his brother’s New York dry goods business. Shortly after his arrival, a prospector wanted to know what Mr. Strauss was selling. When Strauss told him he had rough canvas to use for tents and wagon covers, the prospector said, “You should have brought pants!” saying he couldn’t find a pair of pants strong enough to last.  The rest folks…is history!

Jeans should highlight your fine points and hide your faults.  Now everyone….get out there and shop!

This post is mostly intended for the female readership, but perhaps some of the guys have experienced some of the same problems that the gals have.  If not, I hope that you enjoy the comic relief!

Ladies….who among you has not tried to wiggle into jeans that are a bit to tight?  Have you ever had to lie down to button your jeans and then walk around like a stick figure until your jeans loosened up?  Do you ever try jeans on and go “Yikes, these don’t fit either!”?

Jeans have been around for since 1853.  Only now do we all have choices that make buying jeans fun.  A recent study on jeans was done.  Here are some helpful hints on picking out the perfect pair of jeans…..

If you have a “bubble behind” jeans that have a high waist and/or a contoured seam above the back pockets are most likely to look the best on you.  Jeans that have some stretch in them are recommended.

If your “behind” is non-existent, you should wear jeans with eye catching posterior details.  Pockets with buttons, flaps or designer stitching will help give the illusion of having more backside than there actually is.

If you find that you have a “flat behind”, you will find that jeans with some spandex or Lycra will give the lift you need.  Wide set pockets and embellished stitching will help keep things round looking.  Don’t wear stiff denim as it will flatten you like a pancake!

Please check back Tuesday for the conclusion to this post.

I have previously written about the ongoing campaign of Mat Sands who is running for the position of honorary Mayor of Oakhurst.  He has come up with some very cleaver and fun fundraisers to help earn money/votes for his charity, the Harry H. Baker Boys and Girls Club.

The Harry H. Boys and Girls club is still in need of your help.  They do not want to close their doors permanently.  They need funding now and they are very grateful for Mat Sand for all the help he has given.

On June 20th, there will be a fundraising event at Sierra Lanes.  The cost is $20 for 2 hours of bowling. There will be music, disco lights and prizes.  Contact Sierra Lanes at 683-2695 to reserve your lane.

On June 21st everyone is invited to a one day opening of the Boys and Girls Club Skate Park.  Come to the KickFlip Challenge.  The event will begin at 12:00 noon and will cost $5 per person.  Enjoy watching pro-skaters, live music and more. Contact Westside Boardshop at 683-3383 for more info.

United First Financial has now joined the campaign.  They are dedicated to their customers who want to debt free.  They are offering a $25 donation to every qualified presentation and $100 to the “Mat for Mayor” campaign, with every program activation.   For more information call, Rick or Jane Cavin at 559-683-2693.  Come on everyone.  Help Mat get elected and the Harry H. Baker Boys and Girls Club re-open to the children who need it most!

You are probably more than aware that gas prices have spiked lately. And you may know that the gas that we use to fuel our cars is made using oil…but what do you know beyond that? Do you know anything about the oil industry itself? What do you know about the oil-rich nations that supply much of the world?
With gas prices climbing, people are doing a lot more thinking about oil and our reliance on it to continue our pace of life.

Like any other product, oil is bought and sold. However, there are political and social factors behind the selling price. There are also environmental factors that affect the oil supply.

If you are interested in learning more about what some people call “black gold,” come out to the Oakhurst Branch Library Reading Room from 7-9 pm on Friday June 20.

There, you can meet with the Oakhurst Democratic Forum and view the film, “The Oil Factor.” After everyone has finished watching the film, the group will discuss just why oil is getting so expensive.

Oakhurst Branch Library
49044 Civic Circle
Oakhurst, CA 93644
559-683-4838