Last month we at Go Platinum Lending were handing out free pumpkins to past and future clients in a celebration of our anniversary. This month we’re teaming up with Montecino & Associates in an effort to help the Marine Corps Reserve collect “Toys for Tots”. Toys for Tots has been around for 61 years and all the toys and money that we collect here in Eastern Madera County will be given back to the children in Eastern Madera County. We understand that many people are struggling financially this year – but if you are able to spare a few dollars for a new toy, think about the difference you can make for a child when they too have a present to open on Christmas day.

Christmas should be a happy family time – and by no means should it be measured in materialistic wealth. But Christmas should also be the time for joy and smiles. The way “Toys for Tots” works is that the Marine Corps Reserve will distribute the toys to the parents of the needing children. By donating a toy, you will make Christmas a joy for a child or two and also support our Marine Corps reserves.

The new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off in our Coarsegold office at

35285 Highway 41 # C. The gifts can range from $1 to $20 – the children receiving them are all ages from newborn to teens.

The last day for donations is December 12th so don’t wait.

We thank you for your support.

Last month we at Go Platinum Lending were handing out free pumpkins to past and future clients in a celebration of our anniversary. This month we’re teaming up with Montecino & Associates in an effort to help the Marine Corps Reserve collect “Toys for Tots”. Toys for Tots has been around for 61 years and all the toys and money that we collect here in Eastern Madera County will be given back to the children in Eastern Madera County. We understand that many people are struggling financially this year – but if you are able to spare a few dollars for a new toy, think about the difference you can make for a child when they too have a present to open on Christmas day.

Christmas should be a happy family time – and by no means should it be measured in materialistic wealth. But Christmas should also be the time for joy and smiles. The way “Toys for Tots” works is that the Marine Corps Reserve will distribute the toys to the parents of the needing children. By donating a toy, you will make Christmas a joy for a child or two and also support our Marine Corps reserves.

The new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off in our Coarsegold office at 35285 Highway 41 # C. The gifts can range from $1 to $20 – the children receiving them are all ages from newborn to teens.

The last day for donations is December 12th so don’t wait.

We thank you for your support.

I remember my first haunted house.  I was scared out of my mind!!!  I vowed I would never go in another haunted house.  After many years, when I was at college, I went with a group of friends to FRIGHTMARE.  This haunted house was in downtown San Diego and it was SCARY.  I will never forget being at the back of the line and feeling our way through the dark.  After screaming the entire way through the haunted house we saw a light at the end of the tunnel.  As the light grew larger and larger we figured we had survived.  That was until a man in a freaky mask came up from behind us and fired up his chainsaw.  My friend and I went from the back of the line to the front of the line in less than 1 second knocking over everyone who was in our way.  As we stumbled over the last person we looked up and saw the busy street of downtown San Diego.  We stood up looked at eachother and turned our heads back towards the exit of the haunted house just in time to see our other friends flying out the door of the haunted house.  We all caught our breath and just started laughing.  From that moment on I was hooked.  Each year I look forward to all the great haunted houses.  As Halloween approaches I can’t wait to go to a haunted house. 

 On that note.  the Sierra Lions Club of Oakhurst is hosting their 2nd Annual Haunted House at the end  of October.  Not only can you attend and get scared out of your wits but you can also sponsor a tombstone.  Let’s join together and help the Lions Club raise money for their organization.  I can’t wait to go! 

This past weekend, while checking out real estate in Eastern Madera County, I decided to take a short drive to Mariposa where they were holding the 2^nd annual Blazing Hogs BBQ competition.  My good friend, Dennis Fairbanks, a Realtor for the Fairbanks Real Estate Group at Montecino and Associates Real Estate, was competing in the contest with his famous ribs and chicken.  Being a retired CHP officer, Dennis joined up with retired officer Dave Huskey and active officer Jim Mann. They call themselves “3 Guns a Smokin”. 

I arrived just in time to see the three chippies running franticly to meet the meat turn in time. With their fancy water smokers and kill to die for rub and sauce, they captured prizes in all categories.

It appears the 2^nd annual Blazing Hogs BBQ was a huge success with proceeds going to help Mariposa’s only hospital, John C Fremont. With record breaking attendance, outstanding entertainment and great weather I am sure next year will be bigger and better.

Next time you drive through the town of Coarsegold drop in the local real estate office and ask Dennis when and where they will be BBQing again, you’ll be glad you did.

This year so many families have been affected by natural disasters.  For those affected by such trajedy you’d hope that they would be able to receive assistance.  Mariposa County faced a devasting year of fires.  The Telegraph Fire and Oliver Fire left many with only ashes of memories.  With hope of assistance from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) many were ready to rebuild thier lives and build new memories.  However the hope of aid from FEMA was declined.  FEMA has now turned their attention to the victims of the hurricanes.  Is this fair?  Why is FEMA doing this?  Should everyone who needs it, receive it?  I was shocked to hear on the channel 30 news that local residents of Mariposa will not be receiving any assistance from FEMA.  I don’t think this is right.  One victim needs just as much help as the other. 

RUN FOR THE GOLDCAR SHOW IF YOU LIKE CLASSIC CARS, YOU’LL ENJOY THIS ONE.THE OAKHURST SIERRA SUNRISE ROTARY WILL BE HOSTING THE ANNUAL CAR SHOW THIS COMING WEEKEND, AS FOLLOWS: FRIDAY NIGHTLOCATION: OAKHURST LODGE (HWY 41 AND 426)INCLUDES: A WONDERFUL DINNER OF                                    TRI TIP, HOMEMADE CHILI BEANS, RICE                                     RICE PILAF, SALAD AND GARLIC BREADCOST FOR DINNER: $12.00 PER PERSONTIME: BEGINS AT 5:30 P.M.THE LODGE WILL HAVE A FULL ARRAY OF CLASSIC CARS FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE SO COME ON OUT AND ENJOY THE CARS AND A GREAT MEAL. SATURDAY 8:00 UNTIL 2:00 P.M.THE CARS, APPROXIMATLEY 150, WILL MOVE OVER TO THE OAKHURST COMMUNITY PARK.THERE WILL BE SEVERAL MEAL VENUES FOR YOUR APPETITES WHILE YOU ENJOY THE CAR SHOW. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

The telegraph fire in Mariposa this past month left many community members homeless.  These victims have experienced many people’s worst nightmare.  Many of us shake our heads in disbelief wondering what we can do to help.  Drop off sites have been set up for donations of clothes, household goods, and anything you think these victims may need.  My challenge to all of you living in Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties is to go through your homes and pack up clothes you don’t wear, furniture you don’t sit on, kitchen items you don’t use, and anything that is collecting dust that you would be willing to donate.  I know with the help of community members of Mariposa, Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Raymond, Ahwahnee, Fish Camp, and North Fork together we can help these victims to get back on their feet.  For more information you can call 209-966-2000, for monetary donations call 209-966-2456 or log onto abc30.com. 

A BBQ competition here in Mariposa?  On September 20 the 2^nd Annual “BLAZIN HOG” BBQ Competition will be held at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.  Not only will there be food, lots of good food (I suspect), drinks and music but there will be other activities for children.  What a great event to take the entire family to and know that all proceeds will benefit the JCF Hospital Foundation.   If you want more information regarding this event log onto www.blazinhog.com. Enjoy the food!

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!