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!

Are you looking to do something new for a change?  The Golden Chain Theatre is a great way to spend an evening full of fun and entertainment.  Now through September 14^th, they are currently presenting Love, Sick, and Montezuma’s Gold.  Opening night, August 2, is already SOLD OUT!!  The Golden Chain Theatre has a long history in Madera County’s Oakhurst area.  It is a 19^th century historic and melodramatic theatre.  This theatre located on Highway 41 just north of town in Oakhurst has been around 1965 when community members thought that Oakhurst needed something to offer its tourists on their way to Yosemite National Park.  For more information and tickets log onto http://www.goldenchaintheatre.org/ 

This year is the worst fire season on record. It seems just as one fire is contained another begins. The Telegraph fire in Mariposa is posing a huge threat to the Mariposa’s communities. As of 11:30 last night, it has burned nearly 30,000 acres, has destroyed 25 homes and 27 other structures. In addition, 4,000 residences in the communities of Midpines, Briceburg, Mariposa, Greenley Hill, Coulterville, Bear Valley, and Mt. Bullion Camp are still being threatened. In a situation like this we need to pull together as a community and assist all those in need. The American Red Cross is doing its part and we need to do our part. This fire is not only affecting the residents of the community but others around the valley. The air quality remains unhealthy and it is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outside activities. Lets join forces and lend a helping hand to all those in need. If you have any ideas what we as a community can do to help out let us know by responding to this blog.

Have you forgotten about our local Oakhurst Library?  Our library, tucked behind the fire station on Civic Circle Dr., is often forgotten about and overlooked.  However, you may want to stop by and visit Madera’s Oakhurst Branch Library and see what summer fun they are offering for everyone.  Every Thursday at 10:30 kids can enjoy preschool story time.  In addition to story time, there have been magicians, music, storytelling, and other organized activities.  The library is offering summer reading programs and craft classes for children grades K-8.  The library is not only for the children; adults can enjoy poetry presentations, lectures, art exhibits, concerts, and the relaxing sounds of their grand piano.  The library is a place for all to enjoy.  Stop in and check it out.

COLLIN RAYE is COMING to TOWNChukchansi Gold Casino in Coarsegold, California is hosting Collin Raye August 1^st.  Collin Raye has earned five Platinum Albums, he has had fifteen #1 hits and twenty-four top 10’s.  He has an amazing voice that captivates audiences of all ages.  It is not everyday a talented musician comes to Madera County.  I would encourage all those living in the mountain areas of Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Raymond, North Fork and those in Fresno, Clovis and neighboring cities to take a night to enjoy the music performed by Collin Raye.  Ticket prices range from 20 to 30 dollars and can be purchased at the Gallery Boutique or at ticketmaster.com.  You will receive a $5 discount when showing your Rewards Card at the Gallery Boutique.  To find out more about Collin Raye log on to http://www.collinraye.com/ .  In addition to attending an amazing show, you will have a chance to win $500 for more information on how to win “Post Show Dough” log onto http://www.chukchansigold.com/entertainment/index.html .  

Surviving the Heat Wave

With record breaking temperatures, what can we do to keep cool?  We are so lucky to live in the mountain community; there are many places to go and activities to do to avoid the heat.  Cooling centers are opened to the public at the Coarsegold Community Center, Oakhurst Sierra Senior Center, in North Fork and Mariposa.  If you are looking for some fun, indoor activities try visiting Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino for food, fun, and entertainment, going the Met Cinema to watch a movie, or visiting the local Oakhurst branch library.  If you have children, the Children’s Museum is a great place to take the kids as well as Have a Ball which is an indoor sports arena for kids of all ages.  If you are looking for an outdoor activity to keep you cool, consider driving to Yosemite Valley or Mariposa Groves for a hike, cooling off with a swim at Bass Lake or renting a boat or jet ski to enjoy, or you could visit the pool at Yosemite High School’s Baker Swim Complex.  There are many ways to stay cool in our mountain community.  Use your imagination and let me know what other ideas you can come up with. 

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo

When was the last time you went to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo?  We are so fortunate to live nearby such a wonderful zoo and should take advantage of all it has to offer.  The zoo has many species of animals to see and is affordable for an entire family to visit.  The Chaffee zoo is centrally located and is a short drive from anywhere in the central valley.  It was not until just this year that we came to realize what a wonderful zoo we have in our backyard.  We have become members and have even adopted an animal.  Membership has many benefits.  As a member you get discounts on tickets to Breakfast with the Animals, Ice Cream Zoofari and ZooBoo, a discount at Playland and Storyland, you receive the quarterly members’ ZooNews magazine, free or discounted admission to over 120 zoos nationwide, and many other benefits.  Checkout their website at http://www.fresnochaffeezoo.com/index.html  and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

MUDD Volleyball- Dare you to get dirty. 

Every year in August local fire departments, radio stations, and other organizations put on a MUDD Volleyball tournament.  This fundraiser is guaranteed to be the most fun event you will participate in.  You will laugh harder than you ever had and of course, you will get dirtier than you could ever dream.  It is held in Fresno off of Shaw and 99 near the Island water park.  All proceeds go to the March of Dimes foundation that is dedicated to finding a cause of pre-mature babies.  Put on an old pair of shoes, some old clothes and join us for a day of fun.  This year it will be held on August 23.  For more information contact the Fresno City Fire Department or log on to http://www.eteamz.com/FresnoMuddVolleyball/ . 

Hope to see you there!!!!

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.