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| Summer in the mountains becomes a great time for adventure and hiking. It’s a time to be out in the greatest places that nature can provide. Unfortunately every year we hear of people getting lost, hurt and even losing their lives while on an adventure as short as a day hike. Although accidents do happen, lots can be avoided by following some simple safety rules. | ||
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About the Museum: The mseum is located on property that once was part of an old horse-drawn-freight wagon road (pre-Hwy 41) and an original historical adobe freight way-station. The 110+ year old building is a “packed adobe” made of mud and rock. After its use as a way-station, it was used for many years as a home. It is currently in the process of restoration and the progress can be viewed by visitors to the museum.The grounds also have a barn that the dedicated volunteers of the organization restored. It now houses the museum. In it artifacts and history of the region can be viewed. Also in the building are the research library and the Historical Society’s office.
Various sections of the museum represent the Coarsegold Market and Supply, a blacksmith and tool shop, a gold-panner hard at work, a tack shop, the kitchen of the Picayune School, an area of Indian artifacts, and an extensive display of pictures and articles about eastern Madera County. The barn has been dedicated to Ethel Kennedy who originally owned the property. The Coarsegold Historic Museum is owned and operated by the Coarsegold Historical Society, an educational nonprofit entity. The Coarsegold Historical Society was formed in 1981 to study and share the wonderful history of Eastern Madera County and the area known as Coarsegold in particular. From research the book As We Were Told was produced. Members interviewed 102 “old time” families (dating to the early 1800s) of the region and complied their stories to share with others. Various books about the area and its legends are available for purchase.In 1994 the Picayune School (in use from 1913 to 1956) was moved to the property. It was an elementary school especially for the local Chukchansi Yokut Indians. Picayune School is the only one-room schoolhouse in the local mountain area to be displayed as a school and is furnished with items dating to the period of its original use. It is now restored and listed on the California Register of Historic Sites and is a designated local Historical Landmark by the Madera County Board of Supervisors.
According to The US Highway Safety Authority, in 2002, 20.9 cars out of 100,000 ended up in fatal crashes. The rate for motorcycles is 66.7 per 100,000. That means Motorcycle riders are at a much grater risk to be in a fatal crash than a driver of a car.So, why do most motorcycle accidents happen?According to the most comprehensive motorcycle safety studies to date:“The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.”What’s the lesson here? Drivers aren’t seeing motorcyclists. The motorcyclist is invisible. Most accidents happen because a driver of a car did not see the motorcyclist. According to the studies, 77% of two vehicle accidents occur in the front positions of the motorcycle. The area behind the driver, accounts only for about 3% of impacts. Drivers aren’t just seeing motorcyclists; they aren’t seeing them when they are approaching from the front.Taking away the accidents where motorcyclists are speeding, unsafe passing or under the influence, we see that most frequent accident happens when the motorcycle is proceeding straight and a car makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle. Intersections are the most likely place for these types of accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle’s right-of-way. The likelihood of injury is extremely high in motorcycle accidents, 98% of the multiple vehicle collisions and 96% of the single vehicle accidents result in some kind of injury to the motorcycle rider; 45% resulted in more than a minor injury. Therefore, proper body protection can help if you are in an accident. How to be safe and lower the risk of injury or death, ride defensively and follow the rules of the road. Make yourself visible to all approaching drivers, (Good rule of thumb, if you can’t see the face of the approaching driver he can’t see you) and always wear proper body protection.Remember - Knowledge is Power – use information to be a safe motorcycle driver and to get the equipment you need to stay safe. Contact and attend a motorcycle safety class. Call 1 877 RIDE 411.
Fishing season is here and whatever your fishing choice, the Sierra National Forest provides numerous opportunities for stream and lake fishing. For information on fishing regulations make sure to check out the California Department of Fish and Game regulations.Fresh water stream fishing on the Sierra National Forest is open from the last weekend in April through November 15. All lakes are open year around, though access may be limited due to seasonal closure of roads due to snow. All lakes and reservoirs on the Forest are open year around for fishing except were seasonal closures apply, such as Mammoth Pool. Anglers, 16 years and older, who plan to fish in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes need to obtain a California fishing license. This year the fee for an annual license is around $32.00 and can be obtained at local stores. When you obtain a permit make sure to pick up a copy of the Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulation Book, as it provides information on fishing restrictions, the type of hooks and bait you can use, the amount of trout you can catch and possess, and how you must display your license.
Have fun, good fishing and following the CATCH & RELEASE practice is a good thing.
Photos by Laura Norman
Coarsegold 4-Hers have been busy as usual. March 11th was Kid’s Day and Coarsegold 4-Hers helped support Valley Children’s Hospital. The Coarsegold 4-H sold Kid’s Day Papers for $1 in front of Raley’s and other businesses. The paper sales were a great success, selling a lot of newspapers and getting a lot of money for Valley Children’s Hospital. This was a community service project which is something encouraged by 4-H.
Large Animal Exposition was held at the Madera Fairgrounds on March 29th. Those 4-Her who participated were given study material for their level which they studied so they could prepare to compete. The kids who participated were tested on tack, feed, skills, showmanship, and judging of their particular animal. There was also a prewritten test that the kids had to test on a few weeks before the event. Those who participated from Coarsegold 4-H are as follows. In Swine, Eirena Ewert got a medal in Swine level two. Evan Ewert got a certificate in Swine level four. In Sheep, Daphne Norman medaled in level four, James Gonzales medaled in level two, and Elyjah Hussey also medaled in level one. This event is fun because in addition to the testing, there is time while waiting for the results to be announced for the 4-Hers to go get lunch, play fun games, and also just hang out with each other
Watch for our upcoming events. Our biggest fundraiser of the year is coming up in May. We have a snow cone booth at the Coarsegold Rodeo and all the mountain area schools come to the rodeo on Friday, which is our busiest day. So if you do not want to wait in a long line, I suggest that you come on Saturday or Sunday to buy that snow cone and support Coarsegold 4-H. County 4-H Camp is also coming up. The dates are July 13-17. The theme this year is 4-H Camp Goes Hillbilly. There is also a Fashion Revue coming up at the Madera High School North Cafeteria on April 26th. The Fashion Show starts at 1:00 pm, and all spectators are welcome. The much anticipated Chowchilla-Madera County Fair is will be held on May 15-18th.
Learn about the culture of the Miwok Indians at an authentic Miwork village. Pan for Gold and relive the life of the old west. All this and more can be done in Coarsegold at the Gold Gulch Museum. There is so much to learn and do at the museum, located on Hwy 41, North of Coarsegold at the Broken Bit. Call them at 559 683-8727.
The place to be on May 17, 2008, is Wasuma Elementary School where you can celerbrate life and join the fight against cancer. Each year the American Cancer Society, with the help of many local volunteers put on the event national known as Relay For Life®. It’s a time and place where people come to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against a disease that touches all our lives.
Join this year and be a part of the celebration and fight for life.
Your involvement will help the American Cancer Society work towards a mission of eliminating cancer and will support much needed services in our community. If you want to be a part of the fight against cancer or your interested in learning more or receiving an invitation, please email Rebecca Morris at rebecca.morris@oakhurstmed.net
It was inevitable and now it is official. The winter season’s snow pack is low and water restrictions have arrived. For those living in California, this might not be anything new, but none-the-less a bit of a pain to deal with. The Hillview Water Company has announced mandatory water restrictions for the Oakhurst-Sierra Lakes service area.
Things are looking a little better though in comparison to last year. Last year, Oakhurst residents were only allowed to water their landscaping two times per week. This year, we are allowed to water three times per week. There will not be any watering allowed on any Sunday. Residents with addresses ending in even numbers are allowed to water on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s. Residents with odd numbered addresses are allowed to water on Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Saturdays.
There is NO watering allowed between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. There should be no washing of cars, sidewalks, walkways, driveways etc. Residents should continue to check for leaks or broken water connections. Never leave a hose unattended. Those residents who have a swimming pool must apply in writing for permission to fill your pool prior to June 30th. Permission will not be granted in July or August.
Hillview is reporting that five new wells went online last July and more improvements are expected. Residents should expect that restrictions will be in effect from May 25th until September 25th.
Governor Schwarzenegger advised all California residents to be diligent about water conservation this past week. I guess it is time to put that brick back inside the toilet!
The 2008 Coarsegold Rodeo was a great success. Montecino & Associates hosted a booth and enjoyed seeing many past clients as well as meeting many future clients. Montecino & Associates handed out flags and candy as well as displayed information on the real estate market and many flyers of our properties.
If you did not make it to this years rodeo we encourage you to visit us next year in beautiful Coarsegold California.
In the early 1960’s, environmental issues were not the front running conversation with any political leader. In 1963, Senator Gaylord Nelson asked President John F. Kennedy to go on a conservation tour with him. The President agreed, but no new changes occurred with the environment until Nelson came up with a new idea in 1969. The Senator invited people throughout the country to participate in a demonstration on April 22, 1970. He hoped to raise awareness of the need to protect our environment. The day was billed as “Earth Day” and was a huge success. Today, many areas across the country acknowledge “Earth Day” with celebrations and festivals.
The Mariposa County Composting Facility is inviting the public to come and celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 26th from 10 am until 4 pm. Come and enjoy a special waste reduction themed day. There will be displays, door prizes, an art show put on by students, and activities for the children. The art show centers around the importance of waste managements “4Rs” (reduce, reuse, recycle and re-buy).
While at the Composting Facility, you can take a tour and learn more about recycling and experience how everyday trash is converted to help save our earth.
Local artists Lorna Pollock and Scott McGrath will dazzle you as they convert trash into art. Pollock will be making a life size tin can man out of materials collected from the recycling center. Scott McGrath will create a sculpture out of metal which will be raffled off at the end of the day.
So gather the kids and head out on an educational adventure. Everyone is sure to learn and experience something new.
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