Community Briefs for November 5, 2009 edition

(Updated: Thursday, November 05, 2009, 6:38 PM)

Golden 1 Credit Union kicks off food drive

With food banks struggling to meet demands, Golden 1 Credit Union is pleased to announce its annual food drive. Bins for donations of non-perishable food items and other necessities for underprivileged families have been placed in each of the credit union's 83 offices and its operations center.

"The Golden 1 Credit Union has been helping its members and the communities it serves for over 75 years," Teresa A. Halleck, Golden 1 President and CEO said. "We're proud to once again reach out to local food banks and help them acquire the contributions necessary to support those in need as we head toward the holiday season."

Last year, a similar food drive resulted in 8,800 pounds of food items being donated during a three-week period.

"Credit unions were founded on the philosophy of people helping people," Halleck said. "We encourage Golden 1 members and non-members alike to bring donations into any Golden 1 office."

The Oakhurst office is located in the Raley's shopping center.

Control garden critters

Manzanita Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Oakhurst Branch Library. The Federal Trapper for Madera County will present suggestions for controlling pesky garden critters.

Details: Carol, (559) 683-8283.

Drive through barbecue

A drive-through barbecue tri-tip dinner will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Sierra Star parking lot on Crane Valley Road (426) to raise funds for the Artists in the Schools program. The program is being sponsored by the California Arts Council and the Vision Academy.

The meal will include a quarter-pound of tri-tip, beans, cole slaw and a roll. Cost of the meal is $10 per plate.

Details: Sheila Adams, (559) 642-4329.

Christmas tree auction

This year's event, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst and other local charities, will be held on Sunday Dec. 6 in The Pines Resort's Lake View Room. Doors open for the silent auction, raffle, hors d'oeuvres and complimentary champagne at 3 p.m. Bidding for the live auction begins at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased at Sierra Telephone, Foster Parker & Macaulay, at the event and on the Web site at www.BGCOakhurst.com, then click on Donate Now.

The Christmas tree auction has fast become a holiday tradition for the Mountain Area. More than 200 silent auction items are offered in addition to a raffle and a door prize. The live auction portion of the evening features more than 30 hand-decorated full sized trees, table-top trees and wreaths. Proceeds from live auction items are shared between the numerous participating charities.

Details: Rima Runtzel, (559) 642-0313.

International speaker at Positive Living Center

International speaker and author Eros Christos will appear at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the Positive Living Center, 49269 Golden Oak Drive, Suite 103. He is well-known for interacting with both dolphins and whales in the open ocean of Hawaii. He will focus on ego transformation and energetic frequency shifts.

Martha's Market Holiday Boutique

The Ladies of Christ Church Anglican have been busy all year working on handcrafted items including constructing table linens, holiday decorations, tote bags and unique gifts for their Martha's Market Holiday Boutique, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in the church parish hall.

The women have made table linens, holiday decorations, tote bags, gift items, specialty wooden items, handmade accessories and, for animal enthusiasts, homemade food and treats for pets.

They also will sell mustards, jams, jellies and specialty foods made to order.

Lunch will also be available with the purchase of a ticket, will include either shepherd's pie or chicken pot pie with salad and dessert. Tickets cost $3.50 in advance and $5 at the door.

The parish hall of Christ Church is on Highway 41 at the entrance to the Evergreen Conference Center of Oakhurst, north of Sky Ranch Road. Details: (559) 683-7374.

Patriotic concert

The Vision Academy of the Arts Scholarship Fundraiser Concert "The 50 States -- Our America," will be presented at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at New Community United Methodist Church in Oakhurst. All funds will be for 2010 scholarships for seniors who will major in art.

A $5 donation will be asked at the door for tickets.

Details: (559) 683-7071.

Military personnel

Soroptimist International of The Sierras has been mailing Christmas packages to military personnel from the local area for more than 30 years. These packages consist of home-made cookies, candies and other needed items.

If you live in the local area and have a friend or relative who is serving in the military, regardless of where they are stationed, please submit their name and address so they may receive a package. Contact Dannie Forbes, (559) 760-7335 or (559) 683-7412. Names and addresses may also be dropped off at the Sierra Telephone business office on Crane Valley Road (426). Submit names no later than Nov. 15. Packages will be mailed Nov. 19.

Shopportunity

The Yosemite Sierra Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors presents this Shopportunity event -- an event to help get that holiday shopping done and keep tax dollars in the community. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Oakhurst Community Center. Items for sale will include linens, candles, jewelry, home decor, baked goods, handbags and children's books. Admission is free.

Rivergold gives tribute to veterans

Rivergold School is happy to honor veterans on Nov.10. All veterans from any branch of service are invited. The event will be held from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. in the Rivergold multi-purpose room.

Three second grade classes will perform their tribute to heroes. Refreshments will follow.

RSVP by calling Kori Davis, Chris McMillen or JoAnne Steffke, (559) 658-7566 or jsteffke@coarsegoldusd.com.

MCW Christmas boutique

Looking for the perfect Christmas present? Come to the annual Christmas Antique & Boutique Faire held by Mountain Community Women, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Oakhurst Community Center, Road 425B. A wide range of items are being sold as well as food and home- baked goodies made by the MCW ladies. A few spots are left for vendors. All proceeds benefit the Oakhurst Community Center. Contributions to the organization are tax deductible.

Details: Nancy, (559) 642-6253.

Pasta dinner

Our Lady of the Sierra Church will hold a Pasta Dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the church, 40180 Indian Springs Road, above Fresno Flats. $7 adults, $3.50 for pre-teens.

Details: (559) 658-6325.