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Calendar for October 29, 2009 edition

(Updated: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 1:46 PM)

What's Happening

Friday, Oct. 30

Raymond Benefit Dinner - The annual Raymond Volunteer Fire Department Spaghetti Benefit Dinner and Halloween Dance will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Raymond General Store. This event is particularly important this year due to the budget cuts.

Details: (559) 658-7424.

Oct. 30, 31 & Nov. 1

Bass Lake Fall Festival - The 27th Annual Bass Lake Festival Arts & Crafts Fair will be at the Pines Village every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be music, food and a huge variety of arts. Admission and parking is free. Details: (559) 288-6614 or www.thecraftfair.org.

Saturday, Oct. 31

Krizan at Willow Bridge - The public should recognize the name Tony Krizan from his on-going column in the Sierra Star about his mountain hiking adventures. The public will be able to meet him and hear him speak at 2 p.m. See page B8 for details.

Sunday, Nov. 1

GeoTourism Deadline - For those interested in participating with the National Geographic tourism project in Eastern Madera County, make sure all nominations are in by Nov. 1. Details: www.sierrageotourism.org.

Monday, Nov. 2

Fire closure, development - The Ahwahnee Community Council will meet at 5 p.m. in the staff meeting room at Wasuma School in Ahwahnee. Discussion will include impending winter closures of the Cal Fire stations in Ahwahnee and Raymond and the EIR for the Sierra Meadows Development.

Details: Dan Francoeur, (559) 683-5148.

Thursday, Nov. 5

Western Style Mixer - Grab your spurs and enjoy an old fashion western hoe down and barbecue from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sierra Sky Ranch, 50552 Sierra Sky Ranch Road, Oakhurst. Prizes will be awarded for best western style costume. The event is open to the public. There will be a no host bar.

Saturday, Nov. 7

Martha's Market Holiday Boutique - Get a head start on holiday shopping. Stop by Martha's Market Holiday Boutique from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christ Church Anglican's parish hall.

Details: (559) 683-7374.

Thursday, October 29

* Waste Tire Amnesty for Mountain Area residents, you must make a reservation; limit nine tires without rims, no out of county tires and proof of residency required. No tractor or diesel tires or larger will be accepted. Oakhurst. Details: Madera County Code Enforcement (559) 675-7821.

Friday, October 30

* 5th Annual Raymond Volunteer Fire Department - Spaghetti Benefit Dinner and Halloween Dance, 5 - 8 p.m.; all proceeds to Raymond Volunteer Fire Department. Dessert available from Raymond - Knowles 8th grade bake sale. The Raymond General Store, Raymond. Advance tickets $10, at the door $12. Details: Erica (559) 658-7424.

Friday, October 30 to October 31

* Sierra Lions 3rd Annual Haunted House, 7 - 10 p.m.; children 13 and under must be accompanied by paying adult. No drop offs. No refunds to those unable to finish or for the weather. 45895 Highway 49, Ahwahnee. $6 each or pre-purchase at Oakhurst Feed for $5 each.

Saturday, October 31

* Free Harvest Festival, 5 - 8 p.m.; bounce houses, inflatable jousting, candy, cake walk and carnival games. Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, 45543 Road 415, Coarsegold. Free. Details: Pastor Steve (559) 683-8056, website: www.lighthousecg.org.

* Harvest Festival at Yosemite Lakes Community Church, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Carnival with bounce house, petting zoo, games booths, cake walk, silent auction, raffle, live music, Karaoke, tri-tip, Mexican food, and much more. Carnival will end with Trunk-or-Treat at 5 p.m. 43840 Patrick Avenue, Coarsegold. game booths and food tickets are 5 for $1 .

* Trunk or Treat - J Carol Graham Realty , 5:30 p.m. ; bounce house, hot dogs, costume contest. Highway 41, Coarsegold. Details: Carol (559) 658-2486.

* Trunk or Treat - Sierra Pines Church, 5 p.m.; games, costume contest, prizes, candy, food. Highway 49, Oakhurst. Details: www.sierrapineschurch.com.

Monday, November 2

* Republican Party of Madera County (RPMC), 11:30 a.m. ; lunch followed by regular monthly meeting. Guest speaker to be announced. All welcome. Website www.MaderaGOP.org. Madera Muni Golf Course Banquet Room, 23200 Avenue 17, Madera. $11 per person . Details: Please RSVP Secretary Bobbie (559) 683-0719 .

Wednesday, November 4

* California Retired Teachers Assoc. meeting, 10 a.m.; reservations must be made by Oct. 23, call Flo at (559) 760-4929 or email at flochartier@hotmail.com. Bus from Madera, meet at the Madera Fair Grounds at Lowes at 9 a.m. North Fork Indian Museum, North Fork. $18 month.

Friday, November 6

* Urban Circus, 7 p.m.; enjoy an evening of dance and talent by some of Coarsegold, most talented young performers. All proceeds support the schools. Rivergold Elementary School, Coarsegold. $5 students, $8 adults. Details: (559) 696-1151.

Saturday, November 7

* Democratic Club, breakfast 9 a.m.; meeting 9:30 a.m., Dr. Daniel O'Meara, "One Physician's Opinion on Health Care," Ol' Kettle Restaurant, 40530 Highway 41, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 658-2342.

* Martha's Market (the ladies of Christ Church - Anglican), 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; one-of-a-kind hand crafted specialty wooden items, holiday decorations, tote bags, unique gifts and more. Lunch served choice of Shepherd pie or chicken pot pie, salad and dessert. Parish Hall of Christ Church, Highway 41 at E.C.C.O., Oakhurst. $3.50 pre-order or $5 at the door.. Details: (559) 683-7374.

* Yosemite High School Badger Band "3rd Annual Rummage Sale" , We need your donations! YHS main parking lot, Oakhurst. Details: my3sons@psnw.com, joy@oakhurstcpas.com or call Laura (559) 474-2680 or Joy (559) 3738.

* Yosemite Western Artist - Portrait Show and Art Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Historic Gertrude School, 41760 Road 600, Ahwahnee.

Monday, November 9

* "Books are Fun" sidewalk sale book fair, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; portion of the proceeds donated to Madera County Hospice. Open to the public. Books and gifts at 70% off retail, cookbooks, children's books, CC's, variety of gifts and more. Sierra Telephone, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-4611.

Wednesday, November 11

* Veterans Day Service presented by the Little Church on the Hill Foundation, 11 a.m.; will give thanks for the sacrifice of thousands of men and women for the freedoms we and others enjoy as Americans. Service includes patriotic hymns, short message, prayers and readings. Service lead by Reverend David A. Sebastian, pastor of Oakhurst Lutheran Church. Little Church on the Hill at the Alkali Cemetery, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683- HOPE.

Friday, November 13

* Urban Circus, 7 p.m.; enjoy an evening of dance and talent by some of Coarsegold, most talented young performers. All proceeds support the schools. Coarsegold School, Coarsegold. $5 students, $8 adults. Details: (559) 696-1151.

Saturday, November 14

* Blood Drive - Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Yosemite Bank parking lot, 35344 Highway 41, , Coarsegold. Details: Sherri Smith (559) 676-5122.

* Ladies of the Lakes' Annual "Holiday Boutique", 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; one of a kind hand made crafts and fine arts, high school scholarship raffle, bake sale, hot dogs and snacks. Benefits community projects. Over 40 vendors for your holiday shopping.

Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse, Coarsegold. Details: Sandra McCart (559) 658-5990.

* Our Lady of the Sierra Women's Guild Holiday Boutique, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; craft items, cookie walk, baked goods, door prizes and new this year a Nativity Scene display. Soup and salad lunch $5 served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. church hall, 40180 Indian Springs Road, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-3901.

Tuesday, November 17

* Blood Drive - Mountain Area Churches, 3 to 7 p.m.; all donors receive a variety of discounts from valley businesses for dining, recreation, entertainment, and services. Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst . Details: John Irwin (559) 658-6171.

Wednesday, November 18

* SOS - Service Organization of the Sierra presents the 27th Holiday Luncheon and Boutique, opens at 10 a.m. and Lunch 11:30 a.m.; Community Center, Oakhurst. $15 Tickets must be purchased in advance. Details: Susan (559) 299-7781.

Friday, November 20 to December 4

* Christmas Tree Auction - 8th Annual Holiday Event, ; Bid on-line prior to this special event! These additional items available only on-line. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club and other local charities. Details: (559) 683-9000 or www.SupportBGClub.cMarket.com.

Saturday, November 21

* Blood Drive - Jamba Juice, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; all donors receive a smoothie from Jamba Juice 40208 Highway 41, Oakhurst . Details: Dane Goodard (559) 658-8555.

Thursday, November 26

* Thanksgiving Day Free Annual Community Dinner, 12 - 3 p.m.; everyone is invited, reservations required. Coarsegold Community Center, 35540 Highway 41, Coarsegold. Free. Details: Karen (559) 642-2117 or Iris (559) 683-7415.

Monday-Friday

* Senior Nutrition Program - North Fork , closed holidays; Community Center, North Fork. Details: Betty Lyons (559) 877-2653.

* Senior Nutrition Program - Oakhurst, closed holidays; Sierra Senior Center, Oakhurst. Details: JoAnn Foster (559) 683-3811.

* Senior Nutrition Program - Coarsegold, meals are served 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; closed holidays. Community Center, Coarsegold. Details: Sidney Wheeler (559) 683-7953.

Mondays

* Bingo -Coarsegold Community Center, doors open at 5 p.m.; Bingo 6:30 p.m., food and drink. 35610 Highway 41. Details: Agnes (559) 683-5646.

* Canteen Coffee Time, 6 to 10 a.m. ; free coffee offered to veterans and their spouses. Happy Burger, Mariposa. Details: Greg Fritz (209) 742-5351.

* Duplicate Bridge, 10 a.m.; Whittenburg Hall, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 658-8952.

* Alanon, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; Yosemite Lakes Park Community Church, 43840 Patrick Avenue, Coarsegold. Details: (559)683-1166.

* Toastmasters- Mountain High Talkers, 7 p.m.; develop public speaking with Toastmasters. Sierra Telephone Conference Room 49150 Crane Valley Road (426), Oakhurst. Details: Sharon Gaston (559) 642-0019.

First Monday

* Mountain Community Women, 9:30 a.m.; Instead of speaker our annual "Taters and Tables" luncheon. Community Center on Road 425B, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 692-2947 or (559) 642-4711.

* Wild Wonderful Women & Friends, 4 p.m.; monthly meeting King Vintage Museum, 40680 Highway 41 next to Days Inn, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 658-7508.

Second Monday

* Madera Oversight Coalition, 6 p.m.; all welcome Branch Library, Oakhurst. Details: Helen Brohm, (559) 641-2599 or www.moci.org.

* "Look Good - Feel Better" program, 3 - 5 p.m.; Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. Call and get scheduled for the next class. American Cancer Society Oakhurst. Details: (800) ACS-2345.

Tuesdays

* Bingo - Oakhurst Senior Center, 12:15 p.m.; 11:30 lunch available with order placed 24 hours in advance at (559) 683-3811. Road 425B. 50 cents per card.

* Alanon, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; 49233 Crane Valley Road (426) New Community United Methodist Church, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-1166.

First and Third Tuesdays

* MOPS - Mothers of preschooler's, 9 a.m.; meet new friends, enjoy breakfast, speakers and crafts. Evangelical Free Church, 50443 School Road (427), Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-2254.

Second Tuesday

* Parkinson's Disease Support Group for the Mountain Area, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Yosemite Bank on Highway 49 near Raley's, Oakhurst. Details: Alan (559) 658-8696, Ext .412.

* Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group, 10-11:30 a.m.; support group for individuals caring for persons with Alzheimer's or dementia. Valley Caregivers Lutheran Church on Crane Valley Road (426) and Black Road, Oakhurst. Details: (800) 541-8614 or Carol (559) 683-4045.

* Bingo - Oakhurst Senior Center, 12:15 p.m.; 11:30 lunch available with order placed 24 hours in advance at (559) 683-3811. Road 425B. 50 cents per card.

* Eastern Madera SPCA, 7 p.m.; attend if interested in volunteering. The Cat's Meow, 40315 Junction Drive. Suite C, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 642-6611.

* CA Women's Connection Luncheon, Teresa Daniel's "Life's circus tent," scrap booking by Cheriese, music, reservations necessary Sweetwater Steakhouse, Oakhurst. $12 inclusive . Details: Kathleen (559) 658-8705 or Janet (559) 642-2207.

Fourth Tuesday

* Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; support group for individuals caring for persons with Alzheimer's or dementia. Valley Caregivers. Lutheran Church on Crane Valley Road (426) at Black Road, Oakhurst.

Details: (800) 541-8614 or Carol (559) 683-4045 .

* Jamba Juice in Oakhurst, 4 - 8 p.m.; 20% of all sales between the hours of 4 - 8 p.m. are donated to our local Boys & Girls Club. Highway 41, Oakhurst. Details: www.supportbgclub.com.

Wednesdays

* Overeaters Anonymous, 5 - 6 p.m.; Positive Living Center on the Golden Oak Loop, Oakhurst. Details: Betty (559) 683-7016.

* Gold Dust Dancers Square Dancing and Line Dancing, Modern square and Line dancing. New dancer sessions begin Sept. 23, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., First night free. Community Center, Road 425B , Oakhurst. $2 to $5 donation. Details: (559) 641-7765 or (559) 868-3319.

First Wednesday

* North Fork Women's Club, 10 a.m. ; Scout building, North Fork. Details: (559) 877-8606 or 877-4806 or 877-2282.

First and Third Wednesdays

* Sierra Lions Club, 5:30 p.m.; regular membership meeting, visitors welcome. Ol' Kettle Restaurant Highway 41, Oakhurst. Details: www.sierralionsclub.org.

First Wednesday

* Cancer Connection Group, offers support to cancer patients, family and friends, 6 p.m.; A speaker on Nutrition and Cancer will be providing some very valuable information for cancer patients. Oakhurst Medical Group. Details: Stella Delgado (559) 451-0722.

Second Wednesday

* La Sierra Guild of Children's Hospital Central California, 1 p.m.; Lutheran Church on Crane Valley Road (426), Oakhurst. Details: Carol George (559) 641-7823.

* Women's Guild - Our Lady of the Sierra, Saint Dominic Savio and Saint Joseph the Worker, 9:15 a.m.; begin with 8 a.m. Mass and Rosary followed by breakfast and meeting. Our Lady of the Sierra, Oakhurst.

Thursdays

* Duplicate Bridge, 10 a.m.; Whittenburg Hall, Crane Valley Road (426), Oakhurst. Details: Paul (559) 658-8952.

* Grief Recovery, 7 p.m.; GriefShare is a weekly support group and video seminar for all those left behind after the death of a loved one. Oakhurst Evangelical Free Church 50443 Old School Road (427), Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-2254.

* Bingo - Oakhurst Senior Center, 12:15 p.m. ; 11:30 lunch available with order placed 24 hours in advance at (559) 683-3811. Road 425B. 50 cents per card.

Second Thursday

* Mountain Area Literacy Council (MALCO), 2 p.m.; An all-volunteer group, MALCO promotes literacy within eastern Madera County. Meeting begins with "tutor sharing" followed by the board meeting. New members welcome. Oakhurst Branch Library, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-1456.

* Manzanita Garden Club, 10 a.m.; The Federal Trapper for Madera County will present suggestions for controlling pesky garden critters. Branch Library, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-8283.

Fridays

* Alanon, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.; 49233 Crane Valley Road (426) New Community United Methodist Church, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-1166.

* Creative Writing class (memoirs), 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Merced College holds a no credit, no fee, memoir writing life story class. Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst. Details: Joyce Stuhr, instructor (559) 683-5494.

First Friday

* Pasta Dinner- Our Lady of the Sierra, 5 - 6:30 p.m.; meatballs, beverage, salad, roll, cake. Beer and wine extra. 40180 Indian Springs Road, Oakhurst. adults $7, preteens $3.50. Details: Jerry Roche (559) 658-6325.

Second Friday

* Senior Singles Dining Club (55 and older), dinner in restaurants or members' homes; Details: Mort (559) 642-3632 or Stephanie (559) 658-8981.

Saturdays

* Alanon - Women Only, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; 49233 Crane Valley Road (426) New Community United Methodist Church, Oakhurst. Details: (559) 683-1166.

First and Second Saturdays

* Bingo - Oakhurst Senior Center, Noon; food available and door prizes. Must be 18 or older to play. Road 425B, Oakhurst. Buy-in $10, option second and third pack $5 each, specials $1 each. .

* Bingo - Sierra Lions Club, doors open at 10 a.m. games noon - 4 p.m.; Bowling Center, Oakhurst.

Second Saturday

* Mountain Road Rattlers, 8:15 a.m.; a vintage car club, chapter of MAFCA. Ol' Kettle Restaurant, Oakhurst . Details: President Dick Barnett (559) 658-8117 or Dave Nickel (559) 642-2520.

* Marine Corps League, Griswold Mountain Detachment 1121, 9:30 a.m.; Positive Living Center, 49269 Golden Oak Drive, Suite 103, Oakhurst. Details: Bill Volner (559) 658-2684.

* "Walking with God" hike group, 10 a.m.; this month we hike the Mariposa Grove, bring water and lunch. Meet at Mountain Christian Center, 40299 Highway 49, Oakhurst. Details: Claudia (559) 683-7332 or (209) 628-0973.

Third Saturday

* Bingo - Coarsegold Community Center, 12:30 p.m. ; doors open at 10 a. m. Food and drink available. 35610 Highway 41 . Details: Agnes (559) 683-5646.

Last Saturday

* Better Breathers Support Group, 12:30 p.m.; elevator available. Anyone with COPD is invited to attend. Community Medical Center at 48677 Victoria Lane, Second Floor, Oakhurst. Details: Jackie Wilson (559) 683-4250.

* Mountain Area Christian Singles, 9 a.m. Sunday School and 12:15 p.m. for lunch at various locations; Mountain Christian Center on Highway 49, Oakhurst. Details: macs@sti.net for weekly email news or call (559) 683-7332.

If listings change please send information 10 days prior to publication date to: editorial@sierrastar.com.