Community briefs for February 25, 2010 edition

(Updated: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 1:25 PM)

Oakstock: Songs for the Homeless

Four Yosemite High School seniors are putting on a seven-band concert for their senior project to benefit Manna House. Brian Singer and Travis Rippee met a homeless man recently but didn't know how to help him. hey chose to do a benefit concert, and Patrick Hogan and Johnny Green joined in on the project.

The event will be at 5 p.m., Friday, March 5 at the Yosemite High School Theatre, 50200 School Road (427). The price is $5 or two non-perishable food items. The seven-band performance will include all types of music from acoustic and metal to hip hop and punk rock.

Yosemite Renaissance XXV

An exhibition of contemporary art of Yosemite and the Sierra will be on display from Feb. 27 to May 2 at the Yosemite Museum Gallery in Yosemite National Park. The public is invited to the awards reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26.

Details: yosemiterenaissance.org

Detective Walter "Bud" Smith retires

Known as "Bud," Smith joined the Sheriff's Department on Sept. 1, 1991. A decade later Smith became a detective and was assigned to the Agricultural Crimes Unit manned by only two sworn peace officers.

Smith is credited for his duties as range master, his service with both the SWAT and Dive teams while serving as department peer counselor as well as advisor for the department's Explorers and Reserves. He has been a long-standing member of the OHV Unit and has performed commendably when called upon to offer his elite services as hostage negotiator.

"We would be remiss if we didn't include our gratitude to Detective Smith for his service to our country as well," Sheriff Anderson said. "He has been a credit to his uniform, our department, and has served the citizens of Madera County admirably."

High School Senior Scholarships

Madera County Cattlewomen and Madera County Cattlemen's Associations are sponsoring four $1,000 scholarships for eligible graduating seniors. If a student lives outside Madera County but has a parent belonging to either MCCW or MCCA, they may be eligible to apply.

Students must have a background in beef or related agriculture and be a spokesperson for the beef industry. The applicant must be planning to pursue studies in a beef-related field at a junior college or four-year college or university. The applications specify the beef-related fields of study.

Scholarship applications are available at Madera County high schools, Sierra High School, the 4-H office, cemadera.ucdavis.edu or from Betty Samper at (559) 689-3304. The deadline is March 26.

Butterfly Festival brings butterflies to Children's Hospital

Children's Hospital Central California in collaboration with The Mariposa Butterfly Festival will be raising butterflies. The Butterfly Festival is an annual event held in Mariposa.

This year, the festival includes the staff and patients of Children's Hospital Central California in this learning experience. The butterflies will be delivered in pupa stage to the hospital in mid March. Over the course of four weeks the caterpillars will develop into full-grown butterflies. The butterflies will be released into the environment outside at the hospital. The Children's Hospital butterfly release is scheduled for Earth Day Thursday, April 22.

The Mariposa Butterfly Festival is a weekend full of family fun consisting of live music, children's entertainment, local vendors, and of course butterfly releases. The Mariposa Butterfly Festival is scheduled for Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2.

Dementia Reality Tour

Experience the world of dementia as a loved one experiences it 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27 at Cedar Creek Senior Living Center, 500 N. Westberry Blvd., Madera.

The event is an interactive experience to help better understand the anger and frustration a loved one with dementia experiences. There is also an 11 a.m. cargiving seminar with free care kits.

RSVP: (559) 673-2345.

Plein-air event

Sierra Foothill Conservancy is hosting a free two-day plein air paint-out event on the McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve in Prather March 13 and 14 to celebrate conservation through art.

The public is welcome to join March 13 for an opportunity to visit the preserve. People will be able to explore the preserves' loop trail or settle in for a picnic by the creek. On March 14, the event is for SFC members only. Take advantage of this special opportunity to get an exclusive look at the creation of landscape works by premier plein air artists. Details: (209) 742-5556 or www.sierrafoothill.org/pleinair.

Quarterly meeting

The Madera County Local Child Care & Development Planning Council will hold its quarterly meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25 at Community Action Partnership, 1225 Gill Ave., Madera.

There will be a public comment opportunity available within the business meeting agenda allowing residents and child care providers an opportunity to speak on the status of child care in the community.

YLP Mudball Classic

The fourth annual Mudball Classic horse show will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 27 at the Yosemite Lakes Park Equestrian Center in Coarsegold. The show will feature classes in English, western and leadline.

Karen Kroske will judge this annual event. Although this is a no points show, high point prizes will be awarded in each of the 23 age divisions.

Application forms are now available for the Yosemite Lake Park fourth annual Mudball Classic Horse Show. Details: Carol Holt at holthouse@sti.net or (559) 641-6950.

Willow Bridge events Feb. 27

Tony Krizan, a columnist with the Sierra Star, will be talking about his 60-mile trek from South Lake (near Bishop) to Roads End (Kings Canyon) at noon. Krizan's presentation will include unique and spectacular pictures from this 10-day hike through the Sierra. Everyone who loves long nature hikes will enjoy Krizan's talk and slideshow. Come early for this event because his events always fill up rapidly.

James Benelli, who lives in Shaver Lake, will sign copies of his new book "Ski Tales: The History of China Peak and Sierra Summit" at 1 p.m. Benelli's book reveals the behind-the-scenes story of Sierra Summit, the San Joaquin Valley's most beloved ski resort. He wrote the book from his own deep personal involvement with Sierra Summit spanning nearly 50 years.

"Ski Tales" provides a fascinating first-hand look at how both the sport of skiing and Central California have developed in the last 50 years, as new ski technology, business pressures, and a changing society transformed a once rustic mom-and-pop ski resort to an international sports destination. The book is illustrated with dozens of vintage and new photos of colorful personalities and breathtaking snowscapes.

Oakhurst Physical Therapy, represented by Stephanie Neal and Rhanell Mendoza, will be demonstrating the "Forever Fit" program at 2 p.m. Neal and Mendoza are fitness trainers and both are experts in this program that comes from OPT. During this event, you will learn how to shake the winter blues by gaining more energy, more flexibility and coordination. For all adults attending the event, they will be giving away a free water bottle and, if you have never participated at OPT, there will be a raffle.

Auditions for dinner theater

Sierra Pines Church is holding auditions for its third annual Dinner Theater Fund-raiser for youth groups.

Tryouts are for "Capisce?" a '30s detective movie dinner theater spoof by Kimberlee Mendoza, are being held from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Sierra Pines Church Sanctuary, 40855 Covey Court. The mystery is based in the old film noir style.

Actors should arrive early to fill out audition forms and read character information. Auditions are open to anyone in fifth grade or older, including adults.

Not all participants have to perform on stage. Also needed are lighting technicians, sound, costumes and set design. Call backs will be at 6 p.m., Monday, March 1. Performance dates are: May 21, 22 and 23.

Details: Heather Sconce, (559) 760-4562.

Nite on the Town

The Second Annual Nite on the Town will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. this Saturday at the Yosemite High School gymnasium.

The evening will feature the talents of the YHS choirs and instrumental and percussion solos. A silent auction will begin when the doors open at 6 p.m.

"Nite on the Town is an extraordinary opportunity for the students at Yosemite to share their musical talents with the community," Yosemite teacher Deanna Burris said. "Randy Hyatt, our music director, is a pillar of encouragement and leadership for the students at Yosemite High. He has done a wonderful job building aspiring young musicians to continue with their education in the Musical Arts."

Businesses can sponsor a table of eight for $250 and can also support the YHS music program by donating an item for the silent auction. Single tickets cost $15 at the door.

Proceeds from the the event will assist with uniforms, dresses, tuxes, equipment and a tour to perform at Disneyland in April. Details: (559) 683-4667, Ext. 243.