Celebrate America Summer Concert

The 45-member Oakhurst Community Concert Band will perform a free "Celebrate America" Summer Concert at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 1 at Mountain Christian Center off Highway 49 in Oakhurst.

The concert will include enhanced video choreography for "music you can see," and will feature a patriotic salute to military veterans. The band's own "Big Band" will also do an American jazz performance from Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton and Henry Mancini.

Mountain Christian Center will be decorated in honor of Independence Day, and the public is encouraged to bring American flags to the concert.

For those interested in making a tax-deductible donation to help support the non-profit band, call band director Randy Hyatt at (559) 977-9782. Donors contributing $100 or more receive recognition as a band sponsor in promotional pieces and concert programs. Details: oakhurstband.com; Randy Hyatt, (559) 977-9782.

Dinner and concert

Hillside Baptist Church in North Fork, located on Road 200 at Wyle Ranch Road, is hosting a kid's summer camp fundraising dinner and concert at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 6. An ensemble from the music school at California Baptist University of Riverside will perform. Tickets cost $10. Details: Pastor Steve and Sarah, (559) 877-7771.

North Fork Logger's Jamboree

Plans are being finalized for the 53rd Annual Mid-Sierra Logger's Jamboree on June 30 and July 1. The theme for this year's event is "Green Now, Green Then, Green Forever."

Pro-Am competition begins at 10 a.m. on June 30, followed by a horse shoe tournament at the North Fork Rec Center and the downtown parade at 5 p.m. After the parade a tri-tip dinner and dance will be held at North Fork Town Hall where the Jamboree Queen will be announced. Jamboree main events take place at noon on July 1. Details: Cathey Thornburg, (559) 877-2237, (559) 676-7766.

Low cost shot clinic for dogs and cats

Friends of the Madera Animal Shelter will host a low cost shot clinic for dogs and cats from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 7 at the Madera District Fairgrounds at Highway 99 and Cleveland Avenue.

Rabies shots are $6. Parvo/distemper five-way combination shots are $12. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats must be in carriers. The clinic is set up to help residents save money and protect their animals from the deadly Parvo/distemper diseases. Licensing and low cost spay/neuter vouchers and other low cost spay and neuter options will also be available at the clinic.

All proceeds benefit homeless shelter animals and the low cost spay and neuter programs. The clinic is held the first Saturday of every month. Details: (559) 675-7891 or (559) 363-5106.

Girl Scout's cookie season a success

This year's cookie selling goal for Girl Scouts of Central California was one million boxes for their 100th Anniversary year, and the scouts came close, selling more than 987,000 boxes.

More than 80 Girl Scouts in Central California achieved their goal of selling a minimum of 1,000 boxes of cookies. For the third year in a row, Kelsie Anne from Troop 638 in Porterville was the top cookie seller in the region.

First West Nile Virus case in California

A 70-year-old female in Kern County is the first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus infection in California this year according to the California Department of Public Health. The woman was hospitalized, but is now recovering.

"This first confirmed West Nile virus case reminds us that we must take precautions to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites," Chapman said. "West Nile virus activity is greatest during the summertime."

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals -- less than 1% -- can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

To date in 2012, West Nile virus has been detected in 15 California counties.

CHP recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the "Three Ds":

DEET -- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older.

Dawn and dusk -- Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

Drain -- Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California's West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

Honorary Mayor sidewalk sale

Steven Jacobs, who is running in the honorary mayor campaign, will host a sidewalk sale from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Wonderful Treasures Thrift Shop, 40671 Highway 41 in Oakhurst. All proceeds will benefit his cause -- the Wild Wonderful King Vintage Museum. There will also be hot dogs, chips and drinks for sale. Details: (559) 658-6999.

Free hazardous waste day Saturday

A free household hazardous waste drop-off day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Yosemite High School, 50200 School Road (427).

The event is free for residents of Madera County. Residents can drop off the following items for proper disposal:

Garage: motor oil, oil filters, grease, batteries, fluorescent lamps and tubes, mercury containing items, insect spray, weed killers, pool chemicals, pesticides, ammonia-based cleaners, drain cleaners, deodorizers, aerosol cans, oven cleaners and spot removers.

The public can also drop off wood preservatives, solvents, art supplies, paint, paint remover, photographic chemicals, televisions, computers, VCRs and household needles and syringes.

Not accepted is medical waste and large compressed gas cylinders.

Quantities are limited to 15 gallons of liquids or 125 pounds solids per trip. Details: Madera County Resource Management Agency, Department of Engineering and General Services, (559) 675-7817.

100-year monument dedication at Flats

A 100-year anniversary of Oakhurst monument will be dedicated at 1 p.m. July 1 at Fresno Flats Historic Village & Park off School Road (427) in Oakhurst by members of E Clampus Vitus.

The dedication ceremony will be accompanied with an ice cream social.