O’NEALS–The tiny town of O’Neals has had a post office since 1887. The town area of approximately 500 citizens is home to Spring Valley Elementary School, Minarets High School, including 2 Charter schools and Ponderosa Telephone.  Westbrook Wine Farm (a lovely boutique wine farm) and a handful of home businesses also call O’neals home. The local office for J. S. ...

What makes us fall in love with a place? In truth, it could be many factors: Friendly people Vital businesses Mouthwatering restaurants Inviting shops Local entertainment Here in the mountain area of Madera County, we have them all plus more. One of the most intriguing features of a community often consists of its art on display. We are touched by ...

NORTH FORK—Most people who have visited the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway enjoy its peace, unlike the national park to the north.  Likely they consider it an island of tranquility in the midst of a busy world. Noma Resort strives to be part of that serenity. A Partnership of Brothers That’s how the three Leyva brothers (of six total) who partner ...

OARSEGOLD—When the call came to visit the Nature of Wildworks (NOWW), the date was supposed to be an interview with Rocket and Galaxy the Raccoons. They are two of the newest residents of the wildlife care facility located on ten acres in Coarsegold. That didn’t happen. Rocket and Galaxy were too busy wrestling with each other and scampering all over ...

COARSEGOLD—There’s a new kid coming to town in Coarsegold Historic Village. Owner Rose Morgan has scheduled the grand opening of Rooted The Farmers Market Collective for Friday, March 1, 2024. This fulfills a dream she says she’s had for many years. She’s always wished for a local collective of farmers and crafters who provide traditionally-created foods and products in a ...

OAKHURST—Each year the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce holds a Member Appreciation and Installation Dinner, at which the chamber recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the mountain community during the year. Further, the occasion marks the start of the new chamber year and installation of the 2024 officers and directors. Rolling Out the Red Carpet The Oakhurst Community ...

OAKHURST—There’s a new face at the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce. The public met Adam Olivares for the first time on Thursday, January 25, at the annual Member Appreciation and Installation Dinner. New Executive Director After years of office closures, part-time staff and other challenges, the chamber now has a full-time Executive Director. Adam’s regular office hours are 9:00 am ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–Owning a pet comes with benefits and challenges. An animal provides comfort and companionship to those who live alone; they are workers for those who have livestock. They offer support to those with medical conditions and are all-around fun to have in a household. Saying Goodbye The hardest part of being a companion to an animal is the goodbye. ...

OAKHURST—On January 9, 2024, Cody Bulow Brown, 19 years old, received the Madera County Sheriff’s Citizen Award from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. MCSO granted the plaque for services he and his company, CB Hauling, rendered during the major snowstorm Madera County experienced in March 2023. Lt. Ian Weaver handed the award to him at the Sunrise Rotary Club meeting ...

AHWAHNEE—Helping One Woman (HOW) Oakhurst thanks longtime supporter, Sharlene Williams, former owner of the Hitchin’ Post in Ahwahnee. Owner of the post for almost 19 years, Shar has been unwavering when it comes to HOW Oakhurst. Shar was a former recipient and sponsored other recipients herself. HOW Oakhurst has held countless dinners at the Hitchin’ Post over the years. Shar ...