Editor’s note: the Toys for Tots big toy roundup previously scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, has been postponed one week to Dec. 14, due to weather. Read on for more information. OAKHURST – It may be cold outside, but the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has thousands of ways to warm the hearts of local children of all ages.

MADERA COUNTY – As winter weather approaches, the County of Madera has established the following locations as Warming Centers in the mountain area during times of extreme winter cold. The centers will be open the days and times of the week listed below, while other centers may be opened on an “as need” basis and will be announced through the ...

OAKHURST – Oakhurst resident Dave Wolin was appointed to the MD22A Sewer District Oversight Committee by the Madera County Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting on Nov. 26. Wolin currently serves on the Oakhurst Community Advisory Council and Madera County Film Commission and chairs the Eastern Madera County Economic Development and Eastern Madera County Emergency Preparedness Committee.

MOUNTAIN AREA – Bird lovers, photographers and any interested parties are invited to join the National Audubon Society’s 114th Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC is an annual international bird census that began on Christmas Day in 1900. It now numbers more than 2,500 individual counts, and will be held throughout the area between Dec. 14, 2013, and Jan. 3, ...

Submitted by the North Fork Chamber of Commerce Dear Eastern Madera County Residents and Business Owners, Mountain Area Chambers of Commerce organizations are comprised of volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to revitalize our economy. We believe the quality of life we enjoy as residents parallels that warm, nurturing feeling families get when they visit Eastern Madera County.

Submitted by the North Fork Chamber of Commerce EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – On Monday, Dec. 2, the North Fork Chamber of Commerce released a letter encouraging residents to ‘Think Local First’ this holiday season and support local business. The letter, which cites data from a recent consumer study, describes how money spent locally helps build sustainable communities, and explains how ...

MARIPOSA – Brazil conjures up many images among Americans — Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon, tropical rainforests and abundant, exotic animals, especially its stunningly colorful birds. The largest country in South America, Brazil is home to a hugely rich diversity of avifauna — more than 1,800 species of birds, more than 200 of them endemic (found only there). Sixty percent ...

OAKHURST – The office of the California Highway Patrol in Oakhurst is advertising to fill the position of Office Assistant. If you are an organized individual with good typing skills, this may be your opportunity. This is a full time position available only to persons on a current eligibility list who have already taken an exam through Cal HR for ...

MADERA – Make it and take it! Madera County Master Gardeners invite you to a Holiday Wreath Workshop, hosted by Master Gardeners Jill Cholewa, Linda Sloan, and Judy Hecht. The workshop takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Madera Community College Center, 30277 Avenue 12 in Madera, in the Cafeteria Building, Room TM ...

MARIPOSA – A woman reported missing from her home in Mariposa has been located. Mary Enebrad, 84, was found a few hours ago in Merced. According to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, she was located at a relative’s home in Merced, disoriented but okay. A Silver Alert had been issued in Mariposa, Merced and Stanislaus Counties, as Enebrad had not ...