Timberline Art Gallery offers 50% off for Black Friday

Jarrod Lyman
Director of Media
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636

Timberline Art Gallery offers Black Friday sale

Oakhurst, CA. – The deep discounts of Black Friday aren’t just on electronics or home goods, Timberline Art Gallery in Oakhurst has the works of four well-known artists on sale for 50% off starting the day after Thanksgiving.

Noted artists Joan Brumley, Mark Gudmundsen, Lola Nelson and Chris Sorenson will all have works on display at Timberline Art Gallery, located in Gallery Row in Oakhurst, for half the normal price. The sale starts Black Friday, November 25, but also extends through the weekend, ending on Nov. 27.
The Artists

Joan Brumley is known for her use of transparent watercolor in a bright fresh manner and is considered one of the finest Water-colorists in California's San Joaquin Valley.
Some of her works include large corporate collections including the Kaiser Hospital Clinic, Saint Agnes Clinic in Oakhurst and all of the paintings in the corporate offices of Robert L Young Corporation in Oakland. She has been commissioned by the Ripe Tomato Restaurant in Fresno and Ducey's Restaurant at Bass Lake to do their menu covers, and by Fresno State University for a poster for the viticulture wine tasting. She also provided the artwork for the ATM and Visa card for the Fresno County Federal Credit Union.
Bumley does commissions by appointment. She has painted many homes and likes to specialize in painting the entry-way or a portion of the home. These paintings can then be printed on note cards or Christmas cards.

Lola Nelson was born and reared on a farm in the Catskill Mountains of New York, “I learned to love the outdoors and animals. Drawing came naturally to me and I pursued it throughout high school and later graduated from Art Instruction Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota.”
She has taken classes from several nationally-known artists and some well-known artists in the local area.

“An artists never stops learning and should always be receptive to new techniques and challenges. The basis of any good painting is a good drawing. I feel God has blessed me with a gift of drawing and I want to share it with others.”

“I paint in a realistic manner with oils, watercolor, pastels and woodcarving. I am a signature award member of the Society of Western Artists, Women Artists of the West and the Alliance of California Artist.” Other art organizations include: Clovis Art Guild, Central California Woodcarvers, California Carver’s Guild and the National Woodcarvers Association. Subject matters includes animals, wildlife, landscapes, old farm machinery, steam trains and portraits.

Over 300 awards have been earned in many local, national, and international juried shows. Several works are available in limited edition prints and note cards.

Chris Sorensen is an award winning sculptor who works in various media, including wood, clay and various metals. He’s most known for his metal sculptures, earning him nickname Man of Steel. His style is both whimsical and flamboyant. Sorensen’s most notable creations include a life-sized giraffe, a 900 pound bulldog and an eight-foot ostrich.

Sorensen also makes art for the home, creating sculptures that make wonderful pieces for any collection.

Mark Gudmudsen is a painter, known for his almost photo real paintings Gudmudsen is also a painter of light, capturing the essence of waterfalls, mountains, desert, lakes, and sea.
He is most known for his Yosemite art.  He has done over 100 unique Yosemite Paintings.  He is also known for his National Park art.  He has painted many other National Parks including the Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Mt. Rainier, Death Valley, Devils Postpile, Yellowstone, Canyon De Chelly, Arches, Natural Bridges, Misty Fjords, Mesa Verde, Sequoia, Mojave, Zion, North Cascades, Haleakala, and other National Parks and National Monuments.  He also likes to travel over Tioga Pass to Mammoth Lakes every year where he produces paintings of the eastern High Sierra back country. He paints Garnet Lake, Lake Ediza, Mammoth Mountain, Convict Lake, Shadow Lake, and many other High Sierra locations. 

Timberline Art Gallery is located at 40982 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA. They are open from 10 am until 4 pm each day. To learn more about the artists, go to http://www.timberlineartgallery.com.

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Madera County Communities to light up Christmas Trees

Jarrod Lyman
Director of Media
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636

California’s Gateway to Yosemite celebrates Christmas

Madera, CA. – The communities of Madera Countywill be hosting numerous celebrations to celebrate the start of the Christmas season in the coming weeks.

The first to light a community Christmas Tree is Bass Lake. The tree will be lit in front of The Pines Resort on Saturday, November 26. An accompanying parade of lights will take place through The Pines Village. There will also be photos with Santa Claus, a raffle and other activities. The ceremony starts at 5:30 pm.

Madera kicks of the Holiday season with the annual Tractor Parade of Lights December 1 at 5:30 pm. The parade features various farm vehicles as well as trucks, cars, fire engines and more decked out in Christmas Lights making their way through downtown on Yosemite Avenue. The parade starts at 6 pm. 

A pair of communities light their trees on December 3. Chowchilla will be illuminating downtown at 5:30. The 44^th annual Christmas Tree lighting takes place at Robertson Boulevard and Front Street and includes a visit from Santa Clause. The event is sponsored by the Chowchilla Lions Club and the City of Chowchilla.

After Santa Clause makes his rounds in Chowchilla, hop his sleigh to Oakhurst where he’ll make an appearance at their Christmas Tree lighting ceremony that starts at 5 pm. In addition to the tree lighting, a bounce house for kids, cider and cookies and more. In addition to the tree that will be on display at the corner of Highway 41 and Road 426, there will be additional trees decorated by local school children. The event is sponsored by Sierra Telephone and Ditton Realty.

“Madera County truly gets in to the Holiday spirit. The communities definitely shine this time of year,” said Jarrod Lyman with the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau.

“There are always numerous fun events going on throughout the year, but Christmas is always special,” he said. 

For more Holiday events and other activities taking place in the region, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com/events.

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Madera Tractor Parade of Lights set for Dec. 1

Jarrod Lyman
Director of Media
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636

Madera to bring in Christmas season with Tractor Parade of Lights

Madera, CA. – Madera, like many other central California communities, has a large agricultural presence thanks to the fertile soils of the San Joaquin Valley. The way the community kicks off the Christmas Season, however, is more unique.

Thursday, Dec. 1 is the annual Tractor Parade of Lights and Wine Stroll in Madera. This popular annual event rings in the Holidays every year one week after Thanksgiving.

The parade celebrates Christmas as only a farming community can, with tractors, harvesters and other farm implements as well as fire trucks, cars and anything else decked out in dazzling Christmas Lights making their way down the city’s downtown district.

Holiday revelers comprised of residents and visitors alike gather along the sides of Yosemite Avenue and watch the procession as it makes its way past the various locally owned shops in downtown Madera.

The parade kicks off at 6 pm.

Both before and after the parade, attendees have the chance to become acquainted with their local merchants and wineries as well. The Wine Stroll features 15 local wineries pouring inside business along Yosemite Avenue. Guests can pick up wine glasses to taste, or mugs for hot chocolate and apple cider at participating businesses.

The Wine Stroll starts at 5 pm.

For more information, call (559) 673-5951 or the Madera Chamber of Commerce at 559-673-3563.

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Yosemite Daily Report for Nov. 18

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Friday, November 18, 2011

WEATHER

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ABOVE 8000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT FOR THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON.
- SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1-3 INCHES
- ELEVATION: ABOVE 8000 FEET
- TIMING: LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS ARE POSSIBLE THIS MORNING THEN FOLLOWED BY SOME SNOW ACCUMULATION LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING
- WINDS: WINDS WILL BEGIN TO STRENGTHEN THIS MORNING WITH WESTERLY WINDS OF 35-40 MPH GUSTING TO ABOVE 50 MPH

Yosemite Valley

Today: A chance of rain showers before 4pm, then snow showers likely, possibly mixed with rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. West southwest wind between 10 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight: Snow showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind between 7 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Calm wind becoming west between 5 and 8 mph.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Southeast wind around 7 mph becoming southwest.

 

El Portal

Today: Showers likely, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. East northeast wind 8 to 11 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight: Showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 34. West southwest wind between 5 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. East wind at 6 mph becoming west.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. East wind around 7 mph becoming west southwest.
 

Wawona

Today: Showers likely, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. East northeast wind 7 to 13 mph becoming west. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight: Rain showers likely before 10pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level 4700 feet lowering to 4100 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 28. West northwest wind between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming west northwest between 5 and 8 mph.
Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level 4400 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. East southeast wind around 8 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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HAPPENING TODAY

Yosemite Winter Club Membership Dinner, Pray for Snow Party, and Ski & Gear Swap
Come join the Yosemite Winter Club and pray for snow! Friday, November 18 at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Ski swap starts at 2:00, Ice skating at Curry Ice Rink at 3:30 (weather permitting), dinner at 6:00 in the Garden Terrace followed by the latest ski movies. Cost: $15 per person for dinner and includes membership. Cash bar. Also, stay for live music at the Mountain Room Bar afterward. For more info or to join online visit: www.yosemitewinterclub.com . The Ski and gear swap will be at the Falls Room, Yosemite Lodge from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you have items to sell contact Art Baggett (209) 379-2289 or email at baggett.art@gmail.com . $20 suggested donation per table. (J. Bacon - 11/14)
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Volunteer Training
Friday, November 18 from 10:00am-noon, meet at the swinging bridge parking lot and bring your binoculars (no need to RSVP). Researchers from North Carolina State University are conducting an on-going study of visitor use patterns in Yosemite Valley meadows (permit #YOSE-2011-SCI-0055). The team is in need of volunteers to do observational studies of foot traffic in Yosemite Valley meadows. Observers stationed in the meadows will map locations of visitors on paper maps. Maps will be provided. Volunteers must be able to complete at least four 2-hour observation sessions in different months between December 2011 and April 2012. Additional sessions are welcome. It is also requested that volunteers have access to a pair of binoculars. For additional information, please contact Chelsey Walden-Schreiner at cawalden@ncsu.edu . (L. Prell - 11/16)

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PARK AND PARTNER NEWS

Yosemite National Park Reopens Roads: Tioga, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove Roads Reopen After Early Season Snowfall - News Release
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

After a temporary closure, the Tioga Road in Yosemite National park reopened to the public at noon today, Wednesday, November 16, 2011. The Tioga Road, the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada in the northern portion of the park, has been temporarily closed since November 3, 2011 due to an early season snowstorm that dropped almost a foot of snow in the higher elevations.
The Glacier Point Road also reopened to the public. However, due to continued icy conditions on the roadway, approximately the last two miles of the road, from the Sentinel Dome parking area to Glacier Point, will remain closed. If conditions improve, all of the Glacier Point Road will be reopened.
Additionally, the Mariposa Grove Road leading to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is open and clear.
All roads within the Yosemite National Park are subject to chain control or temporary closures due to hazardous driving conditions. Tire chains may be required at any time during the fall and winter season. It is strongly recommended that all motorists carry tire chains while driving in the park during the fall and winter months.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200. (K. Cobb - 11/17)
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Audio Visual Assitance Reminder

If you have an event or training scheduled at the Auditorium or any venue and you need audio/visual assistance, projection, microphones, a sound system, you must request assistance in advance through Ed Whittle at 372-0546 or Edward_Whittle@nps.gov . Scheduling an event at the Auditorium does not guarantee audio/visual assitance. Due to the expensive nature of our equipment and possible replacement due to damage, the key to the AV booth will not be handed out to those who have forgotten to request assistance. (E. Whittle - 11/17)

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Foresta Road Closure - Slide Repair Between Rancheria and Old El Portal
Starting Monday, November 14th the Foresta Road will be closed between Rancheria and Old El Portal as crews complete a slide repair from a spring 2011 slide. The Foresta Road will be closed at 7:00 AM on November 14th and remain closed for approximately 2-3 months, while crews complete the stabilization work. The crews are planning to work 6-days per week, Monday thru Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Due to the safety concerns, it will require a hard closure, meaning that throughout the duration of the project, there will be no access for pedestrians, bicycles, passenger vehicles, trucks, etc... Access will be limited to construction crews and emergency vehicles only. Trucks will also be using middle road to access CA St. Rte. 140, so please be cautious as you are traveling thru this area of Hwy. 140. Also, crews will be bringing in equipment and materials starting Thursday, November 10th, with intermittent single lane traffic control along Foresta Road. (M. Pieper - 11/10)

Sewer Main Rehabilitation along Northside Dr. between Bridalveil Fall View and the El Portal Rd./Big Oak Flat Rd. Intersection
Erick Ammon Inc. (EAI) has been hired by the NPS to rehabilitate the old clay trunk sewer main installed in the early 1970's. EAI has installed a sewer by-pass system and a traffic control system that is necessary for the upcoming work. The project consists of cleaning, video inspection, and installation of a cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liner inside of the existing 15" clay sewer pipe. The project is on a compressed 7 day a week, 12 hour per day (7 a.m. - 7 p.m.) schedule due to the nature and expense of the CIPP process. All construction work is anticipated to be complete by Thanksgiving. Expect minimal traffic delays through Thanksgiving. Thank you for your patience and PLEASE DRIVE SLOW in construction zones. (M. Wichmann - 10/27)
Tree Work Along Wawona and South Entrance Station Areas
PG&E will be starting a forestry crew in the Wawona and South Entrance areas trimming trees identified in their Reliability program. Please watch for workers and equipment in roadways. (B. Mattos - 10/24)

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ACTING DESIGNATIONS

Kevin Keheley will be the acting Branch Chief of Facilities Management Monday 11/21 - Wednesday 11/23 and also Friday the 25th he can be reached at 379-1169.

Ken Stowell will be acting Branch Chief of Facilities Management Thursday 11/24, and Saturday 11/26 - Sunday 11/27 He can be reached at 372-0533 or 379-1278

Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division November 21 - 23.  He may be reached in his El Portal Office at 379-1441. If unavailable you may leave a message with Doyle Harrison at 379-1110.

Ansley Rothell will be the Acting Emergency Communications Center Manager from November 18-27

Andy Fristensky will be Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0599.
Jeffrey Trust will be Acting Yosemite Valley Field Interpretation Supervisor until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0307.

Scott Gediman will be the Acting Chief of Staff between Nov 10 and Nov 29, 2011. If you have any questions, please give him a call at 209-372-0248 or email.
Ed Dunlavey will be acting Chief Ranger from Thursday November 10 through Friday November 18. Julie Byerly will be acting Deputy Chief Ranger during the same time period.

Shawn Lingo (379-1416) will be acting Branch Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes from mid day Wednesday, Nov. 9 thru Monday, Nov. 21.
Ed Dunlavey will be acting Chief Ranger Nov. 14-18, Kevin Killian will be the acting Nov 19-29.
Jana Friesen McCabe will be Acting Branch Chief for Public Outreach and Engagement from November 15 to December 9. She can be reached at 372-0288.
Ron Watson will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1074.

Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
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COMMUNITY NEWS

Job Available
The Yosemite National Park Child Care Center is looking for a kind, loving, fun professional and creative person to be our Lead Teacher at the Yosemite Valley center. We are committed to providing the highest quality child care and preschool education to the children of Yosemite Valley and would love to have you as part of our team! Our benefits package includes annual leave and sick leave. Position is full time at $13.50 per hour. For further information, please call (209)769-1512 or email lauriecyu@hotmail.com (L. Yu - 11/18)
















-To begin planning your Yosemite vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com