Debbie Croft: Conversations, presentations and opportunities in the foothills

Making improvements to create something better and getting involved with positive growth are always welcome. Below are a few opportunities to take part by doing something good for our foothill communities:

A Parking and Transportation Planning Study for Mariposa is scheduled for Aug. 19 at 5:50 p.m. The meeting will last an hour, followed by an open house. The public is invited to share its thoughts and ideas at this town hall event.

The meeting will be held at the Mariposa County Government Center in the Board of Supervisors chamber, 5100 Bullion St. in Mariposa.

Carol Suggs, with the Mariposa County Planning Department, said, “The purpose of the study, entitled ‘Mariposa Connections,’ is to identify sites and related (potential) improvements that will accommodate off-street parking and facilities to support transit and tour operations, automobile and non-motorized travel.”

According to the department, the county last month kicked off a comprehensive transportation planning study focused on the historic town. Those involved in the study hope to identify methods for improving access and mobility, and to further economic development through enhancements that will support tourism in the small mountain community.

Kevin Cann, District 4 supervisor, said, “Bringing together business, tourism, arts, historic preservation, education and the community at-large will result in solutions that will truly serve the downtown Historic District and all of Mariposa.”

For more information, contact Brian Foucht at bfoucht@mariposacounty.org or 209-742-1216.

Have you ever wondered how certain floral entries end up winning county fair ribbons? Barbara Coelho, a horticultural judge, makes those decisions at Mariposa County’s annual fair. And she will explain the process, plus share tips on submitting winning entries at an upcoming meeting with the Mariposa County Master Gardeners.

Those interested should meet at 2 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Board of Supervisors chamber in Mariposa. This presentation is free. Registrations can be made by calling 209-966-2417 or at the website, cemariposa.ucanr.edu.

Fair entry forms should be delivered to the fairgrounds by 5 p.m. on Aug. 28. Submissions will be accepted on Sept. 2, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Horticulture Building. For more information visit www.mariposafair.com and click on the “Fair” tab. There is no cost to enter.

Wearing a period costume as a living history docent can be a thrilling experience! Especially for those who love sharing details about America’s past and imparting knowledge to others.

Danielle Gerhart with Columbia State Historic Park said, “We are currently accepting applications for new volunteers to be a part of the 2015 docent class. This year, the park is recruiting for costumed interpreters to help teach history to its school-age children at the historic schoolhouse, staffing exhibits and the museum visitor center, and assisting with special events. A costume loan may be available to those interested.”

Volunteer docents complete a training program that includes history lectures, costuming guidelines, park etiquette and rules, in addition to other pertinent information.

Gerhart continues, “The current docent program includes more than 50 active docents and an additional 100 volunteers from around the state who help on special event days.”

State parks depend heavily on volunteers to remain open. Fully trained docents commit to eight hours a month (96 hours for the year).

Applications are being accepted through Sept. 5. Call 209-588-9128 or pick up an application at the park museum. Training starts on Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and continues for several Saturdays.

The public is invited as two special Yosemite National Park anniversary events take place on Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m. in Yosemite Valley.

Sunday is the 150th anniversary of Frederick Law Olmsted’s landmark report. Yosemite National Park has partnered with the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, located near Boston, to jointly observe the historic day.

Following President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Yosemite Grant in 1864, Olmsted was commissioned to survey the area. After his tour of Yosemite’s grandeur, he wrote an insightful report describing his impressions of the newly preserved land.

At the ceremony, rangers will present the historical context and significance of this commemorative event. Student rangers will participate in selected readings, and live music will be performed by the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra. Frederick Law Olmsted will be portrayed by actor Gerry Wright.

This story was originally published August 6, 2015 at 8:18 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Conversations, presentations and opportunities in the foothills."