Some believe woodcarving is becoming a lost art. Others are determined to prevent that thought from becoming reality. Larry Smith, co-organizer of the annual Oakhurst Woodcarvers' Rendezvous, is one of those. He is committed to preserving the skill of woodcarving in all its forms.

Larry invited 13 carvers to join in creating a one-of-a-kind 16-square wooden quilt in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act, signed by Abraham Lincoln on June 30, 1864.  

The quilt, on display in the lobby of Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau in Oakhurst, CA, is to be raffled off on January 1, 2015. Tickets cost $5 each or six for $20, and proceeds benefit the Oakhurst Woodcarvers High School Scholarship Fund for the Art of Woodcarving.

Each of the 16 eight-inch by six-inch squares depicts an aspect of Yosemite National Park, rendered according to the artist's vision. Subjects include the Wawona covered bridge, Mariposa Grove's Giant Sequoias, and Yosemite Valley's iconic Half Dome and waterfalls. Some are carved while others are woodburned.

Although the ages of the Wooden Quilt's carvers range from 50 to 80, the scholarship is the club's way of ensuring that younger generations find inspiration in the art form they treasure. Smith says, "If a kid starts young enough, he can earn a fairly decent living at it. I know several carvers for whom this is their livelihood. There is a large spectrum of forms the craft can take from woodturning to scroll saw to woodburning, even creating furniture." Carving clubs exist throughout the nation, including California Carvers' Guild, which promotes fellowship with other woodcarvers, the opportunity to participate in shows and many training opportunities.

Stop by Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, located at 40637 Highway 41, Oakhurst, to view the quilt and purchase tickets. Lobby hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sundays through the summer.

For further information about the Wooden Quilt, Oakhurst Woodcarvers Rendezvous or the Oakhurst Woodcarvers' High School Scholarship Fund for the Art of Woodcarving, call Larry Smith at 559/658-2405 559/658-24or via email at stillwoodtat@icloud.com.

On Friday, September 12, 2014, Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst commemorates the 150th anniversary of the signing of the historic Yosemite Grant Act with a celebratory dinner served by staff in period attire.

Proprietress Erna Kubin-Clanin welcomes the opportunity to honor the occasion. "Thanks to this historic event the spectacular Yosemite National Park remains greatly enjoyed by our Chateau guests and all mankind."

The region's only 5-star restaurant presents an exquisite array of specially-selected local ingredients, inspired by Abraham Lincoln's inaugural dinner at the White House. Abe himself will be present to share historical anecdotes, stories and specifics of the June 30, 1864, signing of the Yosemite Grant Act. Select offerings by a musical trio enhance the evening's experience.

Chef de Cuisine Jonathon Perkins presents a spectacular menu featuring Amuse Bouche: Braised Duck en Gelée Hunter Style, Brioche Crusted Merced River Trout, Sugar Snap Pea Soup (a White House specialty), Washburn's prized "Beef a la Mode," Waygu Beef Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine and Spices, and Chilled Lobster Salad. Pastry Chef Kyle Waller tops the evening off with an Early Settlers' Favorite Huckleberry Tart. States Chef Jonathon: "Being in the Sierra Nevada, we really connect to Yosemite and the surroundings. To cook in honor of something as grand as Yosemite National Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and truly inspiring."

Dinner is available at a cost of $135.00 per person. To extend the celebration even further, overnight accommodations at Chateau du Sureau may be arranged at special rates beginning at $295.00 per night.

Reservations are required for this event and can be booked by telephone at 559/683-6800 or online. Erna's Elderberry House and Chateau du Sureau are located at 48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst.

On Saturday, September 13, 2014,  author/adventurer/photographer Tony Krizan concludes his series of slide shows featuring his treks on wilderness trails in the mountains in and around Yosemite. The presentation, sponsored by the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, takes places at 7:30 pm in the hotel's lobby.

A portion of the Old Wawona Stagecoach Road as it exists today

Tony continues a discussion of the Old Wawona Stagecoach Road, which formed one of the earliest routes to get from Wawona to Yosemite Valley. Remnants of that early access road to the valley remain today south of the Bridalveil Fall parking area and form a part of the hiking trail leading to famed Inspiration Point.

This is one of many local events scheduled to honor President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Yosemite Grant Act on June 30, 1864.

After the presentation, autographed copies of Tony's two books on hiking those historic trails will be available.

The event is open to the public and is free of charge. Guests enjoy complimentary gourmet cookies and finger pastries provided by Crab Cakes Restaurant in Oakhurst.  In conjunction with the presentation, REI of Fresno displays various kinds of extreme hiking equipment in the Southgate Hotel lobby, the same type of equipment Tony would use on one of his many journeys.

For more event information please visit the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau website. For more information on the Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary, refer to http://www.nps.gov/featurecontent/yose/anniversary/.  

The Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites is located at 40644 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA. Telephone 559-683-3555 for hotel information.     

Quady Lauds California's Wine History, Vintners & Growers   

California Wine Month celebrates the state's wine history, vintners and growers. Quady Winery kicked off the 2014 harvest season with sweet Orange Muscat grapes on August 11th and with the help of our seasoned production crew, these grapes will turn into award-winning wines.  

We invite you to visit Quady Winery and taste the grapes (upon availability) and partake in a unique wine tasting in celebration of California Wine Month.