For a free, four-week subscription to The Madera Tribune, just email [email protected] Schoolhouse Chatter: K-8 schools, 7-8 schools? Inside sports: Stallions head to championship See Page 11 See Page 5 Open 8am-5pm | 559-674-2424 Midweek Edition, Wednesday May 8, 2019 | VOL 128 - ISSUE 11 | 50 Cents The Madera Tribune For late-breaking stories and sports scores, visit us online: www.maderatribune.com Warbirds History center dedicated Reunion Late teacher Gwartney’s dream comes true to be this By Bill Coate teachers and his unique con- THE MADERA TRIBUNE weekend tribution to education. FOR THE MADERA TRIBUNE As of last Thursday, it be- The self-described prod- Madera Municipal Air- came official. What used to uct of the “Okie” migration port will be humming be the James Monroe Chil- of the ‘30s and ‘40s came up dren’s Museum is now the with activity Saturday with his idea for an interac- when the Gathering of “Ed Gwartney California tive children’s museum in History Center.” Madera Warbirds Reunion and 1997. He enlisted two of his Classic Car show join Unified Trustees and Super- fellow James Monroe teach- intendent Todd Lile put the forces to celebrate the ers, Sandra Carter and Susan 75th anniversary of the finishing touches on their Miller, to join him in build- year-long effort to honor “D” Day invasion of Nor- ing his dream. The James mandy in World War 2. the late teacher with a ded- Monroe Children’s Museum ication ceremony at the re- Opening ceremonies be- opened that year in a porta- named History Center. gin at 10 a.m., including ble building. It expanded ev- With Gwartney’s widow, the NAS Lemoore Color ery year thereafter until by Phyllis, at the center of the Guard and the Central ceremony, administrators, the time Gwartney retired in Valley Barbershop Quar- colleagues, and some of 2007, an entire gold mining tet. Gwartney’s former students town had been constructed Firm commitments on the site. joined his family in remem- WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE have been received from bering one of the Valley’s Madera Unified School District hosted a dedication ceremony for the Ed Gwartney Calfornia Gwartney continued to SEE REUNION, PAGE 2 most innovative history Center at Monroe Elementary School on Thursday afternoon. SEE GWARTNEY, PAGE 3 Annual Maderans walk, run for Relay For Life ArtsFest WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE RIGHT — Cancer coming survivors kick off FOR THE MADERA TRIBUNE the annual Relay For Life event at Families are invited Lions Town and to attend the sixth annu- Country Park as al Madera County Arts- they carry ban- Fest on Saturday, from ners and take the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This free first traditional and event will promote art in honorary lap on Madera County in a car- Saturday morning. nival-type atmosphere. Madera County Schools BELOW — Kelsey Foundation and Madera Lovely dresses as County Superintendent “Star Wars” char- of Schools are hosting the actor Kylo Ren event at Madera Coun- and greets cancer ty Superintendent of survivor Violet Schools. Ramos of Team Children will be able to Ramos during the participate in free hands- annual Relay for on art activities like deco- Life. rating flower pots and pa- per bags, painting rocks For more photos, and necklaces, swirling see Page 2. pool paintings, and draw- ing chalk murals. They are also encouraged to work with their parents to make a paper butterfly together. “This is a fantastic event! There are no ad- mission costs and we are happy to provide free make-and-take activities for the community,” said Cecilia Massetti, Madera WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE County Superintendent of WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE Cancer survivor Caroline Williams, left, joins Schools. “It’s a fun day to Madera High Cheer and Dance teams gather. Relay For Life chair Tiffanie Lovely while come out with the fami- survivors Janis Jones and Robert Laburada ly and celebrate different look on. types of art.” The event will feature live art demonstrations SEE FESTIVAL, PAGE 3 Want more news and views from the Central Valley and beyond? Visit us online: WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE www.maderatribune.com or WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE Team Best Friends in Pink host a henna Team Bee are annual participants in Relay For Life. painting booth. Facebook: The Madera Tribune Weather Forecast Features…………….. 11 INDEX Opinion……………… 4 Sunny Classifieds………… 10 Twitter: Lifestyles …………… 7 High 82 Low 57 Crossword…………. 7 @MadTrib See Weather, Page 2 Sports………………. 5 Page 2 MADERA TRIBUNE Wednesday, May 8, 2019 Local Weather Forecast near 82. West wind around 5 mph. Local Rainfall and Thursday night…A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Most- Weather Almanac ly cloudy, with a low around 57. Provided by West northwest wind around 5 National Weather Service mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 April 29, 2019 percent. DJ BECKER/ High 83 Friday…A chance of showers, with THE MADERA TRIBUNE Low 48 thunderstorms also possible after A butterfly Rain 0.00 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. West wind around 5 mph. lands on a sun- Normal 0.03 flower growing Total (Since Jan. 1) 6.85 Chance of precipitation is 30 per- cent. in Madera. Friday night…A 20 percent chance Today’s fore- Forecast for Madera of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a cast is sunny, low around 57. Northwest wind 5 with a high and surrounding area to 10 mph. Wednesday…Sunny, with a high Saturday…Partly sunny, with a of 82 and near 82. West northwest wind 5 to low of 57. 10 mph. high near 82. West northwest wind Wednesday night…Partly cloudy, around 5 mph. with a low around 57. Northwest Saturday night…Mostly cloudy, wind around 5 mph. with a low around 57. Northwest Thursday…A 40 percent chance of wind around 5 mph. showers and thunderstorms after Sunday…Sunny, with a high near 11 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high 86. West wind around 5 mph. of the Tuskgegee Airmen of Home of California, will be MOTHER’S DAY TEA TO BE HELD Reunion WWII fame. Joining the list honored guests at the event. FoR THe MAdeRA TRibune Continued from Page 1 of WW2 planes is a Russian Food and beverage vendors Latinas unidas de Madera YAK 11, two North Ameri- will be on the grounds. members from left, Alayne owners of seven Mustang can AT-6s, three Stearman Gates open at 8:30 a.m., Garcia, Lucy Salazar and Alice fighter planes, including the PT-17’s and two Fairchild entry fee is a minimum $10 Chavira are preparing for the only P51H that’s flying. PT-19s. Additional military donation fee. The Madera annual Mothers day Tea from Powered by a Merlin engine, aircraft are expected and Airport is at 4020 Aviation 11 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday at San this plane was a perennial they will be announced at a Drive in Madera. From State Joaquin Winery. There will attendee of the Gathering of later date. Route 99 take exit 157. be a brunch, Marimba band, Warbirds event in the 1970s. The Classic Car Show will • • • silent auction, raffle, sexy shoe The Liberty Foundation feature civilian and military Gathering of Warbirds Re- contest and the “Mother of the will be offering a P-51D vehicles of the era. A con- union is a 501C3 Non Profit Year” award. Tickets are $30. passenger flight experience tingent of approximately 25 Corp. For additional in- For more info call Carmen, from May 10 to 12. The air- veterans, who currently re- formation call 816-8461 or 363-3676, or Alice, 232-7678. craft is a legendary Red Tail side at the Fresno Veterans 360-9799. RELAY FOR LIFE | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Petrucci’s BBQ Pit at The Old School House Re-Opening for Summer! Open Saturday’s 9am-3pm beginning May 11th Take-Out Available 23527 Ave. 14 in Madera Call ahead for large orders 559.706.0987 FOUND: WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE LARGE RED-EARED SLIDER The Garcia family participates in the annual Relay For Life. PET TURTLE WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE Cancer survivors Phyllis Hall and Andrew Rios sit in a giant blowup chair. Chip and crack in shell. THE VINEYARD Please claim, rescue or adopt at the Madera RESTAURANT & BAR County Animal Shelter. Invites you to Celebrate Mom Join us this Mother’s Day for a meal fit for a queen! WENDY ALEXANDER/THE MADERA TRIBUNE Make your reservation today Cancer survivor Kay Rhoads Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm 605 South “I” Street • (559) 674-0923 chats with Madera Supervi- Gift Certificates Available vineyardrestaurant.com sor Rob Poythress. We offer a variety of... Fresh Cut Flowers Plants, Balloons, Bouquets Gourmet Baskets and Gifts Order Mom early! deserves the best Graduates will be honored in this special keepsake tabloid edition of Give her a beautiful bouquet of flowers this The Madera Tribune Madera County graduates will be listed by name, along with photos of each school. Show your support by placing an ad Mother’s Day congratulating the Class of 2019: May 12th Quarter Page Half Page Full Page We’re Open Monday-Saturday $300 $400 $500 Locally owned & operated since 1968 Deadline: Friday, May 28th Publication: Sat., June 8th 201 North I St. 673-9197 Call your Advertising Executive today 674-2424 Wednesday, May 8, 2019 MADERA TRIBUNE Page 3 grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th- Festival 8th grade, and 9th-12th Continued from Page 1 grade. Pieces were judged in separate categories: and outdoor and indoor 2-dimensional art, 3-di- performance stages.