Committee hears community announcements: youth film contest, Merced River Fest, Poetry Out Loud finalist and local events

Community partners and committee members used the meeting’s announcements segment to share several upcoming events and youth opportunities.

Christina from the Upper Merced River Watershed Council described a youth filmmaking contest called 'Students on the River' open to Mariposa County school-age students. "The deadline for the submissions for films is March 15," Christina said, and she noted that winning films will receive cash awards and be premiered at Merced River Fest on April 18. Christina said organizers plan to offer about $1,000 in prize money (last year’s distribution: $500 first prize, $300 second, $200 third) and early-bird ticket pricing for the festival through April 1.

The chair reported that Mariposa County’s Rosie Niyogi is the county Poetry Out Loud state champion and is advancing to the state finals in Sacramento. The committee also heard that day-camp registration opened for Mariposa County Unified School District students (free), and a Balanced Rock ‘art, nature and wellness’ week will offer free programming in March focused on outdoor art and grief processing.

A member also announced that the Odd Fellows lodge in Coulterville will continue a monthly 'Odd Market' to support micro-enterprises; participation is free and donations to the lodge are optional.

The announcements concluded with reminders about the Arts Council’s youth exhibition in the library and an invitation to attend a closing reception on March 19.