All the fun stuff!

Cheers To You Phil Meadows

There is nothing very glamorous about being a number 2 (child that is…) but Phil was the only boy

surrounded by 3 sisters.

Born in Oklahoma City, Phil and family moved to the Northern California Napa/ Vallejo region when he

was eleven years old.

Phil had a decent childhood, but didn’t thrive within the general public education system. He found that

he was good with his hands and able to build and construct, but general education eluded him.

He found work and floundered for awhile after tenth grade until his father suggested that he consider

joining the U.S. Army. Taking the advice of his father, he did just that.

Phil spent three years with the U.S. Army in France (oo-la la!), never picking up a taste for “frog-legs”,

escargot or the language but completing his service.

After the army, odd jobs and important personal times (the new television shows!) were carved out in

his life.

By chance, Phil happened to meet his future wife (Pat) at the local Drive-Thru where she worked.

It may have been “love at first sight”, but when he asked if he could drive her home from work that day,

she had to wait for him to come pick her up because he had to watch “The Rifleman” before he could

come get her. (Writers note: amazing… even without a VCR this marriage happened and is still

working…)

So, with a marriage and two kids later, Phil worked 32 years in the Vallejo region at General Mills, 7Up,

and the City of Vallejo Water District. He was able to complete his GED (Graduation from High School),

buy and live in a house for 35 years, and provide well for his family.

Pat and Phil retired and moved to Oakhurst in 2001 (following a friend who also moved this way).

Hobbies vary from person to person… some people collect stamps… others coins…

Phil collects “old cars”. One such car was a 55 Chevy that he built from the motor up! Then he sold it

several years later, and had the chance to buy back again (at a significantly higher price, but with a lot of

work done on it…) He has had the opportunity to buy and sell several other cars, and has given them

safe haven in a large garage he built specifically for their care.

Phil and Pat are members of an “Old Car” club called Mountain Road Rattlers which has been around the

Eastern Madera County region for about 10years.

At the age of 80+, on a hot August morning, Phil decided to climb a ladder onto the roof of his house to

clear the drainpipe that flows backwards to the swamp cooler. I’m sure he had done it a thousand times

before… But as he climbed to the top of the ladder, the bottom of the ladder shifted, and Phil found

himself (and the ladder) falling in slow motion from the roof to the ground below.

911 was called, and Phil is very lucky to be with us today, but even though Phil has always been in good

health… it has been a long (recovery) haul!

I asked him if he had any “pearls of wisdom” for others (over Medicare age) considering climbing a

ladder… He simply said “Save your money and hire it out- DON’T CLIMB ON LADDERS!!!!!- Stay in good

health .”

I say, when you are 6”3” tall and you ask your 4’ 11” wife to spot you when you get on the roof… you are

lucky she was there to call the paramedics!!! There may also be a reason that that humans’ were given 2

feet and no wings… something to think about next time you think about climbing a ladder….

If you are a senior and would like to be interviewed or know of someone who should be interviewed…

please call Lori Howard (559)683-7650

Welcome to Sierra Senior Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior citizens in the Eastern Madera County area. Our mission is to organize and promote education, nutrition, health, and overall well-being for our cherished community of seniors.

We go beyond just fostering well-being; we strive to create bonds of friendship, goodwill, and mutual understanding among our members, extending these values to all seniors in the region. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to open communication and the sharing of experiences.

As active community contributors, we take a keen interest in the civic, cultural, and social welfare of our area. Sierra Senior Center serves as a platform for open discussions on matters of public interest, creating an inclusive space for voices to be heard.

Join us in our journey to build a thriving community where every senior citizen can flourish, connect, and enjoy the richness of life. Welcome to Sierra Senior Center – where every moment matters!

 Navigating to Sierra Senior Center is a breeze! Once you spot the Oakhurst Community Center, head left at their entrance onto Cinder Lane. Follow the road along the parking lot and a dirt parking area. As you continue, a Baseball Field will appear on your right, and voila – our entrance is right in front of you. No need for detours; just follow these simple directions, and you'll be with us in no time! And, to make things even easier, we've included a map for you. See you soon!