All the fun stuff!

One small tile... one BIG community masterpiece! 💙

Join us for our Color of Shade Tile Mural Project at the Sierra Senior Center and become part of a permanent work of art that will brighten our park for years to come.

No artistic experience? Perfect! This project is designed for everyone. You'll paint your own 4" x 4" tile, and we'll combine every unique design into one stunning mural celebrating creativity, friendship, and community.

✨ Just $15 per tile
🎨 All painting supplies are provided
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages are welcome
❤️ Every tile helps support the Sierra Senior Center

Whether you paint a flower, butterfly, lighthouse, tree, heart, or create your own design, your artwork will become a lasting piece of something much bigger than yourself.

📅 Wednesday, July 22
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Sierra Senior Center
💵 Cash Only

Come create, connect, and leave your mark on our community—one colorful tile at a time!

Reserve your seat today by calling (916) 812-7024. We can't wait to see what you create! 🌻🖌️💜

Peggy Childress was born on June 26, 1937 in Fresno, California, but it

was the mountains and the small communities surrounding them that

would become home to her heart. Raised in Coarsegold, California,

Peggy grew up on a ranch and attended Coarsegold Elementary school

before continuing her education at Sierra High School in Tollhouse.

Life was different when Peggy was growing up. College was not an

option for her because she needed to work, and from an early age she

learned the value of hard work and making the most of what she had.

While still in grammar school she spent her summers living with her

aunt and working at a photo studio, where she learned how to develop

film. It was an unusual skill for a young girl and one that gave Peggy an

early glimpse into the working world.

Her independence began early as well. Peggy started driving at just 13

years old with a special permit that allowed her to drive to the bus

stop. Getting to school was no small undertaking. She spent about four

hours each school day riding the bus, two hours each way! Despite the

long commute, Peggy remembers Sierra High School fondly. She

describes it as a wonderful high school, and among her favorite classes

were crafting and sewing.

Peggy’s first car was a white 1939 Ford coupe, a car she wishes she still

had today. She owned it for nearly 20 years, making it a significant

part of her younger years and a reminder of a time she remembers

bringing a smile to her face.

In 1958, Peggy married, and together they built their life and raised

their two sons. Peggy has lived on her current property for most of her

life. At one point, the smaller house on the property was unfortunately

destroyed by fire, but Peggy rebuilt and continued making the property

her home. The only time she lived anywhere else was when she and her

husband moved to Idaho in 1991. They stayed for a couple of years,

but Peggy soon discovered just how much she missed the mountains.

Eventually, she returned home. The mountains have clearly always been

more than just a place to Peggy. They are where she belongs.

Growing up on a ranch, Peggy was accustomed to having animals

around. She had and enjoyed horses and has always had a dog. Today,

however, she has no animals. Her life remains full with friendships,

activities, and the simple routines that have kept her busy throughout

the years.

Some of Peggy’s most treasured memories involve friendships that have

lasted a lifetime. Her best friend, Evelyn, has been part of her life since

third grade. Although Evelyn moved to Oregon two years ago, the

distance hasn’t ended their friendship. The two still call each other often

and continue to maintain the close bond they have shared since

childhood.

Peggy also has a longtime friend named Edith, whom she has known for

nearly as long. Edith now lives in Arizona, but the two still keep in

touche. For Peggy, these friendships are a reminder that some

connections can last through decades, distance, and all the changes life

brings.

Peggy spent many years working at Sierra Online on the assembly line

before retiring. She left the job in 1991, but she remembers the people

there as one of the best parts of working. She said that when you work

alongside people for so long, you get to know everyone like family. It is

that family-like atmosphere that Peggy misses most.

Even in retirement, Peggy has never been one to simply sit still. She

enjoys staying busy, especially by baking for her friends and neighbors.

She says keeping busy helps keep her mind occupied, and baking gives

her an opportunity to do something she enjoys while doing something

kind for others.

She also has a long history of giving her time to her community.

Although she does not currently volunteer anywhere, Peggy used to help

with school events by making cookies for the children. Her willingness to

contribute in simple, thoughtful ways reflects the kind of person she has

always been, someone who finds value in helping others and staying

connected to her community.

Peggy learned to crochet from her mother. While she doesn’t crochet

anymore, she once made a large tablecloth for her mother, a handmade

piece that represents both a skill passed down through generations and

the love that went into creating something for someone special.

For someone who says she isn’t much of a traveler, Peggy has a

surprisingly clear answer when asked where she would go if she could

take an all-expenses-paid vacation anywhere in the world. After quick

thoughts, she chose deep-sea fishing. She had gone deep-sea fishing a

long time ago in the San Francisco Bay area and remembered enjoying

it. Perhaps it isn’t the faraway destination that appeals to Peggy as

much as the experience itself, but a chance to get out on the water, try

something exciting, and make another good memory.

Today, Peggy continues to stay active. For approximately 20 years, she

has attended exercise classes at the Sierra Senior Center every Thursday

and she still goes. She also enjoys playing Bunco, giving her plenty of

opportunities to socialize, laugh, and spend time with friends.

When asked what she thinks is the most interesting thing about herself,

Peggy didn’t name a particular accomplishment or adventure. Instead,

she pointed to the simple fact that she has lived in the same place for so

long. Perhaps that says more about Peggy than any grand adventure

ever could.

Peggy has built a life rooted in one place, surrounded by memories that

span nearly nine decades. She has known the same mountains, held

friendships that began in childhood, raised a family, worked hard,

rebuilt after loss, and remained connected to her community. She has

learned skills from her mother, passed kindness on to others, and found

ways to keep herself busy and engaged.

Her story is not one of constant travel or dramatic change. It is a story

about putting down roots and choosing, time and time again, to come

home.

For Peggy, home has always been here. So when you see Peggy out and

about be sure to tell her hello. She is the true definition of a “local.”

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!