For The Madera Tribune Sue First and Bert Roper on their Valentine’s Day wedding in 2009. Bert Roper and Sue First were married on Valentine’s Day in 2009. For the past 17 years, they have remained blissfully happy, and they continue to enjoy the blessings of life. Bert is a United Methodist pastor, who was appointed to the Madera church in 2016, and retired in Madera. He is temporarily serving as an interim pastor in the Mariposa church. Sue is a school teacher, also retired

It was a few days before Feb. 14, 1954. I walked to the candy store on Flatbush Avenue, just two or three blocks from our apartment on Fenimore Street in Brooklyn, NY. I’d heard that the store sold a small, heart-shaped box of chocolates that could be mailed. The bottom of the box had space to write an address and another space that was designated for some first-class stamps. I think the chocolates cost $1. I wrote in Judy’s name and her address in Summit, New Jersey, applied

It’s Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air. On this special day of the year, we celebrate something called Love, and during this season we see hearts and flowers, cuddly teddy bears, balloons, candy, and lots of things that make us smile. These are our symbols of love. There are many kinds of love to celebrate on this day. On Valentines Day, we usually think of the romantic love, a feeling you may have toward your spouse or lover. Romance is a great part of a relationship,

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Community members join hands to sing “We Shall Overcome” at the conclusion of Sunday’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Local Host Committee put together a program for the annual MLK celebration that was superb, according to many who attended. Alejandro Juarez, Principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School served as emcee for the afternoon. The nearly 250 attendees were welcomed by Donald Holley, presiden

For The Madera Tribune Shirley Lawson gives MCSO Deputy Martin a hug after she received a Random Act of Kindness. Lawson was pulled over for a minor moving violation, and was apologetic. She received her card and cried without even seeing the monetary gift. She couldn’t stop hugging Deputy Martin. For the 12th annual Random Acts of Kindness with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and donations from Agriland, more than money was given out — love.  Agriland and its employees ga

Early Saturday morning, the Madera Police Department’s weekend night shift patrol team made several arrests for driving under the influence in different parts of the City. Each incident involved a traffic collision resulting in property damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. As the New Year approaches, the Madera Police Department reminds the community to plan ahead and never drink and drive. If anyone plans to drink, please use a rideshare service or designate a sobe

Cat Campbell/For The Madera Tribune Try a platter of fresh corn chile relleno tamales for your holiday meal. A lot of people stick with family traditions for holiday meals, but I am noticing a willingness to explore beyond, and perhaps add something new. You never know when something will be a big hit and become a new tradition. I think I am right about in the middle, as I like to do both. It is also interesting to check out foods and ingredients from various cultures. I admi