Monday, January 27, 2014

Happy Monday, Amador County...make it a great week!
Updates have been made in all our departments.
See our daily posts on Facebook: facebook.com/AmadorCounty.
We also tweet 'em on Twitter! Twitter.com/Amador411
Check out the community calendar below, as well as the posters/flyers at the end of this update, and be sure to say you saw it on ACN!
Amador Community News is a part of the Knight Community News Network. Thank you for supporting your local community media!

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News & Announcements:

Preparers for the Local Tax-Aide Program Graduate – Volunteers begin preparing tax returns for seniors on Feb 3 - AmadorElders.org
ACCF announces "Cash for College" Workshop - Wed Feb 12 - AmadorEd.com

Homeowners asked to Prepare Earlier Due to Increased Fire Activity; drought conditions lead to early need of Defensible Space around homes - AmadorGovernment.com
AWA Board Asks for 20% Voluntary Water Conservation - AmadorGovernment.com
We Heart the Arts! AmadorArts Events & Activities - AmadorArts.com
Amador County Technical Advisory Committee - Mon Jan 27 - AmadorGovernment.com
Jackson City Council - Mon Jan 27- AmadorGovernment.com
Amador County Board of Supervisors - Tues Jan 28

AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM FOR SENIORS - Volunteers will begin preparing tax returns at the Amador County Senior Citizens Center in Jackson on Monday, February 3, 2014. As part of the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service, Amador volunteers will provide services, free of change, to low and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those age 60 and above.

Locally, the Tax-Aide program partners with the AmadorCounty Senior Center. To make an appointment for tax preparation, please call the Senior Center at (209) 223-0442. Appointments will be take place at the Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson between 9 AM and 4 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

AMADOR COUNTY ARTISTS ASSOCIATION - The next meeting of the ACAA will be February 12, at 7 p.m., in the Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson.  The program for February will consist of a presentation on the many features of the ACAA website, to demonstrate the power of the website in bringing recognition to local artists.  ACAA meets each month on the second Wednesday. The public is invited and new members are encouraged.  For more information visit amadorcountyartists.org. 

CRAB FEED AT ST. SAVA – Sat Feb 15. 6PM, No host bar. 7PM Dinner. Raffle and door prizes. Tickets $35. Make reservations by calling Danica at 223-4640.

YOUTH SPORTS FAIR – Sat May 3 from 10-2pm.  4 Sports $20. This event is an opportunity for youth ages 7-12 to try out different sports to see what they like. With the guidance of an experienced adult athlete and/or coach, participants will have a schedule that takes them through each sport they wish to try

Sports to choose from include: Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Football, Karate, Wrestling, Golf, Track, and Gymnastics.

Sports fill up fast; on a first come basis! Pre-registration is required.

*cannot choose the same sport more than once.

Call ACRA 223-6349, Goacra.org, facebook.com/goacra

JOB OPPORTUNITY: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Looking to use your excellent administrative skills to protect, restore and sustain the natural environment and communities of Amador and Calaveras Counties? Foothill Conservancy is seeking a PT administrative assistant. Pay DOE. Includes paid sick leave and vacation, plus health insurance stipend. Job is located in Jackson, CA. See www.foothillconservancy.org for details. No calls please. Final filing date is February 5.

IT’S GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME! It’s that time of year again. Order yours today!
Troop #485 in Jackson: 256-6925.
Troop #1542 in Sutter Creek: 765-6413

ATTENTION WEDDING PROFESSIONALS! SAVE THE DATE for the 3rd Annual Amador Wedding Faire slated for Sunday, May 4 at the Jackson Casino's Hotel Ballroom. Details TBA. This is a fundraising event for the Preston Castle Foundation and the Kennedy Mine Foundation. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, contact Carol Harper at carol@amadorweddings.com, and we'll get you on the email list! Web site: AmadorWeddings.com. On Facebook at: Facebook.com/AmadorWeddings

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OBITUARY NOTICES:

Posted in: AmadorMemorials.com

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TSPN BROADCASTS can be viewed at: www.tspntv.com

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CA CITY NEWS: CaliforniaCityNews.org
CA COUNTY NEWS: CaliforniaCountyNews.org
CA GOVERNMENT NEWS:  News.CA.gov

Do you have a newsworthy item for any of our departments?
Email your releases or news briefs to: newsroom@newsamador.com

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January 2014 Newsletters
Email your newsletters for our calendar to: carol@newsamador.com
Amador Association of University Women (AAUW)
Amador County Artists Association
First 5 Amador
Mother Lode Harvest Newsletter - Tues Jan 21
New York Fitness
MotherLode Crossfit: New Year, New YOU!

Does your group/organization have a monthly or seasonal newsletter?
Email your newsletter (or the link from your web site) to: carol@newsamador.com

Community Calendar
Email your announcements for our calendar to: carol@newsamador.com

JANUARY 2014

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI Amador) is holding an affiliate meeting and support group on Tuesday, January 28th in the Multi- conference Room at Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. The guest  speaker for the meeting will be Terry Sanders, the Veterans Services Officer for Amador  County. From 6:45 to 8:00 pm we will conduct a confidential Support Group for family members and caregivers of those with mental illnesses. For information call NAMI Amador (at ATCAA) 209-223-1485 Ex. 266.

KARAOKE SERIES 2014 - Every Wednesday night from January 22 – February 26, at the Jackson Casino & Hotel, contestants will be able to compete to win cash prizes and a chance to face off in the Karaoke Finale on March 5, 2014! Doors open at 6PM; contest begins at 7PM. Contestants must be registered and have their song selection turned in by 6:45 p.m. to be eligible to compete. The contests begin at 7 p.m. THIS IS A FREE event! All ages are welcome to attend, but only 18 years or older to participate. No host bar and food available. http://www.jacksoncasino.com/entertainment/full-schedule/73?view=event

CRAB FEED FUNDRAISER – Fri Jan 31 at 6PM at the American Legion Hall in Sutter Creek. The Amador High School band was invited to hold a concert in Disneyland. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Crab, salad, pasta, bread will be served. Dessert Auction. No host bar. Open seating.

Tickets are $35 each. You can purchase tickets at the Amador High School office during regular hours, see Tammy or contact Christina Garcia by email chrisandphil@sbcglobal.net or by phone 209-245-3916, or Patrica Condon at 209-323-9194.


FEBRUARY 2014

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE! Smiles for Kids - For the 29th year Jackson Creek Dental is providing dental services kids in Amador County who “fall between the cracks” in healthcare – children who would not otherwise receive dental treatment. Smiles for Kids will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and we will begin scheduling appointments on January 15, 2014. See flyer below

JOB OPPORTUNITY: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Looking to use your excellent administrative skills to protect, restore and sustain the natural environment and communities of Amador and Calaveras Counties? Foothill Conservancy is seeking a PT administrative assistant. Pay DOE. Includes paid sick leave and vacation, plus health insurance stipend. Job is located in Jackson, CA. See www.foothillconservancy.org for details. No calls please. Final filing date is February 5.

KARAOKE SERIES 2014 - Every Wednesday night from January 22 – February 26, at the Jackson Casino & Hotel, contestants will be able to compete to win cash prizes and a chance to face off in the Karaoke Finale on March 5, 2014! Doors open at 6PM; contest begins at 7PM

Only twenty contestants will be selected each night to participate. All entries will be placed in a drawing drum and the Karaoke Host will pick in front of the audience. 

Contestants will be judged on Vocal Ability, Entertainment Value and Audience Response by our panel of three judges. Our judges will be local media representatives and after all contestants have performed, the judges will tally the scores and the karaoke host will announce the winner on stage. The first place weekly winner will receive $300, the second place winner will receive $200 and the third place winner will receive $100.

Weekly winners who accept the invitation to sing in the Karaoke Finale will be battling it out for their share of $6,000! The top 10 finalists will be awarded! First place winner takes home $2,000, second place wins $1,500 and third place wins $1,000! 

Doors open at 6 p.m. for all events. Contestants must be registered and have their song selection turned in by 6:45 p.m. to be eligible to compete. The contests begin at 7 p.m. 

THIS IS A FREE event! All ages are welcome to attend, but only 18 years or older to participate. No host bar and food available. http://www.jacksoncasino.com/entertainment/full-schedule/73?view=event

PROGRESSIVE WOMEN’S COMMITTEE will meet on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at Thomi's Banquet Room in Jackson. The speaker will be Kris Johnson, 2014 Democratic candidate for Congress. This is an open meeting and all interested persons are welcome to attend.Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Sally at  trestrail@gotsky.com or 209-267-0177 no later than Monday, February 3rd (sooner if possible) The buffet luncheon is $15.00 which includes an entree, salad, vegetarian offering various drinks, coffee, tea, dessert, tax and tip. Pay at the door - cash (the exact amount is appreciated) or personal check only.

NOTE (and this is important): If you make a reservation and cannot attend, please call Sally at 267-0177 to cancel, by Wednesday, February 5th at noon. If you do not show up and have not cancelled You may be billed for the luncheon.

AMADOR COUNTY ARTISTS ASSOCIATION - The next meeting of the ACAA will be February 12, at 7 p.m., in the Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson.  The program for February will consist of a presentation on the many features of the ACAA website, to demonstrate the power of the website in bringing recognition to local artists.  ACAA meets each month on the second Wednesday. The public is invited and new members are encouraged.  For more information visit amadorcountyartists.org. 

WORKSHOP: RESOURCES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE - If you, or someone you know, are looking for resources to help attain a brighter future, there is going to be an outreach workshop for this purpose. It will be held on Wednesday February 12th from 3PM to 5PM at the Margaret Dalton Children’s Center, 975 Broadway in Jackson. During the first hour of the workshop, representatives from established agencies in Amador County will be speaking about what services they provide. Topics covered will include health services, housing assistance, employment opportunities, and nutritional programs. During the second hour of the workshop, tables will be set up so that attendees can speak directly to the representatives about individual needs and concerns. Moderator for the program will be Danise Kaps from TLC.

This program is being put on by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) as an outreach to women in our community. There is no cost to attend the workshop and refreshments will be served. Child care will be provided, and there will be a drawing for a $50 grocery gift card.

Please also spread word about this opportunity to your women friends or family members who could profit from learning first hand about valuable resources already in our county, and how they can be accessed. If you have questions call: (209) 419-0755.

SPRING JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS - Registration is now open for Spring Junior team tennis. Boys & Girls Ages 7-14 play on co-ed teams in three ability levels: beginning, intermediate and advanced. No experience is necessary, beginners are welcome! League matches will run six consecutive Saturdays from April 12 to May 17 and each team will have one practice per week starting in late March. Cost is $65 first child, $40 second child, $5 third child (max of $110 per household). Early bird special: take $10 off your total if registration is postmarked by Feb. 15. Fee includes junior USTA membership, t-shirt, season-end party, and awards. Print an application at www.amadortennisclub.org. Registrations must be received by March 7. If you have questions, contact league director, Dan Klement, at 257-1950 or e-mail at danklement1@gmail.com

A NIGHT OF WORSHIP WITH JASON GRAY – Fri Feb 21 at 7PM at Grace Fellowship, 8040 Hwy 49, Jackson. With special guests, The Crossing Kind and Psalm Bird. Tickets are $12 in advance: $15 at the door. VIP Meet & Greet, $20. Tickets available at Grace Fellowship, Lighthouse Bookstore in Martell, or iTickets.com

MARCH-MAY 2014

49er BYPASS RUN – Saturday, April 5 through Historic Sutter Creek and Amador City. Register now for the 5K (3.1mi.) or 10K (6.2mi.). Race starts on Main Street Sutter Creek at 9am. Register before March 13th to reserve your FREE race shirt. Youth (17 and under) - $20, Adult (18 and over) - $25, Groups or Families of 4 - $60, additional participants - $15. E-mail: ktraverso@amadorgov.org for additional information.

YOUTH SPORTS FAIR – Sat May 3 from 10-2pm.  4 Sports $20. This event is an opportunity for youth ages 7-12 to try out different sports to see what they like. With the guidance of an experienced adult athlete and/or coach, participants will have a schedule that takes them through each sport they wish to try

Sports to choose from include: Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Football, Karate, Wrestling, Golf, Track, and Gymnastics.

Sports fill up fast; on a first come basis! Pre-registration is required.

*cannot choose the same sport more than once.

Call ACRA 223-6349, Goacra.org, facebook.com/goacra

FIRST ANNUAL ROTARY  “SHOW & SHINE” CAR & VINTAGE AIRCRAFT SHOW – Sat May 31 at the Eagle’s Nest Airport in Ione, off of Ione Road. The show expects cars from throughout California and Nevada, and will feature vehicles in all categories from street rods to stock pre-1960, modified, foreign cars and more. Some trucks will also be on display.

Food, beverage and auto accessory vendors will be on site to accommodate all attendees. Amador County is known for its fine wines, and several vintners will be on-site for tasting.  A pancake breakfast will be served by the local Boy Scout Troop 477 from 7:00 to 10:30 AM. All proceeds from this breakfast will be donated to the Troop. For those with a sweet tooth, Boy Scout Troop 581 will be serving sundaes. Other food vendors will include a variety of tasty faire.
All proceeds will go to local youth organizations and the Interfaith Food Bank. General admission for the public will be $5.00 per car. Pre-registration for display vehicles is $25, day of registration $30.  For show and registration information log on to www.ionerotary.com. For show general information, contact Dave Wardall at 209-274-9160.

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Meetings
CLICK HERE for the COUNTY GOVERNMENT CALENDAR

Amador County Technical Advisory Committee - Mon Jan 27 - AmadorGovernment.com
Amador County Board of Supervisors - Tues Jan 28
Amador Democrats features showing of "Inequality for All" on Feb 1 - AmadorSoapbox.com

AMADOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL meets Mon Jan 27 from 10:30-11:30AM at the Margaret Dalton Children’s Center, 975 Broadway, Jackson.

Web site: http://www.first5amador.com/accapc.html

SUTTER CREEK BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION – Thurs Feb 6 at 8:30AM at the Hotel Sutter, 53 Main Street, Sutter Creek. Membership dues for 2014 are now due and payable.  For an application, contact Linda at the Creeky Cupboard, 267-9314.
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS:
AMADOR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS meets every Tues at 8:30 AM
SUTTER CREEK CITY COUNCIL meets on the 1st & 3rd Mon at 7PM.
IONE CITY COUNCIL meets on the 1st & 3rd Tues at 6PM
JACKSON CITY COUNCIL meets on the 2nd & 4th Mon at 7PM
UPCOUNTRY COMMUNITY COUNCIL meets on the 2nd Mon at 6PM.
SUTTER CREEK PLANNING COMMISSION meets on the 2nd Mon at 7PM.
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL meets on 2nd & 4th Thurs at 6:30PM

JACKSON PLANNING COMMISSION meets on the 3rd Mon at 7PM.

AMADOR WATER AGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS meets on Thurs at 9AM.

Holding a meeting in your community that you'd like Amador County to know about? Send us a quick announcement/brief, telling us what it is, date, time, location and a brief description of what the meeting is about. Email your briefs/agendas to: acneditor@gmail.com

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Classes, Workshops & Seminars

Amador County Recreation Agency Class Schedule

- Zumba at the Hub
- Photography with Jeannine
- Adult Dodgeball League
- 4-on-3 Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League
- Youth Flag Football
- Adult Flag Football
- Volleyball Open Gym

Kids on Stage! Performing Arts Group Annual Auditions – Sat Jan 18
Registration for EGUSD Virtual Academy closes on January 31 - AmadorEd.com
"From Couch to Trail" 5K Prep Program begins on February 3 - AmadorHealth.com

UCCE Master Food Preservers offers 2014 Volunteer Training Program - Orientation on Feb 3 - AmadorGroups.com
Deadline to Experience “A Taste of the Arts”  is February 15, 2014 - AmadorArts.com

YOGA CLASSES: Amy Champ, PhD, RYT is now offering gentle and restorative yoga. A longtime resident of Plymouth, Amy recently completed her PhD at UC Davis and wrote her dissertation on women and yoga in the US. She has practiced yoga for 20 years, and is a trained and certified Sivananda yoga and meditation teacher since 2005. Her training deals with women's health, prenatal, postnatal, and elderly women.“I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience of yoga with each and every one of you. These yoga classes will be geared towards an average fitness level, with customizations based on your individual level and personal needs.”
CLASSES:
New York Fitness (Jackson) - Open class - Monday and Weds - 8 a.m. $10.00 or FREE with gym membership
Bodies 'n Balance (Martell)Thursday - Prenatal with Moms and Babies 8 a.m.
Open class-Saturday - 8 a.m.
$15 or $125 for a 10 class card; Over 60 senior discount $100 for 10-class card.
For more information, contact via email: AmyChamp72@gmail.com

SPRING JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS - Registration is now open for Spring Junior team tennis. Boys & Girls Ages 7-14 play on co-ed teams in three ability levels: beginning, intermediate and advanced. No experience is necessary, beginners are welcome! League matches will run six consecutive Saturdays from April 12 to May 17 and each team will have one practice per week starting in late March. Cost is $65 first child, $40 second child, $5 third child (max of $110 per household). Early bird special: take $10 off your total if registration is postmarked by Feb. 15. Fee includes junior USTA membership, t-shirt, season-end party, and awards. Print an application at www.amadortennisclub.org. Registrations must be received by March 7. If you have questions, contact league director, Dan Klement, at 257-1950 or e-mail at danklement1@gmail.com

BALLROOM DANCE lessons are continuing every Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Pine Grove Town Hall. All levels welcome.  For further information or to sign up, call 296-1207 or hohohough@volcano.net.

ZUMBA AT THE HUB - Every Tuesday evenings 5:30- 6:30. Call for new 2014 schedule…223-6349. $7 general $5 students Check out the ACRA website for additional information/details: http://www.goacra.org/programs.html

CHINA PAINTING WITH MARGARET ANWAY – Margaret Anway has decades of experience painting, as well as teaching china and glass painting. She has been published in “The China Decorator” magazine, and is happy teaching beginning artists as well as professional, and is flexible to your needs.

Classes are Tues mornings, 9-12 noon at Margaret Anway’s home, 26601 High Tree Ave, Pioneer. $7 per class. Call 295-8836 to schedule your first class or if you have any questions regarding the class.

INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY: Folsom Lake College will be offering an Introduction to Astronomy class in the Spring Semester from January 18 until May 21, 2014. This class is in a  Interactive Television (ITV) format which means the instructor and students will interact and view each other on a real-time basis. Class sessions are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:20 pm (two sessions per week). This is class is worth 3 semester credits and is taught by Bob Laurent. The class will be given at the Amador County Transit Center in Sutter Hill - 117 Valley View Way, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. This center is at the intersection of Valley View Way and Bowers Ave. For enrollment information please call 209 223-6393.

LADIES CAR CARE CLINIC & BRUNCH – Sat Jan 18 at 10AM at Calvary Chapel in Pine Grove. This is a great time to grab your girlfriends and join our One-Of-A-Kind event! You will learn about cars and what you CAN do to keep your car or truck running dependably. Admission to event is FREE*
We will Learn How to:
- Identify warning lights on the dash
- Check your engine oil and other fluids
- Check and adjust tire pressure

- Change a flat tire.
Plus much more! Our volunteer mechanics will also make time to show you around your own vehicle and answer any specific questions you may have. So if you’ve always wanted to know what makes your vehicle tick, this is the event for you! This is also a great opportunity for young ladies just starting to drive to learn as well, so if you have daughters – reserve a spot for them too.
The Car Care Clinic is FREE; however, we encourage everyone to bring a mealtime item for the potluck brunch (a girl’s got to eat!!).
Presented by HIS Ladies of Calvary. Space is limited. Register online by email by contacting Chris at chriszegler@calvaryamador.org, or call: 209-301-293, or visit ‘HIS Ladies’ on ‘Facebook’ and reserve your spot.

FREE! ART AT THE HUB 
After-School Class Schedule
All Classes are Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 3:30 to 5pm at the HUB
*Poetry with Linda Toren:  January 14,21,28, February 4 & 11
*Journal- Making Lorra Lee Rose & Bruce Peccianti:  February 18, 19 & 20
*More classes to be scheduled: Traditional Jewelry, Music, Drama, & Drums
Students 5th,6th, 7th & 8th graders… Students of Amador County.
Must have signed the ACRA Rec’ing Crew Waiver  to participate.
You may download a copy on the ACRA or Amador Arts websites.
For more information call ACRA at 223-6349 facebook.com/goacra,www.goacra.org., or amadorarts.org
The HUB is located at 206B Main St. Jackson.

Holding a class, workshop or seminar? Send us a quick announcement/brief, telling us about it, give the date, time, location and a brief description of what the class is about. Email your briefs to: acneditor@gmail.com

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Events & Activities
Amador Arts Council
Amador County Artists Association
Amador County Recreation Agency - Event Calendar
Jackson Casino Events 2013
Mother Lode Friends of Music Season Calendar 2013-2014

Holistic Health Fair returns on January 25 - AmadorHealth.com
Experience “A Taste of the Arts” on March 1- AmadorArts.com
Amador Democrats features showing of "Inequality for All" on Feb 1 - AmadorSoapbox.com

Sutter Creek Gallery features Helen Wilkinson as February’s featured artist, Artist Reception on Feb 1  - AmadorArts.com

“Oil and Water DO Mix” –Exhibit by Howard Rees for month of February, Artist Reception on Feb 1  - AmadorArts.com
Alaska's Fiddling Poet Ken Waldman presents free events in Jackson in February - AmadorArts.com
Operation Care and GO! Youth Program holds 2nd Annual Color Madness 5K Fun Run/Walk on Feb 1 - AmadorGroups.com
Jackson Creek Dental "Smiles for Kids" - Sat Feb 1

ATTENTION WEDDING PROFESSIONALS! SAVE THE DATE for the 3rd Annual Amador Wedding Faire slated for Sunday, May 4 at the Jackson Casino's Hotel Ballroom. Details TBA. This is a fundraising event for the Preston Castle Foundation and the Kennedy Mine Foundation. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, contact Carol Harper at carol@amadorweddings.com, and we'll get you on the email list! Web site: AmadorWeddings.com. On Facebook at: Facebook.com/AmadorWeddings
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Have an event poster or flyer? It's only $5/month to have yours posted on Amador Community News! Full page, color ads/flyers. Email yours to: carol@newsamador.com (PDF or JPEG, please).