A very dedicated bunch of folks have volunteered hundreds of hours over the past few months to make the Ione Arena become a successful, revenue-generating venue.  In addition to the ribbon cutting on Friday evening, there will be a full day of Team Roping on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.  Come on back around dinner-time to watch high-speed barrel racers do their thing, starting about 6:30pm.  We hope you will find enjoyment in watching or participating in the upcoming events that will become a more regular occurrence at the Arena.  Hope to see you there!

It is time for Common Ground Senior Services’ 4th Annual MEALS ON WHEELS “Island Faire Luau" on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Shutter Tree Park in Mokelumne Hill. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be utilized for the Senior Nutrition Programs, which puts us one step closer to ensuring that no vulnerable senior in our community will be forgotten or go hungry.

The majority of older adults that we serve live at or below the federal poverty level. This means they are able to spend less on meals given the price of gas, skyrocketing food costs, medications and other health-related expenses; many are having to choose between paying for their medications and food. 

We are hoping that our Chamber of Commerce friends be willing to supply a suitable prize for the fundraiser’s raffle. Gift Baskets are always popular but any suitable product your organization can donate would be greatly appreciated. Please send your donation directly to Common Ground Senior Services located inside the Amador Senior Center and at 65 E St Charles Street in San Andreas. Please call if you prefer us to pick up your tax deductible donation (Tax ID # #68-0463039). Should you need more information contact me at 209-223-3015 Ext. 221 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thank you in advance for your support.  See you at the Luau!!  Tickets are now on sale and also available on our websitewww.commongroundseniorservices.org

Posted by TSPN TV 

Roberta Picket host today's Insights on Leadership and Life. 

Noon News on TSPN TV Guest Sheriff Ryan  Topic Jail  & AB109 Realignment. 10 1 14

Families, close friends and caretakers of people who develop serious mental illnesses are often in shock when they realize their loved one has mental illness.  They may be stigmatized by those around them who know nothing about mental illness, and may feel alone, while the medical community gives them no information to help them care for their ill person.

These are scenarios that the National Alliance on Mental Illness, America’s largest grassroots mental health organization, saw when it was formed.   From this need the Family to Family NAMI Signature Program developed, and volunteer teachers all over the US were trained.  To date over 300,000 people have taken the course, and Family to Family is now part of the prestigious National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.

NAMI Amador is one of the affiliates of NAMI with trained teachers that can offer the free six-week class to the community, supported through a contract with Amador County Behavioral Health Department with Mental Health Services Act funding.  Class begins Saturday, October 4th from 9:00AM to 2:30PM at Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson.

The course, updated each year with the latest research, addresses schizophrenia, mood disorders (bipolar disorder and major depression), panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD and co-occurring disorders.  It balances education and skill training with emotional support, self-care and empowerment.  Participants learn coping skills such as handling crisis and relapse; basic information about medications; listening and communication techniques; problem-solving skills; recovery and rehabilitation; and self-care around worry and stress.

One graduate said,  “I truly wish I had known this information when my [family member’s] illness began. It gives me the tools to deal with her in a more positive way.  The information about medications and the mental illness process was invaluable.”

People interested in taking the course, who are able to make the 6-week commitment, should call NAMI Amador at 223-1485, X266 and leave a message for instructors.

Posted by TSPN TV on Tuesday, 9-30-14

The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) invites adults interested in helping others learn about gardening to apply to train as a Master Gardener volunteer. UCCE Master Gardener volunteers learn University-based scientific information and then share that knowledge with the gardening community. Master Gardener volunteers are people of all ages and from all walks of life with a common desire to help others learn about gardening.

The 2015 Central Sierra training is being hosted by the UCCE Master Gardeners in both Calaveras and Amador counties.  Participation is open to anyone in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne counties. A background check including fingerprinting is required to train to become a Master Gardener.

Two informational overview meetings are scheduled at 3:30 pm on the following Thursdays.

·      October 23 at the GSA building at 12200-B Airport Road in Jackson

·      October 30 at the Calaveras County Library at 1299 Gold Hunter Road, San Andreas

Anyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener should attend one of these meetings to learn about the program, the training, and the subsequent volunteer requirements.

The training classes for new volunteers begin Thursday, January 22, 2015 and continue weekly through April 30, 2015, from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm each Thursday. Classes will be held in both Calaveras and Amador counties. These classes will include over 50 hours of intensive training by University of California personnel and horticulture specialists in various fields.  Topics include water management, soils, composting, native plants, fruit production, plant diseases, entomology, Integrated Pest Management, understanding pesticides, and more.

The training fee of $185 covers the cost of all class materials, which includes several reference texts.  After successfully completing the training program, certified UCCE Master Gardener volunteers agree to fulfill annual volunteer service and continuing education requirements.

For more information, visit http://ucanr.edu/mg_training or
contact Robin Cleveland at 530-621-5528 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Posted by TSPN TV on Tuesday, 9-30-14

The Pine Grove Civic Improvement Club invites you to celebrate the township of Pine Grove. Come and See Local Businesses, Pine Grove Market, Ridge Road Nursery, Blue Moon Cafe, Mother Lode Newcomers and Friends Club, Pine Grove Elementary Choir, Pine Grove Elementary Robotics Club, Sheriff Martin Ryan, Smoky the Bear, Cal Fire, Amador Fire Protection District, Prizes, and much more.

Hot Dogs courtesy of Volcano Vision and Cotton Candy by PGCIC

Celebrate Pine Grove takes place on Friday, October 3 from 6PM to 8PM at Pine Grove Town Hall and Pine Grove Park.

Posted by TSPN TV on Tuesday, 9-30-14