Supervisor Richard Forster gives a summary of what was discussed at the Board of Supervisors Report on 3-24-15.

Supervisor Richard Forster gives a summary of what was discussed at the Board of Supervisors Report on 3-24-15.

Ed Coughlin talks to Richard Forster about the American Truck Historical Society's Antique Truck Show and BBQ on April 25 at the Fairgrounds. FREE Entrance and Parking. www.CentralCaliforniaATHS.com

Heather Murdock closes out Amador Live with Phillip Young and the Up-Country Drama Group.

During National Volunteer Week, Hospice of Amador & Calaveras Honors those who Give Selflessly to Others

 Over 40 years ago, the U.S. hospice movement was founded by dedicated volunteers who wanted to bring compassion and care to people at life’s end. This commitment to volunteering among our nation’s hospices continues to be a foundation of hospice care. 

During National Volunteer Week, April 12-18, Hospice of Amador & Calaveras is celebrating the many gifts of its dedicated volunteers from our community who provide support, companionship and dignity to patients and family caregivers facing serious and life-limiting illness. 

“Hospice care began as a grassroots volunteer-driven movement and without volunteers, we could not do the work we have been doing at Hospice of Amador & Calaveras since 1982,” said Dan Riordan, Executive Director.  "Volunteers are the heartbeat of our agency, without them it would be difficult to do the work we do," said Ann Metherd, Volunteer Coordinator

More than 200 volunteers provide over 21 thousand hours per year to help Hospice of Amador & Calaveras care for patients and families in the community. These hours also include our thrift store/fundraising and bereavement volunteers. 

Hospice volunteers often serve patients and families at the bedside but they also assist in the office, help raise awareness, contribute to educational programs, and provide fundraising support and more.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that there are an estimated 355,000 trained hospice volunteers providing more than 16 million hours of service to hospice programs each year. 

An estimated 1.6 million patients in the U.S. are cared for by hospice every year.

Hospice volunteers help the people they serve live every moment of life to the fullest and enable the organizations they work with to achieve their mission in the community. Most hospice volunteers choose to give their time helping others because of their own experience with the compassionate care hospice provided to a dying loved one. 

The following is a quote from Ann Andrews 15 year volunteer when she was asked why she volunteers, "I feel like I need and want to give back because I feel I have been given so much."   "The contribution I am giving makes me feel good.  I enjoy working with the staff even though I may not know all of them personally I feel a part of the team.  They help me feel that way."

It is federally mandated under Medicare that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers reflecting the vital role that volunteers play in the provision of care.

For those interested in learning more about hospice or volunteer opportunities, please contact Ann Metherd, Volunteer Coordinator, or visit hospiceofamador.org or contact us at (209)223-5500.  

UP-COUNTRY DRAMA, comprised of actors from both Pioneer Elementary and Pine Grove Elementary schools, presents WE’RE OFF TO SAVE THE WIZARD, -- a fantasy-adventure for children of all ages by Craig Sodaro, adapted from L. Frank Baum’s Tik Tok of Oz, the eighth in the series of more than 40 Oz stories.

The Wizard of Oz has been kidnapped! The evil Nome King Ruggedo is demanding that he be made king of the world, and is holding the Wizard and his Apprentice hostage until Ozma, Queen of Oz, agrees to step aside. Ozma sends Dorothy and Tik Tok, a mechanical man made of copper, on a long and perilous journey to rescue the Wizard and his Apprentice.

Along the way, Dorothy and Tik Tok meet a delicate Princess Rose, a shaggy prospector from Colorado who is looking for his brother, Polychrome, the tail end of a rainbow who has lost her sisters, and Queen Ann Soforth, who has become bored in the tiny principality of Oogaboo and sets off with her bumbling army to conquer Oz for herself,. They all decide to join forces to save the Wizard, who might be able to solve each of their problems.

However, Ruggedo hears them coming and sends them through the Hollow Tube to the other side of the world, where he is sure the ruler, Jinjin, will turn them into statues. Does he? Or will Jinjin return them to Ruggedo's cavern, armed with some surprising magical objects to set the Nome King straight once and for all.

But even if Ruggedo is defeated, the Wizard is still lost in the fearful Metal Forest. Will there be enough magic to make everything right again?

WE’RE OFF TO SAVE THE WIZARD is in performance on Friday evening, March 27, curtain at 7:00 pm, and Saturday afternoon, March 28, curtain at 2:00 pm, at Pioneer Elementary School, 24625 Hwy 88, Pioneer, CA – just opposite the 3,000-ft. elevation marker. Tickets At-the-Door are $3.50 each. Save 15% with the purchase of a Family Pack: four admissions for $12.00.

Purchase Tickets in Advance and save an additional 16%: $3.00 each; $10.00 for a Family Pack. Advance Tickets will be available at Young’s Payless IGA, 26560 Highway 88, Pioneer, on Saturday, March 21, between 10:00am—3:00pm, and at both Pioneer Elementary and Pine Grove Elementary schools between March 23 and March 27 during normal school hours.

CALL DRAMA DIRECTOR LISA HARRIS AT (209) 295-1961 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Photo by L. K. Harris

Historical Tours

Saturdays, April 4th through Sept. 26th, and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, June through August, 10 am to 1 pm

Come to Ione and enjoy an informative historical tour of the magnificent Preston Castle and surrounding grounds.  The strikingly beautiful Romanesque style Preston Castle, on a hill in Ione, was actually the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, the first major attempt in California at rehabilitating, instead of just imprisoning, young offenders.  Opened in 1894, the Preston School of Industry became a leader in the juvenile prison reform movement by giving convicted boys a real chance at life by educating them not only in academics, but in all of the useful trades of the time.  Closed in 1960, when the Preston Youth Authority moved into a new administration building down the hill, the Preston Castle was left to deteriorate due to weather, vandalism, and general neglect.  It now serves as a vacant, but vitally important landmark for Ione, Amador County, and the Motherlode.  It is aCalifornia State Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours: $10, $5 ages 12 and under, free under 5

Preston Castle Golf Classic

Thursday, May 14

11 am registration, 1 pm Shotgun - Castle Oaks Golf Course, 1000 Castle Oaks Dr, Ione

The 10th annual Preston Castle Golf Classic returns Thursday, May 14 at the Castle Oaks Golf Course in Ione.  Your day starts at 11 am with registration, lunch, and a putting contest, followed by a 1:00 pm shotgun start.  Besides golf and cart, your Registration includes lunch, putting contest, and other prize opportunities. Your day of golf doesn’t end there -- it also includes dinner at the Castle Oaks Clubhouse with the chance to win outstanding raffle prizes.  Don’t miss this sell-out golf tournament - register now.  Your $95 entry fee will support efforts to restore the Castle.  Tickets are also available for guests of golfers at $25 for dinner only.

Register, by May 7, on the Preston Castle website, www.prestoncastle.com or by mailing your check to Preston Castle Foundation at P.O. Box 488, Ione, CA 95640.  Registration forms will also be available at the Castle Oaks clubhouse and Clark’s Corner.  For more information, call Jackie or Tom at (209) 274-2166 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ParaCon at the Castle

May 29 and 30

Castle Spirits hosts Preston Castle Foundation’s First Annual Benefit Paranormal Conference.  Castle Spirits is a paranormal investigation team that has served as the Preston Castle's overnight paranormal docents for the past five years.  All proceeds from this event will go towards the preservation and rehabilitation of the Preston Castle.

Two packages are available:

The Visitation: $100; ParaCon all day Saturday, May 30, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. with numerous guest speakers and workshops.

The Full Possession: $150; includes a Meet and Greet from 7 pm to 9 pm Friday evening, May 29, in the Preston Castle Courtyard, Paracon at the Castle all day Saturday, May 30, and a 2 hour investigation of the Castle on Saturday night.

We will have up to 3 different investigation times Sat. night, with a maximum of 30 people per time. Buy your tickets according to which time you want for your investigation.

The Guest Speakers are a Who’s Who of the paranormal world.  See website for additional information and tickets:  www.prestoncastle.com

Photographer’s Days

Sunday, June 28, Noon to 4 pm,

Sunday, September 6, 4 pm to 8 pm

On Photographer’s Day you can roam the castle on a self-guided tour. Visitors are allowed four hours to explore the non-restricted areas of the castle. This gives you the time you need to set up shots without rushing to keep up the pace of our normal informative tours.  Come to one, two, or all three – you will never run out of cool shots.  Note the dates are on Sunday, and the September date includes twilight/evening light.  $40 per person.  Limited to 100 tickets each day.  Buy your tickets early as these always sell out.  www.prestoncastle.com

Dead Man’s Chest - Murder Mystery Dinner Party at the Castle

Friday and Saturday, August 14th and 15th, 6 pm to 9 pm

The Mystick Krewe of Cochon is having an end of Mardi Gras Ball hosted by Governor Fayette Warren and his wife, Raylene. There are lots of surprises planned, including some pirates, of course, so you absolutely must attend!  Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to solve a murder (or two). Are you up the challenge? We’re taking you back in time to 1857 New Orleans during Mardi Gras. We want you to be fully involved in the murder mystery, so please come in costume.

Enjoy dinner in the Preston Castle Courtyard and be part of the action as events unfold around you.  Observe, ask questions, and use your super sleuth skills to figure out “who done it?”

A no host bar will have a nice selection of drinks available for purchase, including our killer Hurricane.

Limited to 100 tickets, each night. Get yours now! Tickets: $45, available at Clark’s Corner, or online at www.prestoncastle.com.  Call 209-256-3623 for more information and/or tickets.

Amador Arts TGIF Concert

Friday, August 21, 6 pm to 8 pm

2015 will be the 17th year of Amador Arts Council’s TGIF Free Summer Concerts featuring talented bands in various beautiful venues around our county.  Take advantage of the opportunity to listen to some great music in the shadow of the majestic Preston Castle.

Wine Tasting & Tour

Saturday, September 12, 3 - 6 pm

Preston Castle, Palm Drive, Ione

Taste the fine wines of Amador County and experience the history of the majestic Preston Castle. Attendees will sample fine wines, poured by 15 different wineries, from commemorative Preston Castle wine glasses.

Sip a glass of wine, enjoy a variety of gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and listen to live music on the patio where the food will be served, and in front of the Castle where the wineries will be pouring.

Last year’s wineries included:  Bray, Clos du Lac, Cooper, Drytown, Karmere, Nine Gables, Sera Fina, Sobon, Story, Tanis, Terra d’Oro, TKC, Turley, Vino Noceto, and Wine Tree Farm.

This is our 11th annual Wine Tasting and Tour.  It continues to be one of Amador County's premier wine events, and is always a sellout, so get your tickets now! Tickets: $40. Tickets are available at Clark’s Corner, or online at www.prestoncastle.com.  Call 209-256-3623 for more information and/or tickets.

Preston Castle Halloween Haunt

Friday, Oct. 16, Saturday, Oct. 17, Friday, Oct. 23, Saturday, Oct. 24, and Friday, Oct. 30, starting at 6:30 pm

The event you've been waiting for, Halloween 2015 at the magnificent, eerie, scary, Preston Castle!

Featured on Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures, come experience Northern California's only REAL Haunted House! The Preston Castle will be having special tours before Halloween, October 16th, 17th, 23th, 24th, and 30th.

This is a fun "scare" tour and not a historical tour of the entire Castle. This year's Haunt will be bigger and better, and you will see some new areas of the Castle this year.

We will have vendors with a variety of food options, and drinks, popcorn, and other munchies, as well as some really great T-Shirts and other merchandise, available for purchase.  Adults - $20, students with ID - $10. 

Halloween Costume Ball

Halloween Night, Saturday, October 31, 7 pm to 11 pm

A fun Halloween Night event at the magnificent, eerie, scary, Preston Castle!

Come to a masquerade ball in your finest Halloween outfits. Dance to great music provided by our very own Devilish DJ.  A no host bar will be available to quench your thirst and food vendors for your stomach.

Of course there will be costume contests and other fun stuff.  Come and party, if you dare!  Tickets - $20, adults only, 18 and over.

Olde Tyme Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 12, Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 am to 4 pm

Travel back to Victorian times at the beautiful Preston Castle and find lots of interesting arts, crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and other gift items while listening to Christmas Carols.  Crafts for kids.  Also, Santa will be available for your wish lists.

For the last time this year, you may take a tour of the historic Preston Castle.        

For Vendor information, contact Tuesday (916) 967-8770, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Overnight Ghost Tours

Thanks to our partnership with an experienced Paranormal Research Group, the Preston Castle Foundation is excited to offer opportunities for visitors to spend the night in the Preston Castle.

Now you can have the opportunity to spend a night in this truly scary Castle with a small number of other ghost hunters.

You will have access to three floors of the Castle throughout the night with only your flashlight and paranormal investigation gear along for comfort.

Experiences at the castle have included EVP, humming, whispers, touching, channeling, and seeing and recording orbs and apparitions. There have been no harmful events and no one has been hurt during these overnight events.

Numerous Paranormal research groups have investigated this location and report that it is one of the most active sites they have had the pleasure to experience. You will also have the chance to learn paranormal investigation techniques if you wish to do so.

Every person venturing through the castle will have a docent with them to insure their safety throughout the evening. 

Tickets are $100 per person, limited to 15 guests each night.  Investigations typically start at 7 pm and last until 4 am, when everyone leaves the Castle.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.prestoncastle.com

Supervisor, Richard Forster and TSPN TV's, Tom Slivick discuss the upcoming Board of Supervisors Report on March 24, 2015, which included the Mid-Year budget update. Part One.

Supervisor, Richard Forster and TSPN TV's, Tom Slivick discuss the upcoming Board of Supervisors Report on March 24, 2015, which included the Mid-Year budget update. Part Two.