AAUW Presents: "Impacts on Ecosystems, Here and Abroad" - Wed Jan 14

A program of interest to Amador residents is being presented by American Association of University Women (AAUW). The speaker will be Kelsi Himmel, Environmental Educator, discussing her recent experience viewing the impact of oil extraction and mining on ecosystems and communities in Ecuador’s rainforest.

Kelsi will be describing her recent trip and her direct observations of consequences in the region of the Yasuni which borders the Napo River, as well as other regions affected in Ecuador. She will show a film and follow it with a presentation on what she discovered and the effects, not only on the greatest variety of plants and animals in the world, but also on indigenous communities in the area. Reliance on earth’s non-renewables has consequences on both a global and local scale.

Kelsi Himmel on the Napo River in Yasumi

Over 70 years have passed since the end of metal mining as a major industry in Amador County, but the toxic effects are left unresolved in many areas, including the infamous Argonaut mine area. While we in Amador are attempting to reclaim our abused lands, the same sad stories of irreparable damage to our earth plays out across the globe at a record pace. We have the inherent right to know what is happening to our water, land and air. Having this knowledge can empower communities to make choices for the future health of all.

AAUW will be presenting this informative program on Wednesday January 14th from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Sutter Creek Community Center, 33 Church St. Refreshments will be served. Members of the general public are welcome to attend at no cost.

Operation Care - The Spirit of Christmas Giving: Adopt-A-Family

The Spirit of Christmas Giving: Adopt-a-Family    ____________________________________  Amador County (December 22, 2014) - Employees and volunteers of Operation Care are deep into the Christmas spirit, organizing gifts for 35 children and their families who otherwise would not have had a "Christmas". "We do this every year," said Tammie Crabtree, executive director of Operation Care. "We get an overwhelming show of support from our community starting in early December. There are so many generous people who want to help those in need." Operation Care's "Adopt-a-Family" program identifies survivors of domestic violence who need a little help making the holidays "normal" for their families. This year, the Crackerjack Bowling League and the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Ione adopted all of the children, while countless individuals adopted the families and children as well. Servpro donated coats to the families, the Jackson Police Department donated bicycles for some of the teens in the program, and Kelly Abel donated bicycles for all of the children ages 3 - 12. All of the gifts were sorted and wrapped by volunteers and staff, to be delivered to the families before Christmas. "Gift giving is a symbol of the spirit of the season," said Tammie, "and we're pleased to be able to help, and to provide some sense of normalcy to families whose lives have been turned upside down by violence. We want to thank all of the people who so generously provided gifts for seventeen local families. It is an amazing show of confidence in our programs, and it is heartwarming to see the joy on a child's face when they open their gifts." Operation Care has been providing services and safe shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1980. During the 2013/14 fiscal year, 43 women and children were provided safe shelter. Advocates helped 40 victims with temporary restraining orders, and provided crisis intervention to 45 sexual assault victims. The staff provided 406 peer counseling sessions to 115 adults and 14 children, and hundreds of transports to appointments, court, and other locations. The mission of the organization is to provide domestic violence and sexual assault support services, crisis intervention and education in our community. For more information call 209-223-2897 or visit www.operationcare.org and https://www.facebook.com/operationcare.    Hundreds of packages and toys await delivery to the survivors of domestic violence and their families this Christmas.

Pine Grove Conservation Camp firefighters win Men’s Dodgeball League Championship

Saturday Night Pine Grove Camp fire fighters won their first Championship in the Amador County men’s Dodgeball League.

This was Pine Grove’s second season in the Dodgeball league.  Head Coach YCC Adam Frazier and Asst. Coach YCC Linh Nguyen held practices where the guys learned if you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball and the 5 D’s of Dodgeball: Dodge, Duck, Dive, Dip, Dodge.

Following their big victory they celebrated with a Giant 88 burger and took picture with their new T-shirts and the title built.

Photo by YCC Nguyen

Amador Child Abuse Prevention Council - Dec 2014

Loraine Davis	Dec 11 (4 days ago)
to

CAPC Newsletter December 2014 Holiday Stress  Let's Take the Stress out of the Season! Hello friends of CAPC! December brings many celebrations and festivities, but whatever your special holiday, it can cause stress in families. We shared some ideas last month, but feel we can't emphasize enough the importance of not taking on too much during this time of year.   Children respond to stress in their own ways: crying, tantrums, clinging, excessive energy, temporary regression such as thumb sucking and many other ways. These tips can help reduce stressful situations! Establish predictable routines. Eat regular meals. Make sure everyone gets enough sleep. Plan for rest times. Take time to explain the day's activities. Children need to know what is going to happen. Prepare ahead for a hectic day. Plan for snacks: quick, take-along snacks such as crackers, veggies, and fruit require no refrigeration and can be shared when shopping lines are long or hunger makes tempers flare. Slow down. If the family is always rushing, consider cutting back on the number of planned activities or schedule them over several days. Allow time for playing and movement. Most shopping activities are boring to children. Allow them time to use some of their endless energy! Set a good example yourself. Avoid overextending yourself by trying to do too much. Plan quiet times and "get away" activities for yourself. Express positive appreciation for cooperative behavior. Provide LOTS AND LOTS OF HUGS! Discuss any changes in routine. Plan ahead if you are expecting guests. Put away breakable or "special things." Let everyone share in planning how to make guests comfortable. Most important? Don't forget the humor in difficult situations! Take a "step back" and relax. Breathe.   Please help share the work we do and forward this to your friends and colleagues too. Thank you for everything you do to help   prevent child abuse in Amador County! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   Staying Safe During the Holidays    Child abuse is incredibly prevalent in the winter holiday season because of stress, the expense and bustle of shopping, and increased alcohol use. Accidents related to holiday decorating and festivities also contribute to unsafe conditions for children. Here are some tips to help keep families and homes safe during the holiday season. Beware of Holiday Candles ~Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible      materials. ~Do not leave children unattended in the room with lit candles. ~Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children. ~Refrain from using candles to decorate Christmas trees. Test Tree Trimmings ~When decorating with lights be sure to purchase the type that      have been tested and labeled by an approved laboratory. ~For outside decorations use only lights that are labeled for      outside use. ~Do not overload electrical outlets and always unplug all lights      when leaving the home or going to bed. Keep Christmas Trees Fresh ~Choose a fresh tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. ~Locate the tree away from heat sources and exits - water it daily. ~If you purchase an artificial tree, make sure that it is fire      retardant. Prepare for Holiday Parties ~Decorate with flame retardant or non-combustible materials. ~Have a designated smoking area outside, for the sake of others      that are sensitive to secondhand smoke. Designate a Driver ~If you are a party attendant, select a driver. ~If you are a host you should have a supply of nonalcoholic      beverages on hand for the designated drivers. Inspect Fireplaces ~Fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected each year before the      start of the heating season. Creosote forms as the wood burns,      creating a buildup in the chimney walls that will cause a fire if      not properly cleaned. ~Always protect your home and your family by using a sturdy      screen when burning fires. ~You should only burn wood and not paper or pine limbs which      can float out of the chimney and may ignite a neighbor's yard. ~Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. ~If stockings are hung on the mantle, don't start a fire in the      fireplace.    Happy and Safe Holidays from all of us here at the Child Abuse Prevention Council!       Child Abuse Prevention Council 975 Broadway Jackson, California 95642 (209) 223-5921 info@amadorcapc.org www.amadorcapc.org Events: Children's Holiday FestivalFriday, Dec. 12 5:30-8:00pm Margaret Dalton Children's Center Next CAPC Meeting Monday, Jan. 12, 10:30am (second Monday due to the MLK holiday) 975 Broadway, Jackson Dad and Me (4th Saturday of every month) Saturday, Jan. 24 10:00am-noon The CAPC office will be closed  Christmas Eve and Day, Dec. 24 and 25.

Amador Fire Safe Council - Wed Dec 17

Amador Fire Safe Council

Board of Directors Meeting

"The mission of the Amador County Fire Safe Council is to protect the people of Amador County and their property from the effects of catastrophic wildfire through education, cooperation, innovation, and action."

AFSC, P O Box 1055, Pine Grove, CA 95665 – Phone: (209)295-6200

Amador County Agriculture Department Conference Room

Meeting Agenda

December 17, 2014

3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

12200 Airport Road, Martell

1. Call to order

2. Approval of Agenda (Action)

3. Introductions

4. Approval of Minutes November 19, 2014 (Action)

5. Treasurer’s Report (Discussion and possible Action)

6. Executive Director Report

7. AFSC invoices confirmation (see reverse side)

8. Announcements

9. Committee/Grant reviews (Discussion and possible Action)

• Hazard Fuels Reduction & Maintenance Committees

• Public Events Committee

• ACCG Report – Cornerstone Project updates

• High Country CWPP status

• Fiddletown CWPP

• National Forest Foundation Grant

• Firewise updates

• PG&E CEMA grant

10. Old Business (discussion and possible action)

• Title III

• Employee versus Contractor continued discussion

11. New Business (discussion and possible action)

• Ground work contractor bid review for Fire Adapted Amador (action)

12. Public Comments

13. Next meeting, January 21, 2015

14. Adjournment

15. Closed Session - Housekeeping

Hospice Honored for 100% Medicare Audit

During the November 25th Amador County Board of Supervisors meeting, the supervisors passed and adopted Resolution No. 14-126 in appreciation for the employees and volunteers of Hospice of Amador & Calaveras, to honor them for receiving 100% Medicare compliance during a recent surprise audit from the State of California.

The resolution was motioned by Supervisor John Plasse, District 1, who had learned of the perfect audit findings and wanted to honor Hospice of Amador & Calaveras for attaining the highly acclaimed accomplishment.  Supervisor Plasse noted that the resolution included how during the audit debrief meeting, the RN auditor said, “I’m not sure how to say this but this has never happened to me before in the 20 years I have been doing this job; That they could not find one thing to write up, nor find one deficiency that would require her to document it; And that it is clearly evident that Hospice of Amador & Calaveras, is providing care the way hospice care is supposed to be provided!”

Supervisor John Plasse, Director of Patient Care Caela White and Executive Director Dan Riordan.

Supervisor Plasse presented the framed resolution to Executive Director Dan Riordan, and Caela White, Director of Patient Care Services, to recognize and thank the over 50 employees and 200+ volunteers who devote their time, energy, love and professionalism to make Hospice of Amador & Calaveras, our local community based non-profit hospice, a truly remarkable Hospice.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) also learned of our local hospice’s accomplishment and they will be highlighting them in their weekly online publication, NewsBriefs. 

To learn about how Hospice of Amador & Calaveras might help you or your loved one call 209-223-5500 or 209-736-9442. www.hospiceofamador.org

Operation Care - December 2014

OPERATION CARE NEWS | December 2014  In This Issue Courage & Hope Celebrate Spring Fundraiser Get Help Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault.  NO MORE is a movement centered on a powerful new symbol that brings together all people who  want to end domestic violence and sexual assault. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO Holidays can be Stressful For many, the holiday season is filled with laughter, music, joy, and peace, but for some, it is a time of increased stress. Click on the image above for helpful ideas for keeping the holidays stress-free for adults AND children. Remember, if you begin to feel increased tension, call Operation Care's 24-hour hotline at 209-223-2600 before taking stress out on children, family members, friends and others.   Quick Links... Our Website e-newsletter archives Donation Options Donate through PayPal: Amador Community Foundation Set up an endowment or bequest Donate a car/boat/plane Donate your old cell phones or consider making a donation to Operation Care in honor or in memory of a loved one. A gift card will be mailed to the person you honor in recognition of your contribution. This is a wonderful way to recognize a friend or family member while providing hope to those most vulnerable in our county.  Contact Us: 209-223-2897 209-223-2987 fax email Web Site A True Story of Courage & Hope October 24, 2014     My teenage son and I arrived at Operation Care scared, shaken and embarrassed. Our home was no longer a safe place. I tried to make my marriage work. For years, I thought it must be my fault. If only I was smarter, I would know what sigh or word not to utter. Maybe then there would be less yelling. If only I was faster, I could clean the house and cook each meal on time. Maybe then there would be fewer complaints. If only I could remember that whatever I do, think, or decide, will be wrong, maybe then there would be some peace in the house. If only I could obey without question, there would be less anger. If only I was dead, I would not upset anyone anymore, but then my son would face the madness alone. I must stay alive for him.      Each time the police were called to take me away, they left me at home with an Operation Care leaflet. All the officers urged me to call and get some help. Their eyes spoke the words they are not allowed to say. Yet I stayed, hoping to make things better, ashamed of what had become of me, scared to take the leap. Troubles only got worse. Now the physical violence was returning with added verbal abuse, berating and mocking insults about me and my family, including my dead parents.               One morning, while the yelling, taunting and mocking of my deceased Mother was happening again, the world went silent. I stood, turned around to face the madness and roared "Shut-up." Such a bold proclamation went beyond the point of return. It will never be forgiven or forgotten. Again the police were called to take me away. Lies were told, but the police   were not fooled. Again they gave me an Operation Care leaflet and suggested my son and I leave the hostile place we call home for a few days. We took refuge in a rustic clapboard cabin, a wooden box big enough for two wood bunks and a chair. My son deserved better. I swallowed what pride I had left and went to Operation Care. I am a 57-year old man. I expected no sympathy for me, but maybe for my son. The Angels at Operation Care treated me with warmth, respect, and care. They listened with an open mind and would not allow me to be embarrassed. They lifted my shame and restored my dignity with compassion and understanding. Each and every Angel gave me a warm smile. They all care about us. With wise guidance, they gave me strength and direction. Always ready to listen, the Angels cheer our highs and soothe our lows. They encourage our path to progress and know what we cannot think of.      Thanks to the Angels at Operation Care, I am no longer a broken man. Their tenderness, sympathy and care lifted our despair, gave us hope, confidence and self-worth. While house hunting, the Angels at Operation Care provided shelter with motel rooms, food, gas, and direction. They listen, care and act. Their tireless efforts continue with their Fresh Start program. Although I may not feel worthy, they helped us get a home by paying for the move in costs. They filled the home with food, cookware, kitchen items, towels, and more. They even paid the deposit for our propane service. My son and I have a warm home now.      The future is bright and hopeful. People do care and understand. Thank you Operation Care. The glow of each Angel's Halo casts light upon the darkness of despair, guiding us back to a colorful world filled with warmth, hope and love. Operation Care and it's Angels have my eternal gratitude. Printed with permission of the author.       SAVE THE DATE: CELEBRATE SPRING FUNDRAISER Thank you to our major contributors to the Fresh Start Program:  American River Bank Foundation   Jackson Rotary Donate to our FRESH START PROGRAM Our Celebrate Spring Celebration at Sierra Ridge Winery will be the main source of funding for the FRESH START program. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for this wonderful evening of music, food, wine, and great raffle prizes!  Where to go for Help If you or someone you know needs help, dial 911 or call the 24-hour crisis line at 209-223-2600 or (800) 675-3392. Operation Care provides safe shelter for women, men, and children, as well as counseling, support services, crisis intervention, education, and referrals. For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer your services, please call 209-223-2897.     More about Sexual Assault: Operation Care Sexual Assault (brochure-Operation Care) No Means No (flyer-Operation Care) National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) More about Domestic Violence: Operation Care Mary Kay Foundation Blue Shield Against Violence Avon Foundation Speak Out Against Violence   California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: