tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41000530934815551632024-02-07T11:37:41.435-08:00Editor's BlogFrom the caffeinated abyss of Carol Harper's mind. Don't worry, I don't bite. It's just the coffee talking...Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-45377593429369889622016-02-26T08:18:00.000-08:002016-02-26T08:18:04.897-08:00Caffè Venerdì - Friday, February 26, 2016<div>
It's the last Friday of the month...can you believe it? Where <i>does </i>the time go?</div>
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Well, interesting if one should ask, because that was one of the biggest stories to get hits on Amador Community News' Facebook this week! The Sac Bee posted about <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article62292437.html" target="_blank"><b>a bill being introduced to end Daylight Savings Time in California</b></a>. Heck, I'm so used to to the "Spring Forward, Fall Back" thing, by now it's almost like a nondescript holiday. Can we get time off? Let's <i>all </i>take the day off! I mean, since most gerbil-wheel Americans pretty much have no idea what a "holiday" is, let's make Daylight Savings one! And <b><a href="http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-coffee-day-september-29/" target="_blank">National Coffee Day</a></b>...or <b><a href="http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-dadgum-thats-good-day-march-1/" target="_blank">National "Dadgum, that's a good day"</a></b>...or <b><a href="http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-i-want-you-to-be-happy-day-march-3/" target="_blank">National "I Want You to Be Happy" Day</a></b>.</div>
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Big news for a lot of folks everywhere...several posts about <b><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article11122670.html" target="_blank">Daffodil Hill opening on March 2</a></b>. There were posts in the Sac Bee, on KCRA, on several regional media sites. If you haven't gone up to see the beautiful spread of thousands of daffodils, then get up there some time after March 2, and then cross it off of your bucket list!</div>
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Other posts that got a LOT of hits this week: A <b><a href="http://fox40.com/2016/02/25/girl-10-dies-while-saving-toddlers-from-being-hit-by-runaway-suv/" target="_blank">ten year old girl dies as a hero</a></b>...a <b><a href="http://www.mommypage.com/2016/02/dad-cant-figure-out-why-his-toddler-is-always-sick-then-he-cracks-open-his-sippy-cup/?utm_source=ape_mp" target="_blank">dad discovers some toxic waste in a sippy cup</a></b>...<b><a href="http://www.kcra.com/news/exstate-senator-leland-yee-sentenced-to-prison/38169636?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_campaign=KCRA%203&Content%20Type=Story" target="_blank">Former Senator Leland Yee was sentenced to prison</a></b>...<b><a href="http://www.kcra.com/national/egypt-toddler-sentenced-to-life/38140460?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_campaign=KCRA%203&Content%20Type=Story" target="_blank">a Egyptian toodler was sentenced to prison</a> </b>(really?)...</div>
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<b><a href="http://new.thepinetree.net/news/dog-catches-rabies-from-a-skunk-encounter-in-amador/" target="_blank">The Pine Tree reported a rabies stor</a></b>y which (most likely) spurred the Amador Public Health to respond via a release reminding the public about the dangers of rabies. More info can be found in our Health & Wellness department at: <a href="http://amadorhealth.blogspot.com/2016/02/rabies-awareness-rabies-in-wildlife.html">http://amadorhealth.blogspot.com/2016/02/rabies-awareness-rabies-in-wildlife.html</a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.jacksonlionsclub.org/our-programs-events/dandelion-days" target="_blank">Dandelion Days</a></b> is coming up next month. This is a huge event, and a lot of readers are hoping that it won't be rained out (again). I think the weather is holding up pretty nice these days, but you never know with "El Nino". In fact...I think El Nino doesn't even know if El Nino will throw a tantrum this Winter. Sac Bee article: <b><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/site-services/databases/article62433777.html" target="_blank">Is this El Nino a dud?</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You can't make this stuff up...</b></span></div>
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Our video of the week got a lot of views. Now, if you're bored, have a zany personality, and have a decent phone video camera, well...why not take a chance and make a video that might go viral?</div>
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Heck, this guy, Luciano Rosso did...and I got a GREAT dose of laughter this week!</div>
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Laughter truly <i>is </i>the best medicine!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Plan your weekends...with ACN!</span></b></div>
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When I hear people saying, <i>"I'm bored...there's nothing to do in Amador County..."</i> oh, how I beg to differ! There's SO much to do and see, and a lot of these events are FREE, or are pretty easy on the pocketbook.</div>
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All ya hafta do is go to <a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/"><b>AmadorCommunityNews.com</b></a>. Serious. That's<i> it!</i> Plain and simple. Our Main Page lists <i>everything</i>, and ONE click gets to where you need to go to find out more.</div>
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Our Supporting Advertisers' event flyers are listed in the left hand side bar. If our readers submitted their announcements (which are (ahem!) <u>FREE</u>), then I list them in our Community Calendar.</div>
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The only condition for free posts is that <i>you </i>need to do the work!</div>
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Use the following format:</div>
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<b><i>TITLE OF EVENT - DAY, DATE, TIME, LOCATION. Give us all a BRIEF description of your event/meeting. CONTACT info (name, email, phone, web site, social networks, etc.)</i></b></div>
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If you have an event flyer/poster, it's just $5 to have it posted, published and promoted on ACN. The post runs through the day of the event. Please send as a JPEG, and I need to have a URL (link to a web site or something). If you don't have a web site, I'll post it in the most relevant ACN department, and link it up to that.</div>
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However...probably the best deal in town is becoming a <b>Supporting Advertiser</b>, which is just $50/year (yes, <i>year</i>)...less than $5/month...which gives you <i>unlimited </i>postings, announcements, newsletters, shares and likes of your Facebook posts. I've been told by many of our Supporting Advertisers that my sharing of their Facebook posts has increased the likes, shares and awareness of their events. Which brings me to my next subject...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If we build it, they will come...</span></b></div>
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Businesses and organizations: IF YOU HAVE A WEB SITE OR SOCIAL NETWORK, YOU NEED TO <u>UPDATE THEM</u>! Please...at <i>least </i>weekly! If all you have is a monthly newsletter, at least post <i>that </i>on your web site. Communicate with your webmasters. Ping your social networking gurus. If you don't have a web site, let me know, and I'll upload your newsletters on our Amador Media site.</div>
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Case in point: I recently received AmadorArts' "Artsline" newsletter, I asked if they would post their on their web site, and here's the response I got.</div>
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<i>"No, we have simplified our web site, and are not adding many downloads anymore. We share the newsletter through Facebook and email."</i></div>
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So I went to the AmadorArts Facebook, hoping to share. </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/amadorarts">https://www.facebook.com/amadorarts</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amador-County-Arts-Council/102648903123809">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amador-County-Arts-Council/102648903123809</a></div>
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...and nope, no newsletter.</div>
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No matter what platform you want to promote your business or organization, you're going to actually have to do the work to get it up and out there. So set aside a day to do it, or hire someone to do it. Make Monday your "Media Day"!</div>
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Days go by pretty fast. It's already almost March...go in like a lion!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Plan your week/weekends with</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amador Community News!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If it's happenin' in "The County",</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's probably here:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/">AmadorCommunityNews.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://facebook.com/amadorcounty">facebook.com/amadorcounty</a></b></span></div>
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-90644005968603117232016-02-19T07:44:00.001-08:002016-02-22T07:32:52.581-08:00Caffè Venerdì - Friday, February 19, 2016It's been a busy week for me...I took on a temp job at Sacramento Power, so I've had to get up early and get your daily updates goin' before the crack of dawn with a couple of espresso-grade fuel in hand. Thanks for bearing with me; do keep your announcements comin', and <i>please </i>use the following format:<br />
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<b>TITLE OF EVENT - DAY, DATE, TIME. A <u>BRIEF</u> description of your event, meeting, etc. CONTACT information (name, phone, e-mail, web site, social networks, etc.)</b><br />
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E-mail these directly to me at <a href="mailto:acneditor@gmail.com">acneditor@gmail.com</a>, or PM me on Facebook at <a href="http://facebook.com/amadorcounty">facebook.com/amadorcounty</a>.<br />
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Remember to update your web sites and social networks often...preferably weekly. Set aside one day as your "Media/Promo" day. Monday is a good day for the week; Thursday is a good day for the weekends. And don't forget to send your monthly newsletters as soon as they are published to your web sites and/or distributed through your e-mail groups. Usually the last week of the month for the upcoming issue is best.<br />
<b>Mother Lode Harvest </b>has weekly newsletters that come out on Tuesdays. You can sign up for their newsletters on their web site at: <a href="http://www.mlharvest.com/">http://www.mlharvest.com/</a><br />
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This week's highest hits on ACN included several news stories about <b>Trinity, the abused pitbull that was found in the Butte Fire </b>clean-up. She is on the mend, and you can help with her healing and progress at her GoFundMe page at: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/hf9nxgkc"><b>https://www.gofundme.com/hf9nxgkc</b></a>...there was a story on <b><a href="http://www.abc10.com/features/salt-rooms-rising-in-popularity-for-asthma-allergy-sufferers/44004423" target="_blank">ABC 10 about the popularity of salt rooms</a></b> rising in popularity for those who suffer from asthma and allergies (maybe some local spas and wellness centers could include something like that)...KCRA had a story about the <b><a href="http://www.kcra.com/photos-show-aftermath-of-cellphone-fire-in-bed/38041182?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_campaign=KCRA%203&Content%20Type=Story" target="_blank">danger of charging your cell phone in bed</a></b> (um, don't do that!)...and it looks like there are still plans for the <b><a href="http://500nations.com/casinos/caBuenaVistaCasino.asp" target="_blank">Buena Vista Casino</a></b>, although there is no indication of an opening date. Anyone know more details on that? I did find this story in the Sacramento Press, dated December 7, 2012: <a href="http://sacramentopress.com/2012/12/07/protest-of-casino-development-at-buena-vista-rancheria/">http://sacramentopress.com/2012/12/07/protest-of-casino-development-at-buena-vista-rancheria/</a>.<br />
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And we had a beautiful photo shared, taken by Martha Perez (Jose's Mexican Restaurant in Jackson), of the gorgeous greened-up foothills, thanks to the recent rains! Thanks for sharing that, Martha...and for having your Taco Thursdays (all tacos are $1.50. Of course, I'm partial to your chile rellenos...and your chimichangas are pretty dang good, too. However, most of the time I'm filling up on your delicious chips and salsa, by the time my entree comes out, I'm like, "Buuh...."<br />
Good thing I didn't include Mexican food in my line-up for Lent...<br />
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<b>...and speaking of Lent, </b>there are Lenten Soup Suppers going on at <b><a href="http://faithlutheranpioneer.org/" target="_blank">Faith Lutheran in Pioneer</a></b> and <b><a href="http://trinitysuttercreek.org/" target="_blank">Trinity Episcopal </a>in Sutter Creek</b>. Enjoy some homemade soups (comfort food!) and fellowship! Want a great project to participate in for Lent? Trinity is putting together their <b>Care Packages for the Homeless/Needy</b> again, so if you'd like to donate items, you can come to the morning services at 8:30 or 10:30 to donate, and stay for the coffee hour. A <b><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs175/1102690018118/archive/1123492768432.html" target="_blank">list of items can be found in their February Newsletter</a></b>. Boxes are in Jane's Hall. OR...you can donate to the cause, too! Contact Trinity at 267-0255 for more information.<br />
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You may have noticed more campaign advertising on <b><a href="http://amadorsoapbox.com/">AmadorSoapbox.com</a></b>.<b> Pat Crew</b> will be having his campaign kick off next Tuesday, and <b>Louis Boitano </b>will be having a Meet & Greet for upcountry folks next Saturday. No word lately from Gwen Clayton, Frank Axe or Amber Rose Hoiska...then again, petitions are due on Thursday, and the filing period runs through March 11, so there's still time. Should be an interesting election year in Amador County!<br />
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I'll be 'Facelook'-ing up in the County tomorrow, with a table at the Disaster Preparedness Fair at the Lockwood Firestation 152, and will stop by to browse through the AnimalScapes exhibit on my way back down the mountain. <b>Hope to see you there!</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have a fantastic weekend, Amador County, and remember...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If it's happenin' in "The County", it's probably here:</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">AmadorCommunityNews.com</span></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook.com/AmadorCounty</span></a></b></div>
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-56071101781383623582016-02-12T07:39:00.001-08:002016-02-13T11:25:20.093-08:00Caffè Venerdì - Friday, February 12, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee."</i></b></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-d4afefbc-d5d9-0d2e-8f73-0ff6c458c684"><span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Abraham Lincoln</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life is too short to drink bad coffee. Happy Birthday, Abe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ironically, after sharing <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/02/06/465803034/after-introducing-changes-keurig-sales-continue-to-fall?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=weekendedition&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20160210" target="_blank">NPR's post on the fall of Keurig sales</a>, mine actually kaput. So I busted out the ol' French press. There are times where technology just cannot compete with the ol' tried and true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Highest hits on ACN this week </b>included a <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Farmer-s-picks-for-best-things-to-do-in-Amador-6810887.php" target="_blank">wonderful spotlight on Susan Bragstadt/Amador Olive Oil in the SF Chronical</a>, KCRA stories about the <a href="http://www.kcra.com/news/local-news/news-sacramento/female-tiger-killed-by-mating-partner-at-sacramento-zoo/37926312?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=FBPAGE&utm_campaign=KCRA%203&Content%20Type=Story" target="_blank">tiger that killed its mate at the Sacramento Zoo</a> and <a href="http://www.kcra.com/news/chipotle-apologizes-by-offering-free-burritos-heres-how-to-get-one/37883068" target="_blank">Chipotle's offer for free burritos</a>...and an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MadeinShoreditch/videos/1109525895758939" target="_blank">amazing dry wall sculpture by Bernie Mitchell</a> caught a lot of attention as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>A-PAL Humane Society</b> had a ton of hits on their plea for a dog park, as a part of <b>ACRA's Parks & Rec Master Plan</b>. There will be a series of public meetings throughout Amador County, you can check out the schedule at: <a href="https://acraparkmasterplan.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/public-meeting-flyer1.pdf">https://acraparkmasterplan.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/public-meeting-flyer1.pdf</a></span><br />
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The <b>Amador County Historical Society</b> has been posting some great "old tyme" photos. The one shown on the left is circa 1885. Judging by the "Ladies without bloomers..." message, perhaps it's near some sort of beach, so maybe near a river? Somewhere along the Moke? They're asking if anyone knows where this cave is, so if you want to venture some guesses, you can join their Facebook group at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmadorCountyHistoricalSociety">https://www.facebook.com/AmadorCountyHistoricalSociety</a><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was saddened to hear of the passing of <b><a href="http://www.danerimortuary.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/12575/id/3584528" target="_blank">Dr. Roger Steuble</a></b>. I had the pleasure of knowing him when I worked at Sutter Amador as an Interim Medical Staff Coordinator. There will be a <b>Memorial Service tomorrow at 1PM at Community Church of Pine Grove</b>. Our condolences to Barbara and her family.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Friends, Old & New</span></b></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was up in "The County" this Wednesday. Beautiful drive, beautiful weather. As many of you know, I'm the Music Director/Organist at Trinity, and we had Ash Wednesday services at 12 Noon and then that evening at 7PM. So I had some time "in between".</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was able to make some stops in Plymouth and Ione. I discovered an <i>awesome </i>store across from Taste, called "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ACCENTS-by-Twisted-Cork-Collections-1262634413762607/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Accents by Twisted Cork Collections</a>" which carries Anne Frost's gorgeous gift box cards. Ya gotta check it out...all things wine as well as many gorgeous displays by local artisans.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After taking a brief rest at my friend, Thomas' house in Sutter Creek (Thomas is training for the <a href="http://amadorhealth.blogspot.com/2015/12/local-cyclist-asks-for-support-in-2016.html" target="_blank">AIDS/LifeCycle Ride</a>), I attended the Chamber that evening at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lukas-1484783998496961" target="_blank">Luka's </a>in downtown Jackson. It was so good to see familiar faces, catch up and laugh with y'all...and meet new people, too! Welcome to Amador County!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You can't make this stuff up...</span></b><br />
This week's "bizzarity" comes from a story that went viral about a <b>six year old McDonald's Happy Meal</b>. Google it, there are multiple stories.<br />
Now, when I read this story, I had to check Snopes...<br />
<a href="http://www.snopes.com/six-year-old-happy-meal-doesnt-rot/"><b>http://www.snopes.com/six-year-old-happy-meal-doesnt-rot/</b></a><br />
"Mostly false". <i>Mostly?</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ACN </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">❤'s</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Amador County!</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As you plan your Valentine's weekend, follow the </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">❤'s </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">on <b><a href="http://www.amadorcommunitynews.com/" target="_blank">Amador </a></b></span><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://www.amadorcommunitynews.com/" target="_blank">Community News</a></b>! </span><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shop local...dine local! </span><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There's the Love A-Fair Ball at the Amador County Fairgrounds, and there are some dinner events going on at the St. George Hotel, The Volcano Union & Inn, Rosebud's Cafe...Deaver's "Passion for Ports"..."Souled Out" is playing at Gold Country Lanes...get some dinner, then catch The Claire Lynch Band at the Sutter Creek Theater...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looks like Amador City is the place to be this<b> Saturday from Noon to 4PM. CocoaVino</b>...chocolate and wine everywhere!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, and don't forget that the <b>Amador Kiwanis have the See's Candy Truck </b>outside of <b>SaveMart</b> in Martell!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Shop local...dine local!</b></span><br />
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And last, but not least...don't forget to get your raffle tickets for the annual <b>"Take a Chance on Love" Valentine's Day Raffle</b>! Tickets are $10. All information can be found at <a href="http://hospiceofamador.org/takeachangeonlove.php"><b>http://hospiceofamador.org/takeachangeonlove.php</b></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-68272157575752165882016-02-05T19:12:00.001-08:002016-02-06T07:40:27.714-08:00Caffè Venerdì - Friday, February 5, 2016This Friday's fuel is brought to you by Peet's French Roast. Whoa, baby...I have D-cell eyeballs today!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Stories that generated the most response this week on ACN’s Facebook: </b></span><br />
<a href="http://amadorarts.blogspot.com/2016/01/blue-mountain-players-present-cookin.html" target="_blank">Blue Mountain Players' "Cooking With Gus" opening Friday the 12th</a>, a classical music concert hosted by Ron Brickman featuring pianist Anne Rainwater, <a href="http://fox40.com/2016/02/04/family-finds-spider-crawling-inside-bag-of-salad-video-goes-viral/" target="_blank">a spider crawling around in a bag of salad</a> (yeah, didn't need to see that), a video by KCRA showing Folsom's dramatic water level rise, the <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article58023463.html" target="_blank">Sac Bee's article on how to get a CA state job</a>, <a href="http://gwenclaytonforamador.nationbuilder.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Clayton's campaign kick-off fundraiser </a>at Blue Moon Cafe in Pine Grove, the<a href="http://www.abc10.com/story/news/local/sacramento/2016/02/04/hometown-buffet-abruptly-closes/79842482/" target="_blank"> closing of Sacramento Hometown Buffet restaurants</a>. The Calaveras Enterprise's story "<a href="http://www.calaverasenterprise.com/sierra_lodestar/article_c373ce82-c3b8-11e5-b47b-df0c2f942e57.html" target="_blank">Bingo: More Than Just A Game in the Mother Lode</a>" helped boost my post reach for ACRA's Bingo night on Tuesday.<br />
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And speaking of games...the <b>Jackson Rotary post for their "Trivia Challenge" </b>got a hefty 860 hits. I never was great at "Trivial Pursuit", but I was always very entertained by my brainiac friends who always took the game way too seriously. That, and Pictionary, which I called the "break up game"...because who knew a couple could argue over a stick figures (<i>"You call that a fish?!"..."Why didn't I marry an artist?"..."We're going home..."</i>).<br />
Anyway, find out more about the Trivia Challenge, get your team together, and sign up at <a href="http://www.jacksonrotary.org/"><b>www.jacksonrotary.org</b></a>.<br />
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A judge in Pennsylvania feels that <a href="http://fox40.com/2016/02/02/judge-asks-people-to-stop-wearing-pajamas-in-court/" target="_blank">pajama pants are not appropriate attire for court</a>...when I posted this on our timeline, one of our readers made a very good point: <i>"Why implement a dress code? It's kind of a moniker really of who is taking their situation seriously, and those that don't care...should make the ruling pretty dang easy..." </i> Now, I don't believe that Amador County's courthouse would ever have the "fashion police" on standby, but I do know that they have a list in the hallway of appropriate attire to wear in court. It's also posted on the <a href="https://www.amadorcourt.org/sh-preparingForCourt.aspx" target="_blank">county court web site</a>. Thing I wanna know is, what has been the craziest attire a judge, bailiff or court reporter may have seen in court? These questions and more...<br />
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<a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/marijuana/article57821673.html" target="_blank">Marijuana legalization</a>...a story about a <a href="http://www.ijreview.com/2016/02/527119-dad-notices-his-screaming-baby-starts-to-overheat-then-he-takes-a-look-at-her-toe/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=ods" target="_blank">baby that nearly lost her toe to HT (hair tourniquet) Syndrome</a>...to me, the most heart-breaking story? <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article57810448.html#fmp" target="_blank">Cookie, the dog that was exchanged at the shelter for a "newer model" (puppy)</a>. The story <i>does </i>have a happy ending, though...Cookie did find a home in permanent foster care.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You can't make this stuff up...</span></b><br />
I swear, it was this big!<br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yeah, I played it over and over. C'mon, you did, too, didn't you?</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And if you ordered </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-mozzarella-sticks-missing-cheese-2016-1" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">mozzarella sticks at McDonald's</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, here's hoping there was actually mozzarella inside of 'em...oh, and here's hoping that it was </span><a href="http://www.eater.com/2016/2/2/10898588/mcdonalds-mozzarella-sticks-lawsuit-class-action" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><i>real </i>mozzarella, too</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I say, f</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">orget the mozzarella sticks...head on over to <b>Swingles for their February TRI-TIP SALE! $4.99/lb. Check out their web site at <a href="http://swinglemeat.com/">swinglemeat.com</a>, </b>and show 'em the love on Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Swingle-Meat-Company-118048698211741" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.facebook.com/Swingle-Meat-Company-118048698211741</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1c52a136-b43d-636d-6804-a2b7c66ba925"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Voters Untie...I mean, <i>unite!</i></span></b></span></span><br />
February is a pretty active month for the Primaries, and the debates are on like Donkey Kong. ABC just announced the line up for the GOP's <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/abc-news-announces-hampshire-republican-debate-candidate-lineup/story?id=36721505" target="_blank">New Hampshire debate</a> tomorrow night.<br />
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There are some great (civil) conversations going on in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/amadorpolitics/" target="_blank">Amador Political Discussion Group</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/714526541956157/" target="_blank">Amador Politics</a>, with subject matters ranging from the economy to the Rancheria dropping their Annexation request, to comments about what Chamber membership means and provides for local economy and businesses, and more.<br />
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I've learned that Facebook is a double-edged sword, especially during Election years. I've seen (and have done) my share of rantings, ravings and arguing on a wide range of subjects, to the point where one could pretty much come unraveled and unglued by the amount of misinformation and mass yellow journalism going on. It's frustrating! SOoo...I have to step back once in a while, breathe, and regain consciousness. Let's face it; the candidate choices this Election year are as bad as having to choose between a brand name or generic laxative, but hey, I'll always listen to suggestions and recommendations. Doesn't mean I'll choose 'em, but I'll listen!<br />
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The <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562358347358459/" target="_blank">Amador County Voters</a> </b>Facebook group has a few posts/discussions going on...mainly, the legalization of Marijuana, Weed vs. Alcohol, etc. No one has been brave enough to give their thoughts/opinions to the question: <i>"What do you think about Amador County's 'Elections' page?"</i><br />
<a href="http://www.co.amador.ca.us/government/elections">http://www.co.amador.ca.us/government/elections</a>. Oh well...<br />
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In the coming weeks, I will be interviewing and asking <u><b>Amador County voters</b></u> what they'll be looking for in candidates, and <i>their </i>opinions on the local, state and national issues. So if you have a questions for any of the local candidates or questions for the local Amador GOP or Dems Committee chairs, let me know, and I'll include it in my list.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I don't have an agenda...really, I don't.</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This afternoon at 3:20PM, I was included in a mass email from the Amador Water Agency. Rather than try to explain it, I’ll just post it:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good Day AWA Agenda Recipients,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has been brought to my attention by a few of the recipients receiving the Amador Water Agency's agenda that you are having difficulty with either opening the attachment or the attachment is missing from the email entirely. I have reached out to our IT support regarding this matter, and was informed that these particular issues are not due to our email network, and that if a recipient is having difficulty with email and its contents, it would be best for the recipient to address their email concerns directly with their individual email/internet provider. I apologize for the inconvenience.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The AWA agenda and agenda packet can also be found on our website at</span><a href="http://www.amadorwater.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.amadorwater.org</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><</span><a href="http://www.amadorwater.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.amadorwater.org</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">> under Quick Links on the home page.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.44; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.44; white-space: pre-wrap;">As of 6:59 PM, using the "Quick Links" as instructed in the email...the agenda still has not been posted to the AWA web site.</span></div>
<a href="http://www.amadorwater.org/agenda-minutes.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.amadorwater.org/agenda-minutes.htm</span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">l</span></a><br />
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A suggestion to AWA: Post the agendas to the web site <i>first, </i>then send it out the agenda via e-mail. Boom! You're covered either way.<br />
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<i>NOTE: It is Saturday morning, 7:21 AM. I checked the AWA web site. YAY! Someone got the message! ;)</i><br />
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Well, that's another Friday for ya. Will be up tomorrow for a day trip around "The County", and of course, always on Sunday mornings at Trinity Sutter Creek. Oh, btw...they'll be having another drive for their care packages for the needy/homeless, so if you want to donate, let me know!<br />
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Have a fantabulous weekend, mark your calendars ACN, 'cuz...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If it's happening in "The County"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">it's probably here:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/">AmadorCommunityNews.com</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty">Facebook.com/AmadorCounty</a></span></b></div>
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-14485692063102678392016-01-29T16:01:00.000-08:002016-02-05T07:48:34.073-08:00Caffè Venerdì - Friday, January 29, 2016Coffee's good, Fridays are great...and people are busy! Lots of things to do this weekend in Amador County. Whoever says, <i>"I'm bored, there's nothing to do," </i>needs to check out <a href="http://www.amadorcommunitynews.com/" target="_blank">Amador Community News</a>. I guarantee you'll find at least <i>one </i>thing "to do" that will capture your fancy.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"I saw it on ACN..."</span></b><br />
There were quite a few stories this week on ACN's Facebook that had a reach of 500+...into the several thousands, in fact. Among the highest included the <a href="http://www.kcra.com/news/sinkhole-opens-up-in-jackson-residents-concerned/37638514" target="_blank">sinkhole in Jackson</a>, <a href="http://www.calfirefee.com/2016/01/update-on-fire-fee-lawsuit/" target="_blank">CalFireFee's update on the Fire Fee lawsuit</a>, the Oregon protest, several stories about the weather and how the heavy rains are bringing drought relief, a story on a <a href="http://www.dailyliked.net/seniors-dance-to-hip-hop/" target="_blank">senior hip hop group</a>, a story about <a href="http://www.ijreview.com/2016/01/521555-she-used-to-complain-about-her-babys-crying-now-shes-saying-it-saved-her-life/?author=bl&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=babies&utm_term=ijamerica&utm_content=babies" target="_blank">a family whose crying baby alarmed them before suffering carbon monoxide poisoning</a>, and a story about a trending <a href="http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2016/01/27/duct-tape-challenge-teen-injured.kiro" target="_blank">"duct tape challenge" game</a> that went viral, landing a teen in the hospital. How horribly stupid...parents, be on high alert about this and other <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/duct-tape-challenge-is-dangerous-2016-1" target="_blank">life-threatening games</a>. Reminds me of another story in the Sac Bee that got high hits this week: "<a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article56473378.html#fmp" target="_blank">Why kids today are out of shape, disrespectful, and in charge..."</a> Hmmmm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzqNxr5fa9rcjzazegSSnV84bCcewqTJgGTJVyvblRnlSBJ-fNMeozX80wl8wMZG_hNEgvcNcPo00hk7aqqAeH-ZlPjqJyjKmUCYYEaOf3uH3zfDfVL8jpcyP_obaN2tJ6OAXJo4Pxg/s1600/volcano+1900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzqNxr5fa9rcjzazegSSnV84bCcewqTJgGTJVyvblRnlSBJ-fNMeozX80wl8wMZG_hNEgvcNcPo00hk7aqqAeH-ZlPjqJyjKmUCYYEaOf3uH3zfDfVL8jpcyP_obaN2tJ6OAXJo4Pxg/s200/volcano+1900.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://amadorcountyhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank"><b>Amador Historical Society</b></a> got significant hits with their photo of Volcano circa 1900 (see left), but the very highest reach was the Sac Bee's story on <b><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/food-drink/article7252874.html" target="_blank">Vinciguerra Ravioli</a> </b>in Jackson. It was such a great story that my daughter got a craving, and called to ask me to ship some ravs to her! When they put up their "Pumpkin Ravioli" sign, for me, it's one of the first "official" indicators of the Fall season in Amador County. Of course, they're great<i>, any</i>time of the year!<br />
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Announcements of local events with the highest hits include the Amador Republican's annual Lincoln Day Dinner/Dance, <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BunsenToBeaker5kRace" target="_blank">Bunsen 2 Beaker 5K Walk/Run</a>, the </b><a href="http://amadorhealth.blogspot.com/2016/01/12th-annual-holistic-health-fair.html" target="_blank"><b>Holistic Health Fair</b></a> going on tomorrow at the Senior Center, and<a href="https://www.facebook.com/theclothesmine?_rdr=p" target="_blank"> <b>The Clothes Mine's sale of selected bridal and formalwear</b></a><b>, </b>which ends, well...this weekend, so hurry and get those dresses for prom!<br />
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Obviously, Amador County is liking what is being posted and shared on ACN's Facebook, so feel free to continue to "share away" the things that peak your interest, and tell others to "like" us, too. We're at: <a href="http://facebook.com/amadorcounty">facebook.com/amadorcounty</a>. Easy to remember...just say you saw it on ACN!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You learn something new every day...</span></b><br />
There was a post by the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/City-of-Ione-Fire-Department-154247527946687/" target="_blank">City of Ione Fire Department's Facebook</a></b> about what it means when you hear the siren. For those who don't "do" Facebook, here's the post:<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU HEAR THE SIREN ON TOP OF FIRE STATION #1</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"The use of the Siren has been a part of Ione's history since the early 1900's replacing the Fire Bell on Main Street to summons the fire fighters to a call.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Even with modern communications we still have the need to operate with the general alarm siren to assure that the fire fighters are alerted to a fire in the city.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm the siren is tested for two full cycles, as part of our alarm maintenance.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>If you hear the siren activated any other time or day, it means that there is a STRUCTURE FIRE in the city limits of Ione.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Our priority is to provide the highest levels of protection and safety to our citizens and city.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>So the next time you hear the siren activated on fire station 1 it's our way of making sure that you have the highest levels of services possible."</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So now y'all know! Thanks to ALL of Amador County's firefighters, and please continue to post stuff like this.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-----</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Streaming audio! Coming "not so soon"...</span></b></div>
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The Amador County web site, <a href="http://amadorgov.org/">amadorgov.org</a>, has a page where you are [supposed to be] able to hear Board of Supervisors meetings.</div>
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<b>The page: <a href="http://www.co.amador.ca.us/about/streaming-audio">http://www.co.amador.ca.us/about/streaming-audio</a></b></div>
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Coffee in hand at about 7:55 this last Tuesday morning, I tried to "tune in". <span style="line-height: 1.2;">Alas, to no avail...not one of the links worked, on </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">any </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">of my devices.</span></div>
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I put a post up in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/amadorpolitics/" target="_blank">Amador Political Discussion</a> Facebook group to see if anyone else was having difficulties, and the responses were the same. It's <i>always </i>been a problem.</div>
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Drat. I was particularly interested that day, especially with the State of Jefferson declaration on the agenda.</div>
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Being that our <b><a href="http://www.co.amador.ca.us/government/board-of-supervisors" target="_blank">Board of Supervisors meet every other Tuesday morning</a></b> - a time when many of the public cannot attend - you would think that the <i>one </i>online method they offer would be in working order well before the meeting. I mean, bands have to do a sound check before their gigs...maybe we could get <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MisterPinstripe" target="_blank">Mr. Pinstripe</a> </b>help 'em with a "Testing 1-2-3, can you hear me now?"</div>
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Or perhaps a computer savvy high school student could volunteer some time every Tuesday morning before school. <span style="line-height: 1.2;">But that might make the County's IT department look bad.</span></div>
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Wait...does the County have an IT department?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This just in, last month...</span></b></div>
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My online travels take me to many Amador County web sites and social networks, I run across several defunct web sites in the course of a day/week/month...one of which is the <b><a href="http://highway49.org/site/pages/home.cgi" target="_blank">Golden Chain Highway 49 web site</a></b>. Does anyone know who is in charge of this site, and...why does it exist?</div>
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I've found that there are even many Facebook pages that haven't been updated in a while. The <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Amador-County-Republican-Party-318376645019749" target="_blank">Amador Republican's Facebook</a></b> page still has its last post dated December 25, 2015. Merry Christmas! I try to "nudge" my advertisers to keep their pages updated so I can share their posts and events in a timely manner, but if I had to do it for everyone, I'd never sleep (it's pretty close to that, anyway, but that's beside the point).</div>
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On Monday, I was sent the <b><a href="http://www.amadorwater.org/committee-agendas-minutes.html" target="_blank">AWA's Drought Committee</a></b> agenda via e-mail I checked the AWA web site to see if the agenda had been posted. Nope. So I emailed them back and asked when it would be posted. I was told (in so many words), to quit emailing them every time they send an agenda out, and to contact the webmaster. <span style="line-height: 1.2;">So I did. No reply from the webmaster.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">The next morning (Tuesday), it was still not posted, so I contacted the AWA again and said<i>: </i></span><span style="line-height: 1.2;"><i>"Thanks for letting me know...it's still not posted, and the meeting is today." </i></span><span style="line-height: 1.2;">It did eventually get posted later that morning.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">Now, I'm sure everyone is busy, and I really don't mean to be a pest...but contacting the webmaster is not my job, it's the AWA's responsibility to have their sites updated and info/agendas posted in a timely manner. If they aren't, then how is the public to know?</span></div>
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If your agency, organization or business has an online presence or Facebook page, please...take a look at it at <i>least </i>once a week. <b>Pick a day during the week and call it your "Media Update Day". </b>Preferably make that day Monday. And yes, assign someone to be in charge of those updates, and <b><u>once they are posted</u></b> have them notify me at <a href="mailto:acneditor@gmail.com">acneditor@gmail.com</a>.</div>
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Perfect timing! A new week <i>and </i>a new month begins on Monday, so try it out!</div>
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<b>Well, that about wraps it up for this week.</b> So much going on this weekend...the Holistic Health Fair, a Hands-Only CPR class (free!), Computer Data Backup class, don't forget about the Spaghetti Feed tonight. Wendy Ward has a painting class this Saturday. Master Gardeners have a class on nourishing and rebuilding soil. Sutter Creek Theater is presenting "A Caravan of Thieves" tomorrow night, Mother Lode Friends of Music has a concert on Sunday. Volcano Theater is having their awards night. There's a Kickball Tourney on Sunday.</div>
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And congratulations to Rachel Andrews on the opening day of her new <i>Xpectations </i>salon in Ione on Saturday!</div>
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Remember...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If it's happening in "The County",</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">it's probably here:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/">AmadorCommunityNews.com</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty">Facebook.com/AmadorCounty</a></span></b></div>
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-16407949027925518672016-01-22T12:58:00.004-08:002016-01-29T13:13:51.118-08:00Caffè Venerdì - Friday, January 22, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>TGIF, Amador County! </b>Here is my week-end, editorial wrap-up of all things Amador County. Well, most all things...tell me if you missed it.</span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'times new roman'; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">_____________________________________</b><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Putting the “Unity” in “Community”</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Enjoyed </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://amadorinterfaith.blogspot.com/2016/01/sermon-spiritual-gifts-key-to-spiritual.html" target="_blank">Reverend Karen Siegfriedt’s sermon</a></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> last Sunday on spiritual gifts. Everyone has at least one thing they do and do well, and what better way to utilize your talents and gifts than to contribute to your neighborhood, community or cause? Some might have a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“meh” </i>attitude, thinking "<i>Why bother, nothing will change…I'm just one person, how can I make a difference?...” </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A better way of looking at it would be: </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t just sit around talking about doing something, or nay-say with a defeatist attitude.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Find that one thing...ONE thing you do, and do well, then </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>do </i></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it. </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Share</i></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After all, it’s the meaning of life!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Multiple Sclerosis Support Group</b> met last Tuesday. I didn’t even know this group existed. I’m sure there are a lot of community groups we are not aware of, and I’m grateful that more and more folks are contacting me to post about their meetings and events.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sierra Child & Family Services is seeking foster families</b>. They claim that there is an “immediate need”, so if you have the heart for it, they will guide you through the processes. Call 209-257-1244 for more info.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2px;">_____________________________________</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Who’s on Facebook? Raise Your Brand</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">The shared stories on ACN’s Facebook that had the most reach (500+) this week were:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountywildlifecare" target="_blank">Tri-County Wildlife</a></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s rescues of the Common Poorwill and Great Egret...the Folsom Dam leak...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sierra-Lodestar-215473468543455" target="_blank">Sierra Lodestar</a></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s article on the town of Volcano. </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were also several regional and national stories, such as Jaime Foxx’s heroic rescue of a man in a burning car...restauranteur Guy Fieri’s visit to Modesto and Stockton...Celine Dion’s grief of losing husband and brother...the death of Glenn Frey of the Eagles...several posts from FEMA and The Weather Channel about El Nino...the story of a Chinese restaurant’s [not-so-covert] roadkill pickup...ew...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excited to have many more Supporting Advertisers on board with ACN, and with shareable Facebook pages. There are some great groups out there, too, such as the </span><b style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/221363027993377/" target="_blank">Neighborhood Watch Group</a></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (big thanks to Gabrielle Melani!), </span><b style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1630657927189946/" target="_blank">Uncensored Amador Calaveras Fire & Police</a></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and more. There’s a whole list of groups and pages on our Main Page on </span><b style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/" target="_blank">ACN </a></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">in the right hand side bar, check ‘em out!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was curious, so....being that it is an election year, I wanted to check out the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>online presence of Amador’s political parties. </b>Here's what I found:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Amador Republicans - </b></span><span style="line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://amadorrepublicans.com/">http://amadorrepublicans.com/</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Amador-County-Republican-Party-318376645019749/?fref=ts" target="_blank"><b>Facebook page</b></a> has 224 likes, with their last post on December 25, 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/amadorrepublicans/" target="_blank"><b>Facebook Group</b></a> has a membership of 55, is a bit more active (my status is still “pending”).</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-They had a meeting on January 21st, but I never got a notification about it.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>-<a href="http://amadorrepublicans.com/?p=75" target="_blank">Upcoming Events</a></b> page hasn't been updated since July 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>-<a href="http://amadorrepublicans.com/?page_id=60" target="_blank">Endorsement </a></b>page also obviously not updated.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 1.2; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Amador Democrats - </b></span><span style="line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://amadordemocrats.org/">http://amadordemocrats.org/</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Web site hasn't been updated since November 2015</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Amador-Democratic-Club-146438875425588" target="_blank">Facebook Group</a></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has 100 members. There is no Facebook page.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- No communications from them so far, as far as meetings, events, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Gold Country Libertarians - </b></span><span style="line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://www.fredtyg.freeservers.com/Goldcountry.html">http://www.fredtyg.freeservers.com/Goldcountry.html</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lame web site.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/608352405882184/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a></b> has 30 members. Last update was September 23, 2015</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I started up an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562358347358459/" target="_blank">Amador County Voters</a> Facebook group. Join and feel free to post your thoughts, opinions and issues about Election 2016 - local, state and national!</b></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>_____________________________________</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">LAFCO: Not a place to buy laughs</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not to be confused with last night's Volcano Union Inn’s Comedy Night, there was also an </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Amador LAFCO </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meeting.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is LAFCO, you might ask? Or may not ask, but here it is, anyway...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LAFCO stands for “Local Agency Formation Commission”.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In a nutshell and by de</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">finition from the CALAFCO’s Citizen’s guide:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act directs LAFCOs to achieve two main purposes: 1<b>. Discourage sprawl. 2. Encourage orderly government. </b>Boundaries are important because they assign physical space and define the identities of local governments. LAFCOs have both planning and regulatory powers. LAFCOs plan by adopting and revising “spheres of influence,” which are planning documents that show a city or special district’s future boundary and service areas. <b>They regulate by reviewing and acting on proposals to change boundaries. </b>LAFCOs control nine types of boundary changes: annexations, detachments, disincorporations, dissolutions, formations, incorporations, mergers, consolidations, subsidiary districts, and reorganizations…”</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>Controlling boundaries means LAFCOs control the timing and location of development. </b>For instance, LAFCOs regulate boundaries for the following services:</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>-Water, sewer, fire protection, flood control (growth inducing facilities and services).</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>- Parks, libraries, airports (growth supporting facilities and services).</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>- Hospitals, cemeteries, pest abatement (non-growth related facilities and services).</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>The power of LAFCOs to determine these lines comes from the United States Constitution. The Tenth Amendment says, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution… are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.” In other words, the federal constitution allows each state to determine how to organize its local governments.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the CALAFCO Citizen’s Guide: </span><a href="http://www.calafco.org/docs/TimetoDrawLine_03.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.calafco.org/docs/TimetoDrawLine_03.pdf</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So basically, LAFCO has regulatory power and “sphere of influence” influence when it comes growth and boundaries in Amador County.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information on Amador LAFCO, visit: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.co.amador.ca.us/government/lafco" style="text-decoration: none;">http://www.co.amador.ca.us/government/lafco</a></span></b></div>
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See? Ya learn somethin' new every day!</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Art Trekkies, Love Art and Prosper!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1st Saturday Art Tr</b></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>ek </b></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is coming up on <b>February 6</b>, and there are some new places to visit. Check 'em out! <a href="http://amadorarts.blogspot.com/2016/01/february-6-is-next-art-trek-first.html">http://amadorarts.blogspot.com/2016/01/february-6-is-next-art-trek-first.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Bummer news</b>! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://www.amadorarts.org/" target="_blank">Amador Arts Council’s "Taste of the Arts"</a></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has sold out! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Told </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ya they'd go fast. Good news for those who signed up early, though...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Tonight, <a href="http://amadorarts.blogspot.com/2016/01/santa-cruzs-marty-oreilly-and-old-soul_5.html" target="_blank">Feist Wines hosts Marty O'Riely and The Old Soul Orchestra</a></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at 7pm. Great wine, great music...and look forward this year to Feist's move into the former "Susan's Place" in Sutter Creek!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Tomorrow </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>“Holmes Hounds” is holding auditions for the Baker Street Players</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Call for an audition time 209-470-9573.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Did you know that the Amador County Artists Association has monthly meetings on 2nd Wednesdays</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. By the way...do y’all know about the program, “Art in Public Places”? Consider displaying local art at your place of business, office or dining establishment. What a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>great </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">way to support your local artists! Contact the ACAA for more information. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://www.amadorartists.org/">www.amadorartists.org</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of our Business...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>The JBCA has merged (or is in the process of merging) with the Chamber of Commerce</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I’m a part of an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/amadorpolitics/" target="_blank">Amador Political Discussion Group on Facebook</a>, and I recently asked what the Chamber of Commerce specifically does for Amador County, besides holding monthly mixers, a workshop/class here and there, a Business Person of the Year gala, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also posted on ACN this week that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Paperback Oasis will be closing their store soon</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">...so what does/would the Chamber...or for that matter, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>all </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of Amador’s business organizations (Ione Business & Community Association, Sutter Creek Business & Professional Association, BNI, etc.) actually </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>do </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to help struggling businesses? I realize that it takes active participation and volunteerism for any type of membership to be effective, but what if some businesses or start-ups cannot afford a membership? What if business owners don't have time, or don't really like cliquish, social gatherings? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think that social networking has helped...Facebook has given rise to several local business groups, such as the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/158818370967426/" target="_blank">Amador-Calaveras Small Business</a></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/204292489670403/" target="_blank"><b>Amador County Home-based businesses</b></a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Made-in-Amador-County-898477240197036/?fref=ts" target="_blank"><b>Made in Amador County</b></a>, <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1412018075710086/" target="_blank">Amador Wedding Professionals</a></b>...all are </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>free </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to join and network away. It's like having a daily online mixer. Now, don't get me wrong; I don't discount the value of "Facelook" time with others in the Amador business community, but if I'm going to spend upwards of $50-500+ for a membership, it needs to offer more than just a drink ticket and a monthly raffle.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, and speaking of weddings, "Here comes the..."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Jackson Rancheria’s Wedding Faire, slated for Sunday, May 1st! </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amador County Vendors (only) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>can get their booths for just $75 <u>if they return the Exhibit Contract by January 29th</u>!</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Vendor Set-Up: Sunday, May 1st , 2016 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Includes a 8x8 trade show booth, curtained back wall, skirted table and chairs. We anticipate approximately 300 people.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They're also offering, as a "thank you", an offer of a $25 Lone Wolf Dining Credit</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u> if you return the contract January 29th, 2016!</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Here's the contract:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://amadorweddings.homestead.com/Wedding_Faire_2016_Contract_for_Exhibit_Space_Early.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;">http://amadorweddings.homestead.com/Wedding_Faire_2016_Contract_for_Exhibit_Space_Early.pdf</a></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP3BMTEmJrIobTdETaKcmZYRbB2oXVchDc2QshvIgrLRBxXqAEIgzKpanoOUJh0vypEj53dex1575lLD-AMMC4EAxDeOT5-yd8-m18ostKm8wxC8X4mFDG3or53FLvPtFTLZg1ooXew/s1600/Wedding+Faire+AD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP3BMTEmJrIobTdETaKcmZYRbB2oXVchDc2QshvIgrLRBxXqAEIgzKpanoOUJh0vypEj53dex1575lLD-AMMC4EAxDeOT5-yd8-m18ostKm8wxC8X4mFDG3or53FLvPtFTLZg1ooXew/s320/Wedding+Faire+AD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, that's about it for now. Have a great weekend, Amador County! Be sure to plan your weekend with ACN, 'cuz...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If it's happening in "The County", it's probably here:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/">AmadorCommunityNews.com</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty">Facebook.com/AmadorCounty</a></span></b></div>
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-8865851279300625562015-12-31T11:44:00.002-08:002015-12-31T11:52:38.697-08:00Our Own Resolve<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."</b></i></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-b324580c-f916-04e2-5592-d3ee9c3bce18"><span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>- Abraham Lincoln</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions, but every New Year's Eve causes me to reflect upon the entire past year. I believe <i>every </i>day requires fresh resolve, new ideas, open-mindedness, renewed understanding, improved communications, consideration and respect, and last, but certainly not least...a real good cup of coffee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's been a fantastic year for <a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/" target="_blank"><b>Amador Community News</b></a>. We (and when I say, "we", I mean "us", Amador County) have really made an awesome team in getting community news and information out to a much wider regional, national and yes, <i>global </i>community...a goal that was just a dream nearly nine years ago. And here we are!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Changing ACN over to a <a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty" target="_blank"><b>Facebook Page</b></a> had its initial challenges, but with the help of several savvy friends and readers who encouraged me through the process, our social media presence is better than its ever been, reaching thousands in the region <i>every </i>day via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and, of course, our one-click access, core blog site at <b><a href="http://newsamador.com/">NewsAmador.com</a></b>, <b><a href="http://amador.news/">Amador.news</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perhaps the most challenging (without surprise) has been the political atmosphere that I've been somehow and somewhat "thrown into". As a member of a few local political discussion groups via Facebook, I've lent my own thoughts and opinions, and joined the debate on several subjects, such as (and not limited to): Amador's economy, local government and 2016 political candidates, significant events and issues such as the Butte Fire, No Dollar General, Newman Ridge, SR16<b>,</b> Wild & Scenic, etc.) </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are those who don't think I should have a voice in these conversations, since I don't actually reside there. </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those who <i>do </i>know me, know my history and my love for Amador County and the reasons for my passion and stake in its future. If you <i>don't </i>know me, </span><i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">ask </i><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">me...let's have a cup of coffee...because if you fall in that category, chances are you're going to assume I know nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've consistently endured continual heat for running ACN as a non-partisan, politically neutral, independent news blog, My answer has always been: <i>Why?</i> I don't answer to "powers that be"...I answer to <i>you, </i>the <i>people</i>, the voters. I don't cater to the left or right (which is, I guess, why I get so much heat). No one has me in their back pocket; I do not endorse any candidate, and will advertise for <i>any </i>candidate, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal. I will publish ALL Letters to the Editor, commentaries, OpEds, blog articles, etc. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, I am here to serve "<i>we, the people</i>".</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This upcoming Election year is going to be quite interesting for all of us, so the focus for ACN will be the <b><i>voters </i></b>of Amador County and our First Amendment rights of free speech and a free press. <b>Your VOICE is important; your VOTE is important!</b> So send me your comments, your thoughts, your opinions, your input.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2016 is gonna be a great year for community media! Together, our resolution to continue on as a great team will only reap the rewards of success. </span><span style="line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">That said...I'm going to keep it simple and excellent this year:</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Goals for our ACN team in 2016:</b></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1.<b> Send me your stuff, I <i>will </i>publish it. <a href="mailto:carol@newsamador.com">carol@newsamador.com</a>. </b>If you don't send it, I can't publish it!</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2. If you are a local business, or are a part of a community group/organization, <b>be a Supporting Advertiser! It's only $50/year (yes, <i>year</i>).</b> That's less than $5/month...for <i>an entire year</i>. I challenge ANY media/promotional outlet in Amador County to compete with ACN when it comes to the kind of promotion you'll get for the dollar. Yet...if you've counted your pennies and still have a meager budget, consider having someone <i>sponsor </i>your advertising on ACN! Or have 10 people in your organization pitch in $5.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3. <b>Update your web sites and social media, at least weekly. </b>Daily is great, weekly is good; monthly if all you have is a newsletter, but...something is better than nothing! Don't let your media lag. I've seen way too many sites, blogs, pages, etc. lapse years behind. Your community needs you, needs to be aware of what you have to offer. Oh, and see #1 above...in order for me to promote it, ya gotta send it! </span><span style="line-height: 19.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>NOTE: Remember, only our Supporting Advertisers get their Facebook page posts shared on ACN!</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Watch for <b>Community Media workshops</b> in 2016!</span></div>
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I wish each and everyone of you the best in your projects, goals and all endeavors, Let me know how I can serve you in accomplishing them!</div>
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Carol Harper, Editor</div>
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<i>Amador Community News</i></div>
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-69788722864342172862015-12-05T08:40:00.001-08:002015-12-11T07:42:48.867-08:00Holiday Tips and Advice from a US Postal Carrier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">It's a very busy time of year for the United States Postal Service, and our Mail Carriers have the huge task and responsibility of delivering holiday mail and parcels in a timely manner. Here are some tips and advice via an i</span><span style="color: #660000;">nterview with USPS carrier Charles Rice:</span></b><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: What are some of the things people can do to protect themselves against <a href="http://about.usps.com/publications/pub166/pub166_tech_012.htm" target="_blank">mail theft</a>.</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR: The biggest issue is absence. If you're going to be out of town for the holidays for three or more days, make sure you get a <b><a href="https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/" target="_blank">vacation hold (hold mail)</a></b>. Also, give special instructions for your carrier, <i>get to know</i> your carrier, tell them where they need to leave parcels. If you're out all day, be aware that there are package thieves (Amazon parcels, in particular). Once you're on vacation, and you haven't notified us or made arrangements, we have no choice but to leave them on your doorstep.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b></i><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">What about putting special instructions when you purchase online, such as with Amazon?</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Typically in all the dealings I've had [with Amazon], they don't have them. However, Amazon does insure parcels, so if the package is not received and it is stolen (and this happens in every single area), they will immediately send it back with a signature confirmation, but not initially.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b></i><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">You mentioned "package thieves". What can people do?</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">A lot of my customers have specific instructions, and since I care about getting people their mail to them unharmed, I follow them. For example, I'll put them over their gates or wherever they tell me,..if they're not home, I'll still notify them and have them come into the Post Office because I want to alleviate the problem of their packages getting stolen as much as possible. Most important thing is, open communication with your carrier - your <i><u>regular</u> </i>carrier - and have an established set of protocol.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">What are some of the main types of complaint calls the USPS receives during the holidays?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">One of the biggest problems we're having right now is that the USPS has such a great push for Amazon right now that they have Sunday deliveries. They have a lot of sub carriers and new carriers delivering packages. I come back on a Monday, and discover that a brand new carrier has misdelivered a package on a Sunday. I don't know how to help in a situation like that. Best thing I can do is recommend that people have someone home at all times. The <a href="https://www.usps.com/manage/welcome.htm" target="_blank"><b>USPS has does have GPS tracking</b></a> on all their parcels, and scanners pin point when and where the parcel was dropped off, and at what address, Again, make sure you talk to your carrier first before you call the Post Office.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">So communication with your carrier is key?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">It is key, and it is critical.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">Tell me a bit about this I hear about UPS and FedEx deliveries defaulting to the Postal Service, as in...if they fall short on their deliveries, it ultimately falls upon the USPS to deliver?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Yes. The Post Office delivers, and I've also seen a number of private industries deliver on behalf of UPS. But for the most part, we are the ones receiving parcels and overflow from all of those delivery companies, every day, and it's up to us to get it all out.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">So...huge responsibility.</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Huge, and very time consuming.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><span style="color: #660000;"><b>I see a lot of USPS vehicles out well after sunset...there is crazy holiday traffic compacted by commuter traffic...wet, rainy weather can affect rural areas. </b><b>What are some of the rules of the road during the holidays? </b></span></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">We're pretty much the "Cops of Christmas", so you better treat us that way! We have a full load of parcels in there, organized...we're carrying pretty much double the weight of what we usually have. Our braking time, our reaction time is not as great, visibility is poor, especially in bad weather.We have to sometimes go out very early in the morning to deliver these parcels just to clear them...</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">Well after sundown, too!</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Yes, so please, if you see a mail truck, expect constant stops, don't drive like a maniac around them, and show them common courtesy so they can do their job.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">There are those who have thought ahead and have sent their holiday packages. On the subject of l</span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">ast minute packages...what is the cut off date before Christmas?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">If they want to do <b><a href="https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm" target="_blank">next day express</a></b> and pay the exorbitant amount, they can get them in on <u>December 23rd. </u></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">...but there's still no guarantee they'll get there before Christmas, right?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">I would recommend talking to the clerks, since they actually have the best know-how on how long it takes to get it out. My best advice would be to not wait until the last minute. We're just absolutely inundated with parcels at this point.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">What about sending money, gift cards?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Don't send cash, Don't send checks. If you're going to send something of value that is in letter form, I recommend sending it <a href="https://www.usps.com/ship/insurance-extra-services.htm" target="_blank"><b>certified or delivery confirmation</b></a>, Pay that extra couple of dollars just make sure it gets there safe and gets there on time.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">So, bottom line...certify letters and cards, and insure your parcels?</span></b></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Yes, for peace of mind. because a) it could get lost, but also b) we have a very large number of thefts going on during the holiday season <i>and </i>the tax season, where mail boxes are broken into. Again, get to know your regular carrier.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">How busy are you after Christmas?</span></b></i></u><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">It winds down. You'll see a significant drop in the rate of mail you're getting, which is due to the parcels prior to Christmas. The distribution plant is holding off on sending a lot of the junk mail you usually get in order to just to get all the parcels out on time, because that's the biggest revenue maker for the Post Office. But after Christmas, you'll see a big decline in parcels. There will be a lot of return parcels for home businesses, and those who got their parcels out late.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">ACN: </span></b></i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><i>Anything else you'd like to tell us about the holiday season for mail carriers?</i></span></b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CR:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Just understand that we're doing our jobs, and trying to get things done in a timely manner, so be patient!</span><br />
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-8542504998235846062015-10-15T14:07:00.001-07:002015-10-15T14:18:33.456-07:00The Emperor's New (Old) Clothes<i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">"But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said...</i><br />
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<i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">"...off went the Emperor in procession under his splendid canopy. Everyone in the streets and the windows said, "Oh, how fine are the Emperor's new clothes! Don't they fit him to perfection? And see his long train!" Nobody would confess that he couldn't see anything, for that would prove him either unfit for his position, or a fool. No costume the Emperor had worn before was ever such a complete success." - </i><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">From "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">The parades are well underway as the America gears up for (yet another) election year. As we look to the media to feed us the cake crumbs of what is and isn't, I feel that I sometimes must be the "child" who says: </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">"But...they don't have anything on..." </i><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">And </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">I'm</i><span style="line-height: 1.2;"> the crazy one. </span><span style="line-height: 1.2;">Yes, there are times where I admit, I run off at the mouth (or the keyboard, more like), and I know I probably shouldn't. I do have a few friends and mentors who warn me to be careful about what I say...but I have even more who caution me about what I </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">don't </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">say. After all...</span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">"qui tacet consentit". </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">He who is silent, agrees. </span><span style="line-height: 1.2;">Yet I </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">don't </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">agree with so much that is going on in our local, state and federal governments and agencies. I <i>don't </i>agree with what local, regional or national media's paparazzi parades dish out. I don't care about Donald Trump's drivel, Kim Kardashian's favorite coffee drink du jour, or that Jeb Bush raised $13.4 million for his campaign. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">More importantly (and like so many others)...I admit that I don't </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">really know </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">what's going on. </span><span style="line-height: 1.2;">It's my own fault, really. If I could spend 24/7 fancying myself as an armchair politician, or parade myself around Amador County and Sacramento as someone who has all the answers to the world's woes with a few selfies to prove it, heck...I'd probably run for office myself. But I rather like it here, sipping my joe in my t-shirt and sweat pants...listening to Whitesnake as my boyfriend prepares for another day of mail delivery...listening and responding to <i>real </i>people with <i>real </i>world problems seeking <i>real </i>world answers. Dress up all you want, flash that smile, rally that picket sign...but the issues are <i>still </i>the issues. The homeless are still homeless. The druggies are still druggies. There is domestic violence happening, despite efforts to rid it. There is still cancer, despite efforts to cure it. There is still corruption, power plays and political grandstanding. Oh, and...what is the cure for that?</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">I'm reminded of a time when I covered a ACUSD/ACOE Board meeting for the Ledger Dispatch, back in 2006. There was a room full of parents, some awards were being given out (photo op!); then after the hoopla, the regular agenda was followed as outlined. As the Board started to blanket-approve item after item, a few parents looked on quizzically, and one mother stood up and said, "</span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">Um...what did you all just <u>do</u>?</i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">"</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">Insert cricket chirps here. Every member of the Board got that 'ol "deer in the headlights" look, and then scrambled around for the right words to </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">try </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">explain to these parents what they just "did". Text book approvals...line item budget approvals...contractor check approvals. The Board approved these items, but...did the </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">parents</i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">? Most of all, did the parents even know what textbooks, which items, which contractors?</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">Oh, but of </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">course </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">you did. The Board's Agenda was posted the day before, </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">did you not read it? </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">Never mind the fact that most of these parents probably worked their full time day jobs, gulped down their dinner and rushed to the meeting to see their child receive an award from "The Board". What they didn't expect to see <i>after </i>the hoopla was "business as usual" with a powerful entity in charge of their children's education and school experience. An enlightening moment for sure. These parents got a slight taste of "how Amador County has always done it". Politics as usual.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">I think of my grand-daughter, Alivia...who will be raised in this corrupted school district, with a Board that has continually fed into the very reason why America is the educational laughingstock of the globe...and think, "</span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">Could </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">it be different, and how?"</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-8ab9324c-6ca7-f506-0d34-10d1ad6370ad">Granted, I don't know the facts about every single issue and every single event that goes on in my community, but I put great stock in Maya Angelou's quote: <i>" I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but <u>people will never forget how you made them feel.</u>"</i> If you make others <i>feel </i>like they can't afford food and wine, can't afford health care, can't afford rent, can't get a job, can't afford WiFi, a cell phone, a laptop...can't afford a gun to defend their family/property, can't afford that court filing fee, that attorney...can't afford an education, can't afford a car, can't afford that glorified coffee drink, can't afford that membership fee, that small business loan...that cheerleading or soccer uniform...can't afford "affordable energy" or "affordable housing", can't afford the time to read local/state/government agendas, bills, referendums, proposals...</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">So then why parade it all around for everyone to see, as if everyone <i>can?</i> To what end? More votes? Social brownie points? Advertising dollars? Because i</span><span style="line-height: 1.2;">f you make America </span><i style="line-height: 1.2;">feel </i><span style="line-height: 1.2;">like they cannot afford the American Dream, then what exactly <i>is </i>your point?</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.2;">Oh, it's a fine weave, for sure, and the design is most intricate. </span><span style="line-height: 1.2;">But t</span><span style="line-height: 19.2px;">o me, you still have nothing on.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.2px;"><i>Carol Harper</i></span></span><br />
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</span>Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-81377038746152393532015-09-22T11:47:00.001-07:002015-09-22T13:39:21.726-07:00Why Just One Person?I sat in on the Community Meeting for the Butte Fire that Cal Fire presented last night, Monday, September 21, 2015. I asked where the "media table" was, and there wasn't one set up.<br />
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Didn't matter. I sat on the sidelines, behind Mike Mohler, Public Information Officer for Cal Fire. Set up my laptop on the back of a chair, tried to get some Wifi. <i>Nope</i>. "The Call" (formerly Calvary Chapel of Amador) didn't have a tidbit of WiFi. So I shut down my laptop and listened...<br />
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Listening, watching, observing. What I took away from that meeting was that there was an entire community of people wanting answers, but just a handful willing to step up and really, truly <i>ask</i>. Kathleen Harmon of the Amador Community Foundation asked a great question, about the acronym of SPI: Sierra Pacific Industries. So, she asked, and thanks for clarifying. What does <i>that </i>mean to anyone? What part does SPI play in this ballgame?<br />
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Loved the comments about COMMUNICATIONS. Who knew anything about "Code Red" in Amador County, and what to do when such a thing would be issued...and, who would even know in rural Amador? Another woman stood up and said that her service (AT&T) wasn't effective. I stood up and addressed the issue of local media/communications. Granted, I was dressed in my t-shirt brandishing: <i>"A Yawn Is A Silent Scream for Coffee". </i>Well, it's true. I needed a good espresso right about then...<br />
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Next to me sat a sweet [black] lady who lost her home to the fires on the Calaveras side. She showed me photos of her loss...the only thing left standing was a burnt shed. I hugged her so many times throughout the evening. Truth be told...we both sat silently, agreeing to what Cal Fire, the Sheriff's Dept, and all emergency personnel had to say. No one is going to argue with Measure M now, right? Audience claps all around. Then she leaned over to me and whispered: "<i>What about the American Red Cross?"</i><br />
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I bowed my head. She was right.<br />
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I tapped Mike on the shoulder, hoping he would say something about the American Red Cross. So much was said about the Jackson Rancheria helping, but...did anyone recognize the tireless hours of the Red Cross volunteers? A GLOBAL community organization that steps in, no matter where on Planet Earth?<br />
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I heard kudos to <a href="http://www.kvgcradio.com/" target="_blank">Jim Guidi of KVGC Radio</a>. Oh man! If anyone deserves such, it's Jim. Tirelessly giving updates...dedicated, committed to an AM station with heart. Jim, you deserve a medal.<br />
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My thoughts through everything that has happened these past few weeks are:<br />
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<b>WHY JUST ONE PERSON?</b><br />
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Why just <i>Jim</i>? Why just <i>me</i>? Why just the one employee that was mentioned re: Volcano Communications, who couldn't disclose who it was that took photos up the mountain? Why just Bill LaVallie, who worked tirelessly for a once-weekly, Friday newspaper that constructed a print edition that was published <i>well over many, MANY days after the fire even started?</i><br />
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So many can joke around about social networking and Community News, But...how many of us responded when <i>no one else would?</i> How many of us with cell phones responded when there were NO reporters and NO government voices.<br />
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<b>YOU did, Amador County! </b><i>You </i>get the credit for stepping up to the plate. Laughton Ranch. Operation Care. ACART...and those of you who took donations to all the stations. YOU, the PEOPLE of Amador County need to be commended!<br />
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I'm getting on board with the Facebook group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThankYouMarkZuckerbergButteFire" target="_blank">Thank You, Mark Zuckerberg</a>, because community news isn't about politics. It's about connecting, communicating between friends and family. You can paint a pretty picture out there, voice your politics, say what you're <i>supposed </i>to say, but...in the long run, no one really cares about the politics in a disastrous situation. And for Brian Oneto to point blame to the community was ghastly. For John Plasse to say that Amador County "dodged a bullet" means that Calaveras County received the one you claim to have dodged.<br />
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Me? I'll just continue to be a party of one, as I have for eight years...because I know for a fact that the communities of Amador County are smarter than you. <i>That </i>is why I walked out on you last night. <i>That </i>is why I can't bear your politics. <i>That </i>is why your constituents deserve more than the mouth service you drivel.<br />
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You think you "dodged a bullet"?<br />
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Carol Harper, Editor<br />
<i>Amador Community News</i><br />
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-25765392831597671152015-09-14T10:32:00.004-07:002015-09-14T10:57:17.363-07:00The Greater Fire<span id="docs-internal-guid-f1016ca6-ccc4-c59a-c187-f50d1b0ed36a"><span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair.” - General George Patton</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">...and I sat in my own swivel chair here in Sacramento, very early on Friday morning, September 11, 2015, ready to do the daily updates on ACN...and just <i>couldn't</i>. I made the decision to cancel all engagements that day, loaded up the truck with 10 flats of water, and headed towards Amador County. </span><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amador Community News has always been about just that: </span><i style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Community</i><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. How could I sit back and watch from afar as so many friends and families were in immediate need?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember 9/11...sitting and staring dumbfoundedly in my bath robe for days. I felt helpless, as all Americans did that day. I couldn't believe what was happening, and even today, even to this very minute, cannot believe what has happened to my California home town(s) in Amador County, and our neighbors in Calaveras County. How ironic, and I would be damned if I'd let that feeling of helplessness overwhelm me ever again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So...not being one to just "talk the talk", I made the "walk" (okay, drive), and "set up base" at Mel's Diner for a while before heading up Highway 88 that afternoon. Here is what I saw: A lot of carrion birds circling. Cars filled with possessions at various stops, roads closed. I went up far enough to where smoke was billowing and flakes of ash were falling. I shared whatever I could on Facebook. I set up a blog off of ACN listing Facebook groups and donation stations, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_478287841"><b>b</b></a></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://uttemtnfire.blogspot.com/"><b>uttemtnfire.blogspot.com</b></a>, Yesterday, I took a truck load of donations to Laughton Ranch and Operation Care. So many supportive friends helped me help others, and I am so very grateful to all of you.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I would like to thank the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel, Amador Ledger Dispatch, KVGC, TSPN and SO MANY MORE (you know who you are!) who have helped in keeping the communities informed and up to date. However...the people I want to thank the most?</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ALL OF YOU!</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I've read and shared hundreds of posts on Facebook, and realized that there was a point where I could, as a staff of one here at ACN, hand it off to all of the good hearts and minds of people like <i>you</i>!</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">COMMUNITY is what Amador Community News is all about. And quite frankly...I don't really care if your information or sources are "official". I don't care if it's a well-written press release or a writ from the Governor or the President himself. I am more interested it what is going on across the neighbor fences and circulating through the evacuee threads...more interested in what is going on at donation stations, evacuees off the sides of the roads, base camps and whatnot...than what corporate media is being fed through "official channels". I understand why governing organizations don't want people to go into "panic mode", but...what happens behind the scenes, "behind the curtains", beyond the swivel chairs...well, that's what I'M interested in, b</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ecause that's where things are </span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">really </i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">getting done. I've seen it with my own eyes. </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So please, feel free to share your stories. If you have a fund set up for victims and evacuees of this fire, please let me know. If you want me to deliver some stuff, let me know.</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My direct email is <a href="mailto:acneditor@gmail.com">acneditor@gmail.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'll be up in the County again on Wednesday, September 16. I'll be at Hanford Courte's Business Appreciation event, which has turned into a fundraiser.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If YOU have a fundraiser, let me know, and I will post it on </span><span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_478287841"><b>b</b></a></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://uttemtnfire.blogspot.com/"><b>uttemtnfire.blogspot.com</b></a>,</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'd like to close with my own quote, posted both on ACN, <b><a href="http://amador.news/">Amador.news</a></b>, and on my personal Facebook page:</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-52273430492110576942015-09-08T13:28:00.002-07:002015-09-08T15:27:40.083-07:00I Remember LolaI was in elementary school (don't remember the grade, exactly, but I remember that I was still at Jefferson Elementary School...on the cusp of the 60's-70's)...when Lola was introduced to the class. A beautiful black girl with tight braids, big dark brown eyes, well-dressed, and...very, very shy. I remember the entire room going silent as she walked through the doors, and the teacher introduced her. After her introduction, she sat down in the masking-taped circle, crossed her legs and rested her chin on her clasped hands.<br />
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I thought she was one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen. When recess started, I went over and introduced myself, and asked if she wanted to play. Her beautiful eyes lit up and we ran for the swings, and for 15 minutes, we competed on how high we could swing. I remember laughing, <i>"I'm higher!"</i> and she'd giggle and say,<i> "No, I'M higher!</i>" And then the bell rang.</div>
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Lola became a great friend and classmate. When we needed partners for a project, we'd look at each other from across the "circle" and immediately walk toward each other, and hand in hand, we'd go to our assigned station. We ate lunch together. We'd play princesses; she'd tell me how pretty I was; I'd tell her how pretty she was. We took branches from the trees, and made wands that had "power" to change anything into anything we wanted. I have no recollection about the details of our conversations, but I just know that she made me <i>feel </i>like I was a true friend. </div>
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And then one day, Lola was gone. It wasn't long, either; it was a matter of just a few months. I never met her parents. I don't know what happened, but as a small child, suddenly losing a best friend made me incredibly sad. I felt alone.</div>
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Then, looking back, I remember how it "really was". When we'd go to our stations for projects, I heard remarks from other students about Lola: <i>"You stink/smell"..."You look like a monkey"..."Your hair is ugly"..."Don't touch me, you have cooties"...</i>I ignored those remarks, and responded with my usual, <i>"Well, you're stupid."</i> naively dismissing their clear racial prejudice. Heck, I was just a child. The "You're stupid" remark cured everything.</div>
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I was quite lost after Lola disappeared. I asked my Mom where she went, and she didn't know. I asked my teacher, and she didn't say. I sat in the masking tape circle, and tried to rebuild my social ring. It was a difficult thing to do.</div>
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I was adopted as an infant into a white family, into a white community in Riverton, Wyoming. My parents made sure that I appreciated my Native American roots, and would often take me to the Wind River Indian Reservation to visit my Indian family. I've never forgotten where I "came from", but I eventually came to realize that I was from a varied background mixed with Native, Hispanic and Welsh roots, and with that, I felt the pull towards the tribe, yet a greater pull towards social acceptance. I did have to endure the whole "Pocahontas", "Sacajawea" teasing from time to time, and there was never any question who was the "Indian" when the neighborhood kids played "Cowboys and Indians". I got used to all the type casting long ago, but I could handle it.<br />
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Lola's family? I wonder if something happened where it couldn't be handled anymore.</div>
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Still today, I don't understand racial division, or that race is still even an issue. Or any type of division, for that matter, be it color, gender, cultural, religious. I strongly believe in being the best, respectable human being you can be, and if you break the law, you are responsible for doing so. You made the choice to break it; you cannot choose the consequences of breaking it by crying <i>"Discrimination!"</i> At the same time, there is so much we still do not see, except for what the media wants us to see (to boost advertising).</div>
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I live in a pretty rough neighborhood here in Sacramento. This last weekend, I stood in line at the local Walmart behind a beautiful black woman - well-dressed, a cascade of braids down her back, with a crate full of school supplies. I asked her about her purchases. She smiled this gorgeous smile and said she was a teacher at an inner city school, and was buying school supplies. I asked what the Life Savers and gummy bears were for, and she described a project she was doing to present a concept in her students' Science class. I said, <i>"...and the school doesn't help pay for your supplies, right?" </i>She said she didn't mind; it's not about the politics, it's about "teaching our children however we can". Wow. This teacher is on the front lines in a neighborhood where it would be so easy for kids to just be a runner and sell/push drugs. Better the gummy bears and Life Savers...</div>
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I hope that teachers and parents everywhere can be aware of the prejudices in their own communities. It takes a bit of human evolvement towards intelligence to realize that it starts with our own children - who simply take another human being by the hand and "swing higher".</div>
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Carol Harper, Editor</div>
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<i>Amador Community News</i></div>
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-86161673824696520992015-08-01T10:19:00.002-07:002015-08-01T12:32:32.909-07:00Living Life at 30 MPHLast month, I rented a little economy car and drove from Sacramento to my home town of<b> <a href="http://www.rivertonwy.gov/" target="_blank">Riverton, Wyoming</a></b>. I still don't understand why people think I'm crazy for driving alone over long distances. I stopped any time and anywhere I wished, chose where I wanted to eat and lodge, but most of all....it finally gave me time to think without the noise of the city and the demands of three jobs. It was quite amusing when NPR faded into several Conservative and right-wing Christian radio talk shows as I crossed Nevada and Utah. As always, I listened...whether the rants of Rush Limbaugh or some "Christian" pastor adamant about the world in "end times", and how all Metal Rock is evil and of the devil. I listened. I always listen.<br />
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When I approached <a href="http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=30" target="_blank"><b>South Pass</b></a>, something happened to me. I think that was "The Transition", near the <b><a href="http://www.continentaldividetrail.org/" target="_blank">Continental Divide</a></b>...the only place on this planet that could conjure emotions deep within me. They say that time travel is impossible. I beg to differ; some things just <i>never </i>change. There is something majestic about the mountain ranges of Wyoming that cause me to cower. They have some sort of authority...a greatness that inspires <i>and </i>scares me. Driving up and around <b><a href="http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Lander/rec/redcanyon.html" target="_blank">Red Rock Canyon </a></b>was downright religious. No mere church of brick and mortar could contain the vastness of geography that was laid before me...nor prepare me for what would be ahead.</div>
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Approaching Riverton, I noticed several things: The <b><a href="https://www.cwc.edu/" target="_blank">CWC</a></b> water tower. Road construction. <a href="http://www.windriverhotelcasino.com/" target="_blank"><b>Casino</b> </a>on the left. "Rez racers" in front of me and behind, but always a lot of Ford/Chevy trucks, very few hybrids. Old and new businesses, People doing the "left hand wave" off of the steering wheel, as if they know you. The smell of sagebrush. Thunderclouds in the distance. Always a <i>little </i>bit of wind...<br />
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As I turned left onto Main Street, I suppressed the urge to stop at every block, and drove slower than I had in years. Travel-weary, I landed home to the outstretched arms of my father, Charles Starks, and his elegant, beautiful wife, Marilyn, and knew without a doubt that my journey home was worth the drive. You can't get that in an airplane. Way too fast...<br />
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The week went by way too fast. Friends and family wanting to visit. Lunch with my sister, Kim, and a few of her kids/grand-kids..spent a crazy Wednesday evening and into the early morning hours with my crazy brother, Mike...had a nostalgic dinner with the Starks' side of the family...a few hours here and there with high school buddies and school teachers...watched the balloons fire up at the Balloon Rally...spent a few hours with my adorable Auntie Carol and Uncle Jim...and of course, my 30th High School Reunion. With all that went on, every day I would visit my mother's grave at Mountain View Cemetery. The "alone time" with her was priceless...lots of tears, yet I could hear her voice in my head which would make me laugh out loud: <i>"Have you done your chores?...Why in hell do you STILL care about what people think? I don't give a <u>damn</u> about what people think...When there's a will, there's a way...Quit feeling sorry for yourself, I'm gonna slap you silly...Work comes before play...No one is going to do it for you, you're going to have to do it yourself...Let's go fly a kite...Every generation needs to do it better than the one before...Will you just rinse it out and get on with it?"</i><br />
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<i>(Okay, that last comment is a part of a story: My mother and I were pruning roses, and she had sustained a very, VERY deep cut in her hand with the pruning sheers. We went into the house, she was bleeding profusely into the kitchen sink. She turned on the cold water faucet and was flushing it out...I was trying to find the first aid kit for bandaids or whatever I could find. I came over to the sink and saw the flap of skin jiggling where the cold water was going into the deep wound, and she said to rinse it out, and...I fainted. She woke me up, laughing. I'll never forget her face. I had to sit there and watch as she stitched the wound herself. Yeah. Burnt the needle, no local anesthesia. She really wasn't a fan of hospitals/clinics).</i><br />
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Sunday came around all too soon, and I was on the road again. To tell the truth, I didn't want to go. If you can imagine a great magnet pulling you towards what feels so right, and the energy it takes to break away from such a power, you <i>might </i>relate. I stopped by a few places along the way back to CA. Stayed in Wendover, on the UT/NV border, I was hungry (when I travel, I often forget to eat), so I went out and saw the usual chain fast food or casino buffet offerings. Meh. Spotted a food truck on my way back to the hotel and got some delicious carne asadas and a torta, took them back to the hotel, and watched the local cable until I fell asleep.<br />
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Coming home to busy Sacramento was a <i>major </i>culture shock. I felt like I had been removed from a far away planet to some rock in the Universe that didn't have respect for good life, good medicine, good anything. People drive way too fast here. Everyone is busy going "somewhere"...<i>where</i>? Bigger, better, faster? Chain stores and restaurants? Corporate everything?<br />
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I have the great privilege of driving into Amador County twice a week, and I get a little bit of that "feeling" again. It starts somewhere after Ione Road, off of Highway 16. I see cows grazing...the Davis Ranch market...one stop light in Rancho Murieta. My destination is a little Episcopal church in Sutter Creek; a congregation that gives me that ol' hometown feeling of everyone being welcome, no matter what. That ol' left hand wave off the steering wheel! I get to see my grand-daughter grow up in a small town. I get emails and Facebook messages from folks who simply want a voice in Amador County, and I'm happy to oblige.<br />
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Amador County is my California home away from home. Yes, there are chain stores. Heck, there's a Super Walmart in Riverton, WY...felt like walking a mile from one end to another. There's a Family Dollar store. There's Verizon Wireless, Game Stop, Wendy's, DQ. Riverton, WY had changed a lot, but you know what? There was plenty that stayed the same, and that was enough for me. The mountains and rivers were still there. The prairies of sagebrush, still there. The Wind River Reservation hadn't changed much, despite the Casino's filled parking lot.<br />
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If we could all just slow down a little, maybe we could all see that everything is still here. Those who fight for the preservation of rivers, country and mountain life...don't give up the fight. Those who fight for the preservation of human society and culture, don't give up the fight. Perhaps where we could come together is where we ALL slow down to 30 miles per hour and realize that RESPECT for the past, present and future of our beautiful planet is very much worth the drive.<br />
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<i>Carol Harper</i><br />
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-22594555519825083602015-07-03T11:00:00.002-07:002015-07-03T13:20:58.960-07:00The Pursuit...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This tear-jerker gets me every time. EVERY time! If you have 20 minutes to spare, watch it.<br />
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I have never been <i>near</i> the struggle portrayed by Will Smith in this amazing movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness", but when I packed everything I could (including my 88-key Yamaha) into a little compact Saturn, and drove from Nashville, TN back to Amador County, I [ironically] looked back in my rear view mirror at America's Country Music Capitol and drove across this great land with nothing more than what was in my car and in my purse. With the help of of some amazing people in Amador County who never stopped believing in me and Amador Community News, I was able to make it back here to California with a few shirts on my back, shoes on my feet, and the faith it took to beat the odds and naysayers that might shoot holes in my own "pursuit of happyness".<br />
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It's scary, not knowing what the future holds. I've lived in a quite a few of Amador County hamlets - Pioneer, Jackson, Ione, Drytown - and each person I spent time with had nothing but good to say about what I've accomplished with ACN, offered their views and opinions, and encouraged me to keep going...even when I felt discouraged, felt rejected, felt like a target of opposition.<br />
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I have this crazy habit of hitting the ground running, wherever I land. I did so when I moved from CA to Nashville. Then I moved to Sacramento, and again...I hit the ground, running. But the climate and feel is a lot different here in Sac than it was/is in Nashville. I'm a musician, so it was kinda easy for me to "plug in" and make a difference in Nashville. I auditioned and made it into <a href="http://thenashvillechoir.org/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Nashville Choir</a><b> </b>as a Soprano I (talk about intimidation! LOL) and had the opportunity to sing/mingle with greats such as Ricky and Sharon Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Phil Keaggy and other amazing artists that I only dreamed about meeting "someday". Also at that time, my son, Kevin was off in Iraq, my daughter in USMC boot camp.<br />
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Nothing made me feel more patriotic than coordinating the event of <a href="http://thenashvillechoir.org/events/in-god-we-trust/" target="_blank"><b>"In God We Trust"</b></a> for The Nashville Choir in 2009. Director John E. Coates had a dream: he would often walk past the <a href="http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/bicentennial-mall" target="_blank"><b>Bicentennial Mall</b></a> and had always envisioned the choir singing there. I listened to him and several others over several (okay, a LOT of) cups of coffee; eventually, we presented the idea to the Choir. We had Phil Stacey (American Idol) as our headliner, and went out to get sponsors. The event "competed" with the annual event by the River, the headliner was Wynonna Judd. How do you compete with Wynonna? Come to find out (and this was my complete and total ignorance at the time)...music is music in Music City. Our event would not compete, but <i>complement </i>the event by the River. Our event would be over just in time for folks to get some dinner at the local restaurants, then saunter on down, get a good place to sit for Wynonna's evening show.<br />
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Ah, but then you have unpredictable Mother Nature. Ha! Rain and thunder. Fortunately for us, we were within walking distance of the Bicentennial Mall, so we packed up the production team, the choir risers, the pop up tents, t-shirt booth, etc. and moved everything inside, where the show went on as planned. The place was <i>packed</i>. Thunder and lightening outside; Mother Nature's fireworks just added to the program. Everyone left that place inspired and blessed.<br />
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Another wonderful success was the planning of the TN Marine Family's Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride. I was the VP/Director of PR/Media at the time; <a href="http://www.steelecountry.com/" target="_blank"><b>Scott Steele of Steele Country</b></a> was the headliner. Getting supporters (like the TN Titans), donations for care packages for the troops, and vendors for the event took team effort...and the result was over 75 bikers with American flags waving on a biker route that the media just ate up. After all, how could anyone ignore Patriot Riders and the entire lot riding for ONE cause? And in the chaos of several care package drives, I thought about my son in Iraq, and made sure that he knew that the care package I sent would be from me and his TN Marine <i>Family</i>. It's a little more effort for the greater happiness of Marines that would be <i>without </i>family during the holidays.<br />
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In planning Nashville's National Day of Prayer event...in our meetings, I often couldn't take my eyes off of Sharon Skaggs and she stood there in prayer, speaking as if Jesus Christ himself were standing right there in the circle with us. What a woman of faith! And when the event happened against ALL odds...during the Nashville Floods...Ricky Skaggs just said, "<i>Let's have it at our church."</i> And it happened...and though my feet were aching as I walked from dressing room to dressing room, to the several lobbies of the very large church, to the Green Room, to the media who <i>could </i>be there, considering the floods...nothing could make me more happy than to sit down, watch the Production Crew lower the booms to the stage to "5...4...3...2...1" and then the strains of: <i>"A family who prays..." </i>And I closed my eyes.<br />
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Powerful.<br />
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The "American Dream" is a dream that is shared by many, but the common thread is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I call it the "Holy Trinity of America".<br />
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<b>Life. Liberty. The Pursuit of Happiness.</b><br />
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It doesn't matter what race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity or creed you live by...rich or poor, bond or free...as long as you <i>honestly </i>live by it...and reach out to your community and make it known that you do NOT and will not tolerate anything that goes against <b>life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness</b>. There are criminals out there that hide behind these values like the cowards. But there are those out there in the "1 percent" who also hide behind them like cowards.<br />
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Wow. It's going to be an interesting year for voters in America!<br />
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Happy 4th, everyone! Never forget where you came from.<br />
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Carol Harper, Editor<br />
<i>Amador Community News</i><br />
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-76384148541419017202015-05-08T08:19:00.001-07:002015-05-09T11:41:09.976-07:00Every generation needs to do it better...<i>"Every generation needs to do things better than the one before. Do it better than we did." - Thelma May Lund Starks (my mother).</i><br />
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Mother's Day is always a very difficult time for me...difficult to find the words around this time of year. I read about the events happening in the world - good and bad - and the words of my mother ring in my ears...because everyone in this world has a mother, whether good or bad. </div>
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I had to grin from ear to ear when this YouTube video went viral:</div>
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<b>Balitmore mom slaps and scolds rioting son in front of everyone</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuHmk2jpVLM"><b>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuHmk2jpVLM</b></a></div>
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Why did I smile? Because what the mother did in this video would've been something my own mother would've done. My parents instilled a sense of right and wrong into me at an early age - granted, in some unorthodox ways, but the message got through. Believe me, I had my share of a "lickin' or two", but never questioned the reason, because I knew my parents loved me, and the truth was, in most cases, I probably deserved it.</div>
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Of course, these days, some of those "old school" methods of discipline would warrant a visit from CPS. In some ways, I think it unfortunate that today's young generation cannot feel the weight upon parents who do the best they can to raise them in an unforgiving, f***ed up world...yet I completely recognize that some children have parents who don't care enough to even give them the time of day. The mother in the video? She cared.</div>
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At the end of Summer 1999, I received a phone call from my mother, who tearfully apologized for those aforementioned "unorthodox" ways of discipline. I had forgiven her years previous (though the human brain does have a difficult time forgetting), but to hear her nearly beg for my forgiveness made me feel uncomfortable...because before that moment, I never really thought about my mother as a human being, a woman with dreams and ambitions of her own. She was, well...my mom! That day was a turning point in both of our lives, initiating a whole new level of respect for and acceptance of each other. All wounds had been healed. I let go of everything that stood in the way of her wish for us both to just "be happy". We both accepted each other for who we were in the present, warts and all. We both made mistakes, terrible decisions in our lives. But that day wasn't about regurgitating past wounds; it was about moving forward in love and forgiveness. This was even at a time when I had just left Mormonism, and the hurts and pains of leaving that religion were still pretty fresh. Yet, my mother accepted my decision to leave, I accepted her lifelong religion, because the bottom line was, all she ever wanted to know was that I was happy. She'd say:</div>
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<i>"Are you happy? Then joy in it. If you are not, do something about it."</i></div>
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Every generation truly does need to do it better...and perhaps, it starts with forgiveness.<br />
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I wrote this tribute to my mother nearly five years ago...it contains the words that I cannot write today. It still brings tears to my eyes, because there is not a day that goes by that I don't miss her.</div>
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Happy Mother's Day!</div>
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A Tribute to my Mother</div>
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Written July 27, 2010</div>
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I barely, if even, remember the beautiful, vibrant woman in old pictures, posing with a big smile, thick beautiful hair pinned up in a curly do. No, if I could go back into the furthest recesses of <span class="il">my</span> mind, what I remember is a hospital visit and seeing a woman who was deathly ill, weak and fragile, who spent her time in bed for days, weeks, months. I remember wigs on the bathroom counter, funny-smelling balms and lotions, herbs and vitamins. I remember hearing occasional whimpers of pain coming from her bedroom, but did not, could not and never will fully understand the amount and kind of pain Mom had to endure.<br />
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I remember Mrs. Tuft coming in to clean the house on Thursdays, and remember [my sister] Kim doing a lot to take care of us, too. I remember sitting in the bay window, squealing with delight when I saw Kim walking home from school. I remember listening to her 45s and having her and her friends dress me up (I always loved when she put her apple seed necklace around <span class="il">my</span> neck). I so love <span class="il">my</span> brother—we often “fought and quarreled and ‘served the devil’”, as Mom often said. I remember Mike and I, dividing up <span class="il">my</span> dolls and playing a make-believe baseball game. I remember when we got busted, we’d be sent to our rooms, but would still throw things at each other from across the hall…like our Baby Beans, bouncy balls…or spit wads (big ones, too). I remember floating down the canal on inner tubes, playing Cowboys and Indians (guess who was always an Indian, hmmm!). I remember watching Mike squirt Elmer’s glue into Travis Richard's butt crack and down into his pants during one of our neighborhood puppet shows, and Mom busting out laughing when she found out about it (via a phone call from Mrs. Richards).<br />
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I remember the smell of a fresh Big Chief notebook and new crayons, and the smile on Mom’s face when I’d jump up and down with joy in receiving them. I remember Mom creating the “school closet”, and would raid it often – reading, imagining, creating for hours on end. I remember dancing like a ballerina in the living room to classical music on the record player; when Mom came into the room, I stopped in <span class="il">my</span> tracks, embarrassed. She said, “No, keep dancing!” And she signed me up for ballet lessons.<br />
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I remember Mom always signing me up for the library’s summer reading program and the children’s theater. I remember being driven to and from Mrs. Kelliher’s house for piano lessons, or to CWC and back. I remember Mom wheeling the ugly green chair over to the pink piano, sitting in the basement for an hour or more each day, whapping the music with a stick, making sure I practiced <span class="il">my</span> lesson correctly. I remember Mom dropping me off at Mike’s Little League games with a little money, and I’d eat gobstoppers or jolly rancher sticks until <span class="il">my</span> tongue turned the color of the candy. I remember munching up <span class="il">my</span> ankle in the spokes of one of the old bikes, and a myriad of other wounds that Mom would calmly take care of with the hydrogen peroxide, pink merthiolate and a band-aid. I remember riding <span class="il">my</span> bike and playing outside until dusk, waiting to hear Dad’s distinct whistle for dinnertime.<br />
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I remember Mom’s chili, casseroles, clam chowder, beef stew, baked chicken, her elk/deer jerky, and “snowy dip”. I remember her teaching me to clean, cook, bake, sew, iron, dry, can and freeze…planting, weeding and harvesting a huge garden. I remember our lunch tradition of fried egg sandwiches with mustard, or fish sandwiches from the Covered Wagon, hearing the noon siren and listening to Paul Harvey on the old black radio. I remember countless visits with Grandma and Grandpa, and was always excited to visit. I remember many “classic movie” dates. Mom would circle the show times in the TV guide (especially the musicals, Mom loved the musicals).<br />
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She loved babies – sure, she loved her children, grandchildren, even others’ children and grandchildren - but babies especially put a big smile on her face! Mom and I loved to laugh together, find the humor in everything. She was often curious – I remember her asking me what <span class="il">my</span> cappuccino or vanilla latte tasted like, or what wine tasted like with <span class="il">my</span> dinner. She asked me what Mexico was like, what scuba diving was like. She was always interested in what I was doing – <span class="il">my</span> jobs, <span class="il">my</span> latest writing, <span class="il">my</span> own trials and errors as a <span class="il">mother</span>. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized how very interested she was in so much of what life had to offer—yet she gave so much of her life and energy so that we could experience all that life had to offer.<br />
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She was never a “room mom” at school, never hung out with other moms, never a part of the PTA. She was as quiet as a church mouse at church, but had the mouth of a sailor at home, of which the entire neighborhood could often attest. She was mild-mannered and polite in public places (like the grocery or hardware store, post office or bank), but also spoke her mind with irrefutable solidity and clarity. I could only imagine what Mom was really feeling – the pains she had to bear, her constant fight to simply live life, her frustrations, the things she had to do and sacrifice just to survive another day. But I never, <i>ever </i>had to question what she was thinking.<br />
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What have I learned from the woman I call <span class="il">my</span> <span class="il">mother</span>? I have learned to find the strength, determination and will inside myself, even if it is against all odds (<i>“where there’s a will, there’s a way, I always say”</i>). Mom taught me that everything takes work to work. She taught me to invest in <span class="il">my</span> talents and abilities—to grow, build and create, and to enjoy the fruits of those labors. She taught me not to stand around talking about doing something, but to actually <i>do </i>it.<br />
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But most of all, I will remember that all Mom ever wanted for me was to be happy. When I went through an unhappy marriage, a difficult divorce, went through court and custody battles, Mom was there for me, supported me, encouraged me, strengthened me, loved me. None of those things had to do with whether I was a child that came from her own womb…nor had it anything to do with whether I was a part of a church. In fact, when I left the church I had been raised in, she was the only one in the family I could talk to who did not unduly judge and disparage me. She loved me, no matter what, and that love had nothing to do with religion, differing beliefs, conditions or criteria of “worthiness”, or what others might think. Quite the opposite, in fact…Mom never did care about “what people think”. She was there for me, listened to me, and did not judge me when others did. She never questioned whether I was still a part of the family, whether the distance was physical or religious. She was giving, loving, and was truly Christ-like when others weren’t. In fact, she often came to <span class="il">my</span> defense, solely with the knowledge she had by actually taking time to sit down and talk with me and understand—never in a spirit of criticism or debate. No, the only thing Mom ever wanted to know was whether I was happy…because if her children were happy, that’s all she needed to know. That’s all she ever wanted.<br />
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Now, as a <span class="il">mother</span> and grandmother, I have felt the weight of the years upon me. I have gone through <span class="il">my</span> own battles, struggles and sacrifices for <span class="il">my</span> own children. I get so busy and absorbed in life’s struggles, stresses and worries that I often forget to ask myself if I am happy. There were so many times where I would reach for the phone to call Mom, wanting to hear her voice – talk with her, laugh with her, cry with her, talk about life, the kids, the latest – joke and tease Dad now and then. But all I really needed to hear her ask me was: “Are you happy?” If I wasn’t, we’d talk about it. If I was, we would joy in it.<br />
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Mom was truly a person who lived every single day as if it were her last. And one day, it was. And though the physical distance might still exist between us, there’s not a day goes by that is not in some way influenced by the woman I call <span class="il">my</span> <span class="il">mother</span>. She is alive in <span class="il">my</span> heart and in <span class="il">my</span> memories…a part of her is in everything I do. She is alive in the lessons and wisdom I’ve tried to impart to <span class="il">my</span> own children.<br />
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Most of all, she is alive because I know she still loves me, no matter what. I feel that kind of love only a <span class="il">mother</span> can give, and can only hope that I too can give of <span class="il">my</span> own time and energy as Mom did – to be strong and determined, against all odds. To laugh, be curious, to travel, to watch, taste, smell and feel…to enjoy. To speak <span class="il">my</span> mind with irrefutable solidity, and not care what others think.<br />
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To experience all that life has to offer, and live every day as if it were <span class="il">my</span> last.<br />
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“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”<br />
Ecclesiastes 3:1</div>
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-11646884678596818352015-04-25T09:21:00.002-07:002015-04-25T10:01:21.903-07:00In My [Not So] Humble OpinionI see this a <i>lot </i>on Facebook:<br />
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LOL - Laugh Out Loud<br />
ROFL - Rolling on Floor Laughing<br />
LMAO - Laughing My Ass Off<br />
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion<br />
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Thing is...it seems that social networking has boosted the confidence of the masses to post anything and everything, whether true or not, whether backed up by "facts" and "sources"...<i>or not</i>. "Sharing" corporate media's ad-driven fodder and individual opinions on a massive scale seems to be the norm, storm and permanent trend. I don't know if Facebook or Twitter understood the kind of monster they awakened and unleashed when they first went live, but for small-town news bloggers like me, it has opened up an awareness of issues on a global scale. And, quite frankly...I like it.<br />
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It is one of the reasons why I was attracted to <a href="https://dangillmor.com/" target="_blank"><b>Dan Gillmor's</b></a> book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/We-Media-Grassroots-Journalism-People/dp/0596102275" target="_blank"><b>We The Media</b></a>,</i> about eight years ago, when <i>Amador Community New</i>s was still in its birthing stages. In fact, I actually called Mr. Gillmor, and, to my surprise, he actually called me back! I had specific questions about corporate versus community media, and greatly valued his insight. At that time, I told him the truth about Amador County's concerns about the local media...lack of transparency...who's [really] in control...fear-based releases, the community voice, being politically neutral, truly unbiased, etc. What I loved about Dan is that he had a handle on the <i>future </i>of Media and Communications. That, eventually, there would come a time where everyone will have a voice. And it did happen. Enter social networking...<br />
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...Which boomed shortly after the convo I had with Dan. Once ACN was able to go live on Facebook and Twitter, our readership slowly but surely climbed to what is today, to over 3,900 Facebook friends. Now, for the "world", that's a drop in the bucket, but...for Amador County, it's quite significant. Because what it shows me is that there is more to our outside lives than the bells and whistles of advertising. There's more to all of our lives than the pretty colors, bells and whistles, which is all a part of the "cha-ching" dollar signs that local/regional/national corporate media counts on to keep <i>their </i>lights on.<br />
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Little tidbits of truth. I grew up as a Mormon in a Conservative household, fed by "tidbits of truth" combined with doctrine and theology that I eventually grew out of and left completely. At the same time...I was a Native American infant adopted into a white family. My Indian family watched from afar as I was being raised in a white household. I had opportunities in music, education, etc. that I <i>never </i>would have had, had I been raised on the Wind River Indian Reservation (back in the 60's-70's). Yet, I know for a fact that my Indian family was watching me grow up...my adopted mother and I could feel the "eyes" on us as we went out in public. I visited my grandparents on the reservation, and remember their wonderful gifts to me. I found out much later in life that I had a mystical Hispanic side that I could never ignore. I have been a victim of abuse and domestic violence. I know what it is like to live in constant fear. Yet, my adopted mother raised me to have a "chin up"...not in the sense of arrogance and that I'm "better than anyone else" because of my heritage, but that I must <i>rise to what my future would require of me.</i><br />
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Quite frankly, I do not and will <i>ever </i>regret my upbringing. On the contrary, I embrace it <i>wholeheartedly!</i> It is all a part of me, and somehow, through it all, I have fought through for some sort of identity for the past twenty years. Who I am, <i>presently</i>, has only been influenced by my past. So as I bring you "Amador Community News", I hope only to bring together a County-wide family of "hurts and heals". Because, quite frankly, we've <i>all </i>"been there". We <i>all</i> have our issues...we <i>all </i>have our opinions of how things should be. We've all been somewhere who made us who we are, and we don't need corporate media to reduce us down to a back pocket sub-story for the purposes of selling advertising.<br />
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And if our local and regional governments aren't listening, if our local newspapers aren't listening...then that is an issue unto itself, And I don't care if your grammar and spelling are correct. I don't care if it's in "AP style". I don't care about corporate media's "rules". I will publish your Letters to the Editor. I will make your voice known.<br />
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Just recently, ACN had a comment on the initiation of Sheriff Ryan to President of the CA Sheriff's Association. I published the comment. I hope people actually read it:<br />
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<b><a href="http://amadorgov.blogspot.com/2015/04/sheriff-martin-ryan-elected-as.html">http://amadorgov.blogspot.com/2015/04/sheriff-martin-ryan-elected-as.html</a></b><br />
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Before we judge this woman, do we walk in their shoes?<br />
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In my humble opinion, I responded. :)<br />
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Carol<br />
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-35286194416282670532015-03-28T10:34:00.000-07:002015-03-31T08:39:24.830-07:00Riding the Elephant<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a loyal listener of <a href="http://www.npr.org/" target="_blank"><b>National Public Radi</b>o</a> via<b> <a href="http://www.capradio.org/" target="_blank">Capitol Public Radio</a></b> in Sacramento. I haven't quite gotten to the point where I can regularly donate to public radio the way I <i>really </i>I want to, but I did sign up as an Evergreen donor, because at $10/month, it's the very <i>least </i>I can do to support a regional/national media that focuses upon the <b><u>communities</u> </b>of the world and the issues that affect all of us as human beings. Thank you, NPR! My mornings wouldn't be complete without you, and, of course, my good, strong cuppa joe, and Pandora's dose of Hindi/Bollywood music!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For those who don't/didn't know, <a href="http://amadorcommunitynews.com/" target="_blank"><b>Amador Community News</b></a> had its birthing pains in November of 2007. I attended a meeting that consisted of a group of citizens in the little hamlet of Volcano, CA that met on the issue of domestic violence, which turned into a meeting of the minds that voiced the <i>many </i>issues that faced Amador County at the time. We were asked to write down, on a small piece of paper, the top issues we felt were most critical. Crime, drugs, education, small/local business, generational politics, [smart growth] development, etc. were just a few issues on the plates that day at [what was called] the Jug & Rose. But there were particular themes and variations that I specifically honed in on, those of Media and Communications. <i>"I would go to meetings, or be a part of groups/organizations, if I knew when and were the meetings were."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From there (as a budding webmaster), I started a meager "community bulletin board". I only say "meager" because, little did I know that this small, humble online presence would bud into what it is today a news blog, shareable by major social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+. I've always been one to carefully embrace change. And Lord knows, Amador County needed/needs it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Prior to ACN, I was a writer/copy editor for the Calaveras Times (turned <a href="http://www.goldcountrytimes.com/" target="_blank"><b>Gold Country Times</b></a>), and was a General Assignment reporter for the <a href="http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/" target="_blank"><b>Ledger Dispatch</b></a>. Along the way I published a book, lost my mother to pancreatic cancer, became a casualty of the economy and lost my beautiful home in Pioneer, CA. Moved to Nashville, TN, and was about to quit ACN altogether, but a little voice inside of me (the late Kay Pulskamp, who was there at that original meeting) said: <i>"Don't you <u>ever</u> quit this newspaper. We [Amador County] need you."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">didn't </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">quit, and ran ACN from Nashville, TN for over two years. Many didn't even know I had moved; I kept up the postings and announcements, and when I returned in 2010 for the birth of my grand-daughter, Alivia, I realized right then and there that my precious baby would be raised in Amador County.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life often never goes "as planned", but we do the best we can. I settled back into Amador County at various places - Drytown first (thanks, Gale Fairbrother!), then Jackson (thanks to Lana Vukovich, Stan Lukowicz and Pat Crew!), then Ione (thanks, Martha Perez and Travis Branco!), then on my own. I landed a job with Trinity Episcopal Church as their Music/Director/Organist, and have been there for about three years now. It was quite an adjustment to go from being a Southern Baptist Music Minister in Nashville, TN...to Episcopalian (with a few religious denoms along the way, including ex-Mormon) but I knew it was right when I learned that the motto of Trinity Sutter Creek was: "</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whoever you are, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here."</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> No matter what. That spoke "community" to me in spades. I am quite honored to be included in Trinity's loving congregation. I moved to Sacramento in 2012...however, as promised...I continue to run ACN from my home office, just like I did in Nashville.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But enough of </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">my </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">history in Amador County and whatnot. Who I really care about is </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. As I continue to receive Amador County's announcements, releases, posters and flyers...continue to see your posts in political discussion groups, neighborhood watch groups, Facebook and Twitter posts,..I observe the issues of the world that affect </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in this little slice of California:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crime. Violence. Drugs. Joblessness. Homelessness. DUIs. Prejudice/discrimination. Bullying in our schools. Transportation. Political partisanship and gridlock. Generational divides. Education. Lack of transparency in our governments and local media outlets. Environmental issues. Growth and development. WATER! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What I've observed is, quite frankly...a whole lot of BULLSHIT going on. I've observed Amador's city and county governments holding worthless, UNproductive meetings. I've observed organizations and groups forming because of disgruntlement and desperation. I've observed </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">huge </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">gaps in what is blatant lawlessness when it comes to race, gender, economic status and religion. I've observed local media (newspapers, radio stations, TV stations) publishing whatever the "powers that be" want published and aired, rather than what the </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">community </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">needs and wants to </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">really </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I live in Sacramento now, but I can tell you right now...Amador County's city/county governments are </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pretty damn lucky</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, because if I were living up there in "The County" right now, as a reporter...I'd be riding the elephants all across your conference room floors and doing business. I am </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">sick </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">tired </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of the "excuse machines" that whine that there isn't enough money in budgets to do this or that, or that there are important issues that should be "discussed in the next meeting".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the<i> next meeting</i>? In <i>two weeks</i>? What the hell are you doing in two weeks' time? Shmoozing? Keeping up appearances? Making deals that coincide with yours or your political party's<i> </i>interests/agendas? Not <i>quite </i>understanding the issues? A little intelligence gap, there? Not <i>caring</i>? Having lunch with so-and-so? Airing your biases, gossiping about whomever and whatever? Why not come clean and admit that <i>you really don't know</i> what you're doing, because that would be a relief for a LOT of us! Because at least we'd <i>know</i>...yeah, we might be a little angry, but take the chance that we might be a little understanding and forgiving, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bottom line: DO YOUR JOBS! <i>Find </i>the answers and solutions...<i>NOW</i>! Quit farting around because of your own generational biases, and do what is best for Amador County! Gees, GOOGLE it, for heaven's sake! Find an app! I've done everything I can with California City/County Updates to try to make you see what is going outside your own little "control" bubbles...do you not listen to ALL of your constituents? DO YOU NOT <i><u>READ?</u></i> Do you not <i>comprehend </i>what you read, without bias or ignorance (be honest, there). How do you expect to make a difference in Amador County if the YOUTH don't even respect you for <i>not </i>reading and comprehending?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">eenagers</span></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> would do a better job at running Amador County's government than those who are in place now. <i>That is the truth, and most know it!</i> Amador Community News has a <i>very </i>large demographic of teens who want nothing more than to get the f*** out of Amador County and see what the world has to offer. And I don't blame them one bit. All because you old generational name brandishers are too afraid to get out of your comfort zones of control and manipulation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My own two kids chose to join the US Marines out of [Amador] High School. My son served in Iraq, OIF, and don't </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">even </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">get me started on my awesome daughter, who was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal. But not all of Amador County's youth want to go into the military. There are artists, musicians, welders, farmers, scientists, mathematicians, engineers, etc. who want to contribute to a GLOBAL COMMUNITY! And yet, Amador County schools put a grand degree of funding into <i>sports?</i>? How many, in the last MANY DECADES, have made it into collegiate or national sports arenas <i>from Amador County?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amador County "powers that be": Are you even </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">listening </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">thinking </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">about the future? Are you listening to your kids, </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">our youth</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">? Or are you selfishly thinking about your own short term gratifications? About what makes YOU "look good" in Amador County's social circles? Is that </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">so important to you </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that you ignore the future in front of you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because, quite frankly...I have </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">more </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">respect for your <u>KIDS</u> than I do for you. They have </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dreams </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and visions for their </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">futures! </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">May they go forward and make a difference, because they are learning to live, share and contribute in a world and global economy that truly </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">needs </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">them and what </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">they </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">have to offer...despite YOU!...while you pathetically sit back and stagnate in your generational biases and prejudices. Think about <i>that </i>while you stew in your own juices. I'm not going to name names, but you know very well who you are. <i>Times are changing. </i>We're </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">all </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">going to die, and eventually, no one is going to care about your "name". Who is going to live on and survive, in a different place, a different world, in a different time?<i> No one is going to care about your family name! They already don't!</i></span></div>
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-9255005202198679522014-11-04T05:35:00.000-08:002015-02-12T05:39:55.304-08:00I vote for...you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZARAldXlSyA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tonight will wrap up yet another Election Day. As a listener/reader of various media, I can’t wait for the bombardment of campaign ads and propaganda to end. From my boyfriend’s perspective (as a U.S. Mail Carrier), today can’t be over with soon enough. I don’t know what other folks’ attitudes are, but please feel free to share. I’d probably identify with you on several levels!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have a very difficult time voting for candidates. I see all the pretty lights, hear all the bells and whistles, but to tell the truth, I don’t really </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>know </i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">these people running for office. I don’t "know" for a fact that they have mine or my community’s best interests at heart, even if they have been in office for years and years. I don’t "know" that they haven't been or won’t get corralled, cornered and broken by the status quo once they take or resume office. I don’t know if they will make or break their promises. I find it more practical to vote on the issues, but even with all the research, reading and studying...I readily admit that there is so much I </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>don’t </i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">know. There are many who feel that their one vote might initiate change, but in all reality, once our votes are cast, we all know that there will be a period of celebration or grumbling that follows, like the lucky winner of a lottery ticket...then it will be back to work, back to school, back to life as usual.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For me these days, Election Day hasn't been a time where I see the beginning of any sort of "change". It's like Thanksgiving, where family and friends get together for a huge dinner and a football game, then the whole concept of being a "family" is </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>forgotten about for the rest of the year</i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Like Christmas Day, when the floor is strewn with toys and gift wrap, and then the "spirit" of giving is </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>forgotten about for the rest of the year</i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Like Valentine's Day, when the flower bouquets die, the chocolates have been eaten, and love and being loved is </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>forgotten about for the rest of the year</i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Like a Veteran's Day parade, when crowds come out for a parade, giving respect and honoring the sacrifices of our Veterans. And then they are...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ah, <i>change</i>. How many Election Days have come and gone, with very little progress made on any number of issues set before the thrones of power <b>(</b>read <a href="http://amadoreditorial.blogspot.com/2014/04/amadors-game-of-thrones.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><i>Amador's "Game of Thrones"</i></a><b>)</b>? Citizens who put in hours and hours of time, research, study...sharing presentations, proposals, arguments in a limited amount of time before the powers that be? Groups and organizations struggling with budgets, holding as many fundraisers and donation drives as they can just to survive? Small businesses offering whatever they can to their customers and communities? At least with a Thanksgiving dinner, you know your money went into food - turkey, taters, gravy, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc., maybe a few table decorations. At least with Christmas, you know that your money went into gifts, a Christmas tree, maybe a few hundred outside lights. At least with Valentine's Day, you know your money went into perhaps flowers, jewelry, chocolates, a nice bottle of wine, a romantic dinner. </span><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">There are so many fundraising events in Amador County where the community comes together, and you know your money (or at least a good portion of it) is going to good causes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;">But U.S. Citizens are expected to vote on issues and candidates they know nothing about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">Has “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” been better because of our <i>votes </i>in the last 200 years? The last 20? The last two? </span></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;">What </span><i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;">has </i><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;">changed? </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">Personally, </span>I don't believe in change being brought about by politics or government. I don't see changes being made by any one candidate or party...because what I <i>do </i>see is the homeless still homeless, the jobless still jobless, junkies still junkies, criminals still criminals, our elderly still forgotten/neglected, our children and grand-children at the mercy of what the ignorant define as a "good education". There's still pollution in the air and water, there's still violence in our neighborhoods, there's still prejudice and no acceptance of religion, race, color, class, gender or creed. Corporate media still makes bank on fear and ignorance. <i>Change?</i> </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.1875; white-space: pre-wrap;">We might have better luck with it at a slot machine at the nearest casino.</span></div>
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Make no mistake, victory or defeat, your vote isn't about who will win or lose. It's about money, and where/how it will be spent, and who will spend it for you. After all, you can't vote for the CEO of a bank, or a Chinese delegate. So,<span style="line-height: 1.1875;"> in my opinion, the seats of power are not won on Election Day. Unfortunately, the <i>real</i> seats of power are ones that are often empty and gather dust at city council meetings, at Board of Supervisor meetings, at community meetings...</span><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">the seats where "</span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">we, the people" </i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">should be sitting. </span><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">It's one thing to </span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">say </i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">that you voted, that you did your duty as a voting U.S. Citizen...it's an entirely different thing to actively </span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">be </i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">one for the next two/four years.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.1875;">So personally, I vote for </span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">you</i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">. What is it </span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">you </i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">believe in? What do </span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">you </i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">stand for? If you think your vote doesn't count, then make </span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">yourself</i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;"> count, well after the ballots have been counted and the Election Day balloons have lost their lofty heights. Be present and accounted for in your community, not just on Election Day, but </span><i style="line-height: 1.1875;">every </i><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">day. Feed the hungry, help the homeless, provide jobs for the jobless. Pick up trash. Be a tutor. Volunteer. Donate to an organization or cause you believe in. If you don't like the way things are, head up a committee, a protest or march. </span><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">Let your voice be heard. </span><span style="line-height: 1.1875;">Many of you already do these things. But Amador County has well over 30,000...</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.1875;">Now, wouldn't that be a great voter turnout, 364 days a year?</span><br />
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<i style="line-height: normal;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cce54451-75ab-24ef-6d8c-61719f615cb7"><span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"The Census Bureau does a survey of non-voters, and the biggest reason people don't vote has nothing to do with procedural issues...it's because they are not interested in politics, and they don't think their vote will make a difference, and they don't think that the candidates will really do anything for them." - </span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-cce54451-75ab-9cf4-8307-b1cc1116d423"><span style="font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hans von Spakovsky, Manager of the Heritage Foundation's Election Reform Initiative</span></span></i><br />
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-87049347175382362862014-07-28T11:11:00.000-07:002014-07-29T06:08:44.914-07:00"Do it right the first time."I learned a lot of things in my childhood. <i>Don't talk to strangers...Eat with your mouth closed...Sit/stand up straight...Stop chewing your nails...If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times...Where there's a will, there's a way...Elbows off the table...You want something to cry about, I'll give you something to cry about...Clean your room; it's a pigsty...What do you say, young lady? (To those I needed to thank)...Don't try pullin' the wool over my eyes...If you don't learn the easy way, you're gonna learn the hard way...This will hurt me more than it will hurt you (when I got a lickin')...Get up, daylight's a-burnin'...I don't give a damn about what other people think...Quit feeling sorry for yourself...Dear Lord God, Almighty </i>(a prayer of desperation, I'm sure)<i>...If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all...</i><br />
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Epic fail on the latter, but a Higher Power isn't finished with me yet. ;)<br />
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It wasn't much better when I was a teenager. With a shot gun displayed in the corner of the entry, my father would ask my dates, <i>"You DO know how to tell time, right?" </i>My mother would perch above the front porch when my dates would bring me home, and right when that goodnight kiss was about to be planted on my lips, you'd hear a voice piercing somewhere within the moonlight and romantic night air: <i>"I SEE you." </i>If I didn't come home by curfew, my dad would go out (no matter what time of night), in his welding truck, and search for me (and my brother, who was usually my "Loki"-in crime). Embarrassment was a weapon my parents used often. It worked.</div>
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I also remember doing the dishes, and my mother inspecting the dishes for any spots or caked-on food. If I even had one dish that had either, she would take what I thought were "clean" dishes, and throw them back into the sink, run another sink full of hot dishwater, and I had to wash the <i>entire </i>batch of dishes again. Same thing with ironing. She'd stack up a pile of bed sheets and pillowcases and have me iron the entire stack. My <i>own </i>logic was, <i>"What the...? Who is going to even see whether there's a wrinkle in bedsheets and pillowcases?" </i>Nevertheless, I spent many hours ironing and correctly folding both bedsheets and pillowcases. I never understood what I thought were useless, stupid lessons...until I became an adult.<br />
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As products of the Depression Era, my parents taught me everything they knew, and handed down to me - from the generations before them - time-tested truths needed to survive in an unforgiving world. I remember sitting at the knee of my Aunt Wanda, learning how to crochet. Do I crochet now? Hell, no (God bless her soul). But the time spent with an amazing woman who poured her favorite teas out of a whistling tea pot, and told me stories of our family's past has never left my heart and mind? PRICELESS! My mother would also have me spend days with my grandmother, who taught me to cook and sew...it was those moments when I knew why my mom's stew, chili, casseroles and homemade jerky tasted so good. I remember when I sewed my first skirt. I remember when I crocheted my first pot-holder (a feat to be commended as my Aunt Wanda's beautiful afghans would cascade down over her legs, all the while musing over my pitiful rendition of what <i>might</i> be called a potholder). I remember why my parents told me that it takes <i>work </i>for everything to <i>work</i>. I remember why it felt so <i>very </i>good to finally have a day off from a hard day's work. I remember why my parent's standards were so high for me.</div>
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I had parents who cared, which, I realize is a very <i>rare </i>thing these days. One of my very favorite lessons my parents taught me? <i>Anything worth doing is worth doing right...the <u>first</u> time. </i></div>
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America seems to have been ignoring the wisdom of the ages, has had this unrealistic logic that today's media, sales and marketing to the masses will cure the ills of the economy. Let me tell you about "ills". My parents didn't call the doctor when I had an illness. They let me sweat it out; they wanted me to <i>fight</i> it. My parents didn't care "what people thought", they <i>ignored </i>them. My parents were staunch Republicans, but did that matter? No. Because, at the end of the day...my mother's dying days...everything she taught me was brought back, loud and clear. <i>Fight</i>. Because our government did not do things right the <i>first </i>time. Because those who are jaded and dulled to corporate media's ears do not care enough to know when the <i>first</i> time even existed. Because we live in a world so closed and jaded to the global one, <i>you</i> go. <i>You </i>see the world for what it is.</div>
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My mother, on her first dying bed, asked me what it was like to scuba dive. I told her that it is a world beyond what you could imagine, as I tried to explain a nudibranch and the eyes of a barracuda. She asked me to describe what the Mayan temples were like. She asked me to tell her what I've seen in the world, what I've learned. I told her that there are amazing places out there. She wanted to travel; she wanted to see what I saw. This woman...who saw nothing but her own oasis in the plains of Wyoming...asked <i>me </i>what the world is like.</div>
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Now I have a grand-daughter. She just turned four years old on July 19th. It seems like yesterday when I was changing her diapers, blowing bubbles in the backyard, falling into an afternoon nap to Sponge Bob Square Pants or a Disney princess movie. She is growing up in Sutter Creek, and I want her to love and enjoy everything that her hometown, family and friends bring to her world. I have a vested interest in Amador County, not just because I used to live there, presently work there and because of Amador Community News. It has <i>everything </i>to do with my grand-daughter. I want her to grow up in a community that will get their educational issues sorted out fast (and that means MUSIC). It means that I want my grand-daughter to understand the importance of family legacy, based upon HISTORY. It means that I want my grand-daughter to think for herself and make the world a better place based upon SCIENCE and EXPLORATION. It means that I want my grand-daughter to decide for herself where her tender SPIRITUALITY lies. It means that I want her to know who she is in a world far away from her grandma, who still perks tea on a 60's vintage stovetop.</div>
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So Amador County powers that be...clean your rooms. It's a pigsty. And quit crying about budget cuts and whatnot...or I'll give you something to cry about.</div>
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Carol Harper</div>
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-21497486719975857402014-07-17T07:28:00.000-07:002014-07-19T08:00:40.584-07:00It's just a dollar...I've lived in several cities since leaving the small, quiet, hometown life of Riverton, Wyoming. After high school, I moved to Provo, Utah, which was just a half-hour drive or so to Salt Lake City. Both of my children were born there (in Provo/Orem). Then I moved to the South Bay Area and lived in a few different areas (Cupertino, Westgate and Rose Garden areas); lived there a good 10 years before moving to Amador County's Pioneer - just off of Inspiration Drive East - in August of 2000. Spent the next eight years raising my kids before both of them took off and joined the Marines. Moved to Nashville, Tennessee shortly after my son was deployed to Iraq. A long story of "there and back again", I moved back to Amador County in October of 2010, bounced from Drytown, to Jackson, to Ione, then moved to Sacramento in November of 2012...<br />
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...and here in busy Sac Metro, there's been a lot of development going on in our "hood". When I moved here from Ione well over two years ago, I was thrilled to be within walking distance of Trader Joe's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Rubio's, CVS, Tim's Music, House of Chan (cheap chinese!), Thai Hut, and SaveMart. Also within walking distance was our Post Office and the local library. Only a few months into my "housewarming", I was ecstatic to have Nagato Sushi right next door. Then, a Walmart Neighborhood market went in, followed by several "bigger" box stores in the Town & Country complex, such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, TJ Maxx, Linen's and Things, and Ross. Coming up: Famous Footwear...and, alas...McDonald's.<br />
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Did I mourn the loss of any mom and pop stores? Yes. I was saddened that an entire complex (which included University Art) was bulldozed down to make way for the new developments. There was a little print shop and a salon that eventually became casualties of the war on small businesses. But then, this is the city...change and growth are always happening at a pace that this born-and-raised country gal has had to get used to, several times.<br />
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As I observe the opinions expressed by those opposed to the proposed Dollar General store in Pine Grove, I think about the growth and changes I've experienced in my own life, in my own neighborhood here in the city. When I moved into "the hood", I observed the fact that there <i>was</i> an art store, a print store and a salon close by, but did I shop there? No. I get my hair cut at Great Clips...I have a laser printer here at home. I get any framing and art supplies at Michael's just off of Arden and Watt. Why? Because I'm a cheap skate. I want the most for my dollar. I want the best possible price for the things that I use daily, weekly, monthly, etc. There are several dollar stores within the area that I shop at - Dollar Tree, .99 Cent Store...and I'm a tag popper, and know quite a few great thrift stores within the vicinity. Costco is a 10 minute drive. I also shop online a lot, especially on Amazon, eBay, Vista Print, Cafe Press, etc.<br />
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The thing that I do not like about the new developments going in? The demographic(s) they attract. McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, etc. all have value menus. You can get a hamburger, or a value fries for a dollar. You can get a small drink with refills for a dollar. I can tell you right now, I'm a minority when I walk into the local .99 cent store...you know it's really bad when there's a security guard outside a dollar store. But I'll brave it in order to get laundry detergent, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, even many food items for that "almighty dollar". Reality is, there are many homeless or those in a low-income bracket who would most welcome a Dollar General in their neck of the woods...Amador County is no exception...and honestly, most in today's poor economy would most welcome a Dollar General. There is a reason that the Interfaith Food Bank is in dire need of donations. There is a reason there are so many programs offered for low income families. There is a need - a "demand" - so there must be a supply for that demand.<br />
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But when I go up to Amador County, I want to see Metro Sac in my rear view mirror. I don't want to see the busy big box stores, corporate chains, and complex developments. Hell, I don't even want to see their signage! I want <i>refuge</i> from all the noise, the sirens (which we call the "Marconi Alarm Clock"), the "ghetto birds" that fly over with their floodlights...I want freedom for just a moment of my busy week to escape to Amador County and keep myself grounded in what has always been very important to me: A sense of <i>real community.</i><br />
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Amador County is my escape; Amador County is my California home town. Amador County is an oasis destination for those of us trapped in the every day doldrums of city life. I'm fortunate enough to have a job that brings me up there a couple times every week, and when I do, I want to see those oak-studded rolling foothills as I drive on Highway 16. I want to see the cows chewing their cud in the fields, the tractors and ATVs on frontage dirt roads. I want to stop at Davis Ranch for a bag of almonds, tomatoes, or a few ears of corn. I want to "meet you at Mel's" for a Moo Burger...I want to have tacos on Taco Thursdays at Jose's. I want to be a part of small town church that welcomes you "no matter who you are, wherever you are on your journey in life". I want to shop at the mom and pop stores, see the familiar, friendly faces at the counters of local shops. I want to know that I'm going to a whole different world when I go to Amador County.<br />
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There's a Dollar Tree in Martell. In my opinion, that's enough. However, I do consider the fact that there might very well be a need for an upcountry store where the budget-conscious would benefit. So I say...if Dollar General can make their outward appearance look like an old-fashioned, home town "General Store" or something that complements the beautiful footprint of Pine Grove, then I say, do it. If they cannot, then they can simply get out of Dodge, because I personally don't want to see an ugly "Dollar General" sign plopped in the middle of my oasis.<br />
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That'd be like putting a Home Depot in front of the historic Kennedy Mine. Oh, wait...<br />
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<i>Carol Harper</i><br />
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-63489483347753758172014-05-16T07:20:00.003-07:002014-05-16T12:24:47.887-07:00How to...<b>Hello, Amador County!</b><br />
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I feel a need to apologize. I was called to work full-time hours at a Sacramento hospice organization this week, and I've had to get up bright and early to get ACN's daily updates and Facebook posts done before a full day at work. I've had to do "The Great Catch-Up" in several arenas, so I <i>greatly </i>appreciate your patience in bearing with me. Yes, I do sleep...in increments. Plenty of coffee consumed this week, too!</div>
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Amador Community News' popularity has grown by leaps and bounds these past few months, and as a staff of one, I very much rely upon <i>you</i>, the community, to keep me posted on what's happening in your neck o' the woods. ACN is <i>your </i>community e-news blog, and for the past seven years, I've taken this job very seriously. Communication is <i>so </i>important, and though ACN isn't distributed through a print publication, together we have been able to get that information out through some very powerful means - Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, Google+. Thank you so much for your help and partnership in being that "word of mouth"</div>
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As I go through these growing pains (again), and given this past week's busyness, I'm needing to make some changes and "requirements" in order for me to streamline my processes in getting your information and announcements out in a timely manner. Please read the points below, as these will <i>greatly </i>help me with that goal!</div>
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<b>1. Announcements are FREE on ACN, </b>but please, please, <i><u>please </u></i>use the following format:</div>
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TITLE OF EVENT - DAY, DATE, TIME, LOCATION (address!). Write a BRIEF description of your event. CONTACT information (name, phone, email, web site, social networks, etc.). Copy and paste your announcements into the body of an email, or you can also Facebook message me, <a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty">facebook.com/AmadorCounty</a>.</div>
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<b>2. Assign <u>one</u> (1) person in your group or organization</b> to be your point person for media, press, promo, etc. Have that person send press releases, announcements, posters/flyers, etc. to <a href="mailto:carol@newsamador.com">carol@newsamador.com</a>, so I can communicate with them directly. <i><u>Before </u></i>sending them, please look them over for spelling, grammar, correct information, layout, etc.</div>
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Send your information/materials in the following manner:</div>
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<li><b>Press Releases and Announcements</b> - <u>Write in or copy and paste your content into the body of a <i>fresh </i>e-mail</u>. Please do not send me PDF or DOC files anymore...some files I can open, but some of them can't. I've been spending a lot of time having to reformat your content into a blog format, so doing this will help me a LOT...and get your information out there faster!</li>
<li><b>Posters/Flyers</b> - Please send as a <u>JPEG </u>image from now on (no more PDFs). It is only $5/month for flyers and posters, or $50/year for <i>unlimited </i>postings on ACN. I can e-invoice you, just send me a valid, direct e-mail address to you, your treasurer, finance director, etc.</li>
<li><b>Ad graphics (for supporting advertisers only)</b> - Send as a <u>JPEG</u> (no PDFs) or HTML code to embed. If you have ads in other publications or newspapers, feel free to send those on to me, <a href="mailto:carol@newsamador.com">carol@newsamador.com</a>. It doesn't matter the size, just send me what you have, and I'll work with them. If you have a YouTube commercial, send me the URL, or the HTML code to embed.</li>
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Also...include my e-mail, <a href="mailto:carol@newsamador.com">carol@newsamador.com</a>, in your organization's email groups to receive newsletters, press releases, etc. That way, I can receive your information automatically, along with everyone else!</div>
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<b>3. Facebook. </b>You are free to share <u>Amador County-related</u> community news on ACN's Facebook wall, such as:</div>
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<li>Breaking news, traffic, crime, emergencies, etc.</li>
<li>Lost and found</li>
<li>Animals needing shelter/homes (APAL Humane Society is a supporting advertiser), however, there IS a Facebook group, "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/191594484277415/" target="_blank">Amador County Animals plus</a>", if you would like to join them. I share their posts from time to time.</li>
<li>Photos or YouTube videos of community events</li>
<li>Facebook Pages - You may share any announcements on your organization's Facebook page if you are a part of a community group/organization, school/student sports or arts, or a government agency with news/announcements/public notices pertaining to Amador County. Pages which are shared that are advertising in nature will be deleted (unless you're a supporting advertiser. Only supporting advertisers can post their promo on ACN's Facebook wall.)</li>
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<i>NOTE: Please do not send me a Facebook event invite. I receive a ton of these every day, and I simply do not have the time to go through each one and extract the information out of each one. Please use the format I provided in #1 above.</i></div>
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The above three points should help me out tremendously, thank you! One last thing...</div>
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I am in the process of creating a referral incentive program. If you are interested, please contact me, <a href="mailto:carol@newsamador.com">carol@newsamador.com</a>, and I'll let you know the details. I feel it's the least I can do for all your help in spreading the news about ACN, and for being such loyal readers!</div>
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I say this all the time, and I'll say it once more, Amador County...thank you for your support of Amador's community media!</div>
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Carol Harper</div>
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-72732438828644463392014-04-21T10:06:00.004-07:002014-04-22T11:17:17.359-07:00Amador's "Game of Thrones"<div class="MsoNormal">
My “day job” as Music Director at <a href="http://www.trinitysuttercreek.org/" target="_blank">Trinity Episcopal Churc</a>h
in Sutter Creek brings me up to <st1:place><st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place> several times during the
week. Last week was Holy Week, so it has been a crazy few months as a “Court
Musician”. It’s also an election year, and as Editor of<i><a href="http://newsamador.com/" target="_blank"> Amador Community News</a></i>,
it’s been a bit crazy as a “troubadour” of local community news and events.
Granted, I don’t sing the news. I <i>could</i>,
but due to the amount of things going on in “The County”, I wouldn’t have any
vocal cords left. I’ve been quite busy as the “Hear Ye, Hear Ye…” of <st1:place><st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>!</div>
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When I drove up from <st1:city>Sacramento</st1:city>
to attend last Wednesday’s “Forum ‘14”, I couldn’t help but notice a
significant affair going on across <st1:place><st1:placename>Jackson</st1:placename>
<st1:placename>Creek</st1:placename></st1:place> at <a href="http://www.nationalhoteljackson.com/" target="_blank">The National Hotel</a>. It was,
for all intents and purposes, the celebration of a re-election candidate that
has shown his longevity in <st1:place><st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>:
<a href="http://tednovelli.com/" target="_blank">Mr. Ted Novelli</a>. The festivities were loud enough that I (and pretty much
everyone within the radius of <st1:city>Jackson</st1:city>
proper) got the message. I wish I could have joined them with a nice cold brewskie
or two—but up the steps I went to the <st1:place><a href="http://ci.jackson.ca.us/" target="_blank">Jackson Civic Center</a></st1:place>.
What I witnessed there was a trickle to a stream of people filling the place to
standing room only—a packed room of people who not only wanted to hear what would
be said by the candidates who were present, but a room filled with people who would
note the candidates <i>not</i> present.<br />
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Who was there? <a href="http://burke4auditor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kim Burke</a>, <a href="http://www.democracy.com/lynnmorgan" target="_blank">Lynn Morgan</a>, <a href="http://upcountryinfo.com/" target="_blank">Mike Spence</a> and <a href="http://electdagostini.com/" target="_blank">Daniel D'Agostini</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElectTacyOnetoRouenAuditor" target="_blank">Tacy Oneto Rouen</a> was there for a short time. </div>
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There are several “powers that be” existing in this little
kingdom called “<st1:place><st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>”.
There are kings, queens, knights, religious and organizational leaders, jesters
and jokers, pawns, troubadours, upper and lower class, and well…those who just
simply exist in the middle to perhaps cause enough trouble to stir the mire, or the town drunks that schmooze and kiss asses between the classes. None, however, are to be
underestimated…the power of the American vote <i>never should </i>be taken lightly.</div>
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I actually consider myself fortunate to live in <st1:city>Sacramento</st1:city>.
I have this “luxury” of neutrality—sitting back with my popcorn and “Big Gulp”
(literally), and watch the candidates’ shows unfold. For what I’ve known about both
living and working in Amador County for well over 14 years, and what I know <i>now</i> about what is transpiring amongst
Amador’s communities is almost beyond my comprehension. This little slice of one of California's smallest kingdoms has some serious issues, and I’ve learned that it is not enough to know or even
speculate about what goes on in public places—or over fence posts. I’ve
received heat from left <i>and </i>right, but I’m actually quite good with very few
knowing how I <i>really </i>feel about <st1:place><st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>’s politics…until they ask
me. Have coffee with me sometime! I'm open.</div>
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I heard so many complaints about candidates who were not
present at Forum ’14. However, I have to say, in defense of <i>all</i> of District 3’s candidates: Where
were <i>you</i>—the people, the public—at
<a href="http://uccamador.com/" target="_blank">Upcountry Community Council</a> meetings, where <i>all
three</i> candidates…<a href="http://www.democracy.com/lynnmorgan" target="_blank">Lynn Morgan</a>, <a href="http://upcountryinfo.com/" target="_blank">Mike Spence</a> AND <a href="http://tednovelli.com/" target="_blank">Ted Novelli </a>were present and
accounted for, all these years? Where were <i>you</i> at
city/county meetings, county board meetings and public hearings? Where were <i>you</i> when committees and subcommittees
were being formed to guide and help our leaders? Why are there so many armchair
politicians who sit back and point fingers, mud-sling, complain and rely on
hearsay and gossip through their own party lines, yet do nothing to actively
involve themselves in their own neighborhoods and communities...oh wait, except when alcohol and food are involved...(and may I add)...for <i>free</i>? Think about that when you sober up.</div>
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Now, that said—why do the voices of the people often fall on
deaf ears of those who now occupy the “Five Thrones” of <st1:place><st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>? Where is the <i>public
service</i>? Is <st1:place><st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>
doomed to rely upon generations of pedigree and privilege to make its
important decisions? And why do these throne-dwelling patriarchs (as there are
no <i>women</i> on the Board of Supervisors) ignore those who are brave enough to
challenge and air their grievances, make them look like jesters and jokers to
be dismissed from their presence by mere consensus or the stroke of a pen? Is
that <i>true</i> representation “of the
people, by the people and for the people”? Sounds more like “off with their
heads” to me. Dismiss the Foothill Conservancy; they’re crazy tree-huggers.
Dismiss non-partisans and Moderates; they’re indecisive and fence-dwellers.
Dismiss the homeless and poverty-level…they probably won’t vote, anyway. I don't have to actually read these documents. I can cut them up with a single sword, and look awesome doing it.</div>
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There are candidates who are liked and disliked (for
whatever reasons), but when it comes down to brass tacks, the bottom line is: <i>United</i>
We Stand, <i>Divided</i> We Fall. <st1:country-region>America</st1:country-region>
is so divided on so many levels—politically, socially, economically, locally,
regionally, nationally—it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to hypothesize, nor
Medieval troubadours to sing and play the lute (<a href="http://amadormusichub.com/" target="_blank">or drums, bass and guitar at that</a>) about American’s well-foreseen epic fail. I personally view the US
Constitution much like the Bible: a brilliantly-written document and collection
that states and symbolizes many common beliefs. But when you have any one or few
self-righteous, opportunistic, hypocritical powers that shove themselves into some ambiguous "right" to dominate and control the masses, our history lessons show that such
hierarchies have only primed themselves for revolution and change. Off with
their heads? Ask <st1:country-region>France</st1:country-region>.</div>
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For those who don’t know…Amador’s county leaders have been
working off of an outdated, archaic, typewritten General Plan (for young folks
who don’t know what a typewriter is, think of it as using a <i>dial</i> telephone versus the Smart phone
that’s in your hand. Yeah, there’s that…good luck texting and InstaGram-ing <i>that</i>). The current “General Plan” is a
document our Supervisors might think “good enough” to run the <st1:place><st1:placetype>kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename>Amador</st1:placename></st1:place> the way it’s always been
run. Yeah…right into the ground. I’m not discounting, nor questioning the good
that Amador’s current Supervisors have done “behind the scenes”. But I think
that’s the problem: behind the scenes, behind closed doors. <i>“I did this for
you, you do this for me”…”I shovel your driveway, I get your vote”…”I give
money to your cause, you vote for me.”</i></div>
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Yet, there are still government agencies that think it’s
“good enough” to post a photocopy of their agendas on the front door of
city hall to inform the community of their meetings. There are those in office
who still think that throwing their private monies at problems will make them
all go away. There are candidates who think that all they have to do is let
their last name do the talking, paste a pretty smile on their faces, give a
well-versed speech, kiss some babies, or throw a party in order to win votes.</div>
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“Good enough.”</div>
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Good enough for you? Me? I’m kind of a grassroots gal. I’m not a tree-hugger;
no, I’m not a Tea Partier. But I <i>do</i> have
more respect for a candidate who says they don’t know the answers, but will
collaborate with the <i>people</i>—than a candidate who pretends to know the answers
(and really doesn’t) and makes campaign promises they cannot keep. I have more
respect for the voter who has done the research and fact-finding to make an
educated vote, than the armchair voter who relies on biased, one-sided media
and political advertisements, simply because that candidate shoveled their
driveway or gave money to their beloved causes. I’ve never really been one who
is easily distracted by bells and whistles. A good cup of coffee with friends,
on the other hand…that I get behind!</div>
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As we go through this election year, I hope that we <i>can</i> sit down with a nice cup of coffee
at a forum, or at a local meeting, or gather together as friends and neighbors
to discuss the issues civilly and intelligently, because the true power of the
American people is not in the White House, in Congress, in our State Capitols,
nor in city and county government Chambers. The true power is in your vote…and
only <i>you</i> sit upon that Throne.</div>
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Carol Harper<o:p></o:p></div>
Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-70665436145467256692014-01-27T10:41:00.000-08:002014-05-30T22:02:23.772-07:00You put your right foot in, you put your left foot out...(Reposted from <a href="http://coffeepong.com/">CoffeePong.com</a>)<br />
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I was in a grocery store not so long ago where they had those big clear bins of buy-in-bulk coffee beans. Like I've said before, I'm no coffee snob, but...I tend to stay away from oily beans that have sat in bins for a bit too long. It's kinda sad, though...I look into the bins, press my nose up against their plastic prison cells, and the beans just sit there on top of each other, as if to say,<i> "Please, save us!"</i> And I just have to say, <i>"I'm sorry...I'm so, so sorry..."</i> Walking away is the hard part, as I grab a vacuum-sealed bag of coffee just a couple feet away.<br />
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I know it's been a while since posting, but I've been busy with my little Amador County community e-newspaper/blog, <a href="http://newsamador.com/" target="_blank">Amador Community News</a>. It's been an interesting week; many more are catching on to the concept of independent, community news. It looks like I'm finally reaching that broad demographic plane consisting of those "from one to ninety-two" via Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The best thing, however, has always been that ol' over the fence, word-of-mouth. Every once in a while, I'll post: "<i>Say you saw it...on ACN"</i>...people actually do, and I appreciate it. All of our readers appreciate it. I find great satisfaction, knowing that I can help with the flow of information in Amador County.<br />
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Last week I posted an announcement about a Town Hall meeting being held in Plymouth, where Congressman Tim McClintock would be present to take a few questions from the citizens in attendance. Every time I run something that might be politically charged, I run the following disclaimer: <i>"Amador Community News, NewsAmador.com is a non-partisan and politically neutral community news, information and resource site, and does not endorse political parties or candidates."</i><br />
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After posting the announcement for the meeting on ACN's Facebook wall, a certain reader commented that ACN's stance of being non-partisan and politically neutral made her want to "puke".<br />
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Why would such a thing piss someone off like that? I really don't know. In a nation already cluttered with slanted, biased, politically-charged (and bought) media, I don't find it difficult <i>at all</i> to be non-partisan. I believe that community news is about the <i>community's</i> voice, not advertisers' voices, and there's room for everyone to express their views (with respect).<br />
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After the "puke" comment, there were several more comments with the nature of "tell McClintock" this or that. I gathered from the comments that many do not like McClintock's politics. After a while, however, I felt like I was being shot at (for simply being the messenger), so I pulled the post, but not before defending ACN. But I still had to wonder why so many felt more comfortable posting on ACN's Facebook wall, than taking the time to get out from behind their computers or cell phones, actually <i>attending </i>the Town Hall Meeting in person and facing the Congressman themselves. After all...I see their Facebook posts. They have plenty of time to drink and schmooze and social gatherings and events, but don't have the time to attend a town hall meeting for 10-15 minutes?<br />
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Oh well, I guess I'm just naive. I suppose people just aren't used to or ready for a non-partisan, politically neutral platform that is open and willing to receive Letters to the Editor, commentaries and opinions, regardless of political affiliation.<br />
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Funny...I thought that's what the First Amendment was all about:<br />
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<i>"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or <u>abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances</u>." (First Amendment of the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> Consititution)</i></div>
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This Amendment does not define who has these freedoms; it says that Congress "shall make no law". But it also doesn't give permission to influential political parties, affluent organizations (including religious), and corporate media to make some sort of "unspoken" set of laws or rules that assume to define those freedoms for the rest of us. It also doesn't define social, nor economic class...<br />
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It does include the words <i>"freedom"..."free exercise"..."right of the people"..."peaceably to assemble"..."petition the Government"</i>. These are all things and actions that Congress cannot make laws against. So where does the power lie? In the hands of the people.<br />
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I cannot prevent disgruntled readers, armchair politicians and religious zealots from posting what they do on Facebook. The most I can do is delete, block and mediate the kind of content I do or do <i>not </i>allow for ACN. But what I <i>will </i>do is defend what community media stands for, and I stand for First Amendment rights that many people have seem to forgotten about because of the global soup of corporate media muck that readers have to sink or swim through to get the facts. So I will leave it up to the corporate, ad-driven media giants and their loyal subjects to do their so-called "fair and unbiased" reporting, be the bearers of "shock value" entertainment news, and influence the ignorant with their contrived hokey-pokey dances. I'd rather focus more on content than advertising. I'd rather focus upon what Amador County's communities are doing to build each other up and improve. I'd rather give Amador County the spotlight, give them a platform to have a true voice as to what they are "all about"...and to me, <i>we </i>the <i>people </i>is "what it's all about".<br />
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I was born into and raised in a Republican, right-winged household. A life-changing event in 1996 had affected me in all aspects of life - socially, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, politically. But today, for the record, I truly am non-partisan. I'm not a Republican nor Democrat, nor any party whatsoever. I'm not on the left, nor right. If people needed to understand my political persuasions in simpler terms, I would have to define myself as a Moderate. But I cannot and <i>will </i>not bring my own personal political views to ACN. So that is why I post that disclaimer from time to time, as it calls for it. If certain select people puke over that, I'm sorry, maybe a good antacid will help...or cut down on the happy hours. Or maybe actually spend some time getting involved in your own community in a positive manner, rather than pointing the finger from afar and complaining. When you decide to do that, you always have a voice on ACN's Opinions & Issues department, <a href="http://amadorsoapbox.com/">AmadorSoapbox.com</a>.<br />
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I guess there will always be haters...bad oily beans in the bin. Just never want them to spoil the whole bunch.<br />
---<br />
Amador Community News is found at <a href="http://newsamador.com/">NewsAmador.com</a>.<br />
Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty">Facebook.com/AmadorCounty</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/Amador411">Twitter.com/Amador411</a><br />
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Amador Community News is a part of the Knight Community News Network, a global network of community news, information and resource sites. <a href="http://kcnn.org/">kcnn.org</a><br />
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Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-63711764085321452112013-11-27T10:20:00.003-08:002013-12-03T10:49:40.988-08:00"Facelook": Please, won't you be my neighbor?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,<br />
A beautiful day for a neighbor.<br />
Would you be mine?<br />
Could you be mine?</i></div>
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</i><br />
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<i>It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,<br />
A neighborly day for a beauty,<br />
Would you be mine?<br />
Could you be mine?</i><br />
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<i>I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you!<br />
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.<br />
So let's make the most of this beautiful day,<br />
Since we're together we might as well say,<br />
Would you be mine?<br />
Could you be mine?<br />
Won't you be my neighbor?<br />
Won't you please,<br />
Won't you please?<br />
Please won't you be my neighbor?</i></div>
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I watched <a href="http://pbskids.org/rogers/" target="_blank">Mr. Roger's Neighborhood</a> religiously when I was a child. The unmistakeable xylophone theme music intro, his change from work clothes to sweater and sneakers, his visits to people and places, with his neighbors...the warm smile and eyes that looked straight into the camera, and a voice that never failed to tell me every day that I was special. Also, as a product of classic-era <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/" target="_blank">Sesame Street</a> (I was three years old when it premiered in November 1969), the catchy little tune "Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood?" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2bbnlZwlGQ" target="_blank">see <b>YouTube</b> clip</a>) would prompt me to get away from the TV, and actually go out to get to know our mailman, our milkman (yes, back in the day), the clerks at the creamery, local hardware and grocery stores. Back then there was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._W._Woolworth_Company" target="_blank">Woolworth's</a> in town, and I was always buying fish for my fish tank, so I remember "Dan the Fish Man"...always ready with a fancy tail guppy or a black-spotted gold fish.<br />
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That there were adults in this world (besides my own parents) who were good, honest, wise, respectable, responsible and most of all, actually knew my name and cared about who I was, gave me a great sense of validation early in my life....for it wouldn't be long before I learned that there were people in the world who were cruel, dishonest, selfish, disrespectful and irresponsible. I would learn that most "people in the neighborhood" would like to keep to themselves, arm themselves out of distrust, would steal, lie, backbite and gossip, would look me straight in the eye and lie to me, keep something from me...or tell me I was nothing special.<br />
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I like to surround myself with good people. It would be extremely unrealistic for any of us to expect a "Mr. Roger's World", but I know a good person when I see one. It has taken me many years to learn (many times, the hard way) the tactics and strategies of those who speak with silver tongues, those who try to sell themselves to me, and attempt to "friend" me by telling me what I want to hear. Fool me once...<br />
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I got to know many folks in Amador County when I was a writer for the <i>Gold Country Times</i>, and also as a reporter for the <i>Ledger Dispatch</i>. With the LD, there were a couple stories where I may have done a little too much investigation. One in particular was the "Field of Dreams" project at Argonaut HS. There are many sides of a story, many voices that need to be heard, and I sought those voices. But if I got too close to the truth or certain "facts", or if my copy did not clandestinely side in favor of the project, I was reigned back in. I felt it wrong to stay information from the public, and had the sick feeling that the newspaper might have been used to push projects through without the public knowing (or at least aware of) certain "details". I also thought about how long this practice might have been going on, but I needed a job, so I kept my mouth shut on several things. A local newspaper carries a great power and influence, as well as great responsibility to its readership. You cannot just "vote out" a publisher, editor or a reporter. If you want a voice, you have to buy one (ie. subscriptions, advertising).<br />
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In 2011, I did an independent interview with <a href="http://www.sutterhealth.org/dr-robert-hartmann.html" target="_blank">Dr. Robert Hartmann</a>. I've always had the utmost respect for Dr. Hartmann, and know of the great things he has done for Amador County in his ongoing position as Public Health Officer. When his review came up to remain on as ACPHO, there was some hesitation with the Board of Supervisors (i.e. budgets, salary, etc.) and I targeted <a href="http://www.co.amador.ca.us/index.aspx?page=55" target="_blank">John Plasse</a> for an interview, since he was the Chair at the time. In my pursuit of getting the BOS/Plasse's side of the story, I was looked upon with disdain by some people in the community, even by Hartmann himself and his wife, Mel. Of <i>course </i>I'd love to see Dr. Hartmann continue on as Amador County's P.H.O. But that was not the issue; I wanted to hear what Plasse had to say, but most of all, I wanted to find out for myself just how politics are played in Amador County. After all, the people of Amador County voted for their Supervisors, so didn't it make sense to get a statement from those who represent them?<br />
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I also did an interview with Dana Fink, a local witch who is very proactive in the community. Once the interview was released, I got flack from quite a few Christians, even questioned by Kathleen Harmon (then the Executive Director of the Interfaith Food Bank), asking how I define "Interfaith" (since I run <a href="http://amadorinterfaith.com/">AmadorInterfaith.com</a>). There was another time, when I wrote for TSPN, where got a direct quote from Al Nunes after a Jackson City Council meeting which was included in a news brief the next morning. Sure enough...TSPN got a phone call from City Manager Mike Daly about the quote (even though it was a direct one). Thus ended my days at TSPN. KVGC was once a loyal, supporting advertiser of Amador Community News, but when it came time to renew their supporting advertisership, I got nothing but crickets on their end as well.<br />
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All of these experiences I've had with Amador County's media has left me with the belief that there is a severe lack of <a href="http://www.kcnn.org/principles/" target="_blank">accuracy, thoroughness, fairness, and transparency</a>, as well as community representation in their stopped-up currents and methods of communication. Gone are the days where it is "good enough" to scotch tape a copy of meeting agendas on the doors of our government agencies. Gone are the days where having an outdated, dysfunctional, confusing web site is acceptable. Gone are the days where we readily trust our local leaders to be forthright and honest about communicating the impacts of projects and decisions made that might affect our families, our neighborhoods and our businesses. Now, in the age of blogging and social networking, social platforms such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="http://twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, information not only freely but powerfully flows...it is apparent that communication the way that Amador County "has always done it" just isn't going to fly anymore.<br />
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I feel a great sense of First Amendment freedom in knowing that I can serve Amador County with a platform that isn't about politics, isn't about generational hierarchies and cliques, social status or local gossip. To me, it's about the people "in the neighborhood". So...who are the people in <i>yours</i>? Who represents you in your city councils, at the <a href="http://www.amadorwater.org/" target="_blank">Amador Water Agency</a>, at <a href="http://www.amadorcoe.org/" target="_blank">School Board</a> meetings? Did you vote for them? What <a href="http://www.co.amador.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=57" target="_blank">district is your neighborhood</a> in, and who is your <a href="http://www.co.amador.ca.us/index.aspx?page=53" target="_blank">Supervisor</a>? What might be going on behind closed doors? Rather than what is being said, what <i>isn't</i> being said? What are the issues in your neighborhood? Is it crime, bullying, drugs, domestic violence, lack of educational opportunities, property disputes, joblessness, hunger, forest fires, local economy? Are there environmental concerns, economic troubles? What groups, organizations and programs are in your neighborhood - in your district, in the County - that exist to help with these issues? It might take getting away from that TV or computer screen. Where crickets now chirp, start chatting with your neighbors at local meetings and events.<br />
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I love "facelook" time when I'm up in "The County"...I love stopping by and saying "hi" to Bart Gillman at Mel & Faye's Diner in Jackson, or greeted with big smiles by Martha Perez and her family at Jose's as I order my usual chile relleno. I love playing with my grand-daughter at Minnie Provis Park in Sutter Creek, and taking her to ice cream afterwards. I love serving as the Music Director at <a href="http://trinitysuttercreek.org/" target="_blank">Trinity Epsicopal Church</a>. I enjoy so many things about Amador County, and <a href="http://newsamador.com/" target="_blank">Amador Community News</a> is the least I can do to give back by providing the community with a voice, help in the flow of communication, and give businesses a boost in this tough economic era with ACN's upcoming "<a href="http://amador411.com/">Amador411.com</a>" business directory. Most of all, I love to smash the bottlenecks and open the floodgates of communication. But it all starts with <i>you</i>, Amador County.<br />
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Get out there on "this beautiful day" and spend a little "facelook" time in your neighborhood. Get to know the people around you. Find out a little more about the "people that you meet each day". Let me know if you have something going on in your neck o' the woods, and I'll post it. Most of all, please spread the news about Amador Community News; tell your friends to "friend" us on Facebook, if they have it...or they can simply go to <a href="http://newsamador.com/">NewsAmador.com</a> and find everything there in one place.<br />
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I am thankful for all of you, and your support of Amador's community media. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, and don't forget to <b><a href="http://amadorholidays.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SHOP LOCAL!</a></b><br />
<br />
Carol Harper <br />
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<a href="mailto:Carol@NewsAmador.com">Carol@NewsAmador.com</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/AmadorCounty">Facebook.com/AmadorCounty</a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/Amador411" target="_blank">Twitter.com/Amador411</a><br />
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<br />Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4100053093481555163.post-46098173326236492222013-10-04T11:39:00.004-07:002013-10-04T11:55:02.518-07:00Shut up, or shut down?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I recently received some emails and Facebook messages from
certain citizens in Amador County who have felt that I should take a stance on
being conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, either be this or that.
I've been called a "fence dweller"...those who have resorted to
name-calling, telling me I'm "ugly on the inside", that I'm
"inactive", useless...a few others simply have done their own little
personal campaigns and vendettas against me/ACN. I've had to endure a host of
gossip/backbiting in keeping this small, community resource alive. Perhaps what
has hurt me to the point of breaking is that one person in particular said that
I "stand for nothing". I once gave this person a voice on ACN, and
encouraged that voice, for my belief is that <i>everyone </i>has one...<i>everyone </i>has a
voice. To be mocked, well...to say the least, it kinda hurt.</div>
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<br />
From its beginning, in April of 2007, Amador Community News has been politically
neutral and non-biased. As ACN's editor/ombudsman, I felt it in wisdom to learn and understand what community
media via the Knight Community News Network, <a href="http://kcnn.org/">kcnn.org</a>,
is all about.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Knowing that Amador County is unique in California, I
felt that the path to take for this e-news site/blog would be to a level where
ALL have a voice, where ALL can benefit, where ALL do not have to succumb to
advertisement dollars, nor whomever has the "most influence". At
$5/month or $50/year, do people <i>really</i> think I'm in it this for the money? I'm
not a whiner, where I shut ACN down like well-paid politicians. If I shut down,
I shut down for damn good reasons.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What I don't think most understand is that I do ACN <i>alone</i>. I
am and have been a staff of one since 2007, and it has recently become a <i>huge
</i>responsibility that I don't think these ignorant, self-informed
"types" realize. I understand that sometimes it might be easy to take
things for granted, but when such a time arrives, what is <u><i>one </i></u>person supposed
to do?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I had a moment of weakness. I apologize for that. But as you
can see, I've gotten over the drama and will continue to bring Amador County
their news and announcements...for <i>free</i>. Why can I do this for free? Because
Amador Community News is <i>you</i>! All I ask is that you invest in my time as its
editor/ombudsman, if you can.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Who do I "stand for"? I stand for <i>you</i>, whomever
you are. I don't care if you're left, right, rich, poor, what
race/ethnic/gender you identify yourself by, whether you are high class, middle class, or homeless under a bridge...all I care about is getting your
information out to your community. All I care about is <i>your </i>voice. All I care
about is bringing a community together...not focusing upon what tears us apart, because that tears <i>me</i> apart!</div>
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There is enough bad news. Give me your good news...because <i>that's</i>
what I'm about. I stand for <i>you</i>.<br />
<br />
Carol Harper, Editor</div>
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<a href="http://newsamador.com/">NewsAmador.com</a></div>
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<![endif]-->Carol Harper, Community Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15368908696928606392noreply@blogger.com3