June 2013

Sacramento History Museum is offering Free Admission to Military Personnel and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members and up to five immediate family members. The Sacramento History Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm, 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. (916) 808-7059, historicoldsac.org.

Mon.-Fri., June 17-21: Central Sierra Arts Council’s Summer Arts Camp, ages 7-12, 8:45-noon, Columbia State Historic Park, $115, sibling $105, 532-2787.

Wed., June 19

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring The Bayou Boys: a blend of Zydeco, New Orleans Rhythm and Blues, and Cajun. Free event, 6:30-8pm at Utica Park in Angels Camp. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

Blue Shoe Ukulele Students Performance at the Tuolumne County Library, 480 Greenley Rd., Sonora. For ages 6+, Community Meeting Rm., 533-5507, tuolcolib.org.

Thurs., June 20

Colon Cancer and Screening, presentation by Dr. Rodney Eddi. Noon, Sonora Elks Lodge, free program of Sonora Regional Medical Center’s OakPlus Wellness. Reservations required, 536-5025.

Paws to Read Summer Reading Program for Young Readers at the Tuolumne County Library, 480 Greenley Rd., Sonora. 11:30am-12:30pm. 694-2727, tuolcolib.org.

Fri., June 21

AmadorArts TGIF Free Concert Series presents Black Irish with music of Ireland, Italy and America, 6-8pm at Minnie Provis Park in Sutter Creek. Bring folding chairs and a picnic. amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Sequoia Woods Country Club, Arnold.  Annual fundraiser for high school scholarships.  Scramble format with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Green fees are $100 each which includes the cart and a barbecue dinner after the event. Online, calaveras.org.          

Fri.- Sun., June 21- 23

Passport Weekend with the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, gourmet foods, entertainment, special winery discounts and award winning Calaveras wines. Participants must be 21, $60 for the weekend, $30 Sun. only. Designated drivers are offered non-alcoholic beverages, $15 for the weekend. 866-806-9463, calaveraspassport.

Sat., June 22

Interfaith Community Social Services Open House marking 25^th anniversary, 2-4pm, 18500 Striker Ct., Sonora. Free, 532-0905.

Copperopolis Art, Wine, and Jazz on the Square, 10am-4pm at Copperopolis Town Square. Local artists’ sale and Plein Air painters live painting demonstrations. This year, Food Art Competitions, enter your edible work of art, $500 cash prize sponsored by the Rotary Club. copperopolistownsquare.com.

Jazzin’ It Up in Jackson, 6-9pm. Free live music, Art by the Inch murals display, and for-a-fee wine tasting, beer, gourmet food, three blocks of downtown Jackson. amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Habitat House Party, Tuolumne County Habitat for Humanity, 3:30-7:30pm, Immanuel Lodge, Confidence, $75 before May 31, $85 after, 536-0970.

Intermediate  Beekeeping Class, 8am-4pm, Tuolumne County Fire and Ambulance Facility, 18440 Striker Ct., Sonora, $45, 782-7322.

Historic Cassina Dome Campus Open House, 10am-2pm. Event includes dedication of the renovated Historic Dome field, Open Garden Day, and art projects for all ages. View Flier.

 Sat. – Sun., June 22-23

Columbia Volunteer Fire Department Sanctioned Muster, 10-3pm Sat., 9-2pm Sun., Columbia Elementary School, 22540 Parrotts Ferry Rd. Bucket brigade, hand pumpers, hose laying, food vendors, more. Free, 532-3772.

Sierra EcoSummit & Festival, Mountain Sage, 18653 Main St., Highway 120, Groveland. Free event celebrating the Sierra Nevada. sierraecosummit.org.

June 22- Sept. 1, Sonora Photo Club to Present Exhibit “In Train View” featuring local photographers at Railtown 1897. Opening Artists’ Reception, 11am Sat., June 22. Park admission, $5 for adults, $3 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under. 984-3953, railtown1897.org.

Mon.-Tue., June 24-25

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) two day free intensive course for caregivers. 8:30am-4:30pm at the Tuolumne County Office of Education, 175 Fairview Ln., Rm. 217. Contact Martha Golay, 533-1397×274, livingworks.net, View Flier.

Wed., June 26

Free Kids Art Course, Watercolor with Selma Sattin, 10:30am-12pm at Town Hall Arts, 145 Stone St., under the clock, Copperopolis Town Square. Kids 8 years and older, space is limited, $5 purchase of supplies secures your place. townhallarts.com, 785-2050.

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring Bsides with the sounds of 60s rock. Free event, 6:30-8pm at Mountain Ranch Community. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

Fri., June 28

AmadorArts TGIF Free Concert Series presents The Bayou Boys with a blend of zydeco, New Orleans rhythm and blues, and Cajun music, 6-8pm at Mollie Joyce Park in Pioneer. Food and beverage for sale, bring folding chairs. amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Sat., June 29

Child Abduction and Self Defense Training, 10am-12pm. Sonora MMA, 78 South Washington St., Sonora. $20 for youth ages 8+, space limited to 25. 533-5663, tcRecreation.com, View Flier.

Classic Car Show, 9am-3pm, Utica Park, 1000 S. Main St., Angels Camp. Cars 1975 and older, music, food, beer, raffle, Murphys-Angels Lions Club charity fundraiser. Free to attend, entry fee $20 by June 22, $25 after, 728-9971.

July 2013

Wed., July 3

Free Kids Art Course, Nemotangles (painting) with Susie Hoffman, 9:30-11:30 at Town Hall Arts, 145 Stone St., under the clock, Copperopolis Town Square. Kids 7 years and older, space is limited, $5 purchase of supplies secures your place. townhallarts.com, 785-2050.

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring Grover Anderson: Original Folk and Folk Rock. Free event, 6:30-8pm at Turner Park in San Andreas. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

Thrus.-Sun., July 4-7

Fourth of July Extended Holiday at Railtown 1897 with Live Music & Rides Behind Sierra No.3 Locomotive. Departs on-the-hour from 11am-3pm. Tickets includes park admission, $15 for adults, $8 for youths ages 6-17 and kids five and under are free. railtown1897.org, 984-3953.

Fri., July 5

AmadorArts TGIF Free Concert Series presents It’s All Good with classic rock n’ roll, 6-8pm at Detert Park in Jackson. Bring folding chairs and a picnic. amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Sat., July 6

Independence Day Celebration at Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys. 4:30, fireworks at dark. 728-1251, ironstonevineyards.com.

Wed., July 10

Senior Volunteer of the Year, 10am, Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors chambers. Commission on Aging event; nominate county resident 60 or older by July 1, 586-4802.

Wed., July 10

Free Kids Art Course, Watercolor Birdhouses with Kim Barrington, 10:30am-12pm at Town Hall Arts, 145 Stone St., under the clock, Copperopolis Town Square. Kids grades K-8th, space is limited, $5 purchase of supplies secures your place. townhallarts.com, 785-2050.

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring James Faifua & The Jukes: blues infused with jazz and funk. Free event, 6:30-8pm at the Valley Springs Ball Field. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

Fri., July 12

AmadorArts TGIF Free Concert Series presents Jeramy Norris & The Dangerous Mood, an extraordinary Blues trio: Jeramy Norris, George Schuler, & Chip Yeager, 6-8pm at Castle Oaks in Ione. Bring folding chairs and a picnic. amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Wed., July 17

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring Rout 88: Classic Rock. Free event, 6:30-8pm at Shutter Tree Park in Mokelumne Hill. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

Fri., July 19

AmadorArts TGIF Free Concert Series presents Thick Soup, a 4-piece all strings band that blend the blues, soul, bluegrass, folk, country, and jazz, 6-8pm at the Volcano Amphitheatre. Bring folding chairs and a picnic. amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Wed., July 24

Free Kids Art Course, Watercolor with Selma Sattin, 10:30am-12pm at Town Hall Arts, 145 Stone St., under the clock, Copperopolis Town Square. Kids 8 years and older, space is limited, $5 purchase of supplies secures your place. townhallarts.com, 785-2050.

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring Bill Wells: Folk Americana. Free event, 6:30-8pm at the Murphys Community Park. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

Wed., July 31

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring Cantamos: acoustic blend of folk, jazz, blues and Latin. Free event, 6:30-8pm at Camps greenhorn creek in Angels Camp. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

August 2013

Fri., August 2

AmadorArts TGIF Free Concert Series presents Amador County Concert Band, 6-8pm at Pine Grove Park. Bring folding chairs and a picnic. amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Wed., August 7

Calaveras Arts Council Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series, featuring the Gillette Brothers: Cowboy Minstrels. Free event, 6:30-8pm at Rail Road Flat Elementary School. calaverasarts.org, 754-1774.

Fri., August 9

AmadorArts TGIF Free Concert Series presents Wingnut Adams, 6-8pm at Montevina Winery/Terra d’Oro. Bring folding chairs and a picnic. www.amadorarts.org, 267-9038.

Wed., August 28

Free Kids Art Course, Water with Selma Sattin, 10:30am-12pm at Town Hall Arts, 145 Stone St., under the clock, Copperopolis Town Square. Kids 8 years and older, space is limited, $5 purchase of supplies secures your place. townhallarts.com, 785-2050.

September 2013

Sat.-Sun., Sept 28-29

Calaveras Artists’ Studio Tour, self-guided excursion to nearly 30 artists’ studios, 10am-5pm. Passport tickets are $10, available at Gallery Calaveras, 22 Main St., San Andreas. 754-1774, calaverasarts.org.

Sat.-Sun., Sept 21-22

Amador Artists’ Studio Tour, self-guided excursion to nearly 30 artists’ studios, 10am-5pm. Free event. 295-4667, amadorarts.org.

Entertainment & Day Trips

Tuolumne County

For Tuolumne County information, visit the Visitors Bureau website, thegreatunfenced.com.

Arts council, centralsierraarts.org. 

For  Twain Harte, visit twainhartecc.com.

Columbia State Historic Park:  to visit the park online,  click here.

Calaveras County

For a full listing of Calaveras County events, visit gocalaveras.com.

Arts council, calaverasarts.org.

Amador County

For Amador County, visit amadorcountychamber.com or touramador.com.

Arts council,  amadorarts.org.

Movies

Sonora, www.fandango.com

Angels Camp, www.cinemawest.com

Riverbank, www.galaxytheatres.com

Local Theater 

Sierra Repertory Theater, East Sonora and Columbia, www.sierrarep.org

Stage 3 Theater, Sonora, www.stage3.org

Day Trips

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, www.railtown1897.com

Columbia State Historic Park, www.columbiacalifornia.com

Big Trees State Park, www.parks.ca.gov

Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area, Highway 108 east of Sonora, 536-5307, www.dodgeridge.com

Badger Pass Ski Area, 9001 Village Drive, Yosemite National Park. (801) 559-4884, www.yosemitepark.com.

Outdoor Adventures

Yosemite National Park’s best experts offer outdoor programs aimed at connecting people more deeply to the Sierra.  Learn more at www.yosemiteconservancy.org, or from the park’s newsletter, Yosemite Guide, available online at www.nps.gov/yose.

Is hiking your passion? For a detailed list of hiking trails in Yosemite and the surrounding area, check out this website: yosemitehikes.com.

Or, you can join the Sierra Club’s Tuolumne Group on foothills hikes.

Special Notices

Signs for Safety

Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department, through its Community Service Unit, offers low-cost home address signs with high visibility, which can help medical, law enforcement and firefighters get to your home quickly in case of emergency. Cost is $12 for a one-sided sign, $16 for two-sided. 533-5815.

In Search of Volunteers:

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Read the latest issue of Friends and Neighbors for a “Volunteers Needed” listing updated quarterly.

Or,  this online directory can link you with local organizations that will welcome your skills and enthusiasm: 1-800-volunteer.org.

You can also call Sierra NonProfit Services in Sonora (533-1093, www.sierranonprofit.org) to chat one-on-one about available volunteer jobs.

In Calaveras County, find local volunteer opportunities by calling 754-1699, calaverasvolunteer.com.

Connect with SIRS:

Local chapters of SIR (Sons in Retirement) in Sonora, Twain Harte, Murphys and Arnold offer a chance for retired men to share companionship and activities. The nonprofit organization has some 20,000 members with 150 branches statewide. For information, visit the group’s main website, www.sirinc.org.

Newcomers Welcome:

Two friendly groups invite area newcomers to join them. The Tuolumne County Newcomers Club meets monthly at different locations; dues are $20 per year, plus cost of any event; contact Gina Wein, 532-4864, www.tcnc.org.

Gold Country Social Club meets for lunch the second Tuesday of each month at the Pine Tree Restaurant, 19601 Hess Ave., East Sonora; dues are $12 a year, luncheons $10; call Marion Friary, 532-4144.

Federal Employees:

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Chapter 1285, meets first Wednesday of each month, 11:30am, Pine Tree Restaurant adjoining the Best Western, Highway 108 and Hess Ave., East Sonora.  Bob Graves, 532-6936; Carolyn McCrea, 532-5114.  New members welcome; no meetings are held in June, July and August.

Commissions Serve as Voice for Seniors:

The Commission on Aging (COA) in both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties are seeking new members. The panels serve as a voice for seniors and advise county supervisors on related issues.

• Tuolumne County COA meets at 1:30pm the second Monday of month at Area 12 Agency on Aging, 19074 Standard Rd., Sonora. Ira Uslander, 770-4508.
• Calaveras County COA meets 10am the first Friday of month at Calaveras Senior Center, 956 Mountain Ranch Rd., San Andreas.  For info, Sandy Miller, 754-1495. To apply, call Diane Severud, 754-6059, or go online to calaverascountycoa.org.