Local writers to give readings at book store

Six Amador County writers will give readings from their own works or talk about them at a special Sesquicentennial presentation at Hein & Co. Book Store in Jackson on April 29.

The writers are Ken and Jane Bosworth, Larry Cenotto, Eric Costa, Robert Richards, Frank Tortorich and Elaine Zorbas. Each will give a 20-minute presentation about their books in print and new works and books in progress.

Last year, the Bosworths researched and wrote a history of the Jackson Methodist Church for its 150th birthday last October. Cenotto has various works on Amador history printed, including four volumes of his Logan's Alley series of historical writings.

Tortorich is the expert on the history of the high Sierra and the Carson and Ebbetts Pass corridors. He has one emigrant trail book out, and is working on a second. Zorbas, a retired librarian from Pasadena, has a popular history of Fiddletown published, and spends much time interviewing old-timers for the Amador County Archives Oral History program.

Each author has books for sale at Hein's and other retail outlets.

New sesquicentennial items

Banners and envelopes have joined T-shirts and framed photos as the latest mementoes on the market to mark the Amador County Sesquicentennial.

At its last regular meeting, Dave Butow, chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee, introduced the new golden flag or banner with the words "Celebrating 150 Years," with Ron Scofield's ACSC logo in the middle. It was unanimous: "It's a beautiful memento!"

In comes in two sizes, 18 by 24 inches which can be displayed on a rod or cord and another one that measures 2-by-4 feet with grommets for hanging. ACSC member Andy Fahrenwald hit Sutter Creek streets last week and sold many of them to Sutter Creek merchants. The cost is $20 and $40, respectively.

Besides the banners, ACSC member Ken Bosworth introduced a sample package of 15 community vignettes drawn by Rand Huggett of Sutter Creek for a series of Sesquicentennial envelopes. Cover and stamp collectors will covet these.

Huggett, said Bosworth, has designed, at the ACSC's request, a different vignette for each community in the county. Each will be printed on an envelope. Those interested can either buy a set of 15, or, if they wish all envelopes from the same community, they can order that, too.

According to Bosworth, the ACSC will wholesale the envelope series to retail merchants. Proceeds over costs will go the committee and its Cemetery Fund.

Envelopes commemorate the following communities and cities: Jackson, Pine Grove, Volcano, Sutter Creek, Pioneer, Plymouth, Amador City, Silver Lake, River Pines, Drytown, Lake Camanche Village, Fiddletown, Kirkwood, Shenandoah Valley and Ione.

Sales are brisk, meanwhile, for the Sesquicentennial T-Shirt with the now-famed "Moon over Thunder Mountain" panoramic photo by Jackson photographer, Ralph Merzlak. They are available at Raley's, which underwrote production costs, and from Merzlak.

Also available from Merzlak is the same photograph mounted and framed. One third of the $150 price will go to the ACSC Cemetery Fund.

That's not all. A special silver commemorative coin promoted by Daniel Trassare of Trassare Jewelers in Jackson is in the works. Its design is by Sutter Creek artist, Robert Richards.

Official birthday party

Join us in celebrating Amador County's 150th birthday! That's the mantra for the Amador County Sesquicentennial Committee as it prepares for the official birthday party or banquet, June 14, at the Italian Picnic Grounds.

Some flyers have gone out recently requesting ticket reservations as seating at the Italian hall will be limited to 317.

The actual tickets themselves, a keepsake or memento, will be at the printer soon. Reservations are being taken by ticket chair, Sarah Hale. Though she will be on vacation until March 29, one can still reserve tickets at $25 each.

To make reservations, send a check payable to Amador County Sesquicentennial Committee (ACSC) c/o Sarah Hale, to 12200 B Airport Road, Jackson 95642. Please include your name, the number of tickets you want (a maximum of four) and your contact information. Or, you can send an email to acsctickets@wa-pda.com or call Hale when she returns at 223-6833.

Frank Halvorson, a well-known play-by-play announcer in Amador, will be the emcee, and Robert Chandler, noted historian and vice president in charge of the Wells Fargo Bank's famous history room in San Francisco, will be the speaker.

Mother Lode Deli of Jackson is catering the buffet dinner, featuring prime rib, chicken breast, fresh fruit display, tossed green salad, yulo potatoes, hot vegetables, rolls and butter, coffee, tea and of course, a birthday cake. The Italian Benevolent Society will be selling drinks at their bar.

A musical program coordinated by Irv Gidding, ACSC's music chair, will be staged from 5 to 6:30 p.m. until the dinner gets underway.

Committee now reading and judging essays

The deadline has passed, and all entries are in for the Amador County Historical Society's Sesquicentennial Essay Contest, with cash prizes to winners.

Barbara McMahon, chair of the event, announced at the Amador County Sesquicentennial Committee meeting recently, that lots of grammar school entrees, some junior high, and very few open or adult entries were received.

Her committee is now reading and judging the essays. The winners will be announced and awards will be presented at a time to be announced, perhaps at the Sesquicentennial banquet on June 14.

Each participant, McMahon said, will be awarded a special certificate of appreciation or participation.