Community Events & News
Local Author's Book Signing at the
Ione Public Library
Recently published World War II novel Journey to Marseilles was written by local, and first-time author, Dennis Billuni. Inspired by actual events, Journey to Marseilles follows two young Americans as they each struggle for survival in a story of close camaraderie and desperate courage during World War II. The question becomes—can they overcome fear, grief and the crucible of the Third Reich's holocaust and still return to the homes they once knew?
Bulluni was raised in Detroit, Michigan and Southern California and worked as a freelance literary editor before beginning work on his own book and after a thirty-year career with the US Postal Service. A Vietnam War-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1971 as a Communications Technician. He studied Comparative Literature, Spanish, and Creative Writing at San Diego State University and Grossmont College.
A book reading/signing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th at 5:30 PM at the Ione Public Library. Refreshments will be served. Described as a "budding talent on the literary horizon," this book signing will prove to be an opportunity to not only support our local writing talent, but to meet him in person.
Coffee with a Cop – October 12th
Officers from the California Highway Patrol, Amador County Sheriff's Office and our own Ione Police Department are hosting a "Coffee with a Cop" event at Clark's Corner in downtown Ione, on Thursday, October 12th, from 8:30 to 11:00 AM. No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. For more information, contact CHP Officer Craig Harmon at 209-223-4890. The most contact the public has with law enforcement is during an emergency. This program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members--one cup of coffee at a time.
Sporting Clay Shoot – Nov. 5th
The 6th annual Ione Veterans Memorial Park sport clay shoot will be held at the Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve on Sunday, November 5th. Individual or team shooters are welcomed to this fun event. In addition to shooting 100 clays at 10 stations, there will be a military honor guard firing a 21-gun salute. Raffle prizes have been donated by local businesses, and will include a drawing for a Beretta A400 shotgun. Proceeds from the shoot are used to maintain and provide improvements to the Ione Veterans Memorial Park, and purchase wreathes for those on the wall who pass away.
Shoot station sponsorships are available for businesses and individuals at a cost of $100 each. Registration begins at 8:30 AM and the shoot starts at 9:30 AM. A BBQ lunch will be served from noon to 1:00 PM. After lunch, there will be a memorial ceremony. Pre-registration is $85 up until November 1st. Day of registration is $95. For registration forms, general information, or raffle tickets, contact Skip Schaufel at 209-256-3158 or Robyn Ornsby at 209-304-8780.
The Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve is located at 2951 Curran Road in Ione.
The Ione Memorial Park was conceived, built, and is maintained by volunteers and the generous donations from the greater Ione community. The Ione Veterans Park is in honor of Veterans and those serving in the 95640-zip code. There is no charge for Veterans or current members of the armed services to have their name placed in the park. Forms are available at City Hall or American River Bank in Ione.
8th Annual Harvest Faire
Oct 14 – 8:30 to 4:00
Downtown Ione- Pumpkin Contest – Chalk the Walk- Dog Costume Contest – Vendors- Scarecrows – Cash Prizes- Food and more…
The Town Hall Meeting on a Marijuana Dispensary in Ione has been moved to Wednesday, October 11th at 6:00 PM at Evalynn Bishop Hall.
Ione Blood Drive is scheduled for October 16th at Evalynn Bishop Hall from 1:30 to 5:30 PM. There is still a need for donors as supplies are still dangerously low locally and across the country. BloodSource is once again calling on the community to come forward and give blood. You can become a donor as early as 16 and 17 years old with a signed parent consent. A portion of our country has been hit hard by natural disasters in recent months with a need to replenish supplies. Blood drives are held in Ione every two months throughout the year.
Cops & Kids Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, October 20th at the Castle Oaks Golf Club in Ione. Sponsorships range from $500 to $2,500 levels, or sponsor a hole at $100. Entry fee is $125 per player and includes breakfast, lunch, golf, cart, and range balls. This year it will be a 4-person scramble with prizes for the longest drive and drive closest to the pin. Proceeds go towards programs for kids in Amador County. For more information, contact any officer in the Ione Police Department.
Preston Castle Haunt is the event you’ve been waiting for. This year the Haunt will be better than ever, with an all new path and new scares! Tickets sell out, so go to prestoncastle.com, click on Preston Castle Haunt. Tickets can be purchase online only. Dates for the Haunt are held on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7 PM, October 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 27 & 28.
Ione Elementary Parent-Faculty Shoe Drive will raise funds for the Arts and Music Department at Ione Elementary School. You can help by donating your gently worn, used, and new shoes. Shoes can be dropped off at Ione Plaza Market, Ione Ace Hardware, or Ione Elementary School. Shoes can be dropped off up until Nov 24th. Contact Amanda Fisher-Naranjo for home pick-up at 916-813-4786.
Congressman McClintock’s office staff members will be available on Friday, October 6th at 10:00 AM, at the Ione City Hall to meet with the public on any federal issue they may wish to discuss. For information call the district office at 916-786-5560.
