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Thursday's Internet Edition, March 11, 2010.
Meet 'heart and soul' of Amador Council of Tourism
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Photo courtesy to River Valley Times
Maureen Funk is the executive director of the Amador Council of Tourism. She invites River Valley residents to explore the beautiful sights in Amador County. Her friend Tess is a black Labrador retriever mix.
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Amador Council of Tourism Executive Director Maureen Funk loves games and loves Amador County. When the board of directors decided the Council needed a signature fundraiser to attract new visitors from the River Valley and beyond to Amador County, Funk wanted to include the historic downtown districts, plus the unique sights and historic landmarks of Amador. Most of all, she wanted it to be fun.
The 49er Treasure Trail event is the result. On March 27-28, 49er Treasure Trail kicks off. This family-friendly game involves solving clues while touring Amador County. Solve the clues, earn points and have fun while exploring Amador’s hidden treasures. Prizes can be earned by teams with the best costume, those who have traveled the furthest, those registering first and more.
“49er Treasure Trail introduces visitors to all the special places in Amador County,” Funk said. “For $10, a player receives a program with rules and clues to solve, a gunny sack to hold wooden tokens received for solving each clue and a nametag identifying you as a player.” The players are encouraged to form teams, dress in costume and come prepared to have a good time.
Funk has been working for Amador Council of Tourism for a little over three years. “There is nothing easier than promoting Amador because it is so beautiful," Funk said. "The people are welcoming, and the shops are unique.”
As the executive director for ACT, Funk attends travel shows, plans advertising, answers phone and email requests, and - most importantly - greets visitors. Helping with her job at the visitor center is her rescued dog, Tess - a black Labrador retriever mix. Tess often lies at the front door, waiting to greet visitors.
Amador Council of Tourism recently moved to a new building just off Highway 49 at the regional transit center. Modeled after a historic rail depot, the facility has a visitor center staffed by ACT, a Park and Ride parking lot and serves as hub for Amador Transit, which is Amador County’s bus system. “Our proximity to all of the main arteries like Highway 49, HIghway 88 and Ridge Road allows us to tell people that we are close by,” Funk said.
Amador County is a short car ride from the River Valley. Residents can also board the Amador Transit bus in Rancho Murieta to the visitor center building. On weekdays, a trolley runs between Sutter Creek and Jackson all day long on the hour.
Plan on playing in 49er Treasure Trail March 27 and March 28 or visit the Amador Council of Tourism website (below) to find many reasons to visit.
Drop in on Funk and Tess at the new office and find out what’s going on in Amador County such as where to eat, or to shop and stay. “If you are planning to bring a group, we are happy to help you with your itinerary or put together goody bags for your group," said Funk. "Just give us a call or send an email.”
For more information, visit the Amador Council of Tourism website at touramador.com or call Funk's office at 877-868-7262. It is located at 115 Valley View Way in Sutter Creek.
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Online publication, Copyright 2005, The River Valley Times.
Web page design,
Copyright 2005, EZ Edit Web Publishing.
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