Heard Over the Backfence
Conservancy seeks creative proposals for environmental education
Herbert Green teacher Suzanne Graham wanted an interesting and creative way to help her struggling readers improve their academic skills. Her idea came from an unlikely source: butterflies. With support from a local grant with the Innovations in Environmental Education (IEE) Fund, Graham brought the Butterfly Bridges project to life. The Butterfly Bridges Project links students from Herbert Green Middle School and Indian Creek Elementary. Graham’s middle school students are English language learners; students learning English as a second or sometimes third language. To practice their reading and writing skills, they have conducted extensive research on butterfly biology and their habitat. They have spent time outdoors observing and recording butterfly behavior. With this research, the students are creating lesson plans and will present them to kindergarten classes at Indian Creek Elementary. In the process, these middle school students will gain academic skills and establish a connection with their social, academic and environmental communities. Butterfly Bridges is one of several projects funded over the past four years by the Innovations in Environmental Education Fund. Administered by the American River Conservancy, the IEE Fund supports El Dorado County teachers in implementing innovative environmental education projects which foster appreciation for watersheds, habitat and environment in a manner that protects the natural resources and beauties this area. The IEE Fund favors proposals that stress interaction with human communities and take place outside the classroom walls. The IEE Fund is currently accepting applications from educators in El Dorado County, including South Lake Tahoe schools. Teachers, administrators and parent volunteers are encouraged to submit a full grant proposal by Friday, Feb. 24. Awards will be announced March 9. Another round of grant applications will be accepted in the fall. Applications and additional details are available online at arconservancy.org/innovations or contact Michael Dotson, environmental education program manager, at the American River Conservancy at 530-621-1224.2-24-12 Sierra Wildlife Rescue class “Basic First Aid for Songbirds”
SONGBIRD FIRST AID: Sierra Wildlife Rescue is offering a class titled "Basic First Aid for Songbirds" on March 6, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the SWR's Wildlife Center, 3030 Newtown Rd., Placerville. Parking is limited, so it's important that you reserve your spot in the class by calling Barbara Barker at 530-621-2650 or visit bsb@d-web.com. Classes are free to SWR members. A $5 donation is requested from the general public.2-24-12 “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar statement
ADMIRE RELAXED PEOPLE: The "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" calendar presented the following statement: "Lower your tolerance to stress. It seems that we have it backward in our society. We tend to look up to people who are under a great deal of stress, who can handle loads of stress, and those who are under a great deal of pressure. We are taught to admire, even emulate their behavior."2-24-12 “Who Knew?” calendar advice
ELIMINATE AIR BUBBLES: A glance at the "Who Knew?" calendar created the following advice: "You've just applied new contact paper (or even a big sticker) and there are tons of pesky air bubbles underneath. Solve your problem with a credit card! Apply its edge on the end of the paper and slowly move it to the other side while applying firm pressure, and the bubbles should come with it"2-24-12 Richard Lederer’s calendar quote
NEWS FLASH: The following "News Flash" appeared in Richard Lederer's "Anguished English" calendar: "Thanks to doctors, each generation is living longer than the one before it. Proof of this is the many more grandparents we see alive today as compared with great-grandparents."2-24-12 Dalai Lama calendar thought
A DALAI DILLY: The "Insight from the Dalai Lama" calendar stated the following thought: "I think that differences in faith are useful. There is a richness in the fact that there are so many different presentations of the way. Given that there are so many different types of people with various predispositions and inclinations, this is helpful."2-24-12 AARP Mature Driver Classes available
IMPROVING DRIVING SKILLS: An AARP Mature Driver Class is scheduled for Saturdays;, March 3 and March 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (both days) at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville. A certificate of completion is issued if students attend both days for a total of 8 hours. Participants will review driver safety, rules of the road, how to refine driving skills and how to develop defensive driving techniques. No testing is required. The class fee is $12 for AARP members or $14 for non-members. Call 530-621-6255 to reserve or spot or download a form at http:www.edcgov.us/Human Services. Preregistration is required.2-24-12 Mentor session for genealogical research
LOOKING FOR YOUR ROOTS On March 6, members of he EDHGS will meet informally at the El Dorado Hills Library at 7455 Silva Valley Parkway, El Dorado Hills, from 5 to 7 p.m. At this mentor session, members and visitors help each other with their genealogical research. Drop-ins are welcome.2-24-12 Pleasant Valley Grange members continue to send “We Care” packages.”
CARING FOR OUR TROOPS: Members of the Pleasant Valley Grange continue to send "We Care" packages to our troops. If you have the name of a service person now serving in the military, please contact Shirley Blackburn at 530-644-1912 or e-mail dicksdesk@yahoo.com.2-24-12 Repulican Women of Placerville meet at Denny’s
REPUBLICAN WOMEN CONNECT: On March 5, at 10:30 a.m., the El Dorado County Republican Women of Placerville will meet at Denny's Restaurant, 99 Fair Lane, Placerville. Guest speakers will be John Knight, Ronald Mikulaco, Cathy Nerwinski, and Sue Taylor. Bring your questions with you. For more information, call 530-642-9764.2-24-12 A Bob Hope quote
BOB HOPE OBSERVATION: Jim and Carlyn provided the following Bob Hope quote: "On Turning 80: That's the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing."2-24-12 Andrea Abrams received Legacy Award
LEADERSHIP AWARD: Andrea (Rohrke) Abrams, El Dorado High School co-valedictorian, Class of 1996, has received the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco's Legacy Award for Leadership "in recognition and appreciation of her extraordinary efforts to advance the Bank's vision in her work as the Bank's Education Coordinator for Southern Calif." Andrea is the sister of Independence High School teacher Alsion Gennai and sister-in-law of El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff Garett Gennai. Congratulations, Andrea!2-24-12 Memory Garden for families who lost loved ones
REMEMBERING THE YOUNG ONES: The Pollock Pines Memory Garden committee continues to meet, and the grand opening of the Memory Garden is scheduled for August 28. The Memory Garden will be a serene memorial for families who have lost children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, or friends. If you would like to join this committee or would like more information regarding the Memory Garden, call Jeanie Harper at 530-613-1332.2-24-12 Northside School storytime
NORTHSIDE SCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool storytime is offered at the Northside School Library at 860 Cave Valley Rd., Cool, on Mondays at 9 a.m. Children, up to ages 5 and their adults, are welcome to enjoy the stories and crafts activities. For more information, call 530-885-4079.2-24-12 Men’s Chorus meets in P.V.
SINGING FOR THE FUN OF IT: If you're male who enjoys singing, the Men's Chorus in Placerville is probably your "cup of tea." This group meets every Tuesday evening at 7:15 p.m., at the First Christian Church of Placerville, 2687 Andler Rd., Placerville. For more information, call 530-344-9209 or 530-644-4151. I know several members of this group, and they are a fun group to be around,Free February self defense clinic
Come alone, come together or bring a group of singles — but come to meet new people, share with friends and learn quick, easy escapes, self-defense tips and raise awareness of the dangers around at a free singles self-defense clinic on Saturday, Feb. 25. Join the Black Belt instructors at Robinson’s Taekwondo to share self-defense tips, learn simple escapes from assault and raise your awareness of danger. While self-defense techniques are often the first thought in choosing Taekwondo as a martial art, most students quickly discover the healthy fitness, positive attitudes and mental sharpness that come from physical training. Robinson's Valentine gift is peace of mind in knowing you’re prepared to meet the uncertainty of life. This free 90 minute clinic takes place Saturday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m. Space is limited and registration suggested. Visit robinsontkd.com for a location and register for this free clinic by clicking on Contact Us. For more information call 916-783-3191.2-27-12 Stroke education and support group meets
STROKE EDUCATION GROUP: A stroke education and support group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Community Health Library (in the Mid- Town Mall), at 681 Main St., Placerville. Drop-ins are encouraged and always welcome.2-27-12 Sr. Nutrition lunches for $3
$3 LUNCH SPECIAL: Today's menu at your Senior Nutrition site is: Cashew chicken, brown rice, oriental vegetables, fortune cookie, juice, wheat bread & milk. These lunches, for adults 60 years or older, are offered Monday through Friday. A $3 donation is suggested. If you are not sure of the nutrition site nearest you, call 530-621-6160.2-27-12 Line dance lessons at EDH Sr. Center
LEARN TO LINE DANCE: Line dance lessons are available on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills. The class fee is $2 per class. The instructor is Pat Nathan. No partner or previous line dancing experience is required Drop-ins are always welcome.2-27-12 New members of Mineral and Gem Society
LATEST ROCK HOUND RECRUITS: Members of the El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society extends a warm "welcome aboard" to the following new members: Jay and Christine Buscio and Ethan Stone.2-27-12 Community Center indoor concert
COMMUNITY CENTER CONCERT: An indoor concert is being presented on Saturday, March 3, at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park. Doors open at 6 p.m. The "Sister Wing" group will perform. They will offer the vintage jazz sounds of the female groups of the 1930s and 1940s. The "Chopped Liver Orchestra" will also perform. Food and beverages will be for sale. Pre-ordered tickets are $18 or 2 for $34, or you can buy tickets at the door for $20. Tickets are available at the CDS office, the Chamber of Commerce, and online at HYPERLINK "http://www.showclix.com". For more information, call 530-677-2231.2-27-12 Cameron Park Library’s monthly used book sale
LOTS OF BOOKS FOR $5: The Cameron Park Library's monthly used book sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library, 2500 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park. Everything is on sale for $5 a bag. Children's books are ten cents a piece. The library needs used books! They are seeking best sellers, well-known authors, and all paperbacks, especially Westerns and children's books. You can bring your donated books to the book sale or drop them off at the front desk of the library2-27-12 Richard Lederer’s calendar quote
TRY ANOTHER SHOP: Richard Lederer's "Anguished English" calendar has the following "Sign of he Times:" "On a shop in Gloucester: We can repair anything. (Please knock hard on the door. The bell doesn't work.)"2-27-12 Dalai Lama calendar quote
A DALAI DILLY: Thumb through the "Insight from the Dalai Lama" calendar, and you will discover the following thought: "Those to whom you make donations are like workers carrying good karma to your future lives."2-27-12 “Who Knew” calendar suggestion
DON'T LET GARDEN SHEARS RUST: Looking at the "Who Knew" calendar, I found the following household suggestion: "Make sure your garden shears never rust with a little car wax. Just rub a little paste over the shears (including the hinge) to prevent them from ever getting stuck again."2-27-12 “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar quote
DON'T MUDDY THE WATERS: A review of the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" calendar reveals the following truism: "When your mind is clear and peaceful and your stress level is reduced, you'll be more effective and you'll have more fun. As you lower your tolerance to stress, you will find that you'll have far less stress to handle, as well as creative ideas for handling the stress that is left over."2-27-12 Placerville Friends of the Library sell used books
RAIN DAY ENJOYMENT: The El Dorado County Main Library's Friends of the Library, Placerville, continue to sell used books on the first Saturday of each month. You can buy a grocery bag full of used books, games, puzzles, etc. for $5. If you bring your own reusable, cloth bag, you pay only $4. Drive into the parking lot in back of the library from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and pick up some winter reading. I will carry your books to your car - and no tip is requested!2-27-12 Veterans breakfast on Sundays
GOOD FOOD - GOOD COMPANY: Our veterans continue to offer a tasty breakfast, including biscuits and gravy, on the first, second and third Sunday of each month, from 7 to 11 a.m, at the Veterans Memorial Building, off Placerville Drive next to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Adults pay $5, and kids pay $2. All proceeds go toward maintenance of the Veterans Memorial Building. Support our veterans while you satisfy your appetite.2-29-12 Need snow chains – have phone #
DO I NEED SNOW CHAINS? The answer to the above question can be answered by calling 1-800-427-7623.2-29-12 Is today burn day?
TO BURN OR NOT TO BURN: How do you know if today is a burn day or not? The answer is, you don't know unless you call 530-621-5897.2-29-12 “Storytellers Storytime” for children
STORYTELLERS FUN: "Storytellers Storytime" is a reading program for children, ages 3 to 5 years old. The El Dorado Storytellers Guild provides storytellers for the children's entertainment. The next session will be on March 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cameron Park Library, 2500 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park. For more information, call 530-621-5500.2-29-12 Caregiver Support Group
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: "My Time" is a gathering for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, related dementia, stroke or other chronic health conditions. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 2, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville. Ruth Michelson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, is the facilitator for this group. Also, Esther Lara, MSW, will be available for a questions and answers session regarding Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The public is invited to these free sessions. For more information, call 530-621-6180.2-29-12 Big Brothers Big Sisters need mentors
HAVE FUN WHILE YOU HELP: "Big Brothers" and "Big Sisters" are needed to make a difference in a youngster's life. Your commitment takes abut 2 hours a week. It's fun and rewarding, too! For more information, call 530-626-1222 or e-mail info@mentors4youth.org. This is a very important mentoring program, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County.2-29-12 Richard Lederer’s calendar quote
MIXED- UP METAPHOR: The following "Mixed-Up Metaphor" appears in Richard Lederer's "Anguished English" calendar: "The sacred cows have come home to roost with a vengeance."2-29-12 Dalai Lama calendar observation
A DALAI DILLY: The "Insight from the Dalai Lama" calendar offered the following observation: "The whole point of transforming our heart and mind is to find happiness. We all have the natural desire to be happy and the wish to overcome suffering. This is a fact, so we can make it our starting point."2-29-12 “Wh0 Knew?” calendar recommendation
RELAXATION RECOMMENDATION: Reviewing the "Who Knew?" calendar, I found the following recommendation: "Thank God it's Friday! At the end of a long week, there's no better or less expensive way to rejuvenate your achy feet than with some rosemary. Fill a bucket or footbath with warm water, and add several rosemary sprigs. They'll relax and cool your feet in minutes."2-29-12 “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar advice
MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION: The "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" calendar notes the following advice: "Leave a great impression (not just a good one). The way to do this is very simple: Make living your life with absolute integrity and kindness your first priority."Live music at the Gold Trail Grange in Coloma
The Gold Trail Grange in Coloma is hosting a live music event with performances by two foot stompin' bands on Saturday, March 3. The talented local band the Empty Wallets will open the show with its Americana grooves followed by country rock and rollers Miss Lonely Hearts. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. All are welcome, no need to be a member of the grange to attend. The Gold Trail Grange Hall is located at 319 Highway 49 in Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, Coloma. Be sure to wear those dancing shoes and join the grange members for one heck of a good time. For more information on tickets e-mail the secretary at debm.gtgrange@gmail.com.Winnemucca hosts photography symposium
The 24th edition of "Shooting The West," a unique photography symposium in Winnemucca, Nev., is March 7 to 11. Featured are photography pros presenting their work and conducting workshops; presentations, exhibits, vendor booths, contests, field trips, and musical performances. Special guests are Stacy Pearsall, a highly decorated Iraq War military combat photographer; Adam Jahiel, an acclaimed photographer of the West and a cinematographer; and Al Petteway and Amy White, extraordinary musicians and photographers from North Carolina. For more details go to shootingthewest.org or call 877-623-3501 or 775-623-3501.Literary and visual artists present series
The Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento is proud to present "Crossroads," a free Saturday afternoon reading series featuring distinctive poetic voices, hosted by Trina Drotar and Sandy Thomas. The series is dedicated to enriching the interplay between literary and visual artists. The readings will begin on Saturday, March 17 with Julia Connor and Victoria Dalkey. Additional readings will be on April 21, July 21, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. Connor served as Poet Laureate of Sacramento from 2005-09. She is the author of "Making the Good" as well as numerous books and book-length poems on the Sacramento Region. Dalkey earned her master’s degree in creative writing from California State University, Sacramento, where she studied with Dennis Schmitz. She is the author of two books of poetry. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Visit ccasac.org for more information or call 916-498-9811 or contact ccasacramento@gmail.com.Imagination Theater to hold auditions for ‘The Secret Garden’
Imagination Theater is pleased to announce auditions for the musical, "The Secret Garden," directed by Lorrene Baum-Davis. Auditions will take place at Imagination Theater, Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with call backs on Sunday, April 22, between 1 and 5 p.m. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnet,"The Secret Garden" tells the story of Mary Lennox, a lonely girl who is sent to live with her uncle Archibald in England after being orphaned by a cholera epidemic in India. Still grieving over the loss of his beloved wife Lily, who died 10 years earlier during childbirth and distraught over the condition of his bedridden son, Archibald casts a dark shadow over the manor until Mary discovers a secret garden that had once belonged to Lily. By nursing this garden back to life, Mary somehow restores life to her grieving uncle and his sick son. This uplifting show will fill everyone with hope, the promise of joy and love. Auditioners should bring five copies of their theater resumé and one head shot. They will be expected to sing a song similar to the musical and the role being pursued. There will be an accompanist so bring sheet music or a CD. E-mail 2012TheSecretGarden@gmail.com for more information on the production which is scheduled for September 2012. Located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville, Imagination Theater is proud to bring quality, live community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.United Way is having toilet paper drive
Residents can spare a square to help local nonprofits save thousands of dollars each year on toilet paper. United Way California Capital Region’s fourth annual Live United Toilet Paper Drive will take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard in Sacramento. Last year’s drive raised 115,840 rolls of toilet paper. The toilet paper will be distributed the following week to many of United Way’s 142 certified nonprofit partners in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. For more information visit yourlocalunitedway.org/tp-drive. United Way is the region’s leading provider of innovative solutions on the community’s most pressing issues, including high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity. United Way’s team of nonprofits, businesses, donors and volunteers work together to provide positive, measurable results on these issues through United Way projects: STAR Readers, $en$e-Ability and Fit Kids. Community members can give, volunteer and advocate in support of the causes they care most about, benefiting United Way and hundreds of nonprofits in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. United Way is an independent, local affiliate of United Way Worldwide. For more information visit yourlocalunitedway.org.Almond Festival 2012 is set for March
The Capay Valley Almond Festival began in 1915 and has been a Northern California tradition. The only five-town event in Northern California, the festival is a showcase of the Esparto/Capay Valley Region. It began in the fall after the harvest and moved years later to the spring, in order to show off the lovely blossoms. In recent years the festival has received large amounts of rain and wind and this year the festival is Sunday, March 11. The almond tree is the most mysterious nut tree and is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Numbers 17:8. Its crop is very valuable to California and California is the only place in North America that grows almonds commercially. A $2 billion industry, more than 6,000 growers devote an estimated 530,000 acres in the Central Valley to almonds — California’s largest tree nut crop — in a stretch of land extending from below Bakersfield in the south to Red Bluff in the north. For more information about almonds and recipes go to almondboard.com. The Capay Valley Almond Festival 2012 will be in the towns of Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsey. Entertainment, crafts, good food and fun for all members of the family are provided. It is a wonderful time to see the beauty of the whole Capay Valley and to meet many of the wonderful people who live and work in the area.Queen pageant
The 2012 Almond Queen dinner is being held at the Newly renovated Western Yolo Grange in Guinda. The queen is selected on her ability to conduct herself in front of a crowd through a series of speeches and also private interviews. Each young lady is put to the test as she experiences making public appearances. The queen pageant is a very important passage for many young girls and creates a sense of accomplishment for all those who run. The pageant is Saturday, March 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Guinda Grange on Forrest Avenue in Guinda. Te cost for the dinner is $15 for adults and $10 for kids The Almond Festival Fun Run i s Saturday, March 10. The Esparto Unified School District will be hosting an Almond Festival 10K Fun Run. All proceeds benefit Esparto Unified School District extracurricular programs. Participants should arrive at 7 a.m. The race starts at 8 a.m. This 10K fun run will take runners through some beautiful country roads with some hills and flat surfaces. Kids 1/4 and 1/2 mile routes also available. For questions or additional information contact Nena Lemus at 530-787-3446.Fastest Little Nut Diaper Derby
This year the Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce will have its first Diaper Derby crowning the winner the Almond Festival Fastest Little Nut. Crawlers need to be under the age of 12 months on March 11 to be eligible. The entry fee is $5.Almond baking contest
Show off your baking skills and enter the Almond Baking Contest. The Esparto Regional Chamber is looking for the best bakers and candy makers. Submit your favorite almond cookie Recipe or almond candy recipe and let the judges savor your talent. The winner will be announced on the Main Stage in the Esparto Park on March 11, during the festival. The entry fee is $10 for each category The Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce is currently selling tickets for prizes of goods and services. The drawing will be held March 11, 3 p.m. at the Almond Festival on the Main Stage in the Esparto Park. For more information call 530-787-3242.
