Heard over the back fence: Afternoon movie at EDH Senior Center

FIND A QUIET PLACE: 
The “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar offers the following meditation definition: “Essentially, meditation involves emptying your mind. Usually, meditation is done alone in a quiet environment. You close your eyes and focus your attention on your breath — in and out, in and out. As thoughts enter your mind, you gently let them go and bring your attention back to your breath. Do this over and over again. Over time, you’ll train yourself to keep your attention on your breath as you gently dismiss any stray thoughts.”

FREE MOVIE AVAILABLE:
 On Monday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m., the movie “J. Edgar” will be shown at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this biopic as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The movie has an “R” rating. Popcorn will be available.

SENIOR BUS TO TAHOE:
A day bus trip to Harvey’s and Harrah’s in South Lake Tahoe is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30. The bus will depart from Raley’s parking lot, El Dorado Hills, at 9:15 a.m. and return at 7:15 p.m. The trip fee is $37 and includes bus transportation, $20 machine voucher, and $7 in food vouchers or free buffet upon arrival. Seating is limited. To save your spot, call 916-933-6624. For more information, call 916-358-3575.

MEET THE CANDIDATES:
A candidates forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. CSD candidates will be available from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fire board candidates will be available from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

KITCHEN ADVICE:
 Review the “Who Knew?” calendar and you will discover the following “clean-up” recommendation: “Here’s a terrific way to make your post-dinner clean-up a breeze: Remove cooked-on food from pots and pans effortlessly by filling them with water, adding a tea bag, and simmering. The tea’s acid will break up food.”

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING:
 We just received notice that the Clarksville Region Historical Society will meet today at 6:30 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Way. Francis Carpenter will discuss the history of Rescue. The public is invited.

SHINGLE SPRINGS BLOOD DRIVE:
A blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Placerville Elks Lodge, 3821 Quest Court (off Durock Rd.), Shingle Springs. Donors must bring a photo ID and should drink plenty of fluids before donating blood. There is no upper age limit. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. Donors will earn reward points and can redeem their points online for a Baskin-Robbins ice cream coupon or other items. Walk-ins are welcome.

TRADE IN YOUR SPOUSE? 
Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar offers the following “Sign of the Times:” “Outside a secondhand shop in Bath: We exchange anything — bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?”

DIABETES EDUCATION: 
Thanks to the Marshall Medical Center, a class titled “Diabetes Education: Healthy Living, Class No. 3, Gaining Better Control,” is scheduled for Oct. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Midtown Mall, 681 Main St., Placerville. Class topics will include “making sense of blood glucose numbers, medication options and tips on eating out.” The class fee is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare with M.D. referral. To register for this class, call 530-672-7021.

CHRISTMAS PARADE CHANGES: 
The 35th annual Hangtown Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2. Check-in time for parade entries is 11 a.m. There are a couple of changes this year for parade entries. The entry fee is an unwrapped new gift for “Toys for Tots” plus a $10 entry fee, payable to the “City of Placerville.” Also, the entry deadline is Nov. 15 or first 100 applicants, whichever comes first. No late entries will be accepted. Entry forms are available at the Parks and Recreation Department, 549 Main St., Placerville. For more information, call 530-642-5232 or 530-626-3849. 

LIFE REQUIRES PATIENCE: 
Our Editor Mike Raffety provided the following message from the book “Springs of Greek Wisdom:” “Bear patiently, my heart, for you have suffered heavier things.” — Homer

FUNDRAISER FOR THE TROOPS:
A fundraiser for “Soldiers Angels of Northern California” is the “Golftoberfest” tournament at Darkhorse Golf Club, 24150 Darkhorse Dr., Auburn, on Saturday, Oct. 13. The fee is $175 per person if paid before Sept. 30. There will be a putting contest at 10 a.m. The golf scramble starts at 11:30 a.m. A tri tip and chicken dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Please mail your checks and names of players to El Dorado IPSSA, PO Box 1751, Shingle Springs, CA 95682. For more information, call Sharon Panico at 916-201-6245 or Mark Becker at 530-676-1500.

A DALAI DILLY:
A glance at the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar reveals the following thought: “Giving up attachment to the world does not mean that you separate yourself from it. When you generate a reasoned desire for the happiness of others, your humanness increases in strength.”

Send your jokes and event items for Heard Over the Back Fence column to Bob Billingsley at the Mountain Democrat, PO Box 1088, Placerville 95667, or drop them off at 1360 Broadway. First and last name of contact person are required. Phone 530-344-5036. Follow @BBillingsleyMtDemo on Twitter.

Bob Billingsley

Bob Billingsley writes Heard Over the Back Fence three times a week, keeping his pen on the pulse of the community. He also writes a biweekly column called Billingsley's Bullets, in which he uses “sideways” thinking to make your day a little easier to handle.

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