Heard over the back fence: Antique fair, breakfast, train rides in El Dorado

LIMIT YOUR PROMISES:
 The “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar offers the following statement regarding promises: “Another advantage to making fewer promises is that the promises you do make will mean more to you and to the people you are promising. You’ll take extra care to attend to those promises that mean the most to you and those you love.”

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LOCAL ANTIQUE FAIR:
 A “Peddlers and Pickers Antique Fair” is scheduled for April 14 and 15 at the Barn, 6111 Pleasant Valley Rd., El Dorado. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 7 to 11 a.m., both days, “eggs to order” breakfasts will be served at the Community Hall in El Dorado. Weather permitting, train rides will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Band music will be available on Saturday, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Renee Hargrove at 530-295-9486.

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BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! 
Are you aware that today is Friday the 13th? Don’t stroll under any ladders today, and don’t buy any stock today.

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WHEELBARROW FILM:
 Would you like to know more about wheelbarrow, automotive genius John Studebaker? Stop by the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane, on Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m., and watch the world premiere of the short film, “Wheelbarrow Johnny’s Gold Rush.” For more information on this free event, call 530-621-5540.

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EGG LAYING ADVICE:
 Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar presents the following “Wholly Holy Blooper:” “This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. White to come forward to lay an egg on the altar.”

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THANK A VOLUNTEER:
 April 15 through April 21 has been designed as “National Volunteer Recognition Week.” If you know a very active volunteer, take him/her to lunch locally and say “Thank you.”

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SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS:
A monthly support group named “Sharing and Caring in El Dorado Hills” meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. This group can provide care-giving strategies, education, resources, and a shoulder to lean on for caregivers. Respite care is available to qualified caregivers. For more information, call 916-358-3575.

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WEBSITE COUPONS: 
If you review the “Who Knew?” calendar, you will find the following coupon advice: “Before you head to the mall, head to their Website. Many malls now post coupons to their stores right on their site.”

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MEET THE AUTHORS: 
The annual “Author’s Day,” sponsored by the Shakespeare Club, will be held on Sunday, April 22, at 1 p.m., at the Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave., Placerville. The public is invited to meet authors Helen Bonner, Renee Thompson, James L. Hendricks, and Cindy Sample. There will be short, individual presentations by the authors, light refreshments, and door prizes. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. For more information, call Betty Ackley at 530-642-9609 or Mary Jane Ruggieri at 530-676-8923.

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BOWLING FOR THE KIDS: 
On Saturday, April 21, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of El Dorado County is holding their annual “Bowl for Kid’s Sake” fundraiser at Folsom Lake Bowl and Knotty Pine Lanes in Pollock Pines. To participate, you need to create a team of four or five bowlers and visit mentors4youth.org to download a pledge sheet. For more information, call 530-626-1222. This fun day will include bowling, music, pizza and beverages, and prizes.

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 SPRING CLEANUP EVENTS:
 Spring cleanup events will be held by El Dorado Disposal on the following dates:
- Cameron Park: Saturday, April 21, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- City of Placerville: TBA
- El Dorado Hills: Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Pollock Pines: Saturday, May 19, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Camino: Saturday, May 19, 8 a.m. – noon.
Contact El Dorado Disposal Customer Service at 530-626-4141 or 916-985-1162 for more detailed information and locations.

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WEAR YOUR BIG HAT: 
The “Inside Out Hearts to Heals” program is sponsoring a “Big Hats and High Tea Social” on Sunday, April 29, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the Federated Church, 1031 Thompson Way, Placerville. Tickets are $30 each. Your ticket includes tea, tea sandwiches, a hat contest, a silent auction, a presentation on tea history and etiquette, and a special speaker, plus lots of delicious desserts. To purchase your ticket or for more information regarding this fundraiser, call 530-391-7446.

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A DALAI DILLY: 
You need to wake up quickly. The “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar offers the following suggestion: “See if paying attention to the nature of the mind early in the morning makes your mind more alert throughout the day.”

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 in Placerville. You may call Bob Monday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or Wednesday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 530-344-5036. Please submit all requests three weeks in advance to ensure there will be space available for your important announcement. First and last name of contact person are required.

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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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