Heard over the back fence: Avast maties, it’s pirate time

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS NEEDED:
 Have you thought about a career as a firefighter? Why not consider being a volunteer firefighter to see what the job is like? For more information regarding volunteer firefighters, visit Website diamondfire.org.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS:
 Check out the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar, and you will find the following suggestion: “Develop a new appreciation for the blessings you already enjoy. See your life freshly, as if for the first time. As you develop this new awareness, you’ll find that as new possessions or accomplishments enter your life, your level of appreciation will be heightened.”

THE PIRATES ARE COMING!
 Pirates will show up at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway, on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This fundraiser will offer music from the Blarney Band, craft vendors, storytellers, pizza, Jamba Juice, children’s games, sword fighting, and lots of pirates. A $1 entrance fee donation is suggested, but not mandatory.

FREE FUN DAY FOR KIDS:
A free preschool Kids Kampus Activity Day is scheduled on Aug. 21-22, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., both days. The fun takes place at 6556 Commerce Way, Diamond Springs. Preschoolers ages 2 to 5 are invited. There will be “make and take” activities and a large outdoor play area. There will also be a free “sensory activity” to take home. For more information, call 530-626-2570.

THWART THE THIEVES: 
The”Who Knew?” calendar has the following crime prevention advice: “If you park your car on the street, make sure to remove any electronics from your car, as well as their holders. Thieves will often break into cars if they have a GPS holder attached to the windshield, assuming that the unit is in the glove compartment.”

MEET THE ARTISTS: 
Four well-known artists will be appearing at Act I, Etcetera, 1224 D Broadway, Placerville, on Aug. 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. The following artists will be there: Anne Roos, harpist and author; Nolan T’sani, jewelry designer and dancer; Deena Reyes, abstractist; Lance White, author and talk show host. For more information or for exact time artist will speak, call 530-621-1919.

ROLL OVER, SHAKE HANDS:
 Dog obedience classes are being offered by the Hangtown Kennel Club on Thursdays at 7 p.m. from Aug. 23 through Sept. 27. Pre-registration is required. For cost of classes and other information, call Cathy Keeler at 530-622-6909 or visit hangtownkc.org. Classes will be held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

WRITE YOUR MEMOIRS:
A memoir writing workshop with Nick Rotondo is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25, at 1 p.m., at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane. Space is limited, and reservations are required. You can register at the front desk of the library.

LABOR DAY BAZAAR:
 The annual Labor Day Bazaar will take place on Monday, Sept. 3, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Main St., Diamond Springs. There will be dozens of vendors, music, food and beverages. This is always a fun event.

UP OR DOWN?
 The “Anguished English” calendar by Richard Lederer notes the following “Sign of the Times:” “In a Chicago department store: Bargain basement upstairs.”

EDHS ALUMNI PICNIC:
 On Sunday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m., the El Dorado High School Alumni Association will have their annual picnic at High Hill Ranch, 2901 High Hill Rd., Placerville. You may bring your own lunch or purchase lunch at the restaurant. All alumni are welcome. For more information, call Barbara “May” Luther at 530-622-1180.

QUILT SHOW:
 The Gold Bug Quilters’ 2012 Quilt Show is scheduled for Friday, Sept 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both shows will be at the Church of the Foothills, 2380 Merrychase Dr., Cameron Park. Admission price is $7. Children and gentlemen do not have to pay admission. In addition to several beautiful quilts, there will be a raffle quilt, vendors, a basked boutique, a silent auction, demonstrations, lunch, refreshments and more.

LET’S “CUT A RUG”: 
The Apple Jacks and Jills are starting a new square dancing class in September at the Hangtown Grange, 2020 Smith Flat Rd., Placerville. Classes will be held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. The first two classes, Sept. 5 and 12 are free. Lose some calories while you are having fun! Couples and singles are welcome. For more information, call 530-644-4597.

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY FUNDRAISER: 
Marshall Hospital Auxiliary will present their fundraiser, “Wine and Roses,” on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m., at 681 Main St., Placerville. Advance tickets are $25 each or $37.50 each at the door. For tickets or more information, call 530-672-9798 or 530-676-1844 or 530-622-4422.

A DALAI DILLY:
I pulled out the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar and found the following thought: “Wisdom is the bullet, the ammunition; concentration — the calm abiding of the mind — is the weapon for firing it.”

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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