Heard over the back fence: Caribbean Casino Night Saturday

WATCH YOUR STEP!
 John Chapman sent the following T-shirt statement: “I’m Not clumsy! The floor just hates me, the table & chairs are bullies, and the walls get in my way.”

CASINO NIGHT FUN: 
We just received information that a Caribbean Casino Night is scheduled for March 2 at the Elk’s Lodge, 3821 Quest Ct., Shingle Springs. Doors open at 4 p.m. For more information, call the lodge at 530-672-9120 after 10 a.m.

JAVA AND JAZZ COMBINATION:
 The Oak Ridge Music Boosters are presenting a Java and Jazz Good Time at the Oak Ridge High School cafeteria, 1120 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills, on Friday, March 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. Adult tickets are $10. Tickets for seniors and students are $7. Admission includes dessert and coffee. Also, some additional desserts are available for purchase. Get your tickets at the door and “jam” with the band.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST-AID:
 We just received information that a class titled “Mental Health First Aid” will be presented on Saturdays, March 2 and March 9 (must attend both classes), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 681 Main St., Placerville. This free class will help you learn the signs and strategies to assist people dealing with mental disorders. You must preregister by calling 530-626-2990.

TEEN PHOTO CONTEST:
A teen digital photo contest is for seventh through nineth grades (one level) and 10th through 12th grade (second level). Cash prizes will be offered. Deadline to hand in photographs is Thursday, March 7, by 5 p.m. Submit photos to Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane. For other rules and additional information, call Jan Robbins at the Library, 530-621-5547. 

FLOORED:
 Carlyn White forwarded the following “Children Are Quick” statement: “TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.”

PANEL DISCUSSION FOR HOMELESS:
A panel discussion to address the needs of homeless people is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Town Hall, 549 Main St., Placerville.

ART FILM SERIES SCHEDULE: 
The Spring Art Film Series will be at the Placerville Regal Stadium 8 Theater, 337 Placerville Dr. On March 5 and 6, the movie “Hyde Park on the Hudson” will be shown at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. only. In this movie, President Franklin Roosevelt tries to juggle international affairs with the British king.

PARKINSON’S INFORMATION MEETING: 
On March 5, the El Dorado County/Placerville Parkinson’s Disease support group will meet at the El Dorado County Senior Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Resources available that provide information on recent research on causes and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease will be discussed. This group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. For more information, call Tom Schulz at 530-644-3473 or Marlene Ruth at 530-644-3096.

SEA FOOD AND LIVE MUSIC:
 The El Dorado County Legal Professional Associaion is presenting a Seafood Feast on Saturday, March 9, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Fireman’s Hall, Diamond Springs. Tickets are $40 per person. Contact Cheryl Pintar at 530-644-0620 for tickets. There will be live music and dinner, which includes king crab, scampi, chowder, salad, spaghetti and desserts. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the “Make A Wish Foundation.”

CHILI COOK OFF TIME! 
The 13th annual Jack Herrmann Chili Cook Off is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, at the El Dorado Community Hall, 6139 Pleasant Valley Rd., El Dorado. Bring your chili entry to the Hall at 4 p.m. Judging will be at 5 pm., and dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner are $8. For more information, call 530-622-9840.

GET YOUR PADDLE OUT!
 How about joining the Table Tennis Club? If you are a beginner, you will be provided with a paddle and ball and basic instructions. Classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 5 to March 28, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Community Center gym, 2502 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park. The fee for the classes is $49 for the general public. Cameron Park residents’ fee is $44. Roy Imai is the instructor. To arrange fee payment and to register for class, call 530-677-2231.

STORYTELLERS SHINE: 
Members of the Storytellers Guild provide stories, songs and craft activities at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway, on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. All ages are welcome.

ONLY OFF BY TWO:
 The “365 Stupidest Things Ever Said” calendar noted the following statement: “I wish I was an octopus so I could hug ten people at a time!” — Actress Drew Barrymore

VERY CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT:
 The Cameron Park Library’s used books sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library, 2500 Country Club Dr. Fill up a grocery bag for $5. Children’s books are 10 cents each.

EDHS ALUMNI LUNCHEON:
 The El Dorado High School Alumni Association will have its annual luncheon on Sunday, March 10, at the American Legion building, 4561 Greenstone Rd., Placerville. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Susan (Frizzell) Meyer at 530-622-5881 or Barbara (May) Luther at 530-622-1180.

WHEN NOT TO LAUGH:
 The “Live and Learn and Pass It On” book provided by Clara Neilsen notes the following life lesson: “I’ve learned that, if you laugh and drink soda pop at the same time, it will come out of your nose.” — Age 7

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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