Heard over the back fence: Democracy book talk Saturday

DON’T BE STUBBORN:
 Checking out the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar, I located the following notion: “Write down your five most stubborn positions, and see if you can soften them. The point here isn’t the specifics of what you are stubborn about but rather the fact that you hold on so tightly to any given idea.”

SEARCHING FOR DEMOCRACY:
 An in-depth look at California Reads: Searching for Democracy book “It Can’t Happen Here” will take place tomorrow (Sept. 15) at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane. This book discussion is part of a community reading project to encourage discussions about the history, state and needs of democracy. The discussion tomorrow begins at 1 p.m. For more information, please contact the library at 530-621-5540 or visit the Website eldoradolibrary.org/careads.htm.

AVOID SENIOR SCAMS:
 On Tuesday, Sept.18, at 1 p.m., a presentation titled “Don’t Be a Victim! Scams on Seniors” is scheduled at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. Cailin Peterson from the Better Business Bureau will discuss recent scams including scammers posing as political veterans, identify theft, financial scams and more. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot.

WHERE ARE MY KEYS?
 The “Who Knew?” calendar provides the following advice: “If you’re always misplacing your keys around the house, tie a brightly-colored ribbon to your key chain. They’ll be much easier to spot.”

CHECK OUT THE OLD FOLKS: 
On Wednesday, Sept. 19, the El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society will meet at 6:15 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway. Glenda Lloyd will be the speaker, and her topic will be “City Directories, A Problem Solving Approach.” Visitors are always welcome to these free meetings.

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT:
 On Thursday, Sept. 20, beginning at 6 p.m., you can meet supervisor and judge candidates at the El Dorado County Main Library, 345 Fair Lane, Placerville. From 6 to 7:15 p.m., supervisor candidates will speak. From 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., judge candidates will speak. Become an informed voter.

CHP PROGRAM FOR PARENTS AND TEENS:
A “Start Smart” program for teens and parents is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m., at the Placerville CHP office. The program is free, but you need to reserve your spot by calling 530-622-1110. For more information, ask for Dan Stark.

WAIT A MINUTE!
 Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar provides the following “Accidental Explanation:” “My car sustained no damage whatsoever, and the other car somewhat less.”

ENJOY A HISTORY LESSON: 
The Placerville Fellowship and Newcomers Club will meet on Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Cold Springs Country Club, 6500 Clubhouse Dr., Placerville. The luncheon guest speaker will be Ed Allen, who will present stories of the Gold Rush in El Dorado County. To learn more about the Newcomers Club, call 530-644-8459.

DISASTER RELIEF PRESENTATION:
A presentation titled “Shelter Box USA” will be offered on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. The presenter will be Bill Tobin, Shelter Box USA ambassador. The Shelter Box mission is to deliver equipment and materials to provide shelter, warmth, and dignity to people affected by disaster. Call 916-358-3575 to register for this presentation.

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE!
 The Cameron Park “Clean-up Day” is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your unwanted garage stuff to Camerado School, 2480 Merrychase Dr., Cameron Park. You may also bring unwanted yard clippings and tree trimmings. Hospice workers will be available to receive some of the unwanted items. For more information, call 530-677-2231.

GET ON THE BAND WAGON!
 The El Dorado Hills “Senior Fun Time Band” is seeking new band members for their volunteer group of musicians. If you would like to join this band, call Al Kolthoff at 916-933-3848. Also, a sound mixer is needed for the band.

STORIES FOR THE LITTLE ONES: 
A program titled “Let’s Read Together Storytime” is scheduled on the first Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane. A free book is given to the first 30 families. For more information, call 530-621-5547.

POLKA TIME:
 The Oktoberfest will be held on Friday, Oct. 12, at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District gym on Harvard Way. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., and entertainment starts at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon. A lunch donation of $3 for seniors, 60 and over, is suggested; all others pay $5. To reserve your spot, call 916-358-3575.

A DALAI DILLY:
 Survey the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar, and you will find the following statement: “Like smoothing a wall before painting a mural or preparing a field before planting, the cultivation of a true feeling of equality provides the groundwork for the next step in the path to love: recognizing all sentient beings as the best of friends.”

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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