Heard over the back fence: Fly casting fun at Wofford Winery

LIGHTEN UP! 
The “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar offers the following suggestion: “We all get too serious at times. Perhaps it’s human nature. Yet there’s an enormous difference between someone who gets serious from time to time and someone else who is constantly in the grumble mode. The good news is, it’s never too late to change. In fact, once you see how ridiculous it is, you can change quickly.”

A CASTING FOR FISH CLINIC: 
Our local El Dorado Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting a casting clinic/demonstration for the staff of MORE (Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises) on Aug. 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Wofford Acres Vineyard, 1900 Hidden Valley Lane, Camino. The general meeting is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Also, complimentary wine tasting will be provided by owner, Paul Wofford. Guest speakers at the meeting include Paul Wofford and Kevin Weddle, who will discuss the October Cutthroat Classic Fundraising Fishing Tournament, to be held on the Truckee River. Bring your favorite lawn chair, along with something for dining. Chapter meetings are open to everyone, whether they are members or not.

CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW: 
The Placerville Elks Lodge is presenting the sixth annual Show and Shine Car and Motorcycle Show on Aug. 18 at 3821 Quest Ct., Shingle Springs. Gates open at 8 a.m. The show will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cars, 1972 and prior, please. Motorcycles, race bikes, and cruiser/choppers pre-80s, please. There is a $15 entry feed for all vehicles. Music, food and raffle prizes will be available. Entry forms are at the Lodge. For more information, call 530-677-3259 or 530-672-9322. This looks like fun. Admission for spectators is free! The public is invited.

WINE IN THE VINES:
 The Friends of Seniors group in El Dorado County are presenting a fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sierra Vista Vineyard and Winery, 4566 Cabernet Way, Placerville. Tickets are $25 per person, and seating is limited. There will be select wines, accompanied by light refreshments, live music and a drawing. For ticket information, call 530-409-3103 or 530-626-6323 by Thursday, Aug. 16.

BE ALERT WHEN SHOPPING:
 One of our readers reports she shopped for groceries locally. On her way out of the store (after she paid for her groceries), she went into the store’s bathroom. When she came out, her $87 worth of groceries and the store basket were gone. The store has a video tape of the thief, who is described as a female with brown/blonde hair, about 5 feeet 8 iches tall.

DIABETES DIET CLASS: 
The Marshall Medical Center is sponsoring a class titled “Diabetes Education, Carbohydrates, and You.” This class is scheduled for Aug. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., in Placerville. Class topics will include making carbs work for you, meal planning, and managing your weight. The class fee is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare with MD referral. To register for this class, call 530-672-7021. This is Class No. 1 in a three-part series on diabetes and nutrition.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING:
 There will be a breast cancer support group meeting on Monday, Aug. 13, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at 681 Main St., Placerville. For more information call “Charlie” Hall at 530-644-3963.

SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING INFORMATION:
A luncheon titled “Future Gifts  — relationship building for tomorrow’s needs” is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Sequoia, 643 Bee St., Placerville. The guest speaker will be Julie Van Dooran, CSPG, director of planned giving for the American Cancer Society for Northern California. Reservations with payment are required by Aug. 16. The cost is $35. To make your reservation or for more information, call 530-642-9984 or e-mail tmoran@marshallmedical.org.

DISORDER IN THE COURT:
 Take a peek at Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar, and you will find the following court confusion: “Q. Did the perpetrator have facial hair? A. Yes. Eyebrows.”

SOROPTIMISTS ‘ HELPING HANDS:
 The annual Soroptimists’ “Chocolate Affair” resulted in a total of $10,000 being given to the following organizations: The Upper Room, Friends of EDC Seniors, Housing Emergency Lodging Program (HELP), Hearts to Hearts, Partners in Care, Center for Violence Free Relationships, United Outreach, Sierra Community Access TV, El Dorado Center for the Visually Impaired, Mercy Housing, Training for Hangtown Hank (police dog), and Twin Lakes Food Bank.

A QUIET AWARD: 
Rotary Club of Cameron Park is very pleased to announce that Rotary member Jim Buckley has received the “Quiet Rotarian” award for his behind-the-scenes efforts. He is in his third term as club secretary. He also handles Rotary grants at the club and district level. He and Rotary member Art Cort were responsible for the Rotary newsletter “Gear Up” for many years. There is not enough room to list all of his achievements. Congratulations, Jim!

A DALAI DILLY: 
The “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar presents the following observation: “If you are not aware of death, you will fail to take advantage of this special human life that you have already attained.”

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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