Heard over the back fence: Halloween is next Wednesday

YOU ARE JUST FINE:
 The “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar notes the following truism: “You have the capacity to see yourself as wonderful and beautiful, just the way you are. Once you do, you’ll find it a whole lot easier to live a happy life.”

BOOOOOOOO!
A free haunted house will be open on 6:30-9:30 pm. Oct. 26, 27, and 31 at 3004 Brackenwood, El Dorado Hills. Donations of canned food for the Food Bank of El Dorado County will be accepted.

TRICK OR TREAT ON MAIN STREET:
 On Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., merchants on Main Street, Placerville, will provide goodies to trick or treaters, while supplies last. Other Halloween activities will include a costume contest and carnival sponsored by Placerville Parks and Recreation, Placerville 20/30 Club, and Placerville Lions Club. For more information, call 530-672-3436.

MEMORY-IMPAIRED CLASS:
A class titled “Understanding Memory Loss” will be presented on Friday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. Participants will learn strategies to improve communicating with memory impaired individuals. To reserve your spot, call 916-358-3575.

FISH OR CUT BAIT SHOP:
 Thanks to Clara Neilsen of Placerville, the following quotation from the book “Live and Learn and Pass It On” is offered: “I’ve learned that whenever I take a fishing trip, the guy who runs the bait shop always says, ‘Gee, you should have been here yesterday.’”

CHECK OUT THE CORVETTES: 
The Corvettes for Vets car show is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Hawk Casino. Admission is free.

GETTING OUT OF ICY PATCHES:
 The “Who Knew?” calendar notes the following winter advice: “If your car gets stuck in an icy patch and your wheels aren’t getting any traction, help free it by using your car’s floor mats. Take them out and place under the tires, then drive to a safe place, retrieve the mats, and be on your way.”

VOICE YOUR OPINION:
 On the last Friday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m., the “Book Club” meets at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. This is an opportunity to discuss books and authors. The books are selected by club members. Mary Person is the group leader. Drop-ins are welcome.

REDUNDANT STATEMENT:
 Check out Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar, and you will find the following “Sport Speak:” “Not only is he ambidextrous, but he can throw with either hand.” — Duffy Daugherty.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP:
A newly formed group, “Emerging Professionals” has been created for 21 to 40ish age professionals. This group meets monthly from 8 to 9 a.m., at Denny’s restaurant, 3446 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, for “Breakfast with the Boss.” Each month will feature a different speaker and topic. For more information, call 530-677-8000. 

BRAIN GAME: 
”Trivia Night” takes place on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane. You can create a team (of up to 4 people) or play alone. This evening is a family-friendly battle royal of brainpower and memory. All ages are welcome, but questions are difficult. Remember, no outside sources are allowed!

WHAT IS A TRUE BIKER?
 Fay Harnage of Placerville forwarded the following biker definition: “The true biker exults in laying down an onslaught of noise that loosens the wisdom teeth of passersby and blows the soup right out of the bowl along the road.”

DIABETES DIET EDUCATION:
 A class titled “Diabetes Education: Healthy Living Class No. 2, Carbohydrates, Food and You” is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., in Cameron Park. Class topics 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. For exact location information and to reserve your spot, call 530-672-7021.

DIABETES CLASS CANCELED: 
The class titled “Diabetes Education: Healthy Living Class No. 1 – Diabetes Essentials,” scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 1, has been canceled. For more information, call 530-672-7021.

GIFTS FOR THE KIDS: 
Community gift trees will be available from Nov. 5 through Dec. 10 at the following locations: El Dorado Hills Library, El Dorado Hills Raley’s, Cameron Park Library, Cameron Park Bel-Air, Placerville Library, Placerville Missouri Flat Save-Mart, Placerville Main St. Court House, and Placerville K-Mart. Your gift will provide children from low income families with gifts for the holidays. At the tree sites, you can choose a child or children’s names. Gift drop-off options are available by calling 530-676-0707, or 530-626-5164, ext. 10, or 530-295-2305.

CHOCOLATE HOLIDAY CHEER:
 A “Truffles Workshop” is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 16, at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. You will create fancy truffles in this hands-on “make it and take it” workshop. Please bring a supply fee of $8. The class fee is $36. The registration deadline is Nov. 13. Call 916-358-3575 to register. Karen Moore is the instructor.

A DALAI DILLY: 
If you look at the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar, you will discover the following heart recommendation: “If we use knowledge while lacking something in our hearts — if we use only the brain — we can bring more trouble and tragedy to human society. The human brain must be balanced with a good heart.”

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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