Heard over the back fence: Health and nutrition advice to be offered

TODAY IS NEW START:
 Reviewing the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar resulted in finding the following life lesson: “Remind yourself that your life begins now. One of the most severely limiting beliefs that many of us have is that the person we were yesterday is the person we have to be today. This belief keeps us tied to our past mistakes, habits, and limitations.”

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RELEASING STRESS AND PAIN:
A free presentation titled “Survival Skills for a Fast-Paced World” will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6:30p.m., upstairs at the Placerville Coop, 535 Placerville Dr. Guest speakers will be Susan Ocheltree, Master of Science Nutrition, and Gina Giacomini, author of “Go with the Flow, Stress and Pain Release Guide.” The speakers will offer practical solutions to improve nutrition and health, increase focus and awareness, release stress and anxiety and pain.

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E-WASTE DROP OFF DAY:
 The El Dorado Union High School District Robotics Team and Calififornia Electronic Recovery are sponsoring a free E-waste drop off day on Sat., Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Raley’s parking lot, 166 Placerville Dr., Placerville. To find out what items will be accepted or not accepted, call Cathy Clarke-Amos at 530-748-5917.

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TICKET TO RIDE:
 The El Dorado Western Railroad will be running every first and third Sunday, from Feb. 4 through March 18, from noon to 4 p.m., weather permitting. The train is located next to the El Dorado Community Center, in the town of El Dorado, across from the Post Office. Hop on board and enjoy this fun ride.

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COFFEE, TEA AND FREE:
A new “Coffee, Tea and Free” happening is being introduced by the Cameron Park Community Services District. This group will meet monthly in the social room of the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park. Seniors and caregivers can visit, play different games — including Yahtzee, cards, checkers and more, or just relax with old or new friends. The gathering will be on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 530-677-2231 or go online to cameronpark.org.

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SAVE USED TEA BAGS:
 “We hate to throw anything away, so we love this way to repurpose used tea bags. Place them in a bowl and put them at the back (inside) of your refrigerator. They’ll remove odors just as well as baking soda!”

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FUN GAMES AND PRIZES: 
On Monday, Feb. 27, the Placerville Fellowship and Newcomers Club has scheduled their annual Game Day at 9:45 a.m. at the Cold Springs Country Club, 6500 Clubhouse Dr., Placerville. The cost is $15 per person, which includes a buffet lunch, plus dessert, coffee or tea. Also, pastries and beverages will be available before the games begin. Bridge, pinochle and bunco will be played. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place for bridge and pinochle. Also, bunco will offer four prizes. Door prizes are available, too. If you play bridge or pinochle, you must sign up with a partner. To register, call 530-642-8412.

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SMART, SUCCESSFUL STUDENT:
 Jillian Spink of El Dorado Hills has made the Dean’s List at the University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio. To be placed on the Dean’s List, a student must earn a 3.5 grade-point average or above for the semester. Congratulations, Jillian. Keep up the great grades!

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DINNER SPECIAL: 
Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar featured the following “advertisement:” “Dinner Special
Turkey $2.35
Chicken or Beef 2.25
Children $2.00″

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VISIT THE FLOWER FIELDS:
All West Travel and the Senior Center are presenting a “Flower Fields of Carlsbad” trip, scheduled for April 11 through April 13. The trip includes bus transportation to and from Carlsbad, a guided walking tour and wagon ride, a visit to the Sun Maid Raisins facility, free time in the village, and a stay for two nights at the Carlsbad by the Sea Resort. Meals are also included at Harris Ranch, The Black Bear Diner, and daily breakfast buffets. Reservation deadline is March 1. The cost for this trip is $380 per person, double occupancy. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Star Walker at 530-621-6255.

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TRAVEL TO RUSSIA: 
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce has announced the Russian River Cruise is scheduled for Sept. 2 through Sept. 12. An informational meeting regarding this trip will take place on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6:30 p.m., at the California Welcome Center/Chamber of Commerce, 2085 Vine St., Ste. 105, El Dorado Hills.

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SAVE THE DATE: 
The El Dorado County Home and Garden Show is scheduled for April 27 through April 29 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

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A DALAI DILLY:
 The “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar notes the following thought: “Generate great compassion, and you become a friend to all sentient beings, a companion to all other altruistic beings, and a cherished child of the enlightened.”

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 in Placerville. You may call Bob Monday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or Wednesday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 530-344-5036. Please submit all requests three weeks in advance to ensure there will be space available for your important announcement. First and last name of contact person are required.

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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