Heard over the back fence: Hey, let’s get quilting

DON’T BE AFRAID:
 John Chapman sent the following T-shirt statement: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself . . . and spiders.”

QUALITY QUILTERS:
 The Gold Nugget Quilters meet on Wednesdays at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive, from 9 a.m. to noon. Drop-ins are always welcome.

MOTHER GOOSE GOOD TIMES:
 The “Mother Goose on the Loose” program is for the little ones, ages 1 week to 2 years old. This program is offered on Thursdays at 10:15 and at 11 a.m. at the Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane. This program combines music, movement, visual literacy and language development to help children get ready to read. For more information, call 530-621-5547.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN MEETING: 
On Monday, Feb. 11, the El Dorado West Republican Women Federated will meet for a luncheon meeting at 11:15 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, Coach Lane, Cameron Park. Allison Olsen, legislative advocate for California Federated Republican Women, will be the guest speaker.

LIBRARY CONFUSION:
 Harvey Andrews of Smith Flat forwarded the following statement: “My wife was on the telephone talking to a time-share organization, looking for a place in Southern California, saying that we wanted to visit the Reagan Library. The young woman from their travel service said, ‘Oh, do you and your husband like books?’ My wife then said it was the President Ronald Reagan Library. The travel service agent then said, ‘Too bad he passed before his time.’ My wife then narrowed it down to, ‘Do you have anything in Ventura or Oxnard?’ (This service has nothing in Simi Valley, in case you are wondering.)” 

THANK YOU, SABRINA: 
Isn’t it great that Sabrina Ho immigrated to the USA 33 years ago and became an active citizen, helping those in need? This active Cameron Park Rotarian is constantly helping out on Rotarian efforts to enhance our community. Thank you, Sabrina.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP:
 Grief Share is a caring group of people who will be there for you during your grieving process. This group meets weekly to help you during your very difficult times. The starting date for group sessions is Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., at the Cameron Park Christian Center, 4414 Commodity Way. There is no cost except purchase of workbook. For more information, call Bob Halk at 530-622-9747 or 916-203-3997 (cell phone) or call the church at 530-677-7212.

HELP SAVE A LIFE:
A blood donor drive is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 11, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Community Services District Pavilion building, 1021 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills. Walk-ins are welcome, and child care is available. Donors earn MYBLOOD Source rewards. You can redeem your rewards online for great items. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old (16 with a signed Blood Source Parental Consent Form). There is no upper age limit for donors. All donors must bring a photo ID.

BELIEVE IN MIRACLES: 
Clara Neilsen provided the book, “Live and Learn sand Pass It On,” which offers life lessons from people ages 5 to 95. The following notion was presented: “I’ve learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I’ve seen several.” — Age 73

CARING FOR NEWBORN: 
Thanks to Marshall Medical, a class titled “Baby Basics” is being offered on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m., in Placerville. This class will discuss basic newborn care for the first few weeks of life. Class topics include newborn characteristics, physical and emotional needs of the baby, and health and safety skills. The class is described as a must for first-time parents. Extended family members are welcome. The class fee is $25. First 5 El Dorado offers a generous scholarship to assist with paying the class fee. For location information and to register for class, call 530-626-2990. 

“NO KIDDING” INSTRUCTIONS:
 The “365 Stupidest Things Ever Said” calendar notes the following instruction: “Printed on a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle box: SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.”

HOW TO FIND A GRAVE:
 The Roots and Gold Dust Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m., at the Family History Center in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 3275 Cedar Ravine, Placerville. The speaker will be Paul Hodel, who will discuss “Using FindAgrave.com.” You can learn how to create your own account on Find A Grave and many other research techniques. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, call Carlyn White at 530-663-0017.

RELAY FOR LIFE RUMOR:
 Is it true that “Relay for Life” will be presenting an event in Cameron Park for the first time on July 13 at Christa McAuliffe Park?

A DALAI DILLY:
 Thumb through the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar, and you will see the following offering: “When you encounter some problems, if you point your finger at yourself and not at others, this gives you control over yourself and calmness in a situation, where otherwise self-control becomes problematic.”

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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