Heard over the back fence: Look who’s in American Artist magazine

LISTEN PATIENTLY:
 In the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" calendar, you discover the following recommendation: "Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences. This habit is destructive not only to the respect and love you receive from others but also for the tremendous amount of energy it takes to try to be in two heads at once!"

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KUDOS TO ROD WILLIAMS:
 The Placerville Arts Association newsletter noted that their member, Rod Williams, will have his work presented in the March issue of "American Artist" magazine. Congratulations, Rod!

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JOB WELL DONE:
I was one of the judges at the recent American Legion High School Oratorical Contest. This event was extremely well organized and an enjoyable experience for all of us involved, thanks to the energy and skills of Dusty Deryck and his volunteers.

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COBWEBS ADVICE:
A quick look at the "Who Knew?" calendar resulted in the following housecleaning advice: "Here's an easy way to clean cobwebs from corners: Cover the head of your mop or broom with a pillowcase dampened with water, vinegar, or your preferred cleaning solution, then secure it with a rubber band and go to it."

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HOW-TO-LIVE-LIFE ADVICE:
 About every three or four years I create a new list of axioms to live life by. I will be teaching a new, free class titled "Billingsley's Axioms of Life" on Tuesday, March 6, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills. These life lessons are presented to help you create and maintain a happy and compassionate life. I also hope to lighten up your day. Space is limited. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot.

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WAIT A MINUTE!
 Richard Lederer's "Anguished English" calendar has the following "How's That Again?" statement: "To all you hunters who kill animals for food. You ought to go to the store and buy the meat that was made there, where no animals were harmed."

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DELICIOUS DUMPLINGS CLASS:
A class titled "Got Pot Stickers?" is scheduled for Friday, March 9, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills. You will learn, step by step, how to prepare pot stickers, using chicken, veggies and natural seasonings. Students will make and take home a dozen healthy pot stickers. Please bring a $10 supply fee to the Senior Center to hold your spot. The instructor is Judy Chu Barnes. For more information, call 916-358-3575.

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STUDENT SUCCESS NEWS:
 Taylor Smith of El Dorado Hills has been named to the Seaver College Dean's List. To earn Dean's List honors, a student must be in the upper 10 percent of his class and maintain a 3.5 grade-point average or better. Seaver College is located in Malibu and is the undergraduate school for Pepperdine University. Congratulations, Taylor. You should be proud of your impressive effort.

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LONG-TERM CARE INFORMATION:
 The Senior Legal Seminar Series is presenting a seminar titled "Long Term Planning for Long Term Care" on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Placerville Senior Center dining hall, 937 Spring St., Placerville. This free seminar will offer a frank discussion regarding the likelihood of needing long-term care, types of care, and how to pay for it. Private and public options will be looked at, including Medi-Cal eligibility and recovery. To enroll in this class, call 530-621-6154.

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CHOCOLATE DELIGHTS HIGH TEA:
 Placerville Emblem Club No. 287 is presenting "Daffodil Daze of Chocolate Delights High Tea" on Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m., at the Elks Club, 3821 Quest Ct., Shingle Springs. The public is invited. The cost is $20. Ladies are encouraged to bring their fancy tea cup and to wear your brightest spring fashion hats and gloves. There will be a silent auction and raffles, plus a bake sale. Proceeds will benefit Emblem Club charities. Please RSVP by phone at 530-672-6088 or email lizziechighi@sbcglobal.net.

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WHAT IS A CO-DEPENDENT?
 The Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA) group is a 12-Step Fellowship for men and women whose purpose is recovery from co-dependence and developing and maintaining healthy relationships. The CODA meets on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cool Lutheran Church, 1020 Highway 193, Cool (South East corner of Highways 49 and 193). For more information, call 530-885-8021.

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DATE CHANGE:
 The Eldo Rebekah Lodge's annual "Heart Sunday" dinner has been postponed until March 7. For more information, call Jacki Fox at530-677-1035.

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A DALAI DILLY:
 The following suggestion appears in the "Insight from the Dalai Lama" calendar: "As time moves on, so do our lives. Nobody can stop this movement. However, one thing is in our own hands, and that is whether or not we waste the time that we have; whether we use it in a negative way, or a constructive way."

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.