Heard over the back fence: Recycle your wrapping paper

HILLARY CLINTON T-SHIRT: 
My buddy John Chapman provided the following T-shirt statement: “I’M NOT CLUMSY! The Floor Just Hates Me, the Table & Chairs are Bullies and the Walls Get in My Way.”

GET RID OF WRAPPING PAPER:
 Cardboard shipping boxes and gift boxes can be recycled. If you have curbside recycling, these items and wrapping paper can be recycled in your curbside cart or bin. If you don’t have curbside recycling, you can drop off these items at one of the following recycling centers: 4421 Latrobe Rd., El Dorado Hills; 580 Truck St., Placerville; and behind Bel Air Market at 3510 Palmer Dr., Cameron Park. For more information, visit ElDoradoDisposal.com. 

FEAR TOO MUCH TECHNOLOGY:
 Mitzi Stockel of Somerset forwarded the following interesting comment: “I fear the day when technology overlaps with our humanity. The world will only have a generation of idiots.” — Albert Einstein (As seen on the internet). I agree with Al.

NEW TO THE AREA? 
On the 1st Wednesday of the month, at 9:30 a.m., a “Senior Center Orientation” class is offered to those age 50 and up. You will learn about the programs, classes, events, lunches and social opportunities available at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. There is no membership fee to become a Senior Center participant. The orientations take place at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center. Reserve your spot by calling 916-358-3575.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FOR EL DORADO COMMUNITY HALL:
 Guess what? The El Dorado Community Hall has scheduled their membership drive spaghetti dinner for Saturday, Jan. 12. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 per person or $25 per couple. The dinner fee includes the spaghetti dinner and one year membership. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

CREATING AGELESS JOY:
I will be presenting a new class titled “Ageless Joy Is Possible” on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. Advice will be offered to create a more optimistic, fun-filled daily life for yourself. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot.

FREE LUNCH AND LEARN:
A class titled “Strengthen Your Immune System” is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. Participants will learn how simple lifestyle changes and stress management techniques can strengthen your immunity. Call 916-358-3575 to hold your spot and to place your sandwich order. The class facilitator is Dr. Ron Simms, DC.

BEING GENEROUS IS SMART: 
After Clara Neilsen gave me the book, “Live and Learn and Pass It On,” I discovered the following life lesson from a 51-year-old person: “I’ve learned that generous people seldom have emotional and mental problems.”

EID LENDS A HELPING HAND:
 In 2010, EID created the “Helping Hands Outreach Program” to assist some of their customers who needed financial help in paying delinquent utility bills during difficult times. EID employees, through voluntary deductions, have been the primary funders of this program, which has helped 43 families, sofar. For more information about this program, call 530-642-4100. Thank you, EID employees!

WRONG WORD AGAIN?
 Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar noted the following “Sign of the Times:” “In a London dance hall: Smarts is the most exclusive disco in town. Everyone welcome.”

PREPARING EAST INDIAN FOOD: 
How would you like to learn how to prepare delicious East Indian dishes, including meats, vegetable dishes, breads and desserts? A class class titled “Savor the Flavors of India: Indian Cooking” will be offered on Fridays, Feb. 1 through March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. A $40 supply fee is payable to hold your spot. Prem Varma is the instructor. You can enjoy a delicious meal and take recipes home. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot.

KNOW YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA: 
Bring your camera to this class and learn how to operate it. Remember to bring extra batteries. No experience with cameras is necessary. The class is titled “Getting to Know Your Digital Camera,” and is offered on Friday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. The class fee is $29. Rob Gouine is the instructor. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot. 

VENDORS NEEDED:
 Vendors are needed and welcome for the third annual “Reds, White and Jewels” festival, which will feature jewelry from artists and vendors on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive. Wine tasting will be available. A 10 x 10 vendor space costs $50. Electricity is $10. For more information, contact website cameronpark.org; email at cpcsd@cameronpark.org; or call 530-677-2231.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS: 
Check out the “Don’t Sweat the Little Things” calendar, and you will discover the following statement: “It’s all a matter of intention. There is so much to be grateful for, so much to be in awe about. Life is precious and extraordinary. Pay attention to this fact, and little, ordinary things will take on a whole new meaning.”

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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