Heard over the back fence: Sign up for Kacie’s Ride for Hope

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FIDO:
 John Chapman provided the following T-shirt statement from the “Advice from a Dog”: “Be loyal – Delight in the simple joys of a long walk – Unleash your talents – Hide your favorite snack – Make new friends – Learn new tricks, no matter your age – When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.”

KACIE’S RIDE FOR HOPE:
 On Saturday, Sept. 8, “Kacie’s Ride for Hope” is to be held from 8 to 11 a.m. on Main St., Placerville. Main Street will be closed for this important event. The goal of this motorcycle run event is to raise awareness of domestic violence and to raise money to help support the Center for Violence Free Relationships. For more detailed information, visit kaciesrideforhope@sbcglobal.net. 

THE DOWNSIDE OF STRESS:
 The “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar has the following comment regarding stress: “Thinking of stress as valuable makes matters worse, not better. Far from being your primary source of motivation, stress has a way of defeating your spirit and energy. And contrary to the notion that stress helps you keep your edge, it actually gives that edge to your competitors.”

SENIORS BEWARE:
 Another local senior citizen lost a few thousand dollars to a scam. A call was made to the senior, indicating that her grandson was arrested and needed money to defend himself. The grandson was not in jail, and the money was lost to another scam. Be careful out there!

PLASTIC BAG ADVICE:
 If you review the “Who Knew?” calendar, you will discover the following household hint: “Here’s yet another use for larger plastic bags you get from the store: Put one over a roller tray anytime you’re painting with a roller. When the job is done, just pull off the bag and turn inside-out to throw away, and the tray is ready to be used again!”

FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES:
 Don’t forget to visit the Farmer’s Market at the El Dorado Hills Town Center shopping plaza. Come on out on Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. I guarantee you will run into someone you know.

ANOTHER CONFUSING STATEMENT:
 Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar noted the following “Jumping to Confusion” statement: “There’s nothing that weighs more per ounce than National Geographic.”

BBQ COOKS’ BRAGGING RIGHTS:
A barbecue cooking contest and fun day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission price is $5. Children, 6 years or under, are admitted at no cost. The bands “Renegade” and “Rockin Down the Hiway” willl provide live music. There will also be a “fun zone” for kids. If you want to register for the barbecue contest, or as a craft vendor or exhibitor or food vendor, register by calling 530-677-2231 or visit cameronpark.org. Tickets will be sold at the door. This event will be at Cameron Park Lake, 2989 Cambridge Rd.

FREE VISIT TO MUSEUM:
I rarely advertise any Sacramento events in this column. However, I think you should know that the Crocker Art Museum, located at 216 O Street in Sacramento offers free access to the museum on the third Sunday of each month, thanks to the generosity of Western Health Advantage. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 916-808-7000.

TOP STUDENTS:
 Officials at Oregon State University have informed us that the following students from Cameron Park have been placed on the Scholastic Honor Roll: Danielle E. Donley, junior, Mathematics; Sara L Orofino, junior, Biology; Evann L. Stabenow, sophomore, Pre-Bioengineering. All three successful students maintained a 3.5 or better grade-point average. Congratulations to all of you! Your futures look very bright indeed!

BRAND NEW ROCKHOUNDS:
 The El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society rolls out the red carpet for the following new members: Linnea Adams, Bonnie Valentine, Caryn Gierhart, Edward “Chris” and Sharon Colombini. Welcome aboard!

REDUCING UTILITY BILLS:
 Home weatherization services are available to income-qualified residents in El Dorado County. This program can provide free energy efficiency upgrades to your home, such as attic insulation, caulking, water heater blanket, and heating/cooling system repairs. Applications can be picked up at the El Dorado County Department of Human Services, 937 Spring St., Placerville. For more information regarding this program, call 530-621-6333. 

SENIOR INFORMATION AVAILABLE:
 The Senior Times Newsletter has information regarding senior health and wellness, a calendar of weekly events, menu of daily lunches, and information about trips for seniors. To receive a complimentary copy of the Senior Times Newsletter, call 530-621-6255. Yearly subscriptions are available for a $5 donation.

A DALAI DILLY:
 Remember the song, “Getting to Know You”? The “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar offers the following interesting advice: “If we want real harmony and friendship, first we must know each other. Knowledge is the basis, for without knowing each other it is difficult to build trust and to reach a state of genuine unity – without which it is hard to get peace. Heart-to-heart contact is essential.”

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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