Heard over the back fence: Space cadet or rocket scientist, Touey is terrific

ARM ADVICE: My pal John Chapman of Folsom dropped off the following T-shirt statement: “I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous.”

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Brett Touey of Placerville graduated from El Dorado High School and is now a senior at California State University, Sacramento. Recently Brett was selected from 55 candidates to go to NASA, Houston, Texas, as an intern. He will be returning to Sacramento State University with plans to enter the master’s program. Brett, congratulations for being selected for the NASA Internship. Proud parents are Lysa and Rick Touey of Placerville and grandma Andy Ishmael of Placerville.

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A MOVIE STAR HUG: By attending the El Dorado County Main Library Saturday Night Show, Monika and I were able to hug movie star Robyn Douglas, who played the love interest Katerina in the movie “Breaking Away.” Robyn is an attractive, intelligent woman who now lives in Placerville. Nice to meet you, Robyn.

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MOVIE TIME AT THE LIBRARY: Movies are being shown at the Main Library, 345 Fair Lane, Placerville, on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. – on July 20 and 27, and Aug. 17, 24, and 31. For more information, call 530-621-5540 or visit eldoradolibrary.org.

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DEAL THE CARDS: The Pony Express Invitational Poker Tournament is scheduled for 5-11 p.m. Aug. 6, at the Sportsman’s Hall, 5620 Pony Express Trail, Camino. Sponsors are needed for this popular tournament. Sponsors’ advertisement will be on a poker table, as well as marketing materials. Your ad will also appear on the large screen video that will be displayed throughout the evening. To be a sponsor or donor, contact CEDAPP, 530-419-3957, CEDAPP@PollockPines.biz, on the Web at PollockPines.biz/donations-and-tickets.

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WHO CARES? Some T-shirt statements show a lack of interest or concern. John Chapman sent me the following T-shirt statement: “Apathy – I could take it or leave it.”

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OUTSTANDING STUDENT: Oregon State University officials have notified us that Danielle E. Donley of Cameron Park has made the Scholastic Honor Roll after maintaining a straight A grade-point average. Wow! Congratulations, Danielle! Keep up the outstanding grades and guarantee yourself a positive future.

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A BABY BOOM: Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar noted the following “School Daze”: “Last year many lives were caused by accidents.”

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GAMING TOURNAMENT, FOOD AND PRIZES: On Tuesday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a Super Mario Kart Gaming Tournament at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane, Placerville. This event is presented by the Teen Summer Reading Club for youngsters, grades 7 to 12. This is a double elimination tournament. Space is limited. Call 530-621-5547 to register.

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VOLUNTEERS ALERT! Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is offering new classes for volunteers. For more information about volunteering, call 530-644-1984 or call 530-626-2643.

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BUSING TABLES FOR GOOD CAUSE: The popular “Camino Serves Night” is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Forester Restaurant, 4110 Carson Rd., Camino. Proceeds will benefit the successful “Camino Cares Christmas Giving Program.” For more information, call Betty Linville at 530-644-7421.

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TREASURE DISPLAY AT LIBRARY: During the month of June, The Gold Country Treasure Seekers group has a display titled “We Di It” at the Placerville Main Library. The “Treasure Seekers” group meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville. For more information, call 530-621-3034.

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BLOOD ON THE RIVER: The American River Conservancy blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, at the Bloodmobile, 348 Highway 49, Coloma. The Bloodmobile will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m.). Donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream. Call 530-621-1224 for more information.

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PHILOSOPHY CAN BE A JOKE: Cruising through the Zen calendar, I located the following statement: “A serious and good philosophical work could be written consisting entirely of jokes.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein.

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LA DOLCE VITA: The 2011 El Dorado Italian Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Placerville. This festival will feature food, drinks, live music, lots of interesting cars, bocce ball and lots of family fun. For more information, call Butch Arietta at 916-947-6513 or visit ElDoradoItalianFestival.com

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A DALAI DILLY: Opening the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar, I discovered the following thought: “The body can gain health, but without peace of mind no happiness is possible, not even under the best conditions.”

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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