Heard over the back fence: Toys for Tots emergency call

HUGS ARE FREE AND APPRECIATED:
 Clara Neilsen gave me the book “Live and Learn and Pass It On.” In this book, people ages 5 to 95 offer life lessons, such as the following thought: “I’ve learned that you can’t hug your kids too much.” — Age 54

TOYS FOR TOTS EMERGENCY:
 During the annual Christmas Parade, the Toys for Tots people usually collect 200-300 toys from the public and the people in the parade. This year the Christmas Parade had to be canceled due to dangerous weather conditions. Arrangements have now been made to collect new, unwrapped toys this Saturday and Sunday at the Belltower, Main Street, Placerville, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please make a special effort for needy kids. Thank you.

POETRY JUDGES NEEDED:
 We just received information that poetry judges and tabulators are needed for the Poetry Out Loud reciting competition. Training classes for judges are offered on the following dates: Tuesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  and Thursday, Jan. 3, 2 to 4:30 p.m. You only need to attend one of the classes. If you are interested in volunteering as a judge or tabulator, call 530-295-3496 or 530-672-9828, today!

HOW TO STRAIGHTEN ME UP:
I appreciate whoever has been making the extra-strong coffee at the Mountain Democrat building. My posture has improved.

TOYS FROM THE PAST:
A presentation titled, “Toys Are Us . . . from Days Gone By,” will be offered on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. This display of toys will walk you down memory lane. Also, you will learn about the history of toy companies. The presenter will be Pete White. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot.

CANDLE CLEANING CLUE:
 If you review the “Who Knew?” calendar, you will find the following recommendation: “If you have some beautiful candles that have begun to get dusty, cleaning them is easy. Just ball up some old pantyhose and rub them down. Its microfiber is perfect for picking up the dirt without harming your candle.”

CHP TOY DRIVE:
 On Dec. 15, a CHP car will be parked at Wal Mart, on Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for needy children.

WIN A GIFT BASKET:
 Shoppers on Main Street, Placerville, have a chance to enter a drawing for a chance to win (at participating merchants) a gift basket valued at $100 each or a grand prize basket valued at $500. This opportunity ends on Dec. 14.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON IN THE PINES:
 Sons in Retirement (SIR) will have their Christmas luncheon (party) on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the 50 Grand Steakhouse, 6401 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines. Fellowship begins at 11:30 a.m., and lunch will be served at noon. If you bring a gift, you will receive a gift. Santa will be there to make sure Ron de Pass behaves himself. SIR is open to all men, retired or semi-retired. For more information, call 530-644-3809 or 530-644-1405.

VISIT FROM SANTA:
 If you live in Cameron Park and would like Santa to come by and visit your kids, contact 530-677-2231 as soon as possible!

VISIT WITH SANTA: 
On Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, Santa will be at the Candystrike Emporium, 398 Main St., Placerville, from 1 to 4 p.m. Photos will be available for purchase, but are not required, to visit with Santa. For more information, call 530-672-3436.

BIKINI BULLETIN: 
Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar includes the following “advertisement:” “Ladies and gentlemen, now you can have a bikini for a ridiculous figure.”

SEARCH AND RESCUE FUNDRAISER: 
For those who enjoy planning ahead, the 28th annual crab feed for the Search and Rescue Council is scheduled for Saturday, Jan 26, 2013, at the Main Hall, El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Placerville. Tickets are $40 through Dec. 31 or $45 after Dec. 31. Tickets are available at the following locations: Raley’s, Placerville, and Bel Air, Cameron Park; or call Neldine at 530-677-6383 (7 a.m. – 8 p.m.) or Shirley at 530-622-3794.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE:
The YANA program (You Are Not Alone) is a free telephone-calling service that permits seniors to stay in their homes with the comfort of knowing that someone will call them on a regular basis to make sure they are OK. This program is designed for people who live alone. For more information, call 530-621-6255.

HELP AND FUN FOR SENIORS:
 The El Dorado Hills Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Senior Nutrition Lunch is served daily at noon; a $3 donation is appreciated. The Center is closed on major holidays. Over 30 weekly or monthly programs are offered at the Center. For more information on programs or classes, call 916-358-3575.

GOOD DEEDS BENEFIT EVERYONE:
 The “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar notes the following declaration: “What goes around comes around. Those who are willing to help others are always paid back in one way or another.”

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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