Heard over the back fence: Reading can be for the dogs

A LIFE LESSON:
 Editor Mike Raffety provided the following life lesson from the book titled “Springs of Greek Wisdom:” “One must not tie a ship to a single anchor, nor life to a single hope.” —Epictetus

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READING TO THE DOGS: 
The “Paws for Reading” program allows youngsters to practice their reading skills with four-legged friends. The friendly, attentive dogs are available on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane. For more information or to register for a class, call 530-621-5547 or register at the library.

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BON VOYAGE BALL TIME: 
The 35th annual Bon Voyage Ball is scheduled for March 24, at 6 p.m., at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. There will be live bands, dancing and dinner. There is a $70 dinner and dancing ticket and a $100 drawing ticket. Tickets are available at the following locations: Absolute Auto Glass, Big O Tires, California Overhead Door, Jonas Heating and Cooling, the Mountain Democrat, the Paint Spot, CPA Terrie Y. Pord’hon, Sierra Gold Graphics, Steve Stymeist Auto Body, Thompson’s GMC, Thompson’s Toyota.

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SOMETIMES WE FORGET: 
A peek at he “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar revealed the following thought: “Take a deep breath and express gratitude for your lovely home. Despite its imperfections, it’s yours. You live in your home. It protects you from the elements of hot and cold, and against everything from insects to strangers. It helps keep you alive and comfortable. Yet, for the most part, it is taken entirely for granted.”

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UNITED DEMOCRATS MEETING:
 The United Democrats group will meet on Thursday, March 22, at noon at Denny’s Restaurant, 99 Fair Lane, Placerville. At least two local candidates will speak, and the election slate for June will be finalized.

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BOOK SIGNING IN SHINGLE SPRINGS:
 The Pixe Ladies of El Dorado County will be signing the book “Furoshiki Wraps” on Saturday, March 24, at 3970 Durock Rd., Shingle Springs, at 11 a.m. Also, there will be Furoshiki demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Great Notions demonstrations from noon to 2 p.m., plus door prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 530-676-4739.

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KART GAMING TOURNAMENT:
A Wii Super Mario Kart Gaming Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 24, at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane. Competition for youngsters in grades 5 to 8 starts at 10:30 a.m. Pizza will be available at noon. At 1 p.m., competition for youngsters in grades 3 to 4 begins. Space is limited. Sign up at the library or call 530-621-5547 to register.

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SCREWDRIVER SUGGESTION: 
Looking at the “Who Knew?” calendar, I found the following household tip: “You need a Phillips-head screwdriver but your search through your junk drawer was fruitless. A great replacement in a pinch is a potato peeler. The curved top edge will fit into the x-shaped groove of the screw.”

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A WHOLE LOT OF GOOD FOOD:
 The Placerville Elks Club breakfast is available on Sunday, March 25, form 8 to 11 a.m., at the Elks Club, 3821 Quest Court, Shingle Springs. Tickets are $7.50 for adults. Children, over 3 years old, are charged 1/2 price; and children 3 and under are admitted free. Breakfast includes pancakes, biscuits & gravy, bacon, sausage, eggs any way you like them, coffee and juice. March special: Ham carving station. All you can eat!

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TOO MANY LETTERS:
 Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar noted the following “School Daze” statement: “A fibula is a small lie.”

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ART SHOW AND CONTEST:
 The Diamond Springs Art Association will present their Spring Art Show and Sale, beginning Monday, April 2, through Friday, April 6, at the El Dorado County Government Building B, 360 Fair Lane Dr., Placerville. You can enjoy the art from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day except Friday, when the show closes at 3 p.m. The public can vote on a “People’s Choice Award” for their favorite painting. You may also purchase paintings.

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: 
”Trivia Night” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Placerville Main Library, 345 Fair Lane. You can create a team (of up to four people) or play alone in a family-friendly battle royal of brain power. All ages are welcome, but questions are designed to be difficult. No outside sources allowed!

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A DALAI DILLY: 
If you review the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar, you will discover the following suggestion: “Love and compassion are most important, most precious, most powerful, and most sacred. Practicing them is useful not only in terms of true religion but also in worldly life for both mental and physical health.”

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.

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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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