Heard over the back fence: Get the lowdown on veterans benefits

VETERANS BENEFITS PRESENTATION:
 Bill Schultz and Ed Swanson from the El Dorado County Department of Veterans Affairs will be at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. They will discuss veterans benefits, including “Aid and Attendance.” They will also review the importance of maintaining information, medical issues and more. To save your spot, call 916-358-3575.

THANKSGIVING LUNCH FOR $3:
Senior Nutrition lunches continue to be offered in El Dorado County for a suggested donation of $3 for seniors, 60 years and older. A Thanksgiving lunch will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 21, from noon to 12:30 p.m. For Senior Nutrition locations nearest you, call 530-621-6160.

CREATIVE TRASH BIN:
 If you thumb through the “Who Knew?” calendar, you will find the following household hint: “Having a party and need an extra trash bin for your guests? Just repurpose your hamper. (Your dirty clothes will be fine in a garbage bag in the closet until tomorrow.)”

SWING WITH THE SISTERS: 
Placerville Elks Lodge is presenting a “Sister Swing” concert on Friday, Nov. 30, and the public is invited. Social hour and appetizers will begin at 6 p.m. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge, 3821 Quest Court, Shingle Springs. Tickets are $15. Music from the 30′s and 40′s will be presented. You must buy tickets in advance by calling 530-672-9120 or call Ron Roberts at 530-677-5633. Tables for 8 or more must be prepaid. Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund for local students.

NEW CHORUS LEADERSHIP:
 Jim Dyer is the new president of the Placerville Gold Rush Chorus for 2013. Beginning in January, 2013, the Gold Rush Chorus will be offering free performances in January as a gift to the Placerville Community. To learn more about scheduling a free performance for your organization or business, call Russ Toliver at 530-622-5888.

PROM NIGHT GENEROSITY: 
Soroptimist International of Placerville sponsors an annual “Prom Boutique” to help young high school women who cannot afford to attend prom night. If you have new or gently used gowns and accessories, you can drop them off at River City Bank, 348 Main St., Placerville. To have dresses picked up or for more information, call 530-919-4612. How about recycling earrings, handbags, wraps and shoes to match? Gift certificates from local hair salons and nail salons are gladly accepted.

SAY THAT AGAIN? 
Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar notes the following “Stop the Presses” entry: “Five people were killed in the crash, two seriously.”

TOYS FOR TOTS TIME:
 “Toys for Tots” needs several volunteers for their set-up days, Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 15. Toys will be distributed to needy children on Saturday, Dec. 15, and Sunday, Dec. 16. If you would like to volunteer, call Nancy Hansen at 530-622-8229. Please let Nancy know if you have volunteered for “Toys for Tots” before.

SENIOR SLT DAY TRIP: 
How about a day trip to Harvey’s and Harrah’s in South Lake Tahoe? A trip is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9. The bus will depart from El Dorado Hills Raley’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m. and return at 7:15 p.m. The trip fee is $37. The fee includes deluxe motor coach transportation, $20 in machine vouchers, and $7 in food vouchers or a free buffet lunch upon arrival. You must have a Harrah’s/Harvey’s Players Card, which can be obtained if you don’t have one. To reserve your spot on the bus, call 916-933-6624. The registration deadline is Nov. 30.

TAX COUNSELORS NEEDED: 
Volunteer AARP tax counselors are needed to provide free personal income tax assistance in our county for the elderly and low-income residents. The program is available from Feb. 1 through April 15, 2013. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of four hours per week. Self-study materials are provided in the November classroom. Contact Susan Larsen, district coordinator for El Dorado County, at txsm-larsen@sbcglobal.net to sign up.

“AGELESS JOY” CLASS:
I will present a class titled “Ageless Joy Is Possible” on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. I will offer advice to help you create a more optimistic daily life for yourself. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot. 

MORE INFORMATION FOR SENIORS: 
This is a list of local telephone numbers that seniors can call for assistance. All telephone numbers are in the 530 area code:
In Home Supportive Services 642-4800;
Senior Peer Counseling Program 621-6304;
Multipurpose Senior Services Program 642-4800;
Senior Health Education Program 621-6151;
Adult Protective Services (APS) 642-4800;
Public Guardian 642-4800;
El Dorado Transit/Dial-a-Ride 642-3696.

BAD FEELINGS MOVE ON: 
Check out the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar, and you will find the following encouraging note: “Everyone spends a certain amount of time in low moods — that’s nothing new. However, feelings and thoughts are temporary experiences — even the bad ones will lift and go away. When they do, everything will look different, less hostile and frightening.”

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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