Heard over the back fence: If I could remember, I’d tell you to attend this

A class titled “The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Brain” is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills. The presenter will be Larry Dawes, MSW, geriatric care manager. Larry works with many people who are challenged by memory loss. He will present fun, creative, effective methods of improving thinking speed and functions of your brain. To reserve your spot, call 916-358-3575.

John Chapman of Folsom provided the following T-shirt statement that we hope applies to us: “Just treat me like any other super genius.”

There is a pamphlet at our local libraries titled “Vacation Destination – Books We Love.” The following books are listed: “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” “Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure,” “Fodor’s How to Pack,” and “Riding the Iron Rooster.”

Don’t forget that the senior centers in our county will be closed on the following holidays:
• Nov. 25 – 26 – Thanksgiving
• Dec. 23 – 24 – Christmas
• Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve

Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar noted the following confusing statement from a group insurance handbook: “If your medical insurance terminates for any reason including death, you may elect within 30 days to continue such medical insurance.”

Have you been reading about the scams that are being perpetrated against seniors? A new class titled “Scams on Seniors” is offered on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills. The presenters will be detectives Nolan Tracy and Dave Lawrence, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. You will be taught tips and strategies on recognizing and preventing scams. Also, up-to-date information on current scams will be presented.

A yoga class is scheduled at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. A $3 donation for each class is suggested. These classes will focus on coordinating connections between the muscles and improving balance.

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, save the date of Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drive out to the town of historical El Dorado, where Poor Red’s is located. The Gold Rush Christmas Faire will feature music, Davey “Doc” Wiser’s stagecoach rides, a “Go for the Gold” treasure hunt, kids’ activities, skits, historical displays and lots more. The public is encouraged to dress in Gold Rush period clothing – but “come as you are” is just fine, too. Volunteer entertainers, such as a magician, strolling carolers, and quartets are needed. Service organizations, kids’ groups, such as FFA and 4-H and the Boys and Girls Clubs are welcome to set up an information display booth. Vendors are also welcome. For more information or a vendor application, call Linda George at 530-295-1420 To be an entertainer, e-mail writeon@internet49.com or call Renee Hargrove at 530-295-9486.

A class titled “Healthy Living Class No. 3” is being offered on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon in Cameron Park. This class is designed to help you remain motivated as you integrate exercise, weight loss and healthy eating habits into your life. For exact location information and to register for this class please call 530-626-2990.

A class titled “The Breastfeeding Experience” is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. in Placerville. The class instructor will provide information to help you understand lactation and positioning and you will learn basic latch-on technique. This class is recommended for women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy. The class fee is $35 and First 5 El Dorado offers scholarships to assist with class tuition. For exact location information and to register for the class please call 530-626-2990.

A class titled “Childbirth Education” is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Placerville. This is a condensed, fast-paced class that will focus on the stages of labor, medical options and pain management. The class fee is $120 and First 5 El Dorado offers a generous scholarship to assist with tuition. For exact location information and to register for class please call 530-626-2990.

Episcopal Church of Our Savior, 2979 Coloma St. in Placerville, will present its annual Holly Faire and St. Nickolas luncheon at the church on Saturday, Dec. 4. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The suggested donation for adults and older children is $7. Children under 12 do not have to pay for lunch. The Holly Faire will offer handmade gifts, Christmas treats, sketches by local artist Anne Gladwill, children’s crafts and other activities. On Dec. 5 the boutique will be open between church services. Also, drawings will be held for a crafted lap quilt and other items. You do not need to be present to win. To purchase tickets or for more information please call 530-622-5520 or 530-636-3883.

If you wish to send anything for the Heard over the Back Fence column, please mail the information to the Mountain Democrat, PO Box 1088, Placerville 95667, or call me Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 530-344-5036. Please submit all requests three weeks in advance to ensure that there will be space available for your important announcement.

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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