Heard over the back fence: Mark your calendar for art movie

RETIREMENT IS NOT OVERRATED:
 John Chapman contributed the following T-shirt statement: “RETIREMENT: The pay sucks but the hours are great.”

LOVE IN YOUR EIGHTIES: The Placerville Stadium 8 Theater’s Spring 2013 Art Film Series is available on Tuesday and Wednesdays at 1 and 7 p.m. only. The movie “Amour” is being shown on March 26 and March 27. A couple in their 80s are cultivated, retired music teachers. One day the wife suffers a severe stroke, and the couple’s love for each other is severely tested.

DON’T WAIT TOO LONG:
 Thanks to Clara Neilsen, I have the book “Live and Learn and Pass It On,” which offered the following advice: “I’ve learned that it’s better not to wait for a crisis to discover what’s important in your life.” — Age 45

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION: The Marshall Community Health Library has moved to 3581 Palmer Dr., Bldg. 101, Cameron Park. They are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. The public is warmly invited. There will be tours of the facility and a chamber of commerce mixer will also take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 530-626-2778.

ALL THAT JAZZ:
 On Thursday, March 21, the Ponderosa Jazz Band, directed by Michael Gunderson, will be performing for the Placerville Fellowship and Newcomers Club members at the Cold Springs Country Club, 6500 Clubhouse Dr., Placerville, at 1 p.m.

LIVING WITH WILDLIFE CLASS: 
Sierra Wildlife Rescue is offering a class for the public, titled “Living with Wildlife.” The class will be held on March 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at SWR’s Wildlife Center, 3030 Newtown Rd., Placerville. You can reserve your spot by calling Barbara Barker at 530-621-2650 or email  barbaraewing@cal.net.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP: 
Stroke survivors and their families and friends are invited to attend a monthly “Stroke Education and Support Group” that meets on the fourth Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Wilkinson-Hupcey building, 681 Main St, Room 208, Placerville. You may bring a brown-bag lunch if you like. For more information, call 530-626-2642 and ask for Amy or Cheryl.

EASTER EGG HUNT:
 The Kiwanis’ Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for March 30 at 9 a.m. in the grassy area at Lions Park, Cedar Ravine Road, Placerville. For more information, call 530-306-7661. Don’t be late!

LOCAL SPRING ART SHOW:
 Would you like to participate in a free raffle drawing for a painting by a local, award-winning artist? The Diamond Springs Art Association is presenting the Spring Art Show and Sale, beginning Monday, April 1, and running through Friday, April 5, at the El Dorado County Government Building B, 360 Fair Lane, Placerville.

HEALTHIER LIVING WORKSHOP: A new class titled “Healthier Living” is scheduled for Wednesdays, April 3 through May 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. If you are suffering from any chronic condition that affects your health, this class will help you develop the skills and confidence to manage your chronic condition. A light snack is included for each class. Sydni Aguirre from Dignity Health is the instructor. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot.

HOW TO REDUCE ELECTRIC BILLS:
 Carlyn White provided the following “British Humour Is Different” classified ad: “JOINING NUDIST COLONY! Must sell washer and dryer.”

DISCUSSION FOR THE FUN OF IT:
 “Let’s Talk” is a topical discussion group of seniors, led by Terry Provenza. This group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. The topic for April 4 is “Good Books.” Drop-ins are welcome.

DIGITAL CAMERA INSIGHT:
 Can you make your digital camera do what you want it to do? A class titled “Get to Know Your Digital Camera” is scheduled for Friday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. The class fee is $29. No prior experience with your camera is necessary for this class. Call 916-358-3575 to register.

UPBEAT, HUMOROUS WORKSHOP:
A new workshop titled “Get Ready, Get Set, Cuz We’re All Gonna Go” is scheduled for Friday, April 12, at 9:30 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. This class will offer advice on how to take proactive steps to acquire information to make informed decisions regarding health and end-of-life issues. This workshop is designed to be upbeat, humorous and thought-provoking. Beatrice Bailey is the speaker. To reserve your spot for this free class, call 916-358-3575.

HOME AND GARDEN SHOW:
 For those who like to plan ahead, the El Dorado County Home and Garden Show is scheduled for May 3, 4 and 5 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. For more information, call 530-622-7166 or visit edchomeshow@gmail.com.

A DALAI DILLY:
 The “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar notes the following observation: “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

TAX ASSISTANCE: The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is offering free help to seniors who need help preparing their tax forms. Two sites are available in Cameron Park — The Cameron Park Community Center on Tuesdays only and the Cameron Park Library on Thursdays only. To make your appointment, call 530-303-7046 between 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This program is designed for taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. 

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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