Heard over the back fence: Paint with friends

DON’T READ MY MIND:
 John Chapman provided the following T-shirt statement: “If people could read my mind . . . I’d get punched in the face a lot.”

CREATIVE PALS:
 A group called “Painting Pals” meets on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. This is a non-instruction, casual gathering of painters who enjoy art and enjoy meeting other artists. Drop-ins are welcome.

HOW TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS:
 The Center for Violence-Free Relationships has scheduled a four-week “Peace in the Home” workshop, beginning Jan. 14, at 344 Placerville Dr., Suite 11, Placerville. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Eddie at 530-295-4210. 

LEARN LINE DANCING:
 Line dancing lessons are available on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. A $2 per class donation is appreciated. You can learn new and old line dances. No partner and no line dancing experience is necessary. Charming Pat Nathan is the instructor. Drop-ins are welcome.

OPPOSITES TEACH US:
 Clara Neilsen gave me the following “Room to Grow” statement: “We find comfort among those who agree with us — growth among those who don’t.” — Frank A. Clark.

INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM REVIEW: 
The League of Women Voters is offering a kick-off “Study of California’s Initiative and Referendum Process,” on Jan. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Placerville Library conference room, 245 Fair Lane. The public is invited to participate in this study to consider and submit potential reforms.

KIDS WANT US: 
The “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” calendar states the following notion: “What our kids really want isn’t our money or our success — or our constant reminders of how hard we work. What they really want is us.”

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE:
 The free AARP Tax-Aide Service is available on Jan. 22 to low and middle income households with special attention to seniors. Call the following numbers to schedule your appointment: For appointments at Gold Country Retirement Center (Placerville) and Lake Oaks Mobile Home Park (Diamond Springs) call 530-402-9840. For appointments at Cameron Park Branch Library and Cameron Park Community Center, call 530-303-7046. For appointments at El Dorado Hills Senior Center, call 916-740-7746. For locations not listed here, call 1-888-227-7669. For more information, call Susan Larsen at 530-303-8115.

POLITE POLITICS:
Mitzi Stockel of Somerset provided the following advice: “Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you not because they are nice, but because you are!” — Author Unknown. 

PERFECT VALENTINE GIFT: 
On Feb. 13 and 14, quartets from the Gold Rush Chorus will be out delivering “Singing Valentines” for sweethearts, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, bosses or co-workers, teachers and good friends. The quartets will sing two songs, present a long-stemmed red rose and a personalized card. This special treat is available from El Dorado Hills to Pollock Pines for only $35. Call Keith Eckhardt at 530-644-4151 to request a delivery or visit www.goldrushchorus.org.

NOTHING IS REALLY FREE:
 Take a glance at Richard Lederer’s “Anguished English” calendar, and you will discover the following “advertisement:” “10 free French fry certificates — only $1!”

COMFORTABLE CHAIR YOGA:
 If you experience physical limitations due to previous injuries, chronic conditions, or general inflexibility, this may be the class for you. The first class is free. After the first class, you can purchase a four-class punch card for $30 (good for 90 days) or pay a $10 daily drop-in fee. The instructor is Donna Rixmann. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your first class spot. This class is held on Mondays, 3 to 4 p.m., at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane.

SNOW TIRES REQUIRED?
 If you need to check out road conditions, call 1-800-427-7623.

TAKE A FREE TOUR: 
A free workshop and tours of the Material Recovery Facility are available for kids of all ages, including school classes, clubs, and Scout troops. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 530-295-2818.

IT’S ALL IN A NAME?
 Review the “365 Stupidest Things Ever Said” and discover the following statement: “‘Family Feud’ host Richard Karn: A man’s name that begins with K. Contestant: Kentucky Fried Chicken.”

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED:
 The El Dorado County Community Action Council needs you to fill a vacancy representing the Community Member Section. The Council serves in an advisory capacity for our County Board of Directors and the Human Services of our community. Deadline for submitting your application is Jan. 18. To receive an application, call Star Walker at 530-621-6255.

A DALAI DILLY:
 Look over the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar, and you will discover the following notion: “You see, the past is past and the future is yet to come. That means the future is in your hands — the future entirely depends on the present. The realization gives you a great responsibility.”

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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