Heard over the back fence: Sew4Vets back in action

DON’T TAPE WISDOM: 
My fellow doughnut addict, John Chapman, provided the following T-shirt statement: “Even Duct Tape Can’t Fix Stupid. But . . . It Can Muffle the Sound!”

GIVE OUR VETS A HAND: 
The “Sew 4 Vets” group has started up again. They meet twice a month, on the first Tuesday and second Thursday of each month. Members create wheelchair lap quilts, lap quilts, walker bogs, bibs, and Alzheimer fidget aprons for veterans in local veterans hospitals. The next two meetings will be on March 5 and March 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building, Placerville Dr. For more information call Darlene Chambers at 530-622-0375 or Karen Wilson at 530-676-2022.

READERS’ ALERT!
 Used books are for sale on the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane (in the back parking lot). Please note that books are now priced by the bag or individually.

WEAR A HAT:
 The following winter advice appeared in the Senior Times Newsletter: “FEET COLD? WEAR A HAT. Although your head and neck take up only 10 percent of your body surface, you can lose more than 30 percent of your body heat through your noodle (kids lose up to 60 percent).”

POETS NIGHT OUT:
 The “Poetry Off the Shelves” group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane, from 6 to 7 p.m. You may read a poem from your favorite poet, read your own poem, or just come to listen.

CHILI COOK OFF TIME!
 The 13th annual Jack Herrmann “Chili Cook-Off” is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, at the El Dorado Community Hall, El Dorado. You can bring your chili entry at 4 p.m. Judging starts at 5 p.m. You can purchase a chili dinner at 6:30 p.m. for $8. There is no entry fee. Prizes will be given for f1rst through fifth place. For more information, call 530-622-9840.

BREAKFAST WITH OUR VETERANS:
 Our veterans continue to offer a tasty breakfast for a very reasonable price. Breakfast includes juice, coffee, eggs, sausage, and biscuits and gravy, too! Breakfast is available on the first, second and third Sunday of the month from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, off Placerville Drive, adjacent to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. All proceeds go toward veterans’ charities.

BODY AND BRAIN NOURISHMENT:
 The “Brain Connections” sessions are on the third Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. Judy Bakke is the group facilitator. The class fee is $5. Judy will identify practical ways to increase memory and stay mentally sharp. You can nourish your brain and body by enjoying breakfast. Call 916-358-3575 to reserve your spot.

MAKING KIDS HAPPY: 
The Boys and Girls Club is very thankful to Premier Sponsor of the Snowball Shopping Spree, El Dorado Disposal. 150 children were able to shop for much-needed clothes, shoes and other necessities. What a great event!

FREE INTERNET CLASSES: 
You can learn how to use internet and email. Free instruction classes are available at the Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane, on Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., from Feb. 27 through April 17. The trainer is Lynn Austin, cell phone number 562-852-8409. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 530-621-5540.

“VETERANS FOR PEACE” PRESENTATION:
 On March 10, from 1 to 3 p.m., members of the Veterans for Peace will be speaking at the Veterans Memorial Hall, Placerville. The topic for discussion is “Imperialism and Current Military Exploits.” For more information, call Mary Bergquist at 530-620-2052. This meeting will be upstairs in the East Room.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS:
 For those who like to plan ahead, you are invited to promote your business at the 33rd annual Home and Garden Show, scheduled for May 3 through May 5, at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Placerville. If you are interested in being a participant in this Home and Garden Show, call 530-622-7166 or visit info@edchomeshow.com or edchomeshow.com.

SENIOR INFORMATION AVAILABLE:
 Recently, the El Dorado Hills Senior Center published its spring edition of “Spotlight on Seniors.” This edition lists activities and programs to be available at the Senior Center in upcoming months. To be placed on the mailing list to receive this quarterly publication, call 916-358-3575.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: 
An Alzheimer’s Association Support Group meets every third Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane. Trained facilitators are Ginger McMurchie and Felicia Juntunen. This group provides the following benefits for participants: Express feelings; give and receive support; learn about Alzheimer’s disease; discover more effective ways to cope with and care for your loved one.

A DALAI DILLY:
 Pick up the “Insight from the Dalai Lama” calendar, and you will find the following advice: “To counter anger, you should cultivate love and compassion.”

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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