To help facilitate these discussions, AAA is providing a variety of free resources at www.aaa.com/seniordrivers .

People age 65 and older represent the fastest growing segment of the country’s population, which means the ability of a senior to drive safely is an issue for millions of Americans. Also, given age-related frailties, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except teenagers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Many people do not know where to turn for help to address the safety and mobility challenges often faced by older drivers and their families and AAA is here to help,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “At www.aaa.com/seniordrivers , we have tools to help manage the inevitable consequences of aging, and the effects of that aging on driving ability.”

For many seniors, conversations about continued safe driving can spark strong emotional reactions. Fortunately, these conversations also can serve as opportunities for constructive communication and problem solving.

There are some common questions that come up:

• Is it safe to continue driving?

• Are there tools to help older drivers be safer?

• When is it time to hang up the keys?

• What options exist when seniors can no longer drive?

To address this growing concern among families, AAA provides expert advice, research-based tools, and resources through its safety and mobility web site www.aaa.com/seniordrivers .

The information and tools on the site are designed to aid in prompting conversations, assessing abilities, developing and implementing action plans, and improving the comfort and safety of older drivers.

Here’s a sampling of the resources:

• Online Mature Driver Course helps older drivers decrease their risk of traffic violations, collision, and injury and can qualify them for a AAA insurance discount.

• AAA Roadwise Review is a CD-ROM program designed to assess a driver’s functional abilities important to safe driving.

• CarFit and AAA’s Smart Features for Mature Drivers help enhance seniors’ comfort and safety while driving.

• Drive Sharp is a computer-based brain fitness training program for driver safety.

That's exactly what some brave individuals are going to do to benefit Lake County Special Olympics.

On Feb. 27, 2010, Lake County will hold its first Polar Plunge into Clear Lake to benefit Lake County Special Olympic athletes.

They will join Fort Bragg, San Francisco and Fresno on this date as they all plunge into the water or gather in the chicken coop and stay dry.

Join the fun as an individual, team or business – everyone is invited.

Raise a minimum of $100 and receive an official Polar Plunge hooded sweatshirt and free admission to the post plunge party at the Kelseyville Lion's Club.

For more information, to register as a plunger or to make a donation go to www.sonc.org/polarplunge and click on the Kelseyville location. If you are too chicken to take the plunge you can always enter the chicken coop and stay dry while still collecting donations.

Lake County Special Olympics must raise money locally to pay for uniforms, equipment and transportation. The athletes participate free of charge and the coaches and other volunteers donate their time.

The athletes gain self confidence and physical fitness while enjoying the social aspect of training as well.

All money raised will benefit Lake County athletes as they train in basketball, track and field, bowling weight lifting and golf.

For more information contact Steve or Peggy Buchholz at 707-279-4280.

They will meet in the main dining room of the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive in Lucerne.

The event will start with refreshments. Members are asked to bring appetizers at 1pm.

The annual election of officers for 2010 will be held and the Appreciation Awards for 2009 will be presented.

For our annual charity, the club has chosen the Lake County Family Resource Center's Freedom House domestic violence shelter to receive contributions collected at this meeting.

For further information call Renee at 707-274-2424 or Heather at 707-263-2999.

They have sizes ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall to 8to 9 feet tall. All profits support this local troop's educational, outdoor and service activities.

The lot, located at 18990 Coyote Valley Road, will be open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, until the trees run out.

Scout leaders' aim is to build good citizens in the great outdoors. They camp and hike and learn, of course, but they also serve the community with practical projects and food collections. The leaders train young men to live effectively with skill, integrity, reverence for God and help for other people.

Want to step up to a tough challenge to be part of something that matters? The troop invites boys age 10 and a half to 17 and their parents to come check out our program.

For more information contact Scoutmaster William T. McVay, 707-987-9781, or David MacDonald, treasurer, 707-987-3549.

The Mendocino and Shasta-Trinity National Forests will sell vehicles, miscellaneous equipment and office furniture, to the highest Internet bidder.

As of Nov. 30, bid items are available on the GSA Web site, www.gsaauctions.gov .

Internet bidding began Nov. 30 and will continue through Dec. 8 until the posted deadline time per sale item, Central Standard Time.

On the GSA Web site, type in sale number 91QSCI10097 into the “Enter Search Text” box. Only Forest Service items will be displayed.

With each item of this search there is an assigned number, description, photos(s) if available, and a contact name and phone number if further inquiry is needed.

Bidders are cautioned to view the “Terms and Conditions” (in the blue tool bar at the top of the page) for all requirements regarding registering, bidding, payment, warranties, and removal of successfully bid items.

Internet sale vehicles and equipment are available for public viewing weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, through Tuesday, Dec. 8. Viewing at the Willows office will include Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Following are the forest contacts:

Mendocino National Forest

825 N. Humboldt Avenue, Willows

Contact: Sandy Benamati, 530-934-1119 or Hank Foushay, 530-635-7002

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

6101 Airport Road, Redding

Contact: April Smith, 530-226-2790

The Dec. 9 meeting has been canceled.

The next regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010.