WoodbridgeLIFE November 2014

W oodbridge Volume 4 ▪ Issue 11 ▪ Number 38

November

Don’t forget! Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend (Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m.).

General elections will be held Tuesday, November 4. Exercise your right to vote.

Veterans Day is observed Tuesday, November 11.

Whether you attend a parade or sit in quiet tribute, take time to thank everyone you know who has served in the armed forces.

Their courageous sacrifices keep our country strong and free.

Add years to your life. Make a plan to quit smoking (or challenge someone else to).

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 20.

Celebrate Thanksgiving complete with the pleasure of good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the sharing of delicious foods. We can all look back and be thankful for the blessings of the past year.

Inside

Bedford and Hancock . . . 7 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 6 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 18 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 8 Where in the World . . . . . 38 WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 5

READ WBL ONLINE : http://issuu.com/ woodbridgelife

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

LIFE

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

November ▪ 2014

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

W

“An attitude of gratitude” helps us get through the more difficult times. Some keep a gratitude journal where every day they list at least three things for which they are thankful. Others simply stop a few moments each day to quietly reflect and say thank you for life’s gifts. These are healthy practices that encourage focus on the positives in our lives.

This month Woodbridge LIFE emphasizes why we are thankful for our community. The Editorial Team is thrilled Jean Kavale has joined us! To learn more about Jean, read the welcome article on page 5. Several writers describe reasons they are thankful for Woodbridge on pages 4 and 21. Judy McNamara interviews the two resident members of the Finance Committee on page 32. We thank these gentlemen for their careful analysis and thoughtful budget recommendations.

Americans celebrate Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11. Once known as Armistice Day, Jean Kavale explains how the holiday got its current name on page 14.

Jack Dauler reports Woodbridge Veterans group news on the same page.

On the fourth Thursday of the month, Americans traditionally

Page 3 • November 2014

From Dodie's Desk:

From the Editor hat do we have to be thankful for? During this holiday time of year, we reflect on that for which we are grateful. I could compile an endless list: my dear family and friends, a loving husband, good health, financial stability, living in a friendly, safe community, freedom to travel, and a long list of readily available educational, cultural, spiritual and physical activities from which to choose.

O Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor give thanks for our country and its bounty. Judy McNamara humorously explores residents’ Thanksgiving traditions on page 20 and on pages 20 and 21 Mike Spence provides some history and a Thanksgiving recipe. Bill Barnhart provides a recipe for the popular “Mississippi Caviar” on page 16. (Sounds weird, but I hear it tastes delicious!)

In another humorous article on page 36, creative writer Jim Cadle relates why he is thankful he didn’t win the lottery. Rosemary Mettler shares how the ukulele changed her life on page 13.

I am thankful for the entire Woodbridge LIFE team and all who contribute articles, information and time every month to make this an interesting and useful community newspaper.

These men and women volunteer countless hours and take great pride in putting together the paper for you. I am also thankful for the continuing support of our advertisers, which enables us to provide this paper free of charge to residents and at no cost to the homeowners’ association.

Keep reading! ~ Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team

ur holiday season has begun with Halloween today and now we await “turkey” day. But before we enjoy that turkey and share in the day of thanks, we have some special activities and events headed your way.

Woodbridge Senior Softball League will be holding its annual softball banquet for a larger group of players this year than in the past. The teams just keep growing and we’re thrilled with the increased number of residents getting involved.

Walgreens is bringing in their “Way to Well” bus for free testing, which includes cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and comprehensive weight assessment. These tests are all free to Woodbridge residents. The bus will be in the Clubhouse parking lot to serve everyone.

The Women of Woodbridge is hosting an Evening of Appreciation dinner for those Woodbridge residents who have volunteered their services in and outside of the community.

“Thank you” to all who volunteer!

The Lifestyle Committee is putting on an Italian Pasta Feed fundraiser to aid with the expenses of our New Year’s Eve party. Homemade sauces contributed by the committee will accompany all the finishing touches for the feed — pasta, salad, bread and butter and dessert. As I like to mention, this is a night you don’t have to cook!

Another first time event is the Brush & Cork night where you will paint a picture while sipping your favorite beverage.

The picture everyone will paint will be on display and this is

Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director for anyone who has wanted to try painting and for seasoned painters also. Canvas, paints and brushes will be supplied.

Proceeds will benefit the New Year's Eve party.

Another event you’ll want to support is our Artists & Crafters Holiday Boutique.

There will be lots of browsing time and there’s sure to be something to make the perfect gift or something you just can’t do without. See you there!

Our potluck for November will be our last for the 2014 year. There is always lots of variety and the food is all tasty.

We like to say, “It’s the best meal in town.” With the last Tuesday of December falling on the day before New Year’s Eve, we need that day to begin decorating and that’s why no December potluck.

The Joni Morris Christmas Show will be at the end of the month and is one you shouldn't miss. Joni wears beautiful costumes, is very entertaining, funny, and sings beautifully. It will be an enjoyable evening.

HAPPY AUTUMN DAYS!

Page 4 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

The 34 Minute Annual Meeting OR I Could Have Stayed Home and Watched the Ball Game!

By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

C

Executive Director Update

By Erika Smith

W

e all have things in our lives for which we are thankful. The most common are our families, friends and good health. I am very thankful for all of these and I am also thankful to be working here at Woodbridge.

In the couple of months I have been here, I have learned not only about the business, but have also been touched by your stories and hearts. If you would have asked me a few years ago what I would be doing today, I probably would not have said I would be serving as a member of the Woodbridge management team, but looking back, I am overjoyed I am here.

To give you my story, I was born and raised here in the city of Manteca where I attended Sierra High School. I continued on with my education and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific, Eberhardt School of Business in Stockton. Like many of you, I have seen the Woodbridge community evolve from the ground up. As we continue to grow, we accept new neighbors into our lives and our hearts.

This holiday season I urge you all to look around this beautiful community and ask yourselves, “Why am I thankful for Woodbridge?”

Executive Director Update

F

By Ramon Rivera

irst and foremost, I want to take this opportunity to thank every resident in our community for the joy you bring me every day that I get to serve YOU. I’m extremely thankful for the Woodridge community and the relationships we are developing as we continue forward. I thank each resident because, if not for you and the hard work and dedication each of you has put in, I would not have the opportunity to be here today. Each resident here had a dream to work hard day in and day out in their respective careers to one day be able to fulfill their dream to retire in a beautiful community like Woodbridge. Woodbridge and the opportunities it brings are here because of YOU! We have seen many changes here in our community. These changes have been seen in our Clubhouse and our staff and felt throughout the community. Many residents have voiced their opinions and I listen very carefully to each one. Many of you have shown overwhelming support for our staff and many others are deeply saddened and upset. For those familiar faces no longer here, I wish them the very best in their future endeavors and thank them for all they have done for our community. This is a very important time in our community. As we move forward, I ask for each and every resident to stay POSITIVE. Our team is strong and ready for the challenges ahead. The first step will be to earn the trust of you, our residents. We will set our goals and reach them through a dedication to hard work. We will keep the focus on our residents and the continuous improvement of our operations and our community. Community pride is our goal. We will visualize it and we will achieve it.

all to order at 7:08 p.m.

Quorum established.

Approved 2013 Annual Meeting Minutes.

No reports – All given at prior meeting. Treasurer recapped her report: Finance Committee provided 2015 budget and expected expenditures.

Two scenarios (aka proposed budgets), with and without approximate surplus of $36,000 rolled in. Without surplus, WOA dues = $163; with surplus, WOA dues = $161.

Open Forum. Comment re confusion of date and time of meeting. “…

Frustrating, sorry…” – Board President John Johnson. When getting new Executive Director?

“As soon as possible; have several applications and resumes.” – Johnson.

Appointment of Pulte directors to be accepted at next board meeting.

How the Woodbridge Annual Budget is Prepared

By Pamela Ciapessoni, Riverside Management

T

he preparation and management of the Association's budget is the responsibility of the Board of Directors. This responsibility is outlined in the California Civil Code. The board approves all budgets unless an increase in assessments exceeding 20 percent is contemplated. Any

Town Hall Meeting, 11/13, 2-5 p.m. – “Hopefully will have answers from previous Town Hall Meeting” – Johnson.

According to Riverside attorney, proxies were addressed to Secretary as Proxy Holder but Secretary is on vacation (“…an oversight…” - Johnson) so must adjourn to different date and time. “Like pressing pause button.”

Won’t affect quorum. Can’t appoint interim Secretary.

Those present cannot vote tonight but can fill out a new/blank proxy and not attend next meeting.

Move to adjourn [continue meeting] to 11/6 at 7 p.m.; motion carried.

“Sorry about that…” Johnson.

Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

�

increase in assessments over 20 percent requires a vote of the membership.

Budget increases that are less than the 20 percent are approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.

Annually by contract, Riverside Management prepares a Draft Pro Forma operating budget.

Each line item expense is reviewed. Vendors are contacted to determine any fee changes for the coming year. Line by line expenses year to date are reviewed to enable us to anticipate See

BUDGET page 5

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

WOA Update

By Ramon Rivera Erika Smith

New Onsite Irrigation Tech Welcome to Gilberto Martinez, our new on-site Irrigation Tech with GP Landscape. Gilberto will be in charge of maintaining our community with the direction provided by the WOA Management Team. Gilberto has an excellent work ethic and has demonstrated he is very capable of leading crews that will be brought in to perform various tasks from pruning to major irrigation repairs. The WOA is happy to have Gilberto here. Please remember to direct any landscape comments or concerns to our Facilities Manager or report them to Clubhouse front desk staff.

MPR Room and Parquet Flooring Update The WOA is happy to announce that our board has approved the sanding and recoating of our Multipurpose Room floor. We want to thank the Property and Grounds Committee for its excellent efforts, with a special thank you to Irene McHenry, Bekke Hess and Mike Spence. These committee members identified the issues with the flooring, found the solution, and turned in an excellent report. The project will be

From

BUDGET page 4

supervised by the WOA Management Team and is scheduled for the week of February 2 - 9. The parquet flooring will be scheduled soon and an announcement will be made at a later date.

New on the Portal A lot has changed on the portal recently. Clubs are starting to use the discussion groups more frequently and there have been new discussion groups added. There is also a new “General Discussion Group.” For this group, please submit a form for a new topic. If you hover over the “Discussion Groups” tab, you will see the link marked “Submit General Discussion Topic.” Click this and you can fill out the information to submit a general discussion topic. We also have a similar form under “News & Announcements” if you would like to submit a news article. The form submitted will be posted, if allowed, within 24 hours or the next business day if submitted over weekends and holidays. However, most submissions will be posted within the hour.

Remember, you can sign up for portal classes if you would like more information.

costs in the coming year as closely as possible. The Draft Pro Forma operating budget is adjusted based on the research completed for each line item and is then presented to the Finance Committee for review and input. It is also given to the onsite Operations Manager for review and input. The Operations Manager makes recommendations for personnel compensation for the coming year.

Finally, it is reviewed by the project Developer.

Following Developer review, the board reviews the budget line by line and makes any necessary changes or modifications, as it sees fit. Per the California Statute (Civ. Code 5605 (b)) boards have a duty to assess the membership sufficient money to carry out and balance the budget to include the estimated operating and reserve expenses and any special assessments should they be necessary. All income received by the association is deposited into the operating account of the association and Reserve contributions are deposited monthly in a reserve account per the budgeted amount.

Welcome, Jean Kavale

T

he Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team welcomes its newest member, Jean Kavale. Author of two books, Jean is an experienced writer and an excellent addition to our team.

Deb Ristau profiled Jean in the May 2014 edition of Woodbridge LIFE. Following are excerpts from that article.

As the daughter of U.S. Army Major General Howard Peckham and growing up during WWII, Jean developed a unique insider’s view of military leadership and politics.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she traveled with her family to many places including Washington, D.C., France and Germany.

She attended the University of

Page 5 • November 2014 Maryland, earned a degree in English and moved to New York City where she worked for the National Council of Churches.

Jean married Bob Kavale in 1959 and the two moved to the Bay Area, where they lived for more than 30 years. After four years of teaching early elementary age students, Jean enrolled in a Master’s Degree program to study theology. She worked as an offsite editor for IBM, Siemens and Lockheed, edited newsletters for the local Catholic diocese and Council of Catholic Women, and wrote the training manual for those who worked under her.

In addition to her two books (A Salute to Patriotism and Faith and Philosophy), Jean has written many articles for The Center (a theological journal), the San Jose Mercury News, the Society for Technical Communication Magazine and more.

When Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the couple began to look for a retirement community. They moved to their “perfect home” in the “perfect location” of Woodbridge in November 2007 and enjoyed many activities and events together.

Bob passed away in 2012. Jean continues to enjoy activities at the Clubhouse and has made many friends in the community.

We are thrilled to have Jean join our team!

Page 6 • November 2014

Woodbridge Owners Association Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW • Mike Wallick, Chair mike.wallick@pultegroup.com FINANCE • Christine Carlson, Chair christine.carlson@pultegroup.com LIFESTYLE • Dodie Miller, Chair millerdodie@gmail.com 824-7927 POLICY & PROCEDURES • Debby Hickey, Chair

debbyhick@comcast.net 629-8737 PROPERTY & GROUNDS • Ramon Rivera, Chair rrivera7237@yahoo.com 495-6803 COMMUNICATION • Carol Jo Hargreaves, Chair Woodbridge LIFE Editor and Directory Chair cjohargreaves@gmail.com

823-3538 WELCOMING COMMITTEE • Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net 665-4353 •

Jeanne Tebbutt, Co-Chair jltebbutt@gmail.com 923-4356

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS • Bill Barnhart bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838 •

Jenny McGehee

�

jennyleemcgehee@gmail.com

200-7460

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - November/December 2014

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director SILVER SLUGGERS ANNUAL SOFTBALL BANQUET – Saturday, November 1 @ 5 p.m.

per person. Please watch for an announcement about how and when to purchase tickets.

WESSON HEARING – Tuesday, November 4 @ 3 p.m. – This presentation will be on Brain Hearing and how “not hearing” can affect you. There will be raffle prizes given away. The theme is “All American” so wear something patriotic or have an American flag in your possession to receive an extra raffle ticket for a chance to win a free Thanksgiving dinner. All veterans in attendance will receive a raffle ticket, too. Everyone making an appointment for a free hearing screening will receive a raffle ticket. Sign up at the front desk.

OPTIMAL CARE – Tuesday, November 11 @ 6 p.m. – Empowering you to take charge of important health decisions.

What is POLST? What does it do?

Refreshments will be served. You’ll want to attend to receive important information. Sign up at the front desk.

FLU SHOTS – Wednesday, November 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. or until the shots run out. Doctors Hospital of Manteca will give 100 FREE shots in the Clubhouse.

A TOUCH OF PRESTIGE – Wednesday, November 5 @ 6 p.m. – Sample savory flavors from their Executive Chef, enjoy wine, chocolate tasting, minihand massages, cuticle treatments, neck massages, brain teasers, game tables and prize drawings. This promises to be a fun evening hosted

by Prestige Senior Living in Manteca.

Sign up at the front desk.

WALGREENS “WAY TO WELL” BUS – Friday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Clubhouse parking lot. Free health tests and services-cholesterol and glucose testing, blood pressure and comprehensive weight assessment. Sign up at the front desk.

AN EVENING OF APPRECIATION DINNER – Monday, November 10 @ 6 p.m. – This dinner hosted by the Women of Woodbridge and the Lifestyle Committee is to recognize Woodbridge volunteers who work within and outside the community.

Invited honorees may bring one paying guest each. There will be 28 additional tickets available for purchase by residents at $20

ITALIAN PASTA FEED FUNDRAISER – Wednesday, November 12 @ 5:30 p.m. – Homemade sauces, pasta, fresh salad, French bread and butter and ice cream for dessert. Here’s another night you won’t have to cook. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the front desk.

BRUSH & CORK – Thursday, November 13 @ 6:30 p.m. – A little sip, a little paint and a lot of fun! Bring your choice of beverage.

Cheese, crackers and other finger foods will be provided. You’ll paint a picture on canvas while sipping your favorite beverage. Everyone paints the same picture. All supplies are included in the price--canvas, paints and brushes. Cost is $30 per person.

Tickets went on sale October 16.

Space is limited to a maximum of 30.

Proceeds will help defray the cost of the Woodbridge New Year’s Eve party.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE - Saturday, November 15 @ 10 a.m. - All items in the boutique, homemade jams,

jewelry, woodwork, ornaments, aprons and many other handmade items, are created by members of our Artists and Crafters Charter Club. There will be beautiful items and we can’t wait to see what they’ll have to show us this time.

WINE 101 – Wednesday, November 19 @ 6 p.m. – The Wine 101 theme for November is “Grapes Grown in the Rhone Valley.” More details will follow from Jon Ford after the October Wine 101 session.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, November 25 @ 5:30 p.m. – This will be the last potluck for 2014. We’ll do an Italian night with a variety of Italian dishes. You may bring your beverage of choice. Coffee and water will be provided. Sign ups taken at the front desk.

THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST – Saturday, November 29 @ 9 a.m.

– The Men of Woodbridge will serve the annual breakfast of mimosas, orange juice, scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, fruit cocktail, coffee and water. Tickets are $7 per person and are available at the front desk.

JONI MORRIS CHRISTMAS SHOW – Saturday, November 29 @ 6:30 p.m. – Joni will keep you entertained through the entire evening. She has

See

COMING page 10

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Reaching Out Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581

Board of Directors

John Johnson, President Roger Cunning, Vice President Christine Carlson, Treasurer Garry Dudley, Secretary Carl Hansen, Director at Large

Resident Directors

Roger: 647-4380 / Garry: 648-4868

Temporary Executive Directors

Ramon Rivera:

Erika Smith:

495-6803

824-7581

Activities Director

Dodie Miller:

824-7927

Management

Riverside Management PO BOX 697 Roseville, CA 9566 916-740-2462

The opinions expressed in Woodbridge LIFE’s feature articles, paid advertisements and editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association.

WOODBRIDGE LIFE MISSION STATEMENT: “Woodbridge LIFE is a celebration of the diversified residents of Woodbridge by Del Webb in Manteca – a look at their accomplishments, an exploration of their hopes and dreams, a place to share joy, announce activities and bring neighbors together.

Woodbridge LIFE strives to enhance the lives of all residents and exceed expectations with informative articles, lively features, a calendar of events and more.”

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 7 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER

WOA

EDITOR

Carol Jo Hargreaves

824-7581

ADVERTISING Erika Smith

823-3538 824-7581

WBL EDITORIAL TEAM

Bill Barnhart 629-8838 Mel Bernstein 510-482-8304 Sharyl Burgeson 239-1492 Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair 823-3538 Ann King 650-464-0151 Judy McNamara 923-4718 Dodie Miller 824-7927 Volker Moerbitz 239-7965 Pepper Noble 239-1933 Erika Smith 824-7581 Mike Spence 924-8032

Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly

publication of the Woodbridge Owners Association, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Woodbridge

by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that would be of interest to residents. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles that in our opinion do not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association. Content submitted may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be returned. Contents copyright © 2014 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! ONLY ONE POTLUCK NIGHT REMAINING IN 2014

Tuesday, November 25 @ 5:30 p.m. – Italian night NO DECEMBER POTLUCK

Page 8 • November 2014

WOA Groups and Clubs:

Woodbridge LIFE

Groups & Clubs Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco

Contact Nedra Ball Patti Barnhart Ray Pfoutz Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun

Phone 815-9309 629-8838 239-0387 825-7137 239-0409

Chair Volleyball

Jacquie Steffy Renée St. Lawrence Dave Steffy Bill Goodwin Pat Buxton

825-7137 825-4805 823-9767 239-8663

Thursdays @ 10 a.m.

Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.

Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m.

Friday & Sat @ 6:30 p.m.

Rick Hyden Claudia Watkins Ruth Field

824-9257 823-8678 229-6977

Line Dancing Line Dancing (Evening) Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle

Patti Barnhart Bill Goodwin Terrell Estes Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Robert Philis

629-8838 823-9767 824-7464 239-5712 239-5712 239-5712 239-1542

Poker

Al Sanchez

239-8235 815-9343 239-2983

Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

Days and times vary W-FR-SA-SU @ 12:30 p.m.

Thursdays @ 7 p.m.

M-W-F @ 9:30 a.m.

Fridays @ 5:45 p.m.

2nd Monday @ 10 a.m.

Patrols 2nd Monday @ 6 p.m.

M-F Time varies M @ 2:15pm & TH @ 1 p.m.

Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m.

Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m.

Days and times vary

825-7137 239-5256 629-8060 824-2062 624-3754 239-8718 624-3945 629-8575 629-8508 629-8838 624-3779 815-9803 647-4380

1st Wed @ 10:30 a.m.

Days and times vary Various golf courses Seasonal Mondays @ 2:15 p.m.

SU - TU - TH @ 8 a.m.

3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m.

2nd Monday @ 4 p.m.

M-W-F @ 8:30 a.m.

1st Tuesday @ 10:45 a.m.

3rd Wed @ 11 a.m.

1st Wednesday @ 6 p.m.

Every other Monday @ 7 p.m.

Crochet/Knitting Cribbage Drama Game Night Game Night-also contact Grandparents Hand & Foot

Poker-also contact Joe Victoria Radio Controlled Flyers Bob Umberger Renée St. LawReaders’ Group rence Second Chance Band John Green Senior Golf Rudy Salvador Silver Sluggers Softball Butch Larson Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Tennis Mel Topping Trivia Eileen Hill Veterans Jack Dauler Walking Indoors Jacque Reynolds Wheels of Woodbridge Bill Barnhart Women of Woodbridge Birdie Nieri Wine 101 Jon Ford Woodbridge Singers Elizabeth Cunning

Meeting Day And Time M-F Time varies Thursdays @ 4:15 p.m.

Sundays @ 6 p.m.

Mondays @ 10 a.m.

3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m.

Every other Monday @ 5 825-4805 p.m.

Non-WOA Sanctioned Clubs: Club Christian Men 55ers RV Group "Just Fore Fun" Ladies' Golf Red Hat Ladies Senior Bowling Women's Bible Study

Contact Mel Reynolds Sue Edmiston Betty Buff Claudia Watkins Barbara Silva Carolyn Johnson

Phone 624-­‐3768 601-­‐9210 479-­‐3568 823-­‐8678 824-­‐0262 239-­‐0936

Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net for more detailed information

www.ourwoodbridge.net

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 9 • November 2014

November Activities Sunday

M onday

Tu e s d a y

We d n e s d a y

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 5 p.m. - Silver Sluggers Annual Softball Banquet

2

3

4

5

6

7

2 p.m. - Policies &

3 p.m. - Wesson Hearing

1 p.m. - Flu Shots

1 p.m. - Speaker Series

9 a.m. - Walgreens “Way

6 p.m. - A Touch of

7 p.m. – Annual Meeting

to Well” Bus

Prestige

of Members Recon-

Procedures Mtg

8

vened

9

10

11

12

13

5:30 p.m. - Evening of

6 p.m. - Optimal Care

5:30 p.m. - Italian Pasta

2 p.m. - Town Hall Mtg

10 a.m. - Holiday

Feed Fundraiser

6:30 p.m. - Brush & Cork

Boutique

19

20

3 p.m. - Listening Post

2 p.m. - Finance Com-

6 p.m. – Wine 101

mittee Mtg

26

27

Appreciation Dinner

16

17

23

18

24

25

14

15

21

22

28

29

Thanksgiving Day

5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

9 a.m. - MOW Thanksgiv-

Clubhouse closed

ing Breakfast 6:30 p.m. - Joni Morris Christmas Show

December Activities Sunday

Monday

1

► Clubs and groups are listed on page 8.

More detailed information may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

Tuesday

Wednesday

2

3

4

2 & 6:30 p.m. - Singers

6 p.m. - Wine 101

6 p.m. - “The Decades”

Winter Concert

7

8

Thur sday

Friday

Saturday

5

6

12

13

Dance

9

10

11

6:30 p.m. - Town Hall

3 p.m. - Board Mtg

7 p.m. - A Christmas

11 a.m. – Holiday Homes

Mtg

6:30 p.m. - Strummin’

Carol by Duffy Hudson

Tour

Wonders Christmas Concert

14

15

16

17

18

3 p.m. - Listening Post

4 p.m. - Steve’s Sun-

5:30 p.m. – Doctors

screens Hot Cocoa &

Hospital Christmas

Cookies

19

20

26

27

Party

21

22

23

24

25 Christmas Day Clubhouse Closed

28

29

30

31 6 p.m. - New Year’s Eve Party

Page 10 • November 2014 From

COMING page 6

lots of costume changes, throws in a few jokes and is an outstanding performer. We love having her back every year. She is very professional so don’t miss her Christmas show. Tickets are $20 per person.

WOODBRIDGE SINGERS WINTER CONCERT – Tuesday, December 2. Two performances: one at 2 p.m. and the other at 6:30 p.m. No tickets are required this year but please reserve your seat in advance at the front desk.

WINE 101 – Wednesday, December 3 @ 6 p.m. - The December meeting is a special Christmas potluck and wine exchange. More information to come from Jon Ford.

THE DECADES – Thursday, December 4 @ 6 p.m. – You’ll all be “wowed” again by this group’s talents. Expect an outstanding performance. This is their Christmas show so be sure to sign up early. Tickets are $15 per person and go on sale Thursday, November 6.

STRUMMIN’ WONDERS UKULELE CONCERT – Wednesday, December 10 @ 6:30 p.m. – The group will be putting on its Christmas concert again. Please bring goodies for after

Woodbridge LIFE

the concert. Sign up at the front desk.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – December 11 @ 7 p.m. - This is a one-man show with Duffy Hudson playing 36 characters in this beloved classic without the use of props or costumes.

Tickets are $8 per person and go on sale Thursday, November 13.

HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR – Saturday, December 13 @ 11 a.m. – Tour Woodbridge homes and enjoy a special lunch, holiday bake sale and raffle. Tickets are $15 per person and go on sale Friday, November 7.

DOCTORS HOSPITAL CHRISTMAS PARTY – Wednesday, December 17 @ 5:30 p.m. – Enjoy the wine and cheese social at Doctors' annual Christmas party. Sign up at the front desk.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – Wednesday, December 31 @ 6 p.m. – “A Night in Paris” – Flyer will be out the first of November. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 12.

Cost is $75 per person.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Important Notice About Cancellations When you have signed up for an event, activity or tour and you find you are unable to attend, please, as a courtesy to others, call the Clubhouse front desk (824-7581) to cancel.

If the event has a wait list, the front desk can fill the vacancy from the list. Thank you.

The deadline for submission of articles for the December 2014 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Wednesday, November 5, 2014. Please email your articles to wblife2012@gmail.com

Through the Lens

Volker Moerbitz captured the full moon from the wood bridge overlooking Morning Brook Drive.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 11 • November 2014

Page 12 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

Bridge Scores OCT 6:

Letha Watson Grace Pasion Robi Cornelius Don St. Lawrence Kathy Comden Carolee Jones Sharyl Burgeson Don Harris Phil Bookman Betty Buff Lee Stern Cherie Ford Phyllis Tindell Phil McCallion

OCT 13:

Don Harris Lee Stern Kathy Comden Grace Pasion Robi Cornelius Cherie Ford Nancy Hansen Betty Buff Don St. Lawrence Phil McCallion Phyllis Tindell Carolee Jones

4310 4150 4050 3620 3530 3400 3380 3370 3320 3130 2930 2740 2710 1940 4990 4350 3540 3320 3290 3000 2960 2760 2650 1800 2250 1830

OCT 20:

Letha Watson Don Harris Kathy Comden Lee Stern Don St. Lawrence Robi Cornelius Phil Bookman Phyllis Tindell Cherie Ford Phil McCallion Betty Buff

OCT 27:

www.ourwoodbridge.net

By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist

 BRIDGE

The Bridge Group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Oxford Room.

 FITNESS Winterizing Your Workout

At the Clubhouse

By Don St. Lawrence

Phil McCallion Betty Buff Robi Cornelius Kathy Comden Cherie Ford Phil Bookman Don St. Lawrence Lee Stern Don Harris Phyllis Tindell

4570 4300 4190 4170 3830 3460 3030 3010 2660 2330 1010 5450 3740 3060 2910 2780 2670 2610 2600 1900 1580

A

s the weather turns cold and your fitness activities turn indoors, we have a wide variety of winter activities at Woodbridge to help you battle the winter bulge.

Available activities include walking classes, yoga, an indoor swimming pool and water aerobics, Zumba, chair volleyball and the entire Lakeview Clubhouse Fitness Studio.

The Fitness Studio offers an array of state of the art resistance equipment including a rowing machine, elliptical machines, treadmills, free weights and balance training equipment.

As the holidays approach and friends and family gather around the table with food and festivities, remember to enjoy your food and drink but do your best not to over indulge. We are not bears – we do not have to put

Arts  ARTISTS & CRAFTERS

Don't Make Me Say It Out Loud

By Penny Dauler

O

nly ___ more shopping days until Christmas. NO, I’m not going there… except to say shop EARLY and come to our

Holiday Boutique Saturday, November 15 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Multipurpose Room

WBL photo contributed.

Artists and Crafters have been working hard for the Holiday Boutique.

on another winter layer – your food source will not run out.

And, come spring, you will feel much better knowing that you maintained your healthy lifestyle during the winter months.

Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels!

More than 20 booths will be filled with handmade goodies you will want to take home.

Also, November brings the Artists and Crafters usual weekly and monthly classes with a few special additions. Notably, on Friday,

November 21, at 10 a.m., we will host our bread class. No, we are not baking. Yes, we are decorating.

Check out the window for an example, then come in and sign up.

If you wish to receive our weekly email with the week’s schedule, please go on the Woodbridge portal to sign up. Open Discussion Groups, scroll to Arts and Crafts and click View. In the upper right corner, click on the blue words Subscribe Now. This is the only time you have to go on the portal for arts and crafts information.

November is the month of Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. Thank a vet November 11 for his or her service.

Let’s be thankful for family, food, friends and freedom, November 27.

�

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Woodbridge LIFE

&

 WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP

By Marie Evans

O

ur Woodbridge Readers club met at our usual time, the first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Clubhouse. I was unable to attend, as I was one of the unfortunates who suffered from flu this year. I am told that everyone enjoyed the book, Paris Letters, by Janice MacLeod and the read was described in these or similar words – “charming ... delightful ... an easy read ... a fast read.” It was recommended and presented at our October meeting by Anne Barden. The book is biographic and has also been described to me as being a travelogue and very interesting. The members I have talked to also said Anne's presentation was very interesting in that she has subscribed to the website that the author has formed called Etsy and that Anne brought some of the letters that the website mails

 WOODBRIDGE SINGERS

Page 13 • November 2014

to its subscribers to share with our readers. Janice MacLeod is not only a writer but is also an artist and pictures she has painted, which the members in attendance thoroughly enjoyed seeing, enhance these letters.

Unhappy in her job and life at the time, Ms. MacLeod asked herself the same question over and over – “How much money does it take to quit your job and move abroad?” Then one day, she answered her own question by deciding she had enough money to live in Paris for two years and the time was now and she did it. Living in Europe seems to be everywoman's dream and the story seems to be everywoman's fantasy and within a few days Ms. MacLeod found herself in Paris fulfilling those dreams! Now, I ask you, how often does THAT happen?

Not often, but it definitely would not happen if you did not follow your dreams and take that chance.

Our book for November is Bartender's Tale by Ivan Doig. December is our holiday luncheon and in January, our book is Love in a Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

K

ick off your holiday season with a stunning performance of the Woodbridge Singers! You may RSVP at the front desk starting Monday, November 3. Mark your calendar for the Winter Concert with your choice of two Singers Prepare Winter Concert performances, Tuesday, December 2, at 2 or 6:30 p.m.

By Elizabeth Cunning You may sing along to familiar holiday songs and a new “Woodbridge style” Twelve Days of Christmas led by Dave Steffy. Remember the song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside?” With our gals taking the lead, and our guys singing the echo, you’ll be humming along in no time. This year’s concert includes new resident Steve Fenske, who not only adds a wonderful tenor vocal but will be playing acoustic guitar on “All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan” and playing cello on favorite Christmas carols. A highlight of the evening is a beautiful arrangement of “Twas the Night before Christmas” with soloists Andrew Price and Roger Gibson. Our line dancers will share their talents on several tunes, including a jazzy number from the 1950s “(Everybody’s Waitin’ for) The Man with the Bag” with soloist Vicki French.

This 60-plus-member choir is working hard to bring you a memorable concert. There will be a reception after each concert. If you would like to bring goodies to share at the reception, please do so. Our last event was sold out with a waiting list. Make your plans now to join us. No tickets are required this year but please RSVP at the front desk.

 STRUMMIN' WONDERS

How the Ukulele Changed My Life

By Rosemary Mettler

M

y husband Walt and I volunteered at the Jazz Festival in Medford, Oregon, for many years before we moved to Del Webb. I loved to watch the band members stroll into the venues in their matching shirts, carrying their instrument cases in one hand and their bags with music, etc., in the other hand.

Since I had never played an instrument myself, I thought they were soooo cool.

A little over a year ago, my friend said she was going to take ukulele lessons and wanted me to go with her. As it turned out, she decided not to go at the last minute. I took the eight lessons from Carla and before I knew it, I was a member of the Strummin' Wonders Ukulele Band. Besides the concerts at the Woodbridge Clubhouse, we have played at The Commons, The Senior Center, Delicato Winery, the Baha'i New Year's celebration at the new Transit Center, the May Day Ukulele Play Day in Modesto and the Northern California Ukulele Festival held at the Reed L. Buffington Visual and Performing Arts Center at Chabot College in Hayward.

So here I am today, a 76-year-old great-grandmother strolling into venues with my fellow band members, all of us in matching shirts and carrying our instrument cases in one hand and our bags with music, etc. in the other. NOW HOW COOL IS THAT?

Photo submitted by Carla Marquardt.

Rosemary Mettler thinks the Strummin' Wonders are soooo cool.

Page 14 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

 VETERANS OF WOODBRIDGE

By Jack Dauler

N

ovember 11, 2014, is a special day; it is a day to honor all the men and women who have ever served in the armed forces of these United States. There will be parades and prayers in churches to recognize publicly the sacrifice veterans have made and just to say, “Thank you for serving.” Here in Woodbridge, our Veterans group has been invited to a Stockton high school on Veterans Day to pass on our experiences in the service.

Thursday, September 11, we held a fundraising dinner/show for our Honor Flight program. For a cost of $1,500, this program sends veterans to Washington, D.C., for a tour of our nation’s monuments. Lee Stern is the next veteran from our group to be going on this trip.

Our Memorial Brick program is near our financial goal to construct a Veterans Memorial in Liberty Park (see artist’s rendition of memorial).

All these events and programs are to support the veterans but they can never replace the experiences they have had. Ask the majority of those who served, some by request and others by volunteering, and one will hear, “I did not consider it a sacrifice; I considered it an honor.” The veteran returns home with many memories, hangs the uniform in the closet for a lifetime and occasionally tries it on to see if it fits but will continue to wear the pride of having served for a lifetime.

We brag about living in a country where freedom rings loud and strong, and it is great to be able to say that. However, November 11 is bragging time for all those who served for the protection of our freedom. We know that freedom is never free; therefore, we must never forget all the men, women and families who have sacrificed for us.

As a member of Woodbridge states on his emails, “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.”

Photo submitted by Jack Dauler

Ray Noble's rendition of the Veterans Memorial in Liberty Park.

How Veterans Day Got Its Name

By Jean Kavale

O

n battlefields throughout Europe, the clamorous sound of artillery weaponry ended when an armistice was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November 1918. Germany had been defeated, and World War I, the so-called “war to end all wars,” was mercifully over. An outpouring of joyful Americans cheered and danced in the streets in the days ahead, believing and hoping that our young men who had died on European battlefields did not die in vain.

In 1926, November 11 officially received the name Armistice Day, and in 1938 Congress proclaimed it a national holiday. Because it was considered a day to cherish world peace, it is ironic that only one year later another war began sweeping like a windstorm across Europe. So instead of being held in the comforting embrace of peace, the United States found itself embroiled in World War II, an even bigger world war than the previous one.

To Raymond Weeks, a forward-looking World War II veteran from the Deep South, the name Armistice Day no longer seemed appropriate. Instead, he formed a vision in his mind of a national holiday to honor veterans of all wars, not only World War I. Weeks sent a petition to Washington expressing his wishes in this regard, and in 1947 he organized a National Veterans Day in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Held on a crisp November 11, his celebration included a parade and other patriotic festivities. It also received much media attention. His wishes finally came true in 1954 when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill stating that Armistice Day would henceforth be known as Veterans Day, and it would honor veterans of all America’s wars.

Thereafter, Raymond Weeks became somewhat of a hero in Alabama and elsewhere in the United States, especially to veterans’ groups that had supported his cause. He was honored again in November 1982 when another president, Ronald Reagan, presented him with a well-deserved Presidential See

VETERANS page 17

How Much Do You Know About Veterans?

Compiled by Jack Dauler

I

n what war did the largest number of Americans serve in the armed forces?

World War II saw more than 16 million Americans serve.

Which state is home to the largest number of veterans?

California has the most, with 2 million. Texas and Florida are next with 1.6 million veterans in each state.

How many U.S. veterans are female?

There are 1.6 million female veterans as of 2011.

Do veterans ever serve in more than one war?

Yes. More than 1.3 million of America’s living veterans have served in more than one conflict and 54,000 have served in three wars -- WW II, Korea and Vietnam.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 15 • November 2014

Page 16 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Mississippi Caviar Submitted by Bill Barnhart

W

ith its sprightly fresh taste, this salsa is perfect with chips or as a side to chicken, beef or eggs.

Ingredients 1. 1 (15-ounce) can black-eye peas, drained 2. 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained 3. 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained 4. 2 large tomatoes (Romas are best), diced and optionally seeded 5. 1 medium onion, diced – plus optional 1 bunch green onions 6. 1 medium to large green bell pepper, diced 7. 3 tablespoons minced garlic (about 8 cloves) 8. 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (about 1/2 cup) 9. 1 – 3 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped and optionally seeded 10. Juice of 1 – 3 limes, or buy the green squeeze bottle in the produce section at the grocery store 11. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 12. 1 or 2 (0.7-ounce) package dry Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons) 13. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 14. 1/2 cup vinegar

Bill Barnhart

Instructions 1. Combine first 11 ingredients (black-eye peas through seasoning) in a large container. If you have any special seasoning you really like, add it at this time. Stir well. I like to use a very large flat Tupperware® container and keep one end raised so that the remaining liquid runs off at one end so it can be removed before adding the oil and vinegar mix.

2. Combine dressing mix, oil and vinegar. Pour over salsa mixture. Stir well. Chill at least 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips. Makes about 8 cups. If you make it the day before then do not pour the oil and vinegar mix on it until a couple hours before on the day you are going to serve it.

Recipe courtesy of Patricia Griffith, Southern Oven Foods, Relish the Holiday, "A Baking Heritage," December 2008.

Nutritional Information Per (1/2-cup) serving: 130 calories, 7g fat, 0mg chol., 4g prot., 14g carbs., 3g fiber, 430mg sodium.

Did you know Bill Barnhart’s popular Household Hints articles are posted on the Woodbridge portal? Currently you can find articles published from December 2013 through October 2014 by entering the portal and selecting Resource Center in the gray horizontal bar. Scroll down to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, click the plus sign and then click on Household Hints. You will find a list of topics and the date published.

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

VETERANS page 14

Woodbridge LIFE

Citizens Medal. Here are some of the President’s words: “For more than 50 years, Mr. Weeks has exemplified the finest traditions of American volunteerism by his unselfish service to his country. As director of the National Veterans Day Celebration in Birmingham for the past 36 years, Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran himself, has devoted his life to serving others, his community, the American veteran, and his nation. He was the driving force behind the congressional action which in 1954 established this special holiday as a day to honor all American veterans. . . .It's a pleasure for me to present Mr. Weeks the Presidential Citizens Medal, given to those who have made outstanding contributions to their country.

And, Mr. Weeks, in honoring you, we honor the ideals that we hope to live up to. Your country is mighty grateful for what you've done.”

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors members of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice, November 11 is a day to thank all our veterans for honorably serving their country in wartime, or in peacetime, or both.

We can personally express appreciation to many of our Woodbridge veterans who, like Raymond Weeks, have not only helped to keep our country free but have invested their time and talents to volunteering in the community. They, and all our veterans, are people of whom we can feel very proud.

 MEN OF WOODBRIDGE

By Ed Shoup

T

he Men of Woodbridge met at the C-K Grill in Lathrop for a delicious October breakfast meeting and discussed several topics. Fire Chief Kirk Waters has again asked to rally our group to man the telephones at the annul Boy's and Girl's Club Telethon Monday, November 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. For the last three years, our group has sent volunteers to work the phone banks. If you are interested in helping, contact Ed Shoup at 923-4729. It is a fun time and you do not have to be a member of our group. Women are welcome, too. Chief Waters loves Woodbridge!

Our group picks up trash along Highway 120 and Airport Way on the on and off ramps the third Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m.

If you would like to join our Adopt-a-Highway trash removal group, contact Paul Bowers, 825-0129, to arrange viewing a safety film.

We are planning our next cooking event, a breakfast scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday, November 29. Watch for a flyer and get your tickets early.

If you are a male resident of Woodbridge and would like to have some fun and an adventure, join our meeting held the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Quincy Room (kitchen area). Our next meeting is Monday, November 10.

Page 17 • November 2014

Serving the community since 1979.

Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence.

Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children.

We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite.

General Dentistry Mark A. Hochhalter, DDS Bonnie J. Morehead, DDS Rudy R. Ciccarelli, DDS Elizabeth C. Grecco, DDS Ron G. Joseph, DDS Daman P. Saini, DDS Harneet K. Saini, DDS

Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anesthesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment.

Pediatric Dentistry

• Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Extended Office Hours (Saturdays & Evenings) • Specialists In One Location • On-Site Lab; Same Day Repairs • Dental Implants • Esthetic Dentistry • Oral Conscious Sedation • Same Day Crowns

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Our family welcomes yours.

Mohammad El Farra, DDS* Prachi D. Shah, DDS

*General Dentist Practice Limited to Children

Mark A. Grecco, DMD Diplomate, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery MEMBERS OF:

• California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.

209.823.9341

valleyoakdentalgroup.com 1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca

Page 18 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

Garden Tasks for November

By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

I

have started to really realize how serious this drought situation is. I have to admit Sandi Larson the last time we had a drought I don’t remember thinking very seriously about it. On a recent afternoon going up to Apple Hill, I was surprised to see so many stressed and dying shrubs and trees along Highway 50. I’ve never seen that! With this serious drought, I have been saddened to read about water shortages, particularly some of the mobile home communities in the foothills actually running out of water.

They are having water trucked in to their communities. I can’t imagine what it’s like for those folks. Many people who have previously relied on wells are now getting permits to drill new wells.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

conservation to the community.

All subsequent violations will carry a penalty of $250 per occurrence.

I have actually been waiting for the city of Manteca to mandate stricter watering rules.

If you are not familiar with your irrigation system, please check with your neighbors or contact Neighbors Helping Neighbors (see page 6 for contact information). You don’t want to get a fine for watering on the wrong days. The city of Manteca water department also used to reprogram your irrigation for no charge. I am not sure if they still do.

This announcement is timely as most of us will start cutting back on our watering by November, as there is more moisture on the ground.

Let’s all pray for rain!

Here we are at the time of year when normally we’d be planting grass, trees or shrubs. Even winter vegetable gardens can normally begin in November. This year I don’t think many folks are planting grass in their backyards. I believe most Woodbridge residents are pretty conscientious. November is also a good month to look for spring bulbs in garden centers and home stores. Even when the rain begins (hopefully), you may need to hand-water those plants and pots under eaves.

Gardening in raised beds is great for seniors. Some local landscapers have planted lovely raised bed planters with wide walls to sit on. When planning raised beds, make sure you can safely and easily reach the center of the bed or you’ll be climbing in the raised bed to work it!

We have new water rules in Manteca which come into effect midDecember but will be fully in place on January 1, 2015. There are serious fines for not complying with these new rules:

City of Manteca New Mandatory Watering Rules All outdoor watering banned on Mondays.

Odd numbered businesses and residential street addresses will be allowed to water Wednesday, Friday and Sunday but not between noon and 6 p.m.

Even numbered businesses and residential addresses will be allowed to water Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday but not between noon and 6 p.m.

Water conservation measures, instead of just taking place during Daylight Saving Time, will be implemented year round. These include no washing of non-landscaped exterior ground areas without a permit, not allowing water to flow into the gutter or a drainage area for a period exceeding five minutes, and making it unlawful to wash automobiles or boats without a positive shut-off nozzle or using a bucket and sponge.

First time violators will receive a written notice with no penalty imposed.

Second violations will trigger a written notice and a $50 fine.

The fine, though, may be waived if a violator attends a brief water conservation seminar offered by the city’s Public Works Department.

The seminar will allow violators the opportunity to gain a greater knowledge of the city’s water system as well as the importance of water

Raised bed planter with a ledge to sit on.

Some great trees for fall color are Chinese pistache, crape myrtle, many varieties of Japanese maple, eastern redbud, hawthorn and gingko. Remember to water newly planted shrubs and trees fairly frequently until our rainy weather starts. Some shrubs also look pretty in the fall such as oakleaf hydrangeas, pyracantha, snowball bush and heavenly bamboo. If you want additional color, let the rose hips ripen and turn red on your rose bushes. They make nice additions to your potpourri.

When you clean up your leaves this fall, make sure you pick up as much of the debris as you can to prevent a hiding ground for rodents, snails and slugs. It will also make fertilizing your plants next spring a lot easier if the area around the roots is free.

I’ve noticed more and more folks are incorporating decorative See

GARDEN page 19

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

GARDEN page 18

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 19 • November 2014

always amazed that some of our local landscapers put in plants that normally die back in the winter but the homeowner is surprised when the plant dies back. An example is the tropical hibiscus tree.

I’ve seen these planted in several yards recently. I am not aware that they survive that well here in our climate without lights, extra heavy mulch or possibly frost cloth. I just saw an article that said the tropical hibiscus can’t tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees.

The article suggests bringing the pot inside in the winter. Now if you’re talking hardy hibiscus – no problem in our climate. I’ve had one since our second year here and it still blooms every July or August with huge blooms. I prune it back in the spring to about seven or eight inches from the ground but it comes back every year and I don’t spend much time with it. If you have a plant that dies back in the winter and your landscaper put it in, ask him if it was guaranteed. If it died because of the frost, don’t bother with that same plant again. Get something that can handle our frost that doesn’t require hand holding, special lighting, tarp covering, etc.

Life is too short to protect plants like that. I guess since I’m busy with work, I don’t have time to babysit plants. It’s survival of the fittest the last few years. Maybe when life slows down, I’ll do more babysitting of plants but it’s not happening this year.

Buy amaryllis bulbs now for December bloom. grasses into their landscape. I love them, especially this time of year when they’re backlit by the sun. Simple to care for, all you need to do is trim them back in the fall and watch them grow beautifully in the spring!

Now is a good time to purchase amaryllis bulbs for yourself or as gifts. I usually purchase three or four and put them in individual pots and then in a large oblong pot covered on top with sphagnum moss. They look wonderful around the holidays if you plant them in early November.

Frost is around the corner. We can get a frost anytime from November 1 going forward. That’s when you will find out whether that plant your landscaper put in your yard is hardy or not. I am

Community-wide Garage Sale

If you need a place to go for poinsettias or decorative dish gardens, you should head over to Duarte’s Nursery in Hughson. They are opening Saturday, November 15. They are the only grower I know that has so many beautiful varieties of poinsettias — pink, cream, variegated, spotted. This is not your big-box store poinsettia!

Arrive early to avoid being disappointed. The poinsettias make wonderful gifts for the holidays and are wonderful in baskets or large containers. Make sure you have a large trunk and bring boxes to keep the plants from tipping over. They’re showstoppers. For more information, see www.Duartenursery.com.

Save water where you can!

H

WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz

Annie Borrelli set out hand crafted items at the October sale.

Margo Dryden was ready for last month's garage sale.

appy gardening!

Page 20 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Let's Talk Turkey

By Judy McNamara

O

ne would think there would be a lot of varied Thanksgiving traditions among Woodbridge residents. Not so. Basically, it's Mom cooks the bird and the rest of the dinner, everyone stuffs themselves, sits on the couch, watches football, falls asleep and wakes up to eat more.

I found a few variations and personal remembrances such as...throwing corn cobs in a corner basket, an Italian tradition of spaghetti and antipasta with turkey, everyone breaking candy canes as wishbones and applauding the star performer, the turkey carver.

There was always talk of past Thanksgivings. Many of us remember the first turkey we ever cooked. I know I remember. I didn't know the bird came with innards ... you know, neck, etc. And, of course, there was the dropping of the bird on the floor.

"It took me three weeks to stuff the turkey. I stuffed it through the beak."

~ Phyllis Diller The kids usually sat at a separate table until they reached a certain age.

There was always the Thanksgiving prayer. For some, it was passing the candle with each person saying what they were thankful for.

Let’s not forget all the things for which we are grateful … our families, our health, and our wonderful life here at Woodbridge.

In the words of Jay Leno, “Thanksgiving, when the Indians said, ‘Well, this has been fun, but we know you have a long voyage back to England.’”

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and Moms, don't forget to pass the baton.

You've had a lot of years putting on the feast. Now it's your kids' turn.

Thanksgiving Recipes

By MIke Spence

T

he first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 in the Plymouth Colony of present day Massachusetts. Thanksgiving was proclaimed a national holiday in 1789 by President George Washington. In 1941, Congress decreed that the holiday would be 1621 Turkey Recipe 1. Find musket and load 2. Hunt for turkey 3. Hunt for turkey 4. Find the miserable turkey!

5. Field dress and carry turkey home 6. Pluck all the feathers 7. Set up roasting spit 8. Make a fire 9. Place turkey on spit over fire 10. Wipe hands on trousers or apron 11. Crank spit 12. Restock fire 13. Crank spit 14. Crank spit 15. Poke with knife looking for clear juices 16. Remove turkey from spit 17. Carve turkey 18. What’s gravy?

Norman Rockwell depicts the traditional American Thanksgiving dinner in Freedom from Want.

celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

The menu for the 1621 Thanksgiving is not known; turkey is unlikely.

The local Native Americans are believed to have been part of the feasting. There is some speculation that they brought most of the food.

What if they did have a turkey dinner in 1621? How would that recipe compare to our 21st century version?

2014 Turkey Recipe 1. Pick up frozen turkey at Raley’s 2. Thaw turkey 3. Thaw turkey 4. Thaw, you miserable turkey!

5. Remove plastic wrap and recover giblets 6. Check for pin feathers 7. Adjust oven racks 8. Preheat oven to 325 degrees 9. Place turkey in roasting pan and into oven 10. Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap 11. Call sister in Cleveland 12. Watch recording of Macy’s parade 13. Take shower and blow-dry hair 14. Watch NFL game 15. Insert instant read thermometer 16. Use silicon hot pads to remove turkey 17. Carve turkey 18. Make gravy from pan drippings See

RECIPES page 21

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

RECIPES page 20

Woodbridge LIFE

I would never presume to offer instruction or recipes on how to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner to such a large group of experienced home chefs, but I will offer one recipe that’s just a little “outside the box” and very tasty:

Roasted Turkey Roulade Ingredients: 3/4 cup large-diced dried figs, stems removed 3/4 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup Calvados or brandy 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1-1/2 cups diced onions (2 onions) 1 cup (1/2-inch-diced) celery (3 stalks) 3/4 lb. pork sausage, casings removed (sweet and hot mixed) 1-1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves 3 Tbsp. pine nuts, toasted 3 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix (Pepperidge Farms) 1-1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade 1 extra large egg, beaten Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 whole (2 halves) turkey breast, boned and butterflied 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted Method: 1. Place the dried figs and cranberries in a small saucepan and pour in the Calvados and 1/2 cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and sauté until

Why I'm Thankful For Woodbridge

I

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

t can be so easy to focus on what we don’t have and forget about what we do have, and what I do have at Woodbridge is the good fortune of having neighbors who are very special. They are caring and giving and I know they are there if and when I ever need them.

The friendships I’ve made are solid and I know they will be everlasting.

I feel lucky every day to live in Woodbridge, to be able to go to work in such a beautiful facility less than a mile from my home and not have to commute in traffic. The job opportunity was presented to me soon after I moved to Woodbridge and the idea of planning activities and events for the residents was something I knew I would love doing. Watching and sharing the fun everyone has at events fulfills what I hoped would be their expectations for the events and that’s a big “thank you” for me.

I am thankful for my health, my family, my Woodbridge home and all of the lasting friendships I have made since moving to the community. The memories of all the impromptu gatherings on the patio, the dinners, the appetizer nights, the conversations, the events that I have planned, the sharing of ideas that so many have given me and the “HELP” that I could count on time after time and that “HELP” never wanting any recognition.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Page 21 • November 2014

softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage, crumbling it into small bits with a fork, and sauté, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes, until cooked and browned. Add the figs and cranberries with the liquid, the chopped rosemary and pine nuts, and cook for 2 more minutes. Scrape up the brown bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.

Place the stuffing mix in a large bowl. Add the sausage mixture, chicken stock, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and stir well. (The stuffing may be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight.)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place a baking rack on a sheet pan.

Lay the butterflied turkey breast skin side down on a cutting board. Sprinkle the meat with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Spread the stuffing in a 1/2-inch-thick layer over the meat, leaving a half-inch border on all sides. Don't mound the stuffing or the turkey will be difficult to roll. (Place the leftover stuffing in a buttered gratin dish and bake for the last 45 minutes of roasting alongside the turkey.) Starting at 1 end, roll the turkey like a jellyroll and tuck in any stuffing that tries to escape on the sides. Tie the roast firmly with kitchen twine every 2 inches to make a compact cylinder.

Place the stuffed turkey breast seam side down on the rack on the sheet pan. Brush with the melted butter, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and roast for 1 3/4 to 2 hours, until an instant-read thermometer registers 150 degrees F in the center. (I test in a few places.) Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Carve 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve warm with the extra stuffing.

Recipe Author: 2008, Barefoot Contessa, Back to Basics – The Food Network

It’s all so deeply appreciated.

I’m thankful for all of the groups and clubs that have formed here at Woodbridge from the very beginning and that I was a little part of their formation and what they have contributed to what we all have become a part of. And we all, somehow, come together with our likes and dislikes and it brings us together at some point and strengthens the bonds of relationships.

I’m thankful for being a small part of the Woodbridge community and that Woodbridge is in the USA.

Page 22 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Softball This Month Senior Softball Season is Officially Over

By Dave Reed

•

Annual Voting for Softball Council Officers

We have 10 positions on the Woodbridge Senior Softball Council and each serves a two-year term. We rotate these positions so that we maintain some continuity on the council. Accordingly, some of these 10 positions open up one year and the rest open up the next year. The following positions are up for election to the 2015 Woodbridge Senior Softball Council: 1. The Scheduling Vice President: shall advise and consult with the president and be responsible for communications and scheduling. This vice president will perform the duties of the president in his/her absence.

2. The Events Vice President: shall advise and consult with the president and be responsible for special events.

3. The Diamond Gals Vice President: shall advise and consult with the president, be responsible for the ladies’ softball program, set game and practice schedules and other duties as outlined in Appendix C of the By-Laws document.

4. The Operations Officer: shall be in charge of the daily operations of the snack bar during games and special events or fund raising. All monies collected will be turned over to the Finance Officer.

Voting took place at the games on October 18, 20 and 22. The successful candidates will be announced at our Senior Softball end of season dinner.

•

Softball End of Season Dinner on November 1

Plans have been finalized for our annual end of softball season dinner on November 1. Fagundes will be catering. The meal will consist of a tossed salad, choice of tri-tip or chicken breast in garlic butter, Portuguese beans, macaroni and cheese, a dinner roll and cake for dessert. There will also be two bottles of wine on each table. Tickets are $10 per person. The dinner is limited to people associated with softball (players, coaches, umpires, scorekeepers, announcers, etc.) and their spouses, significant other, etc.

SPONSORS

IMPORTANT DATES

Coaches meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, November 4. All residents are welcome to attend.

Woodbridge Senior softball Council (WSSC) meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, November 4.

All residents are welcome to attend.

Check the schedule on the portal, because neither one of these meetings is normally scheduled in December and January.

The 2014 season was very memorable and we look forward to the 2015 season. If you have any questions, please give me a call, Dave Reed, WSSC Vice President Communications (209-740-6289).

Please frequent our sponsors and thank them for sponsoring our softball league.

Alhambra Water Arvin Home Systems, Inc. Chez Shari’s Center Appliance Delicato Vineyards Del Webb/Pulte Denise’s Farmers’ Market Fagundes Meats and Catering Farmington Fresh The Lori’s, PMZ Real Estate Manteca Lighting Manteca Optometry

Old McGowan’s Feed Orchard Supply Hardware Papa Murphy’s Precision Automotive Raley’s Superstores Sandi Larson, Re/Max Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens Svenhard’s Swedish Bakery Ultimate Furniture and Accessories Valero Cruisers Walgreens

 GOLF

Submitted by Dodie Miller

Results of the putting tournament held Sunday, October 19.

LADIES: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Margaret Kimura Mary Braun Terry Cummings Nina Wedlake Robin Blevins Sharon Sgro Jackie Rudy Jane Kerr Rosemary Cadle Karan Plummer Cheryl Turner Sue Price

40 44 44 44 45 45 46 48 49 50 50 50

Bob Hall Art Blevins Joe Brusco Mike Wedlake Ray Foxworth Carl Cummings Jerry Just Dick Turner Ben Kimura John Green Ralph Meyer

37 37 40 42 43 43 43 44 44 45 45

MEN: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

LADIES CLOSEST TO THE HOLE: 1. Jackie Rudy

2. Mary Braun

11 1/4"

MEN CLOSEST TO THE HOLE: 1. Robin Adams

2. Carl Cummings

12"

15"

15 1/2"

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 23 • November 2014

Breast Cancer Walk-a-Thon Photos by Jane Kerr

Kathy Dezotte (right) presents a pink scarf to raffle winner Penny Dauler.

Walkers and bicyclists of all ages participated in the Walk-aThon.

Participants carried pink balloons to be released at the Clubhouse.

Forty-eight men, women and children participated in the Woodbridge Breast Cancer Walk-a-Thon, October 12.

Page 24 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

s t n e v E g n Upcomi FLU SHOTS

The first 100 residents to arrive will get free flu shots by Doctors Hospital of Manteca.

Come to the Multipurpose Room Wednesday, November 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. for flu shots while they last.

WALGREENS "WAY TO WELL!"

Walgreens “Way to Well” health tour comes to the Clubhouse parking lot Friday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sign up at the front desk to attend the free cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and comprehensive weight assessment tests valued at $100.

This event is organized for you by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

HERE’S ANOTHER NIGHT YOU WON’T HAVE TO COOK!

The Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee invites you to its Italian Pasta Feed Wednesday, November 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

There will be homemade sauces, pasta, fresh salad, French bread and butter and ice cream for dessert.

Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the front desk.

Funds raised will help with the expenses of the Woodbridge New Year’s Eve Party.

BRUSH & CORK

A little wine, a little paint, a lot of fun!

The Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee invites you to enjoy a fun, new event Thursday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

You don’t need to be an experienced painter to attend. All levels, beginner to advanced, are welcome.

Canvas, paints and brushes will be provided, plus what everyone will paint on the canvas.

Bring your beverage of choice. Cheese, crackers and finger foods will be provided. You might want to wear an apron or smock.

Tickets are $30 per person and became available at the front desk, October 16. Group size is limited to a maximum of 30 people, so get your tickets soon! Proceeds will be used to defray the cost of the Woodbridge New Year’s Eve party.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

JONI MORRIS CHRISTMAS SHOW

Joni Morris returns to Woodbridge for a Christmas performance, Saturday, November 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7.

Joni will keep you entertained through the entire evening.

She makes lots of costume changes, throws in a few jokes and is an outstanding performer.

Don’t miss this very professional Christmas show. Tickets are $20 per person at the front desk.

THE DECADES BAND

The Decades band will return to Woodbridge to do their Christmas Show, Thursday, December 4, at 6 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

Samantha Francis and her band of northern California musicians play everything from Chuck Berry to Katy Perry and will impress you with their talents.

Please buy your tickets early for this popular event. Tickets are $15 per person and go on sale Thursday, November 6, at the front desk.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL WITH DUFFY HUDSON

Make Thursday, December 11, an unforgettable evening! Join your neighbors and friends in the Multipurpose Room at 7 p.m. for Duffy Hudson’s remarkable performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

In a one-man show, without the use of props or costumes, Hudson brings all Dickens’ 36 memorable characters to life in this beloved and timeless holiday classic.

The familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come is brought to life by Broadway and film actor, director, writer, teacher and filmmaker, Duffy Hudson, through complex vocal delineations and physical mannerisms.

Tickets are $8 per person and go on sale at the front desk Thursday, November 13.

Did you know the word “Scrooge” and the exclamation “Bah! Humbug!” were entered into the English language as a result of the popularity of this classic?

GRANDPARENTS' CHRISTMAS PARTY

Mark your calendars for the Woodbridge Grandparent group’s annual Christmas Party, Sunday, December 14, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Lakeview Clubhouse. All residents and their grandchildren are invited.

Refreshments will be served and there will be activities, games and art projects for the children. We are expecting Santa, so bring your camera.

There will be a Santa Gift Store where children may purchase gifts for 10 to 25 cents apiece. $3 donation per child or $6 per family.

Please RSVP to Claudia Watkins by email (claudia2350@msn. com) or phone (823-8678).

Optional: Donate an unwrapped gift (one per family) to be contributed to foster children through Sleep Train.

Happy holidays!

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 25 • November 2014

 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Community Neighborhood Watch Meeting

By Bob Hall

I

t is time once again for the annual Neighborhood Watch meeting where the people of our community can learn more about how this organization contributes to the well being of its residents.

I have asked the Manteca Police Department to have an officer present at the meeting to answer questions from the audience about issues that may be of concern. This is usually a very good session that helps the general public understand what the police need from us to do their job effectively and what the police can and cannot do to accomplish our wishes.

We will discuss our own patrol volunteers and what their job entails and also the many programs that are provided to the residents by this group.

A couple of topics that normally come up are golf carts and speeding on our streets by various drivers and what can be done about keeping everyone safe.

This is also the year the Neighborhood Watch officers are up for re-election. All of the incumbents for Commander, Secondin-Command, Block Captain at Large and Secretary are running for re-election. The position of Treasurer is open. If you are interested in running for any of these positions, please contact the nomination committee members: Don St. Lawrence, Barbara Silva or Shirley Smith.

The meeting will be held in the Clubhouse Tuesday, November 18, at 1 p.m. Please sign up at the front desk if you plan to attend.

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Grand Juries: How They Work

By Linda Little

W

ould you like to serve on a Grand Jury? Are you interested in learning more about how jurors are selected and how the Grand Jury functions? Those questions and more will be answered by a member of the San Joaquin Chapter of the California Grand Jury Association and featured speaker in the continuing series sponsored by the Women of Woodbridge, Thursday, November 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

The San Joaquin County Chapter is a newly formed non-profit organization, one of 30 chapters in the state. It is part of the region including Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, Placer, Solano and Yuba counties.

Its mission is to provide “a voice for accountability in government in support of the Civil Grand Jury through advocacy, education, and communication.” To this end, the organization works to engage and inform the public on how important the Grand Jury is in keeping a “watchful eye” on our local government entities.

With such a diverse population in San Joaquin County, the chapter also strives to include civic-minded individuals from all ethnic backgrounds in hopes of providing a voice for all of the area’s citizens.

There is no fee for this presentation. Please RSVP at the front desk, however, as a count is needed for set-up and preparation of materials.

More Educator Anecdotes

By MIke Spence

I

n the September issue of Woodbridge LIFE, I wrote about educators living at Woodbridge. I included a few anecdotes but not all that I had collected. Here are a few more:

One educator told me that during her decades of teaching, she continued with her personal education. She obtained several degrees and multiple teaching certificates and credentials. While her professional ability to teach multiple subjects broadened, she wanted to remain teaching a few related classes that were her passion. Late one school year, her principal asked if she would like to teach English for ninth graders beginning the next fall semester. She was very positive with her principal, mentioning she was bilingual. The principal was overjoyed. She volunteered that she spoke “English slang” and “English profanity.” She inquired of the principal: “Which do you want me to teach?” She was passed over for the assignment.

Sometimes you just can’t paraphrase and do an anecdote justice.

What follows is the text of an email I received from Linda Little, describing two indelible memories from her teaching career: The first story is about one of my most embarrassing teaching moments. During my second year at Castro Valley High, I was teaching mostly freshman English. One class had a preponderance of boys which made for a very “energetic” class of students. In fact, I recall that all of the front chairs were occupied by boys. One day I was standing at the See

EDUCATOR page 36

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 27 • November 2014

One of the many wonderful things about moving here was meeting Mary, truly an amazing lady and the toughest fighter you will ever know.

Our hearts are saddened with our sweet Mary passing away. Mary was an inspiration to so many people. Our prayers go out for dear Horace and family.

Our Mary will truly be missed by all who knew her. She is now at peace. God rest her soul … our prayers and thoughts are with Horace and family.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Mary M. DiMaggio April 20, 1944 - October 1, 2014

Mary was an angel among us and inspired us all ... We will miss her greatly.

My prayers for her family. She was such a lovely person and a joy to be around. She was an inspiration for all her talents (her painting, and her yards) and for being such a warrior against her ill health. She always had a smile and an encouraging word for you. She was one of the first persons I met here and I will miss seeing her at the craft center or in her yard.

What a courageous and beautiful friend. Love and prayers for Mary and Horace.

“The essence of life” was the way Kayo Armstrong described Mary DiMaggio in the December 2011 edition of Woodbridge LIFE. “While her talents are endless and her graciousness deep, Mary’s true passion is life itself.” As the excerpts of tributes on this page attest, those who knew Mary felt blessed and inspired by her beauty and strength.

Mary had a zest for life and a love of nature. All living things - the grass, the trees, the flowers and the water, excited her. She felt she was part of it all; she was living in God’s painted palette and had a lot to be thankful for.

Mary captured her love of living things through painting, a talent that began in childhood. With the exception of china painting, Mary’s art knowledge was self-taught. Her work has been displayed in galleries and enjoyed by hundreds of friends and family members.

Photos of Mary painting were submitted by Patti Barnhart.

Mary dealt valiantly with cancer several times since 1980. The side effects of intense chemotherapy caused grave damage to her heart but Mary’s zest for life continued after a successful heart transplant in 2003.

She determinedly beat cancer time and time again but Mary’s miraculous life came to an end October 1. Her inspiration will live on through her works of art and her memory as part of those who knew her.

Page 28 • November 2014

Service Above Self Article and photos by Volker Moerbitz

"S

ervice above self” is the motto of Rotary Club International, an international service organization whose purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 34,282 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries, uniting more than 1.2 million members.

A mural at Maple Avenue (across the street from the post office) showcases many of the services the Rotary Club provides. In front of the earth as seen from space are four volunteers representing PolioPlus – the club’s most notable current global project,

Rotary mural.

Woodbridge LIFE

contributing to the global eradication of polio. Also in the center are representatives of the club’s youth leadership program and the Rotary Peace Centers. Next to the Rotary Club’s logo – a rotating cogwheel – is a portrait of the club’s founder, Chicago attorney Paul P. Harris, who started the first club in 1905. Following the startup in Illinois, California had a huge impact in the growth of the organization, with the next three clubs being founded in San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles. Manteca’s chapter was founded in 1986. Rotary Club meetings are traditionally either breakfast or lunch meetings. The Manteca club meets for breakfast every Tuesday morning at 6:45 a.m. in the Conference Center at Doctors Hospital.

Manteca’s Rotary Club mural was created by muralist Don Gray and was dedicated by

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the Manteca Mural Society commemorating the club’s 100th anniversary in 2005.

In addition to leadership programs and medical projects, the Rotary Club is also well known for its literacy programs. This section of the organization’s work is represented in the mural by four children of different ethnicities reading a book together.

In 1986, the UNESCO declared September 8 International Literacy Day. Throughout the second week of September, Rotary Clubs all over the world conduct literacy events and take part in a reading program called "Rotary Readers," in which Rotary members spend time in classrooms reading one-on-one with students. We are thankful for Rotary members and the time they spend helping students, developing leadership programs and pursuing medical projects.

Rotary International motto.

Pickleball Corner

By Marcia Umberger

Martinez, CA, Tournament Woodbridge pickleball players are branching out to play in local tournaments. This summer found us traveling to Martinez, CA, to play with teams from around the Bay Area from Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa. We enjoyed meeting fellow pickleballers and shared stories about how long we had been playing and generally bragged about our wonderful dedicated pickleball court and soon-to-come additions in Liberty Park. Most players are playing indoors on converted basketball courts. We found it very challenging to play indoors as we are used to the outdoor courts. Indoors, a lighter ball is used.

The two Woodbridge teams were Barbara Shapiro and Valerie Shoot and Marcia and Bob Umberger.

Pat Fidler came along to cheer us on. Each time we played, we scored more points and had more fun.

Huntsman World Senior Games In early October, two Woodbridge teams competed in St. George, Utah, in the Huntsman World Senior Games. Athletes from all over the world traveled to Utah to play a wide variety of sports, not unlike the Olympics. This year, 10,500 people signed up with 500 of them in pickleball. We had some Photo contributed by Marcia Umberger. competition ahead of us! Two teams comprised of Marcia and Bob Umberger and Pat Fidler and Dick Pat Fidler (left) supported pickleball players Juarez played in the mixed doubles event. Marcia and Pat and Bob and Dick competed in women’s and men’s doubles. The Woodbridge 55ers RV Group traveled to Utah and was the Woodbridge rooting Valerie Shoot, Barbara Shapiro and Bob and section. The group also made side trips to Zion and Bryce National Parks. We will have a report for Marcia Umberger at the Martinez tournament. you in the next issue of Woodbridge LIFE. We encourage anyone who might be interested in playing or learning more about pickleball to come out to our courts any weekday at 9 a.m.

Someone is always ready to help you get started. Try it. You’ll like it!

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Hand-Carved Decoys

Woodbridge LIFE

Article and photos by Susan DeMontigny

I

t has taken Woodbridge resident Robert Burnam almost five decades to amass one of the largest private hand-carved waterfowl decoy and shorebird collections on the Pacific Coast. The love for decoys was a product of Robert's passion for hunting waterfowl.

Although he no longer hunts, Robert has hunted waterfowl on four continents of the world. His collection of 69 hand-carved decoys not only consists of both the male and female replicas of the Mallard, Pintail, Green-winged Teal and Canvasback ducks found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, but of all the waterfowl species in the Pacific Flyway.

Robert Burnam with a few of his hand-carved decoys.

Page 29 • November 2014

Robert collects only the service type decoy known in the carving world as Smoothies. The majority of his decoys are carved out of redwood.

The decoys have very little etching in the wood to define the feathers.

This type of decoy represents the decoy that actually was used for hunting back in the day.

Robert’s long time friend, artist and master carver, Joe Freitas, who lives in Rio Vista, CA, carved a number of birds in Robert’s collection.

Mr. Freitas is now 85 years young and has been carving for more than 50 years. Through the years, Mr. Freitas has won several awards at various Pacific Flyway Decoy Association shows.

Robert has been a resident of the Woodbridge community since August 2007.

Display in Robert's bathroom of a hand-carved Great Egret, Black-Necked Stilt and Black-Billed Plover incorporated into the mural showing a scene from Lake Rockwell painted by Woodbridge resident Pepper Noble.

Page 30 • November 2014

Dewey and Monika Hunt

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Gary and Melinda Fiorio

Halloween Decorations around Woodbridge

Joseph and Helen Brusco

WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz

Boice and Rosemary Glassey

Jeff and Gail Pace

Dave and Jackie Jefferson Mike and Kathy Belcher

Gary and Faye Breshears

Neal Nelson and Tatiana Astroza

George and Cathaleen Leja

Gary and Melinda Fiorio

Page 32 • November 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Detailist and Analyst Combine Expertise to Serve on Finance Committee

By Judy McNamara

Don St. Lawrence, Detailist

A

h…retirement! Bridge, sleeping in late, naps. That just didn't seem the case for Don St. Lawrence. He retired from a career in engineering and the sale of high tech hardware.

With an engineering degree and a MBA, he considers himself a generalist. He says he “knows a little about a lot.”

Besides working as a monitor who also closes the Clubhouse two nights a week, Don is secretary for both the Property and Grounds Committee and the Finance Committee. He uses his computer to create purposeful paperwork for other groups such as flyers, car show car numbers, ballots and Woodbridge 100 score sheets for the Wheels of Woodbridge. In addition, he posts the Bridge group scores on the portal and sends them to Woodbridge LIFE after play each week.

Don is one of two residents serving on the Finance Committee.

Don refers to himself as a generalist, someone with broad general knowledge and experience in several disciplines or areas. And, that he does. Being detail oriented, he likes to drill down to ferret out details like how much we pay for water and where the 14 different water meters are located.

Don feels the Finance Committee’s function is similar to that of an auditor. He strives to understand why we are spending money on this or that, not just see that the numbers add up and we are adhering to the budget. He keeps notes during Finance Committee meetings, creates the minutes and puts them on the portal after the committee approves them.

Don feels the need to budget the monies as they most likely will come in and go out rather than the numbers reflecting the same amounts every month. He suggested using an “Excel spreadsheet to calculate the month by month percentage of the annual budget, using the latest actual monthly data we have.”

Don's personal life is full. He and his wife Renée have two grown

O

Photo contributed by Tom Mishoe.

Tom Mishoe, Finance Committee.

Don St. Lawrence, Finance Committee.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

children and three grandchildren. Their daughter Lynn suggested moving to Woodbridge so they could be closer to the grandchildren.

They are so happy they made that decision and have never regretted it. Their daughter Lynn and her husband have two girls and their son Ed and his wife just blessed them with a grandson, born five months ago.

Besides liking to cook and play bridge, Don is an avid computer game player -- Sudoku, Nonogrids and jigsaws. He and Renée play bridge, gin, cribbage and dominoes. They also like to travel when they can.

Tom Mishoe, Analyst

f the two residents who sit on the Finance Committee, Tom is the one with a background in finance. Tom was a Vice President of First Interstate Bank during his 27-year career. During that time, he also served as a Commercial Lending Officer, Commercial Real Estate Officer, Regional Assistant Credit Administrator, Regional Business Development Officer and Branch Manager.

Tom says a major part of these functions involved reviewing and testing financial statements and business budgets. With all this experience, he feels well qualified to represent the residents of Woodbridge and analyze how WOA assessments are being spent. Tom's job on the committee is to prepare and present financial analyses to the board and to residents.

His professional approach augments the Finance Committee’s independent oversight of the financial aspects of the WOA. Like Don, Tom feels the need to budget the monies as they most likely will come in and go out rather than the numbers being the same

amount every month. He used Don’s Excel spreadsheet on the 2015 budget, resulting in a budget spread almost exactly the same as April, the Riverside financial analyst, originally presented.

Tom taught business courses for 13 years at California State University, Bakersfield, in the School of Business after his banking career.

Tom met his wife Judy through her sister who also worked in the Business school. Since Judy worked at California State University, East Bay, a lot of their initial communication was via the Internet. Soon after, they fell in love. Together they purchased a home in Woodbridge and after retiring in June 2007, Judy moved in. Tom followed after his retirement in December 2008.

Shortly thereafter, the two were married. Tom is now doing things he never had time to do when he was working, like traveling, reading, cooking, playing pickleball, umpiring, vegetable gardening and the most important … spending time with grandchildren.

The Woodbridge community is most fortunate to have Don and Tom with their unique areas of expertise as members of the Finance Committee, keeping us informed of the financial situation. We are grateful to them both for their tireless work on the committee.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 33 • November 2014

Page 34 • November 2014

 WINE 101

I

Woodbridge LIFE

n October John Concannon, fourth generation vintner of Concannon Vineyards in the Livermore

By Jon Ford Valley, visited us for the second time.

His “Cabernet Sauvignon Clones” presentation to Woodbridge’s Wine 101 group was the only time John has presented this address, which was accompanied by a PowerPoint slide show, to a private group. We were also treated to tastings of the Concannon Conservancy Cabernet Sauvignon and the Concannon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Participants brought Cabernet Sauvignon to share, along with a delightful appetizer.

Wine 101 is open to all Del Webb residents and no knowledge of wine is necessary. You will always leave the class with some newfound knowledge about wine. Bring your own glasses and an appetizer to share with the group. Please have your bottle uncorked and recorked when you come as this saves considerable time in the preparation.

Registration for Wine 101 always begins the day after a class.

The next class is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, so December sign-ups begin at the front desk Thursday, November 20. Besides being published in Woodbridge LIFE, this information is also listed on the portal and on flyers located in the Clubhouse in the information/activities rack outside the Multipurpose Room.

If you would like to sign up for our Wine 101 newsletter to receive information about trips, classes and wine in general, you may email jluvswine@aol and ask Jon Ford to add your name to

DID YOU KNOW...

Compiled by Mike Spence

• The Plymouth colonists’ first Thanksgiving in 1621 was celebrated with the members of the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans.

• The country that consumes the most turkeys per capita is Israel.

• In the United States, 90 percent of households have turkey for Thanksgiving and 50 percent have turkey for Christmas.

• A turkey’s field of vision is 270 degrees. That might explain why they are so elusive.

• A turkey can run at 20 MPH and have bursts of flight at 55 MPH. • Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as the symbol of the fledgling United States of America.

• The average wild turkey has 3,500 feathers.

• The loose flap of skin on a turkey’s neck is called a wattle.

• Female turkeys make a clucking sound; only male turkeys make the iconic gobbling sound.

• The state that raises the most turkeys is Minnesota.

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the email chain. This is another way to get timely information.

The classes run from 6 8:30 p.m. and class size is limited to 101 participants.

Wednesday, November 19, features Wines of the Rhone Valley.

Wednesday, December 3, is our annual Christmas Party Potluck and wine bottle exchange.

More visits from wine makers, trips to wineries and informative classes are in the making for the new year, so look for additional information in December about future events.

I hope to see you at a class.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 35 • November 2014

 WHEELS OF WOODBRIDGE

2014 Golf Cart Poker Run and Rally Results

By Butch Larson

T

he Wheels of Woodbridge car club held its third annual Golf Cart Poker Run and Rally Saturday, September 27. Eighteen teams competed to find seven checkpoints manned by Wheels members and their classic cars. This year the locations were revealed through directional clues advising teams where to travel and which compass direction to follow. Teams received one poker card at each checkpoint.

Winners of the Best Poker Hand were Gordon and Mary Lasiter with the top hand of three Jacks and a pair of nines. Carl and Terry Cummings placed second with three tens and a pair of threes.

Teams were also asked two trivia questions at each checkpoint. The top team answering Trivia questions was Debby Hickey and Sue Elkins with 10 correct answers out of a possible 14. Sandi Young and Garry Dudley finished second with nine correct answers.

First place teams received an individual plaque and a miniature wooden golf cart displaying their names in addition to having their names added to the fiveyear perpetual plaque on display in our Clubhouse.

Congratulations to all teams who participated and made this a fun event.

Wheels members manning the checkpoints with their cars included: Dan and Britt-Marie Bogue, Don and Marian McClure, Bill Barnhart and Nels Overgaard, Gary and Bonnie Pater, Ron and Karan Plummer, Vern and Maria Mendes and Don St. Lawrence and Mike Spence. Thanks to all the Checkpoint Captains and helpers for managing the checkpoints and keeping everyone on course.

The toughest question in the Trivia competition: What Manteca employer has the most local employees? Answer: The Manteca Unified School District (1,350 employees). Only two teams answered correctly. Only three teams knew the editor of Woodbridge LIFE is Carol Jo Hargreaves (we need to better publicize her major contribution in this position). Also, only three teams knew the lowest recorded temperature in Manteca was 16 degrees Fahrenheit. The easiest question: What is the name of the regional rail service for commuters between Stockton and San Jose? Answer: Altamont Commuter Express or ACE. Eighteen of 18 teams answered this question correctly. Second easiest: twelve of 18 teams knew the Great Wolf Resort was planning to build a resort west of Costco.

One hundred five people enjoyed our BBQ tri-tip dinner with potato salad, beans, Bill’s special salad, dinner roll and root beer floats. Thanks to all who served at the dinner and to our planning committee for another enjoyable event: Earl Reedy, Dave Silva, Nick Music and Butch Larson.

Photo by Butch Larson.

Mary and Gordon Lasiter won the Best Poker Hand award with three Jacks and a pair of nines.

Photo by Butch Larson.

Sue Elkins and Debby Hickey won the Trivia competition with 10 out of 14 correct answers.

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podium taking attendance and turned to write something on the chalkboard. My blouse, which buttoned in the front, got caught on the podium and opened up completely. I had just become a flasher! I’m sure parents didn’t get much information about Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (which we were studying at the time) when they asked, “What did you learn in school today?”

My second story revolves around one of my most rewarding teaching moments. Most teachers would probably agree that their rewarding moments occur when they see a struggling student succeed, no matter how big or small the accomplishment. I was teaching sophomore English and Kenny, a student diagnosed with autism, had been mainstreamed into one of my classes. Kenny had an amazing mind for mathematics; in fact, students would have him check their math homework before submitting it. However, Kenny had very limited verbal communication. This was particularly a challenge in my class since public speaking was part of the curriculum. For one assignment, students had to present a speech on a topic about which they were passion-

Luck of the Draw

By James E. Cadle

T

he old man’s thoughts drifted as aimlessly as an unmanned skiff whose lines had been cast off as. Sinatra’s lyrics from “My Way” echoed through his mind as his lips silently murmured, “Regrets, I’ve had a few…” “Regrets? Hell, yes,” he nodded. “Only one big one. If I just hadn’t bought that lottery ticket last year. It was a rush though, wasn’t it? Saw the roses, but missed the damn thorns,” he thought.

Like worn fabric, his life began unraveling the day after the big win.

Even before they claimed the 37 million, he and his long time wife argued about how they’d handle things. She saw no reason to delay claiming the money while he argued they should finesse their win.

“We need legal advice, financial guidance,” he urged. “Maybe we could form a corporation with the two of us as its officers, keep things under wraps for awhile.” She finally agreed, but the plan failed badly.

“Might as well have waved a flag at all those solicitors, charities, hucksters and new found relatives saying, ‘Here we are,’” he conceded.

It was fun at first. New houses for the girls and their families, handed over in annual percentage values to avoid gift tax consequences.

Travel, new cars, exciting business investments. The realization gradually dawned that they were working increasingly long hours each day to manage their money.

They lost several friends who had unsuccessfully sought loans for harebrained schemes. They attended fewer and fewer social events to avoid the inevitable solicitations and bad, but well-meant, jokes about their jackpot.

As the months passed, their privacy, indeed their anonymity, became ever more vital to them. Realizing their phone numbers were listed with many online accounts accessible to hackers, they changed both their home and cellular phone numbers. Changing email addresses caused old contacts to drop by the wayside.

Then the calls began. A man phoned, his deep resonant voice reminding the old man of William Conrad’s version of Matt Dillon on the old Gunsmoke radio show. At first he’d claimed to have reached a wrong number. He called back the following evening.

The early calls were innocuous, superficially friendly. “Just calling to congratulate you on your good fortune,” he said. The old man soon learned to screen his calls, recording and returning them only if he was sure of the caller’s identity. The frequency of calls from his family and close friends dwindled.

The mystery calls, becoming more sinister, continued and were recorded for police investigators. The caller hinted of “accidents” and was vaguely threatening in other ways. He told the old man, “I’ve seen

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ate. I discovered Kenny loved horses. With the help of a student aide, we got Kenny to do some minimal research and write down some basic facts about horses. I knew he had the ability to memorize those basic facts, but the real challenge would be to get him to share in front of the class. Students were expected to speak at least five minutes; I was hoping for 30 seconds for Kenny. On the day of his turn, I had him go first so he wouldn’t have to experience the more verbal students speaking before him. The students were amazing when it came to encouraging him. ”You can do it, Kenny.” “I love horses, too, Kenny.” To make the proverbially “long story short,” Kenny walked to the front of the room, spoke for almost one minute, and sat down to resounding applause and the hint of a few tears in his teacher’s eyes.

Do educators have a sense of humor? You bet. One husband and wife educator couple who lives here sent me a biographical account of their 33 years teaching. I acknowledged the information by reply email. The follow-on email from them the next day read: “Oh, did I forget to say we are in the ‘Witness Protection Program?’" you in that tony little enclave called Woodbridge. Checked it out on Google Earth. Nice landscaping you have,” he added.

More recently the caller remarked that he had located the grandkids, knew their schools, the routes they walked home each day.

The police hadn’t helped. “Oh, they’d been concerned, did their best, but too many ways exist these days to make untraceable calls,” he thought.

The old man and his wife spent sleepless nights filled with worry for the safety of the family, talked it to death, tossed increasingly wild suggestions on the table to deal with the problem.

“How about hiring bodyguards for all of us?” he asked.

“Are you serious?” his pragmatic mate responded. “Twenty-four seven for three families, grandkids scattered over half the state. And you know the kids would resent the intrusion. Maybe you should take his call,” she added, “set up a meeting. We could deal with the son of a bitch ourselves.”

“Now, I like that idea, but you know one of us would end up in serious trouble, maybe even go to prison,” the old man shot back. “Besides, he’s never asked for a dime. I think he’s waiting for me to suggest a pay-off.

That way he’s not even committing a crime.”

“Deal with him or not, there are plenty more out there who are less subtle, vicious criminals. They just haven’t found us yet,” he added.

The old man’s thoughts traced the swift, downward path of their following days. They’d moved, of course, to an isolated, confidential location; lost their friends in Woodbridge; saw the family only on rare occasions; their own relationship folding inward like a dying flower.

Then the white-hot chest pains, the frantic 911 call, the hair-raising ride to the emergency room, days in the Intensive Care Unit.

“James? James? Can you hear me?” He opened one eye and squinted at the nurse. “Good news, my friend. Your vitals are looking good today. The doctor will be in later and it’s beginning to look like you’ll be leaving us soon.”

He thought, “Leaving…as in crossing the river, kicking the bucket?”

Suddenly he realized she meant he’d be going home. As a sun breaking through thinning clouds, his clarity returned by degrees. His dear wife smiled lovingly, tears streaking her cheeks.

“Honey,” he said, “I’ve had the worst nightmare ever. I dreamed we won the lottery.”

His roommate in the next bed interjected, “Huh, I almost won last week. Hit all five numbers and missed the Mega number. Rotten luck.”

“Count your blessings,” the old man replied.

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Where in the world ?

Wow! Woodbridge LIFE has been circling the globe with our wandering residents! We will do our best to include ALL travel photographs, but space and clarity will dictate. Preference will go to those not featured in previous editions and, yes, to those in exotic locales and interesting photo ops! Send images electronically to wblife2012@gmail.com using high resolution or actual size. Thank you for your contributions. We're happy that you continue to enjoy Woodbridge LIFE. If your picture isn't here, look for it in the coming months and keep sending them in! Sorry, we can no longer accept print photos.

A Thanksgiving Request from Jim and Revea Mayhew My husband and I would like to ask you to help Second Harvest Food Bank take care of people in need this Thanksgiving.

We will be collecting money from Woodbridge residents to buy turkeys until November 14. The "Stuff the Pumpkin" donation pot will be available at the Clubhouse from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 4, 6 and 13.

If you prefer to contribute by check, make your check out to Second Harvest Food Bank. I will also be happy to pick up contributions at your home if you prefer.

Please call Revea Mayhew, Second Harvest volunteer, at 629-8106.

Revea and Jim Mayhew visited the Whaling Museum on Nantucket Island, Massaschusetts.

Mary and Chuck Gary visit The Louvre in Paris, France.

WBL Editor Carol Jo Hargreaves and family celebrated her son and daughter-in-law's tenth wedding anniversary in Kaanapali, Maui.

Robert Burnam and Susan DeMontigny stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

Luan and Dave Bland took an Alaskan cruise.

One of their ports of call was Skagway where they visited with the madam at the Red Onion Saloon.

Send travel photos to WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

Please use highest resolution and type WB TRAVEL in the subject line. All travel photos MUST be submitted electronically.