Woodbridge LIFE October 2014 by Woodbridge LIFE

W oodbridge

LIFE

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

Volume 4 ▪ Issue 10 ▪ Number 37

October ▪ 2014

October

In August’s “Dog Days of Summer” edition, we promised cat lovers equal opportunity to share about the special cats in their lives. Although response was not as large as anticipated, photos and stories about favorite felines can be found on page 29. People’s feelings about cats may range from one end of the spectrum to the other. Cats are known to be aloof and independent, yet cats’ personalities are multitudinous and their mannerisms may vary from day to day. They can be loving, loyal companions. Contributors to this edition told us about cats as mentors, cats as miracles, and cats who watch golf.

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 . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

Article and photo by Mel Bernstein

xcuse me. What time is it?" "Pardon me. Do you have the time?" These or variations which lack the polite portion, initiate one of the most common interchanges between strangers. Most of us feel naked without a wristwatch, unless we have our mobile device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.) filling the role of timekeeper. Beginning with sundials, man has constantly developed new ways of telling time. We are obsessed with marking time and resigned to the fact that it constantly passes, never to be repeated. "Stop wasting my time ..." is an acknowledgment of this reality.

Perhaps if one collects clocks, as does Sam Larussa, a sense of time can be had which eludes those of us who may have only a wristwatch (or two), a mobile phone and a microwave oven with which to mark time. Sam has some 25 clocks hanging on walls, sitting on furniture or standing on the floor. The latter, of course, is his grandfather clock, while those on walls tend to be cuckcoo clocks. Sam has fond memories of the cuckoo clock that hung in the kitchen of his childhood home and has been collecting clocks for the past 30 plus years. When the family cuckoo clock ceased to work, Sam’s

See

CLOCKS page 25

Happy Third Birthday, Woodbridge LIFE! Congratulations to the Woodbridge LIFE team, celebrating three amazing years this month!

The first issue was published in October 2011 and the community has since enjoyed 36 fabulous issues at no cost to residents or burden on the WOA budget. Many thanks to all our faithful editorial team volunteers who have made the paper a success through the years. And, special thanks to Carol Jo Hargreaves, Sharyl Burgeson and Pepper Noble who have graciously given their talent, expertise and countless hours of work since the very first issue.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 3 • October 2014

From the Boardroom By Kayo Armstrong

s you know, the WOA Board of Directors consists of five members who lead the association in the best interest of the community as a whole. Working as a team, these individuals continually strive to make decisions that benefit all aspects of the overall well-being of the community. Two of the directors on the board are resident representatives while three represent and are appointed by the Declarant, Pulte Homes/Del Webb. Carl Hansen was appointed to the WOA board by Pulte in July 2013 and since then has been an integral and beneficial part of the association’s leadership. Carl is committed to leading Woodbridge to be its best through his role with the board. While Carl may be fairly new to the board of directors, he’s certainly not new to Woodbridge.

convenience to resident users. Says Carl, “The under-stair cubbies also prevent residents from bumping their heads on the stairs while in the free weight area.” Another example of Carl’s creativity is the custom stained glass in several locations. Carl recalls, “The stained glass was a unique challenge. We wanted to provide stained glass art pieces that represented the community and lifestyle, so my duty was to fulfill that

In 2004, a Pulte team was formed to develop a premier active adult community in California’s Central Valley. Top executives in construction, purchasing, land development and active adult marketing were recruited to the Photo provided by Carl Hansen. area to create a dream called From left, former Pulte Land Development Manager Bill Johnson, Woodbridge, and Carl was there Marketing Vice President Kayo Armstrong, Purchasing Vice from the beginning. Long before President Carl Hansen and Division President Chris Schimunek any ground had been broken or hold the spire before placing it on the concession stand roof. infrastructure laid, this team was busy planning all aspects of this fabulous community from the smallest detail in request. I saw some stained glass at my son’s your home to the landmark clock tower on the orthodontist in Modesto, inquired where it Clubhouse. came from, and soon I was in touch with Robert Tedore of Custom Art Glass in Modesto. I then Carl served as the vice president of purchasing had the privilege of working with him to finalize for the Pulte/Del Webb Central Valley division design ideas.” The stained glass in the living and was integrally involved in the design room is the artist’s adaptation of the famous and appointments of the original Woodbridge Stockbridge street scene by Norman Rockwell, homes. He hired the contactors and directed the but instead of depicting buildings at the holidays, purchasing efforts to ensure every aspect of the it represents our original model homes, lake and homes was top notch. Carl went on to serve as the project manager for the Lakeview Clubhouse, signature clock tower. The stained glass pieces in the Fitness Center and Community Retreat leading the construction team which built the represent various aspects of the Del Webb “heart” of your community. The tile on the roof, lifestyle at Woodbridge. the tile on the floors and every intricate detail in between feature Carl’s signature stamp of In addition to his role as director on the approval. WOA board, Carl serves as Pulte’s Process Improvement Manager for the Northern Some of the special touches in the Clubhouse California division, providing administrative are a result of Carl’s ingenuity and commitment leadership for field operations. In this role, he to the building. For example, in the Fitness works with construction and customer service to Center, the architects didn’t include the bench improve internal processes, control costs, develop at the entry nor the storage “cubbies” under quality control and quality improvements, the stairs, but Carl added them for enhanced

oversee product research and manage training certifications. In addition, Carl is the division’s safety director. Carl has been with the company for about 13 years, having started his Pulte career in Las Vegas. While not at work, Carl lives life to its fullest with his wife and four children who keep his time occupied with basketball, Boy Scouts, dance, gymnastics and toy cars. An avid mountain climber, Carl has climbed Mt. Shasta, Mt. Rainier and even ascended the Grand Teton. According to Carl, “I play hard and work even harder to ensure my children grow up in an atmosphere of a strong work ethic and zest for life. I’m thankful to have had the opportunities I’ve had with an upstanding company like Pulte Homes. Developing Woodbridge was certainly one of the highlights of my career to date, and I’m delighted to stay involved with the board as the community grows.” Reflecting on the Lakeview Clubhouse, Carl adds, “The entire building is amazing and [it is] most rewarding to see people utilizing the building for its various functions and activities as planned. While retirement is still many years in the future for Carl, he looks forward to someday settling into a Del Webb community and living the lifestyle he’s worked so hard to provide for many others. Woodbridge is fortunate to have Carl Hansen on our board of directors.

Photo provided by Carl Hansen.

Carl Hansen on a construction lift during construction of the Clubhouse.

Page 4 • October 2014

Update

By Kayo Armstrong

t Woodbridge, our resident volunteerism is one of the characteristics that makes us such a wonderful community. From the resident board directors who sacrifice endless hours to provide leadership in all aspects of the community to the Men of Woodbridge who pick up trash to beautify Highway 120, Woodbridge residents are dedicated to giving generously of their time and talents. Some of our volunteers work well beyond the walls of Woodbridge making the community better and some of them are right here in our own neighborhoods making life a little easier for fellow residents. Neighbors Helping Neighbors was one of the original Woodbridge service organizations formed in the early days of the community. For several years now, co-leaders Bea Lingenfelter, Monika Hunt and Sandy Herrera have led this committee’s efforts by coordinating free services to Woodbridge residents. Working with several volunteers in varying areas of expertise, Bea, Monika and Sandy have taken calls from residents in need and then matched them up with a resident volunteer who provides the service. From temporary meals to

Woodbridge LIFE

grocery shopping, programming sprinklers to changing a light bulb, or hanging pictures and connecting a home printer, Neighbors Helping Neighbors is the “Can AND Will Do” Woodbridge team. Over the years, Bea, Monika and Sandy have helped residents with hundreds of tasks around their homes. After several years of service to Woodbridge, Bea, Monika and Sandy are passing on the baton. These three individuals were recognized at the September WOA meeting and given great praise for their efforts helping others. The new Neighbors Helping Neighbors coordinators assumed the reins in August and are already giving the program a new look. These new leaders are Bill Barnhart and Jenny McGehee, and they are looking for a third individual to complete the leadership team. If you are interested in helping with Neighbors Helping Neighbors as a coordinator or volunteer serviceprovider, please contact Bill or Jenny. For contact information see page 35. Many thanks to Bill and Jenny… your contributions to the community are greatly valued. Thank you to all of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors – you make Woodbridge a great place to be!

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WOA Update By Kayo Armstrong

New Community Volunteers Many thanks to the following residents who have volunteered to serve on the various WOA committees: Jenny McGehee - Property & Grounds AND Neighbors Helping Neighbors Sandy Davison – Lifestyle Bob Perrin - Lifestyle Perry Gibson - Lifestyle Your contributions to the community are greatly appreciated! Speeders — PLEASE Slow Down! Please remember that all streets within the community are 25 MPH … all locations, all times. Please respect your neighbors, your community and everyone’s safety by obeying the posted speed limit. Automated Doors in the Clubhouse As a reminder, all automated doors in the Clubhouse are battery operated, with the exception of the main entry. As such, these batteries need to be charged by manual openings. Each automatic opening requires 10 manual openings to keep the doors working for those who need them. If you do not need the automatic door, please open it

manually to create the additional charge. Also, please ensure the automatic doors are not used unnecessarily or by grandchildren for play.

Trash Containers As a reminder, trash receptacles or “toters” may be placed out for pick up on Wednesday after sundown (for Thursday pick up) and must be taken back on Thursday (trash pick up day). Please remember not to put your trash containers out prior to sundown the evening before pick up. The city also requires toters be placed at least three feet apart from other toters and five feet from parked cars. For more information, visit http://www.ci.manteca.ca.us/ pwt/swdiv/trash.asp. Thanks for keeping Woodbridge looking beautiful! Home Security The city of Manteca requires a permit for home security systems. Please be sure you’ve obtained one of these if you utilize a security monitoring service. A full FAQ can be found at this site: http://www. ci.manteca.ca.us/police/FAQ/faqalarm_permits.htm

Thank you, Kayo

I WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz. Monika Hunt (center) was recognized at the 9/24 WOA board meeting for years of volunteer service to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors committee. Jenny McGehee (left) and Bill Barnhart (right), newly appointed leaders of the committee, are looking for a third individual to complete the team.

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

t is with heavy heart that the Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team bids farewell to our leader, Kayo Armstrong. It was Kayo’s vision for a community newspaper that caused us to embark on this project three years ago. Valuable team members have come and gone since the first edition of Woodbridge LIFE was published in October 2011, but Kayo remained steadfast in her support. We thank Kayo for her creative ideas, her organizational skills and her devotion to the celebration of the good in our community. She was the first to share joy (and shoulder sadness), to recognize achievement and accomplishment, and to guide the team according to the principles of the Woodbridge lifestyle. Every month Kayo sold ads, wrote and proofread articles, checked facts and congratulated the team on the latest edition as if it were the first and best yet. Thank you, Kayo. We will miss your cheerful demeanor and positive support.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 5 • October 2014

From Dodie's Desk:

From the Editor By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

he fall season has officially begun and Woodbridge is anticipating Hoedowns, Halloween and Holiday Boutiques. You will find a History of Halloween on page 36 and a piece on Manteca’s “Pumpkin Harvest” mural on page 28, both penned by WBL team member Volker Moerbitz. The theme of this month’s edition of Woodbridge LIFE is not only the changing of the seasons but also “collections.” To introduce us to the topic, Mike Spence contributed a humorous yet informational piece covering the myriad meanings of the word and its plural form. You will find Mike’s article on page 20. Woodbridge residents collect myriads of diverse items in all sizes and shapes. Each collection featured in this edition is as unique and interesting as its owner(s). Mel Bernstein introduces us to Sam and Pam Larussa in “Hickory Dickory Dock” on the front page. It is difficult to imagine living in the cacophony of such a “clock house” but we commend Sam for taking the time to maintain more than 25 clocks on a regular basis! Earl and Dolly Reedy have collected chocolate molds for more than 40 years. The size of their collection is truly remarkable (see photos on page 21). These souvenirs of trips to foreign (and not so foreign) countries bring back fond memories and are surely the beginning of many a good story. Bonnie Pater collects seashells. From small to large, Bonnie displays nature’s artwork on lighted glass shelves so the beautiful and unusual shells are visible from all angles. The photos of Bonnie’s shells are on page 21. Not the largest in number but certainly the heaviest collection is Bill Barnhart’s assemblage of six automobiles, all but one collected since he moved to Woodbridge seven

Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor years ago (see page 20). From a 1957 T-Bird Model D to a 2009 fuel-efficient Prius, Bill’s collection represents not only form but function. Robin Adams’ collection of unusual wind-up toys shown on pages 20 and 21 has been accumulated over the past 30 or so years. Robin and his late wife Sue added a new wind-up to their collection every time they took a road trip. Robin is also fascinated by elephants. His collection includes pachyderms made of alabaster, ceramic, glass, ivory, jade, porcelain, volcano ash, wax, and wood. In addition to collections, in this edition you’ll find a feature article by Judy McNamara introducing talented resident musician, Bill Kistner (on page 30). We highlight the Neighbor Helping Neighbors committee on page 4 and share photos of the successful Veterans Dinner/Dance and Fire Station First Anniversary on pages 14 and 27, respectively. Until next month, keep reading! ~ Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

know this is going to be disappointing news, but we are going to reschedule the Crab Feed Fundraiser dinner to January or February when crab is fresh and abundant. At this time of year, the Lifestyle Committee wasn’t assured of getting crab and most likely it would have been frozen, not fresh. We surely don’t want Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director that. Just think about how GOOD it’s going the planning stages of what to taste when we do all sit should be another evening down to that dinner in a few of fun. We should be seeing months. It will be worth the what they have in store for wait! their banquet soon. Those of you who are planning to participate in the community-wide garage sale tomorrow (Saturday, October 4) need to have all of your special sale items out and ready to sell by 8 a.m. The Women of Woodbridge (WOW) is in the planning stages of a Hoedown this year to change their usual Oktoberfest a little. The catered dinner sounds delicious: BBQ chicken, cheesy potatoes, cole slaw and Dutch apple pie. I love catered dinners! No cooking that night. WOW will also be having a watermelon eating contest. All those seeds sound messy but fun! Our Senior Golf Group will be holding its first awards banquet to recognize their golf participants. We’ll have to wait to see who receives special awards. The Silver Sluggers softball banquet committee is in

Doctors Hospital will once again be hosting the wine and cheese social Halloween - style on October 30. I’m expecting to see a lot of costumes worn this year as so many have done in the past. Everyone will be looking forward to guessing who’s behind those masks. The November calendar is already full of greatsounding activities - an Italian Pasta Feed fundraiser, the Holiday Boutique, Men of Woodbridge’s Thanksgiving breakfast and a Christmas show by Joni Morris. APPRECIATE EVERY DAY!

Page 6 • October 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 - October/November 2014 By Dodie Miller, Activities Director COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE – Saturday, October 4, starting at 8 a.m. Place your sale items in front of your garage. This event is advertised in the Manteca Bulletin, so expect a good flow of traffic. Please be sure you have everything cleaned up by 2 p.m. WINE 101 – Wednesday, October 15 @ 6 p.m. – John Concannon, fourth generation vintner, will replicate the keynote speech he delivered to the Wine Institute of California about cabernet sauvignon clones. Bring your wine glass(es), an appetizer to share and a bottle of your favorite cabernet sauvignon (opened and recorked). Everyone will also be treated to Concannon’s Cabernet Sauvignon.

WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE HARVEST HOEDOWN – Wednesday, October 22 @ 6 p.m. – Dinner is BBQ chicken, cheesy potatoes, cole slaw and Dutch apple pie. There will be a watermelon eating contest. Tickets are $20 pp and went on sale Wednesday, October 1. SENIOR GOLF AWARDS BANQUET Thursday, October 23 – 6 p.m. This dinner recognizes and gives awards to participants. Senior Golf Group members will receive information about the banquet.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, October 28 @ 5:30 p.m. – Casseroles and salads, desserts, bread and butter. Please make sure your dish can feed eight to 10 people. Sign up at the front desk to reserve your seat. Coffee and water provided. You may bring your beverage of choice.

DOCTORS HOSPITAL HALLOWEEN PARTY – Thursday, October 30 @ 5:30 p.m. - This is a wine and cheese social. Be sure to dress in your favorite Halloween costume. Doctors Hospital staff will conduct the costume judging. SILVER SLUGGERS ANNUAL SOFTBALL BANQUET – Saturday, November 1 @ 5 p.m. – Details to be announced.

WESSON HEARING – Tuesday, November 4 @ 3 p.m. – No information yet on their presentation. WINE 101 – Wednesday, November 5 @ 6 p.m. – Jon Ford will inform Wine 101 participants about the November meeting after the October 15 get together.

AN EVENING OF APPRECIATION DINNER – Monday, November 10 @ 6 p.m. – This dinner will honor Woodbridge residents who do volunteer work within and outside the community. ITALIAN PASTA FEED – Wednesday, November 12 @ 5:30 p.m. – Pasta dinner with plain or meat sauce, salad, French bread and butter, and ice cream for dessert. Here’s another night you won’t have to cook. Ticket price TBD. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, October 15.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE - Saturday, November 15 @ 10 a.m. - All items in the boutique are made by members of the Artists and Crafters. Detailed information will be posted later.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, November 25 @ 5:30 p.m. – This is an Italian night and the last potluck for 2014. THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST – Saturday, November 29 @ 9 a.m. – Men of Woodbridge will prepare its annual breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and juice. Price and flyers should be out by the end of

October.

JONI MORRIS CHRISTMAS SHOW – Saturday, November 29 @ 6:30 p.m. – Joni Morris will keep you entertained through the entire evening. There will be lots of costume changes, a few jokes and outstanding singing. We love having Joni back every year. Tickets are $20 pp and go on sale Monday, October 27.

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.

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 • October 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.

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! ONLY TWO POTLUCK NIGHTS REMAINING IN 2014 Tuesday, October 28 @ 5:30 p.m. – Casseroles, salads, desserts, bread and butter Tuesday, November 25 @ 5:30 p.m. – Italian night NO DECEMBER POTLUCK

Page 8 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

WOA Groups and Clubs: Group, Club Artists & Crafters Painters Quilters Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco Chair Volleyball Cribbage Crochet/Knitting Dance -‐ Ballroom Dance -‐ Line Drama Game Night Golf Group Grandparents Hand & Foot Cards Walking Indoors Class Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle Poker Poker -‐ also may contact Radio Controlled Flyers Readers' Club Second Chance Band Strummin' Wonders Tennis Trivia (Fun Trivia) Veterans WB Softball Wheels of Woodbridge Wine 101 Women of Woodbridge Woodbridge Creative Writing Group Woodbridge Singers

Contact Nedra Ball

Phone 815-‐9309

Ray Pfoutz Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun Jacquie Steffy Dave Steffy Renée St. Lawrence Patti Barnhart Patti Barnhart Claudette Conklin Pat Buxton Rudy Salvador Claudia Watkins Ruth Field Jacque Reynolds Terrell Estes Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Claudia Watkins Al Sanchez Joe Victoria Bob Umberger Renée St. Lawrence John Green Carla Marquardt Mel Topping Bob Hall Jack Dauler Butch Larson Bill Barnhart Jon Ford Birdie Nieri

239-‐0387 825-‐7137 239-‐0409 825-‐4805 825-‐4805 825-‐7137 629-‐8838 629-‐8838 985-‐4282 239-‐8663 629-‐8060 823-‐8678 229-‐6977 629-‐8508 824-‐7464 239-‐5712 239-‐5712 239-‐5712 823-‐8678 239-‐8235 815-‐9343 239-‐2983 825-‐7137 239-‐5256 624-‐3754 239-‐8718 239-‐5712 629-‐8575 824-‐2062 629-‐8838 815-‐9803 624-‐3779

Phil Bookman Elizabeth Cunning

916-‐897-‐4345 647-‐4380

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

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 9 • October 2014

October Activities Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

6 p.m. - Annual Member-

8 a.m. - Community

ship Meeting

Garage Sale

6:30 p.m. - Town Hall

3 p.m. - Listening Post

2 p.m. - Finance Mtg

Mtg

6 p.m. - Wine 101

6 p.m. - Board Mtg

6 p.m. - WOW Hoedown

6 p.m. - Senior Golf

Awards Banquet

27 5 p.m. - Oktoberfest by

5:30 p.m. - Potluck

Thorson Financial

5 p.m. - Steve’s Sunscreens Dinner

Monday

pital Halloween Party

► Clubs and groups are listed on page 8.

More detailed information may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse. WOA meetings listed on page 4.

November Activities Sunday

5:30 p.m. - Doctors Hos-

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

NOTE: No Board

Mtg or New Resident

5 p.m. - Silver Sluggers

Orientation in November

Annual Softball Banquet

2 p.m. - Policies &

5:30 p.m. - Italian Pasta

2 p.m. - Speaker Series

10 a.m. - Holiday

Procedures Mtg

Feed

3 p.m. - Property & Gr.

Boutique

Saturday

3 p.m. - Wesson Hearing

6 p.m. - Wine 101

6 p.m. - Evening of

5:30 p.m. - Canvas,

Appreciation Dinner

Cabernet & Chardonnay

7 p.m. - Trivia Night

3 p.m. - Listening Post

2 p.m. - Finance

Committee Mtg

25 5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

9 a.m. - MOW Thanksgiving Breakfast 6:30 p.m. - Joni Morris Christmas Show

Page 10 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Through the Lens

Woodbridge's Wood Bridge

Photo by Ray Pfoutz.

Photo by Judy Cooper.

Photo by Ray Pfoutz.

"I had a pleasant surprise when a lady contacted me who saw this picture in the Manteca Bulletin. I submitted this photo to the Manteca paper to be included in their request for sunset farm photos some weeks back. It appeared with other photos in the latter part of the first week in September. This barn, house and 200 acres on Airport Way, just south of our Daisywood entrance, belonged to her family from the days of her grandfather. She lived there until 2008. Her dad had affection for the barn and she was interested in the sunset photo of it. I provided her with a 16” by 32” electronic image that she took to Costco to have a canvas print made as a gift for her dad. I am glad that I submitted the photo, which enabled her to have this picture for her dad."

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 11 â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

Page 12 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

SEPT 15:

By Don St. Lawrence

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

Bridge Scores SEPT 1:

Don St. Lawrence Carolee Jones Betty Buff Don Harris Kathy Comden Grace Pasion Phyllis Tindell Robi Cornelius Phil McCallion Letha Watson Nancy Hansen Phil Bookman

SEPT 8:

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

6730 4340 4090 4070 3980 3910 3230 2850 2540 2280 2050 1890 4190 3470 3360 3350 3240 2980 2740 2650 2260 2250 1830

Phyllis Tindell Shirley Lopes Nancy Hansen Robi Cornelius Don Harris Lee Stern Cherie Ford Betty Buff Phil McCallion Letha Watson Phil Bookman

SEPT 22:

Carolee Jones Don Harris Shirley Lopes Cherie Ford Letha Watson Phyllis Tindell Lee Stern Phil McCallion Betty Buff Robi Cornelius Don St. Lawrence

SEPT 29:

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

 FITNESS Fighting Sarcopenia

At the Clubhouse  BRIDGE

By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist

4470 4430 4090 3640 3490 2980 2930 2830 2800 2380 1350 5380 5130 4400 3850 3670 3350 2820 2590 2580 2390 1680 5320 5300 4680 4650 3960 2860 2820 2690 2540 2260 2060 1980 1800

October Dates to Remember: • Wednesday, October 14 – Town Hall Meeting with Resident Directors, 6:30 p.m. • Wednesday, October 15 – Listening Post, 3 p.m. • Thursday, October 16 – Finance Committee Meeting, 2 p.m. • Tuesday, October 21 – Board of Directors Meeting, 6 p.m. • Thursday, October 30 – New Resident Orientation, 9 a.m.

arco-whatia? Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength as age increases. Sarcopenia can increase the burden of chronic disease; seven million older adults are chronically disabled and studies show that 1 percent of muscle mass is lost per year after the age of 40. This is more than the standard muscle atrophy, as it is more of an overall body deterioration, not only loss of muscle mass but also of bone mineral density and the start of organ tissue breakdown. In a previous article, we discussed that you can defeat sarcopenia through weight training. In this article, we will discuss the use of supplements to fight the condition. According to an article in Muscle & Body Magazine, there are four supplements that can help you win your battle against sarcopenia.

www.ourwoodbridge.net • Glutamine – This is an

amino acid used in antiaging; taking one gram two times per day can result in a 400 percent increase in HGH levels. • Arginine – Also an amino acid; can be taken at the rate of two grams twice daily. • Lysine – This amino acid is found in tomatoes (more so in cooked tomatoes) and promotes bone formation. Take one gram two times per day. • Protein – Try to consume 25 to 30 grams of protein at each meal; always try to take in as much protein with the fewest number of calories as possible. By adding these supplements to your nutrition plan, you can fight aging and sarcopenia. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement program. Remember – your brain has no higher priority than to be a good steward for your body.

Arts  ARTISTS & CRAFTERS

A Chill is in the Air By Penny Dauler

love fall. It is my favorite season for its cool weather, getting dark earlier, the beginning of the holidays and, of course, football. I get more crocheting and cross stitching done during a football game than any other time of the year. We were busy during September. We went on trips to the Decor Store, Alden Lane nursery and a quilt show in Sonora. Closer to home, we made cocktail napkins, yoyos for decorating, flower-shaped pincushions, sunflower wreaths and so much more. The china painting class is full, up and painting. As busy as we were in September, we are not slowing down in October. Come join us! Our specials for the month include bottle of booze class on Monday, October 6, fancy doodling on October 13, multimedia project on Friday, October 24 and

an ‘out & about’ to Modesto. Regular offerings for the month include china painting on Monday afternoons, the painters, Tuesday mornings, paper crafters, Wednesday mornings, open painting Wednesday afternoons, knitters and crocheters, Thursday mornings and sewing and quilting, Thursday afternoons. And let’s not forget the general meeting today, October 3, water coloring, October 10, breast cancer pillow workshop, Monday, October 20 and UFOs on October 27. For those of you taking part in the Holiday Boutique, a mandatory meeting will be held Friday, October 17, at 10 a.m. Check the window for displays and the easel for dates and details. (Be sure to check the class starting time on the sign-up sheet as all classes do not start at the same time.) Also, don’t forget to pick up your class supply list. The holidays are fast approaching, so stop by and check out some of our projects. You might find a holiday gift or two waiting for you to create.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

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Page 13 • October 2014

 STRUMMIN' WONDERS

Come join us for Holiday Boutique 2014 Saturday, November 17 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Multipurpose Room Resident vendors will be selling: Jams, jellies Aprons Glass blocks Jewelry and much, much more. ALL will be handmade and homemade. YOU do not want to miss this event. (Please note the new date and place)

 STRUMMIN' WONDERS

How the Ukulele Changed My Life By Paul Hanz

grew up wanting to be Roy Rogers, the Singing Cowboy. Even as a four- yearold, I was crazy about the Sons of the Pioneers and their open harmonies. I started my own band in order to sing which eventually morphed into a vocal group that sang five-part harmony. Serving in the Air Force, getting married to Margie and raising a family put my love of music on hold. My third job out of the service was as a production engineer for Hammond Organ in Chicago and as I designed production lines and supervised development of electronic testing of organs, I began to get the itch to learn to play an instrument, but working 60 to 80-hour weeks and often second jobs to raise a family didn't allow the time. After moving to Woodbridge in January 2008 and retiring from my job on July 1, 2010, I bought an electronic guitar for Christmas, but the steel strings hurt my fingers so badly I couldn't practice without pain. Like a bolt of lightning out of the heavens, on my next trip to the Clubhouse, I found flyers offering group lessons for piano and, of all things ... (ta-dah!) the ukulele! Carla [Marquardt] had moved in and brought me salvation!

Strummin' Wonders Went on Tour! By Carla Marquardt

fter giving a well-attended concert August 13, the Strummin' Wonders of Woodbridge went on tour like any good band does. We did a whirlwind tour of many local senior care facilities. Along the way, Roger Goodnow taught residents how to play the washtub bass and ukulele players taught residents how to do the 'Hokey Pokey' while seated! The highlight of our road trip was watching the eyes of the memory group residents slowly light up as we played old familiar tunes. Sometimes music is their only connection to their past. It is such a treat to see them smile! Our limited engagements in August and September included: The Commons at Union Ranch – two shows; Assisted Living & Memory Group; Manteca Care & Rehabilitation Center; Photo submitted by Carla Marquardt. Emeritus at Manteca; Roger Goodnow teaches a resident to play St. Jude Care Center; Bethany Home in Ripon: Assisted Living w/ washtub bass. Memory Group & Skilled Nursing Group and Prestige Care – Assisted Living & Memory.

I immediately signed up for both piano and for the 2012 Woodbridge talent contest after ukulele lessons and the rest, as they say, is only two lessons. Most of the group had history! Not only do I sing regularly with never played an instrument before and we both Woodbridge Singers and the Strummin’ won! We keep coming back for more because Wonders, I actually can play the ukulele we always have a great time and enjoy one and am learning to play the bass ukulele another! which plays like a bass guitar. The uke has Grab a uke ... change your life! helped me get to know many of my neighbors, whom I now consider great friends and not just acquaintances. I am in touch with many groups of fun-loving ukulele players all over the world. You can’t believe how many people love to play the ukulele and sing together. Ukulele performances by accomplished artists are selling out at Gallo Center for the Arts and Mondavi Center! Who knew? There are ukulele festivals almost every month of the year here in California and all over the world. One of the highlights of a recent trip to New Zealand and Australia was meeting and playing with several clubs and attending a ukulele festival in the Blue Mountains of Australia. I also got involved with folks who build cigar box ukuleles and hand-made instruments through contacting “ukulele-folks” in the area. Our own Strummin’ Wonders has played dozens of gigs and parties in the past two years and made countless friends from Modesto to Lodi and beyond. With several concerts a year, festivals and sing-along opportunities galore, there is no reason to be Photo submitted by Carla Marquardt. bored or lonely. The ukulele is really pretty easy to learn; after all, Carla signed us up Paul Hanz grew up wanting to be Roy Rogers, the

Singing Cowboy.

Page 14 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

By Jack Dauler

uestion: What has eight legs, plays music and is always in tune? Answer: The Sierra Mountain Band. On 11 September, the country band played for 160 delighted Woodbridge residents. Everyone enjoyed the delicious catered meal along with dancing and prizes. Speaking of prizes, The Apple iPad mini went to Ted Cookman and the $50 gift card to Duane Becker. Our beautiful gift baskets were won by Mary Lasiter, Val Espeseth, Betty Willhoft, Garth Porter, Scott Brenner and Don McClure. The purpose of this fundraising event was to support the Woodbridge Veterans' commitment to the Veterans Honor Flight program. The program sends WW II and Korean veterans to our nation’s capital to visit and reflect at our nation’s memorials at no cost to the participant. The Veterans of Woodbridge thanks all those who attended this event and all those in Woodbridge and the sponsors who support the veterans and this Honor Flight program.

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE

Sierra Mountain Band plays for vets dinner/dance.

WBL photo by Robert Phillis.

t is time to start thinking about the sixth annual Ladies’ Tea Party to be held in February 2015. It takes a lot of preparation and planning to get it staged so wonderfully by the Women of Woodbridge. ALL resident women It is Almost "Tea Time" are invited to participate in this event By Birdie Nieri, Women of Woodbridge in any capacity. Currently, I’m looking for hostesses. We’ll need to do 20 tables again this year. Those tables will seat six guests, total. If you think being a hostess by yourself is too much, then invite someone to help you with it. It is a sure way to guarantee seating at our always sold-out event. The theme for 2015 will be “Destinations” and all that it conjures up in your mind. It does not necessarily need to be a city. It can be as simple as “fun” or “wedded bliss” or “back to reality.” Whatever you can think of, it can apply. Our teas are usually very general in theme but end up very defined at the tables. The ladies in the community are so creative and imaginative. They amaze me each year with their creations. Please consider being part of this fun event. As I said, join us in any capacity. There is always something you can do to help or someone you can share an idea with. The hostesses who take part in this event are more than willing to share their secrets and lend plates, glassware, centerpieces or silverware. After five years of doing these WBL photo by Robert Phillis. tables, I’ve never seen any two alike. Perhaps we already have what you might need Mary DiMaggio (left) and Denise Drewry themed their 2014 sitting in one of our closets. Give me a call if you’d like to be part of this as it unfolds into next year’s fabulous event. Contact me by email at b.nieri@comcast.net or by phone table, "Proud as Peacocks." at 209-624-3779. You won’t be sorry you made the leap. We’ll show you how easy it can be.

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE

Butter Braid Pastry Coming Back to Woodbridge By Birdie Nieri, Women of Woodbridge

utter Braid® pastries are back! Look for a display in the Clubhouse lobby. Simply select the fruit-filled pastry that you’ll serve to family and friends. There are many flavors to choose from and all are delicious. Your pre-ordered pastries will be delivered to the Clubhouse Monday, November 17, just in time for all those Thanksgiving gatherings. The pastries will arrive frozen and can be kept frozen for long periods of time. They have been a successful fundraising project in years past and this will certainly be

the case, once again. You are sure to enjoy these wonderful desserts and will want to share them. Pre-order enough to get you through the holidays as a delicious dessert or as a nice hostess or thank you gift for someone special. Simply buy the dessert, put the frozen dessert on a giveaway tray with a bow and voila, you’ve done something very special. Look for the Women of Woodbridge taking orders in the Clubhouse lobby soon.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

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Page 16 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

Household Hints Compiled by Bill Barnhart

REPAIRING YOUR FENCE

his article deals with making minor repairs to your vinyl fence when the horizontal rails have separated from the poles. The top rail, which is the usual culprit, is Bill Barnhart not too difficult to repair. When you see that the top rail is separated from the pole or you can see a 1/4-inch hole in the rail just outside the pole, it means the little plastic nub intended to hold the rail in place inside the pole is probably now at the bottom of the pole. This situation develops either because your landscapers failed to put the fence back together properly or, more often, expansion and contraction from the heat along with the constant wind likely made the little plastic nubs fail. To get started, take the cap off the top of the pole the rail is coming out of. Infrequently, these caps may be glued on, so you might have to give the edge a couple strong taps to get it off. You’ll need a ladder or step stool to stand on to look down inside the pole. You’ll be able to see the hole in the side of the pole that is cut to the same shape as the rail. I would also suggest taking the cap off the pole at the opposite end of the loose rail so that you can see how much of the rail may have pushed inside that pole. If the opposite end of the rail still has the plastic nubs holding it inside the corresponding pole, then your goal is to jiggle the rail back inside the first pole, trying not to lift it too

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE

Harvest Hoedown (formerly Harvest Hoedown the Oktoberfest) sponsored by By Linda Little the Women of Woodbridge will be held Wednesday, October 22, 6 - 8 p.m., in the Lakeview Clubhouse. Cost is $20 per person, cash or check (payable to Women of Woodbridge) only. Tickets went on sale October 1. Only 160 tickets will be sold. This year's dinner, catered by Chef Bryan and the Manteca Unified School District culinary students, includes BBQ chicken, cheesy ranch potatoes, fire roasted jalapeno coleslaw, watermelon

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much to keep the vertical panels embedded in the rail. You need to try to get it as taut as possible and then put a screw in the top of the rail inside the pole. I like to use ¾-inch, size 14, hex head screws. They typically take a 3/8-inch socket to drive them and are much easier to drive than a screw requiring a screwdriver. Drive the screw into the top of the rail right up against the inside wall of the pole. If you want to be extra sure, you can drive a second screw beside the first one. If both ends of the rail are loose from the poles, you’ll need to repeat this procedure on the other end; just make sure you leave enough slack when you do the first end so the opposite end can be reinserted in its own pole. If you want to make sure this issue doesn’t happen again elsewhere on your fence, simply remove all the caps and drive screws into all of the top rails. Infrequently, the entire fence may have shifted, leaving that top rail too short to reinsert into both poles. In that instance, it is going to take some more drastic measures so give me a call and we’ll figure it out. If the bottom rail is the culprit outside the pole, repair becomes a little more time consuming because you’ll need to remove the top rail and most, if not all, of the vertical panels to then be able to jiggle the bottom rail back inside the pole. However, in this case, the screws have to be driven into the side of the rail right up against the outside wall of the pole and you have to put at least one in each end of the pole to keep it from separating again. Then reassemble the vertical panels and put the top rail back in place. You’ll need to tilt the top rail into one pole and then slowly lower it, aligning each vertical panel in place. Then jiggle it inside the pole making sure it stays inside both poles. Drive screws as indicated above and you’re done.

wedges, biscuits, Chef Bryan’s award-winning Dutch apple pie, water and coffee. Those attending are also encouraged to bring their own beverage(s) of choice. Entertainment will again include the Masskrugstemmen contest: Twelve women and 12 men will test their endurance as they try to outlast their opponents while holding a Masskrug (one liter stein filled with "beer"). Cost to enter is $10 with the winners receiving $50. Also, the winner(s) of the Feast with the Firemen (see article below) will be announced. Proceeds from the Harvest Hoedown will benefit Friday Unity Night (F.U.N.) Club, a non-profit project that provides wholesome and educational activities for school-age children during the summer months.

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Feast with the Firemen By Linda Little

umor has it that firemen are excellent cooks. One lucky person and three guests will be able to test that theory as winners of the Feast with the Firemen raffle sponsored by the Women of Woodbridge. Sixty tickets at $20 each will be sold for the opportunity to win a dinner prepared and hosted by the firemen at our neighborhood station #4. According to Fire Chief Waters, his staff is excited

about this opportunity to show off their cooking skills. Tickets will go on sale Monday, October 13. The winner will be announced at the WOW Harvest Hoedown Dinner, Wednesday, October 22. Proceeds benefit the F.U.N. (Friday Unity Night) Club, a nonprofit project that provides wholesome activities and educational programs for children during the summer months.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

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Page 17 • October 2014

 WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP By Marie Evans

ally Collins led the September discussion of “The Art of Hearing Heartbeats” by Jan-Phillip Sandker. We had a small group again, possibly because September is a good month to take a vacation - I know I am taking one this month. The discussion was lively and consensus was that everyone enjoyed reading this poignant book. This is a love story with a twist. A man disappears, his family has no idea where or why he left or if he left on his own or was forced. What happened? His wife and daughter begin to search through his belongings and history and find one clue - a love letter written many years ago to a woman in Burma, a woman neither has ever heard of. Is that where he went? Or is it just a memento, long forgotten? His daughter, Julia cannot let it go and decides she will find out what happened to her father. So she goes to the village in Burma to look for her father and for his long ago past. What she finds is the story. There is a sequel to this first novel and the plan is to read it for our February

2015 meeting. Author JanPhillip Sandker was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1960 and now resides in Berlin with his family. I asked Sally who her favorite author was and after some thought, she chose Mark Twain. Twain is certainly a respected author and a good choice. I also asked Sally why she chose “The Art of Hearing Heartbeats” for our club and she said her daughter had suggested it to her and she read and enjoyed it very much so decided to present it to the group. Our October read is “Paris Letters” by Janice MacLeod and suggested by Ann Barden; Patty DeRoos will present “The Bartender’s Tale” by Ivan Doig for November and there will be no book discussion in December. Watch for details of our December luncheon. For January 2015, Phil Bookman has suggested “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. That's right; we are fast heading into 2015!

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 MEN OF WOODBRIDGE Reminder

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valleyoakdentalgroup.com 1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca

Page 18 • October 2014

Garden Tasks for October By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

he month of October is quite transitional in the garden. It’s a good month to start a new lawn, plant perennials so they can begin to develop good roots before the spring, plant trees and begin your winter vegetable garden. With our drought, it’s challenging in these times to plant new yards. We need to keep planting native plants and Mediterranean plants. If you have the time, the UC Davis Arboretum is having its semi-annual native plant sale and this year they are specializing in plants that are drought tolerant and would look good in your “New Front Yard” which is their theme for this sale. The dates are October 11 for members only and October 25 for the general public. Check the UC Davis Arboretum website for more information: www. arboretum.ucdavis.edu/ or Google UC Davis Arboretum Fall Plant Sale 2014. I have heard from many that it’s a wonderful place to find great drought tolerant/native plants. They suggest you bring your own box, cart or wagon. A list of plants currently available is also on the website. Things to do in your garden in October:

• Now is a good time to plant spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. If

Woodbridge LIFE

you are planting hyacinths or tulips, it is best to refrigerate them for 10 to 12 weeks in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. Do not store fruit like apples in the refrigerator at the same time because the ethylene gas emitted from apples will stunt the growth of the bulbs. The tulips will only bloom one year. Daffodils, on Sandi Larson the other hand, do not need to be refrigerated and will come back year after year. When we first moved to Woodbridge, I planted about a dozen miniature daffodils in a couple of pots and in our raised planter. They continue to blossom every year and have even spread.

• Plant pots of cyclamen, chrysanthemum

and ornamental kale (cabbage) for fall color. Remember to water these pots, especially if your pots are under the eaves and won’t receive rainwater.

• October is a good time to divide

perennials such as daylily, Shasta daisy and primrose.

• Clean up debris in your yard so the leaves don’t harbor fungus and insects.

• Fertilize azaleas, rhododendrons and

camellias this month with a 0-10-10 fertilizer. Sasanqua camellias will begin blossoming this month.

• Plants for fall color would be

pomegranate, monkey flower (mimulus), sunflowers, chrysanthemums, heavenly

www.ourwoodbridge.net

bamboo and common yarrow.

• Use a pre-emergent weed product to stop weeds that will crop up in the winter.

• Snails and slugs are out once again, so

either pick them early in the morning or after rain or irrigation. Otherwise, bait for them. If you have pets, be careful to use a product that won’t harm your animal.

• Roses will continue to need water even

if our rains are late or nonexistent this month.

• Mow your lawn to no less than 1-1/2”

and feed with a low-nitrogen or organic fertilizer.

• Harvest pumpkins and winter squash for cooking and fall decorations.

• October is a good month to continue

to plant vegetables in your vegetable garden. The San Joaquin Master Gardeners have a website that gives information about vegetable gardening. Once on the website, click on Vegetable Planting Guide. http:// sjmastergardeners.ucanr.edu/Home_ Vegetable_Gardening/

• Hold off on pruning frost-tender plants

(fuchsia, bougainvillea, tropical hibiscus) until late in March.

• Tomatoes will continue to fruit into the

fall. It is best to pick tomatoes when they aren’t quite ripe and let them ripen on the windowsill.

Fall Color Viewing in Northern California By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

y favorite season of the year is spring; however, fall is a close second. I have always been attracted to the colors of fall. Having lived in Boston, Chicago and Minnesota over the course of our married years, my husband and I have always enjoyed the changing of the seasons in the areas that have beautiful fall foliage. Two of the most beautiful areas I’ve been to are the St. Croix River area of Wisconsin/ Minnesota and the upper East Coast areas of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. My best friend moved to the Dartmouth area of New Hampshire near the White Mountains and we were blessed to visit over several falls when we lived in the Boston area. I remember being so smitten by the yellow, red and orange leaves on trees

near where they lived. Some of the leaves we saw were from oaks, maples and quaking aspens. Here in our area, there are many places where we can view the fall colors. A few of the areas I’ve visited are Nevada City, Placerville and Sutter Creek. A walk down Nevada City’s main street this time of year will make you feel like you’ve been transported to New England. I could say the same about Sutter Creek. If you go, be sure to take your camera to capture images of fall colors. Butch and I have also stayed in a bed and breakfast in Placerville and their grounds are lovely. From there you can take off into the Camino area, home of Apple Hill, and visit some of the apple and fruit growers in that area. They open after the Labor Day weekend. If you go, however, I suggest going

during the week rather than on a weekend. Check the website www.applehill.com for a list of farms open on what days and times. This year they are celebrating 50 years as apple growers. One of my favorite places at Apple Hill is Bill’s Apples/Felice’s Dolls. Their display of planted chrysanthemums is unbelievable. They are open daily from September 1 to December 1. Another wonderful grower is Bodhaine Ranch that also has awardwinning pies. Another one, if you love baked goods, is Abel’s Apple Acres. Check out their apple fritters! Another area for fall color is between Truckee and South Lake Tahoe along Highway 89. The best time to visit this See page 19

FALL

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

FALL page 18

Woodbridge LIFE

route is late September through October. The U.S. Forest Service operates a toll-free fall foliage hotline beginning in September at 800-354-4595. I have not been to Yosemite in the fall before, but I am definitely intrigued by the photographs I’ve seen by Ansel Adams and other photographers of this beautiful National Park. We were there twice recently, once in the late spring and once in August. I couldn’t believe the difference in the water level of the Merced River and the falls in Yosemite. I’d heard the falls are pretty dry by the end of

Page 19 • October 2014

summer and, boy, were they right! In May lots of turbulent water was flowing over the huge boulders of the canyon of the Merced River. In August there was a trickle here and there and a few pools of water, but the water was very low compared to our May visit. The waterfalls were just about non-existent, a mist at the most. If you’ve come here from the Midwest or East Coast – don’t despair. You can find beautiful color in California, just a couple of hours away!

Photo by Sandi Larson.

Hawthorne tree in fall. Photo courtesy of Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.

Nevada City colors.

Fall garden view.

Photo by Sandi Larson.

Happy gardening!

Miss California State 2014 By Jeni Balmut

el Webb residents Gail and Jeff Pace were on hand to watch as their granddaughter Myklyn Balmut won the title of Miss California State/California State’s Young Woman of Achievement 2014. The competition was held at the Santa Clara Convention Center, July 24 and 25. Balmut, a former Miss Manteca 2012, competing as Miss Los Angeles County, earned the top prize of $3,000 in addition to the title. She received a Victory Award for a perfect score in the area of Community Service and also earned the Joe Escobar Memorial Community Service Award. As the top place finisher in the upper division for girls, she received an iPad mini. Her platform this year is to raise funds and awareness for the Lupus Foundation

of Northern California. Diagnosed with the disease in 2012, Balmut has spent the past two years recruiting participants and raising funds for the foundation’s annual 5K walk. To date she has raised $2,000 and has plans to double that this year. Over $10,000 in educational scholarships was awarded in the competition. Contestants age 16-21 competed in six phases of competition including community service, academic achievement, personality interview, stage arts, community advocacy speech and impromptu question. Balmut, a graduate of Manteca High School, is now attending the University of Southern California.

Photo submitted by Jeni Balmut.

Miss California State.

Page 20 • October 2014

Collections By Mike Spence

ollection is a wonderful word whose meaning is derived almost exclusively from the context of its use, the term for which is disambiguating (quite a mouthful). The word “collection” seems to be derived from the Latin collectio, “to gather together.” If you Google collectio, you’ll find it is, indeed, a Latin noun but also the name of a French art management software program. If you Google collection, you get ads for bankruptcy attorneys. Interesting word. If a collection is a group of items, then why are there collections - why the plural? If you have a collection of various records from artists like Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles, is that a collection of collections or just a collection? I collect stamps and have a collection of them. I have friends who collect stamps as well. If three of my friends and I bring our collections to my living room and display them, is it just one collection on display, a collection of collections,

Woodbridge LIFE

or my collection next to their collections? Interesting word. Collection doesn’t have quite the same meaning everywhere. In many languages, collection is often translated to samling, which shares a common meaning with sampling. In the United Kingdom, collection often refers to college entrance examinations and in a more legal use, as the summing up of evidence. Interesting word. Various religions have used collection as an adjective; the collection box and the collection plate come to mind. The passing of the collection plate among churchgoers as part of the services is called taking a collection. A COLLECT is a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition and conclusion. Collection can mean multiple related objects associated as a group or items procured and gathered together. We have trash collection days, water droplets that collect on the outside of an iced cold beverage, the collection of dust, rubble and mini planets called the asteroid belt and, best of all, a collection of dust bunnies

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under the bed. Collection is used in so many ways. I drive to the school to collect the kids. We used to be able to reverse the charges on a long distance phone call by calling collect. If a neighbor falls on hard times, we can take up a collection to help out. When you don’t pay a bill, it can go to collection. A person who collects is called a collector. The money a tax collector collects from us is just a collection of our money. A bill collector doesn’t collect our bills but instead wants to collect our money. The bill collector collects a fee for collecting money from us. When does a really big collection enter the scary world of hoarding? Collecting 5,000 stamps is not hoarding. Collecting 200 old typewriters is not hoarding. Jay Leno’s vintage car collection is hoarding. I need to collect my thoughts as I end this article. I have a pressing errand. I need to drive down to the freeway off-ramp to collect a friend; he’s been collecting trash along the collector ramp.

Cars

By Bill Barnhart

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Bill Barnhart's car collection includes (clockwise from top center): 1969 Dune Buggy, 2008 Smart Car, 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary, 1957 T-Bird Model D, 1970 Corvette Stingray and 2009 Prius.

Wind-Up Toys By Judy McNamara

YI … 'A wind-up toy is any toy that is powered by a spring that is tightened by turning it. After release, the spring tries to get in its original untightened position and makes the small toy go as well' … It might remind many of us of pre-retirement days! On the lighter side, 30 or so years ago, Robin Adams and his late wife Sue began collecting wind-up toys. Whenever they would take road trips in their earlier years of marriage, they

would always buy one wind-up toy to bring home. Being on a budget, like most of us in those early years, they considered it a cheap thrill to be able to add a new wind-up toy to their collection. Out of a plethora of wind-ups in their collection, no two are alike. Most of the toys were purchased along the California coast in towns like Fort Bragg and Mendocino and also along the Russian River in little curio shops. In later years, when they traveled to New Zealand, they found unusual ones in the stores. So that they would not duplicate, they always did research and took an inventory of their

y car collection, with the exception of the Dune Buggy, started because of a low mileage pickup that just sat on our driveway for the first two years here at Woodbridge. After a straight trade of pink slips, I had a low mileage 50th anniversary Corvette in my garage. In 2011 I found the '70 Corvette up on the side of a mountain near Placerville. It had been completely restored in 1998 and kept completely stock. The T-Bird arrived a year and a half ago after Patti made the mistake of telling me her dad's dream car had always been a '57 T-Bird. Who wouldn't take advantage of that? I built the Dune Buggy back in the summer/winter of 1969/1970. I ripped the body off a wrecked VW, shortened the chassis 15 inches, welded it all back together, threw a fiberglass body on and took it hill climbing and eventually over to Pismo for some serious dune riding. The classic car that I've always wanted, though, is a 1969 Camaro. I had a new bright yellow one with black stripes and black vinyl roof that I sold to pay for Patti's engagement ring. So, don't be surprised if some day you see one of those sitting on my driveway. collection. One could spend hours winding these toys up and appreciating the intricacy and creativity that goes into each one. There's the nose that walks, the pants with suspenders and no body, the small creature with eight legs - each leg moving independently, the chattering teeth and the space animals, to name a few. Automata goes back thousands of years. The ancient Greeks had advanced engineering skills and managed to make partially animated statues. As far back as 500 B.C., in China a

See

WIND-UP page 21

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 21 • October 2014

WIND-UP page 20

wooden horse was made to work by springs. It wasn't until the 15th century that Leonardo da Vinci created a wind-up lion as a greeting for Louis XII in Italy. By the 1800s, wind-up toys were created cheaply in large numbers. There were more intricate designs and they were made to move around. Modern automata has now advanced to an art form with many colleges giving students an opportunity to make their own piece of kinetic art under the heading of Design and Technology. Today there is a great deal of interest in automata and many pieces bring in thousands of dollars. Make sure you save your kids’ and grandkids’ wind-up toys. Some day they may be worth a fortune … and may help cushion your retirement.

Part of Robin Adams' collection of wind-up toys.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Chocolate Molds, Shells and Elephants

olly and Earl Reedy started collecting chocolate molds more than 40 years ago when Dolly obtained her first Thanksgiving-themed chocolate mold. Since then, the couple has pursued many different themes such as major holidays, sports, occupations, planes, boats, etc. They went to flea markets and other such places for years to find their treasures. Today, they browse the Internet and are much more particular in what they purchase. The couple has more than 300 chocolate molds now, the majority of which originate from some of the major European countries such as Belgium, France and Germany. A visit to the Reedy’s kitchen at Woodbridge leaves one with an absolute fascination for their hobby and a desire to go get some chocolate. What's your favorite? Dark or milk chocolate?

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Bonnie Pater with her shell collection. WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Dolly Reedy and some of her chocolate molds.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Robin Adams' elephant collection.

Page 22 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Softball This Month Two Big Softball Events Coming Up

Date

1-Oct Wed

By Dave Reed

•

SPONSORS

Please frequent our sponsors and thank them for sponsoring our softball league. Alhambra Water Orchard Supply Hardware Arvin Home Systems, Inc. Papa Murphy’s Chez Shari’s Precision Automotive Center Appliance Raley’s Superstores Delicato Vineyards Sandi Larson, Re/Max Del Webb/Pulte Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens Denise’s Farmers’ Market Svenhard’s Swedish Bakery Fagundes Meats and Catering Ultimate Furniture and Farmington Fresh Accessories The Lori’s & Co., PMZ Real Valero Cruisers Estate Walgreen Drug Stores Manteca Lighting Manteca Optometry Old McGowan’s Feed

TIMING of GAMES and SOFTBALL SEASON

The Silver Sluggers play two games on Wednesdays at 8:30 and 10 a.m. There are three games on Saturdays at 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m.; the Silver Sluggers play two games and the Diamond Gals play one game. The Wolverines, our travel team, normally plays Modesto seniors on the first and third Mondays of the month and the Lodi seniors on the first and third Fridays. The second half of the season started at the beginning of August and runs through October. All of the games are shown on the portal calendar.

Time

Away/Home

Lines

8:30 10:00

4-Oct Sat

DGals 1 v 4 5 v 3

8:30 10:00 11:30

DGals

8-Oct Wed

5 v 2 3 v 1

8:30 10:00

11-Oct Sat

DGals 2 v 3 5 v 4

8:30 10:00 11:30

DGals

15-Oct Wed

3 v 5 4 v 1

8:30 10:00

18-Oct Sat

DGals 1 v 5 4 v 2

8:30 10:00 11:30

DGals

22-Oct Wed

4 v 5 3 v 2

8:30 10:00

Our Softball End of Season Dinner is Saturday, November 1

The committee planning the end of season dinner has been formed. No catering plans have been finalized, but the current frontrunner is Fagundes Meats and Catering. If they are chosen, the dinner will probably be a choice of meat (chicken or tri-tip) and all the trimmings. We are planning to have music and dancing, but the band is yet to be determined. Once the details have been finalized, the coaches will sell tickets in October. The dinner is limited to people associated with softball (players, coaches, umpires, scorekeepers, announcers, etc.) and their spouses, significant other, etc.

Game 3 v 4 1 v 2

Annual Voting for Softball Council Officers

We have 10 positions on the Woodbridge Senior Softball Council and they serve two-year terms. We rotate these positions to maintain some continuity on the council. Accordingly, some of these 10 positions open up one year for volunteers and voting, and the rest of them open up the next year. The election committee was formed in September and they will advertise the open positions, seek volunteers for the open positions, and advise how the voting will be done. •

Day

25-Oct Sat

Second Half Round Robin

29-Oct Wed

Second Half Round Robin

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Team 5

Orange White Red Green Blue

Tom H Sandy D Jerry M Butch L Bob P

Jon F Bob P Craig H Bill N Will W

IMPORTANT DATES

• Coaches meetings at 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the

month. All residents are welcome to attend.

• Woodbridge Senior Softball Council (WSSC) meetings at

6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. All residents are welcome to attend. I look forward to seeing you at the Del Webb Field. If you have any questions, please give me a call, Dave Reed, WSSC Vice President Communications (209-740-6289) and currently the proud coach of the Diamond Gals, although the Diamond Gals are starting to take over the coaching.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 23 • October 2014

Softball Rules Committee By Butch Larson and Roland Roelling

ur softball program has grown in just a few years from a couple of coed teams to five men’s teams (Silver Sluggers) and four ladies’ squads (Diamond Gals) and includes a tournament team of men (Wolverines). Altogether, we have over 120 players and approximately 30 additional folks who volunteer as umpires, score keepers, announcers and Snack Shack workers. The evolution of an organization usually includes an infrastructure of rules and guidelines to manage the business issues that arise. Once you grow to the size of a “club” within Woodbridge, you are tasked with developing bylaws and officers to carry them out. The Woodbridge Senior Softball Club (WSSC) utilizes the Senior SoftballUSA playing rules with exceptions that our coaches and council (WSSC) have adopted to further create a safe and fun experience for our participants. Our coaches were primarily responsible for establishing our rules during the early years, as they were the ones who stepped forward to handle the responsibilities we had as a club. Our current bylaws call for our rules to be overseen by a Rules Committee appointed by the president and chaired by our head umpire. We plan for the men and women to have separate subcommittees to deal with their own rules. It has taken us a few months to get the mechanics in place for this year’s men’s committee. We plan to have several

representatives from the five men’s teams including the two coaches from each. On August 19, the Rules Committee held a general meeting for all members. Roland Roelling, head umpire, chaired the meeting. The gathering gave the WSSC membership the opportunity to meet with committee members and review the applicable bylaw section dealing with the committee. Butch Larson, president, opened the discussion that focused on the “run-through” rule. After everyone was allowed to express an opinion on the subject, it was agreed that we would finish out our season with the Rule Exceptions we are currently using. (See Softball Group on portal for all rules.) With respect to the “runthrough” rule, runners advancing to a base will be in jeopardy of being tagged or forced out if they are off a base while the ball is in play. The committee will continue to meet and discuss safety and rule exceptions in preparation for next softball season (2015). They are tasked with preparing a written list of Rule Exceptions that can be presented to our membership prior to the start of next season. WSSC members (players and volunteers) are invited to attend all meetings and to express their opinions. Meeting dates will appear on the portal. If you have any questions, please contact Roland Roelling at 209-814-1739 or Butch Larson at 510-9121425.

Woodbridge Senior Golf Group July Results By Charles Gary

he Woodbridge Senior Golf Group held a tournament at the Tracy Golf Club in July. It was a beautiful day for golf and the course was in great condition. We also ended up with a first time winner with Dan Pangilianan who ranked first. Carl Cummings, Rudy Salvador and David Raxter tied for second while familiar finisher Ernie Mauck was in third place alone. The best putt stroker was John Armstrong with Ernie Mauck coming second with the short stick. Rounding out the top three with a third place finish was Dan Pangilinan. The club played The Reserve in Stockton the last Monday in August. At the time this article was written, season standings, an accumulation of points earned in all tournaments to date, include

five tournaments with three tournaments to be played. Leading stroke play is Ernie Mauck with 520 points. Carl Cummings is in second place with 410 points while Rudy Salvador and Dan Pangilinan are tied for third with 380 points. Leading the standing in putting strokes is John Armstrong with 490 points and Ernie Mauck real close in second with 470 points. Frank Mello follows with 370 points in striking distance. If you like golf, it is hoped that you will consider joining the Woodbridge Senior Golf Group. We still have room for all who would like to join.

 GOLF

Submitted by Dodie Miller

Results of the putting tournament held Saturday, August 20.

LADIES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Terry Cummings Margaret Kimura Jane Kerr Rosemary Cadle Birdie Nieri Marilyn Ornellas Robin Blevins Sharon Sgro Marilyn Larson Jackie Rudy Shirley Lopes Laneia Bolle

41 43 45 45 46 47 47 47 48 48 49 50

Garry Kerr Mike Wedlake Art Blevins Bob Hall Jerry Just Garry Kerr Ray Foxworth Joe Brusco Ben Kimura Robin Adams Rich Sgro John Green Craig Hoyer

35 40 40 40 40 41 41 41 41 41 42 42 43

MEN: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

LADIES CLOSEST TO THE HOLE:

Maryilyn Ornellas HOLE IN ONE

MEN CLOSEST TO THE HOLE: Dan Nieri

HOLE IN ONE

Page 24 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

CRAB FEED FUNDRAISER DINNER The Crab Feed Fundraiser Dinner has been rescheduled to assure we can provide fresh crab when it is abundant the first part of the year, usually January or February. We are sorry for the delay but want the dinner to be the quality you expect and pay for.

s t n e v E g Upcomin NEW MAT STRETCH CLASS The Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee invites you to join a new Mat Stretch class immediately following Zumba on Tuesday afternoons. Rose Wilson uses basic non-threatening moves that are easy to follow and fun relaxation for the entire class. Beginner Mat Stretch is an excellent way for those intimidated by yoga or Pilates to start with basic moves that help stretch, strengthen and relax both the body and the mind. These stretches are also known to increase energy, reduce pain, improve posture, increase flexibility and increase endurance. Come join the Mat Stretch class in the Multipurpose Room, Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. The fee is $6 per class.

TIME FOR YOGA! Much of the modern medical community espouses yoga to improve one’s physical fitness, flexibility and mental health. Yoga’s focus on exercises, breathing and meditation can help reduce high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. It is also known to be a less expensive and often more effective means of dealing with lower back pain in addition to having positive effects on sleep and quality of life. The Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee is now offering three sessions of yoga each week: Tuesday and Thursday, 8 to 9 a.m. and Friday, 3 to 4 p.m. The fee per class is $5 and you may sign up at the front desk. If you have a yoga mat, please bring it to class with you (there are a few at the Clubhouse you may borrow).

LEARN YOUR WAY AROUND THE WOODBRIDGE PORTAL Erika Smith welcomes you to join her in “Getting Familiar with the Woodbridge Portal,” a class that will show you how to move around on the community’s information site. With Erica’s help, you will learn where to look for events, calendar dates, email messages and other important information. Even if you have attended this class before, you are welcome to come back. The more familiar you are with the portal, the easier it is to use it. There is one more session of the class scheduled: Thursday, October 9 at 6 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room Class size is limited to 12 students and sign-ups for this free class are taken at the front desk.

LADIES’ LUNCHEON AT ERNIE’S This month’s Ladies’ Luncheon will be held at Ernie’s Rendezvous Room, Wednesday, October 15, at noon. Menu choices include penne pasta with prawns, grilled filet mignon tips, chicken harvest salad or stuffed portabella mushroom, accompanied by bread and butter, iced tea and coffee and the chef’s selection dessert. Lunch is $23 per person, including tax and gratuity, and must be paid with cash in advance. To reserve your spot for this fun event, call Jacque Reynolds (629-8508) or Jacqueline Andrews (823-9241). The restaurant is located at 1351 North Main Street, Manteca. See the flyer in the Clubhouse for more detailed information. Sorry, no refunds.

POOL SAFETY INFORMATION Locating the RESCUE SAFETY HOOK: When you enter the indoor pool from the Fitness Room, the safety hook is hanging on the wall to your right adjacent to the pool steps. Please remember. There is no lifeguard on duty at the pool.

The Rescue Safety Hook.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 25 • October 2014

OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATED WITH THORSON FINANCIAL Submitted by Karen Schemper

Who doesn’t like beer and brats? This was exactly what Thorson Financial asked themselves when they talked about having an Oktoberfest at the Woodbridge Clubhouse Monday, October 27. Bryan Ehrenholm, Director of the Manteca Unified Culinary School, and his students will be whipping up delicious German recipes for an evening of culinary delights. To add to the German-themed fun, they have invited Mr. Art Brogli from The Good Time Accordion Club to perform. Art is an accomplished accordion player and yodeler. He will be sharing his talents before and during dinner and after the presentation on “The 5 Myths About Paying for Long-Term Care,” presented by Mr. Tom Thorson of Thorson Financial and Mr. Andrew Lee of Bethany Home in Ripon. To make reservations, please sign up at the front desk. Seating is limited. From

CLOCKS page 1

father took it down from the wall, stored the parts in a brown grocery bag and placed it in the loft in the garage. Some years later, after his parents died and it was time to sell the family home, Sam found the cuckoo clock together with the bag containing its various pieces. He had it repaired and it now hangs in the office of the Woodbridge home in which Sam and his wife Pam, live. As Sam and Pam were moving to their present home, it was decided that chiming clocks would not be scattered throughout. Although Sam was not happy with this, he realized that it was not fair to expect Pam to live in a "clock house," with chimes on the quarter, half and hour, every hour of the day and night. Their son-in-law suggested a "clock wall," and now Sam's office contains a wall of clocks, comprised of no less than 13 timepieces. Immediately adjacent to the clock wall sits the master time machine, formerly the Larussa's boat's official timepiece, to which every other clock is synchronized. The master is in turn set to the National Bureau of Standard's atomic clock that resides in Boulder, CO. Every week, Sam synchronizes his clocks, based on the master clock, which Sam sets per the standard atomic clock. The atomic clock time is provided on a website, over the telephone and via other media. It takes "time" to maintain 25 clocks. Although battery-operated clocks are available, the tried and true method of falling weights is still preferred by most collectors. Weight-driven clocks are normally wound daily or weekly by either pulling on the weight chains or by using a clock key to wind a cable around a drum (http:// home.comcast.net/~steven.osburn/Clock_Pgs/ Weight_Clock.htm). Cuckoo clocks run by the gravitational pull of weights that hang on long chains. Cuckoo clocks require winding either once a day or once a week. Grandfather clocks are typically key-wound, with weights that hang on cables. The weights in these elaborate timepieces power the clock from the gravitational pull of the weights slowly falling down on the cables and are referred to as being "cable-driven." These weights are heavy enough to power the clock for seven days, at which time they will need to be wound up again by inserting a crank into holes in the dial. Grandfather clocks with cable-driven

movements are regulated with the use of a pendulum. Pendulums can be adjusted to speed or slow the clock by turning a small rating nut at the bottom of the pendulum. Turning this rating nut will cause the pendulum bob to either raise or lower. Raising the bob will cause the clock to run faster and lowering the bob will cause the clock to run slower (http://www.giftoftimeclocks.com/enus/dept_10.html). Sam never stops his clocks, except for weekly synchronization and for daylight saving time. Imagine how much work that must be ... many of us complain when having to reset a few clocks for daylight saving time. Sam, of course, must reset each of the 25 clocks in his collection when daylight saving time begins or ends. This is a true measure of the patience a clock collector must possess. On the hour, 25 clocks chime that hour's value, so at midnight, while most of us are dreaming, the Larussas are serenaded by some 300 chimes. Yet the clocks are never tinkered with to avoid this cacophony, which is a symphony to the ears of clock collectors. Never, except when the grandchildren sleep over in the adjacent bedroom and don't appreciate the night chimes. So Sam turns off some of the clocks at bedtime. Papa Sam's love for his three grandchildren overrides the edict that the Larussa's timepieces must tick on. Clocks address our need to divide the day into instants labeled with numerical hour and minute combinations. The "time" between two instants, the time interval, has also been something with which mankind has obsessed for thousands of years. We are constantly measuring time intervals. "How long does it take to get to X (a specific or broad location)? " "How long have you lived at your current address?" This is a common question on job or credit applications. "How long have you known each other?" This is often heard at parties but rarely after marriage, in which case, one inquires as to how long you've been married. In Western countries, at least in the United States, people are typically expected to work eight hours, Monday through Friday, not counting a one-hour lunch. Americans accept the 40-hour

work week as a necessary part of life. In other countries, employees may work a shorter or longer time than is common in the U.S. "Time flies" and we still have not figured out how to capture it or slow down its passage. The latter is actually incorrect, as has been shown by Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Einstein stated that as an object (spaceship, elementary particle, etc.) moves at ever increasing speeds, time does slooooow doooown. This is a fact that is regularly shown by experiments with particle (atomic) accelerators. These machines create streams of electrons, protons or other fundmental particles which are whipped up to fantastic speeds. The particles are radioactive and decay as time passes, with the rate of decay slowing as their speed increases. A geologist may use a hammer to smash a rock, thereby finding what it is made of. Physicists use a "hammer" composed of a particle stream that is smashed into a tiny target (analogous to a rock), fracturing it into smaller pieces in a quest to determine the structure of matter. This research may someday allow man to view time in ways which we can't even imagine. My dear reader, it is now "time" for both of us to move on. May the Larussa's clocks continue chiming for many years to come.

Photo by Mel Bernstein.

Sam's master clock.

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SIERRA CANYON

*Residency requirements at Del Webb communities require that at least one resident of household must be 55 years of age or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55. This referral payment offer is valid only on new purchase agreements for homes in the Del Webb community entered above and that are accepted by Del Webb on or after 9/1/11 and close escrow before 12/31/12. In addition to other terms, conditions and limitations established by Del Webb, the buyer may not be represented by a realtor or broker in connection with the purchase of the home, buyer must not have visited the community before the referral and buyer must register the referring party on buyer’s first visit to the community as required by Del Webb. Eligibility for receipt of a referral fee is subject to terms, conditions and limitations that have been established by Del Webb. In order to be eligible to receive a referral fee, both the buyer and referring party will be required to sign a separate document of Conditions, Restrictions and Certifications. If the document is not signed by both parties and delivered to Del Webb as required by Del Webb, and all of the terms, conditions and restrictions are not fulfilled, a referral fee will not be paid. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. This offer is subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. © 2012 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. Pulte Home Corporation is a licensed California real estate broker (lic. #00876003).

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 WHEELS OF WOODBRIDGE

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 27 • October 2014

Fire Station First Year Anniversary By Bill Barnhart

aturday, September 13, dawned bright and beautiful. It was a truly great day for holding the oneyear anniversary party for “our” Fire Station No. 4. This year and likely continuing into the future, the anniversary party was utilized as an opportunity to conduct a fundraiser for the Fire Chief's Foundation. The foundation helps to fund the installation of smoke detectors in seniors’ homes, purchase car seats for needy families, and to help supplement families in those instances when Red Cross benefits just aren’t enough. To create the draw to have people come to the fundraiser, Fire Chief Kirk Waters hosted a car show with tri-tip lunch. Show time was 9 a.m. with cars scheduled to start arriving at 8 a.m. When I arrived about Photo by Bill Barnhart. 7:35 a.m., intending to be the 1957 Dodge convertible owned by Chuck and Shirley Foley. first car on-site, there were already six or eight cars parked ahead of me. We ended up with about 35 cars which is approximately the same number we had the first year of the Wheels of Woodbridge car show. The Manteca Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) handled parking and volunteer firemen were available, always ready to answer questions or help out. At 9 a.m. the event was kicked off with a flag raising ceremony. Numerous fire fighter reserves in uniform marched in formation to raise the flag. During the flag raising, wouldn’t you know it, there was a call for the emergency rescue squad with gongs going off inside the station and the rescue team racing to their truck. However, when they took off with siren, they went into Woodbridge instead of going down Lathrop Road. I found out later they responded to a call from the softball field. It was quite a bit of excitement to kick off the show. The food was great and the car show had excellent restorations of classic and muscle cars. Two of our residents received awards: Chuck and Shirley Foley received the Captain’s Award for their 1957 Dodge convertible and Garth Porter received the Fire Chief’s Award for his 1941 Chevy Business Coupe. All in all, it was a great anniversary party, car show and fundraiser. In a Photo by Bill Barnhart. brief conversation with the Fire Chief, I 1941 Chevy Business Coupe owned by Garth Porter. believe they brought in somewhere in the neighborhood of $6,000 to $7,000. Way to go, Chief!

Page 28 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Manteca's History, Told by its Murals — Pumpkin Harvest By Volker Moerbitz

or many years, Manteca called itself the Pumpkin Capital of the World, and the town’s first “community mural” – a mural painted with the help of more than five dozen volunteers – was the “Pumpkin Harvest,” created in 2004. The mural shows a giant pumpkin patch with a truck being loaded with ripe pumpkins in the center. The field shown in the mural is one of the largest pumpkin patches in the county, located on Lone Tree Road. It belongs to the Perry family who pioneered pumpkin farming in California. Delfino Perry came from the Azores to California. In 1906, still years before irrigation, Delfino started growing sweet potatoes, pumpkins and watermelons on a small farm on Jack Tone Road. Perry & Sons soon became the country’s largest family owned shipper of pumpkins and Delfino’s son, Gregory Perry, Sr., was crowned America’s “Pumpkin King” by People Magazine in November 1982. Since then, grapes, almonds and walnuts have outgrown pumpkins as the county’s largest crop and the center of pumpkin production has shifted east. Today, the majority of pumpkins in America are grown in a 90-mile radius around the new pumpkin capital, Morton, in central Illinois. However, three quarters of all Jack-o-Lanterns that will be carved in California this Halloween, grew at our doorstep in San Joaquin County, making Manteca still the Pumpkin Capital of the West.

Pumpkin Harvest mural.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

The mural is located at 145 N. Main Street, a block north of Yosemite Avenue. It was Manteca’s first “mural-in-a-weekend project,” painted in October 2004 by 69 volunteer artists under the supervision of mural artists D.S. Gordon and Pete Evaristo.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

The Lion In Me By Volker Moerbitz

ne of my favorite kid’s books was a story called "Tim and the Lion." Little Tim was afraid of everything. He was afraid of the dark, he was afraid of dogs and of other people, he was afraid of the world. But one morning, he found a little lion sitting by his bedside and the lion said, "I have come to help you overcome your fears. As long as I am in your pocket, nothing bad can happen to you." Tim put the lion in his pocket and his life changed. He faced his fears and, while doing so, he made new friends who helped him face the world. Whenever something was about to scare him, Tim said, "I am not afraid, because I have a lion in my pocket." Then one day Tim faced his biggest fear, the school bully. After standing up to a boy a foot taller than he was, Tim grabbed in his pocket to thank his lion, but all he found was a letter. "Dear Tim, you are now brave enough to face everything on your own. I have to move on to help another little boy. Love always, Your lion." Twelve years ago, I was like Tim – only 40 years older than he was. I was alone and angry, afraid of the dark, afraid of other people, afraid of the world. Stuck in addiction and depression, I seriously thought about an easy way out of misery. But then, one day, there was a lion on my doorstep. Well, he was one of those feline descendants of lions. He looked as beaten up as I did, scared and dirty, but I truly believe I heard him say, "I am as deep

Patrick, the lion.

Woodbridge LIFE

in the hole as you are, but if you let me stay with you, maybe we can find a way out of this together." From that day on, my house was alive again and my life had a purpose. I was able to face the world because I had a lion in my pocket. It was St. Patrick’s Day so I named the lion Patrick and he seemed to like it. It so happened that the day I found Patrick, I also found a couple of new friends who helped me deal with the one thing Patrick couldn’t help me with: my addiction. With new friends, a new lifestyle and a lion in my pocket, I was able to overcome things that had been beating me all my life. So every year on St. Patrick’s Day, I not only celebrate my lion but also another year of sobriety – twelve years so far! I truly believe it would not have happened without my lion, who was me the first six of those years. In those years, life challenged me with a number of obstacles: a divorce, a layoff, two car wrecks, a serious debt consolidation, two surgeries and three root canals - but with the tools my new friends gave me, everything was manageable - and with a lion in my pocket there was nothing to be afraid of. In 2008, my good friend got sick. I didn’t even know that cats could get cancer. But my lion, who was with me in every battle life had thrown at me, couldn’t win this one. When we finally faced the inevitable, the best woman in the world told me that my lion now had to move on to help someone who needed him more than I did. After we buried Patrick, I told her the story of "Tim and the Lion." I truly believe that he left me because he knew I could finally handle life. He stayed with me through pain and cancer until he was sure of it. I like to think my lion is out there today, helping some other little boy who wouldn’t make it through the dark without him. Farewell, Patrick, you will be missed! WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Cats We Love

Lucy watches golf.

Page 29 • October 2014

Photo submitted by Betty Buff.

Photo by Denise de Bord.

My name is Angie. I am a calico cat with angel wings imprinted on my back. I’m approximately four-and-a half months old now . When I was about six weeks old, I was dropped off here in Woodbridge and I was so scared all I wanted to do was find the smallest hole I could to climb into. I found a small space up above the wheel well inside the engine compartment of a little compact car. A lady heard me crying but she couldn’t figure out where I was. The Fire Department tried to find me but they couldn’t get me to come out of my safe hiding place. I was getting weak from hunger but I was too scared to come out. A nice man used a floor jack to lift the front end of the car. He then took apart all of the shielding inside the wheel well and the engine’s air cleaner. The lady poked some tasty food through a small hole in the sheet metal and when I ate it, the man grabbed me by the leg and pulled me out. After lots of shots, baths and loving care, I am now a well-adjusted kitten about eight to 10 times the size I was that night. I love living here in Woodbridge!

Page 30 • October 2014

Bill Kistner ... 'Music Man'

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

By Judy McNamara

ho would have thought that as a little kid, banging on pots and pans with wooden spoons, Bill would some day become a professional musician … and what a musician he is! Besides playing drums in his California Creedence band, he's also an accomplished guitar player and singer. Born into a musical family in Virginia, Bill’s mom, dad and sister Patty always filled the house with music and by the time Bill was 10, he was playing drums four nights a week in the family band, The Kistners, for $5 a night. Since Bill's father was in the Navy, the family traveled a lot, eventually settling in northern California where Bill went to high school in Milpitas. While in high school, he continued playing music, always his first love, but was also active in sports. Besides maintaining good grades, Bill was an All American Wrestler, which served him well in his future career as a police officer. When he was 17, Bill and his musical family traveled all over the United Photo courtesy of Bill Kistner. States playing music. They had a booking agent who booked their tours. They were known as The Kistners, playing country and classic rock. Bill Kistner (far right) with his family's band, The Kistners. Bill went on to San Jose State University where he studied Administration of Justice and continued playing drums locally six nights a week, plus doing summer tours. He also learned to play the guitar. By 1978 Bill had his degree from SJSU and between 1978 and 1992, he was a police officer and played drums on weekends for various gigs. He played for President Reagan numerous times. After retirement from police work, Bill went to Nashville and was a drummer for the Grand Ole Opry, Chet Atkins, Little Jimmy Dickens, music videos, CBS Primetime Specials and he made CMT/TNN appearances. In 1995 Bill received the Dove Award for video of the year. Law enforcement called him back and from 1999 to 2005, he became a Deputy U.S. Marshal in San Diego. Never away from the drums, he was a weekend drummer doing gigs in the San Diego area. As if that wasn't enough, he also sold real estate. By 2008 Bill was back in the Bay Area playing drums and guitar, teaching at four Bay Area police academies and doing armed escorts all over the U.S. for Apple Computer's secret protégé and new devices. Wanting to be closer to his family, he decided to move to Woodbridge and worked part time for the BART District as a safety consultant. Always the musician, he started the California Creedence Band with four other local church musicians and singers who had a love of the same country and classical rock genres. The group plays all the hit songs of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty. They created a very impressive website, CaliforniaCreedence.com, where you can sample some of their music, view pictures, see lists of all their songs and learn where to contact them. They have performed at many venues including large events such as festivals, fairs, casinos, wineries, etc. Also, log onto Bill Kistner-YouTube and watch him play the drums in Little Jimmy Dickens' Band in Nashville. Bill's philosophy is simple: Make people happy. Give happiness and you get it in return. Always treat people fairly. He attributes his outgoing, giving spirit to his sister Patty. We're lucky to have Bill's talent and good nature here in Woodbridge.

Turtles in Lake Rockwell

Bill Kistner, young cowboy.

Photo courtesy of Bill Kistner.

Photo by Kathy Overgaard.

Woodbridge turtles enjoying the night out.

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Hi, My Name Is Alex

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 31 • October 2014

By Ghost Writer, Bill Barnhart

ctually my papers from the American Turtle Club, “ATC” (equivalent of the AKC for dogs), say my name is Alexandrea but everyone knows a two-syllable name is much easier for pets to respond to than a five-syllable sentence. Anyway, I got off track. As I was saying, I was just a little tyke, about two inches in diameter, hungry and with the sniffles, when my daddy, Steve Hosler, rescued me. I put on those big puppy dog type eyes and hooked him, line and sinker. He nursed me back to health and I’ve been with him for over 30 years. I’m still on the petite size. My shell is about six inches wide and about eight inches long, but that suits me just fine. That means I have less weight to carry around and I stay nice and trim so I can follow Daddy around the yard when he is doing stuff. Just the other day I followed him up the hill beside the fountain and supervised him cleaning the filtering system while I sat in the shade under a lemon tree (you know what the song Photo by Bill Barnhart. says about not sitting under the lemon tree with anyone else but me, or was that an apple tree?). Anyway, another reason for Hi, my name is Alex and this is my daddy, Steve Hosler, giving me some loving. staying trim is to be fast on my feet. That ol’ rabbit couldn’t hold a candle to me, even if he didn’t stop to take a nap in the middle of the race. Why, just yesterday, while being interviewed for this article, the reporter tried to block me from getting back in my pond but I was too quick for him. I faked right, getting him to go in one direction, and then dodged left around him and jumped in the pond before he could gather me up. When I was young, my daddy would always hold me for comfort. At night or when we were napping, I would snuggle up on his chest and we would snooze away the time much like a human baby does with its mommy or daddy. Later I learned to nest in a pile of his clothes, and one time when I knew he was leaving on a long trip and I wanted to go with him, he tricked me by wrapping me up in one of his shirts. I went to sleep thinking everything was fine and when I woke up, he was gone. What a dirty trick to play on a lonely turtle! Boy, did I give him the cold shoulder when he came home … well, for at least a minute or two I did. There was one time when Daddy and I were almost parted for good. Daddy had taken me on a vacation and Photo by Bill Barnhart. had set me down by a lake "Turtle Heaven" built just for Alex. to get some exercise. About the time Daddy picked me back up so we could leave, along came a game warden who told him to put me back down. She wouldn’t believe him when he claimed I was his turtle so Daddy finally set me down, walked away a few steps and called, “Alex, come here.” Well, that was my one chance to break free and go back into the wild with the authority of the U.S. Forest Service behind me. However, I knew there were bigger animals out there that could make a meal out of me so I walked over to my daddy and climbed up into his arms and Ms. Game Warden couldn’t argue with that! At my new home here at Woodbridge, my daddy had a great big fountain built with a pond and all kinds of little nooks and crannies that need exploring. I often sunbathe on a rock and then jump in the pond to cool off. Boy, is Manteca hot in the summer. The water falling into the pond creates a current I like to swim against or just let it push me around. It is also home to a lot of little mosquito fish I could snack on but what turtle in its right mind is going to do that when Daddy hand feeds it fresh red snapper all the time? I would say this is just about as close to "Turtle Heaven" as I can get. I just love it here at Woodbridge.

Page 32 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

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Day Trippin': Want a Little Fright? This One Might Delight! Winchester Mystery House By Pam Phelps

all is here, the weather is cooling (at times), and it’s time to think about another day (or night) trip, right? Well, since it’s October, this might just be the one to get you in the mood for eerie Halloween. Let’s hop in our cars, drive to San Jose and visit the Winchester Mystery House. This destination offers historical aspects and a bit of a spooky aura as well. In about an hour and a half, you can arrive at the Mystery House to embark on one of the many tours offered. A well-to-do widow, Sara L. Winchester, devised the project’s idea back in 1884. She was the widow of the famed Winchester rifle manufacturer’s son. Devastated by the deaths of her husband and infant daughter, Sara turned to the occult, trying to make contact with her dearly departed. She met a seer who told her that the spirit of her late husband was dwelling in the house and would continue to watch over her. As long as she kept a building project going, she would never die. Because of her belief in the dark arts and her great will to live, Sara kept carpenters and workmen constantly busy on her "wonder house," 24 hours a day, for the next 38 continuous years. It also helped that her $20,000,000 inheritance allowed her to more than fulfill her vision. And even though it fell into disrepair over time after her death, the house was designated a California Historical Landmark. This, coupled with the area’s desire to preserve the house through active fundraising, makes it almost completely restored. The Mystery House now stands as the world’s largest mansion with 160 rooms, 40 stairways, 13 bathrooms and 47 fireplaces. There are many oddities to behold as you roam these halls. Look for them and you’ll see why so many helped the mansion to earn its name. There is a window built into the floor for no apparent reason. There are stairways that lead to nowhere, and there are doors that open to blank walls. There are also beautiful Victorian gardens surrounding the mansion. At one point, Sara Winchester employed a full-time staff of eight gardeners to maintain the

grounds and care for plants and trees imported from all over the world. For you museum buffs, there are two on the site. The first is the Winchester Firearms Museum. Of course, the “Gun that Won the West” is the main attraction here and includes one of the largest Winchester rifle collections on the West Coast. Displayed are models from the 1860s right up to commemorative rifles used by Theodore Roosevelt and ‘The Duke,’ John Wayne. The next is the Winchester Antiques Products Museum. Here, you’ll find a rare array of products manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from the 1920s, including cutlery, lawn mowers, wagons, roller skates, farm and garden tools and much more. The Mystery House offers a variety of tours. The Spirit of Christmas tours are very popular and I would advise an advance ticket purchase, as these tours tend to sell out quickly. These tours are available Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. The 160 rooms of the mansion are filled with more than 20 beautiful Christmas trees decorated with beautiful hand-crafted ornaments fashioned by local artists and represent the heritage of the Santa Clara Valley and greater Bay Area. To help ensure your spot, please call 408-247-2000 during business hours. In the fall, especially around Halloween, the Flashlight Tours add to the mysterious feeling you’ll experience while touring the mansion. These tours are given every Friday the 13th and at Halloween. You’ll have only the moonlight, a guide and a souvenir flashlight to light your way through the maze of rooms. To me, the most interesting of the tours offered is the Behind-the-Scenes Tour. During this tour, you get a taste of the early lifestyle as well as learning how the self-sustaining estate really works. You’ll see stables, a drying shed, plumber’s workshop, greenhouse, an unfinished ballroom and the basement. The basement reveals a highlight, to be sure. It’s home to the original coal burning furnace produced more than 100 years ago by the Henderson Company of New York.

The Winchester Mystery House is located at 525 South Winchester Blvd., San Jose, CA 95128. Guided tours are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you can get more information by calling 408247-2101 or visiting the website: www. winchestermysteryhouse.com The Mystery House staff also offers to arrange tour groups as well as private tours to help create a truly unique experience. The rest is up to you, folks … IF you’re up for this spooky experience!

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 33 â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

Page 34 • October 2014

 WINE 101

Woodbridge LIFE

t our September Wine 101 class, we did a blind tasting of zinfandels. All participants By Jon Ford brought a zinfandel with the maker hidden from view. We tasted each zin and then voted on our favorites. The class presentation focused on the history of zinfandel in the world and in California, as well as the types of styles of zinfandel and some suggestions for food pairings. As usual, we had a full class with some incredible appetizers to go along with our zinfandels. We had a great time and we encourage people not to be intimidated by wines and to join us for a fun-filled, informative get-together. Our class will once again be graced with the presence of John Concannon, fourth generation vintner of Concannon Vineyard. On his previous visit, John presented the history of the Concannon family and winery to a packed house. This time he is going to replicate the "keynote" speech he gave to the Wine Institute of California, titled "Cabernet Sauvignon Clones." This is the only time John will be making this presentation to a private group so it is a very special visit. The class was originally scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, but due to conflicts in scheduling, we had to change our date. John will now be visiting us on Wednesday, October 15. The class will be held in the Multipurpose Room from 6 to 8:30 p.m. As always, all are invited, but only 101 participants are accepted. No knowledge of wine is necessary, as you will always leave the class with new information about the enology and/or viticulture. All participants are asked to bring: their own glasses, an appetizer to share with the group, a bottle of cabernet sauvignon of your choice to share (please have it opened and recorked as this saves a great deal of time).

DID YOU KNOW... Compiled by Pepper Noble

• Isaac Newton invented the cat flap style door for his cat named Spithead. • Female cats are typically right-pawed while male cats are typically left-pawed. • In the 1960s, the CIA tried to turn a cat into a spy by implanting a microphone and radio transmitter into its body. A taxi hit her on her first mission. • Cats can drink seawater to survive. • A group of cats is called a clowder. • The heaviest domestic cat on record is 46 lbs.,15.2 oz. • On average, cats live for 12 to 15 years. • The taste buds of a cat cannot detect sugar. • Dwight D. Eisenhower hated cats. • Some cats can run 30 miles per hour.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Registration for all Wine 101 classes begins the first day the Clubhouse is open after an event. Since these articles are written in advance and submitted for future Woodbridge LIFE publications, you will be getting information after registration has been opened. However, if you check the portal, the current information is posted and will always appear prior to the publication of this article. Flyers are also distributed in the information/activities rack outside the Multipurpose Room the day following the last class. John was a big hit at his previous appearance so it is anticipated this class will fill up quickly. I hope to see you there in October. If not, we will have our next Wine 101 class about Rhone red wines Wednesday, November 19, from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, we will have our annual Christmas party with a wine bottle exchange. This is always a potluck and a heck of a lot of fun. You may only sign up for the class that follows a monthly presentation commencing on the day following the previous event. 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 me at jluvswine@aol. com and request to be added to the email chain. This is another way to get timely information. I look forward to seeing you at one of our events.

Bill Barnhart

Subscribe to Neighbors Helping Neighbors on the Woodbridge Portal

629-‐8838

Household maintenance Household repairs Ability to climb ladder (6’) Program water timer Program garage door Reset garbage disposal Program thermostat Hook up TV, VCR, DVD player Computer repair / set-‐up Hang pictures, etc. (under 20 lbs)

Card and Letter writing Run errands, grocery shopping, etc. Provide meals (occasionally) Short time care relief for care giver Take out trash / bring in containers Visit ill, recovering, bereaved Walk dog (temporarily) Other skills (Describe)

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Bill Barnhart

Jenny McGehee 200-‐7460

Coordinators:

Thank you for volunteering!!! We are a group of volunteer neighbors who are willing to help others in our community. Some of us have had an injury, surgery, failed health, been widowed, in transition to care homes and in need of a little love and guidance from time to time, to name a few.

Days available: Mon ____ Tue ____ Wed ____ Thurs ____ Fri ____ Sat ____ Sun ____

Fluent languages (other than English) ______________________________________________

Phone _________________________

Spouse name ___________________________________

Emergency contact _________________________

Male _____ Female _____

Phone _________________________ Email __________________________

Address ___________________________________

Name ____________________________________

Date ____________________

Volunteer Information Sheet

Woodbridge LIFE

200-‐7460

-‐ and many more services

-‐ provide occasional meals

-‐ visit ill, recovering, bereaved neighbors

-‐ take out / bring in trash

-‐ run errands, groceries, etc.

-‐ small household maintenance and repairs

We are volunteer neighbors who provide free services to the members of our community who need “temporary” assistance.

Please print:

Woodbridge – Manteca, California

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Contact Coordinators: Jenny McGehee

Your Community Volunteers

Woodbridge – Manteca, California

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

www.ourwoodbridge.net Page 35 • October 2014

Page 36 • October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

The History of Halloween By Volker Moerbitz

or centuries, the history of Halloween had never been written down, thus much of it is shrouded in mystery. We do know that Halloween dates back to the Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland and Normandy. The Celts celebrated their New Year at the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, at a date that we now call November 1. They believed that on the night before the New Year, a day called Samhain, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred and the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. Therefore, they left two items at their doors: food, to please the good spirits, and scary masks to keep the bad ones out. People would also dress up as ghosts, believing that the spirits who were wandering the earth that night might not be able to tell them apart from the real ghosts roaming the streets. These celebrations continued pretty much undisturbed throughout the entire time of the Roman Empire and carried on even long after Ireland was Christianized. In 835, Pope Gregory the First moved a Catholic holiday, All Saints' Day, from spring to November 1 in an attempt to incorporate the pagan holiday of Samhain into Christian tradition. Although all good Christians, the people of Ireland held on to the celebration of their ancient spirits. Nevertheless, All Saints’ Day added at least two important components to the many facets of Halloween. One is the name – derived from the old English "All Hallow's Even;" the other is the tradition of “Trick-or-Treat.” In medieval times, the common dish to celebrate “All Saints” was a soul cake – a bread dessert with a currant topping. Soon, groups of children started going door-to-door begging for a piece of cake. In return, they offered a prayer for the dead relatives of the family living in the house to guide them from purgatory to heaven. Thus Halloween became a mix of ancient rituals and Catholic traditions, contributed by many different nations. That kind of meltingpot-event made it an ideal American holiday, and in the 1840s, when many Irish left their homes for America, they carried the almost 2,000-year-old tradition of Samhain and the almost exactly 1,000-yearold celebration of All Saints across the ocean, where both enjoyed a massive revival called Halloween. Meanwhile, America made its very own contribution to the multicultural celebration: The pumpkin, native to the New World, soon became Halloween’s most recognizable symbol. The origin of the idea takes us back to the old Celts: Part of the Celtic New Year’s celebration was a community bonfire. At the end, each family would take a piece of ember home to start a new fire to keep the house warm for another year. These pieces of ember were carried home in hollowed-out turnips, turning them into makeshift lanterns. The tradition became immortalized in the Irish folk tale of Jack-O-Lantern, who used such a turnip to guide him out of hell. Irish immigrants brought their turnip-lanterns to America but soon found out that pumpkins were much easier to carve and provided a much better lantern. Once again: Everything is bigger in America, even a 2,000-year-old European holiday. Happy Halloween! For an extended history of Halloween, check these websites: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenhistory.php http://www.history.com/topics/halloween

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 37 â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

Page 38 â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

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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.

Some of the girls from the Northwest Territory took a recent trip to Santa Barbara.

Carol and John Turner celebrated Carol's 60th and 70th birthdays in Italy. This is the view from their hotel on the Isle of Capri in July 2014.

Laneia and Tom Bolle (center) and their family are ready to embark on the Oakdale Zombie Train Ride!

Fran and Mike Hutchings celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary and Fran's 65th birthday on the Norwegian Getaway sailing the Eastern Caribbean on the Norwegian Getaway.

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.