W oodbridge Volume 4 ▪ Issue 12 ▪ Number 39
December
Happy holidays! This edition of Woodbridge LIFE is chock full of information about decorations, activities and other holiday-related topics. Mike Spence relates a brief history of decorations on page 29 and on page 32 Volker Moerbitz writes about German Christmas traditions. In addition, Jean Kavale shares a personal story about Pearl Harbor on page 10 and Judy McNamara interviews multi-talented Elizabeth Cunning on page 27. Your 2015 Community Directory is coming! Please update all data for the directory by December 31. Also, we would love to feature a resident's artwork on the cover of the directory! If you are an artist and/or photographer, check out the cover contest information on page 5 and get your entries in by December 31! Any artwork representing "the Woodbridge lifestyle" is welcome.
Inside
Bedford and Hancock . . . 7 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 6 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 19 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 8 Where in the World . . . . . 38 WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 4
READ WBL ONLINE : http://issuu.com/ woodbridgelife
Contact us:
WBLIFE2012@gmail.com
LIFE
Your Life. Your Community. Your News.
December ▪ 2014
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE
By Dodie Miller, Activities Director
By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor
P
I
robably the busiest and most hectic month of the twelve will soon be upon us. December is dear to me because it not only includes Christmas but also includes my birthday. Both occasions are cheerful celebrations, happy times spent with family and friends.
On another topic, I was thrilled the Woodbridge LIFE team was among those honored for volunteerism at An Evening of Appreciation, November 10. Each member of the team tirelessly volunteers innumerable hours each month to generate our community’s newspaper. Coincidentally (and fortuitously), the timing of the first Appreciation event was particularly opportune because it came the month following the third anniversary of our quality 40-page monthly newspaper. Carrying on the dream of Deb Ristau and Kayo Armstrong, Woodbridge LIFE celebrates the diversity of Woodbridge residents, looks at their accomplishments, explores their hopes and dreams, shares joy, announces activities and brings neighbors together in an effort to enhance the lives of all residents. We strive to
Page 3 • December 2014
From Dodie's Desk:
From the Editor
This year I am becoming Medicare eligible for my birthday. What a complicated morass of important but difficult to make decisions! I am an information-centered person and strive to be a well-informed consumer. To this end I have read stacks of mailings, some unsolicited from companies that somehow know it’s my birthday, others purposely requested. I have studied the medicare.gov website. I have talked to agents, friends, to my dentist’s office and to my physician and even to the poor guy at the counter when I checked in for a bone density test. Who knows, I might have talked to YOU! What I have concluded through all of my reading and talking is: You pay now or you pay later. It’s insurance. It’s hedging your bets against life’s unknowns and whether or not an accident or illness will befall you during the coming year. Thank goodness for the next open enrollment period. If my decisions don’t turn out to be the best, I will reassess and try to do better next year.
Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor exceed expectations with informative articles, lively features, a calendar of events and more. Advertising fees completely support the newspaper’s monthly production costs. Each member of the Woodbridge LIFE team contributes to the newspaper from his/her strengths and special interests. Some write articles, others take photographs, one draws a cartoon, and several proofread all material to ensure accuracy and correctness. All team members meet monthly to review the most recently published edition and to plan for future editions. All willingly accept and complete assignments and are dedicated to capturing our community, its residents and activities, in positive, affirming words and photographs. Although each individual is talented in his/her own right, no person’s singular contribution could make the newspaper. It is a team dedicated to a singular vision that creates Woodbridge LIFE. My sincere thanks to current team members, in alphabetical order: Bill Barnhart, Mel Bernstein, Sharyl Burgeson, Jean Kavale, Ann King, Judy McNamara, Dodie Miller, Volker Moerbitz, Pepper Noble, Pam Phelps (on temporary leave of absence), Robert Philis (who cheerfully steps in as photographer when needed), Erika Smith and Mike Spence. Take a break from this month’s shopping, cooking, decorating and entertaining to enjoy your community newspaper. Merry Christmas! ~ Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team
hope you all had the best Thanksgiving dinner and got together with family and friends this year. We now look forward to the arrival of jolly ol’ St. Nick. Our Woodbridge Singers group has another production ready to get us in the spirit of Christmas. They do a tremendous amount of practicing to give us their very best. Leader Elizabeth Cunning always puts together a well-polished program. Our Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele group, led by Carla Marquardt, will be doing its holiday singalong. It is so nice to have our groups perform and entertain us! As I’ve said in my flyer, you will be “wowed” by the “Decades” at their dance performance December 4. They are so talented and one of the top groups we have had here at Woodbridge. Their performance is above a “10.” You are promised a most enjoyable evening. Don’t miss it. Judy Leighton, “The Cheese Lady,” will present her cheesetasting buffet again this year with the holidays in mind. Judy always brings a good variety of cheeses to sample and suggests how and what to serve with them. If you haven’t been to one of Judy’s tasting buffets, I strongly suggest you attend. Seating is limited to 50. The Ladies’ Christmas Luncheon will be enjoyed at the Del Rio Country Club in Modesto again this year. The setting is beautiful there and the club creates an extremely beautiful holiday setting. It’s one to see. Duffy Hudson, who has performed for us in the past as George Burns, will perform “A Christmas Carol,” December 11. A very talented individual, Duffy performs all of the characters by himself. It should be a most interesting show and something we haven’t seen at Woodbridge before. Our sixth annual Holiday
Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director Homes Tour will include the holiday pantry again this year plus a delicious soup in a bread bowl lunch after touring the homes. All attendees will be greeted with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. Programs and maps will be available at check in. The Grandparents group will host an afternoon of activities and games with a Santa Gift Store for residents’ grandchildren. Santa, I hear, is to make an appearance. It’s decorating time for our Christmas golf cart parade around the Woodbridge community. We’ll all warm back up with a social in the Clubhouse after the parade. If you don’t have a golf cart, hitch a ride with a neighbor or ride your decorated bicycle. Doctors Hospital of Manteca will again host a Christmas party with wine and cheese and a band (to enjoy a couple of dances between the prize-giveaways). Our last event for 2014 is the New Year’s Eve party with a theme of “A Night In Paris.” Guests will enjoy appetizers, dinner and dancing till we ring in “2015” with the Boogie Shooz band. We’ll even have the Eiffel Tower! (You don’t know what it took to get that here!) HAPPY NEW YEAR “2015”
Page 4 • December 2014
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
make sure each ornament is in the right place with the right coverage and correct position. I climbed up and down my ladder so many times that day that if I were to calculate the steps, I could have ended up on top of Mt. Everest! Decorating the Christmas tree was one of the more tedious tasks I’ve had to tackle here at Woodbridge, yet it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. To see the joyous smiles from our residents as they enter our building is simply priceless. The opportunity to bring the Christmas spirit to the Lakeview Clubhouse is one I cherish and look forward to doing for many years to come.
Executive Director Update
Executive Director Update
By Erika Smith
By Ramon Rivera
T
he holiday spirit is in full swing here at Woodbridge! We have our gorgeous Christmas tree and decorations displayed, hot coffee and hot chocolate to warm us up from this chilly December weather and a nice warm fire in the living room to gather around with good friends. Holidays are a joyful time for most of us. These are the times to celebrate our friends and family, rejoice in our past and look forward to future endeavors. For Woodbridge, December is not just a month to celebrate the holidays. It is also the birthday of our beautiful Woodbridge community. This month we celebrate being eight years young. Since 2006, there has been a great deal of growth and change. The north section is expanding in the number of built homes and new neighbors and Liberty Park is starting to take shape. As the New Year approaches, take the time to meet your new neighbors. There are many of you who have been here for eight years and many who have been here for eight months. With the New Year and New Year’s resolutions quickly approaching, commit to meeting new people and rejoice in the friends you have already made. Take this holiday season to reflect on our beautiful community and all it has to offer. Happy holidays and happy birthday, Woodbridge!
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C
hristmas and all the joys it brings is here. I want to wish every resident in our Woodbridge community a very special Merry Christmas. Dodie, Pat, Don, Nadine, Leilani, Armando, Erika, Robyn and Mark--I want to thank each one of you for everything you do for our community. I wish each of you and your families a wonderful Merry Christmas. As we do every year, the decorations around the Clubhouse are in full effect. It’s a process I experienced for the first time last year and what an experience! Many residents warned me about the challenge in front of me. I thought to myself, “How bad can it be to put up decorations?” Then the day came and our tree arrived. It was the biggest tree I ever had to decorate. Like anything else, I rolled up my sleeves and was ready to go. As Dodie and I unpacked all the decorations, I still didn’t understand what the big deal was. As I looked through the boxes, I saw ornaments the size of basketballs, wreaths that looked like hula-hoops and the largest supply of tree ornaments I had ever seen! As we began to decorate, I busted out my trusted ladder and began to put the lights and ornaments up on our tree. The decorating went smoothly until it was time to put up the tree ornaments. That is when I noticed why I had been warned. As I started to put the ornaments up, I could hear the sweetest little voice behind me say, “Hey, darlin’.” This term would be repeated many times throughout the day. Dodie goes to many lengths to ensure that everything must look perfect. One of those lengths is to
WOA Update By Ramon Rivera and Erika Smith
Cattail Update After researching all options, a plan has been put into place to best serve the lake and its biological function and our residents. The cattails will be cut down completely and as they grow back, they will be monitored and trimmed accordingly. Indoor Pool Temperature After listening to a majority of residents who use the indoor pool, we have decided to up the maximum temperature of the pool from 84 degrees to 86 degrees. Our heating system had been set in the past to reach a max temperature of 84 degrees. The system begins to re-heat the pool once the temperature drops two degrees thus dropping the temperature
of the pool below 84. Now that our system has been set to 86 degrees, we will be in the range of 84 to 86 degrees. Update Your Contact Information The 2015 Community Directory is coming soon! That means we need you to update your contact information, name, address, home and cell phone numbers. Log on to the portal to check your information and if it is incorrect or out of date, please update it accordingly. If you do not have access to the portal, come to the Clubhouse and there will be a form for you to fill out. Updates must be completed by December 31, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Smith at 824-7581.
To The Lifestyle Committee... By Dodie Miller
Y
ou all have worked hard and contributed your ideas and time, socialized with our residents and guests at events making them feel comfortable, and stayed on long after the events were over putting the rooms back in order. Your time before and after events goes beyond the time involved in an event that is not always realized. And to your spouses who worked alongside you – a BIG thank you! “Thank you” really isn’t enough. You’ve come through on many occasions and what the committee has accomplished in 2014 is very, very appreciated by our Woodbridge residents and me. November gave us a run and we’ll top that in December. I am looking forward to 2015 and what plans we’ll all conjure up. YOU ALL ARE THE BEST!
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE
It’s Our First y r o t c e r i D y Communit
Page 5 • December 2014
Cover Contest!
Woodbridge residents are known for their multitude of talents. All are invited to take part in this contest by submitting artwork representing “the Woodbridge lifestyle.” The actual entry will be in photograph form but the artwork may be of any type and media.
Top photos will be selected by the Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team then a panel of outside judges will select the winner to be used as artwork on the cover of next year’s directory.
Participation Requirements: All contest entrants must reside within the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Residence will be verified.
Art Requirements:
3. 4. 5.
1. Artwork for the cover of the community directory must clearly represent “the Woodbridge lifestyle.” 2. Artwork may depict people, places or things and may be created in any art media type such as: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, architecture, carving, textiles. 3. If photography is the artist’s art media, photos MUST be taken within the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Location will be verified.
Entry Requirements: 1. A photograph of the actual artwork must be submitted as an 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
entry to this contest. Photo resolution must be at least 300 dots per inch (dpi). Use a minimum of a 4 megapixel camera. Color or black and white photos will be accepted. Photos must be oriented to fit the Woodbridge Community Directory cover (preferably 5 ½” high x 8 ½” wide unless artwork is more effectively photographed in vertical format). Only single photographs will be accepted. Collages will not be accepted. Photographs must be submitted as digital files only. Digital file format must be JPEG or TIFF. Each entry photograph must have an identifying caption/ name to differentiate it from other entries in this contest and to refer to it, when necessary. Examples, “The sun setting over Lakeview Clubhouse,” OR “Sunset.”
Contest Rules: 1. All entry photographs submitted for this contest become the
property of Woodbridge LIFE. 2. By submitting an entry for this contest, the contest entrant agrees s/he will not be compensated in any way if his/her entry photograph is selected for use on the cover of the 2015
6. 7. 8. 9.
Woodbridge Community Directory or published in Woodbridge LIFE. Entrants may submit more than one entry photograph. Submit entry photograph(s) on a thumb drive. Place the thumb drive in an envelope upon which is written the contestant’s full name, residence address, phone number and email address. Submit the sealed envelope containing the thumb drive to the front desk of the Lakeview Clubhouse. Thumb drives will not be returned. Woodbridge LIFE is not responsible for entry photographs or materials sent in. Be sure to save copies of your entry photograph(s). Woodbridge LIFE will not sell or otherwise use the photographs submitted for this contest except as previously stated.
Deadlines: All submissions must be received at the front desk of the Clubhouse no later than 5 p.m., December 31, 2014. Submissions received after this time and date will not be accepted.
Judging: 1. All entry photographs submitted in the contest will be
reviewed. Representatives of the Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team will select the top photos. 2. The winning photo will be selected from the top entry photographs by a panel of outside judges. 3. All decisions of the judges are final.
Prizes: 1. The winning entry photograph will be used as artwork on
the cover of the 2015 Woodbridge Community Directory. The winning entrant’s name will be printed on the directory cover with the photo of his/her artwork. 2. The winner, two runners up, and a list of names of all contest entrants will be published in Woodbridge LIFE.
Page 6 • December 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 - December 2014 / January 2015 By Dodie Miller, Activities Director WOODBRIDGE SINGERS WINTER CONCERT – Tuesday, December 2 with two performances; one at 2 p.m. and the other at 6:30 p.m. - Our singers always give us their best and this Christmas performance will surely leave us with lots of holiday spirit. Sign up at the front desk for seating.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – December 11 @ 7 p.m. - This is a one-man show with Duffy Hudson playing 36 characters without the use of props or costumes in this beloved classic. Duffy is a director, writer, teacher and film actor who has performed on Broadway. Tickets are $8 per person, available at the front desk.
WINE 101 – Wednesday, December 3 @ 5:30 p.m. - This December meeting is special with a Christmas potluck and a wine bottle exchange. More information to come from Jon Ford.
HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR – Saturday, December 13 @ 11 a.m. – Residents have volunteered their homes for the tour which includes a warming lunch, a holiday pantry (cash and carry), a raffle and a glass of champagne or sparkling cider to start the tour. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the front desk.
THE DECADES – Thursday, December 4 @ 6 p.m. – You’ll all be “wowed” again by this group’s talents. Expect an outstanding performance. This is their Christmas show, so be sure to sign up early. Tickets are $15 per person. CHEESE BUFFET TASTING – Monday, December 8 @ 5:30 p.m. – Our “Cheese Lady” Judy Leighton from Lavender Ridge will again share some wonderful cheeses for our holiday season. She gives useful information and offers ideas for the plentiful cheeses she brings for us all to sample. The cheeses are garnished with fruits, olives and nuts. Tickets are $10 per person. Seating is limited to 50. STRUMMIN’ WONDERS UKULELE CONCERT – Wednesday, December 10 @ 6:30 p.m. – The group will be putting on their Christmas concert again and everyone will have the opportunity to sing along with the ukulele players. You’re asked to bring goodies for after the concert. Sign up at the front desk. CHRISTMAS LADIES’ LUNCHEON – Thursday, December 11 @ 11:30 a.m. – This lunch will be held at the Del Rio Country Club in Modesto. To save your spot, call either Jacqueline Andrews @ 823-9241 or Jacque Reynolds @ 629-8508. The cost for the lunch is $35 per person. Cash only. The menu choices are on the flyer at the Clubhouse.
GRANDPARENTS CHRISTMAS PARTY - Sunday, December 14 @ 2 p.m. – This group will have a Santa gift store for children to purchase gifts for 10 – 25 cents. There will be activities and games. All residents and their grandchildren are invited. Refreshments will be served. GOLF CART PARADE – Tuesday, December 16 @ 5:30 p.m. – We will meet at the clock tower at the Clubhouse at 5:30 p.m. and line up to start our parade through the Woodbridge community. Copies of Christmas carols will be available and we recommend dressing warmly. When we finish, we’ll all go back to the Clubhouse for a social. You may bring your beverage of choice and an appetizer to share. Please sign up at the front desk so we have ample seating.
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.
DOCTORS HOSPITAL CHRISTMAS PARTY – Wednesday, December 17 @ 5:30 p.m. – A wine and cheese Christmas social with a band. As usual, they will give away prizes. Sign up at the front desk. STEVE’S MOBILE SUNSCREENS – Thursday, December 18 @ 3 p.m. – Steve is serving hot cocoa and cookies as a Christmas “thank you” to residents. Please sign up at the front desk. NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – Wednesday, December 31 – “A Night in Paris” – The evening will start with appetizers and dinner catered by Mark Angelo and O’Connor’s Catering. The band “Boogie Shooz” will help us bring in the New Year. Champagne will be poured at midnight to toast “2015.” Tickets are $75 per person. NEWCOMERS SOCIAL – Thursday, January 22 @ 6 p.m. – If you are a newcomer to Del Webb in the past year, come to this social gettogether just for you to meet other newcomers. You may bring an appetizer to share and your beverage of choice. Sign up at the front desk. WHAT’S FUNNY AFTER 50? – January 31 @ 7 p.m. – Comedian Dan St. Paul mixes humor with real life situations and has everyone laughing. He’s appeared on NBC, ABC, FOX and Comedy Central. Tickets are $9 per person and go on sale December 22.
The deadline for submission of articles for the January 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Friday, December 5, 2014. Please email your articles to wblife2012@ gmail.com
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
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 Jean Kavale 629-8571 Ann King 650-464-0151 Judy McNamara 923-4718 Dodie Miller 824-7927 Volker Moerbitz 239-7965 Pepper Noble 239-1933 Erika Smith 824-7581 Mike Spence 924-8032
Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly publication of the Woodbridge Owners Association, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that would be of interest to residents. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles that in our opinion do not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association. Content submitted may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be returned. Contents copyright © 2014 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
Contact us:
WBLIFE2012@gmail.com
Page 7 • December 2014
Page 8 • December 2014
WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco
Contact Nedra Ball Patti Barnhart Ray Pfoutz Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun
Chair Volleyball
Jacquie Steffy Renée St. Lawrence Dave Steffy Bill Goodwin Pat Buxton
Crochet/Knitting Cribbage Drama Game Night Game Night-also contact Grandparents Hand & Foot
Woodbridge LIFE No
Phone 815-9309 629-8838 239-0387 825-7137 239-0409
Meeting Day And Time M-F Time varies Thursdays @ 4:15 p.m. Sundays @ 6 p.m. Mondays @ 10 a.m. 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Every other Monday @ 5 825-4805 p.m. 825-7137 825-4805 823-9767 239-8663
Thursdays @ 10 a.m. Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m. Friday & Sat @ 6:30 p.m.
Rick Hyden Claudia Watkins Ruth Field
824-9257 823-8678 229-6977
Line Dancing Line Dancing (Evening) Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle
Patti Barnhart Bill Goodwin Terrell Estes Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Robert Philis
629-8838 823-9767 824-7464 239-5712 239-5712 239-5712 239-1542
Poker
Al Sanchez
239-8235 815-9343 239-2983
Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Days and times vary W-FR-SA-SU @ 12:30 p.m. Thursdays @ 7 p.m. M-W-F @ 9:30 a.m. Fridays @ 5:45 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 10 a.m. Patrols 2nd Monday @ 6 p.m. M-F Time varies M @ 2:15pm & TH @ 1 p.m. Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m. Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m. Days and times vary
825-7137 239-5256 629-8060 824-2062 624-3754 239-8718 624-3945 629-8575 629-8508 629-8838 624-3779 815-9803 647-4380
1st Wed @ 10:30 a.m. Days and times vary Various golf courses Seasonal Mondays @ 2:15 p.m. SU - TU - TH @ 8 a.m. 3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 4 p.m. M-W-F @ 8:30 a.m. 1st Tuesday @ 10:45 a.m. 3rd Wed @ 11 a.m. 1st Wednesday @ 6 p.m. Every other Monday @ 7 p.m.
Poker-also contact Joe Victoria Radio Controlled Flyers Bob Umberger Renée St. LawReaders’ Group rence Second Chance Band John Green Senior Golf Rudy Salvador Silver Sluggers Softball Butch Larson Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Tennis Mel Topping Trivia Eileen Hill Veterans Jack Dauler Walking Indoors Jacque Reynolds Wheels of Woodbridge Bill Barnhart Women of Woodbridge Birdie Nieri Wine 101 Jon Ford Woodbridge Singers Elizabeth Cunning
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
N
-Me
d ical
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Each office independently owned and operated. l © 2012 CK Franchising, Inc.
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 9 • December 2014
December Activities Sunday
Monday
Tues day
1
Wednes day
2
3
4
2 and 6:30 p.m. - Sing-
5:30 p.m. - Wine 101
6:30 p.m. - “The De-
ers Winter Concert
7
14
Thurs day
F ri day
Sat urday
5
6
12
13
cades” Dance
8
9
10
11
5:30 p.m. - Cheese
6:30 p.m. - Town Hall
3 p.m. - Board Mtg
11:30 a.m. – Ladies’
11 a.m. – Holiday Homes
Buffet Tasting
Mtg
6:30 p.m. - Strummin’
Christmas Luncheon
Tour
Wonders Christmas
6:30 p.m. - A Christmas
Concert
Carol by Duffy Hudson
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17
18
2 p.m. – Grandparents’
15
5:30 p.m. - Golf Cart
3 p.m. - Listening Post
3 p.m. - Steve’s Sun-
Christmas Party
Parade
5:30 p.m. – Doctors
screens Hot Cocoa and
Hospital Christmas
Cookies
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20
26
27
Party
21
22
23
24
25 Christmas Day Clubhouse Closed
28
29
30
31 6 p.m. - New Year’s Eve Party
► Clubs and groups are listed on page 8.
More detailed information may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse.
January Activities Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Friday
Saturday
2
3
9
10
New Year’s Day Clubhouse Closed
4
5
6
7
8
6 p.m. - Jerry Saucedo Dance Night
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12
13
14
15
16
17
22
23
24
30
31
5:30 p.m. - Taco Feed
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21
5:30 p.m. - Newcomers Social
25
26
27
28
29
7 p.m. - What’s Funny After 50?
Page 10 • December 2014
Remembering Pearl Harbor
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
all measures be taken for our defense . . . With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God . . . ”
By Jean Kavale
M
PEARL
ornings in Oahu were usually peaceful and calm. Soft See page 35 breezes would drift through the leaves of tall palm trees, and ripples of clear ocean water would roll gently onto pristine shores. The morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, was radically different. That’s when fighter planes from the Imperial Japanese Navy roared through the sky and bombed the American naval base at Pearl Harbor. The deadly surprise assault lasted less than two hours, but over 3,500 Americans were killed or wounded, and 350 aircraft were destroyed or damaged. All eight battleships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet were either sunk or lay crippled in the burning water. The next day, which happened to be my tenth birthday, my family and other families throughout the nation gathered around their radios to hear President Roosevelt deliver his famous “day of infamy” speech: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan . . .” At that time I was living at Fort Benning, Georgia, with my Photo by Kevin Winter / Touchstone Pictures / Getty Images. parents and brother, where my father was serving in the U.S. The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Army’s 2nd Armored Division. Dad was particularly interested in what the President had to say about our armed forces: “As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that
Veterans Visit Venture Academy Article by Jack Dauler. Photos by Mel Reynolds.
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he Veterans group participated in the Stockton Venture Academy School’s celebration of Veterans Day on Monday, November 10. The more than 20 veterans who attended broke into small groups and spent time with students in their classrooms. Once in the classroom, the veterans told the students of their experiences in the military. Then the students had time to ask questions and spend some one-on-one time with the veterans. Afterward, all met in the auditorium where the student choir honored us with military songs representing all branches of the service. It was quite an experience to meet and enjoy the company of these fine junior high and high school students. After their performance, choir members individually expressed their thanks to us for serving our country. The Venture Academy is a K-12 school designed to provide unique educational options for students who seek an innovative, nontraditional approach to education. A special thanks to Mel Reynolds for all his work to organize this uplifting visit.
Woodbridge vets share military experiences with students.
Some of the veterans who visited the Venture Academy.
The student choir sang songs representing all branches of the service.
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 11 • December 2014
Page 12 • December 2014
Woodbridge LIFE
By Don St. Lawrence
Bridge Scores NOV 3:
Don Harris Cherie Ford Grace Pasion Betty Buff Lee Stern Phyllis Tindell Robi Cornelius Phil McCallion Phil Bookman Don St. Lawrence Kathy Comden
NOV 10:
Cherie Ford Kathy Comden Grace Pasion Lee Stern Phyllis Tindell Phil McCallion Don St. Lawrence Robi Cornelius Sharyl Burgeson
NOV 17:
Phil McCallion Don St. Lawrence Don Harris
4560 4350 4340 4110 3840 3360 3300 3040 2250 1740 1670 4500 3880 3870 3710 3480 2940 2920 2840 1400
4800 4770 4180
NOV 24:
Phil McCallion Betty Buff Phyllis Tindell Letha Watson Nancy Hansen Cherie Ford Don Harris Don St. Lawrence Lee Stern Carolee Jones Robi Cornelius Kathy Comden
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By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist
BRIDGE
Robi Cornelius Lee Stern Letha Watson Kathy Comden Phyllis Tindell Betty Buff Sharyl Burgeson Phil Bookman Cherie Ford
FITNESS Join The Resistance
At the Clubhouse The Bridge group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Oxford Room.
4160 3720 3660 3460 2570 2530 2440 2220 2030 5320 5320 4630 4070 3760 3540 3350 3290 3270 2370 2080 1460
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esistance bands, that is. Resistance bands are rubber tubes of various thicknesses, giving you a range of resistance. Some bands are made with handles; others have different types of grips. These bands will give you a different type of resistance than you get with other forms of weight training by engaging more proprioceptors (brain function). By exciting more muscle fibers, you will develop a more symmetrical and balanced muscle, helping to reduce your risk of injury. The benefits of using resistance bands include being rather inexpensive (can be purchased in sets of three resistance levels, from light to heavy), very portable, excellent for traveling and they are easy to use alone to add a variety of exercise to your fitness routine. It doesn’t matter what level you are at with your
fitness – beginners to advanced can benefit from using resistance bands. You do not have to learn a new routine to use the bands – you will simply be replacing your free weight with the band – you can still do curls, bent over rows, chest press, overhead press or overhead triceps extension, just to name a few. You will need to experiment with the varying intensities and lengths of bands until you find the appropriate amount of resistance to replace your normal workload with standard weights. Remember to do 15 repetitions, with the last few being somewhat difficult. Your Senior Fitness Specialist will be more than happy to answer any questions and show you how to use them properly.
Arts
ARTISTS & CRAFTERS By Penny Dauler
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was the night before Christmas…” in my family this traditional Christmas story was read every Christmas Eve while we were all snuggled up in front of a roaring fire. Although we still read this story, the roaring fire has given way. “Progress” they call it. Christmas is about traditions, old ones we continue to observe and new ones we make. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Yes, I like to receive gifts, but more, I love the hustle and bustle, the Christmas
carols, the food and spending time with family and friends. With this thought in mind, Artists and Crafters is gearing down this month. We have an “out & about” planned for Monday, December 1, but that is our only “special project” of the month. We want to give everyone time to enjoy the holiday. Check the calendar posted on the door and the sign-up sheets on the communications board for our December calendar. As for November, it went by all too fast. Our boutique was a grand success and I will have more details next month. Heartfelt thanks to the many helping hands who made it all possible. It would not have been a success without you.
Don't forget to sign up for the Ukulele Christmas Concert on December 10 at 6:30 p.m. You will find yourself toe tapping or singing along with your favorite Christmas songs. The Woodbridge line dancers will be dancing as the ukuleles play. The dancers, taught by Patti Barnhart, will mesmerize you with their graceful moves. You are invited to bring goodies to share and it's free!
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 13 • December 2014
STRUMMIN' WONDERS
How the Ukulele Changed My Life By Carla Marquardt
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Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.
y husband, Jack, had a bad stroke in October 2009 in Muskego, Wisconsin [a suburb of Milwaukee], just as things were going very smoothly for me. I was working full time testing financial software and teaching group piano at the local junior college one night a week. Jack was retired and he was finally making dinner every weekday. [He had never helped with household chores before.] Jack had a very bad stroke after 30 years of high blood pressure besides taking medication. My world crashed. I felt so alone. My parents and our kids all lived in different states. My life would never be the same. Jack was in the hospital’s rehab program for two months. He begged me to take him home, but I could not have provided the care he needed and would have had to send him to a skilled nursing facility for another two months because he couldn't use his right leg or arm. I received an email link to the November edition of “The Villages” online newsletter. The Villages is Florida’s “friendliest retirement hometown” where Jack’s brother used to live but had died only four months earlier. The Villages’ newspaper was all electronic and contained a video of their ukulele group playing “You are My Sunshine.” It was adorable! The group’s director explained all the benefits of keeping your mind active, your fingers active and acquiring a joyful active social life. WOW. I needed some joy! Only four strings! This would be a cinch to teach! [I have a Bachelor’s degree in teaching instrumental music from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1971, and a Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1998.]
Photo contributed by Carla Marquardt.
Carla Marquardt started teaching the ukulele in 2010.
To my surprise, when I went to the local music store, there was a stack of ukuleles in small boxes piled up to the ceiling. Say what? In Wisconsin in December and it’s 10 degrees outside with snow drifts 15 feet high? I quickly bought my $25 ukulele and went home to learn how to play from a book and “Ukulele Mike” on YouTube. I begged my supervisor at the junior college where I had taught group piano for 30 years, to set up a ukulele class for me to teach in February 2010. She was reluctant but granted my wishes. I typed up my own collection of songs [100 pages] to hand out to my first class. Having a new project helped me keep up my workload and get through the hell of nursing homes (I had to move Jack again due to bad care). Learning the ukulele was my joy and escape from the horrors of the day. When I did bring Jack home, the real nightmare of everyday living really started. There were the nightly trips to the bathroom in the wheelchair, therapy and doctor appointments, bathing, dressing and undressing him. My supervisor at the junior college never thought the ukulele class would fill, but to her total amazement, my first ukulele class filled with 12 students and the rest is history. Learning the ukulele saved my sanity. You can’t play a sad song on a ukulele! That’s how the ukulele changed my life. I love teaching ukulele and spreading the joy I found -- to others. Editor’s Note: Carla and Jack moved to Woodbridge in April 2011 to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law (both elementary teachers in the Manteca Unified School District) and their two grandchildren. Carla is delighted with Woodbridge and confided the move enabled Jack to be able to walk into a shower for the first time since his stroke. She said the best part of Woodbridge is Jack’s physical progress after working with his Personal Fitness Trainer Paul Serpa twice weekly. Carla started the Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele group in January 2012 with 12 students. The group now has over 30 members.
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Woodbridge LIFE
&
WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP By Marie Evans
Woodbridge Readers met November 5 for our monthly meeting. We had 10 members and an interesting discussion, as always. Patty DeRoos was our leader and her choice was The Bartender's Tale by Ivan Doig. Patty chose this book because her college roommate’s husband, who read it in his men’s book club, recommended it. From what I heard in our discussion, everyone was happy that she took his suggestion. While all of us enjoyed the story, some liked the humorous aspects, others found the family parts of the story or the different aspects of a bartender's life interesting, while still others focused on the life of the little boy and so on. Many were particularly impressed by the author's use of language and how he presented his characters. Most of us agreed that the author's ability to 'turn a phrase' and his insight into his characters enhanced the storyline. The novel takes place in Montana and, to me, is quietly expressed and quietly lived. It is a very human story of a little boy (Rusty) who is being raised by his aunt along with some cousins. He is not
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particularly happy with his situation and then one day his father (Tom) walks in and Rusty's life takes a big change for the better. He moves with his dad to a small town in Montana and begins an entirely different and more adventurous stage in his life and the rest is found in the book. The story is set in the middle of the last century but the background to Rusty and his father's lives takes place in the past. It is a heartwarming story and one we all enjoyed although I believe our one male may have found it a little less interesting (maybe not exciting enough) than we women did. Mr. Doig was able to use a phrase descriptively which helped to fill out the story and at times make it poignant, heartwarming, a little startling or even suspenseful. Beautiful language, a good sense of humor and a good tale all make for a pleasant read. This is a book that needs to be read slowly enough to let the descriptive language sink in so that you get the full enjoyment of the tale the author is telling you. December is our Christmas luncheon on our regular meeting day, the first Wednesday of the month. Everyone should bring a small decoration and there will be a charge for the catered luncheon. For further information, look for our flyer at the Clubhouse or call Patty DeRoos at 239-2833, Helen Navarro at 665-4365 (she is also the one to prepay for the luncheon - the cost will be on the flyer) or Marie Evans at 239-3726. Phil Bookman will present our book for January, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
VETERANS OF WOODBRIDGE Give a "Brick" for Christmas? By Jack Dauler
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e have all heard the story of finding coal in our Christmas stocking but what about finding a brick in a stocking? You could give a brick from our Veterans Memorial brick campaign. The bricks are priced from $125 for a 4” x 8” to $500 for an 8” x 8” brick. In June/July 2015, our long awaited Liberty Park should be built and with it, our Veterans Memorial. Everyone in Woodbridge will want to come over to the southeastern corner of our new park to view the memorial. Designed by one of our veterans, the memorial, constructed of granite, will be eight feet in diameter with the flagpole 25 feet tall. Five of the six sides will represent a different branch of the military, with names of veterans engraved in bricks around the base. (Please see the artist’s rendition to the right). The structure will represent the dignity and strength of the United States Armed Forces. The fund committee has started to place a simulation of the engraved bricks that have already been purchased on a dream sheet for the purpose of design analysis. We ask that anyone thinking of purchasing a brick do so in the near future to assure they will be in the first brick order. We are also anticipating a possible price increase around midMarch for both sizes of bricks.
VETERANS OF WOODBRIDGE Toys for Tots Program By Jack Dauler
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Photo submitted by Jack Dauler.
Ray Noble's rendition of the Veterans Memorial in Liberty Park.
he Woodbridge Veterans group is again participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The mission of this program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during November and December and distribute these toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. In early November, the veterans placed boxes in the Clubhouse for collection of toys. We have been checking the boxes daily and we turn in all toys collected to the Marine Corps coordinator, December 16. The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas and to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources, our children. Monetary donations are also accepted. The last day to contribute to the program is Monday, December 15. For monetary donations, please contact Al Nevares @ 209-815-9358. All checks should be made out to "Toys for Tots Foundation." Thank your for your generosity.
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 15 • December 2014
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Woodbridge LIFE
Household Hints Compiled by Bill Barnhart
SHOWER DOORS AND MOISTURE
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his article will deal with the steps I’ve found that work best for controlling moisture leakage around the shower door. Bill Barnhart I’ve been in many bathrooms when responding to a Neighbors Helping Neighbors' request and seen evidence of moisture damage to the baseboards adjacent to shower doors. The baseboards are made from pressed sawdust and moisture intrusion causes the baseboards to swell and become discolored. The object is to keep moisture away from the baseboards. The first step is to control the moisture during a shower by adjusting the plastic deflector strips on the bottom of the door and on the hinge edge of the door. With the door open and your bath mat in place, press down on the strip at the bottom of the door but note that a small portion has to continue to grip the glass or it will come completely off. If yours has never been adjusted, it might be difficult because it will almost have become glued to the glass over the years. Just keep at it. Now, standing inside the shower, close the door. Press the vertical deflector strips between the hinges toward the wall. Most likely you can get them to practically touch the wall without coming off the edge of the door. These adjustments need to be made every couple of weeks or more frequently, depending upon how vigorously you apply the next step. The second step is to get rid of residual moisture after the shower is over. I’m sure most of us squeegee our shower walls and glass doors after a shower, and I’m sure many of us also towel dry all the chrome and the glass after each use. However, how many of us think to dry off the inside and underside of the deflector strips where moisture can accumulate and then, through gravity, migrate hours later down to the floor and the baseboards? You always need to dry the inside/underside of these deflector strips after every shower. Check out the two photographs. The type of bath mat I use is essentially a mat made like a bath towel and the shower door opens over it easily without snagging the mat. After your shower, with the door open at a 45-degree angle over the bath mat, gather the mat as you see in the second picture and drag it along the underside of the deflector strip. Then, with
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the door still open, use the mat to dry the inside of the deflector strips on the hinge side of the door. Next, swing over and dry the part of the doorframe the door closes against. Finally, dry every bit of moisture you can that is still on the transition between the shower and the bathroom floor. If you make these drying steps a part of your routine after every shower, that’s going to be about the best you can do to keep moisture away from the baseboards.
Shower door open over bath mat.
Photo courtesy of Bill Barnhart.
Photo courtesy of Bill Barnhart.
Bath mat gathered one side to drag and dry underside of deflector strip.
Did you know Bill Barnhart's popular Household Hints articles are posted on the Woodbridge portal? Currently you can find articles published from December 2013 through November 2014 by entering the portal and selecting Resource Center in the gray horizontal bar. Scroll down to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, click the plus sign and then click on Household Hints. You will find a list of topics and the date published.
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WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 17 • December 2014
Holiday Pantry By Linda Little
Baked Goods Donations Needed As part of the Holiday Home Tour, Saturday, December 13, a sale of baked and canned goods will be held. Please consider donating homemade breads, cakes, candy, cookies, pies, cupcakes, jams and jellies, relishes, etc. Sugar-free items are also welcome. Please do not donate any item that needs refrigeration or include a serving dish that needs to be returned. Also, donations should be pre-wrapped for sale. Donations must be brought to the Multipurpose Room between noon and 2 p.m., Friday, December 12. If you would like to donate, please contact Marybeth Saari by email (marybethsaari@gmail.com) or phone 209-6298430. Holiday Pantry Sale Do you want homemade cookies for your holiday party but don’t have time to bake? Do you need to stock your pantry with some jams and jellies? Visit the Woodbridge Holiday Pantry being held in conjunction with the annual Holiday Home Tour, December 13. The Holiday Pantry, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be held in the Multipurpose Room of the Lakeview Clubhouse. In addition to cookies, cakes, breads, candy, and pies, this year’s Holiday Pantry will feature homemade jams, jellies, and other canned goods. Sugar-free items will also be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Woodbridge Lifestyle events and activities.
WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Big Check to Women's Shelter
Serving the community since 1979.
Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence. Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children. We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite.
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Mark A. Hochhalter, DDS Bonnie J. Morehead, DDS Rudy R. Ciccarelli, DDS Elizabeth C. Grecco, DDS Ron G. Joseph, DDS Daman P. Saini, DDS Harneet K. Saini, DDS
Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anesthesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment.
Pediatric Dentistry
• Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Extended Office Hours (Saturdays & Evenings) • Specialists In One Location • On-Site Lab; Same Day Repairs • Dental Implants • Esthetic Dentistry • Oral Conscious Sedation • Same Day Crowns
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
By Birdie Nieri, WOW President
he Women of Woodbridge group has delivered a nice big check to the Haven of Peace Women’s Shelter. Thank you to all residents who purchased the Butter Braid Pastry for the fundraiser. The funding was graciously accepted and will be useful for the shelter’s holiday and yearend expenses. Thank you, too, to those who chose not to purchase the pastry but donated funds anyway. And, of course, thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time to manage the sales table. The women in Woodbridge are so generous with their time. Big-hearted people reside here and that’s what we enjoy most about our community.
General Dentistry
Our family welcomes yours.
Mohammad El Farra, DDS* Prachi D. Shah, DDS
*General Dentist Practice Limited to Children
Mark A. Grecco, DMD Diplomate, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery MEMBERS OF:
• California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.
WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE
Tea Party Hostesses Needed By Birdie Nieri, chair
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here is still time to sign up for the sixth annual Tea Party. Hostesses are needed and your ideas and energy will be welcomed. The theme for February is “Destinations.” That title can mean a place, location or state of mind. Possibilities are endless. Invite a friend, neighbor, sister or sister-in-law to help you with the table décor and set up. There is no surer way to secure a ticket for the always-soldout event. Your table will seat six for stylish comfort. So, grab that friend. You know the one. The one who is creative and doesn’t have the time… they’re the best! She’ll help get you on your way, and you’ll feed off each other’s energy and you’ll dream up the purrrrfect table. Call her and then call me. We’ll make this a fabulous experience for all the women. Contact Birdie Nieri by email (b.nieri@comcast.net) or cell (510-304-7525). Let’s have a fun time at our little ol’ tea party!
209.823.9341
valleyoakdentalgroup.com 1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Hunger Never Takes a Holiday By Mel Bernstein
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e have all heard of "food banks," organizations which help to feed the less fortunate in our society. Some of us have worked as volunteers at a food bank, while others, such as myself admittedly, only pay attention during the holidays when barrels for food donations appear at businesses we frequent, such as financial institutions ("money banks”). Historically, "soup kitchens," typically run by church groups, gained publicity during the Great Depression. In the prosperity which followed World War II, there seemed to be less need, at least to the casual observer, to "feed the needy" in our country. Mothers exhorted their children with various versions of the words, "Eat your vegetables. There are millions of poor people in Africa (India, China) who are starving and would love to eat what you're throwing away." Children, in turn, carefully moved their green peas (squash, liver) to the farthest possible edge of their plates. Here we are in 2014 and meals are still being provided to those in need, often in conjunction with food banks. Present in many communities, where not only homelessness but loss of employment can lead to hunger, food banks collect, store and distribute goods. No longer are Third World (emerging countries) the poster children for eradication of hunger. Our own relatively wealthy nation depends on help from the private sector to ensure that all residents have access to one of the basic necessities of life. In our community, Second Harvest Food Bank has been serving the needy since 1976, when it began as Good Samaritan Community Services, running State Brown Bag and Title III-B See
HUNGER page 36
Ken and Judi Harper with dog, Shawnee.
Photo by Mel Bernstein.
Woodbridge Residents Play in the Huntsman World Senior Games By Marcia Umberger
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t. George, Utah, has been the home of the Huntsman Games for 27 years. These senior games attract in excess of 10,000 athletes from all over the world. The pickleball event drew 530 participants this year. Softball events had 3,500 players. To me this is a scheduling nightmare! Somehow they make it all happen and do it very efficiently. This year a total of five Woodbridge residents participated in the games. Four played pickleball and one played softball.
Softball Bob Naquin played softball with the Central Valley Legends, a team from Modesto. The divisions are broken into groups based on age. Bob played in the 65 and older group. They first played three qualifying games which would determine whom they would play against. Then the actual games began. The first round was double elimination in which Bob’s team lost both games. This took them to the loser’s bracket where they won both games. The last round played was for the gold medal. The Legends won the first game but during the second game, the opposing pitcher was injured and couldn’t continue to play. That team couldn’t fill the team with enough players and had to forfeit that game and the next game, also. The Legends were the gold medal winning team. The team that had to forfeit was awarded a consolation gold medal. Congratulations to Bob Naquin and the Central Valley Legends for bringing home the gold! See
HUNTSMAN page 36
Photo courtesy of Sue Edmiston.
The Narrows River Walk in Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah – Linda Medler, Mike Crabb, Gwen Speckman, Rex Edmiston and Sue Edmiston.
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Woodbridge LIFE
keeping the soil below the citrus free of mulch and other plants because the heat can radiate into the tree more easily than if it is covered with mulch. A 100-watt bulb designed for outdoors can go into the center of the tree to give it extra frost protection. Plastic sheeting does not protect your citrus. You can use a newer frost blanket if it is raised above the foliage with stakes. You can also wrap the trunk and lower branches with cardboard or fiberglass.
Garden Tasks for December By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener
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t’s hard to believe another year has passed us by! As I write this, I am sitting in Sandi Larson our condo in Phoenix where the expected high is in the mid-80s today. Ok, now for the reality shot! We are likely to receive frost this month, which means it’s never too early to start thinking about protecting our frost-tender plants. It’s a good practice to check the weather forecast, particularly if you think it’s getting cold where we are. Butch and I have one of those wireless thermometers. One portion goes outside in a sheltered area and the display portion stays inside on a counter in the kitchen to tell us what the current temperatures are. If you have a brand new backyard and haven’t lived through a Manteca winter, it is best to check which plants your landscaper has put into your backyard and verify whether or not they are a subtropical or a hardy plant or tree. There are frost blankets you can order online or buy at a local nursery. Some are even sold by the yard. Tiny holiday lights might also give you a few degrees of protection. See the suggestions below for citrus and apply the same principles to your frost sensitive and subtropical plants and trees. I have used frost protect sprays in the past but recently have seen comments on some of the gardening blogs complaining about the protection you actually get. If you want tropical plants in your yard, you are going to have to put in a little time to keep them alive. Guess you can skip those motorhome trips during the winter! If frost is expected, there are several things you can do to protect your frost-sensitive citrus from temperature extremes. Citrus will probably suffer some frost damage if the temperature falls below 29 degrees for 30 minutes or more. You can help protect your plants a little by planting them in a southwest facing area of your yard and close to the outside wall of your house where some heat will be transferred from the wall behind the tree. Trees that have been watered sufficiently are less susceptible to damage than those that are on the dry side. UC Davis also advises not to fertilize citrus or prune until the spring, as the new growth will make it more susceptible to frost. Ok, this is news to me, but they also advise
While we are on the subject of citrus, I was recently reminded that roof rats like citrus and will gnaw at the base of your lemon or orange tree and can harm the cambium layer of the tree trunk. Roof rats also like the fruit of these trees. Your lawns don’t require any fertilizer right now. If you’ve kept up on proper watering and fertilizing during the spring and maybe one fertilizing in the early fall, you shouldn’t have too many weed issues. If you find that your lawn has a few bare spots, now would be a good time to sprinkle lawn seed on them. Be sure to water several times a day until the seed is established. Make sure you use a fine spray rather than a heavy stream of water. And, of course, this moves into our next topic… That ‘D’ word - Remember the new Manteca watering restrictions take effect January 1, 2015. No watering on Mondays! If our rains come back, hopefully we can really cut back on our watering. Remember to watch any plants you have that are under the eaves for signs of distress because of lack of water. If you have already started your winter vegetables, good for you. It’s still ok to plant beets and carrots, and onions can still be planted between now and March. You might want to start spending time looking at seed catalogs and planning next year’s garden. Plants blooming in December include pansy, stock, sweet alyssum and calendula. Perennials you can choose from include chrysanthemum, cyclamen, primrose and salvia. Nurseries now carry spring blooming bulbs. Bare-root trees and shrubs arrive late in December followed by roses. Winter is also a good time to use dormant spray on trees and shrubs to keep overwintering diseases and insects at bay. Make sure you rake up all your fallen leaves and also clean up any snails and slugs. Continue to bait for snails and slugs that will be with us for months. Pine trees and other conifers can be pruned in the winter. You can also prune holly, berry bushes such as pyracantha and greenery such as pines, magnolias and evergreens for holiday arrangements. Happy gardening into the New Year!
YOUR 2015 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY IS COMING!
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Page 19 • December 2014
Happy gardening!
UPDATE ALL DATA BY DECEMBER 31, 2014
ith 2015 right around the corner, we are calling on all residents to double and triple check their contact information for the 2015 Woodbridge Community Directory. The more precise information we have, the better the directory will serve you as residents. Please check your personal information (name, address, home and cell phone numbers) on the portal, www.ourwoodbridge.net. On your home page, there is a “My Account” section, under which click the “Edit My Profile.” This will bring you to the page where you can update your entire profile.
If you don’t have access to the portal, please fill out a “Printed Directory and Website Form” at the front desk of the Clubhouse. If neither of these options is feasible to you, please call the front desk so we can make alternative arrangements for you. We ask that all information be updated by December 31, 2014. If you would NOT like your information to be published in the directory or on the website, please contact Erika Smith, esmith@ ourwoodbridge.net or 209-824-7581. If you are not listed in the directory, you will not receive a copy of it.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Volunteerism Honored BY BIRDIE NIERI, PRESIDENT, WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE WBL PHOTOS BY VOLKER MOERBITZ
T
he honorees at the gala for An Evening of Appreciation numbered more than fifty of our Woodbridge residents. They were honored for past and present volunteerism in and outside the perimeter of Woodbridge. Their charitable acts were varied and inspiring. Among us are hospital volunteers, teachers of dance, music and crafts of all nature. Some work in kitchens for the needy and at our snack bar, while others deliver food allocations to those who depend on a helping hand. Some patrol our streets with a watchful eye or serve as block captains in our community. Others maintain our grounds, eliminating litter and weeds and tending the softball field. Some of us belong to the Chamber of Commerce, some guide our board and portal and others get the news to us through our own newspaper. We have a librarian, a therapy dog trainer and a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in our midst. The hours that these special volunteers spend on projects cannot be measured in time alone. Many, if not all, will tell you that what
they do is enjoyable and part of their life and would have it no other way. When given an invitation to attend the appreciation event, the common response was, “I reallllly don’t do anything.” They just have volunteer built into their DNA. We are so proud to have so many in our little corner of the world. Those honored were described on ballots as giving, helpful, organized, unselfish, spirited, loveable, dramatic and the “best” at what they do. We can all attest to that. The dinner, catered by The Retro Chef, Mark Angelo, featured Caesar salad, rosemary crusted loin of pork, leek and parsnip mashed potatoes, roasted vegetable medley, bread and butter and dessert with complimentary wine. The dinner was beautifully
An Evening of Appreciation Honorees (in alphabetical order)
Carol Boné and Heidi Silva (seated) called their table East Meets West.
Julian Andona Bill Barnhart Patti Barnhart Sharon Bayer Mel Bernstein Luan Bland Paul Bowers Sharyl Burgeson Elizabeth Cunning Roger Cunning Jack Dauler Kathy Dezotte Sue Edmiston Sharon Fields Margo Flanagan Jon Ford Georgie Furrer Perry Gibson Bob Hall
Carol Jo Hargreaves Norm Hauser Rosemary Hein Debby Hickey Karla Hoyer Monika Hunt Carolyn Johnson George Jones Ann King Roger LaPresle Pam Larussa Butch Larson Ann Madrid Carla Marquardt Judy McNamara Irene McHenry Volker Moerbitz Kathleen Music Nick Music
Birdie Nieri Pepper Noble Marilyn Ornellas Pam Phelps Robert Philis Jacque Reynolds Mel Reynolds Geri Rogers Marybeth Saari Mary Salvador Rudy Salvador Al Sanchez Ed Shoup Mike Spence Ellen Wootton
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Woodbridge LIFE
Silver Financial Insurance Services was one of five sponsors at the event. presented and served timely and efficiently by members of the Lifestyle Committee. Dodie Miller and her team of volunteers always do a wonderful job of whatever they are asked to do. Nicely done, ladies. The appreciation event was a joint venture of the Women of Woodbridge and the Lifestyle Committee. Guests were escorted to reserved tables, beautifully decorated for the event by Women of Woodbridge’s tea party hostesses. The room was decorated with silver and black backdrops, chandeliers, tablecloths and chair covers. Guests dined on glass dishes with silver and gold tableware to accent the importance of the evening. Those honored were shown they are appreciated. Wine was poured by a pair of wine stewards into stemware set at each place. This night was truly special and customized for the exceptional people in our midst. All were entertained by mock radio station programming from station “WVOL,” generated from the creative mind of Elizabeth Cunning. Elizabeth amazingly pulls you in to her world to make you part of her grand scheme. She and Jack Dauler posed as host and hostess for the evening. The dynamic duo brought us laughter and entertainment and kept the energy of the room up. “They should go on the road,” was overheard in the appreciative crowd. The applause was certainly well deserved.
Women of Woodbridge President Birdie Nieri receives a thank you bouquet.
Page 21 • December 2014
Lynda Branco and Kaye Sanchez decorated their table with balloons and the Eifel Tower. This was the first time an event to celebrate volunteerism has been presented at Woodbridge. It was inspiring to celebrate so many men and women who donate so much of their time and energy for others. What a wonderful attribute they all have. We are so proud of our neighbors and friends and it was a privilege to honor so many. All of this was only possible through the kindness of our sponsors who willingly wanted to share in the celebration of our volunteers. Woodbridge calls on our sponsors frequently and we want to emphasize their importance to our community. Please thank these sponsors openly when you see them: Thorson Financial Estate Management, Inc., The Lori’s of PMZ Real Estate, Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens, Silver Financial and Insurance Services and Freedom Insurance Solutions, all of whom made cash donations. We are so appreciative that they were instrumental in celebrating and recognizing our volunteers. As this article states, so many volunteers were celebrated for their charitable works. AND, volunteers created the event for them. This is one terrific community we live in. No wonder people want to live here with us. We should all celebrate! Editor’s Note: Woodbridge LIFE will interview individuals honored at the Evening of Appreciation in upcoming editions.
Lynn Egelston, Jack Dauler and Birdie Nieri sing "Hooray for Volunteers."
Page 22 • December 2014
Woodbridge LIFE
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Softball This Month 2014 Senior Softball Season has Ended Article and photos by Dave Reed.
Annual Voting for Woodbridge Senior Softball Council (WSSC) Officers There are ten officers on the WSSC, a president, five vice presidents, secretary, finance officer, operations officer and head umpire. Officers are elected by the membership of WSSC and serve a two-year term. They may be elected for a second twoyear term. Elections are held every year with about half of the council officers being replaced. Currently, council meetings are held once a month on the first Tuesday at 6 p.m. The meetings are open to all residents. The following is a list of the 2014 officers with an abbreviated explanation of their duties. 1. President Butch Larson supervises and controls all of the
affairs of the club.
2. Scheduling Vice President Dave Reed is responsible for 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
8.
communications and scheduling. Field Vice President Perry Gibson is responsible for field maintenance and equipment. Events Vice President Kathy Dezotte is responsible for special events. Diamond Gals Vice President Dottie Aubrey is responsible for the ladies’ softball program. Committee Vice President Al Sanchez is responsible for all committees including the disciplinary committee and oversees the traveling team. Secretary Charlene Haywood is responsible for all secretarial duties of the club such as meeting minutes, correspondence, membership roster and ensuring that a quorum is present. Financial Officer Karla Hoyer collects all monies and maintains the financial records of the club.
9. Operations Officer Kathy Dezotte is responsible for the
daily operation of the snack bar.
10. Head Umpire Roland Roelling is responsible for the
interpretation of rules and recruitment, training and scheduling of umpires for games.
Voting for the four open positions for 2015 took place during the games on October 18, 20 and 22. The successful candidates are Roger Gibson for Scheduling VP, Robi Cornelius will continue as Events VP, Sue Lough will be the Diamond Gals VP and Chuck Gary is the new Operations Officer. Kathy Dezotte, who has served for four years and may not run again due to stipulations of the By-Laws, will continue her efforts in the Snack Shack, working with Chuck.
Our Softball End of Season Dinner was November 1 Our annual end of softball season dinner was held November 1. Butch Larson led off the proceedings with a big thank you for everyone’s efforts resulting in a very successful 2014 senior softball season. Caroline Gibson then took over as emcee for the event. There was an individual’s baseball card at each table and the cards were used to determine the order in which tables went to get their food. Fagundes Meats and Catering catered the meal, which consisted of a tossed salad, tri-tip, chicken breast in garlic butter, Portuguese beans, macaroni and cheese, a dinner roll, and cake for dessert. There were two bottles of wine on each table. There was an excellent slide show running during the event. Each coach said something about his or her team at the conclusion of the meal. Butch also thanked all of the umpires, score keepers and announcers. After the speeches, we all enjoyed dancing.
SPONSORS
IMPORTANT DATES
Please frequent our sponsors and thank them for sponsoring our softball league.
Alhambra Water Arvin Home Systems, Inc. Chez Shari’s Center Appliance Delicato Vineyards Del Webb/Pulte Denise’s Farmers’ Market Fagundes Meats and Catering Farmington Fresh The Lori’s, PMZ Real Estate Manteca Lighting Manteca Optometry
Old McGowan’s Feed Orchard Supply Hardware Papa Murphy’s Precision Automotive Raley’s Superstores Sandi Larson, Re/Max Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens Svenhard’s Swedish Bakery Ultimate Furniture and Accessories Valero Cruisers Walgreens
Coaches meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2015 (the first Tuesday of the month). All residents are welcome to attend. Woodbridge Senior Softball Council (WSSC) meeting at 6 p.m., February 3, 2015 (the first Tuesday of the month). All residents are welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please give me a call, Dave Reed, WSSC Vice President Communications (209-740-6289).
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Woodbridge LIFE
"The 2014 season was very memorable and we look forward to the 2015 season. If you have any questions, please give me a call, Dave Reed, WSSC Vice President Communications (209-740-6289)."
White Team
Green Team
Diamond Gals
Blue Team
Orange Team
Umpires
Page 23 • December 2014
Woodbridge LIFE
WOODBRIDGE SENIOR GOLF GROUP By Chuck Gary
T
he Woodbridge Senior Golf Group (WSGG) ended its season-long competition at Stevinson Ranch Golf Club near Turlock. The competition consisted of eight tournaments starting in March and held on the last Monday of the month through September. The competitive group in the WSGG was awarded points dependent upon their place in each of the tournaments, very much like the Fed Ex Cup in the PGA. Determining the winner of the Woodbridge Cup went down to the last tournament at Stevinson Ranch. The Stevinson Ranch results are as follows. Bill Norcup and Rudy Salvador tied for the win in the tournament with a net score of 70. Each player’s raw score is adjusted dependent upon his or her handicap. When your score is adjusted by your handicap, a level playing field is created for all golfers, so everyone has a chance to win. Bill shot an 86 and, with his handicap of 16, ended with a score of 70. Placing third was Dick Turner with a net score of 71. Leading in competition for the Woodbridge Cup for most of the
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season was Ernie Mauck. Ernie sat out of the last tournament which gave him the minimal amount of points toward the cup. Rudy Salvador won the last tournament and edged past his competitors to win the 2014 Woodbridge Cup. Rudy accumulated 650 total points to win. Ernie Mauck was second with 620 total points. Third place went to Bob Hamilton with 590 total points. (Complete results are available in the Clubhouse at the announcement kiosk.) Golfers are always trying to improve their putting. Wearing the putting crown for the 2014 season in the WSGG is Dan Pangilianan who took the least number of putts this year and ended with 590 total points. Rudy Salvador was second with 580 points and Ernie Mauck was third with 570 points. The WSGG will begin their next season in March 2015. The WSGG is working to be an affiliate of Northern California Golf Association. This will allow members to join NCGA for a total of $46 dollars the first year and $36 each year thereafter. This opportunity allows each member to get an official handicap. The WSGG is still seeking members with a $40 initiation fee and $10 yearly dues. Members have a choice of declaring to play in the competitive group or in the non-competitive group at the beginning of the season.
Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.
Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.
Page 24 • December 2014
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Woodbridge LIFE
t n e v E g n Upcomi
Page 25 • December 2014
Woodbridge Wonderland Holiday Homes Tour
D
on’t miss Woodbridge’s sixth annual holiday homes tour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, December 13, beginning at the Lakeview Clubhouse.
In exchange for your ticket at the welcoming table, you will receive a program and map showing the six holiday-themed homes on the tour. Start out by toasting with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider, then tour the beautifully decorated homes and return to the Clubhouse for a holiday lunch, cash and carry pantry of home-made delicacies and a raffle at which you do not need to be present to win. The luncheon is catered by Manteca Unified School District Culinary Chef Bryan Ehrenholm and includes a bread bowl of clam chowder or red pepper soup, salad and dessert. Woodbridge residents have stocked the Holiday Pantry with an abundant supply of homemade goodies ranging from pies and cakes to jams and jellies and sweeter confections like popcorn balls. Over 25 Manteca merchants have donated raffle prizes to enhance the home tour. Tickets are $15 pp and may be purchased at the Clubhouse front desk. Proceeds from the tour will go toward an automated door to the Westport Room (former Arts& Crafts Room). Additionally, the 2014 home tour is supporting the Woodbridge Veterans Toys for Tots program this year. If you wish, bring an unwrapped toy and place in the bin in the Clubhouse living room by December 16.
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Woman of Many Talents
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 27 • December 2014
By Judy McNamara
I
am always amazed at the creativity here at Woodbridge and have found few who can come close to the talents of Elizabeth Cunning. Elizabeth has been the Woodbridge Singers’ director for the past two years. Besides having all the directorial skills to lead and organize the Woodbridge choir, her talent is not only in choosing songs that will delight our residents, but also in getting the most out of choir members. Elizabeth skillfully draws on as many Singers as possible and encourages them to perform solos, readings or instrumental parts, or to write songs, stories or poems. She has formed a strong partnership with the Line and Ballroom Dance groups and includes their participants in every program. Elizabeth was born and grew up in middle Tennessee. Her family was musical, her mother having taught her to play the piano at an early age. Her father was a professional harmonica player and appeared on The Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour, The Ted Mack Amateur Hour and even the Grand Ole Opry. Elizabeth remembers there was always music in the house, on the porch and in the church. She believed then, and still does now, how much singing lifts your spirits and I'm sure all of us involved with the Woodbridge Singers feel the same way. While living in Tracy, CA, Elizabeth was the music director for 14 years at the 120-year-old St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Her delight was to support traditional choirs, adult and youth contemporary bands, and music in pre-school through eighth grade. In an attempt to find solace after the death of her former husband and raising their son Jay, she took up quilting. Her fabulous quilts, all stitched by hand, are displayed in every room of her home. She continues to be involved in her weekly Tracy quilting circle. Over the years, Elizabeth has made and donated many quilts to agencies including St. Paul’s Bella Vista Christian Academy in Tracy, where every classroom in the pre-school contains a different animal themed quilt, hand stitched by Elizabeth. Besides music and quilting, Elizabeth is also an avid knitter and regularly takes Photo by Roger Cunning. part in the Woodbridge Crochet/Knitting group where she enjoys the sisterness of the women who sit around the table with her. Elizabeth Cunning and one of her colorful, hand-stitched Elizabeth met Roger Cunning while working at Lawrence Livermore National quilts. Laboratory in Livermore where she was an administrative secretary and financial accountant. The two fell in love and have been married for 18 years. Two-and-a-half years ago, they moved to Woodbridge. When I asked Elizabeth what was the best part of Woodbridge she answered, "living here with Roger.” Elizabeth has a beautiful singing voice, as most of us in the Woodbridge Singers know, and as a member of the Second Chance Band, her musical talent is also evident. Besides playing piano she also plays the guitar, banjo and autoharp. Elizabeth’s son Jay and his wife live close by in Riverbank with their two boys, R.J. and Matt. She gets to see them often. We are fortunate to have Elizabeth living here in Woodbridge. She adds so much richness to our community.
Upcoming Event Christmas Golf Cart Parade
D
ecorate your golf cart or two or three-wheeler in holiday décor and join the 8th Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Caroling at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 16.
Line up below the clock tower at the Clubhouse and directions and copies of Christmas carols will be distributed. Parade and sing through the entire community, including the new north section, before returning to the Clubhouse to warm up and socialize. Bring your own beverage of choice and an appetizer to share. These may be left in the Clubhouse Multipurpose Room before the parade begins. Sign up at the front desk so staff will know how many caroling groups and seating arrangements need to be made.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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A Pumped Up Halloween with Hans and Franz Reported by: Z
A
packed Multipurpose Room enthusiastically welcomed the annual Doctors Hospital Halloween Wine & Cheese party. A special treat this year was provided by Hans and Franz coming all the way from Saturday Night Live to pump up the party. Pumped up as “Hans” was Scott Knight, the hospital’s Director of Marketing, and “Franz” was “filled out” by Joe Kriscovich from the hospital Board of Directors. The pumped up skit they put on with hospital CEO, Nicholas Tejeda (Nico) as the fall guy, had everyone laughing and rolling in the aisles. As usual, the hospital brought along more raffle prizes than you could count and it was a very lucky night as many residents went
home with goodies, including this author and his wife. Of course, what would the evening be without the costumes? I estimate a good half of the attendees this year wore a costume and the variety throughout the room was just as varied as our Woodbridge residents. Kim and Mark Pella as a priest and pregnant/smoking nun, respectively, along with Genie and Duane Becker as Dorothy and the Scarecrow, won awards in the group costume competition. Individual costume awards went to Kathy Comden as a busty and very well developed Olivia, Linda Checchi with her sexy roaring 20s flapper costume and this author mimicking a long ago hero, Zorro. It was really a fun night! I wish you all could have been there.
Photo submitted by Nico Tejeda.
Photo submitted by Nico Tejeda.
Dorothy and the Scarecrow skipping down Yellow Brick Road by Genie and Duane Becker.
Zorro, defender of the oppressed (actually Bill Barnhart).
Photo submitted by Nico Tejeda.
A busty Lady Olivia played perfectly by Kathy Comden.
Photo submitted by Nico Tejeda.
Hans (Scott Knight), Nico (Nicholas Tejeda, hospital CEO) and Franz (Joe Kriscovich).
Photo submitted by Nico Tejeda.
A flapper from the Roaring 20s, Linda Checchi.
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Woodbridge LIFE
A Brief History of Christmas Decorations
Page 29 • December 2014
By Mike Spence
H
umans have been decorating for eons. Sociologists have suggested the two common traits of all societies are: body adornment and dancing. Some suggest that ancient humans believed that decorating the bushes in wintertime attracted “spirits” that had fled for shelter from the severe winters. In ancient Mesopotamia, fringes on clothing were status symbols often transferred from old garments to new. Perhaps fringes were occasionally used to decorate bushes. The Druids from the Celtic sections of present day Great Britain believed that holly with its red berries and mistletoe with its white berries were signs of vitality and fertility during the harsh winter months. Couples kissing beneath boughs of these plants were assured fertility. Most succulent globe-like fruit of the summer months was sorely missed during winter. What better way to remember sweet summers than to decorate parts of evergreen trees with replicas of fruit during winter? The Germans were among the leaders in fashioning decorative globes for decorating indoors during Christmas celebrations, first from paper and wax and then from blown glass. With the use of pressurized natural gas in the 1800s, the Germans were able to fashion delicate globes. Some of the earliest globes were “silvered” by swirling silver nitrate inside them. These globes were used to decorate the upside down small fir treetop that hung inside many German homes. The treetops were a sign that during the Christmas season all bad feelings and enmity were forgotten. Stealing a kiss under a bough of mistletoe had some problems. When Queen Victoria ascended the British throne, she disapproved of the
Photo from freechristmaswallpapers.net.
Christmas trees, stockings and fireplaces epitomize the holiday spirit. See
CHRISTMAS page 35
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Woodbridge LIFE
Stuck in Lodi Again By Judy McNamara
W
ho wouldn't want to be stuck in Lodi? It certainly isn't the small, uninteresting, agricultural town John Fogerty depicted in his 1969 song. This charming, upscale town of about 70,000 people can brag about being on a par, if not more so, with wine growing and winery towns of the Napa Valley. Many of the winegrowers are fourth and fifth generation winemakers in the Lodi area and there are over 85 wineries for wine aficionados to enjoy. Lodi is located about 25 miles north of Manteca on Highway 99, between Sacramento and Stockton, and is a town that offers something for everyone. Those of you who are expecting family and friends for the holidays will delight in the many treasures to be found in Lodi. They not only include wineries, but a shopping experience along the main street. There are many art galleries and restaurants for everyone to enjoy. Lodi attractions are too numerous to mention, but here are a few worth checking out in detail: • The Hutchins Street Square Performing Arts Theatre, which has music and live theatre performances year ‘round • The San Joaquin County Historical Museum • The World of Wonders Science Museum • And, for birders, the sandhill cranes make their annual migratory fly-in at the Sandhill Crane Reserve For those of you interested in more exploring, especially with (children or) grandchildren, visit the Micke Grove State Park which includes a small zoo, a Japanese garden, the San Joaquin Historical Museum, an amusement park and picnic shelters on 258 acres. During the holidays, they have zoo light displays. At the San Joaquin Historical Museum, you can learn about the history of the region and during the holidays, they have the Festival of the Trees. Lodi is also one of the nation's most popular bird-watching areas and is home to the Sandhill Crane Festival. As if that weren't enough to “whet your whistle,” the very first A&W®
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root beer, which is now a franchise, was begun in Lodi in 1919 by Roy Allen. The original stand, complete with “tray-boys,” is still in operation at 216 E. Lodi Avenue and they have a classic car show and cruise event on Thursday nights. The plat de résistance is Wine and Roses. If you've never been there, you are in for a treat. This bed and breakfast/hotel offers the best of fine dining, 66 guest rooms/suites, event accommodations, spa, a retail boutique and a fitness center. It's worth visiting Wine and Roses if just to walk the beautiful grounds. You can find out more by going to www. WineRose.com. The Lodi Visitor Center is located at 25 North School Street. It’s another good place for information or to check before you go at visitlodi. com.
Photo by Shelly on her blog, theskyisfullofsheep.
The Lodi Arch is one of the few remaining Mission Revival ceremonial structures in California.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Community Neighborhood Watch Meeting By Bob Hall
O
n November 18 your Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch group held its annual meeting for residents in the Multipurpose Room. All of the officers of the Watch attended along with guest speaker, Police Officer John Machado. I had contacted Sergeant Jodie Estarziau a month before and asked her if we could get an officer to come to our meeting. She came through with an excellent choice. John spent over an hour talking and answering questions from the residents. John said that he was allowed only an hour because he was leaving his shift short-handed and the department has been very busy lately. Many people came up after the meeting and stated what a great job he had done. After John left, I continued the rest of the meeting describing all the forms and programs that are available on the portal, such as: • The list of all Block Captains • The family data sheet which contains emergency contact information • The house key program which notifies your neighbors who have a key to your house in the case of an emergency • R.U.O.K. program where the Manteca Police Department calls your house every day to see if you are ok
See
NEIGHBORHOOD page 31
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Bob Hall, Neighborhood Watch Commander.
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Woodbridge LIFE
NEIGHBORHOOD page 30
• The Vial of Life program so when emergency personnel come to
Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.
your home, they will have all your medical history at hand to enable them to care for you more quickly with the right medications • The Key Lock Box program, which allows the Fire Department a key to your house in case of an emergency The next item on the agenda was our own patrol people and what that entailed. As always, we asked for volunteers and several people showed an interest in helping out. At the end of the meeting, the election of officers for Neighborhood Watch was held and the results are as follows: Bob Hall, Commander Al Sanchez, Second in Command Marcia Umberger, Secretary Lynda Branco, Treasurer Don St. Lawrence, Block Captain at Large
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Woodbridge LIFE
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German Christmas Traditions — There and Here Article and photos by Volker Moerbitz
E
very year, Christmas brings a little flair of Germany to our house in the form of German Christmas carols and traditional German decoration. In Germany, Christmas really is called a “season” for a reason, as it is four weeks long, beginning four Sundays before Christmas. The Advent season celebrates the four Sundays before Christmas by lighting one candle at the first Sunday, two at the second Sunday and so forth. There are two popular ways to place the candles, one is the Adventskranz, the Advent Wreath; the other is the Christmas Pyramid. Both may be anything from tiny self-made models to pieces of art, often passed on within a family for generations. Advent season is also the season of the Christmas Fair. Some fairs, like the Christkindelmarkt in Munich or the Strietzelmarkt in Dresden, made it into international guidebooks and are a must-see for anybody visiting Germany around Christmas. Some Christmas fairs have been around for 600 years or more; the fair in Munich dates back to the year 1310 and the Dresden fair started in 1434, still a generation or two before Columbus set sail for America. Aside from the big ones, every town has its own little fair. Ever since the 13th century, local craftsmen all over the country extended the weekly market day across the four weeks of Advent to sell special Christmas items. Soon, other vendors followed and Christmas markets soon became the culinary highlight of the year. Harvest season was
Christmas Fair 2012 Nuremberg Ginger Bread.
just over, providing the freshest ingredients for all kinds of Christmas pastries like the famous Nuremberg gingerbread or the Dresden Christstollen. The end of harvest season was also the time farm animals met their (sausage) maker and markets were filled with meat products. The scent of a Christmas fair is unmistakable. It is a tantalizing bouquet of pine needles, caramelized sugar, incense, bratwurst and the odor of the first wine of the season – served hot as Glühwein. During our most recent visit to Germany, we spent a beautiful First Advent at the Christmas fair in Weimar, home of the famous Thuringia roasted sausage. This year, we’ll be back for more. If you can’t make the trip to Germany, you can get a glimpse of it on First Advent right here in Manteca. Every year of First Advent, the Central Valley’s German community celebrates the season with German carols and a German service. This year, it takes place on November 30 at 4 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church on Union Street. Flyers with translations are usually distributed before the service and the potluck afterward is bilingual. For more information, you may contact Woodbridge resident Gerda Foxworth. Merry Christmas, or, as Germans say, Fröhliche Weihnachten!
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
A Christmas pyramid at the Weimar Christmas Fair 2012.
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Looking for Thuringia bratwurst at the Weimar 2012 Christmas Fair.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Woodbridge LIFE
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WINE 101 By Jon Ford
I
n November, Wine 101 presented "Born to Rhone," a look at wines from the Rhone Valley. There are distinctive differences for wines from the Northern Rhone Valley compared to wines from the Southern Rhone Valley. Some popular grape varietals are grown as well as some varietals not so well known. The history of each valley and its current wine production were addressed. As usual, we had a full class and all had a good time. Our December class is the annual Christmas potluck and bottle exchange. Only 96 participants will be accepted for this event instead of our usual 101. The class will be held Wednesday, December 3 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sign-ups for the event started November 20 at the Clubhouse front desk. This is a very popular class so it is advised to sign up as quickly as possible. The January class will be about "Fighting Varietals." These are wines under the $15 level that are carving out a niche in the overall wine sales around the country. Date TBA. Anyone may attend the Wine 101 classes. No wine knowledge is required, as you will always leave the class knowing something more about wine than you did when you came. The classes generally run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on either Wednesday or Thursday
DID YOU KNOW... Compiled by Mike Spence
• The first recorded celebration of Christ’s birth was on a 336 CE Roman calendar. • Christmas became an official federal holiday in the United States in 1870. Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a holiday in 1836. • The largest exporter of Christmas trees is Denmark. • Only one of Santa’s reindeer is named for another animal - vixen, a female fox. • Boxing Day, December 26, is the traditional day when bosses give gifts to their employees. • The first department store “Santa” was James Edgar, in 1890. • The biggest selling Christmas single of all time is “White Christmas.” • Bing Crosby’s full name is Harry Lillis Crosby, Jr. • Frosty the Snowman’s nose was not a traditional carrot; it was a button. • According to a 1995 survey, seven out of 10 British dogs get Christmas gifts from their doting owners. • During the Christmas shopping season, VISA cards are used 5,340 times every minute.
evenings. Participants are asked to bring a bottle of wine to share that coincides with the theme of the month. (Bottles should be corked and recorked for convenience.) In addition, we ask that you bring an appetizer (a main dish in December) to share with the group. (Don't forget your serving utensils.) Also, bring your own wine glasses to use during the evening. As always, plates, napkins, plastic ware and water will be provided. Any questions about a particular event or class can be directed to Jon Ford at 815-9803 or jluvswine@ aol.com Hope to see you at an event.
www.ourwoodbridge.net From
Woodbridge LIFE
PEARL page 10
That attack, which precipitated the entry of the United States into World War II, was a turning point for all families but especially for military families such as ours. The head of the family’s call to wartime duty came quickly after President Roosevelt’s speech to the nation on December 8, and Congress declared war on Japan that same day. On December 11, it declared war on Germany. American officials had to admit, however, that Japan had carefully planned its brutal assault, whereas America had been unprepared. Now that the U.S. was officially at war, young people from all over the country left their homes to serve in the armed forces. Manteca was no exception. In the days following Pearl Harbor, dozens of young men cut short their educations or gave up their jobs to enlist. Later in the war, the principal of Manteca High School, Joe Bisig, frequently wrote long letters to local servicemen who were stationed far from home. Their replies were shared with other residents in the Manteca Bulletin. Changes at Fort Benning were also noticeable. Army personnel were regularly leaving for overseas assignments, and the commanding general ordered troops to guard the bridges and electrical generating plants throughout Georgia. Fears of sabotage were clearly evident, and apprehension about enemy attacks resulted in air raid drills. When we heard sirens at night indicating that a
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drill called a blackout was about to begin, Dad would often call out this instruction to my brother and me: “Turn off the lights!” Then, like busy squirrels hunting for acorns, we would rush from room to room to check that the lights were all off. We would sit quietly in the bleak darkness of our home, as though sitting in a cave, until the signal came on again indicating that the drill had ended. American officials had been aware that Japan might attack the U.S., but they didn’t know when or where it would happen. America’s relations with Japan had deteriorated, mainly because we disapproved of its brutal aggression in China and placed an embargo on oil supplies to Japan. Also, Japan wanted to conquer a big area in Southeast Asia by taking the U.S. Pacific Fleet out of action. Fortunately, much of their damage to the fleet was repaired. Six out of the eight battleships, for example, went on to fight in World War II. Only one battleship, the USS Arizona, remained sunken. When the ship was swallowed in the flaming water of Pearl Harbor, 1,177 lives were lost. In 1962 a memorial spanning the ship’s hull was dedicated which, since then, has been seen by thousands of visitors. When I viewed the memorial many years ago, I was reminded of this popular World War II slogan: Remember Pearl Harbor. Every December 7 since then, I recall the sacrifices made by so many Americans on that terrible “day which will live in infamy.”
From
CHRISTMAS page 29
“vulgar” customs associated with Christmas. So there began a new custom. Each time a kiss was stolen under the mistletoe, a berry was plucked off, and when there were no more berries, there were no more kisses! Ribbons, gilded nuts, crepe paper twists, cookies and glued paper chains as tree decorations lasted well into the 20th century. The centuries-old tradition of placing boughs of holly or evergreen trees around mirrors and pictures remains to this day. Tinsel, first made of tin and later aluminum and plastic, became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. F. W. Woolworth, of five and dime fame, made his first trip to the German glass globe blowers in 1880. Store-bought Christmas decorations had arrived. It is said that by the early 20th century, Woolworth was bringing a shipload of decorations to the United States each year. Woolworth may well be the first American to get rich selling Christmas decorations. The earliest addition of candle lights to Christmas trees has been attributed by some sources to Martin Luther, the German friar. Candle lit trees were common for centuries even with their justly deserved reputation for burning down houses. There were many efforts to design proper candleholders for Christmas trees - none very successful. There was a flirtation with gas-powered lights on the Christmas tree. Gas lights offered the ever popular burning down your house option but added the chance to blow up the house before burning up the pieces. Along came Thomas Edison with his newfangled light bulb. The story goes that Edward Johnson, an Edison company vice president, wanted to decorate his Christmas tree with 80 red, white and blue bulbs. The string of electric lights was born. Enjoy the holidays!
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Woodbridge LIFE
HUNGER page 18
programs for low income senior citizens in San Joaquin County. Jessica Vaughan, Development Coordinator at the food bank, notes that Second Harvest annually provides approximately 14 million pounds of food to the needy. This is accomplished by partnering with more than 200 non-profit agencies, which pick up from Second Harvest and then distribute the food to the public. In addition to San Joaquin County, Second Harvest also serves Stanislaus County and five counties in the Mother Lode area of California. The Second Harvest website (localFoodBank.org) reports that it helps over 35,000 individuals in need each month through its distribution network of partner agencies. Second Harvest has some 15-20 volunteers, many of whom are from our Woodbridge community. In fact, according to Jessica, without the support of Del Webb residents, Second Harvest would be hard-pressed to carry out its mission. Volunteers come in weekly or monthly to help with sorting and repackaging food. One of the Woodbridge volunteers is Ken Harper, who spends three hours every Thursday working at Second Harvest. Ken and other volunteers sort goods which have either been physically donated or puchased by the food bank from monetary donations. There is a preference for fresh produce, including apples, carrots and oranges which are high volume goods. Produce is first broken down and then repackaged for distribution to partner food agencies, who then go through a similar process to provide clients with smaller amounts suitable for families or individuals.
From
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Ken and wife Judi moved to Woodbridge about one-and-one-half years ago, having lived nearby in Riverbank for eight years. Ken spent 19 years working in the grocery industry during part of his career, including a stint at Lucky Stores. So he has had more than a little experience in food distribution, which he puts to good use volunteering at Second Harvest. Ken grew up in the Bay Area, met Judi while working at Del Monte Corporation and the two have been married 41 years. He and Judi have two children and two grandchildren. Ken, who is an excellent table tennis player, enjoys volunteering at Second Harvest as it allows him to positively impact the lives of those who are less fortunate. In addition to volunteering time at Second Harvest, Woodbridge groups and residents also donate money. One of the biggest donors is the Wheels of Woodbridge club, which holds an annual classic car show in our community. Entrants pay a registration fee for the privilege of displaying their well-preserved vehicles, which compete for various prizes. A number of sponsors generously support the car show, which is well-attended. While admiring the dozens of vehicles on display, show attendees are invited to participate in raffles and purchase snacks. Woodbridge resident Billl Barnhart is the driving force behind the event, the net proceeds of which are donated to Second Harvest. The most recent show, held in July 2014, produced a check for $6,700 that was donated to Second Harvest. Over the past five years, the car show has provided donations totalling more than $37,000 to Second Harvest.
HUNTSMAN page 18
Pickleball Woodbridge was represented by four pickleball players. Team Woodbridge consisted of Marcia and Bob Umberger, Pat Fidler and Dick Juarez. What an experience it was to play in this world class event. The first round was men and ladies’ doubles. The schedule found both sets of players on deck at 8 a.m. on adjacent courts. This made it easy for the large cheering section (made up of the Woodbridge 55ers RV group) to root for all players at once. The round was a double elimination two-game set. The men finished earlier than the women and watched as Pat and Marcia battled it out with their opponents. Each of their hard fought games was lost by only two points. These losses took the men and women into the loser’s bracket. This bracket was one game played until 15 points. Unfortunately, both Woodbridge teams lost but put up a good fight. Two days later came the mixed doubles games. Again, both sets of players were scheduled at the same time on adjacent courts. The 55ers were on hand and set themselves up on a berm to have an unobstructed view of both courts. It really meant a lot to have them cheering us on. We had the largest, loudest cheering section of anyone! Thanks, 55ers. After two hard-fought rounds, we were both eliminated and sent to the loser’s bracket. Little did we know that we would be pitted against each other! Two Woodbridge teams would be fighting each other to go further in the tournament. Pat and Dick were the victors and advanced to the third round. It had been a long, hot day and they fought hard but were defeated, ending our
quest for the gold. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their pickleball experience. Pickleball is a very social sport, so the 55ers enjoyed watching the play almost as much as the players did. We want to thank the 55ers for coming out on a cold morning to lend us their support. It reminds us all of the times we got up early and sat frozen on the sidelines watching our children play their sports. Good job, 55ers!
Woodbridge 55ers For our newer residents who don’t know, the Woodbridge 55ers is a group of residents who enjoy camping. Whether you have a large motor home, 5th wheel, trailer or tent, all Woodbridge residents are encouraged to join us on our adventures. Five or six times a year, we go on camp outs lasting three days or more. Last year the group decided to go on a “grand” adventure and planned a trip to the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This two-week trip was so much fun the group decided to go on another “grand” adventure this year. The group decided this year’s adventure would be to St. George, Utah, to watch the Huntsman World Senior Games. When four members signed up to participate in the games, it made it even more fun. Visits to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon were also part of the trip. What a beautiful country we live in. The sights were amazing. We haven’t planned next year’s grand adventure yet, so join us and help decide where to go. Call Sue Edmiston (601-9210) for more information.
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE
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Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
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.
Sandi and Butch Larson in Sun City West Softball Club and Stadium in Sun City West, Arizona.
Irene and Gordon Whitmore cruised the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Ensenada and back up the coast on the Star Princess.
Bonnie Bardenhagen visited former neighbor Louise Joss in Houston, Texas.
o t o h P l e v a Tr
Mike Hill, Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis, Eileen Hill and Staff Captain Alexandros Papadopoulos get acquainted on board the Celebrity Summit's October cruise to Quebec and New England.
Eileen and Mike Hill at the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina
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.