Woodbridge LIFE February 2015

W oodbridge Volume 5 ▪ Issue 2 ▪ Number 41

LIFE

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

February ▪ 2015

February

This month we begin a series of articles introducing Woodbridge groups and clubs and their leaders. The purpose of this series is to acquaint new residents with activities and remind others of the wealth of activities available to participate in without leaving our community. In addition, a photo of each group and/or club leader is included with the article to familiarize you with faces and help you feel comfortable joining an activity for the first time.

Kirby and Iran Brown

Since there are more than 40 groups and clubs in Woodbridge, the series will take three or four editions of the paper to complete. If you’re not already taking part in one or more of the numerous pursuits available in our community, here are many ways to meet new people, try different things and challenge yourself to learn something different. Enjoy!

Inside

Linda and Roger LaPresle

Luan and David Bland

Bedford and Hancock . . . 7 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Articles by Jean Kavale and WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.

Events and Tours . . . . . . . 6 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 19 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 8 avid Bland is lucky that t was at the Baha’i summer Where in the World . . . . . 38 his last name begins with a school in Geyserville that Kirby WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 4 “B.” When he was a student Brown had the good fortune to at Western Illinois University meet his future wife, the lovely in Macomb, the professor of his Iran Moosazadeh-Kohen. Kirby READ WBL ONLINE : English class seated students had just returned to his home http://issuu.com/ alphabetically.

That’s how he state of California from Panama. woodbridgelife happened to be sitting next to Iran had recently completed a cute girl by the name of Luan nursing school in England and was Brillhart, also an Illinois native. attending classes for a week at the

Luan and David Bland

D

Kirby and Iran Brown

I

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

See

BLAND page 37

See

BROWN page 17

Linda and Roger LaPresle

O

n a typically mild Sunday evening in April 1959, Linda Morris came into Roger LaPresle’s life. At the time, he was stationed with the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor and had joined a young adults group at Central Union Church so he could meet other young people. Little did he know he would meet the girl of his See

LaPRESLE page 33

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

M

Jean Kavale’s three stories of love at first sight that have endured for decades are inspirational. See page 1 for “The Way We Were” and get better acquainted with Woodbridge residents Dave and Luan Bland, Kirby and Iran Brown and Roger and Linda LaPresle.

In February we also observe Presidents Day, the combined birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Mike Spence shares presidential trivia on page 35 and you’ll find information about the multitude of diverse Woodbridge groups and clubs and their leaders on pages 20-21.

We can’t forget Groundhog Day, celebrated February 2 in many parts of the U.S., particularly back east. The little guy’s predictions are less than 40 percent accurate, but it’s still fun to find out whether he sees his shadow or not. Mike Spence researched the origins of this goofy celebration and shares it with you on page 22.

Page 3 • February 2015

From Dodie's Desk

From the Editor any think of February as “heart month” or “love month” because we celebrate not only Valentine’s Day but also National Have-aHeart Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week. These are “official,” noted-on-the-calendar opportunities to show affection for, thank or help someone else, but, of course, any time is the right time for a heartfelt demonstration of appreciation.

W Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor Debby Hickey finishes her 10 sessions with Fitness Specialist Paul Serpa at the gym. Find her humorous journal entries on page 11.

Several gifted male residents are featured in this edition: John Gilbert and his poetry on page 29; Kirby Brown and his new book on page 27, and Jerry Clements and his singing talent on page 29. Read about three talented Woodbridge artists selected to show their work in the Delicato Vineyard’s 27th Annual Fine Art Show in an article by Sharyl Burgeson on page 28.

Woodbridge residents are truly amazing! Active, ambitious, interesting, talented, caring, dedicated and fun-loving, we’ve come together in this community to share “the Woodbridge lifestyle.”

--Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team

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The deadline for submission of articles for the March 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Thursday, February 5, 2015.

Please email your articles to wblife2012@gmail.com

ith Valentine’s Day approaching on February 14, many of us will exchange cards, candy or flowers with our special “Valentine.” Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the fifth century. Why don’t you bring your sweetheart to the Valentine’s Day Dance at the Clubhouse? You’ll find more information about the Valentine’s Day Dance on page 6.

With the rush and hectic time of December behind us, we are all working on some new ideas and plans for the future. Ideas are always Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director welcome in the activities office and our groups and clubs are also searching out something a little different to do as well. We’ll see what lies ahead.

You will want to check out the following 2015 events. Women of Woodbridge is hosting its annual tea, February 21 and 22. The theme this year is “Destination.” There are dinners to look forward to, also. Watch for information on a St. Patrick’s Day dinner put on by Men of Woodbridge, a crab feed and a spaghetti feed by the Lifestyle Committee, bands and DJs coming to give us great dancing music and a couple of comedy shows we haven’t had in the past -- “What’s Funny After 50?” and a “Baby Boomer Comedy Show.” I am expecting a lot of laughter.

See

DODIE page 5

Page 4 • February 2015

Lifestyle Manager Update

F

By Erika Smith

ebruary is the month of love.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It is fun to celebrate our loved ones. February also brings Presidents Day. This is a holiday most of us associate with banks being closed and kids being out of school.

Presidents Day was originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington and celebrated on February 22, his birthday. In 1971, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February to be a part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to create more three-day weekends for workers and became known as Presidents Day. I don’t know about you, but I love a three-day weekend!

Although this holiday’s transition revolved around a day off work, it is important to remember we take this day to celebrate the greats.

Our community is full of presidents, as you will see reading through this edition of Woodbridge LIFE. This community could not offer all of the clubs and events it does without these fabulous leaders.

The volunteers of Woodbridge are the reason we can have so many events and have such a great turnout at each one. Woodbridge is truly a lifestyle that could not be viable without our resident leaders and volunteers. Without the presidents of our clubs, we would be a disorganized mess! Each club has

Woodbridge LIFE

devoted leaders who help glue our community together.

Maybe I have taken Presidents Day a little out of context comparing the presidents of the United States of America and the presidents of Woodbridge clubs, but they are all greats. As Woodbridge residents, we celebrate our country, our state and our community! Happy Presidents Day!

Operations Manager Update

L

By Ramon Rivera

ove is in the air at Woodbridge!

I am officially engaged! I want to thank everyone here for all the best wishes and congratulations I have received. As I planned how to pop the question, I began to ask many of our residents about their experiences to get a better idea of what would work best for me. I first started by asking many of the men how they went about planning their proposals. After speaking with a few I knew, I discovered rather quickly I was asking the wrong gender. The men, in the most playful of ways, were leading me down the wrong path!

Male advice mostly involved not doing it and how to get out of the trouble I’m not even in yet! Once I turned my questions to the women, I felt I was back on the right track. The excitement surrounding residents’ proposal stories was mind

blowing! I thought to myself that it would be no big deal. I assumed I would get down on one knee, pop the question and that was that. I was in for the surprise of a lifetime by assuming it would be easy!

Through the information I gathered, I knew there were two things that were required. First, I had to speak from the heart and, second, the ring had to be in the box for me to open while I went down on one knee.

The day came; it was time to put all of the advice into play. It was Thanksgiving Day and my fiancée and I were around the people we care about most — family.

I had let everyone know in advance that I would propose that night. I had been super calm leading up to the moment when I would make my move.

As dinner was being served, I asked Kristie (my fiancée) to prepare plates for herself and me.

Knowing she would have her back turned to me, I signaled to everyone to get their cameras ready and I dashed into the room where I had the ring hidden.

As I grabbed the ring and turned back toward the living room, the nervousness kicked in!

www.ourwoodbridge.net I felt paralyzed by the emotions running through my body and the advice I had ignored from the men suddenly didn’t sound so bad. I heard their voices in my head screaming, “Run!” As I tried to compose myself, I made my way to the living room with my heart beating faster than it ever has. I felt like a fish out of water. Breathing became harder than ever with all types of emotions and I hadn’t even made it to Kristie yet. As I walked around the corner and into the living room, there she was. As I made my way to Kristie, her back was still turned. I tapped her on her shoulder and as she turned, I looked into her eyes and told her, “Baby, I love you more than words can describe. I thank God for bringing you into my life.

You make me so happy. I want to make you happy for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”

I had the opportunity to share this moment with my closest loved ones and I wanted to take this opportunity to share this joyous experience with the Woodbridge family.

WOA Update

By Ramon Rivera and Erika Smith

MPR Closed: The Multipurpose Room will be closed from Friday, January 30, through Tuesday, February 10. During this closure, the floors will be sanded and resealed. All

regularly scheduled activities are cancelled.

Street Light Outages:

Please report any community street lights that are out to the Clubhouse front desk.

Report the street light number or location of light.

See

UPDATE page 5

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

UPDATE page 4

Woodbridge LIFE

Portal:

As a reminder, the portal houses a lot of important information. Make sure to check the News & Announcements page where the WOA publishes important dates, reminders and information. The portal calendar is the most up-to-date calendar; check it out to explore upcoming events and classes. The Resource Center is the place to go if you are looking for meeting agendas or minutes. If you have not been on the portal or would like to learn how to use it better, contact Erika at the Clubhouse to help you.

Road Scholar Notice: The January 2015 Road Scholar catalog has arrived and it is at the Clubhouse front desk. It covers to October 2015. You may ask to look at the catalog, but please return it to the front desk when you are finished. Enjoy!

Editor’s Note: It is easy to receive your own personal copy of Road Scholar’s catalog of educational adventures. Simply call toll free 800-4545768 or go to the Road Scholar website (www.roadscholar.org), click on Free Catalog in the upper left, then select from the four available catalogs.

In addition, Road Scholar has a free app for iPad available to download through iTunes.

From

Page 5 • February 2015

DODIE page 3

The ukulele group, Strummin’ Wonders, has a “love songs” concert, The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet will be playing for us again, there will be a Nostalgia Show and we’ll have Brush & Cork for a second time. Don’t miss Rhythm Riders (a Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline show), the Filoli Mansion & Gardens tour, Day at the Races, Mother’s Day Breakfast, the Woodbridge Singers Spring Concert, Mama’s Wranglers & Cloggers, Happy Hours, The Swingin’ Blues Stars and a ‘50s Dance with In-N-Out Burgers. You’ll find information on some of the above-mentioned activities in this edition of Woodbridge LIFE. Well, we’re on our way into the new year and looking forward to seeing more of you at the Clubhouse!

REMEMBER, YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO SET ANOTHER GOAL OR TO DREAM A NEW DREAM!

Ramon Rivera Becomes New Operations Manager

T

he Woodbridge Owners Association (WOA) Board of Directors is pleased and honored to announce Ramon Rivera as our new Operations Manager. Ramon replaces the vacancy created by the departure of Executive Director Kayo Armstrong. The position of Executive Director is now more appropriately classified as the Operations Manager.

Ramon has served Woodbridge since its beginning as an employee of his father's company. That company contracted with Pulte to clean all the homes as construction was completed and Ramon remembers readying that first Woodbridge home for its new owner. Serving our community very well for many years, Ramon was selected as our Maintenance Manager and has been superior in that role.

He threw his entire heart and being into our maintenance efforts and we have all experienced his infectious "can-do" attitude and joyful laughter.

He has a deep desire to hear from our residents and learn about them and their perspectives on what would make everyone's lives more enriched and happier while residing in Woodbridge. Ramon is looking forward to helping the Woodbridge community foster a culture that positively impacts each resident on a daily basis. Ramon clearly wants our community to be unified with the goal of keeping this the best place to live.

We are pleased to offer this position to such a deserving individual and to be a part of what we are confident will be a turning point in Ramon's career. Please join the Board of Directors in welcoming Ramon into his new role as our Operations Manager.

Photo by Erika Smith.

Ramon Rivera signs his acceptance to become the new WOA Operations Manager.

Page 6 • February 2015

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

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Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - February / March 2015

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director LOVE SONGS SING-ALONG – Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:30 p.m. - Strummin’ Wonders presents its love song concert again this year just before Valentine’s Day. You’re encouraged to bring goodies to share after the concert. Sign-ups will be taken at the front desk.

VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE – Saturday, February 14 @ 5:30 p.m.

– Crystal Image Band will provide the dance music and their Fab ‘50s Show.

Food will consist of taco bar, slider and pasta stations. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $20 per person.

WINE 101 – Thursday, February 19 @ 6 p.m. – Details in Jon Ford’s article, page 34. Specifics will follow in a flyer.

ANNUAL HIGH TEA – Saturday & Sunday, February 21 & 22 @ 2 p.m. – Women of Woodbridge is hosting another High Tea that will be presented two days. The group will sell tickets each Monday, Wednesday and Friday through February 20 in the Clubhouse. Tickets are $25 per person.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, February 24 @ 5:30 p.m. – The menu is pot roast, vegetables, potatoes, desserts, bread and butter. Pot roast is always a favorite on a cold night. You may bring your beverage of choice. Coffee and water will be provided. Sign-ups will be taken at the front desk.

NAT BOLDEN JAZZ & BLUES BAND – Saturday, February 28 @ 6:30 p.m. – You’ll be entertained by Nat Bolden's jazz and blues music. Great listening and dancing music while he puts on a show. Tickets go on sale February 2 and cost is $8 per person.

CRAB FEED – Monday, March 3 @ 5 p.m. – All you can eat crab, tossed green salad, pasta, bread, butter and

Important Notice About Cancellations

dessert. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $45 per person and go on sale February 3.

WHAT’S FUNNY AFTER 50? – Saturday, March 7 @ 6:30 p.m. – Comedian Dan St. Paul mixes humor with real life situations for lots of laughter during his show. He’s appeared on NBC, ABC, Fox and other programs. Tickets are $9 per person and go on sale February 6. You may bring your beverage of choice and snacks.

AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES @ GALLO CENTER – Wednesday, March 11 - Bus leaves the Clubhouse at 4:15 p.m. – Show starts at 7 p.m.

Make reservations through Setness Tours. Ticket includes dinner at the Clarion Hotel and orchestra seating.

Coach transportation provided. For reservations call Setness Tours at 209-476-8486.

WINE 101 – Thursday, March 12 @ 6 p.m. – All details for the March class will soon be issued by Jon Ford. Signups will be taken at the front desk.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER – Monday, March 16 @ 5 p.m. – Men of Woodbridge is putting on another traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, rolls, butter and dessert will be served. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $10 per person and go on sale February 20.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DANCE Tuesday, March 17 @ 5:30 p.m. - We are bringing in DJ Natalia for some great dancing music. We’re looking for people wearin’ lots of green!

Gourmet sandwiches, chips and mini fruit tartlets will be provided. You may bring your beverage of choice.

Tickets are $8 per person and go on sale February 19.

SAN FRANCISCO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW – Wednesday, March 18. This event is held at the San Mateo Event Center. The bus leaves the Clubhouse at 7:15 a.m. You may have independent lunchtime at one of the vendors or you can bring your own lunch. Make your reservations through Setness Tours @ 209-4768486.

BRUBECK INSTITUTE JAZZ QUINTET – Wednesday, March 18 @ 6:30 p.m.

– Once again the University of the Pacific jazz quintet will give us an evening of jazz and share how they became part of the quintet. If you love jazz, you will thoroughly enjoy this evening of music. Please sign up at the front desk.

RANDY RIGGLE’S NOSTALGIA SHOW – Wednesday, March 25 @ 7 p.m. – Nostalgia takes you down memory lane with your ’57 Chevy as we remember times and people who changed our lives. You’ll be taken back through the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Randy entertains you on a trip filled with songs and laughs in this journey through the times of your life. Tickets are $8 per person and go on sale March 2.

BRUSH & CORK – Monday, March 30 @ 5 p.m. - A little wine, a little paint, a lot of fun! You don’t need to be an experienced painter – beginners and advanced are welcome. You receive a canvas, paints and brushes, even what you’re going to paint. Tickets are $30 per person and go on sale March 5.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, March 31 @ 5:30 p.m.- It’s stuff it night – i.e., stuffed bell peppers, stuffed cabbage rolls, stuffed zucchini, etc., salads, desserts, bread and butter.

Bring your beverage of choice.

Coffee and water will be provided.

Sign up at the front desk.

When you have signed up for an event, activity or tour and you find you are unable to attend, please, as a courtesy to others, call the Clubhouse front desk (824-7581) to cancel. If the event has a wait list, the front desk can fill the vacancy from the list. Thank you.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Reaching Out Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581

Board of Directors

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

Resident Directors

Roger: 647-4380 / Garry: 648-4868

Operations Manager

Ramon Rivera:

495-6803

Activities Director

Dodie Miller:

Lifestyle Manager

Erika Smith:

824-7927 824-7581

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 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 © 2015 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 • February 2015

Page 8 • February 2015

WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco Bunco-also contact Chair Volleyball Crochet/Knitting Cribbage Drama Game Night Game Night-also contact Grandparents Hand & Foot

Woodbridge LIFE

Contact Nedra Ball Patti Barnhart

Phone Meeting Day And Time 815-9309 M-F Time varies 629-8838 Thursdays @ 4:15 p.m.

Sundays @ 2 p.m. (winter Carole Pfoutz 239-0387 hours) Don St. Lawrence 825-7137 Mondays @ 10 a.m.

Mary Braun 239-0409 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m.

Susan Russitano 275-5817 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m.

Every other Tuesday @ 5 Jacquie Steffy 825-4805 p.m.

Renée St. Lawrence 825-7137 Thursdays @ 10 a.m.

Dave Steffy 825-4805 Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.

Bill Goodwin 823-9767 Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m.

Pat Buxton 239-8663 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 Bill Goodwin Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Robert Philis

629-8838 823-9767 823-9767 239-5712 239-5712 239-5712 825-3053

Poker

Al Sanchez

239-8235

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

815-9343 239-2983

Tennis Trivia Veterans Walking Indoors Wheels of Woodbridge Women of Woodbridge Wine 101 Woodbridge Singers

239-8718 624-3945 629-8575 629-8508 629-8838 624-3779 815-9803 647-4380

Mel Topping Eileen Hill Jack Dauler Jacque Reynolds Bill Barnhart Birdie Nieri Jon Ford Elizabeth Cunning

825-7137 239-5256 629-8060 824-2062 624-3754

Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

Days and times vary W-F-SA-SU @ 1 p.m.

Thursdays @ 7 p.m.

M-W-F @ 9:15 a.m.

Fridays @ 6 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 1st Wed @ 10:30 a.m.

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

SU - TU - TH @ 9 a.m. (winter hours) 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.

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

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

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

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

www.ourwoodbridge.net

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 9 • February 2015

► IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The Multipurpose Room will be closed for floor refinishing from January 30 through February 10. The Poker group will meet at the poker tables in the Community Living Room. All other groups will have NO CLASS, NO PRACTICE and NO PLAY during room closure. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

February Activities Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

6:30 p.m. - Love Songs

6:30 p.m. - Valentine’s

Sing-Along – Strummin’

Day Dance

Wonders Ukuleles

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

6 p.m. - Wine 101

22

23

24

2 p.m. - Annual High Tea

25

26

2 p.m. - Annual High Tea

27

28

5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

6:30 p.m. - Nat Bolden Jazz & Blues Band

► Clubs and groups are listed on page 8.

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

March Activities Sunday

1

Monday

2

Tuesday

3

Wednesday

4

Thursday

5

Friday

6

5 p.m. - Crab Feed

Saturday

7 6:30 p.m. - What’s Funny After 50?

8

9

10

11

12

4:15 p.m. - Australian

6 p.m. - Wine 101

13

14

19

20

21

26

27

28

Bee Gees @ Gallo – Setness Tours

15

16

17

18

5 p.m. - MOW St. Pat-

5:30 p.m. - St. Patrick’s

7:15 a.m. - S.F. Flower &

rick’s Day Dinner

Day Dance

Garden Show – Setness 6:30 p.m. - Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet

22

23

24

25 7 p.m. - Randy Riggle’s Nostalgia Show

29

30

31

5 p.m. - Brush & Cork

5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

Page 10 • February 2015

s t n e v E g n i Com Name of Event Spaghetti Feed Rhythm Riders w/Johnny Cash Filoli Mansion & Gardens - Setness Tours Baby Boomer Comedy Show Lincoln Hills Variety Show A Day at the Races - Setness Tours Mother's Day Breakfast Decades Woodbridge Singers Spring Concert Mama's Wranglers & Cloggers Blood Bank Drive Happy Hour The Swingin' Blue Stars '50s Dance w/In-N-Out Burgers

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

As a courtesy to Woodbridge residents, we are providing the following event information to assist in planning and obtaining tickets. Please note: This information is subject to change. Contact the Clubhouse front desk if you have questions.

Event Date

Purchase Tickets Starting:

4/2/15 4/4/15 4/7/15 4/11/15 4/18/15 4/25/15 5/2/15 5/9/15 5/12/15 5/19/14 5/26/15 5/29/15 6/2/15 6/20/15

3/5/15 3/9/15 Now 3/16/15 No Ticket Now 4/7/15 4/9/15 No Ticket 4/24/15 No Ticket 4/24/15 5/7/15 5/22/15

POTLUCK NIGHT TUESDAYS 2015 FEBRUARY 24 – POT ROAST MARCH 31 – STUFF IT APRIL 28 – CHILI & CORNBREAD MAY 26 – MEXICAN FIESTA JUNE 30 – PIZZAS & SALADS

Secert Pals' Christmas Party

Follow Woodbridge LIFE Online

By Cindy Bolin

By Carol Jo Hargreaves

he Secret Pals’ Christmas party was held at Cindy Bolin’s house in December. Linda Hauser started the Secret Pal group in 2013. This year Cindy Bolin and Linda Hauser worked together to deliver gifts to Secret Pals and to mail thank you notes for gifts received. This year we had 19 ladies participating in the Secret Pal group.

We have three or four social functions a year and at our final meeting in June, each of us discloses who our Secret Pal has been throughout the year.

We plan to start a new group when the current one comes to an end in June 2015. If you are interested in joining, please look for the flyers at the Clubhouse.

he Woodbridge portal provides us with a link to access the digital archive of the monthly Woodbridge LIFE newspaper.

All you have to do is click on the link, http://issuu.com/woodbridgelife on the portal and you will be able to view the most recent edition of the paper.

The issuu.com website also allows you to “follow” Woodbridge LIFE. What this means is that, once signed up, you will be sent an email notifying you when a new edition of the paper is available online. You won’t have to remember to check the portal and you will have access to online versions of all past editions of Woodbridge LIFE going back to October 2011.

T

Photo courtesy of Cindy Bolin.

Cindy Bolin and Linda Hauser organized the Secret Pals' Christmas party.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 11 • February 2015

I'm at the Gym! --- Conclusion

By Debby Hickey

FIFTH SESSION Paul decided to add more weights to my machines because he hasn’t noticed any grimacing from me. (Unfortunately, my long time mantra in life was “Never let them see you sweat.” I’ve since learned not to use that at the gym. Well, at least not to Paul!)

So then he brings out this rubber ball thing that’s cut in half, expecting me to balance on it. “How? I mean, like…how?”

I’ve noticed some great camaraderie in the gym and a lot of “atta girls” to me. It’s like they all know the effort it takes to go to the gym, so they all support each other.

SIXTH SESSION We did core repeats, as I wanted to do them at home so I took notes and drew stick people to aid me on what the positions were. (A key to tightening your cheeks in hold, Paul advised, is to “... imagine holding a $10 bill between them.”

I imagined a $100 bill and did much better!)

something preventing me, like something in the way—then he points to my butt…!

(If my leg could’ve reached higher, I’d have kicked him!)

All through these sessions, Paul kept changing things around for me, as I can’t do all the things he can. He calls this “modifications for success.” I was impressed with this concept, because I’m still performing the exercise—it’s just a little different so that I can actually do it.

When I finished, Garry Dudley called me over and said, “I’m proud of you for waking up today and making the choice to come to the gym. Remember, it’s only one in a row!” I really like that way of thinking!

The next day was quite musical for me; I hummed several tunes: “Pain drops keep falling from my head…” “Hurt so bad, you make it hurt so baaaad…” “The pain of pains stays mainly in my frame…” “I’m stinging from the pain, I’m stinging from the pain...” OK, too much.

Apparently Woodbridge is host to many comedians—for example, Horace DiMaggio walked by and told Paul I had complained to him that the exercises were too light and needed more! Very funny. I also noticed the guys in the gym seem to have their own vernacular—“Damn, Paul; easy, ripper!” or “Do you need Benadryl? You’re looking swoll.” “Can you take me to the vet because I’ve got sick puppies.” “Have you met the Hammer brothers—Sledge and Jack?” and “I need a Band-Aid® because I’m cut!” OMG, guys, really?

SEVENTH SESSION Today, Paul said, “Let’s go to the rack.” “What?” They really need to call it something else. For some reason, he thinks I can do pull ups and push ups!

Yeah, right; have you seen me? Evidently, you do these standing up at a bar. I was very nervous about the equipment falling over, but he said it was bolted to the floor. “How many feet deep?” I ask.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Then he demonstrated back leg lifts; his Debby Hickey on the rack. leg goes up way higher than mine does.

When I would do it, I felt like there was

EIGHTH SESSION Something’s changed! Fifty-five pounds on the lat pull, two sets of 20, breathe this way (OK, I’m eating garlic next time, Paul), do 80 RPMs on the bike, and let’s increase the level, etc. I’m really making Paul happy now because I’m sweating (crying), cringing (dying) and he’s smiling!

My being red-faced and out of breath is indicative of a heart attack and not indicative of his victory! After we finish the designated machines, he says I can choose the “bonus” one. “Is there one with a masseuse?!”

At least witty Wayne Gordon was there.

When he noticed a buddy walking in, he said to him “What happened? Did you make the wrong turn at the monitor’s station?” That made me laugh.

NINTH SESSION This session we spent using the different “weighted” bars. I didn’t know there were so many uses for them. (I found a new use for them when Paul made me repeat the complete set I finished.) We also did bench press and “skull” press—he explains if you drop it, you’ll crush your skull. I didn’t like those.

I did notice that when Paul showed me again the proper way to do something, he left the machine at the 80 or so pound weight he used, rather than put it back to 10. Then I remembered, he’s a man; it’s a bragging right! In contrast, I proudly told my friends I can bench press 15!

TENTH SESSION This was our final formal workout on the machines. I was surprised at the reps and weights I had worked up to. It’s now more about fighting through to complete each set. I didn’t know I had it in me.

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Page 12 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

S

By Don St. Lawrence

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

6220 5430 4020 3840 3820 3750 3740 2810

Grace Pasion Kathy Comden Cherie Ford Don St. Lawrence Phyllis Tindell Robi Cornelius Betty Buff Don Harris

4010 4000 3910 3870 3400 2940 2630 1760

JAN 12:

JAN 19:

Phil McCallion Kathy Comden Lee Stern Cherie Ford Betty Buff Grace Pasion Letha Watson Carolee Jones Sharyl Burgeson Nancy Hansen Robi Cornelius Marilyn Larson Don Harris Barbara Kreps Don St. Lawrence

By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist

 BRIDGE

Don Harris Cherie Ford Kathy Comden Letha Watson Betty Buff Don St. Lawrence Phyllis Tindell Lee Stern

 FITNESS Golf, Anyone?

At the Clubhouse Bridge Scores JAN 5:

JAN 26:

Phyllis Tindell Don Harris Cherie Ford Lee Stern Letha Watson Betty Buff Don St. Lawrence Kathy Comden Carolee Jones Shirley Lopes Robi Cornelius Phil McCallion Grace Pasion Marilyn Larson Barbara Kreps

5110 4380 4250 3660 3350 3270 3200 3030 2940 2910 2700 2590 1920 1770 1750

ome may think that you do not have to be athletic to golf; however, golf requires aerobic conditioning, muscular strength and muscular endurance. Most golfers playing a round of golf will burn approximately 620 calories. The average amateur golfer will take over 300 swings during this round of golf. That type of physical stress can lead to elbow injuries, as well as lower back and shoulder injuries.

Things that lead to these injuries are muscular imbalance, joint dysfunction and poor golf swing. In order to prevent these injuries, you need an integrated, functional training program.

That training program will consist of flexibility, functional strength, neuromuscular efficiency, endurance and power.

The design of this program will minimize injuries and maximize

www.ourwoodbridge.net results.

Flexibility training consists of self-myofascial release along with active and passive stretching.

Functional strength movements will closely mirror the types of movements you will make while golfing (a cable pull will mirror your golf swing movement).

You will be training in all three planes of motion during this type of training (transverse, frontal and sagittal planes).

Neuromuscular efficiency consists of balance training (Bosu Ball, balance disk and Stability Ball). Endurance training will be made up of cardio training that is intense enough to work up a sweat – if you aren’t sweating, you aren’t working hard enough.

And power training will consist of medicine ball, kettle bells and plyometric movements for legs.

A golf fitness program, as with all others, should be safe, challenging, progressive, systematic and activity specific.

To stay safe on the links, don’t hit the ball; hit the gym.

Arts

3830 3780 3690 3660 3640 3470 3370 3290 3240 3060 2960 2950 2600 2120 1810

 ARTISTS & CRAFTERS Moving Forward into 2015

By Penny Dauler

B

y the time you read this article, the first month of 2015 will almost be over.

The holidays are behind us and the new year is in our future.

The following is our schedule of permanently offered classes in the Westport Room:

2014 BRIDGE STATISTICS Compiled by Don St. Lawerence

Highest Score

Carolee Jones

6,730

Most Total Points

Phil McCallion

179,850

Highest Average

Letha Watson

3,866

2014 High Winnings

Phil McCallion

$67

Most Weeks Played

Phil McCallion

51

Monday: 12:30 p.m. every Monday — China Painting 10 a.m. third Monday — Oncology Pillow Workshop 10 a.m. the last Monday — UFO (unfinished objects - bring a project to work on)

Tuesday: 10 a.m. every Tuesday — Painting class and workshop Wednesday: 9 a.m. every Wednesday — Paper crafters 1 p.m. every Wednesday — Open painting Thursday: 10 a.m. every Thursday — Knitters and Crocheters 12:30 p.m. every Thursday — Open sewing or classes Friday: 10 a.m. first Friday — General Meeting 10 a.m. second Friday — Watercolor classes 10 a.m. last Friday — Special Projects with Bonnie

See

ARTISTS page 13

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 13 • February 2015

► IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The Multipurpose Room will be closed for floor refinishing from January 30 through February 10. The Poker group will meet at the poker tables in the Community Living Room. All other groups will have NO CLASS, NO PRACTICE and NO PLAY during room closure. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

From

ARTISTS page 12

We will also be offering a monthly Zentangle class, dog bed and cat mat workshops, as well as other special classes. If no classes are scheduled on Monday or Friday mornings or Thursday afternoons and you have a project that needs the space we offer, bring it on down. The room is reserved, and you may use it. Come to our general meeting to pick up the monthly calendar. Check the yellow communication board for sign-up sheets and class materials lists. Receive our weekly email to get the latest on what is coming up. Talk to other crafters. There are lots of ways to keep in touch with what is going on behind the doors of the Westport Room.

Several of our monthly projects do not stay here at Woodbridge, nor are they all for our personal use. The monthly oncology pillows go directly to Kaiser Permanente for use in their cancer wards. The dog beds and cat mats are taken to the Manteca Animal Shelter and the Sunrise blankets are used by the San Joaquin County Hospital in their layettes.

Prayer bears are given to the local police department to be distributed to children in need.

Please come and help out whenever and wherever you can.

A seat is always available for you to use. We look forward to meeting you.

 WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP

By Marie Evans

T

&

here were nine members at our January readers' group meeting and the book under discussion was a truly remarkable one — Love in a Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and presented by Phil Bookman. The author was born in Columbia (where the book takes place) and she died in 2014.

Of course, a book this well known, respected and well written, provoked a lively discussion. In general, everyone enjoyed reading it and Patty DeRoos pointed out many interesting phrases, some of which were beautiful and others, not so much. She felt the author was a master who wove his story into time, moving back and forth, much like a weaver might do while maintaining the pattern of the

 STRUMMIN' WONDERS

By Carla Marquardt

T

he Strummin' Wonders of Woodbridge will perform its third annual Love Song Concert on Wednesday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. The group will play love songs from each of the decades spanning from 1910 through today.

Come sing along with your favorite love songs and relive those memories. No cost, but please sign up at the front desk. See you there!

story. The book is nothing if not a love story — a very unique love story in which persistence is tantamount. Another comment was that it reminded them of the older generation in Spain in that they were slow to change.

Phil compared the book favorably to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and felt Love in a Time of Cholera is equal to that famous love story. Some of us did not concur, yet others may have felt the same charm. However, this love story does not end in death. Everyone had a comment on this book; we had a discussion that was almost as interesting and different as this story. We boiled it down to love, perseverance (could it be humorous as well?) and uniqueness.

Our next meeting is February 4 (the first Wednesday) at 10:30 a.m. at the Clubhouse in the Oxford Room (formerly called the Club Room).

Our book for February is A Well-Tempered Heart, a sequel to The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, by Jan Phillip Sandker.

Beds and Mats Donated to Local Shelter Thanks, Artists & Crafters

By Carol Jo Hargreaves

T

he Artists & Crafters group is heartily commended for its support of the Manteca Animal Shelter. Through January 15, the group had made and donated enough dog beds and cat mats to the shelter for the 83 dogs and 18 cats adopted in 2015.

A big thanks to Geri and Warren Rogers for delivering the beds and mats as they would not fit in project leader Ellen Wootton’s car.

The shelter had 1,500 pet adoptions in 2014 with each pet going home with a handmade bed from Del Webb!

Woodbridge residents, please save fabric scraps from sewing and quilting projects to make the beds/mats as well as old pillows for the stuffing (no feathers or foam).

Photo courtesy of Geri Rogers.

Kathy Dezotte was one of several volunteers who helped stuff dog beds and cat mats on a Saturday morning.

Page 14 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

 HOW THE UKULELE CHANGED MY LIFE

By Janet Connor

M

oving to Del Webb in 2010 opened up new experiences in my life. In addition to new friends to meet, a new town to explore and a new church to attend, I was also presented with many new activities that I could try right here in my community.

I thought, “What have I always wanted to do but never had the opportunity or the courage to try.” As I thought back in my life, I remembered I really, really wanted to play an instrument. I also liked to sing but didn’t think I was good enough to join a group.

I am so glad I took that leap to try something new. It has been fun getting to know other members of the group as we practice and perform. The Christmas concert was great and I really have enjoyed our trips to the Commons to perform, especially to the Memory Care group. To see them light up as we play is a joy. You receive so much from playing the ukulele and you can give so much to others around you. What could be better?

At one of the Strummin’ Wonders concerts, people were encouraged to sign up for ukulele lessons. Oh, no! I can’t do that! But it kept coming back into my thoughts. Talking to a friend, Carolyn Johnson, I expressed the desire but also the dread in trying something new.

She told me that she thought she would like to try the lessons, so we made a pact to join together. We did and now we are both a part of the Strummin’ Wonders. Our leader and teacher, Carla Marquardt, is an encourager, always saying, “I think you’re ready; you can do this.”

And we did.

Learning the ukulele has fulfilled a desire of mine since childhood, but it has brought me so much more. There is nothing like strumming and singing to lift your mood and relax you. It also keeps your mind active, training those mind muscles. Carla has always told us that the ukulele is a “social instrument” and I have found that to be true. When we visit our kids and grandkids, I take the ukulele along. The grandkids love it. They sing along, play the kazoo with me and try to strum a little on the uke. At Christmas this year, we had a group of 18 for Christmas Eve. We ended the evening playing and singing with everybody, from the one-year-old to the oldsters, taking part.

Line Dance News Flash

By Bill Barnhart

A

ccording to Line Dance instructor Patti Barnhart, the growing demand for a new Beginning Line Dance class will soon be met.

Increased interest was recently shown following the Woodbridge Singers’ fantastic Christmas program, choreographed by Elizabeth Cunning, in which Woodbridge line dancers added their own pizzazz to the show. The following week line dancers performed in a Christmas variety show put on by the Strummin’ Wonders, led by everentertaining Carla Marquardt.

A Beginning Line Dance class will be held Wednesday mornings at 9:15 a.m., immediately following the Walking Indoors class.

The Multipurpose Room will be closed from January 30 through February 10 to have its floor refinished. Patti will begin the Beginning Line Dance class Wednesday, February 18. Flyers will be available very soon.

Be sure to mark the new class and its start date on your calendars if you would like to participate and don’t miss the upcoming Strummin’ Wonders’ ukulele Valentine's show at which the line dancers will again perform.

Photo submitted by Carla Marquardt.

Janet Connor finds enjoyment in ukulele playing.

 VETERANS OF WOODBRIDGE Veterans' News

By Jack Dauler

I

was going to start this article with upcoming news regarding our Woodbridge Veterans group, but thought a look back over some of the events the veterans have taken part in over the past year would be a better subject. Here is a snapshot of 2014: Summer car show, Venture School Academy visit, country band dinner/ dance fundraiser, water rodeo, Fleet Week trip, Credence band fundraiser, Manteca Mural Society meeting, Veterans memorial brick fund campaign, Toys for Tots campaign and U.S. flag retirement ceremony.

Many thanks to our steering committee members who helped by organizing and participating in many of the above events: Dennis Atwell, Bill Buffington, Roger Goodnow, Warren Rogers and Andrew Price.

I would also like to give a salute to veteran Alan Nevares for all his help during our December Toys for Tots campaign.

We will continue to be active in 2015 with fundraisers for our Honor Flight program, constructing our memorial in Liberty Park, and an April vaudeville show just to name a few events and, of course, our monthly meetings on the second Monday at 1600 hours (4 p.m.)

Speaking of our monthly meetings, we often have guest speakers and patriotic video presentations and we always welcome new veterans residing in Woodbridge to attend.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 15 • February 2015

Page 16 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

Household Hints

By Bill Barnhart

Sink, Sank, Sunk

O

n a Sunday afternoon in early January, I received a Neighbors Helping Bill Barnhart Neighbors call that I hope is never repeated. A kitchen sink had sunk and was sitting with the front of the sink approximately an inch below the underside of the granite counter top. Looking under the sink, I saw two steel channels, one on each side of the sink, intended to act as a platform for holding the sink in place.

The adjusting screws for lifting the sink into place had come unscrewed more than an inch, allowing the sink to drop down and rest on the channels after the caulking seal gave away.

What seems to have occurred with the resident’s sunken sink is that about four years ago, a new cabinet maker began supplying more generic kitchen cabinets that accommodate any style sink and require additional supports to hold the sink in place. For homes built over this period, there are either wooden rails, or steel channels, with adjusting screws going upward through them, pushing the sink up against the underside of the counter top. Installations with wooden rails seem not to have a problem. However, in approximately 50 percent of the homes I’ve seen with the steel channels, the adjusting screws have loosened and no longer support the sink.

Loosening of the screws most likely results from vibration of the garbage disposal or dishwasher. The Photo by Bill Barnhart. purpose of this article Channel holding up kitchen sink. is to make people aware of the potential

www.ourwoodbridge.net

problem and to report it if they are concerned about its possibly happening in their home. There should be three or four screws going through the steel channel on each side of the sink. On some sinks, there may be a metal band wrapped under the front of the sink attached by the two screws closest to the front of the cabinet. The screws should have nylon-capped tips to keep them from rusting and/or damaging the underside of the sink as they push it up. All of the screws should be tightened against the underside of the sink. If you are able to wiggle any of the screws, they are too loose. In the home with the sunken sink, there were two additional signs. The veneer surface at the bottom of the sink well was rippled, indicating a small but constant water leak over a long period of time and, secondly, there was water in the pivot-out storage area in front of the sink.

If your sink has loose screws and evidence of water damage, it needs to be professionally reinstalled. If there are only loose screws, the caulking between the sink and the counter top has not deteriorated, and there is no water damage below the sink, you could tighten the screws but that is not a permanent solution. I’ve spoken with Pulte staff and they would like all instances of loose screws to be reported via a service request either through their website or via a form obtained from the Sales Center.

At the home where the sink sank, the resident had the granite guys apply some automotive thread-locking fluid to the screws.

Consider purchasing some if you are going to attempt a do-ityourself repair or even if you are going to submit a service request to Pulte. FYI, all tubes of threadlocking fluid seem to be a blue color but you need to purchase the one that says it is BLUE as it will keep screws in place but still allow them to be unscrewed, with some force, if necessary. Do not purchase the gel because the tip is too large to insert inside the steel channels.

Here’s hoping there are no more sunken sinks, and, that if you have a screw loose, you report it to Pulte.

Photo by Bill Barnhart.

Threadlocker® for sink repair.

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 17 • February 2015

BROWN page 1

same summer school. Both agree it was love at first sight, although Kirby likes to joke: “She married me to get the short last name Brown.”

Kirby and Iran discovered they had a lot in common. In addition to belonging to the Baha’i faith, both were in a transitional stage of their lives. Kirby planned to resume classes at Humboldt State College, and Iran intended to return to Iran, her homeland, and work as a nurse. Fate intervened, however.

Before going back to her home country, Iran stayed a few weeks with her sister in the Southern California city of Garden Grove.

Considering the attraction that had blossomed between Kirby and her in Geyserville, it was no coincidence that Kirby changed his plans.

He decided to attend Santa Ana College in Garden Grove, where the two dated and got to know each other better.

Three dates were especially memorable: observing interesting exhibits in Disneyland, swimming at the sandy beach, and last but not least, attending a pow-wow on the Hopi reservation in Arizona. It was there, under a big and romantic desert moon, that they became engaged. It had been only a month after they first met.

“We had a Baha’i wedding at my brother-in-law’s home in Garden Grove,” Iran said. They spent their honeymoon along the scenic California coast. Their 1953 Studebaker Commander coupe served them well during the trip, but not without complications: “We had to run an extension cord from the motel room to a charger for the battery of our car in order to start the car the next morning,” said Kirby.

Both had satisfying careers. Kirby worked as an economic entomologist at the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s office in Stockton. Iran was a registered nurse at San Joaquin General Hospital. When they worked briefly at the Hopi reservation in Arizona, where Kirby taught biology for Northland Pioneer College and Iran did volunteer work at the reservation’s hospital, good memories of their engagement under a big desert moon drifted into their minds. They have been married 52 years and have two daughters, Sharon and Farah, and two grandsons.

It was while living in Paradise, California, where they sold antiques, rugs and books at a nearby antique mall, that they decided it was time to move to a retirement community. “We had a large house and acreage, and it was getting to be too much to handle,” Kirby said. He also said they had too much “stuff” in their house that they wanted to unload. Luckily, old friends living in Manteca told them about Woodbridge, so they came to look and liked what they saw. They moved here in September 2011. “It was a good opportunity to simplify our lives and start a new phase,” said Kirby.

At Woodbridge, Iran likes game night, especially backgammon. “I also enjoy the fitness center, swimming, cooking and gardening, and I’m very active in the Baha’i faith community in Manteca,” she said.

The intellectual and studious Kirby described himself as kind of a “hermit” whose time has been mostly filled working on a book about his grandfather’s pottery, California Faience. He does enjoy being in the Woodbridge Singers group, however, and using the fitness center and swimming pool.

Kirby and Iran have only participated in a few of the Clubhouse activities, but both agree the availability of numerous activities at Woodbridge is wonderful. They love their well-planned and convenient house, but they particularly appreciate the friendliness and companionship of friends and neighbors. They agree that “Everybody is very helpful, which makes living here a real pleasure.”

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Page 18 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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 MEN OF WOODBRIDGE

By Jon Ford

O

ur new officers, President Bill Goodwin, Vice President Nick Music (serving his third two-year term), Secretary Jon Ford and Treasurer Mel Bernstein have officially taken over the helm for Men of Woodbridge. The club would like to thank outgoing President Terrell Estes and Secretary/Treasurer Ed Shoup for their dedication and commitment to MOW. Terrell was the club’s president since its inception and Ed did such a great job that it is taking two men to replace him. Ed will be moving to Southern California to be nearer his grandchildren.

We had our Taco Feed dinner in January. This event is always well attended and through the efforts of our Men of Woodbridge volunteers, we were able to pull it off with no complications. A big thank you to all the men who gave up their time for this community event.

Our January meeting was a breakfast meeting at Mike's Restaurant.

All in attendance wore their red Men of Woodbridge shirts as we always wear our shirts when we attend any function that is out of the community. Anyone forgetting his red shirt on that day is assessed a $5 fine.

Welcome to new member, Mike Spence, for contributing his time to our service-oriented group.

We also perform a monthly highway pick-up headed by Paul Bowers.

If interested in participating, contact Paul at 209-825-0129. We have four crews that pick up trash along the entrance and exit ramps of the 120 Bypass near Airport Way once a month. We generally go out on the third Tuesday of each month.

Our Men of Woodbridge club is a service club for the community.

We conduct a series of dinners at the Lakeview Clubhouse for our community, assist at the Wheels of Woodbridge Club Car Show by cooking hot dogs, and on occasion, we hold a fundraiser for a need that has come up. Our normal meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Quincy Room (kitchen area) at the Clubhouse and we are open to all male residents of our community. We encourage all men to check us out and join our merry band of men.

Our next community dinner will be our St. Patrick's Day dinner in March.

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Sixth Annual Tea Party is Going Places

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Speaker Series: Oakdale Cowboy Museum

By Birdie Nieri, WOW President

By Linda Little

et ready for another fabulous tea party. The energetic, creative tea hostesses are preparing their tables for a fun-filled afternoon tea. Each table will be a different “Destination” to behold. Tea party canapés and delightful sweets will delight the taste buds as we sit back, enjoy a nice cup of hot tea, enjoy the entertainment and visit with old and new friends and our Woodbridge buddies.

Carol Boné has brought her extensive knowledge of the process of getting a simple pot of tea to a table. She has been treated to tea all over the world, visited tea plantations, sat at phenomenal Japanese tea ceremonies, and even put together tea parties for as many as 250 women at a sitting. This lady knows tea parties! Carol has graciously donated her time and energy to make sure our little ol’ tea party will be one to remember.

Tickets go on sale for the February 21 and 22 sittings the first week of February. The price per ticket will remain $25. Tables will be set for six, giving each person room for her elbows and pinky finger pointing. Family and friends are invited, but a resident must purchase the tickets. Four tickets per household will be the maximum tickets allowed a resident. Ask a friend, your daughter or even your granddaughter to save the date and give them the experience of one of our gatherings. There will only be about 100 tickets available each day, so do not delay getting yours.

There will be a few changes this year. We’re going to give “selected seating” a try. You will be able to select your day, your table and your hostess all at the same time. This will require some patience and quick decision-making. Be prepared when you purchase your tickets by cash or check only. Sorry, we cannot accept credit card payment.

If you would like to be part of this process, give Birdie Nieri a call at 624-3779 and she will schedule you to sell tickets. We will also sell raffle tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s raffle. There are two separate days of tea, so there are two separate sets of raffle items. We would love as many women as possible to get involved. Sell tickets, donate a basket or a prize and guarantee yourself a seat as part of the working staff. We’d be happy to bring you into the fold. We Women of Woodbridge are something special.

ince the early 1950s, Oakdale has been known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” As a result, it only seemed fitting that the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce would create a museum to celebrate Oakdale’s unique western heritage. On March 12 at 2 p.m., Christie Camarillo, Executive Director of the Oakdale Cowboy Museum, will speak to Woodbridge residents about Oakdale’s western heritage as well as the museum’s collections.

Born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara County), Camarillo’s father was a rodeo champion. Her two brothers are champion team ropers and inductees into the Cowboy Hall of Fame. In addition to her leadership position with the museum, Camarillo is Vice President of Tourism for the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce and President of the Rodeo Historical Society based out of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Along with the overall management of the museum, Camarillo coordinates fundraising for four major events: Cowgirl Luncheon, Annual Dinner and Auction, Cowboy Christmas Gift and Craft Show and the Oakdale Testicle Festival (yes, Testicle Festival).

As part of her presentation, she will describe this rather strange, albeit unique, festival and explain why people want to attend it.

Prior to her current job and positions, Camarillo had a 20-year career with Delta Airlines in sales and marketing. During those years, she lived in San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta and Seattle before returning to Oakdale in 1997.

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

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Garden Tasks for February

By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

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am thoroughly thrilled to see the foothills now covered with grass. It seems like it’s the Sandi Larson first time in years that the brown is gone! Winter is here. We had freezing weather around New Year’s but it was short-lived. Have you noticed how many birds’ nests there are in the trees right now?

One fell from our tree during a particularly windy day!

If your citrus tree still looks good, you can prune it between now and early spring. If your citrus tree didn’t freeze, you are probably OK leaving fruit on the tree. If your tree does experience freeze, it is best to pick the fruit within a few days of the freeze. You can cut the fruit from the stem to the base to see if there’s damage in the fruit.

If you feel that one or several of your plants may have suffered from freeze or frost damage, you should wait to do anything with the plant. Wait until the weather warms up to see if new growth appears and then prune out the dead parts. If your plant doesn’t survive the freeze, replace it with a plant that is more tolerant and better suited for our climate.

Did you have a live tree for the holidays that you are now ready to plant? Make sure that wherever you plant your tree, you allow enough space for it to grow. Many times people receive a tree such as a small conifer and don’t check into its maximum growth habits.

For example, if you purchased a noble fir, it can grow up to 230’ high by up to almost nine feet wide! Yikes! Can you imagine planting a noble fir on the side of your home that may allow only five feet of space? I’m still amazed when I see backyards that are 15’ deep hosting several redwood trees. I am guilty of overplanting myself.

We had not experienced Chinese pistache trees and listened to our landscaper and thought two would be lovely in our west-facing backyard. One tree now goes from just about the fence to the roof.

This winter we might bring an arborist to cut back the branches from the roof lest I introduce a family of rodents to our attic! Ugh!

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It’s time to look for bare root roses in your favorite nursery. If you have the room, you can plant fruit trees, full size or miniature, and berries. Also, February is the last month to prune your roses.

Make sure you have cleaned up your perennials such as daylilies and Shasta daisies. Keep an eye out for insects. Snails and slugs are still a big problem. They seem to multiply every time it rains.

It is a good time to purchase and plant azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias as most are in bloom this month.

This month is a good month to prune deciduous trees, vines, and shrubs. Do not prune vines that are preparing to blossom such as wisteria, jasmine and some varieties of clematis. Also, prune grapes and cane berries. The best time to prune a woody plant is before the shrub or tree starts to leaf.

If we still don’t have much rainfall this month, make sure you water your potted plants and you may need to turn on your sprinkler system once a week – but never on Monday per new city of Manteca restrictions. It is good to water plants prior to a heavy frost or freeze. I am still hoping for more rainfall this year to ease the drought.

If you would like to create a bright spot in your garden, pick up some candytuft. It’s such an easy care plant. You get big bang for your buck. They spread out, so give the new plants plenty of room to grow! It is still a good time to purchase daffodils or blooming bulbs and bring them into your home. Also blooming this month are calendulas, primrose, violet, cineraria, cymbidiums, quince, camellia and salvia.

If you have a vegetable garden, you can set out seedlings of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, green onions, spinach and peas.

If you are looking for something to do in February: The Master Gardeners is having a February 21 seminar on “Growing Edibles in Small Places” in the McFall Room at the Manteca Library (which you can enter off of Center Street). Cost is free. Program starts at 10:30 a.m. and ends at noon. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by Wednesday, February 18, at 209-953-6100 to secure your seat and allow the Master Gardeners to have enough materials to pass out at the seminar.

Filoli Gardens opens February 10 for its 2015 season. I can’t think of a more beautiful place to visit any time of the year. In the spring, you will see daffodils, wisterias and thousands of bulbs. The grounds are unbelievable and it’s only about 90 minutes away. It was the opening shot for the program “Dynasty” and it is as lovely now as it ever was. Floral designers participate in the very popular Filoli Flower Show, Mother’s Day weekend. Tickets go on sale April 6 at www.Filoli.org.

A place I’ve heard of but never been to is High Hand Nursery and Restaurant in Loomis. It is supposed to have a great nursery, restaurant and gift shop. I am hoping to go there sometime in the next month. The website is www.highhand.com. I am not recommending this as I’ve not been there, but I’m always looking for places to visit and it offers a lovely lunch menu also.

Spring is just around the corner and with it the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show in March along with Daffodil Hill in late March. I will update you next month on those two events.

Photo by Sandi Larson.

February is a good time to purchase azaleas while they are blooming.

Happy gardening!

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Woodbridge LIFE

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Activities Abound in Woodbridge Groups and Clubs

By Carol Jo Hargreaves

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roups and clubs promote recreational and cultural pursuits among residents and they facilitate the Woodbridge lifestyle. The Woodbridge Owners Association officially sponsors some groups and clubs; other groups and clubs may not choose to be endorsed by the WOA. Woodbridge LIFE takes this opportunity to introduce you to or remind you of the wealth of activities you may participate in without leaving your community.

Activities abound in Woodbridge as evidenced by the lists on page 8 of this newspaper as well as on the Woodbridge portal. There is something for everyone from sports, fitness and dance to food/wine, hobby and crafts, games and performing arts groups. If you are not

Artists & Crafters – Nedra Ball WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

This group’s many sub groups (painting, paper crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting) meet in the Westport Room, Monday through Friday at varying times. Check out Penny Dauler’s article on page 12 for a breakdown of what’s going on this month and feel free to call the group’s contact person for more information.

already taking part in one or more of these pursuits, perhaps 2015 is your year to begin. Meet new people, try different things, and challenge yourself to learn something new.

Effective group and club leaders are a mix of efficient organizer and skilled communicator who unite members in the group’s common goals and make being a group member fun and rewarding.

Some of the current group and club leaders founded their groups and have been participating since inception while others have recently been elected to their positions. Regardless of the length of their tenure in a leadership role, we thank all Woodbridge group and club leaders for sharing their time and talents with us!

Bridge – Don St. Lawrence WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Woodbridge residents meet to play this popular trick-taking card game every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Oxford Room at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

See page 12 for results of this month’s play.

TO BE CO

Bocce Ball – Carole Pfoutz WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

All residents are welcome to play bocce, a strategic game played on an outdoor court. It can be played by two single players pitted against each other or by two teams with up to four players each. Most players throw/lob a bocce ball underhanded. If you aren’t familiar with the game but would like to play, instruction will be given. Meet at the Bocce Ball Courts Sunday afternoons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. You may play with your own equipment or check out equipment from the front desk.

This list will continu Woodb

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Woodbridge LIFE

Bunco - Mary Braun (L) and Susan Russitano (R) Photos contributed.

Bunco is a fun social dice game involving 100 percent luck and no skill (there are no decisions to be made), scoring and a simple set of rules. The object of the game is to accumulate points and to roll certain combinations.

Favorable outcomes include the highest score, the lowest score or the most Buncos. The Bunco group meets every third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Oxford Room.

Cribbage – Dave Steffy

Chair Volleyball – Jacquie Steffy

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Cribbage is a card game traditionally played by two players, but it can be played with three or four, or more, in teams. The game involves playing and grouping cards in combinations that gain points and marking the score with pegs on a flat, wooden board rather than using pencil and paper.

If you don't know how to play, there's always someone to help you. Meet in the Oxford Room, Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This fun, fast-paced version of volleyball can be played by anyone, even by those confined to wheelchairs. Come out and join the group! Meet in the Multipurpose Room every other Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

ONTINUED...

ue in the March edition of bridge LIFE.

Crochet/Knitting – Renée St. Lawrence Photo contributed.

There is always room for more ladies wishing to share their talents in this group that creates lovely items given away to family and friends, homeless school children, prayer shawl ministries or newborns at local hospitals. The group meets Thursdays at 10 a.m. in the Westport Room.

Dancing – Patti Barnhart and Bill Goodwin (L) Photo courtesy of Bill Barnhart and (R) WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Dancing is great fun and good exercise. The Ballroom and Line dance groups always welcome new members. Ballroom Dance meets in the Multipurpose Room, Thursdays at 4:15 p.m., and two groups of Line Dancing enthusiasts meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 a.m. or Friday at 6 p.m., also in the Multipurpose Room. A new Beginning Line Dance class will start Wednesday, February 18, at 9:15 a.m.

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Woodbridge LIFE

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Softball This Month

By Butch Larson

TIME TO SIGN UP FOR 2015 SILVER SLUGGER SOFTBALL SEASON

All residents interested in participating in the 2015 Softball season should complete registration forms during the month of February. You may pick up the forms at the Clubhouse front desk between February 2 and February 27, fill them out and return them to the front desk monitor. Players for both Silver Slugger men and Diamond Gal women as well as all volunteers should complete and turn in forms.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

The season will begin with a general practice session in early March, a draft of players in mid-March followed by team practices and practice games in late March. We officially open the season April 4 with an Opening Day Festival where several Del Webb clubs participate and we introduce teams and volunteers. A local high school presents the colors and in past years, festivities have included a K-9 Unit demonstration by the Manteca Police Department.

We conduct games from April through June, take the month of July off, and then resume for a second half-season from August through October. Men’s play is on Wednesdays and Saturdays while the women play on Saturdays. At the end of each halfseason, we conduct a two-day Round Robin Tournament. Finally, we conclude the year with an annual Softball Dinner.

Groundhog Day

By Mike Spence

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f you thought Christmas and Easter were steeped in complicated, convoluted traditions, lore, religion and regional interpretations, wait until you hear about Groundhog Day. In short, it starts with a 10th century Gaelic divine hag gathering firewood on Imbolc, February 1, then the British take over and rename the day Candlemas and move the date to the morning of February 2. The Pennsylvania Germans bring the tradition to the “colonies” and rename the day Grundsaudaag. The Germans who settled in Pennsylvania began noting the behavior of an overweight ground squirrel when aroused from hibernation to predict future weather. That makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

The farmers of northern Europe and America planted their life sustaining crops at the mercy of the end of winter. Winter is said to begin near mid-December (winter solstice) and spring begins mid-March (spring equinox). Halfway between is February 1, the traditional date of the ancient Gaelic Imbolc festival. The festival celebrated the beginning of spring and the actions of its patron Brighid (later Saint Brighid). It was said that Brighid would leave her home on February 1 for one final gathering of firewood to last her the remainder of the winter. If the day was clear and bright,

FIRST YEAR PLAYERS WELCOME

You may be a new resident to Del Webb Woodbridge or, perhaps, you just didn’t play last season. We would like you to consider signing up and coming out to workout sessions planned for early March. We encourage players from all skill levels to participate and have adjusted rules to accommodate players.

Everyone who signs up will be placed on a team. Men’s teams will be decided through a draft in mid-March. Coaches will determine women’s squads before the season starts.

VOLUNTEERS, WE APPRECIATE YOU

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the program, helping with umpiring, handling score booth duties, working in the Snack Shack, and even aiding the maintenance crew. If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please complete the registration form and we will contact you. Many players, including members of the Woodbridge Senior Softball Council, participate as volunteers as well as playing. It is a fun way to serve in the program and to meet other Del Webb residents with a similar interest in softball.

Please call Butch Larson or Roger Gibson if you have any questions.

she would gather large amounts of firewood and winter would last another six weeks. If the day was bleak and rainy, she gathered less wood and winter was at an end.

The British celebrated Imbolc by lighting candles to honor Saint Brighid. The celebration moved to the early morning of the day following Imbolc, February 2. This newer celebration was then called Candlemas. One English poet wrote:

If Candle mas be fair and bright,

Winter has another flight.

If Candle mas brings clouds and rain,

Winter will not come again.

Since Brighid was not available to pass judgment on the weather conditions at each locality on Candlemas, a stand-in or arbitrator was needed. No doubt someone suggested waking a hibernating animal and letting it choose based upon whether or not he cast a shadow. The Germans tried waking a badger and the Russians tried a bear. Neither animal was pleased to be rudely awakened and demonstrated their displeasure with teeth and claws. The tree squirrel was difficult to find and simply ran away before participating in the celebration. The portly groundhog was a perfect choice.

By the mid 1800s, Groundhog Day was spreading across North See

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GROUNDHOG page 22

America and elsewhere. Each locality had its own groundhog with its own nickname. That’s how we got: French Creek Freddie, Holtsville Hal, Dunkirk Dave, Staten Island Chuck, Mount Joy Minnie, Susquehanna Sherman, Woodstock Willie, Balzac Billy, General Beauregard Lee and the famous Punxsutawney Phil.

Punxsutawney Phil has been helping Pennsylvania celebrate Groundhog Day since 1886 (like Lassie the dog, there’s been more than one groundhog over this period of time). Phil only works a half-day one day a year. Before his appearance, he is kept in a 75-degree cage, much like the Jay Leno Greenroom. Phil, in the cage, is taken to Gobbler’s Knob, a knoll on the outskirts of Punxsutawney for the gala event. At precisely 7:25 a.m., Phil is removed from the cage for his performance. He is introduced by his full name, Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary. Phil makes his prediction and, now exhausted, is returned to his cage and allowed to sleep it off.

Groundhogs in the wild eat succulent green plants such as dandelion, clover and grasses. According to his handlers, Phil weighs 15 pounds and thrives on dog food and ice cream in his climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library.

Photo from explorepahistory.com

Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, makes his decision.

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Woodbridge LIFE

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Leo

By Joyce Renebome

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e lost our black cat Twinky to cancer in December of 2010. Twinky loved my husband Pete, who at the time was 80-years-old. Pete is legally blind and hard of hearing, caused by a condition called Usher’s Syndrome which he was born with. The quality of both Pete’s sight and his hearing decreases with each passing year. My husband took Twinky’s death very hard, as Twinky was Pete’s constant companion.

Sometime in late January 2011, Pete asked me to look to adopt a cat that would be “his” cat. He was also concerned that our older female cat, “LT,” was missing having a partner. Pete wanted me to find a neutered male, like Twinky, but this time, he wanted a white cat. Pete felt he could see a white cat more easily.

I began looking for a white cat to adopt in mid-February 2011, both on the Internet and in animal shelters. I never realized white cats weren’t that common. I was about to give up when my daughter, Deb Ristau, who also lived in Del Webb Woodbridge at the time, called and asked if we were still looking for a white cat. Deb explained how a white cat had crashed her party that evening. She checked with her neighbor and found out the cat had been living in his garage. The neighbor had no idea where the cat came from and had no luck finding its owner. Pete and I agreed to take the cat, sight unseen.

Photo contributed.

Leo loved sleeping under the window.

The new cat was brought to us on a Friday night. LT, our small cat, immediately attacked him and, of course, the new cat had to defend himself. We decided to give the two cats the weekend to see if living together with us would work. By Monday morning, LT and Leo (we thought this was a fitting name because he strutted like a lion) had made a tentative friendship. On Monday morning, we checked at the Clubhouse for any missing pets. We then took Leo to the vet for shots and to find out if he had been microchipped. He hadn’t. We had Leo chipped, his toenails cut and given all his shots.

By the end of the month, Leo and Pete had bonded. Wherever Pete See

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LEO page 24

went, Leo followed. Over the years, Leo and Pete watched the news together every morning and evening. The two never missed a Giants, 49ers or a Sacramento Kings game.

Early the morning of December 31, 2014, Leo disappeared from our backyard. The wind had blown the gate open and he was gone. At first we expected him home any minute, but as the day went on and wore into the night, no Leo appeared. We have posted flyers around the Woodbridge community and put a notice on social media but there has been no word of even a sighting of Leo. My husband is now 84 years old and almost blind. He misses his beloved Leo beyond measure. Please call if you have seen a large panda-looking cat prowling the streets of Woodbridge or anywhere nearby. Thank you!

ďż˝

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Woodbridge LIFE

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Oral Health Conditions Associated with Advancing Age

By Dr. Jeffery J. Becker

nutrition from food is vital for overall health. Options for replacing the missing teeth include dental implants, bridges and partial or full dentures.

Declining oral hygiene is common in those with diminished manual dexterity from conditions such as arthritis or limited ability to move their shoulders, arms and hands. To improve hygiene, an electric toothbrush is a great option. Its larger handle and powered brush, as compared to a manual toothbrush, will help clean more effectively.

Additionally, for those who find it difficult to use dental floss, a Waterpik water flosser is a great alternative to clean between the teeth and below the gum line.

Your teeth can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental checkups. No matter what your age, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy with proper home care and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. A healthy smile may affect a person's confidence and self-image, but more importantly, it will pay off not only in their oral health, but in their overall health as well.

Dr. Jeffrey J. Becker is an associate dentist with Dr. Trueb in Manteca. His website is www.MantecaFamilyDental.com.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

T

here is an old saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul. In a similar manner, the mouth truly is a window to the rest of the body. With advancing age comes the greater likelihood for dental problems, and since oral health directly impacts the health of the rest of the body, these issues need to be taken seriously. In fact, the latest medical and dental research shows that taking care of our teeth and gums is just as important as our heart or digestive health! With careful examination of the teeth, gums and tongue, dentists have found evidence of heart or liver disease, diet deficiencies, anemia, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer and even some autoimmune diseases.

So what special oral health issues should you know about as a senior? Truthfully, even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your senior years when it comes to your oral health. Problems such as: Dry mouth, which is caused by reduced saliva flow.

This can be the result of taking several medications in combination, the side effects of particular individual medications, or certain medical disorders such as SjĂśgren's syndrome or cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck. There are 400 medications known to cause dry mouth including medications for common problems such as high blood pressure and depression. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth and increase your risk of several oral infections. Dry mouth can be alleviated by increasing liquid intake, chewing sugarless gum and mints, limiting dry and salty foods, avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes, and utilizing saliva substitutes such as Biotene toothpaste or oral rinse.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. A number of factors can increase the severity of gum disease, including bad diet, poor oral hygiene, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and environmental factors such as stress and smoking.

Because the earliest stages of gum disease are reversible, it is important to spot it early on with regular dental checkups.

Root decay is caused by exposure of the tooth's roots to the acidity in our mouths. The tooth's roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Roots do not have any enamel to protect them and are more prone to rapidly advancing decay than the crown of the tooth. Therefore, it is important to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.

Tooth sensitivity may also occur as our gums naturally recede. The root surfaces, unprotected by enamel, are particularly prone to sensitivity due to cold or hot foods or beverages. If you experience sensitivity, try an antisensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne. If the problem persists, see your dentist, as the sensitivity may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth.

An uneven jawbone is caused when teeth are lost and not replaced. Over time the remaining teeth will drift and shift into the open spaces left behind by the missing teeth. Not only may the jawbone appear uneven, but also the ability to chew food effectively may be impaired at a stage in life where

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Page 27 • February 2015

New Book on California Pottery From a press release

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n February 2015 a new book on an important historical California pottery will become available. Written by Woodbridge resident Kirby William Brown, California Faience: Ceramics for Cottages and Castles is a comprehensive review of the history and wares of this Arts & Crafts pottery that operated in Berkeley, California, from 1913 to 1959. Its products are renowned for their simple beauty and high quality.

The book is 275 pages long, with over 700 illustrations. Brown, who is a grandson of William Bragdon, one of the founders of California Faience, utilizes extensive original documentation, historical photographs and eyewitness interviews to present an intimate view of the shop and studio. The vast project of tiling the property of William Randolph Hearst at San Simeon is covered in detail.

Related ceramic operations West Coast Porcelain Manufacturers, Potlatch Pottery and Deer Creek Pottery are also included.

The book is produced on the occasion of the exhibition at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento: Of Cottages and Castles: The Art of California WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Faience. Brown is guest curator of Kirby Brown. this exhibition that will be held from February 22 to May 17, 2015.

A book signing will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Antique Avenue, 1327 Historical Plaza Way in Manteca.

For further information contact: Kirby Brown (209) 624-3386 kirbybrownbooks@sbcglobal.net

Of Cottages and Castles: The Art of California Faience FEBRUARY 22 – MAY 17, 2015

W

illiam Bragdon was a ceramic engineer trained at Alfred University in New York. He moved to Berkeley in 1915 to teach at the California School of Arts and Crafts and shortly thereafter formed a partnership with his Alfred University classmate Chauncey Thomas, then running a Berkeley pottery studio. Together they created decorative tiles, vases, and sculpture, calling their wares California Faience. The most prestigious of the company's projects came in the 1920s when architect Julia Morgan commissioned a complete environment of tiles for William Randolph Hearst's palatial home and grounds in San Simeon. The first exhibition on this subject, Of Cottages and Castles presents the full range of the company's accomplishments, with an emphasis on decorative pieces emblematic of Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Moderne styles, as well as tiles made for Hearst Castle.

Photo by William Bragdon and Chauncey Thomas

Vase with Stylized Moths, 19151922 Earthenware.

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Residents showcase work in art show

By Sharyl Burgeson

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hree Woodbridge residents are showcasing their work in Delicato Vineyards' 27th Annual Fine Art Show, January 14 – February 7.

Patti Barnhart had three oil entries accepted: “A Young Geisha,” “A Self-Portrait” (Whimsical category) and “It’s Five O’clock.” Patti started oil painting in Woodbridge classes about six-and-a-half years ago.

Kathy Comden received her first blue ribbon with her watercolor, “Rose Hips” (Other category). Kathy’s other accepted entries included “Family Meeting” and “The Young Farmer.” Kathy began weekly watercolor lessons in Stockton about seven years ago.

George Moffatt, pastel artist, also had three entries accepted: “Yosemite Valley,” “Half Dome” and “Aspen.” George has been working with pastels as a hobby since he was a kid. He remembers winning a five dollar savings bond in high school for a poster promoting volunteering in WW II. George has started drawing again at age 85 after a 20-year hiatus.

Only 111 out of 181 pieces of submitted art were accepted in the judged competition. Other artistic styles on exhibit include mixed media, charcoal, porcelain painting, pencil, acrylic and graphite.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the art on display in the Delicato Tasting Room, sample free wine releases and vote for their favorite piece of art. The Photo courtesy of Sierra Bacigalupi. winning artist will receive the “coveted” Visitors’ Award, according to Jane Swartz, administrative assistant. She noted all art in the show is available Kathy Comden received first place for her watercolor, Rose Hips. for purchase.

Visitors may view the art seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Saturday, February 7. The Delicato Vineyards Tasting Room is located at 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca.

Manteca and Woodbridge Support Our Police

By Bill Barnhart

I

n case you missed it, there was a front-page article, above the fold, in the Manteca Bulletin, January 10, regarding an afternoon rally in front of the City Administrative Center. The rally was coordinated by Manteca resident Shim Lacy-Watson with the intent of pulling the Manteca community together in support of our Men in Blue at the Manteca Police Department and as a way to show our thanks for their willingness to be out there on the line to protect all of us. However, before I even had a chance to read the paper that morning, I already had received an email from our Neighborhood Watch Commander, Bob Hall, which stated: “There will be a show of support rally for police officers in Manteca today. It’s called the Manteca Law Enforcement Appreciation Rally set for today, 1/10, from noon to 3 p.m. outside the City of Manteca administration offices, 1001 W. Center Street. It will be a peaceful rally for the sacrifice and service of Manteca's law enforcement officers. There is a need to show our local police that Mantecans recognize and honor their brave choice to protect and serve our community. Please attend and show your support.”

I couldn’t have said it better, Bob! When my wife Patti and I got to the rally site about 1 p.m. there were about 30 people lining the two sides of the street. Woodbridge residents, comprising about a third of those present, had taken over the south side of Center Street. Chief Obligacion “unofficially” showed up with his wife and spent nearly the entire remaining two hours with us. Recently elected City Councilman Mike Morowit passed us on his way to work and then came back to talk. He mentioned that he and the rest of the City Council had been at the rally earlier, lending support for the Police Department with their presence.

This definitely was a "feel good" experience for Patti and me and we are hopeful that Lacy-Watson will schedule future repeat performances as the group discussed before we left.

Photo by Bill Barnhart.

Woodbridge residents Bob Hall and Lanny Langdon (on left) support Manteca police.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 29 • February 2015

Triker's Travels Article and photos by Judy McNamara

I have been lucky to be able to trike around our community and get to know many of the wonderful folks who live in Woodbridge. I've asked some of those whom I have met if they would be interested in sharing some of their life history with me (we all have a lot of history at our ages!) and now I have the opportunity to share a bit about these people with you. Here goes...

Jerry Clements

J

erry Clements was born and raised in Texas. He went to school in El Paso, a town he loved, and in 1959, he graduated from high school. After graduation, Jerry served in the Navy from 1959 to 1969 to learn electronics, which served him well in his professional career. After the Navy, Jerry attended San Diego State University where he earned a BA and a MA in music, always his first love. While in San Diego, he met and married his wife Diana. The couple has two grown sons.

Jerry’s love of and talent for music, particularly opera and the classics, has enabled him to sing in many venues, one in particular, the Texas All State Chorus in Galveston, where he sang tenor solo. Jerry now sings regularly with the Woodbridge choir and has performed several solo parts.

Jerry and Diana lived in Dublin, California, prior to coming to Woodbridge. Shortly after their relocation, Jerry was diagnosed with GuillainBarre Syndrome. He has also had a heart attack that involved the placement of four stents. The difficulties he has had to endure have not kept him from enjoying his love of fishing, hunting, studying music and writing. Jerry is in the process of writing a book titled "Danny Boy." It is the story of a young man abducted by an alien civilization, what he learns from the abduction and his emotional reaction to the experience.

Jerry is another one of the many talented people living here in Woodbridge!

John Gilbert

Judy McNamara

J

ohn Gilbert is a man of deep intensity and incredible talent. His poetry stems from a life of not only struggle but of the tenaciousness of the human spirit. He expresses himself eloquently in the poetry he has written and published.

John was born in Texas. Both of his parents died tragically when he was very young and he went to live in a small town in New Mexico with his grandparents. After high school, John went into the Army and, as a Green Beret, became a medic working for several veterans’ hospitals.

John’s training as a Special Forces medic took him to Brooke Army Burn Center, Fort Sam Houston, Fort Dix, Fort Bragg and Sepulveda VA Hospital. His experiences left him visibly affected and thinking that the conflicts in which servicemen and women were injured must never happen again.

John married Lynn in 1976 and had two sons.

The couple lived in Lancaster and John worked for the federal government.

In 1978, the Gilberts moved to Modesto where they lived before coming to Woodbridge.

John’s talent for writing poetry began at an early age but it wasn't until later in life that he began to publish his works. I have been fortunate to have four of John’s poetry books. The book that truly resonates with me is The Pages Turned, which, in John’s words, pays "homage to the power of love and the A Simple Thing strength of family and friends." His other books are “The Statues Do Not Weep, Honoring Those Who Have John Gilbert Given All for Freedom,” “Nothing Was Taken So Completely Away, an Homage From “The Pages Turned” to Those Who Live in War's Dark Shadow” and “The Exegesis of Light,” one of his latest and most powerful It is a simple thing, books of poetry.

This love I bring John defines himself as a poet and which holds upon my heart. his goal is to write good poetry. I think he has far surpassed this. He has been A simple thing like the life I bring placed in the company of great poets all I can give and more. according to several educators in the fields of human and biological sciences.

And if tomorrow brings the beggars rags,

and the day after golden rings, then still all the things I have are yours, a love, a life, a beating heart, and all my simple things.

Page 30 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Golf Cart Parade Article and photos by Dreanna Langdon

Santa (Gary Fiorio) is ready to spread Christmas cheer.

Twenty-three decorated golf carts tour Woodbridge streets.

Hal and Edie Brown wave to participants in the parade.

Party goers come outside to watch the parade.

T

here were 23 decorated carts in the 2014 golf cart Christmas parade. Bob Hall and Al Sanchez performed road patrol duties to make sure all were safe. Ed Shoup planned the route and blazed the trail in his PT Cruiser.

The carts visited almost every street, court and avenue in the Woodbridge community. Several residents were hosting holiday parties and many people came out to greet us. Some offered treats and sips and some just gave us all a warm holiday

greeting. Several of the carts had Christmas carols piped in to make it even that much more festive.

After the parade, several shared cheers at the Clubhouse to warm up. What a wonderful way to help celebrate the holiday season! Hopefully, next year we will have many more carts and residents to make it an even larger, more beautiful parade of celebration.

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Woodbridge LIFE

A Night In Paris Article by Dodie Miller, Activities Director. Photos by Edward Belcher.

T

hanks to all Woodbridge residents who attended the New Year’s Eve party. Everyone dressed so tastefully for the occasion and there were lots of conversation, mingling and some new acquaintances made. The catered appetizers, dinner and dancing took us into 2015 with expectations of good health, happiness and peace.

The Lifestyle Committee worked two days on the event and it was one of our best yet! Thank you, Jacqueline Andrews, Sandi Bosse, Linda Checchi, Penny Dauler and spouse Jack, Kathy Dezotte, Sharon Fields, Charlene Haywood, Karla Hoyer and spouse Craig and Kaye Sanchez for all the help and work you put into the preparation and clean up.

I am looking forward to the new year with all of you!

(L to R) Rosemary and Jim Cadle, Gary and Melinda Fiorio and Vickie and John Bauer enjoyed the camaraderie at the New Year's Eve party.

Chuck and Liberty Ramirez were two of the happy revelers at the party.

Page 31 • February 2015

Page 32 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Want to volunteer some time at the Manteca Museum this new year?

By Alan Johnson

Why not join other Woodbridge and Manteca area residents to become an Historical Society docent?

T

he Manteca Museum is run primarily by volunteers, so it is important for us to bring in new history buffs. We welcome more people from all age groups to take an interest in preserving history and to volunteer at the museum. We learn something new each day!

If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer, just call. Training is easy and you can become a valuable history volunteer for as few as two hours per month, or more, if you wish.

The museum is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. We always schedule at least two docents for each shift, and you can switch with other docents, when necessary.

We are planning for new and current docent training sessions each Wednesday in February from 3 to 4:30 p.m., so now is a great time to get on board or just to get some refresher training if you are already a docent.

The annual Manteca Historical Society membership drive is currently in progress. If you’d like to join the museum and get involved in various activities, single memberships are only $15 and couples are $25 for the year. Larger donation levels are also available. Historical Society membership helps support the museum, which is a privately funded non-profit facility. Your membership also gains you unlimited access to the museum throughout the year and a copy of our monthly newsletter, either by mail or online.

For more information: Contact Alan Johnson, Board Member, Docent and Woodbridge resident.

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LaPRESLE page 1

dreams that evening. While talking to another member of the group, he saw Linda walk into the room.

Right away Roger noticed Linda’s beautiful smile and graceful demeanor, and he knew it was love at first sight.

“I’m going to marry that girl someday,” he said to a friend later that night. He had only talked briefly with Linda, but that’s all he needed.

For Linda, it was also love at first sight. “He had a great smile and still does,” she said. She was in Hawaii on a short vacation to visit her brother and his wife and happened to attend the young adults meeting the night Roger was there.

They began dating soon afterward and discovered all the things they had in common. For example, both grew up in Pasadena and attended Pasadena City College but had never met there.

Their dates took place all around Oahu with its numerous beaches, good restaurants and glorious sunsets. Three weeks after they met, they became engaged at Diamond Head. This was a romantic Honolulu venue for any occasion but especially for an engagement.

One of the next items on Linda’s agenda was to share the exciting news with her parents back in California. They weren’t thrilled when she told them she would soon be marrying a “sailor,” but they were glad to hear he planned to leave the Navy in a few months and return to college.

The wedding was delayed until then.

Linda and Roger were married at the Presbyterian Church in Pasadena on August 11, 1960. “I’m glad we were married in an even year, because it’s easier to remember,” Roger joked. They celebrated their 54th anniversary last year.

After attending night classes while working full time, Roger graduated from college and joined an industrial sales business for 16 years. He then went to work for Hannay Reels, which has its home base in New York. As a regional manager, Roger worked out of their Pasadena home and traveled nine western states and four Canadian provinces for the company. He retired after 25 years with that company.

While the couple was raising their three children, Linda went back to school and graduated as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). She retired from work after 25 years. This pleasant couple moved to Woodbridge from Southern California in 2008, largely to be near their children and grandchildren, who are now centered in Tracy and Truckee.

“We are a close family and enjoy being together as much as possible,” said Linda, adding, “Living here makes it so easy.” They have a son, Kevin, and two daughters, Amy and Sarah. They feel blessed to have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way.

“The chance to own a new home in Woodbridge was a major attraction, and only 20 minutes from Tracy was the clincher,” said Roger. He and Linda appreciate the excellent way the facilities are laid out and how well they are maintained, the opportunities to serve as a volunteer, the great food at potlucks, and the large variety of activities and programs.

They are especially thankful for the friendliness of Woodbridge residents, Manteca citizens and members of their church, United Lutheran.

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Page 34 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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 WINE 101

By Jon Ford

W

e are now beginning our fourth year of Wine 101.

Currently, we can accept up to 101 participants for each class. All sign-ups for the classes take place at the front desk of the Clubhouse. Sign-ups start the day after the last month's event. In January our class was introduced to the concept of the "fighting varietal." Participants brought a wine and an appetizer to share with the group. For this class, participants were instructed to bring a wine retailing at under $10 a bottle.

Our February class will focus on port wines and other dessertstyle wines. The class is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse. Participants are to bring their own dessert-style glass, a dessert and a port or other dessert wine to share with the group. This is the first year we have gone beyond ports for this class. Sign-ups for this class began January 22.

Information about upcoming classes will always be listed on the portal under discussion groups, Wine 101, with a flyer at the Clubhouse or on my Wine 101 hotline you may sign up for. If you are interested in getting information as soon as possible, you simply have to drop me a note at jluvswine@aol.com, let me know your email address and I'll put you on my list.

Plans are in the works for getting more winemaker visits, field trips to wineries and informative classes at the Clubhouse.

No knowledge of wine is necessary to attend the class. You'll always leave the class with a little more information about wine than when you came in.

These classes are designed for the novice wine consumer and are not technical in nature at all. The general format of a class is a 15to 25-minute presentation followed by a social period.

If you have a desire to learn more about wine, meet up with old friends and make new ones, then this is the class for you. Participants are asked to bring their own wine glasses (REMEMBER IN FEBRUARY TO BRING SMALLER DESSERTSTYLE GLASSES IF YOU HAVE THEM), an appetizer to share (IN FEBRUARY WE ARE LOOKING FOR DESSERTS) and a wine to share with the group.

All wines are placed on a community table for all to consume and the same is also done with the appetizers.

I very much look forward to seeing you at future Wine 101 events.

If you have any questions, you may email or call me at 815-9803.

Until then, I hope you continue to expand your experiences dealing with the wonderful world of wine.

So many wines, so little time! Cheers!

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 35 • February 2015

DID YOU KNOW...

Compiled by Mike Spence

• Ohio is the birth state of most U.S. presidents, eight out of 44.

• The first president of the United States was not George Washington; it was John Hanson, who served a full one-year term ending in 1782. We had other presidents after Hanson and before Washington: • • • • • • •

Elias Boudinot – term ended 1783 Thomas Mifflin – term ended 1784 Richard Henry Lee – term ended 1785 Nathan Gorman – term ended 1786 Arthur St. Clair – term ended 1787 Cyrus Griffin – term ended 1788 The eighth president was George Washington – second term ended 1797

• Most U.S. paper currencies depict portraits of U.S. presidents including: • $1 – George Washington • $2 – Thomas Jefferson • $5 – Abraham Lincoln • $20 – Andrew Jackson • $50 – Ulysses S. Grant • $500 – William McKinley • $1,000 – Grover Cleveland • $5,000 – James Madison • $100,000 – Woodrow Wilson • There are other men pictured on paper currency as well: • $10 – Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the Treasury • $100 – Benjamin Franklin, founding father • $10,000 – Salmon P. Chase, sixth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court • “Presidents Day,” the third Monday in February, was created by Richard Nixon

by proclamation, not executive order or Congressional Resolution. The day was intended to combine the federal holidays celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 and Washington’s on February 22.

Because it was only a proclamation, the federal government recognizes the third Monday as Washington’s Birthday, not Presidents Day. Oops!

• Former U.S. President John Tyler was a member of the Confederate House of Representatives during the Civil War. • The U.S. presidency can be hazardous to one’s health; seven out of 44 presidents died in office.

Woodbridge LIFE

Musical Events in Manteca and Ripon

By Jean Kavale

W

ouldn’t it be nice to attend a concert of beautiful music occasionally? Our TVs, CDs and radios can provide that for us, but it’s usually more fun to join other music lovers at a concert hall, preferably one not too far away. Manteca and Ripon may not have anything resembling Carnegie Hall, but they do have excellent musical events at venues just a short drive from Woodbridge.

Manteca Kindred Arts -- “There Is Something Missing in Manteca” shouted the headline of an article in the Manteca Bulletin newspaper.

The year was 1986, and the author was Robert Camden, an editorial writer for the paper. His widely read article criticized the lack of musical events in the city. His point of view was echoed by many Manteca citizens who decided to take action so their dreams could be realized. To do this, they organized community-wide and wellattended meetings, out of which a classical concert series was born.

The name chosen for this nonprofit organization was Manteca Kindred Arts Concert Association, Inc. It became incorporated in the State of California.

Over the years, the Association has annually presented a season consisting of four or five musical concerts. The performers primarily have been artists from the Central Valley and the Bay Area, but several artists have attained national and international status. Many are young and talented musicians who began as amateurs but have gone on to engage in successful professional careers. These concerts are performed on Sunday afternoons at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 910 E. North Street, at 3 p.m. There is usually a reception in an adjacent room after the concert.

There is one concert left in the four-concert 2014-2015 season: Avenue Winds, a dynamic woodwind quintet comprised of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn. The quintet was formed in 2002,

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and in many venues it has performed music written by Bay Area composers. It will be performing on February 8 at 3 p.m. Four concerts preceded Avenue Winds this season, but it’s not too early to think about buying a season ticket for concerts beginning in the fall. Individual tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for those under 18 years of age. For more information about tickets and ways to support the Association, call 209-823-2570 or 209-239-2194.

Ripon Arts League -- Citizens of Ripon also felt a need for musical performances in their city. To accomplish this, in 1993 a group of its residents founded the Ripon Arts League, which has brought excellent musical performers to the city. The Ripon Unified School District and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce initially co-sponsored the League.

They provided a venue for the performances, a telephone number and assistance in producing the concerts. The League became a separate entity in 1994, and the Internal Revenue Service now recognizes it as a nonprofit organization.

From its first sign-up of 120 members, the League has grown to over 500. Citizens from Ripon, Manteca and Modesto have become members along with smaller areas such as Escalon and Salida. The average attendance for a concert is about 400. The Ripon Arts League is a membership organization, and a person may join at any time. An individual Associate membership costs only $30. All concerts are held in the multi-use building at Ripon High School. The address is 620 Mulholland Drive, Ripon. For more information about Association membership or the 2015-2016 concert schedule, call 209-599-7876 or 209-599-3476.

One concert is left in the 2014-2015 season: Highland Way, which will be performing on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. with Scottish and Irish favorites. Here’s what the Manteca Bulletin had to say: “Highland Way brings Scotland (and a touch of Ireland) to Ripon.

Highland Way takes you to the Scottish highlands with kick-up-yourheels jigs, heartfelt ballads, and songs of sly whimsy. Enjoy the vocals and guitar of Brian Caldwell, from Glasgow, backed by the rapid fire fiddling, strings and percussion from the Highland Way band.”

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

Page 36 • February 2015

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BLAND

Woodbridge LIFE

From page 1 As time would tell, she, too, was fortunate to have a last name starting with “B.” It gave them an opportunity to speak frequently with each other.

“Another girl in the class kept hitting on Dave, so when I saw her approaching, I would start a conversation with him,” Luan said.

“He was an older student returning to finish his schooling after working for three years, which impressed me.” She found him to be very interesting. Dave’s first impression of Luan was that “She had beautiful shoulder-length hair.”

Dave had transferred to the school from Quincy College, and all his credits from there were successfully transferred except freshman English, in which he had gotten a “D.” About this situation, Dave said, “That caused me, an ‘upperclassman,’ to be in a lowly freshman English class.”

Little did he know he would wind up sitting next to his future wife.

He believes that her talking to him helped him get a much better grade in English the second time around. Best of all, those first conversations led to lots of dates, which usually consisted of sharing a bag of popcorn at Saturday night movies.

Dave and Luan were married at the United Methodist Chapel in Macomb. After graduation, Dave coded software, developed computer applications, and managed projects. His career in information technology involved working for several well-known companies over the years, including National Semiconductor and Honeywell. It also necessitated moving his family from Illinois to Michigan, then to West Virginia, and finally to California.

Luan had two careers, teaching English at the high school level and then working in insurance claims. After stairs became an obstacle for her in their Fremont home, she and Dave looked for a one-level home

Page 37 • February 2015

in the Bay Area but found nothing they liked or that met their needs.

Their luck changed when they came to a family reunion in Lathrop and happened to see a Del Webb sign. When they checked out the Woodbridge community, they were quite impressed with what they saw and moved in on February 16, 2008.

Dave and Luan will be celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary this coming March. They have two sons, Michael and Christopher, and two grandchildren. They have also been blessed with nine greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild. They are thankful that several family members live close by in Lathrop and in nearby Union Ranch.

“We have never regretted the move here,” Dave said. He enjoys the bike trails, fitness center, pools and spas. Luan likes taking an active role in Women of Woodbridge. Both appreciate going to concerts put on by the Woodbridge Singers and Strummin’ Wonders ukulele players, attending educational programs that Activities Director Dodie Miller brings to Woodbridge, traveling to new places with the 55ers RV group, and being close to the Stockton Thunder hockey and Ports baseball games. They also enjoy attending Tuesday night potlucks whenever possible.

Luan summed up their life in Woodbridge: “This is a place where we can stay active, meet new people and, most importantly, contribute to the community.” Woodbridge is fortunate this delightful couple happened to see that Del Webb sign.

Page 38 • February 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Where in the world ?

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

Mike and Eileen Hill (foreground) with Jack and Penny Dauler on a rooftop overlooking the Passau, Germany, Christmas Market during a Tauck Tours riverboat cruise from Nuremburg, Germany, to Vienna, Austria, in December.

o t o h P l e v Tra

Walt and Rosemary Mettler, Nedra Ball and Marian Pistochini in Branson, Missouri, on a Setness Tours trip.

Eileen and Mike Hill in Jerusalem during a trip to the Holy Land in November.

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.