W oodbridge
LIFE
Your Life. Your Community. Your News.
Volume 3 ▪ Issue 12
December ▪ 2013
Looking forward and reflecting back
December Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the volunteers at Woodbridge LIFE. The holiday season is upon us and we hope you are ready with a smile. We've written a few heartwarming stories of travel, creativity, volunteers and shenanigans for you to enjoy. Of course, we've included WOA things you need to know, too. Mostly, we hope you have a wonderful time this month and that our little paper brings a bit of joy to your day.
Inside
Bedford and Hancock . . . 5 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 8 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Committees . . . . . . . . . 16 Day Trippin' . . . . . . . . 31 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 17 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 32 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 34 Where in the World . . . 38 WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 4
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wblife2012@gmail.com
By Pam Phelps
H
ere we are again, deep into our annual holiday season. There are things to do, things to plan, things to buy. Wait. Let’s pause to remember what’s truly important. There is the anticipation of the New Year. For many of us, it’s the excitement of a fresh beginning and the idea of “do-overs,” something like wiping the slate clean and starting anew. For others it is a reflection of, “Oh, thank goodness that one is behind me. Now I can move forward to a truly ‘new’ year.” These thoughts evoke hopes of new dreams, new experiences and better times. Days and events approach so quickly this time of year that it can,
at times, be overwhelming to be sure. But let’s take another approach to this harried time. If we slow down just a bit, close our eyes and think about the true meaning of ‘the season,’ we may find that we truly wish to embrace this time of year. Think about it. For most of our lives, we have looked forward to the holiday season as a welcome time to gather with family and friends often not seen for long periods and reconnect in a warm and thankful way. We share hugs, catch up on our lives and enjoy a bounty of foods and treats reserved only for this time of year. Giddy children and grandchildren gather around wondering what wonderful gifts will
Benefits of owning a dog
W
By Deb Ristau
ould you like to live a happier life? Have less stress? Better health? More friends? Get a dog! That’s right. Get a dog. Maybe two. But please be a responsible pet owner if you do get a dog. Time and effort are required. Scientists and doctors have proven that all sorts of physical and emotional ailments that often plague those of us who have been around for a half century or more, sometimes much more, can improve our lives immeasurably by owning a dog. Cats are nice for some, but nothing beats a dog when it comes to the health benefits of owning a pet. Let’s face facts. We’ve all had major changes in our lives over the past few years. We've retired from jobs we either loved or hated. We’ve suffered the pain of losing a spouse. We’ve moved across the continent or across town. We’ve downsized or up-sized. We are nearer to or further away from our children. We’ve lost parents and friends. We’ve suffered economic loss and even the loss of a child or grandchild. We've lived long enough to have dealt with heartache and heart attacks. The body and brain aren’t always in sync. Aging can be … well, you can fill in the blank. See page 34
DOGS
WBL photo by Deb Ristau. Mary Lou Mauk and Ginger paused to say hello and make a new friend on the Tidewater Bike Path near Stockbridge Park last week. Dogs are good conversation starters, providing a way to get some exercise, meet people and make new friends.
magically appear. Parents and grandparents try to recharge their batteries to embrace the day after weeks of planning, shopping and preparation. And how does it end? The hopeful outcome is one of the miracle of surprises, traditions and deepened love. Does life get much better than this? I think not. I wish you all well and that you find in this holiday season all that you desire. It is a time for giving, not just to family and friends, but to those in need. There is no better feeling than knowing you have given and asked nothing in return.
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