WBL December 2015 by Woodbridge LIFE

W oodbridge Volume 5 ▪ Issue 52 ▪ Number 51

LIFE

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

December ▪ 2015

December December is a month full of holiday celebrations that include family, friends and food. The culturally diverse Woodbridge community celebrates all kinds of days in all kinds of ways. Here are a few greetings we might hear this month: “Season’s greetings” “Happy holidays” “Blessed Ramadan” “Happy Solstice” “Happy Hanukkah” “Happy St. Nicholas Day” “Happy Bodhi Day” “Happy Festivus” “Merry Christmas” “Happy Boxing Day” “Joyous Kwanzaa” “Glad Yule” "Have a good new year" “Happy New Year”

Inside

Bedford and Hancock . . . 7 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 8 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 19 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 6 Where in the World . . . . . 38

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

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

WBL photo by Dreanna Langdon. Woodbridge resident Debby Hickey quite accurately portrayed the well-known Mae West in the Women of Woodbridge’s USO Radio Show. West, known for her persona, physical beauty and blunt sexuality, started in vaudeville, performed in burlesque shows, on Broadway, in the movies and on television. She was a playwright and director, and she wrote scripts as well as her autobiography. West co-wrote and starred in “Every Day's a Holiday” (1937), a comedy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland and released by Paramount Pictures. Although it did not do well at the box office, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

e’re a week past Thanksgiving and have only three weeks to go until Christmas. It seems that every day’s a holiday at this time of year! We are crazy-busy and time is flying by at warp speed. There is so much to do!

Other events highlighted with photo spreads this month include the Halloween Dance, Decades Band Dance and Pedalers Parade. If you’re looking for a good place to enjoy lunch or dinner, read Rommel Parseh’s recommendation on page 30. I visited My Thai Cuisine for lunch and found it to be everything Rommel reports. The service was friendly and professional. The environment was sophisticated yet relaxing and the food was delicious.

Page 3 • December 2015

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

I believe history was made at Woodbridge when the Women of Woodbridge’s gala USO Radio Show was produced not once but twice in order for more people to enjoy it. Turn to pages 20-21 to read Birdie Nieri’s article and see many photos of the creative and talented people who made this event a memorable success.

From Dodie's Desk

From the Editor

In this edition of Woodbridge LIFE, you will find several articles intended to help cope with the joys and frustrations of the holidays. Jean Kavale provides tips for making holiday entertaining easier on page 24. Mike Spence relates how desserts came to be on page 36 and sweetens the pot with his piece on Hershey Kisses on page 35. If you struggle getting through the holidays, you’re not alone. Judy McNamara relays helpful information for navigating the holidays on page 28.

Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor photographs. You will find a large collection on pages 34 and 37 as well as in our regular feature, “Where in the World is Woodbridge LIFE,” on page 38. We are saddened by the community’s loss of Dreanna Langdon. Dreanna had recently joined the Woodbridge LIFE team as a photographer. She attended almost every event and submitted scores of photographs to the paper, including two that made the front page, but didn’t want credit for anything she did. Dreanna’s sparkle and enthusiasm are sorely missed. My sincere thanks to those who take the time to compliment Woodbridge LIFE. It is like receiving a gift that warms my heart and makes the monthly effort well worthwhile to hear that this publication is interesting and useful to others. As the holiday season proceeds, keep calm and read on! Merry Christmas! ~Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team

Many residents share their exciting travel adventures through

The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the January 2016 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Saturday, December 5, 2015. Please email your articles to wblife2012@gmail.com

hanksgiving dinner might have left us having to let our belts out a little or move a button, but we all enjoyed that scrumptious dinner. We are thankful for what we have: family, friends, neighbors and a beautiful community we all share. Now we wait for that “jolly” one to come our way! The Woodbridge Singers gave us another outstanding performance with their “Winter Extravaganza” and the dancers added to the production by coordinating their dances with the vocals. Many compliments followed all three shows. We have lots of talent at Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director Woodbridge. “The Cheese Lady,” Judy Creighton, will be bringing wonderful cheeses for holiday entertaining. Besides giving us ideas on what to serve with the cheeses, we also get to taste all of them. There is always a wide variety to sample. If you haven’t been to this event before, I highly recommend it. Seating is limited to 52 and you may bring your beverage of choice. The Ladies’ Christmas Luncheon will be held at the Del Rio Country Club in Modesto. The club’s interior and surrounding grounds will be elegantly decorated for Christmas. This luncheon is a beautiful ending to 2015’s ladies’ luncheons. The Strummin’ Wonders ukulele group will conduct its sing-along Christmas carols. These men and women have come a long way from

See

DODIE page 4

Page 4 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

From the Bridge D

www.ourwoodbridge.net

continued path to success. In the end, I was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community. It has been everything I imagined it would be. Woodbridge has been a life changing experience thus far and continues to change my life every day.

WOA Update

By Ramon Rivera

ecember marks the ninth year of the Woodbridge community. When I look back over the past nine years, it has been an amazing journey. The community and its residents hold a special place in my heart. The community, residents and my experiences here have molded me into the man I am. This place has established my professional life for the past nine years. When I look back, it’s crazy. I went from janitor to operations manager! I cherish every moment I experience here because it was almost an opportunity that slipped through my fingers. When I first began working for Pulte Homes as a contractor, my company began working on a number of smaller Pulte projects in the Central Valley. The first project was the Morningside project in Modesto, which was a 90-home project where I received my first taste of the home building business and success. Morningside was a test for Pulte’s future plans. Pulte kept a close eye on contractors and their performance to evaluate and put together a solid group of contractors for bigger projects. At the completion of this project, our company had finished as the top trade performer and was then awarded. Our company was then awarded two more Pulte projects, Dover Point and Providence at the Mossdale development in Lathrop. This success was a great feeling and the recognition our company received was achieved through hard work and dedication to the job. At 23 years old, I let myself get wrapped up with the success that we were experiencing. I began to take things for granted and believed with a couple of achievements the mountaintop

By Ramon Rivera

Ramon Rivera, Operations Manager had been reached. I couldn’t have been more wrong. During this time, I became aware of a huge project on the horizon, Woodbridge. This was a project every contracting company in the Valley wanted to be a part of. As the process of starting up Woodbridge began, my company was wrapping up the Lathrop projects. During this time, I had lost track of the values that had helped us succeed. I had let success go to my head and believed it would be a given that we would be awarded the Woodridge contract. I was dead wrong. I vividly remember the day I received the news that the contract was potentially going to be awarded to another company. I realized the actions I had displayed after early successes had put our chances of getting the contract in jeopardy. The voice in your head always tells you the truth and I had ignored my own advice. After I received the call, I remember driving to the AM/ PM on Louise at the I-5 freeway entrance. I pulled into the parking lot and began to cry because I had come to realize my actions. I felt I had let everyone down – my family, Pulte Homes and, most importantly, myself. I learned an extremely powerful lesson that day. Success is measured by hard work. We should never lose sight of why or how we reached success. When we lose sight of our values and selves, we jeopardize our

Update Your Contact Information The 2016 Community Directory is coming soon! That means we need you to update your contact information, name, address, email, home and cell phone numbers. Please log on to the portal to check your information and if it is incorrect, please update it accordingly. You may also come to the Clubhouse and submit a “Printed Directory and Website Information Form.” If you have any questions, please contact Erika Smith at the Clubhouse. From

DODIE page 3

when they started in 2012. The group keeps growing and they enjoy performing. The Drama group always gives us something new and different when they put on a play. This one will be no different. The thespians will perform “Frank’s 75th Christmas.” Be sure to get a ticket to save your seat. The seventh annual Holiday Homes Tour will feature a holiday pantry and a delicious warm lunch will be available after touring the homes. We’ll again greet everyone with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. Programs and maps will be available at check in. Here’s another group that began their time together in 2012: The Second Chance Band. Their dances are very popular and always fill quickly. Only a few of the band members knew each other when they started and look how far they’ve come. They have their “Holiday Party” dance coming your way December 12. It’s Christmas Golf Cart Parade time. Decorate your cart or help a friend or neighbor with theirs. We’ll be large enough this year to have two separate parades – one for the established area and one for the new north section. We’ll warm up after the parade with a social in the Clubhouse. If you don’t have a golf cart, hitch a ride with a neighbor! There will be another Christmas wine and cheese social by Doctors Hospital of Manteca. They have a band coming again this year and prizes to give away. The last event for 2015 is the New Year’s Eve party. The theme is Mardi Gras, “A Night in Disguise.” Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served and the Oxford, Westport, Community Retreat and Community Living Rooms will be utilized. The Hot Rods Band will play and help us bring in the New Year. WELCOME 2016!

�

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 5 • December 2015

From the Boardroom

By Roger Cunning, Vice President of the Woodbridge Owners Association Board of Directors

he board of directors welcomes everyone to a new If you have any questions about this change, please contact era in the history of Woodbridge by Del Webb. The one of our monitors at the front desk for assistance. 1,056th lot was recently conveyed to a Class A Owner The board of directors also voted to apply all excess Member. In other words, 75 percent of the homes intended operational funds from 2015 to the Reserve Fund. While the for our community have now been built, sold and turned over Reserve Fund was adequate to fulfill a 30-year requirement from Pulte to homeowners. That’s very good news. More at about two-thirds funded, the board believed it prudent importantly, this begins a change to our governing structure. to increase these funds in preparation for the upcoming WOA bylaws state that when the 1,056th lot is conveyed, or turnover of Liberty Park from Pulte to the association. In fact, the main reason the excess developed was because of closed, to a new homeowner, Class B and Class C Members park construction delays that caused six months of no park become Class A Members. Pulte has been Class B and Class maintenance and the absence of budgeted reserve fund C owners, which meant they had more voting power than a contributions. Class A Member (resident homeowner). The developer no longer has three votes per home versus resident homeowners The board wishes you a joyous and blessed season this who have a single vote per lot. Now, every lot has just one December and that you have a safe and happy New Year. vote. You are encouraged to attend our board meetings. The board approved the 2016 schedule and the next board meeting is An area of question that arises with achievement of this planned for February 2, 2016, beginning at 4 p.m. We hope milestone is the makeup of our board of directors, which you will attend. will also change as the Woodbridge Owners Association begins its transition from a Pulte majority to a resident majority. Nothing will change immediately but plans are being developed as we progress through this transition. The election changing the composition of our board of directors is scheduled for October 2016. Details of that election will be provided at a later date. In November, the board approved a change to our Design Meeting Day Date Time Guidelines, the governing document that specifies Architectural Review Meeting Tuesday 12/8/15 9 a.m. architectural standards for New Resident Orientation Thursday 12/10/15 10 a.m. home landscaping. This change Listening Post Friday 12/11/15 1 p.m. establishes minimum standards if a homeowner wishes to install Architectural Review Meeting Tuesday 12/22/15 9 a.m. artificial turf in his/her front yard. Christmas Eve - Clubhouse Closes at 2 p.m. Thursday 12/24/15 Christmas Day - Clubhouse Closed Friday 12/25/15 New Year's Day – Clubhouse Closed Friday 1/1/2016

WOA Committee Meetings

Page 6 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco Bunco-also contact Chair Volleyball Cooking 401 Crochet/Knitting Cribbage Drama Game Night Game Night-also contact Hand & Foot Line Dancing Line Dancing (Evening) Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle

Contact Nedra Ball Patti Barnhart

Phone Meeting Day And Time 815-9309 M-F. Time & Workshops vary 629-8838 Thursdays @ 4:15 p.m. SU @ 6 p.m., TH @ 8 a.m. - Effective Oct 11, SU @ 2 p.m. and effective Oct 15, Rick Hyden 824-9257 TH 10 a.m. 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. Various Mondays and Jacquie Steffy 825-4805 Tuesdays. Jan Spence 924-8032 3rd Tuesday @ 2 p.m. Renée St. Lawrence 825-7137 Thursdays @ 10 a.m. Dave Steffy 825-4805 Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. Dona Eberhardt 629-8069 Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays @ 6:30 Pat Buxton 239-8663 p.m. Rick Hyden Ruth Field Patti Barnhart Bill Goodwin Bill Goodwin Bob Hall Stan Sutfin Bob Hall

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

824-9257 Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. W-SA-SU @ 1 p.m. 229-6977 Thursdays @ 7 p.m. 629-8838 M-W-F @ 9:15 a.m. 823-9767 Fridays @ 6 p.m. 823-9767 2nd Monday @ 10 a.m. 239-5712 Patrols 815-9735 Tuesdays @ 2 p.m. 239-5712 M-F. Time varies 510-909- M @ 2:15 p.m. & TH @ 1 8997 p.m. 239-8235 Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 815-9343 5:30 p.m. 239-2983 Days and times vary 825-7137 239-5256 834-6795 824-2062 624-3754 239-8718 624-3945 629-8575 629-8508 629-8838 815-9803

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Non-WOA Sanctioned Clubs:

WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance

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. 3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 4 p.m. M-W-F @ 8:30 a.m. 1st Tuesday @ 10:45 a.m. Days vary

624-3779 3rd Wed @ 11 a.m. Every other Monday @ 7 Elizabeth Cunning 647-4380 p.m.

Club Christian Men's Fellowship 55er's RV Group "Just Fore Fun" Ladies' Golf Red Hat Ladies Senior Bowling Women's Bible Study

Contact Dave Basehore Sue Edmiston Betty Buff Claudia Watkins Barbara Silva Carolyn Johnson

Phone 923-4905 601-9210 479-3568 823-8678 824-0262 239-0936

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

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Reaching Out Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581

Board of Directors

John Johnson, President Roger Cunning, Vice President Christine Carlson, Treasurer Carl Hansen, Director at Large Mike Spence

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER

WOA

ADVERTISING

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.”

Page 7 • December 2015

209-824-7581

Operations Manager

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

EDITOR

Ramon Rivera:

Woodbridge LIFE

Homeowner Directors

Roger: 647-4380 / Mike: 924-8032

Woodbridge LIFE

Carol Jo Hargreaves

824-7581

823-3538

Erika Smith

WBL EDITORIAL TEAM Bill Barnhart Sharyl Burgeson, asst. editor Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair Jean Kavale Ann King Dreanna Langdon Judy McNamara Dodie Miller Volker Moerbitz Pepper Noble Ramon Rivera Erika Smith Mike Spence

824-7581 629-8838 239-1492 823-3538 629-8571 650-464-0151 613-3551 923-4718 824-7927 239-7965 239-1933 495-6803 824-7581 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. Woodbridge LIFE proofreaders use the Associated Press Stylebook, “the journalist’s bible,” as a writing and editing reference. 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.

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

In Memoriam In tribute to a loved one who has died, Woodbridge LIFE welcomes residents to submit up to 100 words and a 2-inch x 2-inch photo (optional) for publication. Send submissions by email to wblife2012@gmail.com.

Page 8 • December 2015

Woodbridge Owners Association Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW • Carl Hansen, Chair carl.hansen@pultegroup.com 925-249-3213 FINANCE • April Oakland, Chair april@riversidemgmt.com LIFESTYLE • Dodie Miller, Chair millerdodie@gmail.com 824-7927 POLICY & PROCEDURES • Chuck Gary, Chair cgaryjr@sbcglobal.net 834-6795 PROPERTY & GROUNDS • Ramon Rivera, Chair rrivera@ourwoodbridge.net 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

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - December 2015 By Dodie Miller, Activities Director WOODBRIDGE SINGERS & DANCERS WINTER EXTRAVAGANZA – Tuesday, December 1 @ 2 & 6:30 p.m. – The Woodbridge Singers and Dancers have prepared a holiday concert of familar carols, readings and humorous bits. Come sing along with your favorites. You may bring a dessert to share after the concert. Admission is free but sign up at the front desk because we need sign-ups for seating. CHRISTMAS TEA (SETNESS TOURS) Thursday, December 3 @ 7 a.m. This day begins with a glass-blowing demonstration at Benicia’s Nourot Studios, then a Christmas tea at Santa Rosa’s Tudor Rose English Tea Room, and finishes with an olive oil tasting at Sepay Groves in Fairfield. There were a few spaces available at this writing. Cost is $119 per person. CHRISTMAS CHEESE TASTING BUFFET – Thursday, December 3 @ 5:30 p.m. - Judy Creighton will again bring us a variety of cheese selections to serve at holiday gettogethers. She’ll present a history of cheese making and buying and serving ideas for each cheese she selects. The cheeses are also served with nuts, fruits, crackers, etc. This makes for an enjoyable evening of cheese tasting. You may bring your favorite beverage of choice to enjoy along with the cheeses. This is a very popular event. Tickets are $10 per person. FRANK’S 75TH CHRISTMAS (PLAY) Sunday, December 6 @ 2 p.m. – All members of the Drama group will perform in this play. They have given Woodbridge residents some funny scenarios in the past and this one should be no different. Tickets are $5 per person and available at the front desk.

Important Notice About Cancellations

CHRISTMAS DINNER AND DANCE – Tuesday, December 8 @ 6 p.m. – This sit down dinner followed by dancing is the first Woodbridge Christmas dinner/dance. Chef Bryan, executive chef at Manteca Unified School District Culinary unit, will prepare a special dinner for us. Popular DJ, Jerry Sauceda, will provide dance music. You may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are $24 per person. HOLIDAY LIGHTS (SETNESS TOURS) Wednesday, December 9 @ 1:45 p.m. – Enjoy San Francisco at its most festive time of year. View the lights of Union Square, including its 83-foot tree covered in twinkling lights. Drive through Fisherman’s Wharf, pass the enormous Christmas ornaments decorating California Street and walk through the Fairmont Hotel with its magnificent gingerbread house. Eat a special Christmas dinner at Swiss Louis Restaurant then join local guide Craig Smith for a tour of the city’s holiday lights. Cost is $129 per person. Reservations may be made by calling 209-476-8486. WINE 101 – Wednesday, December 9 @ 5:30 p.m. – This is Wine 101’s annual “Christmas Potluck and Bottle Exchange.” DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER HEALTHCARE FORUM – Thursday, December 10 @ 9:30 a.m. CANCELLED LADIES’ CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON Thursday, December 10 @ 11:30 a.m. – Lunch at the Del Rio Country Club in Modesto. Hand passed hors d’oeuvres begin at 11:30 a.m. and lunch follows at noon. Two entrée choices include seared salmon filet, local mandarins, fennel, cranberry gastrique OR peppercorn crusted certified Angus beef tri-tip, caramelized onion, blue cheese and

brandy, Dijon demi. Chef’s choice of dessert. Iced tea and coffee included. If you bring your own bottle of wine or champagne, there will be a $10 per bottle corkage fee. Cost is $37 CASH ONLY to Jacqueline Andrews @ 823-9241 or Jacque Reynolds @ 629-8508. STRUMMIN’ WONDERS UKULELE CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG – Thursday, December 10 @ 6:30 p.m. – As part of your Christmas tradition at Woodbridge, plan to attend the ukulele concert. You will find yourself singing along with the crowd to familiar Christmas carols and snappy humorous melodies. Bring a smile, your voice, and maybe a treat to share. If you haven’t attended a ukulele sing-along before, grab a neighbor and give it a whirl. See you there! Get warmed up and start humming “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!” HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR – Saturday, December 12, starting at 11 a.m. This is the association’s 7th annual holiday homes tour. It begins at the Clubhouse with a welcome greeting and a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. The program will direct you to residents’ homes on the tour. Lunch will be served from 12 to 2 p.m. A raffle benefiting the Manteca Unified School District’s homeless children will be held at 3 p.m. Tickets for the tour and lunch are $15 per person. SECOND CHANCE BAND DANCE – Saturday, December 12 @ 5:30 p.m. This is the band’s “Holiday Dance.” Doors open at 5 p.m. You may bring your own munchies and beverage of choice. Admission is free!

See

COMING page 11

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 waiting list, the front desk can fill the vacancy from the list. Thank you.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

December Activities Sunday

Monday

Page 9 • December 2015

Winter Clubhouse Hours (9/1 through 4/30) Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

2 & 6:30 p.m. – Woodbridge

7 a.m. – Christmas Tea

WBL Distributed

Singers & Dancers Winter

(Setness Tours)

Extravaganza

5:30 p.m. – Christmas

Saturday

Cheese Tasting Buffet

2 p.m. – Frank’s 75th Christmas – Drama Play

9 a.m. – Architectural

1:45 p.m. – Holiday Lights

9:30 a.m. – Healthcare Forum

1 p.m. – Listening Post

11 a.m. – Holiday Homes

Review Meeting

(Setness Tours)

CANCELLED

Tour

6 p.m. – Christmas Dinner

5:30 p.m. – Wine 101

10 a.m. – New Resident

5:30 p.m. – Second Chance

& Dance

Christmas Potluck & Bottle

Orientation

Band Dance

Exchange

11:30 a.m. – Ladies’ Christmas Luncheon 6:30 p.m. – Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele Christmas Sing-Along

5:30 p.m. – Doctors

5:30 p.m. – Christmas Golf

Hospital Christmas Wine &

Cart Parade

2 p.m. – Clubhouse closes

CHRISTMAS DAY

Cheese Social

9 a.m. – Architectural Review Meeting

Clubhouse Closed

WBL Distributed

NO POTLUCK

6:30 p.m. – New Year’s Eve Party, “A Night In Disguise”

► Events and activities are listed on page 8.

More information about these as well as Woodbridge Clubs and Groups may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse. This calendar was last updated 11/23/15. Refer to flyers or the Woodbridge portal for additional information.

s t n e v E g n i Com

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:

Men of Woodbridge Taco Feed

Name of Event

1/13/16

12/9/15

Newcomers Social

1/20/16

No ticket

Disco Dance

1/30/16

12/26/15

Page 10 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

FIRST PEDALERS PARADE By Shirley Lopes

n September 2015, the Good Witch of Woodbridge (aka Shirley Lopes in her costume) thought all of the bicycle and tricycle riders in this great community might like to have an annual Pedalers Parade on that special Halloween day of October 31. So Shirley got the word out via the many grapevines in Woodbridge, telling others the streets of Woodbridge would be a great place to “fly” around. The pictures show a few of the almost 50 riders who became the parade – some were costumed, some not; some cycles were decorated, some not, but all were festive and happy. People along the route cheered and waved to the cyclers. Everyone said they are eagerly anticipating a Pedalers Parade next year so ready your rides for October 31, 2016.

Photo submitted by Denise Armstrong.

Carmen Hellikson (red hat), Gail Lawerence (black hat, shirt), Polly Smith (orange shirt) and Sue Binkley (Canada shirt) lead the Pedalers Parade.

Photo submitted by Barbara Webb.

(L to R): Annette Keef as Minnie Mouse, Barbara Webb as the flapper and Judy McNamara as the Minion dressed for the parade. Barbara Webb was especially thrilled to ride a bike again because she was in a wheelchair when she moved to Woodbridge seven years ago. Barbara and Judy McNamara became friends and started a group for those called "disabled" who are definitely ABLED.

Photo submitted by Denise Armstrong.

Sandi Kinyon (L) and her sister-in-law Kim Hegman participated in the Pedalers Parade.

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

Woodbridge LIFE

COMING page 8

NO POTLUCK, Tuesday, December 29 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – Thursday, December 31, starting at 6:30 p.m. – We’ll be utilizing more space in the Clubhouse so we can accommodate more residents. Entertainment will be provided throughout the night in the Oxford Room, Westport Room, Community Retreat and Community Living Room. The night is a Mardi Gras theme, “A Night in Disguise.” Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be available through the evening up to 9:30 p.m. The “Hot Rods Band” will start playing at 9. Hats and noisemakers will be provided and a champagne toast at midnight will bring in the new year. Tickets are $60 per person.

Page 11 • December 2015

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PATROL ROSTER

DOCTORS HOSPITAL CHRISTMAS WINE & CHEESE SOCIAL – Wednesday, December 16 @ 5:30 p.m. – The hospital will bring in a band and give away prizes. This event fills quickly, so sign up early. CHRISTMAS GOLF CART PARADE – Thursday, December 17 @ 5:30 p.m. – Start thinking about how you want to decorate your golf cart for the Christmas golf cart parade. This activity has grown each year and really gets us in the Christmas spirit. This year we’ll have two golf cart lines - one for the more established area of the community and one for the new north section. Participants will gather at the Clubhouse clock tower. Copies of Christmas carols will be provided. After the parade, those who wish may gather in the Clubhouse to socialize. Bring your beverage of choice and an appetizer to share; appetizers may be left in the Clubhouse before the start of the parade. Sign-ups will be taken at the front desk so we know the number of golf carts to be lined up.

Sunday: Helen Engstrand/John Green 209-324-5392 Monday: Lanny Langdon/Sam Barney 209-604-3117 Bill & Jeannette Caldwell 209-981-5392 Tuesday: Vern Mendes 707-246-1331 Rick Hyden 209-629-6664 Wednesday: Dave & Pamela Denton 916-803-0287 Mandel & Margo Berenberg 916-698-1127 Thursday: Jerry & Carol Becker 508-278-2344 John Deming/Chuck Baker 925-518-9550 Friday: Debby Hickey/Janet Smyers 209-603-6177 Carol Boné 209-824-1004 Saturday: Robin Adams 209-395-7434

POTLUCK NIGHT TUESDAYS 2015 NO POTLUCK IN DECEMBER

POTLUCK NIGHT TUESDAYS 2016 JANUARY 26 - OPEN POTLUCK FEBRUARY 23 - OPEN POTLUCK MARCH 29 - OPEN POTLUCK

Page 12 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

At the Clubhouse

Arts

 BRIDGE

 ARTISTS & CRAFTERS The Holiday Season is Definitely Upon Us

By Don St. Lawrence

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

Bridge Scores NOV 2: Letha Watson Don Harris Kathy Comden Betty Buff Lee Stern Cherie Ford Phyllis Tindell Robi Cornelius Marilyn Larson Phil McCallion Grace Pasion

NOV 9:

Robi Cornelius Kathy Comden Grace Pasion Cherie Ford Phyllis Tindell Don Harris Don St. Lawrence Marilyn Larson Lee Stern Betty Buff Letha Watson

NOV 16:

Don St. Lawrence Letha Watson Grace Pasion Barbara Kreps Cherie Ford Don Harris Kathy Comden

4780 4720 4080 3910 3620 3590 3400 3090 2590 2460 2460 6070 5240 5030 4410 3920 3520 3370 3160 2770 2700 1380 4460 3970 3420 3290 2940 2750 2470

By Penny Dauler

Lee Stern Robi Cornelius Phyllis Tindell Betty Buff

NOV 23:

Kathy Comden Marilyn Larson Grace Pasion Don Harris Cherie Ford Betty Buff Don St. Lawrence Shirley Lopes

NOV 30:

Grace Pasion Letha Watson Kathy Comden Don Harris Don St. Lawrence Betty Buff

2400 1930 1750 1370 5510 4110 3970 3880 3290 2880 2310 2060 5000 4030 3750 3260 2450 2200

t our house, Thanksgiving was all about family, food and football. Christmas will be all about the grandkids and Santa Claus. Of course, there will be plenty of food as well. All my Christmas crafts will be on display: napkins, pillow, table runners, wall hangings…all made during classes taught in the arts and crafts room. I will even be wearing an apron bought at this year’s boutique. The boutique was fun; old friends came to visit and many of you stopped by to shop. A total recap will be in the January edition of Woodbridge LIFE. Because this is a busy time of year for all of us gearing up for the holidays and family, the Artists and Crafters are gearing down this month. We want to give everyone time to enjoy the holidays. No new classes are being taught in December. The general meeting will be held Friday, December 4. Prayer bears and oncology pillow workshops will not take place this month. China painters, oil painters, paper crafters, knitters and crocheters will all hold their regular weekly workshops. UFO day will take place Friday, December 18. But really, we want you to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. So with that said, I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving and I send my warmest wishes for a merry Christmas!

 WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP By Marie Evans

nother new member joined us this month – Marsha Laird. Welcome, Marsha. We discussed The Invention of Wings, written by Sue Monk Kidd and suggested and presented by Judy Murdock. This book is a historical novel based in early Charleston, South Carolina. The format is one that seems to be popular with writers now in that it is essentially two stories weaving two heroines' lives together – a chapter of one life following a chapter of the other life. In this case, illustrating the very different lives led by slave and master. The book is easy to read in that it flows easily but the subject is often difficult. Characterization is good and the heroines’ lives

move the story forward in an easy and interesting way. The two main characters are Sarah Grimke and her slave, Hetty or 'Handful' as she was called. The book is based on a woman who actually lived and became the first female abolitionist. When we learned this, we (all women) were astounded that we had never heard of her! She took big chances, as did her slave, Handful, and Handful's mother, Charlotte. Sarah was given Handful, who was about the same age, for her birthday. Her reaction was interesting and set the story. Her father could not have made a better or a worse selection when he matched these two. See

READERS page 13

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

Woodbridge LIFE

READERS page 12

The book is well written, the characters lovingly described, except “the Missus,” Sarah's mother, who to me was an interesting character and I hope Ms. Monk Kidd decides to explore “Missus” a little more. She was hard, stiff and rarely if ever bent her will to another's. I think she helped form Sarah's character even while trying with all her might to make her a conformist – that was NOT going to happen. If you like a good historical novel, mostly about women, that is interesting as well as gripping at times and one that might leave you breathless when the story shows how much some people are willing to risk in the name of freedom, this is for you. It is an easy read about 'hard' subjects – slave, master and abolition. It is a part of our history and continues to form our future. The difficult subjects were well handled by Ms. Monk Kidd. There will be no formal Readers’ Group meeting in December, as we will be having our annual Christmas luncheon. Watch the portal for the book we will be reading in January. It has not yet been chosen. Please have a very merry Christmas and safe New Year.

 STRUMMIN' WONDERS By Carla Marquardt

s part of your Christmas tradition at Woodbridge, plan to attend the Christmas ukulele concert, Thursday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. You will find yourself singing along with the crowd to familiar Christmas carols and snappy humorous melodies. Bring a smile, your voice and maybe a treat to share. If you haven't attended a ukulele sing-along before, grab a new neighbor and give it a whirl. See you there! Get warmed up and start humming today – "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!"

 WOODBRIDGE VETERANS GROUP Give a "Brick" for Christmas? By Jack Dauler

e have all heard the story of finding coal in our Christmas stocking. What about finding a brick in a stocking? With nearly 200 bricks already in place, we still have room for many more in the years to come. The engraved bricks will honor a veteran for their service to this county. Our bricks are priced at $135 for the 4” x 8” size to $505 for an 8” x 8” brick. Order forms are available in the Clubhouse as well as a download from the Resource Center on our Woodbridge portal. The Woodbridge Veteran’s Memorial is located in the southeastern corner of Liberty Park. In mid-October, the granite panels, benches and flagpole were added. With these additions, the majority of the memorial construction is now complete. I want to thank the following for their support and hard work to complete this three-year project: Ray and Pepper Noble, Norm Hauser and the Pulte Group. A special hand salute to Roger Cunning for all of his expertise and endless support both to me and to this honorable cause. Thanks also to all of you who have purchased or will be purchasing bricks to help us never forget the men and women who served this county so honorably. Merry Christmas!

Page 13 • December 2015

Page 14 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

 WOODBRIDGE VETERANS GROUP Flag Purchase and Replacement Program By Roger Goodnow

ne of the services the Veterans group provides Woodbridge residents is the opportunity to not only purchase new flags and six-foot poles, but also the retirement of used or damaged flags. •

Purchasing a flag: New flags are available at the Clubhouse for pick up. Just leave a $24 check and take one of the flags.

•

Six-foot poles available: Your home comes equipped with a four-foot pole. Many residents like the longer pole because it provides more clearance for walking under the flag. The poles cost $13. Just call Roger Goodnow at 815-9344 to purchase.

•

Retiring a used/damaged flag: Working with a local Boy Scout troop and the JROTC in the nearby high schools, the Veterans group retires flags for Woodbridge residents. If you have a flag that should be retired, just turn it in at the Clubhouse.

Please note: You are asked to pay by check for accounting and tracking purposes. Make the check out to the WOA with “Flag” on the memo line. For any questions, just call Roger Goodnow at 815-9344.

Photo by Judy Goodnow.

Woodbridge veterans visited Castle Air Force Base. (L to R) Gordon Whitmore, Lem Phillips, Bill Goodwin, Jack Dauler, Bill Barnhart, Don McClure, Roger Goodnow, Rick Dyer, Nick Music, Dick Salzmann and Bill Buffington.

 WOODBRIDGE VETERANS GROUP Toys for Tots Campaign By Jack Dauler

gain this year, the Veterans group will have boxes set up in the Clubhouse for the Marine’s Toys for Tots campaign. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Ladies' Tea: Favorite Pastimes By Linda Little

hat is your favorite pastime? It is bound to be represented by a table’s decorations at this year’s Ladies’ High Tea sponsored by the Women of Woodbridge. Cost is $25 and two seatings will be held: Saturday, February 20, and Sunday, February 21, both at 2 p.m. In addition to traditional tea fare (small sandwiches, pastries, scones and tea, of course), entertainment will be provided each day. Saturday’s tea will feature the Goodwill Bags Fashion Show. Sunday’s entertainment will be musical featuring Grace Fischel, violinist. A few more hostesses are being sought to decorate and provide place settings for one of the tables in keeping with the theme: Favorite Pastimes. A pastime can be anything from a favorite sport to reading books or traveling the world. Those interested in being a hostess may

assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. The Veterans will place the boxes in the Clubhouse the weekend after Thanksgiving and pick up the boxes a week before Christmas. Please remember the toys should be unwrapped and will be distributed to children up to the age of 10. Have a merry Christmas.

contact co-chairs Terri Heath (theath5579@gmail.com) or Marybeth Saari (marybethsaari@gmail.com). Donations of gift cards (any and all amounts) are also being collected for the Gift Card Tree raffles. Unused gift cards may be sitting in a drawer somewhere, so please consider donating those. Also, local businesses are welcome to help sponsor the entertainment or raffle. A $100 donation gets the business name in the program plus one ticket to the tea for one of the days. Tickets will go on sale during the second week of January. Each resident may buy up to four tickets (including her own), allowing for friends and family members to attend. Table assignments (18 tables, six at each table) will be guaranteed at the time of ticket purchase, so there will be no need to arrive early, stand in line, and rush to get a seat. Proceeds from this event will once again benefit the Manteca Unified School District’s Health Services Department’s program for homeless school-aged children.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 15 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

Page 16 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

Household Hints Article and photos by Bill Barnhart

Fixing Kitchen Sink Water Flow Problems At your kitchen sink, it is not unusual to experience reduced water flow over time. You are less likely to have this problem if you have some form of water Bill Barnhart softener but even when you have one, if you perceive you are having a reduced water flow, then here’s what you need to check.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

soak in CLR or vinegar/water solution, run some water through it and then try to blow through it in both directions. If clear, reinstall the valve. Since it has both a male and female end, it can only be installed one way, so don’t worry about getting it in wrong. Note that the white tabs in the connector have to be pressed in flush to get the parts to go together without damaging them. Once together, press the flat side of the connector until the white tabs click back out in place. Dry the connections with a paper towel, turn the water back on and run some water through the faucet to make sure there is no moisture leak at either end of the restrictor valve. If, by chance, you have a utility room sink, everything described above also applies to your utility room sink.

Over time, minerals in our water will find something to stick to in our water lines, and something like a filter or restrictor valve is the type of thing the little mineral elements just love to bond with. For example: The kitchen faucet head has a filter built in (see picture) that can accumulate particles behind it and/or have mineral build up on the filter itself. Some newer faucets have a plastic cone-shaped filter that is relatively easy to remove whereas a flat metal screen like in the picture must be gently dug out, being careful not to damage the soft rubber washer surrounding it. Soaking the filter for a couple of hours in CLR or a 50/50 solution of vinegar/ water should dissolve any mineral buildup. Sometimes, just rubbing the screen between thumb and forefinger is sufficient to clean off the buildup. When putting it all Kitchen faucet head with round filter. back together, make sure you screw the flex tube securely to the faucet head. A loose connection here is often the cause of water leaking into the cabinet under the sink. Many homes built in the last five years or so have a restrictor valve in-line which connects the flex tube to the faucet body under the sink. This restrictor valve is used to reduce the water pressure and thereby reduce the water flow rate to stay within state guidelines. Unfortunately, this valve can become clogged with minerals, but the good news is it can easily be cleaned and doesn’t have to be replaced. The first step is to turn off the water, both hot and cold, beneath the sink. Then (see picture) squeeze the two little white tabs toward each other and push them into the connector. Once the tabs are pushed in flush, then that female end of the valve can be pulled away from the male end of the flex tube. Make sure you have a towel in place because there will be a couple of tablespoons of water that will possibly come out of the flex tube. Now, at the upper end of the valve, there is a similar connector that is released the same way and the male end of the valve can be pulled In-line restrictor valve with white tabs. out of the rigid tube fixed to the underside of the faucet base. You can check how clogged the valve is by blowing through it. You should be able to blow freely through it in both directions. If not, clean this valve with an overnight

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Holiday Pantry By Linda Little

Baked Goods Donations Needed As part of the Holiday Homes Tour, December 12, a sale of baked and canned goods will be held. Please consider donating homemade breads, cakes, candy, cookies, pies, cupcakes, jams and jellies, relishes, etc. Sugar-free items are also welcome. Please do not donate any item that needs refrigeration or includes a serving dish that needs to be returned. Also, donations should be pre-wrapped for sales. Donations must be brought to the Multipurpose Room between 12 and 2 p.m., Friday, December 11. If you would like to donate, please contact

Page 17 • December 2015

Marybeth Saari at marybethsaari@gmail.com (209-629-8430) or Linda Little at teachalittle26@yahoo.com (510-305-4545). Holiday Pantry Sale Do you want homemade cookies for your holiday party but don’t have time to bake? Do you need to stock your pantry with some jams and jellies? Visit the Woodbridge Holiday Pantry being held in conjunction with the annual Holiday Homes Tour, December 12. The Holiday Pantry, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be held in the Multipurpose Room. In addition to cookies, cakes, breads, candy and pies, this year’s Holiday Pantry will feature homemade jams, jellies and other canned goods. Sugar-free items will also be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Manteca Unified School District’s program for homeless children.

2016 Community Directory R

Cover Art Contest!

emember, entries for the 2016 Community Directory Cover Art Contest are due by December 31, 2015. Since use of the directory spans an entire year, be sure the photographs you take or the artwork you create is “timeless.” In other words, make sure your entry depicts the Woodbridge lifestyle without seasonal clues (no jack-o-lanterns, no Christmas trees, etc.)

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

You will find complete participation requirements, contest rules and deadlines on page 37 of the November 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE. Back issues of the paper are available online at issuu.com/woodbridgelife.

Page 18 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Garden Tasks for December Article and photos by Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

ere we are approaching Christmas and how thankful we are for the Sandi Larson rainstorms that have already been coming in. After our major rainstorm in early November, I drove through our community, particularly the newly landscaped north areas, and as I suspected, bark floats! I saw several mow strips where the ground is a little lower than the surrounding concrete and, because we had so much rain in that one storm, most mow strips were like small swimming pools. Bark gathered on the driveways, rolled over the concrete into gutters and eventually into storm drains. Most of the bark I saw was the micro bark that probably won’t clog the city sewers but will result in a cost to the homeowner who must replace the bark washed away sometime next spring. I visited a few garden centers this month and it’s always amazing to me that nurseries and big box stores have no shame when it comes to selling plants that will not survive our winters and are not going to last longer than a month. I guess the growers just figure as long as the plant is alive and we haven’t had our first freeze, it’s OK to sell. I saw tropical hibiscus in the nursery in early November that (unless you baby it) will not survive our winters. There were several varieties of Monrovia’s Sun Parasol vine. I went to the Monrovia website and they claim the vine is cold hardy to zone 10 but needs protection if you have frost. Not freeze – frost. Mine have never survived because I don’t take the time to cover the vine. Many of you do baby your frost/freeze sensitive plants and my hat goes off to you! Many landscapers put plants in your yard that most likely will die after the first frost or freeze. If you aren’t into gardening, I would suggest when you have your yards installed that you get a list from your landscaper of Latin and common names of the plants

Page 19 • December 2015

you’ve had installed and keep it in a book or journal for reference to view their culture. I have in the past saved all the stiff identifiers that come with plants as a guide to culture and care. December will likely bring our first frost if not freeze. Again, if you have the time, put twinkly lights around sensitive plants, cover roots with bark, lay a frost blanket over plants or spray with a frost inhibitor spray. Snails and slugs are returning with a vengeance this month. You can pick them, apply snail/slug bait or use liquid bait but be aware that some baits are pet friendly and some are not. Now is a good time to plant new trees and shrubs as our weather is cooler and wetter and this will allow extra time for the plants to establish their roots before hot weather arrives next summer. If you are looking for plants or shrubs that have winter interest, go to your local full service nursery. For color, plant Washington thorn which has red berries, pyracantha, holly or Daphne odora shrub with its variegated foliage and super fragrant blossoms which last three weeks. I have one right by my front walkway and it always draws positive remarks. Silver tassel bush is a California native and has dangling silvery flower clusters. You might also want to look for plants with interesting bark like the crape myrtle tree or shrub. Blooming in the winter are hellebores, which are very dependable in our area. They come in many beautiful colors from sherbet green to deep purple. Their blooms last for a couple of months and are practically care-free if planted where they receive summer shade in the afternoon. If you are given a living tree as a gift, consider planting it in your yard as long as it fits into its space correctly. Plants here usually exceed the normal growth of other areas in California so make sure you have checked the plant’s maximum size before you plant it. Poinsettias usually will not survive frost in the winter unless they are protected. In the Bay Area, I’ve seen poinsettias growing outdoors year-round under protection. In the Central Valley, they are not likely to survive our frost and freeze. See

Poinsettias in Maui. Pyracantha in Jerome, Arizona.

GARDEN page 34

Page 20 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

1940s USO RADIO SHOW WOWed the Crowd Article by Birdie Nieri, President of Women of Woodbridge and WBL photos by Dreanna Langdon

he Women of Woodbridge hosted a special gala event October 13 when they partnered with Elizabeth and Roger Cunning and their troupe of singers, entertainers, comediennes and “guest celebrities.” The grand room of the Clubhouse was transformed into a 1940s motif with beautifully decorated tables in patriotic colors to conform to the themed USO Radio Show. On display was a field helmet worn in 1942 by a young Army soldier, PFC W.J. Slocum, father of resident Sue Price. The helmet weighed about seven pounds. How soldiers wore that and all their gear is beyond me. Next to the helmet were two Army uniforms; one was an “Ike jacket” from WWII on loan from Heni Parcesepe and the other a dress uniform as currently worn on loan from Linda Little. Patriotic posters by Norman Rockwell and other illustrators of the era adorned the room. Photos portrayed women at the home front minding home and children, uniformed nurses, and, of course, Rosie the Riveter’s, “We Can Do It.” Caterer Mark Angelo created a delicious blue plate special. On the menu was tossed salad with vinaigrette dressing, meatloaf, mashed potatoes with herbed gravy and succotash. Who knew that succotash tasted so good! I guess the appreciation was lost on us young children of the day but that night it was wonderful! A large brownie with a dollop of whipped cream topped off the meal. Our buffet dinner was served on clear glass plates with real silverware and cloth napkins. We are not treated to this kind of a special event often and the crowd was appreciative of the special touches given them by each of the 18 hostesses who even bused their tables and took home all the dirty dishes for the cleanup. Cleanup took all of a half-hour! Thank you to so many of you men and women who helped with set up and cleanup of the room. We are indeed special people who live here and step up willingly to provide a little manpower or womanpower.

Birdie Nieri performed as Phyllis Diller.

Linda Checchi in '40s attire.

Marybeth Saari with "Mae West."

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Army uniforms and helmet.

Woodbridge LIFE

Karen and Bob Penzenstadler.

Bob Hope (Jack Dauler) introduced the ladies' trio (Lynn Egelston, Vicki French and Shirley Lopes) while Frank Sinatra (Jon Ford) waited on deck.

Debby Hickey portrayed the bawdy Mae West with striking authenticity.

Page 21 • December 2015

The audience was laughing and grinning from ear to ear as the stage captured their undivided attention. The troupe of players led by Elizabeth Cunning featured Ed Burroughs as the announcer, Jack Dauler as Bob Hope, Jon Ford as Frank Sinatra, and a ladies’ trio of Lynn Egelston, Vicki French and Shirley Lopes. Keyboard was Elizabeth Cunning and hubby, Roger Cunning, was the sound engineer. This troupe portrayed many roles as radio programming continued and dispersed commercials throughout the 90-minute salute to our Armed Forces’ men and women. Bob Hope introduced his star celebrities, Mae West (Debby Hickey) and Phyllis Diller (Birdie Nieri). The two ladies performed actual stage acts of their celebrities. Mae West walked through the “radio audience” doing her routine and Phyllis Diller performed seated in a wheelchair and, luckily, it was a radio audience and didn’t need to see her. The singing trio of women performed commercial jingles and Vicki French and Lynn Egelston sang beautiful solos. Their voices echoed the sentiment of the era as we remembered our parents and our youth of days past. The entire troupe led the audience in a final singing of God Bless America. I sang my loudest with choked up voice and flooding eyes. The evening was so special and meaningful that it moved many of us in the audience. The evening had been planned about a year before it came to fruition. It was initially intended to celebrate the opening of the new veterans memorial. We thought we had a close proximity of time, but it appears we did not get close enough. Near or far, the evening remains special and will be a lasting memory for many of us who were lucky enough to witness the wonder of Woodbridge at play.

Page 22 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Softball This Month THE UMPIRES' EMPIRE? By Debby Hickey

hen a heckler asked why that pitch was a strike, plate ump Vern Mendes replied, with a grin, “Because I get to make the calls!” He’s absolutely right. If you or I want to call pitches, we will have to go through the comprehensive and stringent umpire training program currently headed by Roland Roelling, former umpire trainer with Nor-Cal High School Federation of Umpires. And, if you survive that, you will be scrutinized and be given a monthly progress report at the umps’ meetings! Ongoing ump training also includes getting on the field to work mechanics. Ready to sign up? The entire field of play, and the game itself, belongs to the umpires. They have the power to stop the game, decide on each play, call each pitch and even eject a player. But in reality, they are simply following the rules. Yes, the same rules that every player agrees to when they sign up. Roland Roelling also represents the umpire team in our Softball Council where discussions of game playing, rule interpretation, safety changes, new rule enforcement, etc., are reviewed and/or approved. Lack of knowledge of rules seems to be the cause of most frustration for the umps. Not only do team coaches need to fully understand these rules, they need to teach them to their players who are also responsible for knowing the rules. Some teams’ practice sessions include only the mechanics (like batting) while other teams incorporate coaching of the rules as well. In any case, instructional time is always needed. And that would help induce any concerns players may have which could then be posed to the umps in advance. In contrast, it may be lack of consistency that causes the most frustration for the players. Calls are subjective, however, and that’s why it’s the “ump’s call.” Judgment calls are not appealable; umps can ask for help from a partner so they can give the right answer, but then that answer is final. As far as the fans go, and I am one of them, perhaps we should remain neutral because most of us have never even read those rules! On the lighter side, umpire Donna Ybarra recently said that the adrenaline was flowing through her when she yelled “OUT” and noticed her arms were pointed straight out wide at the same time (the “safe” sign)! We all know these games are supposed to be fun (and they soooo are!) and not be taken so seriously. Some players have never played before and most umps have never called games before. Joe Victoria (player) said of the umps, “Hey, they’re volunteers; they do a great job and should get all the credit for what they do.”

Photo by Sandi Larson.

(L to R) Perry Gibson, Bob Abreu, Jacque Reynolds and Roland Roelling made the calls during the 2015 softball season. And Lorenzo Gonzalez, in his first season of play here, said, “Roland got it all started for me – setting me up, getting rules down, picking bats and all that.”

Photo by Bob Abreu.

Roland Roelling.

Meanwhile the umps take it all in stride. While coaches or players may be having a bad day, the umps work with them to calm the waters. (After all, some of the umps are players as well!) The camaraderie on the field is infectious and, while I can hear some of the joking around at the plate, I want to also hear all the joking going on in the infield! Our umpire team includes: Bob Abreu, Paul Bowers, Perry Gibson, Frank Gigilotta, George Johnson, Butch Larson, Vern Mendes, Jim Peter, Jacque Reynolds, Roland Roelling, Jim Schrimp, Dave Steffy, Paul Webb and Donna Ybarra. Alas, our softball season has come to an end. If you’re interested in signing up for umpiring next year, contact Roland Roelling, head umpire, at 209-823-6024.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 23 • December 2015

Pickleball Corner Article and photo by Marcia Umberger

onday morning, October 26, found the Pickleball group participating in another round robin. A group of eight women and eight men began their play at 9 a.m. The women played each other and the men did likewise. The great weather brought out some spectators which was nice to see. All games were finished by 11:30 and then it was time for the playoff game. The winning ladies were Pat Fidler and Barbara Shapiro who were matched up with Steve Oliver and Dick Juarez. Pat and Steve were the champions of the day. Congratulations to everyone who participated. All had a good time! Members of the Pickleball group recently purchased new T-shirts with a logo saying “Woodbridge Manteca Pickleball.” The very attractive shirts were displayed at the round robin and are shown in this picture. The group is always looking for new members. All Woodbridge residents are encouraged to come out and give it a try. Lessons are available on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. Please call Joe Victoria at 815-9343 if you plan to attend to make sure he will be there. Ladies play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m. and mixed doubles are played Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. as well as Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pick a time and come on down to see what pickleball is all about.

Round robin pickleball winners were (L to R) Steve Oliver, Pat Fidler, Barbara Shapiro and Dick Juarez.

OFFSEASON SOFTBALL By Ken Beatty

ey, guys,

If you're interested in playing softball during the offseason, then here's the deal. Weather permitting, we will be playing each Saturday at 9 a.m. until the weather stops us. We will see how many show up then split up and play. We will use current Silver Slugger rules. For the new guys in the community, it's a chance to play and learn our rules, as they are a bit different from what you are probably used to. Also for us current players, it's a way to stay in shape. If this sounds like something you're interested in, then come on down to the field Saturday mornings. Start time may vary depending on weather, so stay tuned.

Page 24 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

EASIER HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING By Jean Kavale

 GOLF

Submitted by Dodie Miller

Results of the putting tournament held October 31, 2015.

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

Karen Plummer Barbara Neuenswander Judy Goodnow Shirley Lopes Cheryl Turner Marilyn Armstrong Terry Cummings Genie Sherrill Sharon Sgro Joan Alvarez Robin Blevins

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

Jerry Just Ron Kaufman Roger Goodnow Robin Adams Dick Dyer Ray Foxworth Stan Sutfin Mike Sherrill Rick Sgro Ben Kimura

LADIES CLOSEST TO THE HOLE: 1. Barbara Tandy 2. Karen Perrin

10-1/2"

12-1/2"

MEN CLOSEST TO THE HOLE:

1. Lavor Neuenswander HOLE IN ONE!

Golfers donated their winnings to the American Heart Association in Rosemary Cadle's name - a total of $250.

long with cooler weather, the month of December brings us the joys of the holiday season. It also confronts us with many time-consuming chores related to the holidays. These include decorating our homes inside and out, sending greeting cards to far-flung relatives and friends, and buying gifts to put under the tree (which we spent several hours adorning with our treasured ornaments). If we mail gifts to family members living out of the area, we risk standing in post office lines as long as roads, especially when we delay until the last minute to mail our gifts. As if that weren’t enough, December is also a month when many of us entertain friends and neighbors in our homes, and planning for these events can take lots of precious time. Some Woodbridge hostesses have been known to spend several days preparing meals for their many guests, which includes shopping for necessary ingredients, cooking the food, and setting the table with their best tableware and linens. There are much easier ways to entertain. Hosting a wine and cheese gathering is one suggestion, and it’s a cinch to prepare. A large plate of assorted cheeses and crackers (along with a smaller plate of fresh fruit) is placed on a table or counter to welcome your guests. Bottles of red and white wine are also made available. For those who don’t drink alcohol, it’s, of course, important to provide soft drinks and possibly an alcoholfree bowl of fruit punch. Here’s another suggestion. Instead of cheese and crackers, why not serve tempting appetizers? They are a perfect addition to a holiday get-together. For input on this subject, I asked my neighbors Carol Radke and Pam Larussa to send me a recipe for their favorite appetizer. I know from my own personal experience that these two ladies are not only superb cooks but are also very gracious hostesses.

Photo by Bob Radke.

Carol Radke made her favorite holiday appetizer, Crunchy Pickle and Ham. “It’s very good and simple to make, which is a big advantage to us busy people.” That’s what Carol says about her favorite appetizer, Crunchy Pickle and Ham: Ingredients: 1 package (12 ounces) Oscar Mayer Smoked Cooked Ham 1 jar (24 ounces) Claussen Kosher Dill Spears, drained 1 tub (8 ounces) Philadelphia Soft Cream Cheese Directions: Pat ham and pickle spears dry with a paper towel. Spread 13 ham slices, each with about l tablespoon of cream cheese. Top each with 1 pickle spear and roll up. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight. Cut each pickle into 4 to 6 pieces to serve. This recipe makes 62 to 78 servings. See

HOLIDAY page 25

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 25 • December 2015

HOLIDAY page 24 Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

From

Photo by Sam Larussa.

Pam Larussa shared her recipe for Chili Conqueso. “There are never any leftovers with this easy dish, and everyone loves it,” Pam says about the recipe she considers her favorite, Chili Conqueso: Ingredients: 1 pound ground hamburger or turkey meat 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cut in cubes (1/2 package of Velveeta cheese) 1 8-ounce can El Pato Tomato Sauce (in a yellow and red can found in the Mexican food aisle) 1 tablespoon onion flakes Directions: Brown the ground meat and add the cheese and onion flakes. Stir until all the cheese is melted. (It would be best to keep it warm in a fondue pot.) Serve with corn chips.

If you decide to host a dinner party over this holiday season but don’t have the time or inclination to bake a dessert, Save Mart, Raley’s and Safeway have very good bakery departments. Their pies and cakes are great tasting and fresh. For exquisitely decorated cakes and other fancy pastries, Panfino Patisserie, a small bakery at 273 West Louise Avenue, comes highly recommended by several Woodbridge residents. For more information, call the bakery at 209624-0077. Tony & Mrs. K’s Bakery Café at 1195 East Yosemite Avenue is a great place to take an out-of-town guest for a tasty breakfast or lunch, but it’s also a fine choice for buying a take-home dessert. Many of them are temptingly shown in a display case under the counter. The café’s phone number is 209-239-1405.

Page 26 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

HALLOWEEN DANCE WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.

Greg and Peg Meagher.

Steve and Cathy Ray.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Halloween Dance costume contest winner Laurie Hutton (in the red devil outfit) won a ticket to the New Year's Eve event.

Halloween Dance costume contest winner Jim Summers (in gold turban) won a ticket to the New Year's Eve event.

Page 27 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

Page 28 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Triker's Travels By Judy McNamara

Navigating the Holidays

he holiday season is usually a time of joy, a time of happy family gatherings, good cheer and a toast to a New Year. For most of us, the expectation is that this is a time to celebrate with family and friends. As our families grow and expand, the balance within our family system changes and this change can be upsetting. Grandkids grow up and there can be “have tos” or “shoulds” on their parts when they are beginning to break away from some of the holiday traditions. Change is inevitable and this can be challenging for parents and grandparents when there are assumptions and expectations of what the traditions and rituals are for the family during the holiday season. There can be many reasons for stress during the holidays besides the obvious: shopping, decorating, parties and food preparation. This can include traveling pressures, mobility pressures to follow family traditions, anxiety about whose turn it is to host the holidays leading to last minute planning, and possibly dealing with difficult relatives. Divorce can put pressure on adult children who feel an obligation to please both sets of parents This is not to say that there aren't positive expectations and changes in the family system during the holidays. The birth of a grandchild or great grandchild or the wedding of a family member adds changes to family traditions and rituals. New family

members can bring joy to the holidays and create feelings of growth and new connections. Holidays can also upset the balance or equilibrium of a family when there is a death or divorce or absence of those in the military. We tend to want to keep the balance when these situations arise, but being flexible is important, especially when families need their individual space to process. We all want to feel connected during the holidays. For many who do not have immediate families around, this may be an opportunity to spend time with good friends, a time to celebrate and be thankful for the wonderful community we live in at Woodbridge and to be grateful for our supportive and caring neighbors. We are all truly blessed. For those of you who may be struggling with surviving the family holiday, I urge you to log on to BeWell@Stanford (https://bewell.stanford.edu/ surviving-the-family-holiday) and read the article written by Mary Foston-English, MFT, titled “Surviving the Family Holiday.” May your holidays bring you peace and tranquility and the love of what is truly important in your life. As a cycle enthusiast, here is a pertinent quote from Albert Einstein: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

Judy McNamara

"Life is under no obligation to give us what we expect."

~ Margaret Mitchell

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Santa Look-Alikes Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have some holiday fun! We picked the five Woodbridge gentlemen whose badge photos most resemble jolly, white-bearded Santa Claus. See if you can match these Santa look-alikes to their names. Draw a line connecting the photo with the name. (Answers are on page 33.)

2211

Phil Talcott Sieg Rombs Eddie Thompson

2145

2639

Page 29 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

Bill Buffington Ron Raymer

2807

2324

Page 30 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

ROMMEL RECOMMENDS: My Thai Cuisine Article and photos by Rommel Parseh

hen you enter My Thai Cuisine, you get a feeling of serenity. The first thing you notice is the soothing sound of water flowing from a shining blue ceramic fountain followed by mellow music from the reception area. As you are shown to your table, you notice the colorful triangular Thai pillows on the bench for your back. Once you are seated, you notice beautiful decorations on the walls which include traditional Thai artwork. You then start noticing the gentle aroma of food prepared using various herbs and spices exuding from the kitchen. The restaurant serves wine and beer; you may bring your own bottle of wine; corkage fee applies. The extensive menu includes chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu, vegetarian and vegan items prepared either mild or spicy hot per request. It includes 10 appetizers and nine salads. Of their nine soups, six come in large or small sizes. There are three items from the grill, eight noodle and fried rice dishes. They also serve steamed jasmine rice, brown rice and sticky rice. They make eight colorful Thai curries, 11 sautéed style dishes, 12 seafood items and three chef’s suggestions. Choosing one of their six dessert items would be a nice and refreshing finale to their colorful and aromatic symphony of food.

Diners enjoy the food and ambiance at My Thai Cuisine in Ripon.

Leaving, you get the feeling that you have just visited a fine Thai restaurant in San Francisco. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The lunch menu includes 15 different items. Reservations are optional. My Thai Cuisine has two branches, one in Tracy and the newly opened one in Ripon, located at 1222 W. Colony Road #150. In Ripon, you can reach them at 209-599-2388. The website address is www.mythairipon.com.

Triangular Thai pillows add color to the restaurant's decor.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 31 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

DECADES BAND DANCE WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.

Carolyn Cruz, Carla Marquardt and friends danced to the music of the Decades Band.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

A large crowd enjoyed the music of the Decades Band.

Page 32 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

 WINE 101 By Jon Ford

D E D U NCL

DE U L C ON

or those new to the community, Wine 101 is a four-year-old club that started off with 30 people meeting in a home and evolved into a class that, in most months, consists of 120 people. We cover many different aspects of wine such as a specific grape varietal and wine through the eyes of a grower, winemaker, distributor and retailer. We also introduce you to winemakers from Lodi and Livermore through class visits. In addition, we go on bus trips to try out new wineries. The classes generally consist of a 20- to 30-minute presentation followed by a two-hour social. Each participant brings a bottle of wine to be shared at the community table based on the class's theme. In addition, participants bring an appetizer to share with the group. Participants are asked to supply their own wineglasses and they may also bring other wine to share at their tables or with neighboring tables. No experience of wine is necessary. We have classmates who know very little about wine to people with training at the sommelier level. The classes are generally held on a Wednesday or Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A new calendar for 2016 will be out this month. I encourage you to give us a try. We have a great deal of fun talking to old friends and neighbors, meeting new neighbors and making new friends. You will always leave a class knowing a little bit more about wine than you knew in the past. On our November trip to Lodi, we ran into a bit of a snag with Durst Winery and could not visit. However, I got on the phone with Macchia Winery, our next stop, and they told me we were the only people expected on that day and to come on down. When we got there, we went to their club member area where they had the fireplace going and two fire pits in operation. In addition, they offered us another more sheltered location with plenty of sunshine and a bit warmer environment. All in all, it seemed that everyone was very comfortable. As we began to enjoy the lunches we brought, the owner, Lani, and her cousin Monica began to pour eight delicious red wines including Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel and a Late Harvest Zinfandel. The tastings were spread out over a two-hour time frame. Even Lani's daughter, Tanya, was manning the tasting room. Tanya is expecting twins any day now. Many of our tour group joined the Macchia Winery Club with a commitment of either two or six bottles every quarter. In addition, they gave all participants a 30 percent mixed case discount. I would highly recommend Macchia Winery not only for their fine red wines, but also for their outgoing, helpful attitude. The service, the weather, the ambiance and the wine all contributed to a wonderful day. By now, the Wine 101 annual Potluck and Bottle Exchange is probably full. This class literally fills up in just hours. If you didn't sign up this year, you are missing one of our most enjoyable classes. Attendees bring a festively decorated bottle of wine to put into our bottle exchange as well as contribute a lovely dessert, entree or salad See

WINE page 33

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

Woodbridge LIFE

WINE page 32

for our potluck. The class runs a half-hour longer than normal. People have great fun "stealing" a bottle from someone else in the exchange. Everyone goes home full, contented and in the right spirit for the holidays. Our upcoming calendar for 2016 (dates to be determined) will include: January Blind tasting of four red wines February Dessert wines March A visit from owner/winemaker Mark Luchessi of Lucca Winery in Ripon. (Oh, how lovely these wines are! We'll taste four.) Upcoming events to look forward to: Two new wine trips Stephanie Gallo to speak about her family history The art of wine tasting Blind tasting of Merlots The Indelicato family of Delicato Vineyards Pinot gris/Pinot grigio Meritage wines Italian wines Box wines More visits from winemakers The Middleman: A presentation by Southern Wine and Spirits Distribution, District Manager, Chad Londry That should easily take us into 2017. SO MANY WINES, SO LITTLE TIME! CHEERS!

Santa Look-Alikes From

SANTA page 29

ANSWERS

Names and Badge Numbers: Bill Buffington (2639) Ron Raymer (2211) Sieg Rombs (2807) Phil Talcott (2324) Eddie Thompson (2145)

Page 33 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

Page 34 • December 2015

From

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

GARDEN page 19

If you are looking for bedding plants to put out this winter, choose snapdragon, viola and pansies (I love the vintage varieties), stock, primrose, cyclamen, Iceland poppies and calendula. Vegetables to plant in winter are peas, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, spinach and kale. Chores in the winter garden should include lightly pruning evergreen shrubs and trees. Evergreens are very susceptible to drying winter winds. You can build a windbreak around the plant by driving stakes around the plant and installing chicken wire that can hold burlap. If that’s too much work, you can spray the evergreen with something like Cloud Cover that will protect it from losing moisture during heavy winds. Pick up the blossoms of camellia bushes so they don’t spread camellia blight into the plant. You can also decrease the chances of the blight coming through the soil by spreading three to four inches of mulch over the ground. Now is a good time to look for bare root fruit trees and roses. Rake up leaves that have fallen from your shrubs and trees. The exception would be if you are trying to create a mulch around your shrubs and trees. If you choose to leave debris on the ground, be aware that you will be allowing pests such as snails, slugs and

earwigs to hide out. You can spread mulch around your plants to keep the moisture there but be sure to leave a big enough ring around the plant to allow rain and irrigation to get into the root zone. You can start to reduce your irrigation, especially if rain is forecast. Remember to hand water your plants that are under eaves or on protected walls so they don’t stress. If the weather is gloomy and you need to remind yourself that spring isn’t too far away, you can start pouring over seed catalogs for ideas for next year’s vegetable and flower gardens. Go online to see new varieties of plants from companies such as Monrovia and Proven Winners. Every year they have new and improved varieties of plants coming out to delight us! Or browse through online garden sites such as Gardeners Supply for Christmas gift-giving ideas for your favorite garden enthusiast!

Happy gardening!

s o t o h P l Trave

Mike Hamiel golfed in Lofoten, Norway, in late July. Barbara and Mike Shapiro went on a 17-day Carolyn Cruz (L) and Paula Beck (R) visited the Coral Princess cruise through the Panama Red Onion in Skagway, Alaska. Canal. See

TRAVEL page 37

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 35 • December 2015

DID YOU KNOW... Compiled by Mike Spence from sources including Hershey.com, personal observation, attendance at lectures and Wikipedia

Hershey Kisses are forever linked with “Sweet Sixteen” but did you know: •

Kisses were named for the sound and motion of the machine that made them.

•

In 1989, annual sales of Kisses topped $400M.

•

Kisses are the fifth most popular chocolate confection in the United States.

•

Hershey, PA, is a census-designated place (CDP) in Derry Township, Dauphin County, PA.

•

Kisses were first made in 1907.

•

The streetlight reflector/covers in Hershey, PA, are shaped like Hershey Kisses.

•

The original Kisses factory was located on Chocolate Avenue.

•

The paper “plume” of Kisses has been a registered trademark of the Hershey Company since 1924.

•

Sixty million Kisses are produced each day.

•

In 2013, Kisses were available not only in milk chocolate but also in 47 other flavors.

•

Green tea and hazelnut Kisses are only available in Asia.

•

Milton Hershey had six business failures before he perfected milk chocolate.

•

Kisses were quite successful. In 1935, Milton Hershey endowed the M. S. Hershey Foundation with all of his stock in the company, then valued at $113M.

•

“Sweet sixteen and never been kissed” – the Hershey Company has a marketing plan.

Page 36 • December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

DESSERTS By Mike Spence Sources include: United Sweets of America, Creative Mountain Food Tours, Dessert Professional; the online magazine, Wikipedia and On Cooking by Sarah Lebensky

esserts are a wonderful invention. It is rare to find someone who does not indulge. It seems we all have our favorites, a few of which come to mind: ooey-gooey chocolate brownies, pecan ice cream, banana cream pie or just “Grandma Jane’s” apple crisp. It seems humans have a penchant for sweets. For thousands of years, man knew that many fruits were sweet even after they were dried. Honey, converted flower nectar, was very sweet and stored superbly. The folks in Asia had sugar cane and eventually figured out how to make it granulated. They did not divulge the process of granulation but they gladly sold the product to Europeans and others. Now, the combination experimenting began. Many were finding new ways to combine sugar, fruit and honey with breads, eggs and/or milk. Then somebody figured out sugared chocolate. Another figured out if you heat sugar, wonderfully tasty things result. Then the freezer met milk, sugar, vanilla beans, strawberries, stone fruit and, of course, chocolate. Why call it “dessert” and why consume it at the end of the meal? Blame the French. According to a 17th century health education manual by William Vaughn as well as Michael Krondi’s 2013 book, “A History of Desserts,” the French changed how we were served our meals. Until the early 20th century, the practice of setting all the meal’s dishes on the table at the same time was the norm. This “service à la française” included sweet dishes along with savory ones. For some vaguely explained reasons, “service à la russe” (presenting dishes in courses) became the standard. After the soups, salads, cheese, entrees and side dishes were served (no sweet dishes), the table was cleared, an act called desservir in French. The last course was the sweet course, sometimes with a beverage. It’s easy to see the extension to calling the sweet course dessert. Dessert as an ending sweet course in a meal is not universal. It is most common in English speaking countries and regions. Many South American cultures have wonderful sweet treats but their inclusion in a meal is not always at the end. Asian cultures do enjoy sweets but often mid-meal, as a sweet beverage or between-meal snack. In the United States, desserts are big business. Just look at the shows on the Food Network to see demonstration and competition dessert preparation listings. There are professional titles including chocolatier and patissier. There is an annual James Beard Foundation Award for the best pastry chef. Most of the cooking schools in the United States and Europe will be glad to teach you pastry skills – for a fee. You can make most any dessert in any state but some states seem to have an unofficial title and associations with certain desserts: Arkansas – red velvet cake; Florida – Key lime pie; Georgia – peach cobbler; Kentucky – bread pudding; Louisiana – Bananas Foster; Maine – blueberry pie; Massachusetts – Boston cream pie; New Hampshire – whoopie pie; New Jersey – salt water taffy; New York – cheesecake; North Carolina – sweet potato pie; Texas – pecan pie, Vermont – maple candy and West Virginia shoofly pie. If you’re a dessert aficionado, you can book a two-hour dessert-only tour of four restaurants with Creative Mountain Food Tours in Black Mountain, North Carolina, for $35 per person.

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 37 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

TRAVEL page 34

Kirby and Iran Brown cruised the Mississippi River from St. Paul to St. Louis on the paddlewheel steamboat, American Queen.

Novel Sefein visited Paris in July.

This hot dog with mustard wrapped in a tortilla seemed to be a popular staple in Norway. Photo submitted by Mike Hamiel.

Page 38 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

1. Jacob and Linda Lewis toured a winery as part of a Viking River cruise in France.

2. (L to R) Vicki and Mike Killingsworth, Becky and Glen Jenkins, Sue and

Mario Vernali, Susan Russitano, and Keith Loudermilk rode through the New Orleans French Quarter on Segways. 3. Maureen and Lynn Whitaker visited Rome during a Mediterranean cruise in October.

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.