W oodbridge Volume 6 ▪ Issue 1 ▪ Number 52
January
LIFE
Your Life. Your Community. Your News.
January ▪ 2016
Woodbridge Holiday Homes Tour Committee provides decorating ideas and tasty treats
Happy New Year, Woodbridge! Another year has sped quickly by; its last month celebrated with beautifully decorated homes, festive parties, delicious foods and the company of friends and family. A new year provides each of us with a fresh 365 days to play with. Fill your days with whatever your heart desires, try new things, maintain old traditions, have no regrets of opportunities missed along the way. Welcome, 2016!
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
Contact us:
WBLIFE2012@gmail.com
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
2015 Holiday Homes Tour Committee (L to R): Margo Flanagan, Kathleen Music, Kathy Dezotte, Kaye Sanchez, Dodie Miller, Karla Hoyer, Nick Music, Marybeth Saari, Roger Goodnow, Jacque Reynolds, Dan Armstrong, Dennis Atwell. More Holiday Homes photos may be found on pages 20-22.
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE
W
W
elcome, 2016!
Mike Spence takes a different tack on 2016 by thinking of it as “Sweet ’16.” Mike’s revelations of “When I Was Sixteen” appear on page 14 and you will find his always-interesting compilation of “Did You Know” trivia about the number 16 on page 35. Jean Kavale brings back history in her article about Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we celebrate January 18. As you read Jean’s reflections and her personal experience of segregation and discrimination in the Deep South on page 26, you might relive your own memories of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Judy McNamara discovered a bunch of Woodbridge guys who love to ride motorcycles. Selfdubbed “Del’s Angels,” these fellows regularly ride Mondays and Fridays to destinations up to 150 miles away. They begin their ride with breakfast together then
Page 3 • January 2016
By Dodie Miller, Activities Director
By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor
We also thank the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee, lead by Activities Director Dodie Miller, for its ongoing efforts to plan and conduct enjoyable activities and entertainment for us throughout the year. Lifestyle Committee members make a one-year commitment from July through June.
From Dodie's Desk
From the Editor In this edition of Woodbridge LIFE, we feature the recent Holiday Homes Tour and sincerely thank the six homeowners, many sponsors and all of the bakers and helpers who contributed time and effort to make this annual event a big success. You will find photos of the creative tablescapes and colorful holiday decorating done by our resident neighbors and friends on pages 20 to 22.
Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor set out to explore back roads and see new scenery. Judy’s article, accompanied by Volker Moerbitz’s photos, may be found on page 28. Although the softball group is not officially in season right now, a group of sandlot players enjoys getting together Saturday mornings to keep in shape, test their skills and have fun together. Debby Hickey writes an entertaining and humorous account of the sounds of a Saturday gathering on page 23. The camaraderie this group shares keeps it together regardless of occasional aches and pains sustained in practices. We welcome Marie Evans in a new capacity to the team of Woodbridge LIFE writers. You may have become familiar with Marie’s monthly readers’ group book reviews. Now Marie is branching out to share her knowledge of places to visit on day trips in the Bay Area and vicinity. She will contribute articles on a quarterly basis. Her first piece, on page 37, is about things to see and do in Benicia, one of the historical old capitols of California. If you are interested in writing regular or occasional articles or in helping to take photographs for the paper, please contact me or attend the next Editorial Team meeting, Friday, January 8, at 3
See
EDITOR page 4
The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the February 2016 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Please email your articles to wblife2012@gmail.com
e’ve all had a very busy 2015 and it has now come to an end but a new beginning, new challenges and new opportunities are on the way. Think of it as starting the first page of a 365-page book and “write a good one.” I’ve decided to back off a little for January after having so many events, activities and parties at the end of the year. This will give us all some time to rejuvenate ourselves. The Men of Woodbridge group is hosting its Taco Feed Night once again in the first part of the month and, for our newest residents, the Lifestyle Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director Committee will have a “Newcomers Social” to help get neighbors acquainted with each other. We have Dr. Salman Razi, M.D. from Doctors Hospital of Manteca, coming to help us learn about treatment options for enlarged prostate. This is a free men’s health seminar at which spouses and partners are welcome. Thorson Financial is sponsoring a free bus trip to Black Oak Casino near Sonora in the middle of the month. Ending the month of January will be a Disco dance. This doesn’t mean there is just disco dancing because we all like to get out and move with the beat of the music and the music will be great. We have Jerry Sauceda here with his exceptional variety of dance music. Make 2016 your best year ever!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, WOODBRIDGE!
Page 4 • January 2016
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
By Erika Smith
The Woodbridge community enters 2016 running on all cylinders! The size of our community has swelled to more than 1,000 homes closed and new home sales continue to push forward. With a large number of new members, it is time to get acquainted with the structure of the Woodbridge Owners Association (WOA).
By Ramon Rivera
From
WOA Update
From the Bridge 2015 came and went in the blink of an eye. The past year has been another great year for Woodbridge. This community has a way of making time fly by so fast. Last year, I made a promise to everyone that I would do my best to create a positive atmosphere for you, the residents. It’s a tall order but one that we are making great strides toward. I say WE because this type of challenge is not one that I have worked on alone. I want to thank each member of our staff for their hard work and dedication. I also want everyone to keep this in mind: Our success extends beyond those whom you see at the front desk. We have a network of resident volunteers who contribute in big ways to this community. The volunteerism in this community is one of the wonderful attributes that makes Woodbridge special. When I look at the time put in by our resident volunteers, I am overwhelmed. I think to myself, “I thought these folks were retired!” Hard work is the foundation for everything we have accomplished as a community. For example, the Woodbridge LIFE newspaper embodies the lively Woodbridge spirit. The Communication committee and its efforts deserve high recognition. I never could have imagined all the hard work that goes into publishing a newspaper, but the end result
Ramon Rivera, Operations Manager makes it all worthwhile! I want to especially thank our leader and editor Carol Jo Hargreaves and her right-hand gal assistant editor, Sharyl Burgeson. Carol Jo’s leadership and Sharyl’s attention to detail harmonize well with each other. The two women are a match made in newspaper publishing heaven. I encourage every resident who is interested in becoming part of this ever-growing network to come forward and give it try. Setting goals and accomplishing them is one the best feelings in the world, especially when it makes this beautiful community even better! We have many different committees and groups for our residents that offer this type of opportunity. One of the many things I have learned at Woodbridge is that hard work and dedication do not have an off switch. Let us proceed into 2016 with the ultimate goal of continuing to build a positive atmosphere for Woodbridge and making it the best Del Webb community across the country. Happy New Year, Woodbridge!
EDITOR page 3
p.m. in the Clubhouse. May this new year be blessed with joy and good health, time to spend with family and friends, opportunity and the fulfillment of your dreams. Happy New Year! ~Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team
To start from the top, a board of directors governs Woodbridge. This board consists of five individuals who act as one body, responsible for all major policies and decisions that affect the community. The board also oversees all financial functions of the community, taking recommendations from the Finance Committee. This is not all-encompassing of the board’s duties but gives a brief outline of some of its major endeavors. Currently, Woodbridge is still under development, meaning three of the five directors are Pulte representatives and two are resident representatives. As the community continues to grow, this balance will shift and at build out, the board of directors will be comprised of all residents. The association has eight committees. These include: Architectural Review, Finance, Communication, Lifestyle, Policy & Procedures, Property & Grounds, Welcoming and Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The Architectural and Finance are boardappointed committees, meaning its members are appointed by the board and both committees report directly to the board of directors. The remaining committees fall under the supervision of the operations manager. Each committee serves a vital role in our community. Whether you are a committee member or not, all are welcome to attend these meetings which are published on the calendar on page 9 and the WOA Committee Meetings list on page 5. I have learned through my time here that it isn’t easy to let go of the routine that work provides. The committees offer residents the opportunity to use the skills they have mastered over their respective careers to better the community. Teamwork is the foundation of each committee we have and we pride ourselves on getting things done in a professional and efficient manner. Your WOA staff are the people you see behind the desk and around the Clubhouse. The team is comprised of Ramon Rivera, operations manager, Dodie Miller, activities director, Erika Smith, lifestyle manager, five monitors and two maintenance employees. The responsibility of your WOA staff is to carry out the day-to-day operations of the association. Our goal is to continuously improve as a team and serve the community to the best of our abilities. Riverside Management is the WOA’s off-site management company. They assist in operational activities such as accounts payable, taxes, financial reporting and payroll, collecting resident assessments and compliance. All of the above roles play an important part in the association structure but it is the groups and clubs that make the association fun! Activities Director Dodie Miller, in compliance with the “Groups and Clubs Guideline,” manages all WOA-recognized groups and clubs. This document outlines group and club structures and what it takes to start a group or club. If you need a copy of the guidelines, you may obtain one from the Clubhouse front desk or on the portal, www.ourwoodbridge.net. Of the groups and clubs, “Chartered Clubs” are the most See
WOA page 16
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 5 • January 2016
From the Boardroom
By Roger Cunning, Vice President of the Woodbridge Owners Association Board of Directors
T
he board of directors is leaning forward as we welcome everyone living or working in Woodbridge into 2016. The board is planning the necessary activities and meetings needed to ensure our transition from developer control to resident control is smooth and effective. While we look forward, it is good to pause and reflect on significant achievements the board made during 2015. Here’s a list of major board achievements during the past year: • Most importantly, the Woodbridge Owner’s Association (WOA) hired Ramon Rivera as the Woodbridge Operations Manager, clearly an outstanding decision. • Our operations manager completed the Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) certification program, which is a first in the management of our community. • The WOA ensured a business organizational structure consistent with best corporate practices by placing our operations manager in charge of all operational and line organizations. • Updated the Rules and Regulations document to reflect the addition of Liberty Park. • Developed Election Rules required by California law. • Contracted with a new WOA attorney, Deon Stein, Esquire, who specializes in and teaches homeowner associations (HOA) California law focused on communities like Woodbridge. • Completed a major facelift to the appearance of the Union Road and Del Webb Boulevard entry water fountains plus a repair of the plumbing system to provide an appealing yet drought-friendly approach to this landmark. • Contracted with Delta Security to provide a nightly security patrol throughout our community. • Approved changes to Design Guidelines, providing a standard by which homeowners may install artificial turf in their front yards.
You might say that Woodbridge is a romantic HOA. Why, you ask? Well, our operations manager, Ramon Rivera, as well as John Johnson, our board president, married during this past year. Congratulations to both gentlemen and their new brides. Now, the board turns to the future. Unlike the past, in any future measure allowing homeowners to vote, each property lot owner (including Pulte lots undergoing construction) is allowed to cast one vote regarding the issue being decided. This is a significant difference from the past where Pulte could cast three votes per lot. There are a number of governing documents requiring an update during this transition. Specifically, they are the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), Design Guidelines (again), Bylaws, Rules and Regulations and documents within our organization of committees, clubs and groups. Each of these documents will require a few WOA volunteers, acting as a member of a transition committee, to provide the best and most clarified wording to these documents. If you have a desire to assist, please contact Riverside Management to volunteer. Not all volunteers may be part of actual authoring, but everyone’s input or ideas will be taken into consideration. The board recently decided to conduct an audit of our financial system sometime in 2016. This is not because of anything wrong. Rather, the board wants to verify the financial accounting during this period of transition from Pulte to homeowner control. We expect all records to be perfect, but we are a multimillion-dollar operation and small mistakes might have occurred. This audit will nail everything down. Please plan to attend our next board meeting, February 2, 2016, beginning at 4 p.m. We hope you will attend.
WOA Committee Meetings Meeting
Day
Date
Time
Architectural Review Meeting Listening Post Policy & Procedures Committee Meeting New Resident Orientation Property & Grounds Committee Meeting Architectural Review Meeting
Tuesday Friday Monday Thursday Thursday Tuesday
1/5/16 1/8/16 1/11/16 1/14/16 1/14/16 1/19/16
9 a.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. 2:15 p.m. 9 a.m.
Page 6 • January 2016
Woodbridge LIFE
WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance
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 Senior Golf Chuck Gary Silver Sluggers Softball Vern Mendes Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Tennis Mel Topping Trivia Eileen Hill Veterans Bill Buffington 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 834-6795 823-4760 624-3754 239-8718 624-3945 815-9476 629-8508 629-8838 815-9803
1st Wed @ 10:30 a.m. 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.
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Non-WOA Sanctioned Clubs: 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 • January 2016
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 Sharyl Burgeson, asst. editor Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair Jean Kavale Ann King Judy McNamara Dodie Miller Volker Moerbitz Pepper Noble Ramon Rivera Erika Smith Mike Spence
824-7581 239-1492 823-3538 629-8571 650-464-0151 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.
Contact us:
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 • January 2016
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
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - January 2016 By Dodie Miller, Activities Director E-WASTE CURBSIDE PICKUP - Wednesday, January 6 @ 9 a.m. - Free curbside E-waste pickup. Have items curbside by 9 a.m. or have a note curbside if you need items carried out of your house. Electronic waste only, no general household waste.
BLACK OAK CASINO BUS TRIP – Thursday, January 21 @ 8:30 a.m. This is a free bus trip sponsored by Thorson Financial visiting the casino outside of Sonora. The bus will leave Black Oak Casino at 4 p.m. for the return trip. Sign-ups are taken at the front desk.
WINE 101 - Tuesday, January 12 @ 6 p.m. "No Peeking" is the theme for the evening's blind tasting of red wines. Bring a red wine for the community table, another, if you wish, for your table, your own glass and an appetizer to share. Open and recork the wine(s). Class is limited to 120 participants. Sign up at the Clubhouse front desk.
DOCTORS HOSPITAL PROSTATE HEALTH Wednesday, January 27 @ 5:30 p.m. – Learn about treatment options for enlarged prostate at this free men’s health seminar. Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Please sign up at the front desk.
MEN OF WOODBRIDGE TACO FEED Wednesday, January 13 @ 5:30 p.m. Beef tacos, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, jalapenos and salsa. Dessert, water and coffee will be available and you may bring your beverage of choice. Extra tacos are $1 each. Tickets are $10 per person. NEWCOMERS SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER – Wednesday, January 20 @ 5:30 p.m. - If you’re a newcomer to Woodbridge in the last year, a night has been reserved for a social get-together just for you. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors better and meet other new residents as well. You may bring an appetizer to share and the beverage of your choice. Please sign up at the front desk so we can provide adequate seating.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS • Bill Barnhart bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838
Important Notice About Cancellations
WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE SPEAKER SERIES Thursday, January 28 @ 2 p.m. - Manteca Mayor Steve DeBrum will speak on the "State of the City of Manteca." DISCO DANCE NIGHT – Saturday, January 30 @ 6 p.m. – It’s not just disco moves but all the dances Woodbridge residents love doing. It would be great to see some of you dress the part but it’s not mandatory. Disco never dies so we thought we would bring back that era for something a little different. We’ll have music by Jerry Sauceda, the one you ask about all the time. Tickets are $8 per person at the front desk.
POTLUCK NIGHT TUESDAYS 2016
(All potlucks held the last Tuesday of the month)
JANUARY 26 - OPEN POTLUCK FEBRUARY 23 - OPEN POTLUCK MARCH 29 - OPEN POTLUCK
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
January Activities Sunday
Monday
Page 9 • January 2016
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
1
New Year’s Day
Saturday
2
CLUBHOUSE CLOSED 3
4
5
6
7
9 a.m. – Architectural
9 a.m. – E-Waste Collection
8
9
1 p.m. – Listening Post
Review Meeting
10
11
12
13
14
2 p.m. – Policy &
6 p.m. – Wine 101
5:30 p.m. – Taco Feed Night
9:30 a.m. – Doctors
Procedures Meeting
15
16
22
23
29
30
Hospital Healthcare Forum 10 a.m. – New Resident Orientation 2:15 p.m. – Property & Grounds Meeting
17
18
24
25
19
20
21
9 a.m. – Architectural
5:30 p.m. – Newcomers
8:30 a.m. – Black Oak
Review Meeting
Social Get-Together
Casino Bus Trip
26
27
28
5:30 p.m. – Doctors
2 p.m. – Speaker Series
31
6 p.m. – Disco Dance Night
Hospital Prostate Health
► 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 12/28/15. 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:
Valentine's Day Dance
Name of Event
2/13/16
1/12/16
Women of Woodbridge Tea
2/20/16
1/22/16
Women of Woodbridge Tea
2/21/16
1/22/16
Men of Woodbridge Dinner Dance
2/27/16
1/27/16
Page 10 • January 2016
Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE The State of the City of Manteca By Linda Little
S
teve DeBrum, the mayor of Manteca, will speak to Woodbridge residents January 28, at 2 p.m., as part of the continuing Speaker Series sponsored by the Women of Woodbridge. The focus of his presentation will be the “State of the City of Manteca.”
Mayor DeBrum served as a councilman beginning in 2003 and continuing until he became mayor in 2014. His service to and leadership in the community includes the Kiwanis Club, Boys and Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce and Knights of Columbus. Currently employed by the Dairy Farmers of America, Mayor DeBrum serves as Western Area Council Northern Area Manager. He received his B.S. in agriculture, majoring in dairy, from California State Polytechnic College. Mayor De Brum and his wife of 47 years, Veronica, have two children and five grandchildren. When his busy schedule allows, DeBrum enjoys reading, golf and hunting. There is no fee for this Speaker Series presentation. However, please sign up at the front desk in the Lakeview Clubhouse, as a count is needed for set up and preparation of materials.
Photo contributed.
Mayor Steve DeBrum will speak at 2 p.m., January 28, as part of the Women of Woodbridge Speaker Series.
WOODBRIDGE SINGERS AND DANCERS Winter Concert, 2015 By Elizabeth Cunning
W
oodbridge Singers and Dancers kicked off the holiday season with three separate standingroom only performances! The annual “Winter Extravaganza” was a highlight for both performers and attendees. Take a peek on the Woodbridge portal “Photo Gallery” to view a condensed video of the concert, as well as a few candid photo shots from the evening. Do you remember the words to “Santa Baby”? Our soloists brought to life the six gifts they were hoping to get from Santa:
Donna Ybarra – Sable under the tree
Carole Pfoutz – ’54 convertible, light blue
Paul Bowers – Yacht
Shirley Reynolds – Platinum mine
Claudia Reed – Duplex and checks
Irma Lewis – Ring (not on the phone!)
Kathy Dezotte and Shirley Lopes shared a humorous song about a holiday dinner party for guests who have a myriad of food allergies and ailments. Their conclusion of how to please everyone is simple: “Next year, your house, please!” Jacquie and Dave Steffy once again got the audience involved by sharing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with words changed to reflect Woodbridge. There was energetic competition between the rows of attendees as Jon Ford showed his group how to breast stroke while singing, “Two swimming pools,” and Roger Goodnow jumped up and down to demonstrate “Eleven fish a-jumping.” Kinda hard to explain – you just had to be there!
See
SINGERS page 14
Photo by Roger Cunning.
Woodbridge Dancers: Back Row (L to R): Barbara Webb, Johnny Lo, Mary Salvador, Joyce Graham, Marilyn Nunes, Nancy Berger, Bill Goodwin, Annette Keef. Middle Row (L to R): Yvonne Wiggins, Rosemary Hein, Vickie Mitchell, MaryAnn Kackley, Carla Marquardt, Barbara Shapiro, Joyce Ancha, Molly Cooper, Phyllis Rose. Front Row (L to R): Ester Guzman, Patti Barnhart (Choreographer), Sandy Jimenez, Esther Chu.
www.ourwoodbridge.net
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 11 • January 2016
DREANNA LANGDON'S CELEBRATION OF LIFE
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
A standing room only crowd attended the celebration of life for Dreanna Langdon, which was followed by a community potluck.
Page 12 • January 2016
Woodbridge LIFE
At the Clubhouse
Arts
BRIDGE
ARTISTS & CRAFTERS Ringing in the New Year
By Don St. Lawrence
The Bridge group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Oxford Room.
Bridge Scores DEC 7: Letha Watson Cherie Ford Betty Buff Grace Pasion Don Harris Marilyn Larson Robi Cornelius Kathy Comden
DEC 14:
Don St. Lawrence Grace Pasion Betty Buff Phyllis Tindell Marilyn Larson Kathy Comden Cherie Ford Don Harris
DEC 21:
Nancy Hansen Kathy Comden Don Harris Cherie Ford Marilyn Larson
5190 3830 3600 3290 2760 2620 2570 2350
3870 3700 2800 2700 2680 1980 1900 1870 5420 4760 4360 3190 3130
www.ourwoodbridge.net
By Penny Dauler
Phil McCallion Robi Cornelius Betty Buff Phyllis Tindell
DEC 28:
Shirley Lopes Grace Pasion Phil McCallion Vi Bobson Betty Buff Don Harris Cherie Ford Kathy Comden Nancy Hansen Robi Cornelius Letha Watson Phyllis Tindell Don St. Lawrence Marilyn Larson
2930 2890 2320 1920
5200 4590 4350 3800 3620 3470 3190 3050 3050 2720 2630 2560 2480 2430
C
hristmas decorations are being put away for another year. The ball has dropped in Times Square and 2016 is here. Traditionally, now we make New Year’s Resolutions or promises to ourselves. Promises like "I will lose the Woodbridge 15 I gained with the wine tasting and potlucks” or “I will walk the dog EVERY day” or maybe “I will say hi to the first person I see each day.” For me, it is to seriously tackle the zillions of sewing projects threatening to take over my sewing room. I keep seeing new projects I want to start, but this year, before I buy a new project, I will finish an already existing one. I did not have this problem when I moved here four years ago but one class taken at the Clubhouse sent me on this path. This could be you and all you need to do is stop by for any of the following classes but beware, they are addictive. Oil painters meet each Tuesday at 10 a.m. to paint and help each other with projects. A special guest teacher is brought in quarterly to challenge this class. Wednesday afternoons, 12:30 to 3 p.m., are open painting. Work on projects from the class or ones from home. The Paper Crafters take over every Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon. This is a group of ladies who enjoy making cards, scrapbooking and just about anything else you can make with a pair of scissors, paper and an imagination. Not to be outdone, the knitters and crocheters are in the Westport Room each Thursday morning with fingers flying from 10 a.m. until noon. These ladies enjoy each other’s company as well as turning out some beautiful items. Monthly classes in Watercolor are offered the second Friday at 12:30 p.m. and the Doodlebugs class is offered the last Friday at 10 a.m. The following monthly workshops each benefit an outreach program outside of Woodbridge. The third Monday of each month, the women gather at 10 a.m. to make oncology pillows that are distributed to the three local Kaiser hospitals. Every other second Monday morning at 9 a.m., beginning in February, Prayer Bears are made and given to children at various hospitals and shelters. This group is looking for donations of cheerful patterned fleece for the cuddly bears they make. Not to forget our four-legged friends, every other third Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m., we meet to make dog beds and cat mats that are given to the Manteca Animal Shelter and each adopted animal goes home with a new bed. This group accepts donations of fabric scraps, stuffing and fabric for the beds. This month of January, we are also offering a class taught by Lorna Powell – the long awaited “Basket” block class. Each month, a different instructor teaches a new quilt block. This class will be taught Thursday, January 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. UFO or (unfinished projects) is held the third Friday of each month, beginning at 9 a.m. and running all day. Bring in your projects and work on them, break for lunch and begin again. There is always someone in the room who can help you. (I confess I get more done at UFO than at home. Home has books, which win out every time.) This should give you an idea of how easy it is to get caught up in crafting at Woodridge and soon your stash of projects will send you screaming from the room. Come and visit with us. A calendar of classes is always on the yellow communications board as well as sign-up sheets for the specialty classes. Check out the window for examples of upcoming classes and for the display of previous projects made in classes.
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WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP By Marie Evans
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he Woodbridge Readers' group will have the first meeting of the new year at our usual time in the Clubhouse, the first Wednesday in January, 1/6, at 10:30 a.m. The book selection for January is Iron House by James Hart, an acclaimed mystery writer. We should have a reading schedule for the next few months in the February edition of Woodbridge LIFE. You may also go to the Woodbridge portal online and look it up.
Woodbridge LIFE
&
Our last meeting in 2015 was our Holiday Luncheon, held this year at the Sienna Italian Restaurant in Lathrop. I was unable to attend but am told the food was delicious, the service good and that a fine time was had by all. Have a safe and fun New Year!
WOODBRIDGE VETERANS GROUP Veterans Memorial Almost Complete By Jack Dauler
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he new Woodbridge Veterans Memorial is located in the southeastern corner of Liberty Park. Granite panels, benches and the flagpole were installed in mid-October. With these additions, the majority of the memorial construction is complete. (See photograph.) Nearly 200 memorial bricks are in place but there is still room for many more. The engraved bricks honor a veteran for their service to this country. The 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 or may be downloaded from the Resource Center on the Woodbridge portal.
Photo contributed.
Veterans Memorial bricks and USAF side.
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Woodbridge LIFE
WHEN I WAS SIXTEEN quote attributed to Warren Buffett reads: When I was sixteen, I had just two things on my mind – girls and cars. I wasn’t very good with girls. So I thought about cars. I thought about girls too, but I had more luck with cars.
I grew up in Southern California and turned 16 in the ‘60s. I guess I’m a lot like Warren. We share the same focus points, although I would include food as well (eating, not preparing). Being a SoCal boy, cars were very important; that’s how you got girls. I needed a plan. As the plan evolved, step one was apparent: Get my driver’s license. I studied the DMV manual like mad and passed the written test on the first try, the day I was 15 ½. The next six months with my learner’s permit were agony. To get “steering wheel time,” I needed to do my chores. My parents knew I wanted driving time so the chore list expanded. I managed and got my license on my sixteenth birthday. Now I needed a car. It’s just not “cool” to drive Mommy and Daddy’s car. To get my own car, I needed money – a job. In the day, that meant bagging groceries or pumping gas. I pumped gas and saved. My first car was as old as I was, a 1951 De Soto, but it was mine! Now, girls.
From
SINGERS page 10
Choir members started rehearsing for this concert in September and put in numerous extra rehearsals to learn to read music and sing four-part harmony for traditional Christmas carols. One song in particular that is considered the most powerful piece of music ever written is “The Hallelujah Chorus.” This song, shared as the finale selection, moved the audience to its feet in rousing applause. Elizabeth Cunning, director of the Woodbridge Singers, said
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During this period, I faithfully attended high school – there were over 200 girls in my class alone. I discovered that the combination of hormones, cars, homework, real work and girls played havoc with focusing my attention. I got through it.
By Mike Spence
A
There were somber and sobering episodes as well: A classmate died in a traffic accident; my older brother moved out of the family home and Vietnam was looming on my reality. Music was such a big part of my life during that era. I can’t play a note or carry a tune, but I listen attentively and appreciate talent and skill. The Beatles, the Beach Boys and others defined my music. Currently, a radio station in SoCal that plays music from that era best defines the music. They referred to “the songs everybody knows the words to.” In the next two years, I graduated high school and entered college, landed my first full-time job and bought my first new car: a shiny Dodge. During the first week I owned the Dodge, I went on a blind date. I met my future wife, Jan, that night. Warren was on to something, cars and girls are somehow related in some unusual ways. Time moves on. I have the same lovely wife, children and grandchildren, but I really miss that Dodge. It is often fun to recall what each of us was doing “When I was 16.” I hope your memories are as fond as mine.
that singing this song for our community was one of those “bucket list” things that she can now check off! Woodbridge Singers group is taking a break and rehearsals start again Monday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. This activity group is open to residents who have a love of music and enjoy singing. If you have questions, contact Elizabeth Cunning at 647-4380.
WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE By Birdie Nieri
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omen of Woodbridge invites you to come and hear what we are all about. We meet every third Wednesday in the Clubhouse at 11 a.m.
Photo by Roger Cunning.
Woodbridge Singers, under the direction of Elizabeth Cunning, performed three holiday concerts for residents including favorite Christmas carols, spoofs on well-known holiday songs and "The Hallelujah Chorus" in four parts from Handel's "Messiah."
Our February meeting is a brunch meeting with tea, coffee and breakfast goodies. Join us and start your year with your neighbors and friends and find out about the wonderful things we do for designated charities in our area. WOW is known for its fabulous events. Grab a neighbor and come to our meeting. We're anxious for you to be part of this wonderful group. "We'll leave the light on for you."
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Woodbridge LIFE
Household Hints By Bill Barnhart
Are Our Appliances Smarter Than We Are? It is often surprising when someone at Woodbridge Bill Barnhart has a household problem, the same problem crops up several times within a short period. Take, for instance, a major appliance suddenly deciding to work only intermittently if at all. Practically every appliance we have in our households now has a little computer in it. It will have a processor chip and a storage chip. When the appliance is plugged into electricity, the processor chip becomes active and loads the programming for the appliance from storage into the processor. That happens even before you turn the appliance on. The Start button on the front of an oven is the equivalent of the Enter button on your computer keyboard and, like your computer, the appliance just sits there with its programming all ready to execute until you give it a command and press the Enter key. When an appliance starts to perform erratically, the problem can often be found in a very confused computer chip. The causes for this can span an ever increasing range of causes as our appliances become smarter and smarter. A simple cause can be a slight
From
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fluctuation in electrical power. A much more complex cause is that all of our built-in appliances have some sort of key pad and, unknown to anyone but your faithful “Maytag repairman,” they all have a special combination of buttons that can be pressed to go into programming mode and make changes/fixes. It is easy to inadvertently press a combination of keys that is a special command and, if you don’t then press the proper series of keys to give the necessary instructions, the appliance can easily get confused by the subsequent keys you press. Since none of us is likely to be a trained repairman, our only recourse is to treat the appliance just like we would treat our computers when they act up – REBOOT IT! Rebooting an appliance simply means to unplug the power source, wait 15 to 30 seconds and then plug it back in. That’s pretty easy to do with countertop appliances like toaster ovens. However, with built-ins, you need to go to the circuit breaker panel on the outside of your garage and flip off the appropriate circuit breaker. The major appliances like an oven, washing machine or your air conditioner will have a separate circuit breaker for each appliance. At the panel, flip off the appropriate breaker. If the appliance is not labeled on the panel, flip off one of the “outlets” breakers and then check the face of the appliance to see if it still has power. Once the appliance is off, wait the above mentioned time and flip the breaker back on. This process will cause the computer chip to reload a fresh copy of the programming from the storage chip. Now try the appliance. If it is still working erratically, then, unfortunately, you have something more major happening and likely need to call a repairman.
WOA page 4
structured. “Chartered Clubs” must have a required amount of members, a governing structure and fiscal reporting. Currently, there are five chartered clubs: Artists & Crafters, Neighborhood Watch, Silver Sluggers Softball, Women of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Senior Golf Club. The WOA also has “Groups” and “Special Interest Groups” which are essentially the same with minor variances. The association has approximately 30 groups and special interest groups. All groups and clubs and their contacts are listed on page 6.
Groups and Clubs Guidelines, “Membership in a group or club must be open to all members of the Association without discrimination as to sex, race, religion, color, ethnic culture or national origin. The Association will not recognize a group or club which also requires membership in affiliated national, state or regional organizations as a precondition for membership. In addition, the Association will not recognize a club, shared interest group or group with a particular community service, political or religious interest due to their conditional or exclusionary nature. “
In order for a group or club to be “recognized” or “sanctioned,” it must comply with the “Groups and Clubs Guidelines.” There are many advantages to being a “recognized” group or club. These groups and clubs may utilize the WOA facilities for meetings and events, advertise their events in the Clubhouse and include their events and meetings on the association calendar. According to the
While this is in no way an all-inclusive structure of the WOA, it is a good excerpt that serves as an introduction or a reminder. If at any time you have any questions about the association, please contact us through the portal, come to the Clubhouse front desk, call the Clubhouse at 824-7581 or email rrivera@ourwoodbridge.net.
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Woodbridge LIFE
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Annual Community Meeting By Bob Hall
T
he Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch group held its annual meeting for the entire community in November. Close to 80 people attended.
Manteca Police Officer John Machado was the guest speaker. John opened his presentation discussing the act of trespassing on private property. John explained the law about trespassing is not as clear as you would think it should be. There is what is called case law, previous cases concerning a crime and how those affect the penalty issued for each following crime. The police must determine the intent of the criminal who is breaking this law. It turns out that a simple act of trespassing is not that simple and not easy to prosecute. Regardless, you should report the act to the police and let them determine if action should be taken. John then addressed what to do if someone sees something suspicious. The answer is to call the police and report it. The police welcome these calls and encourage people to do so any time a citizen is concerned about an activity that might be criminal. In an emergency, call 911. If it is not an emergency, call 209-456-8101, the Manteca Police Department non-emergency number. At this point, the question of car decals came up and John was asked if he thought this was a good idea. He said this could help all residents distinguish which vehicles belonged to residents and he was in favor of it. The decals were not designed for Woodbridge; they are a generic decal used when marking tools and other objects with an etching tool so they can be identified if stolen and the decal just states that. The decals were purchased because of the operation I.D. wording on them. The capabilities and limitations of Woodbridge’s security cameras was next on the agenda. I explained that without a description of the vehicle used in the crime, it would be difficult to pinpoint the car. For
WOODBRIDGE VETERANS GROUP
Photo submitted by Jack Dauler.
Veterans Bill Buffington and Jack Dauler presented the Marine Corps sergeants with more than 100 toys collected from generous Woodbridge residents.
Page 17 • January 2016
instance, if something was stolen and no one saw the car, the thief could place the stolen object inside the car or van and there would be no way to tell if that vehicle was the one we were seeking. So any vehicle without a decal would be suspicious and we would have to turn all those plate numbers in to the police. The police can only run the plate and determine if someone living in Woodbridge owns that car. And, if that car did not belong to a resident, the police may or may not be able to investigate further since our streets are open to the public. A question about Delta, the private patrol company the association hired, was asked and Ramon answered that the company has been patrolling for several weeks now. They are here every night for four hours, usually between midnight and 6 a.m. Until further notice, if you need to report a suspicious act, call 911 or the non-emergency number for Manteca Police Department listed above. RV permits and registering home alarm systems were next discussed. RV permits must be obtained before parking your RV in front of your house if you are not loading or unloading it. The permit is good for a few days. The fine is $32. You are required by the city to register your home alarm system in January every year. You can find both forms on our Woodbridge portal. Go to Resource Center and then to City Permits. The last item was about Manteca crime maps available by going to the Manteca Police Department’s website and clicking on Crime Map in the left column. You will be taken to RaidsOnline and automatically shown all of the types of crime committed in the city of Manteca, CA, during the previous one-month time period. You can change the date range and other search parameters and you may sign up for crime alerts to be emailed to you if you wish. I have signed up and find the information very interesting. Remember, watch out for your neighbors and they will watch out for you.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 19 • January 2016
Garden Tasks for January Article and photos by Sandi Larson, Master Gardener
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hat a blessing this wet weather has been. As I write this, we are Sandi Larson expecting three days of rain in the next seven days that will hopefully build up our snowpack in the Sierra. The fog has also returned this year. I heard it’s because all the water in the ground is increasing the Tule fog. One article I read also said that the fog has benefits for Central Valley fruit farmers so its return is benefiting someone! You may have received a poinsettia or an evergreen plant for Christmas. If it’s an evergreen like a florist or supermarket azalea, be aware that these azaleas have probably been developed in a greenhouse and may not survive if put outside. Good to know you didn’t kill the plant, isn’t it? If you received a Holiday Cactus or Christmas Cactus, you need to know they require bright sunlight and moderate moisture levels. Southfacing windows are excellent places for “holiday” cactus. After six weeks of holiday blooming, remove spent flowers and apply a houseplant fertilizer. After winter they can be grown outside in semi-shady places. If you have a poinsettia, they require bright, indirect light and frequent watering. Don’t allow the plants to wilt but watering too much can damage roots. If you are one of the brave souls who has purchased a live tree for Christmas, you may be able to transplant it into your yard if it’s survived being indoors. If you received an Italian stone pine tree (blue gray foliage), remember that these trees grow very large (up to 35 feet tall). They grow into an umbrella crown.
Lilacs can be purchased as bare root shrubs.
We’ve already had a freeze or two, so I’m sure more freezing temperatures are headed our way. I noticed that my hydrangeas have freeze damage. If this happens to your hydrangeas, your first inclination might be to cut back that ugly black foliage – See
GARDEN page 34
Camelias are happy when they're pruned right after or during blooming.
Clematis Montana Rubens is well adapted to cold weather.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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WBL photos by Volker Moerb
1213 Maple Hill Court: "Enjoy the hospitality of Christmas symbolized by the pineapple motif" - Carol Boné.
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e wish to acknowledge and thank our sponsors for their generosity to the 7th Annua Holiday Homes Tour:
Doctors Hospital of Manteca Sandi Larson of Remax The Lori's & Co. The Commons at Union Ranch Valley Oak Dental Group Visiting Angels Wesson Hearing Aid Center
WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
1988 Autumn Oaks Street: "Memories from our past" - Jeff and Gail Pace.
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Woodbridge LIFE
bitz.
r al
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WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
2180 Manor Station Way: "Believe in the magic of Christmas" - Sandra and Alan Nevares
Holiday Homes Tour
h
WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
2125 Knollwood Court: "Winter wonderland" - Tom and Terri Heath
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Woodbridge LIFE
WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
2309 River Berry Drive: "Home for the holidays" - Judy and Tom Mishoe
WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
2460 Morning Brook Drive: "Christmas holiday happiness" Shirley and David Lopes
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Woodbridge LIFE
Softball This Month SANDLOT SOFTBALL Article by Debby Hickey and WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz.
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ne by one, they show up with bat packs, gloves and giddy grins. There are usually about 20 guys. Ken Beaty (manager-in-charge) lines them up for the sound off, “1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, etc.,” and the teams are formed. Odd numbers take the field; even numbers take to the batting box. So begins Woodbridge’s new Saturday Sandlot Softball. No one has to sign up – it’s open to all residents. Play whatever position you want even try them all! It’s a great opportunity to play in the offseason, test your skills, get to know fellow players, keep in shape or top condition, get out of the house, have a lot of laughs and fun, and, as Mike Herrera adds, “Get out of doing the honey-do list!” Everyone has a turn at bat and then the teams switch places. If there are not enough players for two teams, all players rotate to catch, bat and sometimes pitch (like the game I watched).
"Pitch Perfect!"
Here are some “sounds of the game:” Scenario: Tom Mello pitching for the first time, Lorenzo Gonzalez at bat, Ken Beaty catching. (Various players): “Whose idea was it to let Tom pitch?” “He’s pitching inside, behind, every which way!” “Aim at the plate!” “Come back to your left!” “Lorenzo, get ready to duck!” “Dive!” “Lorenzo, is your insurance paid up?” (Tom): “You’re getting me all confused!” (Ken): “Why is everyone in the infield?” (Second baseman): “Ken’s getting a workout. Hey, Ken, how’s your arm?” (Player): “Tom, you’re fired!” (Tom): “You have no appreciation for talent!” Tom decides to start tossing instead of lobbing the ball. Lorenzo is now able to hit. (Five players to the left of pitcher): “I got it!” (Lorenzo’s next hit whizzes by infielder): “You got a hole in that glove?” Lorenzo: “Aah, you’re all talk and no catch!” Players: “Must have had a backspin on that one!” “Come on, power hitter!” (Lorenzo hits a line drive past four players): “Don’t everybody move at once!” See
SANDLOT page 24
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Page 24 • January 2016 From
SANDLOT page 23
Woodbridge LIFE
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(Hits a slow dribbler): “Danny, that’s yours!”
And here are some player comments:
(Fly ball to outfield): “Hey, shoelace catch!”
“It’s great! Come on out! Lots of fun!”
Meanwhile, in the dugout, Bob Penzenstadler gives Jim Schrimp pre knee-replacement advice, “You need to get your leg in the best shape and top condition possible before the surgery. Start now, three times a week in the gym, and then secure a buddy to do your leg straightening!” Various people stroll by and comment: Karen Penzenstadler says, “Bob [her husband] loves this offseason softball. He looks forward to it. It keeps him in shape, gives him something to do and helps him know what day of the week it is!” Perry Gibson, walking his dog, says, “They look like a bunch of deer hunters out there! They act like it’s winter out here!”
“Softball is always in season!” “Brrrrr!” “There’s always a good turnout!” So come out and play ball. Saturday games start at 9:30 a.m., and usually end around 11 a.m. or so. And now, a word from Vern Mendes, our 2016 WSSC president: “For those of you interested in signing up for our 2016 season, please do so early – even in January – as this will give you plenty of time to get familiar with all of the senior softball rules, to practice and to get conditioned for play. Sign-up forms are available at the Clubhouse front desk. Come out and play!”
Ready, willing and able.
WOODBRIDGE SOFTBALL WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS 2015 SPONSORS Softball Sponsors (in alphabetical order):
"Hey, batter. Swing."
Alhambra Water Antique Avenue Arvin Home Systems Center Appliance Cruisers (Boyett Petroleum) Delicato Family Vineyards Denise's Farmers' Market Environmental Creations Fagundes Meats & Catering Farmington Fresh Manteca Lighting
Manteca Optical Old McGowan's Feed Store Precision Auto of Manteca Sandi Larson, Realtor (Remax) Second Chance Band Svenhard's Swedish Bakery The Lori's (PMZ Real Estate) Ultimate Furniture Uncle Frank's (Chez Shari) Walgreens
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WOODBRIDGE SENIOR GOLF CLUB Open to all Woodbridge Residents By John Armstrong
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his is the third year of our golf club. We are looking for members who love to play golf and want to meet people with the same interest. We will have nine monthly tournaments at different golf courses around our area at reasonable rates. We have a competitive golf group with two flights, depending on your golf index, and a fun group that plays without indexes. For those who were members previously and want to rejoin for 2016, the cost will be $46 ($36 to join the NCGA and $10 for 2016 dues). New members who want to play in the competitive group will need to join the NCGA for handicapping purposes. The cost is $46 for the first year plus a membership initiation fee of $40, totaling $86. New members who want to play in the fun group without joining the NCGA will pay $40 to join for the first year and then $10 for renewals. If you would like to try the golf club without joining, you may play in up to two of our tournaments before joining. Our proposed 2016 tournament calendar is available at the Clubhouse as well as in this edition of Woodbridge LIFE. Courses we will play include Spring Creek (Ripon), Manteca Park, La Contenta (Valley Springs), Lockeford Springs, Elkhorn (Stockton), The Reserve at Spanos Park (Stockton), Micki Grove (Lodi), Diablo Grande (Patterson) and Swenson Park (Stockton) If you have any questions, please contact John Armstrong at 209-200-7302.
Woodbridge LIFE
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WOODBRIDGE SENIOR GOLF CLUB Proposed 2016 Golf Tournament Calendar Submitted by John Armstrong
Date
Golf Course
February 22 March 21 April 26 May 23 June 20 July 25
Spring Creek Manteca Park La Contenta Lockeford Springs Elkhorn Reserve at Spanos Park Micki Grove Diablo Grande Swenson Park
August 29 September 26 October 24
Points for Woodbridge Cup X
Fun Tournament
X 200 points X
X X 200 points
If you have any questions please contact: John Armstrong 209-200-7302.
OFFSEASON SOFTBALL By Ken Beatty
H
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 9:30 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.
X X X
X
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Woodbridge LIFE
www.ourwoodbridge.net
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. By Jean Kavale
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t was a warm day in September 1962 that my husband Bob and I began our journey by train from California to Louisiana. We had arranged to meet my parents at the New Orleans railroad station and then go with them to a French Quarter hotel where we had room reservations. At the same time that Bob and I were riding on the train, my parents were driving from their home in Washington, D.C. We planned to spend a few days sightseeing before we all headed to Florida in Dad’s car for a reunion with my brother, his wife Jane, and their two young sons. Our train eventually clanked its way to the New Orleans station. Once inside, Bob headed toward a sign marked “Waiting Room,” where he was met with a big shock. I had neglected to tell him there were two waiting rooms—one for “whites” and one for “colored.” He had mistakenly gone to the wrong one. When I caught up with him, I pointed out that even the drinking fountains are segregated. “Those are just a couple of examples of how Photo contributed. people of color are discriminated against in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Deep South,” I told him. Bob was born and raised in Europe, and this was his first visit to that part of the United States. “They’re Because of his efforts, the Civil Rights Movement gained also barred from certain restaurants and must momentum and rolled onward like a powerful stream. During sit in the backs of buses,” I said. Bob responded by saying, “How the march on Washington in 1963, which drew thousands of his unfortunate.” supporters, he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Here are This decades-old treatment of black citizens was especially excerpts: disheartening to Martin Luther King, Jr., a black man born January “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. Because he grew up in this segregated I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American city, he experienced firsthand the injustice of racism. King later became an ordained Baptist minister and served as pastor of a church dream.” in Montgomery, Alabama. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that Reverend King was driven to help stamp out segregation by all men are created equal.’” “meeting physical force with soul force,” as he called it. To that end, in the mid-1950s he became leader of the Civil Rights Movement. A “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a major victory for the movement occurred in 1955 when a fellow civil nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by rights advocate and Montgomery resident, Rosa Parks, was arrested the content of their character.” for not giving up her bus seat to a white person. After her arrest, Reverend King played a large role in ending legal segregation and King met with Parks to plan a boycott of the Montgomery bus system. creating the Civil Rights Act, which President Johnson signed into The boycott lasted 385 days and ended when the United States law in 1964. That same year King was awarded the Nobel Peace District Court ruled to end segregation on all Montgomery public Prize. Despite his immense success, he gained many foes who were buses. opposed to civil rights. At his hotel in Memphis, he was assassinated This positive outcome encouraged Reverend King to promote in 1968 by one of those enemies of freedom. Reverend King was only peaceful civil disobedience. He believed success in ending segregation 39 years old. could be achieved by using nonviolent means, such as sit-ins at In 1983 Congress declared every third Monday in January to restaurants, marches, speeches and boycotts. He felt that by doing be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This holiday falls on or near his so, black people could conquer injustice while still maintaining their birthday and is a well-deserved tribute to a man who died much too dignity. soon.
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Woodbridge LIFE
TO YOUR HEALTH
Meet Doctors Hospital’s New CEO,
Ikenna ‘Ike’ Mmeje
Doctors Hospital Forum, January 14, 2016, 9:30 a.m. Submitted by Scott Knight, Associate Administrator Business Development & Marketing, Doctors Hospital Manteca
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kenna ‘Ike’ Mmeje recently took over the reins of Doctors Hospital of Manteca coming from Tenet’s Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo. Mmeje pronounces his name as “May-jay” and succeeds Nicholas Tejeda who transferred to El Paso, Texas. The hospital’s new chief executive officer started in Manteca in late September. Mmeje was named the chief operating officer at the San Luis Obispo facility a year ago April, responsible for overseeing the hospital’s daily operations and ancillary operations such as pathology, radiology, pharmacy and plant operations at what is the largest private employer in San Luis Obispo. Sierra Vista’s CEO Joe DeSchryver remarked that Mmeje “has the proven ability to manage a complex organization in a result-driven manner while at the same time focusing on providing optimal outcomes and exceptional patient experiences.” Mmeje worked previously at Sutter Health: Alta Bates Medical Center in Oakland as administrative director – clinical and research services. Before that he spent four years as Director of Operations at REDI, The East Bay AIDS Center and also completed a one-year Administrative Fellowship with Sutter Health. Mmeje earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed a Master of Health Services Administration degree at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, certified in Healthcare Research Compliance, and will be certified as a “Lean” Leader in continuous performance improvement. We hope you will put this forum on your calendars early so you don’t miss this chance to meet the new Doctors Hospital CEO up close, January 14, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.
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Woodbridge LIFE
Triker's Travels By Judy McNamara
"Del's Angels"
W
ho'd have thought that there was a motorcycle group here in Woodbridge? And, what a group they are! Most of the guys have been riding a very long time and have owned and ridden different bikes for most of their lives. Why do they ride? As Jim Georgis says, "It's the closest thing to flying without leaving the ground" and "Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul." Who are Woodbridge’s “patch holders” happily riding these machines? They are anywhere from nine to 12 of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. Most of them have years of experience riding motorcycles from Yamahas, Hondas, BMWs and Suzukis to Harleys. Mike Drewry and Mike Crabb are the pioneers of this impressive group that shares its love of motorcycles and camaraderie. They meet Mondays and Fridays at Mike Drewry's where the group decides where they want to ride that particular day, usually anywhere from 75 to 150 miles beginning in either Tracy or Stockton. They first stop for breakfast where they solve the problems of the world and then it's time to fire up the pipes for the ride. The choice is usually back roads in order to take in new scenery. Art DeSouza has ridden for 40 years since college. His first bike was a Yamaha 80cc and he now rides a Suzuki 800cc. Having come from Sunnyvale two years ago, Art is a Vietnam vet who spent three
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years in the Army in the ‘60s and then later in the Army Reserve and trained as a combat engineer and retention sergeant. His career was in engineering for 45 years in the Silicon Valley. Mike Drewry bought his first bike in 1958 and has had 17 bikes since. As a California native, he says he has always loved anything on two wheels and has ridden his motorcycles to Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Oregon. Drewry says his favorite rides are in our own Gold Rush foothills. He comes from Tracy where he had been in sales for 31 years. Jim Georgis is another local boy, having come from Pleasanton where Judy McNamara he was a captain with the Livermore Fire Department for 26 years. His first motorcycle was a Honda he bought in 1970 and eight bikes later, he still rides a Honda. This one is a 2005 Honda ST-1300 (sport/touring). Jim’s bio is impressive. Prior to fire fighting, he was a draftsman at the Livermore Lab where he had the opportunity to spend three months on Christmas Island during the aboveground testing of the atomic bomb, viewing it from a distance of nine to 12 miles. Wayne Gordon is one of the more serious riders, having ridden for 51 years. It began as his transportation to and from work for 10 years, rain or shine. His first bike was a Honda 305 Superhawk purchased in 1964 and the next one was a 1966 Honda 160 Scrambler. Wayne and a friend loved hill climbing and dirt riding and became involved in races – oval dirt track races with jumps. It wasn't until the late 1990s that See
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Wayne graduated to a Harley Street Glide. Then in 2007 he purchased Jamison in Pleasanton where he had worked for 23 years. He started a new Harley Heritage Soft-tail Classic that he still rides. Longer riding dirt bikes in his early twenties and then moved on to a Triumph trips have included Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada, Lake Havasu, and a Harley that he rode for 10 years. In his words, "When I feel Arizona, and Solvang, California. confident and safe, I will ride with these great guys proudly.” Jerry Becker is one of the original transplants to Woodbridge. After Art DeSouza tells me there are a few more guys who ride occasionally retiring in 2009 as a manufacturing engineer, he and his wife decided with the group, including Mario Vernali and others. to move to California to be near their son and daughter. The Beckers It was so impressive to see the guys’ cycles all lined up in showcase moved to Woodbridge in 2012 from Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Jerry's fashion so Volker could take pictures. It's got to be quite a sight to see love of the motorized two wheelers began when he was 14 and living all them riding off into the sunrise on Mondays and Fridays! in Texas. He now rides a 2004 BMW 115ORT motorcycle, which is a Remember, fellas, Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down! combination of a comfortable sport/touring bike. Last year Jerry rode it on a four-day trip to Oregon where he saw some amazing scenery including Crater Lake. Bob Hagen is one of the Harley guys. He owns a 2014 Ultra Classic and rides once a week with the boys, chalking up anywhere from 75 to 150 miles. Bob insists on breakfast first in Tracy or Stockton! He hooked up with the boys in the summer of 2014 and always enjoys the weekly rides. Steve Howe has only been riding since 2007 when he bought a Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser. He feels it's a great way to be outdoors. Having learned to ride from his nephew, who was a motor cop in Modesto and with whom he still rides from time to time, Steve is a regular rider with the Woodbridge guys. Johnny Manha is the latest to hook up with this band of brothers. He hasn't as yet gone on any rides with them since he is just getting used to his new Harley Freewheeler 2015, a three-wheeler. Johnny is a native of the Bay Area, graduating from San Leandro High School. Being another Vietnam veteran, he WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz. was exposed to Agent Orange, to which doctors attribute his getting multiple sclerosis. Johnny "Del's Angels" lined up for a photo op before one of their morning rides. was forced to retire at age 43 from Rhodes-
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Woodbridge LIFE
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ROMMEL RECOMMENDS: Mazaa Kabob House Article and photos by Rommel Parseh
I
came across Mazaa Kabob House as I was searching the Internet for a restaurant with a convenient location and good food. Mazaa is located in the West Valley Mall in Tracy about 20 minutes/17 miles from Del Webb. The Yelp rating is 4.5 stars with 160 reviews, so I decided to give them a try. Opened April 1, 2015, by Haroon Hamid, the ownerchef, Mazaa Kabob House is an Afghani restaurant. Hamid’s passion in life had always been to open his own restaurant. He mentioned he brings with him several years of food industry experience from working and later managing Bistango and Bayside, two quality restaurants in Southern California. Mazaa, meaning “taste,” is a casual restaurant serving fine food. The décor is very simple with two of the walls covered with several photos from Afghanistan. We could hear pleasant Afghani music coming from the speakers. We were greeted and seated by Yosef, a very friendly server who took our beverage orders. Mazaa does not have alcoholic beverages on their menu but will serve the bottle of wine you bring. The corkage fee is $10. We ordered green tea with cardamom and dogh, a yogurt drink.
Photos from Afghanistan adorn the restaurant walls.
Yosef served our beverages and a complementary small appetizer of Shor Nakhod made from potato, garbanzo bean and cilantro chutney sauce. We ordered Borani Banjan, a vegetarian dish, to share as an appetizer. This is made with oven-roasted sliced eggplants topped with tomatoes and crème fresh topping and served with white basmati rice and Afghani bread. There are three other vegetarian dishes on the menu, all served with white basmati rice. For the main course, we ordered the chicken kabob that comes with basmati rice and lamb shank served with brown rice topped with raisins and julienned carrots. Both are served with a side of Afghan salad and bread. They have seven other main dishes including wraps in addition to side items. For dessert we shared a scrumptious Firinee, a light pudding with grated pistachios and cardamom. They also serve baklava. Everything we had was well prepared and tasted delicious and the service was excellent. We left the restaurant knowing we will return soon to taste other menu items.
Customers enjoy an intimate lunch.
Mazaa Kabob House is located at 2745 Naglee Road in Tracy. For optional reservations and information, call 209-830-4402. Their website is www. mazaakabobhouse.com.
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CHILI COOK-OFF
Photo submitted by Phyllis Rose.
Dave Rose accepted the Second Place Chili Cook-Off trophy on behalf of the Woodbridge Bocce Ball group.
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 31 • January 2016
LATHROP CHRISTMAS PARADE 2015
Photo by Steve Howe.
Bill Barnhart chauffeured new Manteca Unified School District board member Kathy Howe and board president Deborah Romero in his dune buggy in the 2015 Lathrop Christmas Parade.
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Woodbridge LIFE
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WINE 101 By Jon Ford
F
WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.
Guests enjoyed the Holiday Homes Tour luncheon in the Multipurpose Room.
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. Our annual December Potluck and Bottle Exchange was a huge success with the class filling up in less than two hours. This particular class ran a little longer than normal as classmates had great fun in "stealing" a special bottle from someone else in the exchange. We spent the evening enjoying great food, great wine and having great fun. We had 120 people present with a waiting list of more than 30 people as well. In January the class will participate in a blind tasting of four red wines. Participants are to bring a red wine to share at the community table, a second wine for your own table if you wish, your own wine glasses, and an appetizer to share with the group. Our next winemaker/owner visit will be in March by Mark Luchessi from Lucca winery in Ripon. This is an upstart winery that is the only facility in Ripon, located only about 25 minutes from our front doors. Mark makes small lots of about 10 different varietals and all of his wines are delicious. His most expensive wine is only $22 and his club members get a 20 percent discount on their purchases. Mark will be bringing four of his fine wines to taste with us this evening. We also will be doing a side-by-side taste comparison of his Zinfandel with Michael David's 7 Deadly Zins, both of which have the same price point. Opportunities will exist for you to join Lucca’s wine club that evening as well. If you haven't been out to see him yet, don't miss out. Give Mark a call any time and if he's on the property, he will be glad to take time out of his day to host you and your friends for a very intimate See
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tasting. He has a website available. Mark also has plans to open a new tasting room in late spring of this year. If you haven’t attended before, Wine 101 classes generally run from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday or Thursday evenings. The classes consist of a 20- to 30-minute presentation followed by a two-hour social event. Each participant brings a bottle of wine to be shared at the community tabled based on the class theme for the evening. In addition, participants are asked to bring an appetizer to share with the group and their own wineglasses. There is no charge for the events (other than field trips) but we do take donations to help defray the costs of materials used in each class. You may call in or come to the Clubhouse in person to register for classes. OUR UPCOMING CALENDAR FOR 2016 (SPECIFIC DATES TO BE DETERMINED) WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: February Dessert wines. March A visit from owner/ winemaker Mark Luchessi of Lucca Winery in Ripon. (Oh, how wonderful these wines are! We'll taste four this evening). April
May
"The Middleman,” Chad Londry, District Manager of the Golden State Division of Southern Wine and Spirits, will make a presentation about the wholesaler’s role in the wine business. Tentative field trip to Amador.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO: New wine trips Stephanie Gallo to speak about her family history The art of tasting wine A blind tasting of Merlots The Indelicato family of Delicato Vineyards Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Meritage wines Italian varietals Box wines Future winemaker/owner visits As you can see, we have more than enough ideas to take us into 2017! SO MANY WINES, SO LITTLE TIME!
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Woodbridge LIFE
GARDEN page 19
STOP – don’t prune your frost/freeze tender plants now because that will force new growth which can again be frozen with the next freeze. It is best to wait until the chance of frost has passed before pruning. Continue to protect your succulents, citrus and other frost- or freeze-sensitive plants with something like Cloud Cover or a blanket made specifically for protection. Remove the blanket during the daytime. Snails and slugs returned this year in force thanks to our wet weather. Pick them or bait for them. January is an excellent time to purchase bare root fruit trees and roses for your garden. Remember the price goes up once the grower puts the plants into pots. Look for flowering shrubs such as lilacs and vines like clematis, wisteria and grapes. You can also find berries, strawberries, asparagus, artichoke and rhubarb online and in nurseries. Prune deciduous fruit trees, shade trees, roses and shrubs right now. Acid-loving plants such as camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons are happy when they’re pruned right after or during blooming. Don’t prune trees or shrubs when buds are swelling or growth has started but wait until after plants have leafed out. Vines can be pruned but the exception would be wisteria and clematis. I’ve mentioned before that my favorite clematis is Clematis Montana. The flowers are unbelievable in early spring, blanketing the plant and it has no problems with frost or freezing.
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Save yourself a lot of time (and possibly expense) by planting the right plant in the right place. When you are considering planting a plant or tree, look up that plant and find out what its maximum size will be. With our Manteca soil being as good as it is, it’s likely that the plant will reach its maximum size pretty quickly here. Now is also a good time to spray deciduous shrubs and fruit trees with a dormant spray to kill overwintering insects. January is a good month to imagine what your garden can be next year. This is the month that most of our trees and shrubs are only branches and we can imagine where new plantings or hardscape can go. Seed catalogs are a great diversion from our winter weather. If you have an entryway garden or plants covered by a patio, remember to give them water when you aren’t using your irrigation because the rainfall won’t reach them. Plants to plant this month include cyclamen, pansies, Iceland poppies, stock cineraria and snapdragons. In the shrub arena, look for camellias in bloom or helleborous which comes in many colors and lasts for a long time. Pomegranate offers lots of interest right now with its beautiful fruit. Pyracantha and holly plants are beautiful in January. To add a little interest to your yard right now, you might consider feeding your feathered friends or putting a little water in a birdbath for the days between storms.
H
appy gardening!
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 35 • January 2016
DID YOU KNOW... SIXTEEN Compiled by Mike Spence from Internet resources including Mental-Floss, Cornell University, Trump Hotel Collection, Clickamericana and Wikipedia
•
Sixteen is a cardinal number but no one knows why it wasn’t teny-six
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The 16th Amendment to the Constitution established the income tax
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In music, a 16th note or semiquaver is played for half the duration of an eighth note
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The 1984 film, Sixteen Candles has become a classic: ∘∘ Molly Ringwald beat out actress Joan Cusack for the
lead
∘∘ •
“Sixteen” is the name of a five star restaurant on the 16th floor of the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, IL
•
The song Sixteen Tons was made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford but was written and first performed by Merle Travis
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Sixteen was the title of a magazine first published in 1957
∘∘ The character Long Duk Dong was played by the
∘∘ Elvis Presley appeared on the cover of
28-year-old Utah-born Gedde Watanabe who only spoke English
the first issue
∘∘ The final issue was published in 2001
∘∘ The film was shot almost totally on location - Skokie,
∘∘ The magazine did not accept outside
Illinois
∘∘ John Hughes wrote the entire script over a long
Fourth of July weekend
Molly liked the script of a proposed sequel, Thirtytwo Candles
advertising
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Sixteen (TV series) was broadcast from May until June 2015 on the Mnet network
Page 36 • January 2016
Woodbridge LIFE
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RECYCLE YOUR E-WASTE
MEN OF WOODBRIDGE
Submitted by Erika Smith, Lifestyle Manager
S
an Joaquin Regional Conservation Corps (SJRCC) is hosting a FREE E-waste recycling collection, Wednesday, January 6. In order to participate, please have your E-waste curbside by 9 a.m. If you have large items that you need carried out of your home, leave a note curbside and SJRCC will carry the items out for you. Some examples of electronic waste are cell phones, computers, computer monitors, keyboards, laptops, TVs, VCR and DVD players, fax machines, printers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), CD players, iPods, MP3 players, iPads and tablets. Wooden speakers, paper shredders and household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, toasters, coffee pots and microwaves, are not accepted. San Joaquin Regional Conservation Corps helps young adults 18 to 25 years of age with academic instruction, employment, green job training and life skills. Positive outcomes are inevitable when teaching young people the benefits of conserving our natural resources. SJRCC’s passion is to motivate, educate and serve local youth and communities. Through hard work and environmental stewardship, corps members learn skills that inspire them to be the change they want to see.
Photo submitted by Jack Dauler.
Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.
Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.
Men of Woodbridge president Bill Goodwin (front left) and the Men of Woodbridge presented Marine Corps Sergeants Alan Nevares, Donald DeLasota and Joseph Meyers a check for $700 toward the Toys 4 Tots program.
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Woodbridge LIFE
Page 37 • January 2016
DAY TRIPPIN': A VISIT TO HISTORICAL BENICIA By Marie Evans
D
o you enjoy California history, scenic views, walks along the water, shops and restaurants?
If the answer is yes, consider a visit to one of our historical old capitols of California. Our state capitol was a 'movable feast' in the early days – hopping around from Monterey (under Spanish and Mexican rule) to San Jose and a brief stay in Sonoma. Then the state capitol was a quick stop in Vallejo followed by a short span at Sacramento and then to Benicia and lastly, Sacramento again. I think, officially, Benicia is the next to the last capitol the State of California has had. But, there is much more to the town of Benicia and the area that surrounds it as my husband and I found when we recently visited the area.
Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.
Benicia is located on the north shore of the Carquinez Straits and has a truly beautiful view of the straits, the Carquinez Bridge and surrounding waters and hillsides; it is very scenic. Also, there is the Benicia State Recreation Area (1 State Park Road, Benicia) with trails along the water, magnificent views and picnic areas. We saw people catching large salmon from the shore! Leashed dogs are welcome and you may walk from the park to Benicia if you are feeling energetic. Since the climate is temperate in the area, it is often warmer on the straits than here in winter and cooler than here in summer.
Benicia Capitol State Historic Park (115 West G St., Benicia) is worth visiting. The capitol building is interesting but I found the old Fisher-Hanlon House and grounds around and next to the capitol fascinating. Ask the person who greets you at the door to the capitol building how to tour it. Accessibility is not good as the grounds around the house are mostly old bricks and could be difficult to walk on and impossible with a wheelchair and the capitol building has stairs. However, the state brochure says to call 707-745-3385 before you go because they “support equal access.” Old Town Benicia is teeming with interesting restaurants (we had a great lunch at the First Street Cafe), art shops, etc. We also noticed an inn overlooking the water and the Union Hotel restaurant and guest rooms in Old Town. As in many towns in the Bay Area, Jack London once lived and worked in Benicia. Local legend has it that he was inspired to write John Barleycorn and Tales of the Fish Patrol there. There are two ways to get to Benicia by car: via Highway 4, which becomes a freeway just west of Discovery Bay, to 680; go north on 680 over the Carquinez Bridge and take 780 west toward Vallejo. Or take Interstate 5 to 205 to 580 west to Pleasanton and go north on 680 over the Martinez, Carquinez Bridge and take 780 as above.
Woodbridge LIFE
Page 38 • January 2016
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.
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1. Marian Pistochini recently traveled to the Middle East and Africa, including 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
a two-day stop in Dubai and a seven-day Kenyan safari. Marian's three children and their spouses accompanied her on this trip. Linda Checchi (left) and Marlene Riley traveled down the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans on the American Queen paddlewheeler. Lorraine and John Sommerhalder celebrated their 80th birthdays in Oahu. It was a short flight to Phoenix and a long drive home for Bill Barnhart and his new 2014 Corvette Stringray. John Green and Elsie Pegis visited Maryjo Keenan in Las Vegas. Mike and Karen Kuns celebrated their 25th anniversary on Maui in November.
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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.