WBL MAY 2020 by Woodbridge LIFE

W oodbridge LIFE Volume 10 • Issue 5 • Number 104

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

May • 2020

May

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” Cardinal Gaspard Mermillod, 1824-1892

Thank You

All healthcare and public service workers who are working diligently around the clock to help us fight against the novel coronavirus. We are grateful for your selfless acts.

“

Inside

From the Boardroom.. . . . . . . . 5 Groups and Clubs. . . . . . . . . . 6 Calendar.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Scene around Woodbridge 20-21 Gardener’s Corner .. . . . . . . . 23 Triker’s Travels .. . . . . . . . . . 25 Shelter-In-Place Photos.. . . . . 34 READ WBL ONLINE: http://issuu.com/ woodbridgelife

WBL photos by Sharyl Burgeson

Woodbridge residents came out of their homes on March 25 to honor all first responders.

See additional photos and article THANK YOU RESPONDERS, pages 18-19

W oodbridge LIFE

Page 2 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2020

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Here from the beginning. A view from the Clubhouse site. 2006

Here for you today.

Tony Hallbourg, Realtor Gratefully serving Woodbridge since 2006, Tony has helped more than 250 families buy and sell homes in your remarkable community.

Each office independently owned & operated. CA DRE #01821536

916.896.7177 thallbourg@yahoo.com cbsunridge.com

www.ourwoodbridge.net

W oodbridge LIFE

From the Editor W

What’s Going on at Woodbridge?

elcome to our new way of life!

This month will probably see the continuation of our “Sheltering-in-Place” mandated by the governor because of COVID-19. Woodbridge residents have been keeping busy despite not being able to go out and do whatever they want. We are helping the curve to flatten and that is a wonderful thing. For this issue, I thought it would be nice to see what others around the community are doing to occupy their time. Since we don’t have activities at the Clubhouse, I asked various groups and organizations to reach out to their members for input. I hope you will enjoy reading about what has been happening at Woodbridge behind the scenes.

May 2020 • Page 3

By Activities & Events Coordinator Jennie Custodio

WBL Editor Kimberly Hegman

As for me, Woodbridge LIFE keeps me busy throughout the month, but besides working on the paper, I have been making masks for various family and friends, along with helping out my granddaughter. She had the idea of making masks way before they were mandatory. My daughter-in-law posted the idea on Facebook to her friends and by word-of-mouth, it has expanded to helping out our first responders and others in the San Joaquin Valley. As of today, we’ve collectively made over 600 masks. This little idea has turned into a full-time job. We have had to become creative with the shortage of supplies. I’m also attempting to make scrub caps per a request from my other daughter-in-law who works in the NICU for Kaiser. In between all the sewing projects and reading articles for Woodbridge LIFE, I make sure to get out of the house for some fresh air by going for my daily walk with my dog, Kenji. It’s amazing how many more people I see walking around Woodbridge since this pandemic started. I’ve also been connecting with my family in California, Oregon and Washington state via Zoom. We have a weekly meeting at 3 p.m. on Saturdays. So far, we have spent two hours talking at each meeting and always want more time. It’s been wonderful to see all their faces – to laugh, cry and talk about everything under the sun. It’s hard to say good-bye until the next week, but we continue to stay in touch with phone calls and texts. It’s comforting, since most of the time, my dog and two cats just stare at me with not a lot to say. Before I got so involved in making masks, I was in the process of making Memory Bears (more like sloths) from my mom’s blouses and tops. The intent is to give them to my siblings and my kids so they have something to remember Mom (GG) by. Well, that project will have to wait until I’ve made my last mask and scrub cap, but I’m sure Mom would understand.

ello from quarantine. I sure miss all of you and the fun we have at the Clubhouse. I’m looking forward to the Clubhouse reopening and seeing your smiling faces. If you haven’t already done so, please join the new Woodbridge Facebook Events Activities & Events Coordinator and Activities Jennie Custodio page. We are doing virtual activities, fitness classes and more, trying to stay busy and keep the fun going. We’ve had fun spirit weeks with a lot of activities and I thank all who are participating! It’s good to stay connected, even if we can’t be together in person. In a short period of time, I have become a homeschooling, working mama of three. And while challenging, being home with three little kids definitely doesn’t leave room for boredom. It probably helps to have an activities coordinator for a mommy. I just can’t help myself, so we’ve had lots of craft time, Lego ™ time and spirit weeks at home as well. As the weather has gotten warmer, we’ve had a lot of “beach” days with paddle-boarding and swimming right here in River Islands, at a safe distance, of course. And, the most exciting part is that we have all three kids riding bikes with no training wheels. Hooray! I hope you are all healthy and safe and staying busy. I’m looking forward to things getting back to normal.

Have a safe and heathy May and remember your mom this Mother’s Day! ~ Kimberly Hegman and the Woodbridge LIFE team

The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the June 2020 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Email your materials to wblife2017@gmail.com Please send any photos as separate high resolution .jpegs, attached with your emailed article. (In other words, please do not embed photos in your articles.) (Please DO NOT send Woodbridge LIFE items to the editor’s personal email address.) Thank you!

In Memoriam In tribute to a Woodbridge resident who has died, Woodbridge LIFE welcomes a resident spouse or family member/friend to submit up to 100 words and an optional 2 x 2-inch photo for publication. Send submissions by email to wblife2017@gmail.com.

W oodbridge LIFE

Page 4 • May 2020

From the Executive Director

Meet Charlene Schmidt, Front Desk Monitor

By Associate Director Leilani Rodriguez

ay is Stroke Awareness Month and I thought it would be a good time to share my son-inlaw’s story with you. It is very important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke and to act FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 91-1). It could be a matter of life and death. I will never forget the morning of May 9, 2018. My son-in-law was on a business trip in Columbus, Ohio. I received a call informing me that he had had a stroke and was in the ICU. This could not be happening, I thought. He’s only 26! I went home to wake my daughter out of her sleep and tell her the unbelievably tragic news. We booked a flight and arrived in Ohio that evening.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

reetings, all.

In light of the current situation, I hope you are staying safe and practicing social distancing. This month I’d like to introduce Woodbridge to one of the front desk monitors, Charlene Schmidt. Charlene joined the Woodbridge team in 2017 as a part-time monitor and has been a wonderful addition to the staff. Charlene typically works evenings and weekends and is one of the familiar faces you will see on event evenings. She is usually the last one in the building.

Executive Director Brenda Flategraff

We went directly to the hospital and were told he might never walk, talk or remember who we are. This was devastating! How could someone whom I watched play quarterback the week before on a semi-pro team now be in the hospital fighting for his life? Shortly after we arrived, the doctor told us they needed to remove part of his skull because of the swelling of his brain. They gave us the option of storing his skull piece in his belly or shipping it to storage. We chose the first option because it would be sterile, receive nutrients and wouldn’t get lost. Then when he returned to Minnesota, it could be easily accessed to put back in place.

Prior to joining the Woodbridge team, Charlene worked for eight years as a fitness coach at Curves. Charlene also has offered her time volunteering for the last 18-20 years for organizations such as the JROTC, Crime Stoppers and various women’s organizations.

The next few weeks were full of waiting and anxiety. As the doctors removed his breathing and feeding tubes, they began trying to get him to speak and walk. It was determined he had aphasia (lost his speech but his brain knew what was going on) and also usage of his right side. He and my daughter stayed in Ohio for six weeks. They moved him to an in-house therapy facility where he received speech, occupational and physical therapy. My daughter was there by his side in every therapy session, cheering him on. She stayed at a hotel less than five minutes away. After six weeks, he came home. He has continued therapy through Sister Kenny Courage Center in Minnesota.

Thank you, Charlene, for all of your hard work and dedication. We are glad to have you on the Woodbridge team.

He started driving in March 2019 after he had behind-the-wheel training and passed a driver’s test. We moved the gas pedal to the left side of the car and had a knob installed on the steering wheel. He felt free being able to go when and where he wanted to go. He uses more sentences every week. He is enrolled in reading, writing and math classes. And he works one-on-one with a speech therapist and a retired teacher. We never lose hope or faith and we KNOW one day he will be back to 100 percent!

NOTICE OF CORRECTION

2020 WOODBRIDGE SENIOR SOFTBALL CLUB

OPENING DAY CEREMONIES

oodbridge LIFE’s sincerest apologies to Ray Rothbardt for not giving him credit for this informative article written on the Wildcat tournament in the April issue.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

W oodbridge LIFE

April 2020 • Page 29

5CF>=;NM L? ,OG<?L

THE MAKING OF A GOOD SOFTBALL FIELD FIELD MAINTENANCE

–

Charlene grew up in Pleasanton, California, where she lived for 21 years before making her way to Manteca. She has lived here the last 36 years with her husband and three sons. When Charlene is not manning the front desk, she enjoys being outdoors, attending concerts and visiting the theater.

WOODBRIDGE OWNERS ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT MISSION: Safeguard the common interests and physical assets of the association that afford members an enhanced and rewarding quality of life in a fiscally responsible manner.

By Charm Mathis Photos by Charm Mathis and Dave Steffy

CH 2IOLH;G?HN ,OG<?L By Keith Loudermilk

he Wildcats, Woodbridge’s 70s and over softball team, played its first tournament March 5 and 6 at Big League Dreams in Manteca.

Practice began early in February, every Tuesday and Thursday, to get ready for this tournament. Everyone worked hard on all aspects of the game. Most of us had not played since the end of the last Silver Sluggers season in October, so we began slowly and worked up to tournament speed. Finally, the tournament was upon us. The Wildcats first game was against the Sacramento Blues. This team is ranked in the same category as we are, so we started the game evenly. The Wildcats offense was a little slow to get started, but the defense was superb: in fact, we pulled off five double plays during the game. The game went back and forth, inning by inning, and it seemed as if the last team at bat would be the eventual victor. Fortunately, we were the last team at bat, and we won 10 to 9. The next game was against the Redwood City Gold Rush. This team’s ranking is a little lower than ours, so we had to spot them three runs. Again, we played outstanding defense, but it wasn’t until the sixth and seventh innings that the Wildcats bats came alive and we won the game by a score of 9 to7. We went home that day feeling good about ourselves but knowing there were still two more games to play.

are, so we spotted them each five runs. Five runs can be a lot to make up in a softball game but after some struggles on Thursday, we really hit our stride. It took two innings against the California Oaks 80, but by the third inning, we made up the deficit and went well ahead. The second game would decide the championship for our bracket. Lincoln Hills had two wins and one loss, and we had three wins and no losses. A win over us by Lincoln Hills would give them the championship. However, a Wildcats win would mean we would be the champs. Again, they were spotted five runs, but that proved to be a small obstacle since we scored five runs in each of the first three innings to their one run. We also scored in each of the next two innings until they decided their cause was hopeless and called the game. This was the Wildcats first tournament of the year, and it was a good test to see where we stand. I am sure the Wildcats rank will be increased based on the team’s record. This means that the teams we face in the next tournament will be a little more formidable. We will do our best to be up to the task.

JUST IN TIME The Championship Wildcats team included: Sam Barney Jack Dauler Nelson Conner (Assistant Coach) Albert Low Phil Haubert David Hedrick Dan Southwick

Wayne Gordon Glen Jenkins Charlie Pace Art Hogan Horace DiMaggio Bill Norcup Ray Rothbardt (Head Coach)

DEL WEBB FIELD READIED FOR

On Friday, we played the California Oaks 80 and the Lincoln Hills Coyote 80. Both these teams are ranked lower than we

VISION: A proud, welcoming, and most desirable 55+ Active Adult Community with a friendly and enjoyable lifestyle for its members, family, friends, and community.

2019 SOFTBALL

Values: Honesty, Integrity, Diversity, Respect, Fairness, Friendliness, Compassion, Cooperation, Consistency, Education and Common Sense.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

W oodbridge LIFE

May 2020 • Page 5

From the Boardroom By Penny Tenczar, Member at Large

ast summer, it was proposed to me that I run for the board of directors. No one could have been more shocked than I. The idea wasn’t even a blip on my radar screen. My first response was, “Thanks but no thanks.” After a month or so, the offer was presented to me again and I accepted. I sincerely believed, and still do, that it is a real privilege to be part of such a wonderful community. I also feel that we, as individuals living here, need to find ways to keep the community the special place it is. Having a position on the board has opened my eyes to the reality of the many decisions that have to be made in order to keep things on track. One of the most important issues is dealing with the financial health of this community. We have to review the reserve fund and make sure we are setting aside the monies needed for future upkeep. Our community is now 12 years old and some things will need to be replaced or repaired sooner than later. In fact, this year will bring about a comprehensive physical site/ asset review. As you are all aware, we had to make a decision to raise our monthly dues and this issue was a major reason for that. We do not want to go down the “special assessment” road that some HOAs are faced with. Having been a real estate agent for 30 plus years, I can attest to the nightmare that can create. We also have to make decisions such as the latest one regarding the closing of our facilities due to the coronavirus. This was a very difficult decision to make. None of us wanted to shut down the major assets that make the Woodbridge community so special. Many of you were

heartbroken about this decision, as we were ourselves. However, in the end, it was the right thing to do. I have touched on a couple of the most serious decisions we had to make on the board but there are many more that come on a monthly basis. It is so fulfilling to be a part of helping my community through the position I hold. Now for my real pitch. In the fall, we will hold an election for two new board members. It is a real chance to make a difference in your community life. I encourage you to think about throwing your hat in the ring! We need individuals who can bring their unique perspective to the decisions that have to be made on behalf of your fellow residents. As the Nike™ commercial says, “JUST DO IT.” I look forward to hearing from you.

May WOA Meetings Canceled Disclaimer: Unfortunately, due to the necessary precautions required to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), all classes, meetings and events that would have taken place this month in the Lakeview Clubhouse have been cancelled or postponed. For the most up-to-date information, check the Woodbridge portal. We will continue to accept articles for the June issue and hope things get back to normal, but as you know, at this time, everything is very fluid. Be safe and healthy! ~ Woodbridge LIFE Editor Kimberly Hegman

ææ PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE By PP&E Chair John Emery

y the time you read this, I hope we are out of the COVID-19 virus inflicted “Shelter-in-Place” requirements and that all of you remain healthy and safe.

As I assume the role as chair of the Property, Plant and Equipment Committee, I want to take a moment to reflect on who we are and what we do. We are a group of seven resident volunteers who possess skills useful in assisting the board of directors with decisions relating to maintaining and enhancing the physical assets we enjoy in our community. An eighth non-voting member, the board liaison, is a board of director member who provides advice and counsel on behalf of the board. We investigate asset-related issues and recommend options to the board as requested. The board has the authority to accept or decline our offered options or ask for further information. We also serve as a repository of asset-related ideas or suggestions raised by residents that may enhance or improve common areas. It is important to note that we are not authorized to make commitments to any resident or contractor, nor are we allowed to supervise or direct any staff member. With the recent addition of an executive director and a project manager to operations, PP&E’s focus will expand to include providing assistance to the operations team as they take on the day-to-day business of managing maintenance and enhancement of our assets. The experience brought by Brenda Flategraff and Dan Hoover in these roles will serve the

community well. We are about to kick off a review of all assets that have reserve funding allocated in 2020 and 2021. This major task involves assessment of the condition of all community assets and provides that input to operations staff for budgeting. It is an important focus item to ensure we have adequate reserve funding available to maintain our assets when needed. As you might imagine, the necessary facility shutdowns will have an impact on our schedule. We recently wrote the Lake Management contract that spells out a scope of work and expectations going forward for the life of the contract. This is an important step in the on-going challenge of contract management. We are also in the early stages of determining the feasibility of an overall energy consumption reduction program. The PP&E committee normally meets from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Monday of each month in the Westport Room and is open to all residents.

Paddle Tennis

Stan Sutfin

815-9735 at Liberty Park oodbridge LIFEOil Painters Page 6 • May 2020 Paper Crafters Betty Grandt 815-9827 Wednesdays @ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Paddle Tennis (650)Pickleball Barbara Shapiro 438-3085 M-F. Time varies Paper Crafters Ping Pong John Goodman 629-8200 M & TH @ 1 - 3 p.m. Pickleball Groups & Clubs Contact Phone Mondays Meeting Groups & Clubs (510)@ Day 2:15 and p.m.Time Pinochle Robert Philis (510)- Thursdays @ 1 p.m. Artists & Crafters Ping Pong Kathy Dezotte 909-8997 301-7586 M-F. Time & Workshops vary Artists & Crafters Al Sanchez 239-8235 Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. & Pinochle Poker Fridays @ 4:15 p.m. Joe Victoria Ballroom Dance Patti Barnhart 815-9343 629-8838 Fridays @ 5 p.m. Ballroom Dance Sundays @ 4:15 p.m. Poker Radio Controlled Flyers Bob Umberger 239-2983 Days and times vary Rick Hyden 824-9257 Sundays & Thursdays Bocce Ball Bocce Ball Ed Prenot 665-7265 @ 6 p.m. (408)Robotics Larry Wiertel Radio Controlled Flyers Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. 439-5828 Kathy Comden 239-3191 Bridge Bridge Mondays @ 10 a.m. Robotics Cherie Ford 665-7872 Westport Room, Scrapbookers Elaine DeSouza 603-9796 Mary Braun 229-6379 3rd Friday @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bunco Bunco Susan Holt 275-5817 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Scrapbookers (925)Shang-hai Rummy Jacque Foster Tuesday @ 1 3:45 p.m. (925)Canasta Jackie Lipich Canasta 487-5266 Fridays @ 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 998-5657 Shang-hai Rummy Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt 624-3754 Mondays @ 2 p.m. Chair Volleyball Dave Steffy 825-4805 Tuesdays @ 4 p.m. Chair Volleyball Strummin’ Wonders (510)Meets Wednesdays & Fridays Tai Chi Johnny Chess DonaldLoBlick 406-9878 2nd & 4th Monday @ 4 p.m. Chess 366-3780 @ 11 a.m Tai Chi (510)- Summer 3rd Tuesday of the month Mike Drewry 639-7250 Hours (effective May 1) Cooking 401 Paulette Fraticelli Cooking 401 Tennis 333-0734 TU-TH-SU @ 2 p.m.@ 8 - 10 a.m. Jerry Hein 840-2866 Tennis (719)(559)Craft Bill Holst Craft Beer times vary TriviaBeer Eileen Hill 660-5327 3rdMeeting Tuesdaydays @ 7&p.m. Trivia 301-3262 Cribbage Ed Prenot 665-7265 Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. Cribbage Veterans of Woodbridge Rick Van De Boom 923-4709 2nd Monday @ 11 a.m. Veterans of Woodbridge

WOA Groups and Clubs:

Crochet/Knitting Nancy Berger 665-4862 Thursdays @ 10 a.m. Walking Indoors(Evening)Jacque @ 8:30 a.m. Crochet/Knitting DebbieReynolds Kester 629-8508 406-4102 M-W-F First Thursday @ 6 - 8 p.m.

Wheels of Woodbridge Steve Ray Paradis Drama Michelle Rick Hyden Game WidowsNight & Widowers Francesca CharlotteJeglum Sparks Hand & Foot SueFord Cameron Wine 101 Jon

(510)Tuesday @@10:30 815-9446 1stThursdays 1 p.m.a.m. 876-2962 824-9257 Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. 305-8448 Saturday 665-4124 3rdFridays & Saturdays @ 6:30 p.m.

Horseshoe Wii BowlingYoga

Mon, Wed, Fri @ 7 a.m. 824-9257 685-1250 Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. 665-7236 Wednesday 11:30 a.m. 229-6379 3rdMondays @ 1@p.m. 624-3713 Monday Thursdays @ 9:15 a.m. through Friday 609-4350 629-8838 @M-W-F @ 9:15 a.m. 12 - 3 p.m. 629-8060 Fridays @ 6 p.m. 239-2833 1st Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m. 647-4964 2nd Monday @ 10 a.m. Meets every 2 months on 647-4380 647-2534 4thWednesdays a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday @ 1 @ - 310 p.m. 840-2282 Fridays @ 1 - 4 p.m. (510)Seasonal Block Captains will be 305-6771 239-5712 notified of meetings (408)3rd Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m. 629-8838 in Tuesdays 9 a.m. 640-9768 the Oxford@Room Mondays 4 - Monday 5 p.m. every @ other 815-9735 Meets at Liberty Park 647-4380 @ 6:30 p.m. 815-9827 Wednesdays @ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tuesdays @ 9:30 a.m. (408)(650)- Thursdays @ 11 a.m. Time varies 561-6097 438-3085 in M-F. the Multipurpose Room

BobHyden Collister Rick WomenBilliards of Woodbridge Polly Ladies MarySmith Braun Line Dancing (Beginning) Sue Lough Woodbridge Ron Line PattiPlummer Barnhart Pool Dancing Hustlers Line Dancing (Evening) Mary Salvador Woodbridge Book Group Patty DeRoos Men of Woodbridge Woodbridge Quilters National (American) Mah Jongg

Tony LeCara

Elizabeth Cunning Lee Croletto

Woodbridge Senior Loudermilk Softball Club Watch Keith Neighborhood Bob Hall Woodbridge Mike Oil Painters PattiPatterson Barnhart Seniors Golf Club Paddle TennisSingers Woodbridge Paper Crafters

Stan Sutfin Elizabeth Cunning Betty Grandt

Pickleball Zumba Video Class

Cecilia Barbara Shapiro MacNair-Correa

Ping Pong

John Goodman

624-3982 Days W-SA-SU 815-9803 vary @ 1 p.m. (925)-

629-8200 M & TH @ 1 - 3 p.m.

Patti Barnhart Stan Sutfin

notified of meetings 629-8838www.ourwoodbridge.net Tuesdays @ 9 a.m. Mondays @ 4 - 5 p.m. 815-9735 at Liberty Park 815-9827 Wednesdays @ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (650)M-F. TimeDay varies Phone Meeting and Time 438-3085 (510)629-8200 M-F. M & TH @&1 Workshops - 3 p.m. Time vary 301-7586 (510)Mondays @ 2:15 p.m. @@ 4:15 p.m. 909-8997 Fridays Thursdays 1 p.m. 629-8838 Sundays @ 4:15 p.m. 239-8235 Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. & 824-9257 815-9343 Sundays Fridays @&5Thursdays p.m. 665-7265 @ 6 p.m. 239-2983 Days and times vary 239-3191 Mondays @ 10 a.m. (408)665-7872 439-5828 Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. 229-6379 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Westport Room, 275-5817 603-9796 3rd Friday @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (925)Fridays @ 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (925)998-5657 487-5266 Tuesday @ 1 - 3:45 p.m. 825-4805 624-3754 Tuesdays Mondays @ @42p.m. p.m. 406-9878 2nd & 4th Monday 4 p.m. (510)Meets Wednesdays @ & Fridays 366-3780 @ 11 a.m (510)3rd Tuesday of the month 639-7250 @ Summer 333-0734 2 p.m.Hours (effective May 1) 840-2866 TU-TH-SU @ 8 - 10 a.m. (719)Meeting days vary (559)660-5327 3rd Tuesday @&7times p.m. 301-3262 665-7265 Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. 923-4709 2nd Monday @ 11 a.m. 665-4862 Thursdays @ 10 a.m. 629-8508 First M-W-F @ 8:30@ a.m. 406-4102 Thursday 6 - 8 p.m. (510)1st Tuesday @ 10:30 a.m. 815-9446 876-2962 Thursdays @ 1 p.m. 824-9257 305-8448 Wednesdays 3rd Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. 665-4124 Fridays & Saturdays @ 6:30 p.m. 815-9803 W-SA-SU Days vary@ 1 p.m. 624-3982 (925)824-9257 Mon, Tuesdays @Fri 1 p.m. Wed, @ 7 a.m. 685-1250 665-7236 3rd Wednesday @ 11:30 a.m. 229-6379 Mondays @ 1 p.m. Monday through Friday 609-4350 @ 12 - 3 p.m. 624-3713 Thursdays @ 9:15 a.m. 629-8838 @ 9:15 a.m. 239-2833 M-W-F 1st Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m. 629-8060 Fridays @ 6 p.m. Meets every 2 months on 647-4380 2nd 647-4964 Monday a.m. 4th Friday @ 1@- 310p.m. 647-2534 Wednesdays @ 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (510)Seasonal 305-6771 Fridays 840-2282 @ 1 - 4 p.m. (408)3rd Wednesday @ 4:30 Block Captains will be p.m. 239-5712 640-9768 notified in the Oxford Room of meetings Meets every 629-8838 @ 9other a.m.Monday 647-4380 Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Mondays @ 4 - 5 p.m. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. 815-9735 at Liberty@ Park (408)Thursdays @ 11 a.m. 561-6097 Wednesdays 815-9827 @ 9 a.m.Room - 12 p.m. in the Multipurpose

WOA Groups and Clubs: Betty Grandt

Barbara Contact Shapiro

John Goodman Kathy Dezotte Robert Philis Patti Barnhart Al Sanchez Rick Hyden Joe Victoria Ed Prenot Bob Umberger Kathy Comden Larry Wiertel Cherie Ford Mary Braun Susan Elaine Holt DeSouza Jackie Lipich Jacque Foster Dave Carla Steffy Marquardt Donald Blick Johnny Lo Paulette Fraticelli Mike Drewry Jerry Hein Bill Holst Eileen Hill Ed Prenot Rick Van De Boom Crochet/Knitting Nancy Berger Walking Indoors(Evening) Debbie Jacque Reynolds Crochet/Knitting Kester Wheels of Woodbridge Michelle Steve RayParadis Drama Rick HydenJeglum Francesca Charlotte Sparks Wine & 101 Jon Ford Hand Foot Sue Cameron Wii BowlingYoga Rick Collister Hyden Horseshoe Bob Women of Woodbridge Polly Smith Ladies Billiards Mary Braun Woodbridge Ron Plummer Pool Dancing Hustlers(Beginning) Sue Line Lough Line Dancing Patti Woodbridge Book Group PattyBarnhart DeRoos Line Dancing (Evening) Mary Salvador Woodbridge Quilters Tony Elizabeth Cunning Men of Woodbridge LeCara National (American) Woodbridge Senior Lee KeithCroletto Loudermilk Softball Club Mah Jongg Woodbridge MikeHall Patterson Neighborhood Watch Bob Seniors Golf Club Widows & Widowers Game Night

Oil Painters Singers Woodbridge

Patti Barnhart Elizabeth Cunning

Paddle Tennis Zumba Video Class Paper Crafters

Stan CeciliaSutfin MacNair-Correa Betty Grandt

(650)Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net for moreM-F. detailed Pickleball Barbara Shapiro 438-3085 Timeinformation. varies

Interest Groups:

629-8200 M & TH @ 1 - 3 p.m. (510)Mondays @ 2:15 p.m. Pinochle Robert Philis Pinochle Robert Philis 909-8997 Thursdays @ 1 p.m. 909-8997 Groups & Clubs Contact Thursdays @ 1 p.m. Phone Al Sanchez 239-8235 Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. & Al Sanchez 239-8235 Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. & Poker Poker Christian Men’s Fellowship Dave Basehore Joe Victoria 815-9343 Fridays @ 5 p.m. Joe Victoria 815-9343 Fridays @ 5 p.m.923-4905 55er’sControlled RV Group Flyers Bob Umberger 239-2983 Sue Edmiston 601-9210 Groups & Clubs Flyers Bob Umberger 239-2983 Contact Days and timesPhone Radio Controlled vary Radio Days and times vary Senior Bowling Barbara Silva 824-0262 (408)-Basehore (408)Christian Men’s Fellowship Dave 923-4905 Robotics Larry Wiertel Robotics Larry Wiertel Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. 439-5828 Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. 439-5828 Trikers’ Group Nancy Sadoyama 912-8221 55er’s RV Group Sue EdmistonWestport Room, 601-9210 Westport Room, Scrapbookers Elaine DeSouza 603-9796 Scrapbookers Elaine DeSouza 603-9796 Woodbridge Women’s Bible Study Carolyn Johnson 239-0936 a.m. - 5 p.m. 3rd Friday @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Senior Bowling Barbara Silva3rd Friday @ 9824-0262 (925)(925)Shang-hai Rummy Jacque Foster Tuesday @ 1 -912-8221 3:45 p.m. Shang-hai Rummy Jacque Foster Trikers’ Group Nancy Sadoyama 487-5266 487-5266 Tuesday @ 1 - 3:45 p.m. Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Carolyn 624-3754 Mondays @ 2 239-0936 p.m. Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt 624-3754 Mondays @ 2 p.m. Woodbridge Women’s Bible Study Johnson (510)Meets Wednesdays & Fridays (510)Meets Wednesdays & Fridays Tai Chi Johnny Lo Tai Chi Johnny Lo 366-3780 @ 11 a.m 366-3780 @ 11 a.m

Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net(510)for more detailed information. Mondays @ 2:15 p.m.

Interest Groups:

Ping Pong

John Goodman

W oodbridge Woodbridge LIFELIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net www.ourwoodbridge.net

â&#x20AC;&#x2030;Reaching Out

Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581 Board of Directors

President - Norm Hauser Vice President - Sheila Petrakis Treasurer - Rick Van De Boom Secretary - Bob Teglia Member at Large â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Penny Tenczar

Executive Director

Brenda Flategraff 824-7831 bflategraff@ourwoodbridge.net

Associate Director

Leilani Rodriguez 824-7581 lrodriguez@ourwoodbridge.net

Project Manager

Dan Hoover 824-7581 dhoover@ourwoodbridge.net

Activities & Events Coordinator

Jennie Custodio 824-7927 jcustodio@ourwoodbridge.net

Maintenance Supervisor

(and After-Hours Emergency Contact) Juan Barajas 470-7728 jbarajas@ourwoodbridge.net

Management

Riverside Management PO BOX 697 Roseville, CA 95661 916-740-2462 celeste@riversidemgmt.com

The opinions expressed in

Woodbridge LIFEĘźs 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: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woodbridge LIFE is a celebration of the diversified residents of Woodbridge by Del Webb in Manteca â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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.â&#x20AC;?

May72020 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7 Page â&#x20AC;˘ May 2016

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER :2$

EDITOR

Kimberly Hegman

814-3149

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ADVERTISING

WBL WBLEDITORIAL EDITORIALTEAM TEAM

SharylBlair Burgeson, asst. editor 239-1492 Susie 401-1266 Mary 916-479-1051 JennieBookman Custodio 824-7927 Sharyl Burgeson 239-1492 Marie Evans 239-3726 Jennie Custodio 824-7927 Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair 823-3538 Kimberly Hegman 814-3149 Ann King 650-464-0151 Jana Kattenhorn 823-0809 JudyKing McNamara 923-4718 Ann 650-464-0151 VolkerMcNamara Moerbitz 239-7965 Judy 923-4718 PepperMoerbitz Noble 239-1933 Volker 239-7965 Pepper Noble 239-1933 Ramon Rivera 495-6803 Leilani 824-7581 Leilani Rodriguez Rodriguez 824-7581 Mike Spence 924-8032 Mike Spence 924-8032 Cate White 823-3381 Shelley Tate 479-4249 Cate White 823-3381

Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly 8PPECSJEHF -*'& JT B GSFF NPOUIMZ publication of the Woodbridge Owners QVCMJDBUJPO PG UIF 8PPECSJEHF 0XOFST Association, a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation serving the residents of the "TTPDJBUJPO B OPOQSPmU PSHBOJ[BUJPO TFSWJOH Woodbridge by Del Webb community in UIF SFTJEFOUT PG UIF 8PPECSJEHF CZ %FM 8FCC Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites DPNNVOJUZ JO .BOUFDB $" 8PPECSJEHF stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, -*'& JOWJUFT TUPSJFT QIPUPHSBQIT DPNNFOUT jokes and any other information that would beDBSUPPOT KPLFT BOE BOZ PUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO UIBU of interest to residents. We reserve the XPVME CF PG JOUFSFTU UP SFTJEFOUT 8F SFTFSWF right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the UIF SJHIU UP BDDFQU PS SFGVTF TVCNJTTJPOT BOE right to refuse advertising or articles that FEJU GPS DPOUFOU BOE MFOHUI 8F BMTP SFTFSWF in our opinion do not reflect the standards UIF SJHIU UP SFGVTF BEWFSUJTJOH PS BSUJDMFT UIBU of the newspaper. The Woodbridge LIFE JO PVS PQJOJPO EP OPU SFnFDU UIF TUBOEBSET advertising contract permits each advertiser toPG UIF OFXTQBQFS ÉŠF PQJOJPOT FYQSFTTFE conduct one event per year in the Lakeview Clubhouse Multipurpose Room. The opinions XIFUIFS CZ QBJE BEWFSUJTFNFOU PS FEJUPSJBM expressed, whether by paid advertisement or DPOUFOU EP OPU OFDFTTBSJMZ SFnFDU UIF WJFXT PG editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the UIJT OFXTQBQFS PS UIF 8PPECSJEHF 0XOFST views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge "TTPDJBUJPO $POUFOU TVCNJUUFE NBZ CF FEJUFE Owners Association. Content submitted SFQSJOUFE BOE BDLOPXMFEHFE XJUIPVU DPOTFOU may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged VOMFTT TQFDJmDBMMZ SFRVFTUFE 8PPECSJEHF -*'& without consent unless specifically requested. Woodbridge LIFE proofreaders use the QSPPGSFBEFST VTF UIF "TTPDJBUFE 1SFTT 4UZMFCPPL Associated Press Stylebook, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the journalistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iUIF KPVSOBMJTU T CJCMF w BT B XSJUJOH BOE FEJUJOH bible,â&#x20AC;? as a writing and editing reference. The SFGFSFODF ÉŠF QVCMJTIFS JT OPU SFTQPOTJCMF GPS publisher is not responsible for unsolicited VOTPMJDJUFE NBOVTDSJQUT PS BSUXPSL .BUFSJBMT manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted TVCNJUUFE XJUI B TFMG BEESFTTFE TUBNQFE with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will beFOWFMPQF XJMM CF SFUVSOFE $POUFOUT DPQZSJHIU returned. Contents copyright ÂŠ 2020 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of ÂŞ CZ 8PPECSJEHF 0XOFST "TTPDJBUJPO this publication may be reproduced without /P QBSU PG UIJT QVCMJDBUJPO NBZ CF SFQSPEVDFE written permission of the publisher.

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WBLIFE2017@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 wblife2017@gmail.com

W oodbridge LIFE

Page 8 • May 2020

Woodbridge Owners Association Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW • Warren Gray, Acting chair wagray43@gmail.com ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 559-901-2860 • Tony Delgado, Chair

bmradct@yahoo.com COMMUNICATION 647-2593 • Kimberly Hegman, chair FINANCE COMMITTEEWoodbridge LIFE Lewis, Chair • Jacob wblife2017@gmail.com 814-3149 lijalewis@comcast.net ELECTION COMMITTEE 647-2995 • Jacque Reynolds, chair jacquebill67@gmail.com LIFESTYLE 629-8508

Jennie Custodio, Chair FINANCE COMMITTEE jcustodio@ourwoodbridge.net • Jacob Lewis, chair 824-7927 •

lijalewis@comcast.net 647-2995

COMMUNICATION • Carol Jo Hargreaves, Chair LIFESTYLE Woodbridge LIFE Editor • Jennie Custodio, chair jcustodio@ourwoodbridge.net WBLIFE2017@gmail.com 824-7927 823-3538

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS WELCOMING COMMITTEE • Bill Barnhart, co-chair • bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net 629-8838

665-4353

• Rich Ferreira, co-chair raf49er@yahoo.com • Jeannie Tebbutt, Co-Chair 629-8371

jltebbutt@gmail.com 923-4356 PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Coming to Woodbridge

The World May Be Different, but The Quilting Goes On By Elizabeth Cunning

asked Woodbridge Quilters how they are staying busy and what projects they have in the works. Many people who sew have put personal projects on hold to make urgently needed face masks for hospitals and first responders. Some individuals have made over a hundred face masks all on their own. Lorna Powell, Nancy Kettner, Carol Silva, Sharon Borstad, Phyllis Rose, Geri Rogers, Elaine deSouza, Ellen Lee-Wootton and Judy Goodnow, just to name a few, have all been making face masks. Geri Rogers loves spending time in her sewing room, better known as “My Happy Place.” She has lost track of how many face masks she has made for Modesto Kaiser Infusion where she goes for her cancer treatments. She has also made some little baby quilts that will be donated where needed. Linda Le Cara is working on a bed quilt for her son. She says sewing projects were halted when her daughter became ill, and she took care of her during her chemo and bone marrow transplant. I was out walking and passed Sharon Borstad who was delivering a bunch of completed face masks. We agreed that it’s a good time to be a sewer/quilter, to which her husband Marty chimed in that it’s a good time to work on cars! Everybody needs something that they love doing, right? Elaine deSouza says she has selected a couple of pictures from her Africa trip to make into quilts. She and her husband Art had returned before the virus started making news.

• John Emery, chair johne746@gmail.com NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS 408-772-8102

• Bill Barnhart, Co-Chair bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us SAFETY COMMITTEE 629-8838 • Gene Tenczar, chair •

tenczar@earthlink.net

Rich Ferreira,408-644-9455 Co-Chair raf49er@yahoo.com 629-8371

Important Notice About Cancellations When you have signed up for a free 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

Photo by Joanne Dyer quilt. Joanne Dyer’s “Akito”

Joanne Dyer finished a quilt pictured here. She is sorting

and organizing fabric that she is bringing home from her mother’s house since her mom is now in assisted living. Genie Becker is making a great-grandson quilt, and she’s using left-over flannel to make “burp” cloths. She enjoys making handmade watercolor cards for friends and is trying to stay positive during the health crisis. Genie says cooking ‘40s-type comfort food is a good thing to do. Cornbread pudding made with frozen corn kernels (Martha Stewart recipe) is delicious, sweetened with a little maple syrup in the mixture. She’s cooking lots of soup and chili, crock pot time. Bonnie Pater has been working on a “Block of the Month” by Missouri Star Quilt Company called, “Amish with a Twist IV.” The fabric is included with lots of black, purples, raspberry, reds, greens and a little blue. It’s a great way to learn new techniques. I love to have multiple ongoing quilt projects. My son made his office into a retro game room, so I figured he needed a PAC-MAN™ quilt. My husband Roger helped me draft out the dimensions for the pattern. Here’s a picture of what it looks like so far. There are many lessons to be learned during these difficult times. I can attest to the fact that munching on a big bag of Costco’s Trail Mix and picking out only the peanuts and M&Ms will eventually add about two pounds Photo by Roger Cu nning when you get on Elizabeth Cunning’ s “Pac-Man” the scales. quilt.

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

May 2020 • Page 9

May Events and Activities

y Activities

Sunday

Summer Clubhouse Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Summer Clubhouse Hours (5/1 through 8/31 Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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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.

DOHQGDU ZDV ODVW XSGDWHG 6/20 5HIHU WR Á\HUV RU WKH :RRGEULGJH SRUWDO IRU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ This calendar was last updated 4/30/20. Refer to flyers or the Woodbridge portal for additional

information.

ALL EVENTS and ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELED OR POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

s t n e v E ming

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, due to the necessary precautions required to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), all classes, meetings and events thatfollowing would have taken placeinforma this As a courtesy to Woodbridge residents, we are providing the event month in the Lakeview Clubhouse have been cancelledto or postponed. For the most up-to-date information, check the Woodbridge portal. We will continue to accept articles for the assist in planning and obtaining tickets. Please note: This information is subject t June issue and hope things get back to normal, but as change. you know, atContact this time, everything is very fluid. the Clubhouse front desk if you have questions. Be safe and healthy! ~ Woodbridge LIFE Editor Kimberly Hegman

Page 10 • May 2020

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

At the Clubhouse ææ CRAFTERS CORNER

The Woodbridge Virus Mask By Carol Silva

ello,

I hope this finds everyone well and that you’re getting a lot of crafting done. We have no excuse not to get projects done that we never had time to do in the past. It sure has been a spring the USA and world will remember forever. I just hope this is not the “new normal.” Not much has happened here at Woodbridge with all the events, both indoors and outdoors, being canceled and no contact within 6-feet. Hopefully, by June, everything will be back to what used to be “normal.” The one thing I can talk about is the hundreds of fabric masks that have been made by dozens of people with excellent sewing skills and the generous donations of fabric, elastic and time it took to create them. These masks were all made by Woodbridge residents and not just those belonging to the crafters’ group. It started in late March. I had hoped to get 25, maybe 50. Within four days, I had 150 to donate to St. Joseph’s Hospital. They were originally supposed to have gone to an Oakland hospital, as a high school classmate of my daughter, who is an ER nurse there, told her they would only get one mask a week. Of course, my daughter volunteered me to make about a dozen. By the next day on the morning news, I saw this virus was going to be a big problem, although I never thought it would be this bad. I was lucky this happened early enough for me to buy a lot of elastic from a fabric store that morning to get started. I put a request on social media for others who might want to help. Boy, did I get a response. I was in the process of texting the nurse about where to meet her to give her the masks when she got a call from her hospital saying she had been exposed the week before and was immediately quarantined. She called a nurse at St. Joseph’s in Stockton who was at my door within an hour to pick up the masks. She was so overwhelmed by the generosity of Woodbridge residents, she had tears in her eyes. Each bag of 25 masks was marked, “Donated by the residents of Del Webb by Woodbridge, Manteca.” Besides the 150 masks to St. Joseph’s Hospital, I have collected another 175 masks as of the date of my writing this article. Those 175 are in the process of being given to Woodbridge residents, especially veterans, and staff at a doctor’s office. What is left will be given to a hospital. There were many volunteers who sewed and donated fabric and/or elastic who did not want their names mentioned. I also had residents volunteering to pay for the masks or give a cash donation. They were all thanked but everything had already been donated by residents. The big problem, which was also nationwide, was the immediate shortage of 1/4-inch elastic. Even Amazon could not deliver until May. There are a lot of special, generous residents who are ready and eager to help at a moment’s notice. Without them, there would have been many people without the added protection of a fabric mask. Thank you to all who helped make this project successful. Woodbridge is a great place to live.

ALL CLASSES HAVE BEEN CANCELED OR POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Disclaimer: Unfortunately, due to the necessary precautions required to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), all classes, meetings and events that would have taken place this month in the Lakeview Clubhouse have been cancelled or postponed. For the most up-to-date information, check the Woodbridge portal. We will continue to accept articles for the June issue and hope things get back to normal, but as you know, at this time, everything is very fluid. Be safe and healthy! ~ Woodbridge LIFE Editor Kimberly Hegman

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W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

May 2020 • Page 11

ææ WOMen of woodbridge By Women of Woodbridge President Polly Smith

big shout out to all the Women of Woodbridge. I usually give an update of our activities; however, this article will be a little different. Due to the coronavirus, this message is to encourage you to stay strong. The way I get through this rough time is “One day at a time.” I can’t look ahead and tell myself we will be living this way for some time. If I do, I get discouraged, angry and depressed.

about the Hallmark channel, and I have been watching some of their programs. We all are “In it together,” so whatever you are doing, your friend across the road is doing something similar. I find that I want to watch fun, happy and silly TV programs, read jokes and find things to laugh about. I also want to reach out to a friend or acquaintance every day, so I started to call two different people a day to say “Hi.” These ladies are people I know but have not seen. It makes me feel good.

So today, I made it to the computer. I hope everyone is keeping in touch with friends and family by phone, Zoom or other socially acceptable way. The TV has been my source of information regarding the coronavirus; however, I find the news depressing and try to watch the news programs only a couple of times a day. A friend told me

Please know that we are thinking of you and send positive thoughts to each and everyone. We will get through this rough patch and get back on track. WOW is still around and when the Clubhouse opens its doors, we will be back in full swing. A reminder of upcoming events:

POSTPONED

Meet & Greet – An evening gathering on the patio, June 17 at 6 p.m.

Sip for Scholarship

SIP for Scholarship – “Around the World in Eight Days,” Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.

See why millions trust us for Home & Auto.

By Sandi Kinyon and Marybeth Saari, chairs

nfortunately, due to coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions, the SIP for Scholarship and raffle have been postponed until later in the year. When things get back to normal and the Clubhouse re-opens, the Women of Woodbridge club is looking forward to planning meetings and events once again. Be safe and healthy during this time.

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W oodbridge LIFE

Page 12 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2020

ĂŚĂŚ men of woodbridge

www.ourwoodbridge.net

ĂŚĂŚ WOODBRIDGE book GROUP By Judith Mohr

By MOW President Anthony (Tony) Le Cara

Reflections and Optimism

s I reflect on my experiences with illness outbreaks during my lifetime, I can say living through these experiences only gives me great optimism. In 1944, I contracted scarlet fever for which there was no cure. While I was hospitalized with 108-degree fevers, miraculously, a drug named penicillin was being developed and I was given a trial dose and, lo and behold, my fever was gone in hours. A couple of years later, a member of my football team contracted polio. After a period of quarantine, the Salk and the Sabin vaccines were developed and the scare went away. Of course, we can also reflect on the numerous outbreaks of measles, chicken pox and whooping cough for which vaccines were developed that all but eliminated these diseases. Why do I bring these experiences up? Based on these past experiences, I have extreme confidence that research and our medical professionals will eliminate the new threat. Stay safe, follow the directives of the medical professionals and we will look back to this period as only a new experience.

Book Group

ll the titles chosen for the Woodbridge Book Group for the next three months have received a rating of 4 Â˝ out of 5 stars from Amazon readers. Please join the group on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Oxford Room when the Clubhouse re-opens for the discussion of any or even all of the books below. In the meantime, keep reading May 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Meeting Canceled: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The House We Grew Up Inâ&#x20AC;? by Lisa Jewell The author introduces the idyllic Bird family who live in the Cotswolds area of England. The family becomes dysfunctional and estranged after a tragedy strikes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only does Jewell use flashback to tell each characterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story; but uses emails between the mother and her lover as an update.â&#x20AC;? June 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Irish Country Doctorâ&#x20AC;? (Book 1 in a series) by Patrick Taylor A young physician, Barry Laverty, comes to Ballybucklebo to assist Dr. Fingal Flahertie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly in his small rural practice caring for the endearing and often eccentric residents. This novel promises to be a light and entertaining summer read. Newcomers are always welcome, so give the group a try this spring!

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W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

May 2020 • Page 13

ææ Strummin’ wonders ukeLELe band By Carla Marquardt Photos by Deb Atherton

he Strummin’ Wonders usually practices weekly on Mondays in the Clubhouse so I decided to continue our practices outdoors, implementing social distancing in front of my house. Thus, the 6-Feet-Apart-Ukulele-Practice began on Mondays at 2 p.m. and the neighbors really enjoy listening. We started with four strummers on the sidewalk (sitting 6-feet apart) and then attendance grew. It felt so good to see and hear each other again. Neighbors rolled up their garage doors and took out their lawn chairs and bicycles whizzed by. An electronic practice is also offered on Thursday at 3 p.m. using the Zoom app, where everyone can safely see and hear each other from home. The bravest strummers take turns leading the group in song. You can’t keep a good ukulele player from performing! How many ukulele players does it take to change a light bulb? None. They will just go find another light to perform under! Foreground: Dave Atherton, Judy McNamara on her bike (she is 6-feet away), Rosemary Hein and Donna Doss.

Carla Marquardt leads the Strummin’ Wonders on her sidewalk.

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Page 14 • May 2020

W oodbridge LIFE

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æædrama group

Physical Distancing at Woodbridge By Michelle Paradis

ersonally, I prefer the term of physical distancing instead of social distancing because even though we have to stay home, we are still able to connect socially. We do miss the physical proximity and hugs but Face-Time, Zoom and other social media applications have allowed us to connect with family, friends and colleagues for those working from home. At home, Bill and I have brainstormed a list of things we can and would like to do while staying in and we take turns scheduling a weekly activity to incorporate our ideas. In addition to our daily morning exercises, some of the ideas of what to do in the afternoon include choosing an interesting subject for discussion, practicing playing the piano and singing together, telling jokes, playing with the grandkids’ PlayStation and finding ways to surprise each other. We are lucky to be able to walk through the beautiful grounds of our community with the many parks and beautiful lakes. We notice there are a lot more people walking about and some groups have even arranged to meet on a regular basis while maintaining the recommended 6-feet apart. The best part of what we are currently going through are the heartwarming stories of people checking in on neighbors and offering to go grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions. A very special THANK YOU goes to all the first responders, doctors, nurses, grocery store workers and delivery drivers who are risking their lives to keep

things ticking for us. We still don’t know how long we will have to stay at home, so in the meantime, all we can do is take a day at a time and this, too, shall pass. Stay home, stay safe and see you all hopefully sooner than later.

Photo submitted

Michelle on week three of “Shelter-in-Place”

From the Woodbridge Drama Group The Drama group has been staying in touch through email exchanges. We send each other updates, inspirational messages, poetry, stories of our lives, links to fun songs and ideas of how we pass the time. There are even some of us who are still practicing the lines for the plays we were going to present this month. As things stand though, who knows when we will be able to get together in person again. We are currently meeting regularly through Zoom and are planning something that we might be able to offer online for the community. Stay tuned for more information.

Photo submitted

The “Paw Patrol” takes a break after walking around Liberty Park and maintains the safe 6-feet distance. (L to R): Janet Cameron with Dandy and Daisy, Mary Duff with Dolly and Bobbie Pinto with Pepé Le Pew.

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ĂŚĂŚwine 101 By Jon Ford

ust a reminder that due to the cancellation of the March class you are entitled to a refund in the same manner in which you paid. You may request your refund once the Clubhouse reopens.

Being ever the optimist, I am looking forward to the June Wine 101 class as taking place, but in the back of my mind, I have serious concerns. First, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure if we would have enough time to sign up for the class. Second, I just read that Manteca may reach the peak of its curve at the end of May and that Lathrop and Manteca are two areas of concern for Covid-19 in San Joaquin County. Remember that wine, besides being very tasty, has capabilities to add to your positive health. Red wine contains resveratrol, an element from grapes that is thought by some to have healthy attributes that enhance physical well-being. You can always get wine delivered by your local grocery store or winery and they are bending over backwards to accommodate their customers. Since our class for March was cancelled and the June class is in limbo, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided to throw out some tidbits of wisdom about wine for you.

FYI

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selectionsâ&#x20AC;? are common in California. If someone finds an attribute of interest in a vineyard in California, they may take budwood and use it to propagate a new vineyard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selectionsâ&#x20AC;? are not necessarily taken from a single mother vine, but could be from an entire vineyard. There are no test plots or monitoring over years to document the specific attributers. Despite the differences, clones are not necessarily considered superior to selections. Also, keep in mind that like the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;reserveâ&#x20AC;?, the government doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regulate these two terms. You could legally put â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clonal Selection Reserveâ&#x20AC;? on a wine label and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to mean anything!â&#x20AC;? Hope you enjoyed these little factoids. Stay safe! SO MANY WINES, SO LITTLE TIME! References: The questions/Answers in FYI were lifted from a Wine Spectator internet site called Ask Dr. Vinny and are written verbatim.

If red meat goes with red wine, what about plant-based â&#x20AC;&#x153;meatâ&#x20AC;?? Since plant-based â&#x20AC;&#x153;meatâ&#x20AC;? is supposed to emulate natural meat, so red wines would be fine, but so would oak-aged whites. How you prepare the food matters. Something grilled and slathered with sauce would go better with red wine, while a dish of steamed dumplings might be better with an aromatic white. Should I sip wine with food in my mouth to appreciate a wine-and-food pairing? There is no right or wrong way to enjoy food and wine together. Try some experimenting. TIP: Take small bites so you have better control while diving in. I had an expensive rosĂŠ and it tasted bitter. What can I do to make it taste better? Typically, traditional Old-world roses are dry and refreshing, not sweet. One of two things you could do is save it and share with a neighbor that may have different tastes than you or add some fresh or frozen fruit and make â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sangriaâ&#x20AC;?. Add a splash of Triple Sec or brandy, fruit juice, and a little sugar. You could even add some sparkling wine or soda. In wine grapevines, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the difference between a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cloneâ&#x20AC;? and a â&#x20AC;&#x153;selectionâ&#x20AC;?? A clone is a group of grapevines that have been propagated from a single known source vine or mother plant. Clones are usually obtained within strictly controlled national systems. This process may take years as plants are tested for attributes of the mother plant over several locations. If it passes all the standards it is then given a registration number and distributed to commercial nurseries for propagation and sale to growers.

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WOODBRIDGE HONORS OUR FIRST RES

O L , E C I V R SE

I T A GR er By Volk

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SPONDERS

D N A E OV

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rrpyosrtaw ak vaewPaere a D t n e s than id y esave Perr indowscto geentrD brsid iranwk healthf daure ogoedre e id W : th a ty d te d a ri ts decordows to ththe call o nging in d to odsbid ir win beyoinndthese chhearllee, he talke erateednth o ice aboeve llanod Bob ’s dutyg similakr captain vond the coamefth cners Association blo s e talkin to y d g e w in a o O d d n e t g re u ar hereW h il to , oocdiabtiroidn’s director B im talkenders sso A w eO od,shoe odbo–rhhoorslle “thrde gSoht oe.” igoh e n rh o le b tt h li ig e .” Bcuat wosidenntits n liottwlenn affe“tchtieon their Shaoteely re e e rert ll y oerdthfoerir ohwichnath a e c ly .,rom ugahnoyuteth .m wectio te at 3.3e0nts p , ppeos, e th u ff n a ir nsu e y urs e th hcoiawtith hm2a5n,y resid ide to on to o s c r a M ., re r , y p e .m a p k p otironinsgwinh efuw t 3.30unity wseunptpoourttsandear servty asd ic c n ir e s and oth cie omsm how thffi to cer keep our so sv,icpeoliwcoerkoetirsmwehs.o , tss, traints on streacin nm e special o ti c to e e m u ti o s D y to ar,an uee. socm ar,al” caemyec. aDm al”orcm a “n inorm ndathnedyth a “n am m diaedaia stedia. e in te re a th m msem t r a u e e e te B s m ne’tdia. mceara rygewreedlla rete seeeythdeidme maavye vtreig r arnadnadcat beeycaduidsne’tth psee th ot araoyuvnery d. W well h eitttlbeecuauesstonrdy. W u g eermnoon. th ro d a t n o a g ory nt that aft ene awvhireuns meewtihm e ttith onvoeom thou n. e t u o b boutllthe a b u a o m nraesnkaysk yoYuou caonicteell. Ythoeu caanute re d il h ity c d d il om llmthenm cannd grnanoduchhaveg,aycohuoic haev. e eamchhoowu ocuarncte urgra in y s y , n ri th r g r c o ll r in te art, w oathe is– a analm hoch u cW drnfromatu shfroowmedea , oor aynod rt d n t a r tc lm s – a titude! a o r p W e a C s at fromyein acgh6o-ftheet vice, love and gra ta s rt e!: ser tupdle rt a–psatill asntdin e e graptieo , loevb vuicteth

Bob Collister

WBL photos by Volker Moertitz and Sharyl Burgeson Additional photos by Sandi Kinyon, Dan Nickell and Manteca Bulletin

May 2020 • Page 19

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Page 20 • May 2020

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Scene Around Woodbridge Article and photos by Project Manager Dan Hoover

Fern Meadows There are several projects in the works for the Woodbridge HOA including the following: Projects approved by the board of directors: • Carpet for the Billiard Room and office – Completed • Fern Meadows project should have been completed by April 17 • Maple Valley stub-applying for permit – Plans are complete • Door hardware for the Clubhouse – Should be completed by April 10 • Seal coat Clubhouse parking lot – Scheduled for April 10 through April 12

Fern Meadows

Seal coat Clubhouse parking lot

WBL photo by Kim Hegman

Seal coat Clubhouse parking lot

WBL photo by Kim Hegman

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Clubhouse door hardware (new closers and handicap buttons)

May 2020 • Page 21

Refinish floor in the Multipurpose Room

Projects not yet approved by the board of directors: • Replace kitchen appliances – RFP • Wood floor refinish in Multipurpose Room – RFP • Entry floor refinish – RFP • Sidewalk grinding at Stockbridge Park and Daisywood Drive per the Safety Committee – RFP • HVAC repairs at Clubhouse and concession stand – RFP • Bocce ball lighting – RFP • Scheduled items on the reserve study – RFP *(RFP) = Request for proposal

New carpet in Billiard Room and offices

Clubhouse kitchen

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Page 22 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2020

BERKSH I RE HATHAWAY Home Services

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May Garden Checklist

Gardener’s Corner By San Joaquin County Master Gardener Cate White

s we live through these unprecedented times, I hope you have all managed to stay well, keeping in touch with friends and relatives and finding ways to stay productive and engaged. Fortunately, one place we can always find relaxation and enjoyment is in our own backyards. Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to reduce anxiety, and gardening provides exercise that can help keep us fit and healthy. In addition to enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and plants in our yards, we can also enjoy the wildlife. Bird watching in particular can be a pleasurable backyard hobby. The following ideas will help make your backyard a haven for birds.

nectar for hummingbirds in the spring and purplish juicy berries in the fall. Ceanothus, or California Lilac, has abundant blue spring flowers attractive to hummingbirds that develop into nutritious seeds later in the season. There are many varieties, from groundcovers to large bushes. Also good are common horticultural shrubs such as pyracantha, viburnum and cotoneaster, that grow in bush or ground cover forms. All supply berries for many songbirds such as finches, robins, Cedar Waxwings and mockingbirds. Crape myrtle provides seeds for seed-eating birds.

There are three essential ingredients for creating a bird-feeding garden: food, water and shelter.

UC Arboretum All Stars photo

Manzanita flowers

Toyon berries

UC Arboretum All Stars photo

Growing berry-producing shrubs will provide birds with nutritious food. The best choices are California natives, and there are many varieties that grow well in our area. Manzanitas come in many forms, from large bushes to low growing ground covers. All have attractive flowers followed by small red fruits. Toyon, or California Holly, grows into a large bush or small tree and has small white flowers in the spring that become bright-red berries in winter. Oregon Grape has showy yellow flowers full of

Many species of sage have flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Flowers of lavender plants also draw hummingbirds,

Arbutus flowers

UC Arboretum All Stars photo

May 2020 • Page 23

Cate White as do other flowering herbs, including oregano, mint, catnip, basil and thyme. Catmint, a lowgrowing plant with pretty blue flowers, is another favorite. The flowers of the popular Arbutus, or strawberry tree, are also a good source of nectar. Low-growing perennials, such as lantana, yarrow and statice are fine choices as well. Try to plant varieties that bloom at different times, so food is always available. Many birds, including hummingbirds, finches and sparrows, are insect eaters. All have been adversely impacted by the increasing use of harsh, long-lasting chemicals in our environment. These are not only dangerous for birds but also deprive them of an important food source. Use low impact pesticides that break down quickly, such as insecticidal soaps and neem oil. Keep in mind that having a few insects in your garden will help to feed the birds. Water is often overlooked as a strategy for attracting birds. Birds are attracted to moving water, so fountains draw their attention. Fountains or birdbaths with shallow basins and a rim for perching make good bathing and drinking sources. If you use chemicals in your fountain to keep algae or mosquito larva at bay, make sure the label states it is safe for birds.

• Control ants with baits or traps. • Eliminate standing water under flowerpots and in drain pipes or gutters to control mosquitos. • Keep monitoring citrus for Asian Citrus Psyllid. • Look for oozing or dead limbs on apple, crabapple, pear and pyracantha, a sign of fire blight. • Continue monitoring and adjusting irrigation according to the weather. • Apply mulch to bare areas. • Check for signs of powdery mildew on apple, crape myrtle and roses. Control with neem oil. • Control aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil. • Put out and maintain yellowjacket traps. • Plant or sow seeds of cucumber, beans, squash and melons. Start seed potatoes. It’s still time to plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Also plant flowering summer annuals such as zinnias, petunias, portulaca and vinca. • Aerate lawns that get heavy foot traffic. • Fertilize cane berries, citrus, deciduous fruit trees, palms and heavily flowering shrubs with slow release fertilizer if not done in March or April.

Birds look for perches in trees and bushes that have exposed branches. They also like to hide under low growing bushes. Avoid pruning your shrubs so closely that birds have no open space for resting. Also avoid pruning away growth close to the ground, since those are places birds look for secure shelter from weather and predators. For more information about birds and ways to make your garden bird friendly, go to the California Audubon Society web site: ca.audubon.org.

Page 24 • May 2020

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SOCIAL DISTANCING AND HOME CAPTIVITY! By Debby Hickey

s I write this, it is day 19 of shelter-in-place here at Woodbridge. Everything came to a complete halt on Friday, March 13. Our board of directors (at first, “villains” and now, “heroes”) displayed great diligence by closing our facilities. We need to remain mindful of that. I found myself needing to make a list of where I left off – I had just attended my fourth meeting that week and was in the middle of several obligations, when suddenly, it all stopped. Completely stopped. Everything was cancelled. Obliterated. OK, now what do I do? The shock stayed with me a few days; so spring cleaning commenced. Now, the home desk is a scary and tricky thing – it’s easy to purge old paperwork and such. But why do I have the following: a sheet of three-cent stamps; a party favor from a friend’s wedding in 1987; a “peace sign” medallion from the late ‘60s, a “United We Stand” flag pin from 9/11 and 17 half-used note pads? The list of oddities is too long, so I will move on. Are you aware there are five or six TV judge shows? Yes, I watched them, then what?! I also discovered I have eight landline phones – I don’t know why. One day, I decided to deep clean just the corners in the house – should be easy – but there were 28 of them. Sheesh. I have reconnected with every single person I have ever known! I must admit, I have enjoyed all the phone calls, because everyone has time to

leisurely chat and reminisce. This has been a good time to just relax and reflect. It’s been very awkward not to greet friends and neighbors with hugs. Keeping 6-feet of distance is crucial but so uncomfortable. I found everyone to be so positive, so caring and so helpful. Creative meal planning has been the biggest challenge – I can’t just run out and get one ingredient these days. I use what I have – eat small portions – until it feels safe that it will be digestible. I’m not saying that I’m getting a little cabin fever, but I find myself exhilarated when the daily newspaper arrives – not because I want the latest COVID-19 update – no, no…it contains a brand-new crossword puzzle. It took me eight days to realize I really don’t need to curl my hair. I used my house plans to map out a day trip and the sparkling door knobs are so pretty that I’m going to continue cleaning them even after this is over. Our active adult living here at Woodbridge may have been put on a temporary hold – and social distancing, well, it’s just not our style. But I am certain of one thing. We are all going to have one big, long party when this all ends! Stay well, Woodbridge.

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May 2020 • Page 25

Triker’s Travels By Judy McNamara

The Latest Fashion Statement

nd, yes,…I mean bathrobe and PJs. Hunkering down at home only requires staying comfortable while maintaining social distancing. It’s when you realize that your food supply has run out and the only thing left in your pantry is an expired can of anchovies that’s beginning to look somewhat delicious, that you think about getting dressed and going to the grocery store. Going to minimally stocked stores is now not an option, but the good news is they are starting to restock. The long lines around Costco are easing up since the threat of shortage of goods has lessened.

“Dancing in the Street” and move to the music. Like the song says, “It doesn’t matter what you wear” so bathrobe and PJs are acceptable but keep in mind to wear a mask and social distance when showing your dance moves out of the house. Stay safe, stay healthy and adhere to CDC guidelines. We will all get through this and become even more compassionate than we are already. I’ve added a few jokes sent to me from an email friend to help lighten your days.

-XG\ 0F1DPDUD -XG\ 0F1DPDUD

So, what’s a person to do besides contemplating which closet or drawer to clean out again or working another thousand-piece puzzle? As I travel on my trike around our community, I’m happy to see so many folks out walking, running or riding their two- or three-wheel cycles. I get a chance,….keeping my social distancing….to talk to them. Most of their stories during this time are as compelling as mine. However, there are a few exceptions as to how people entertain themselves and others. Dan Meseke performed a sample of his Friday Happy Dance even though it was only Thursday. (He’s an essential worker so it made sense!) Carla (Strummin’ Wonders) Marquardt brought out her uke equipment and had a few of her strummers over to perform some oldie songs in the front of her house.

(L to R): Eldon and Cirella Regua and Rob Erlich

Rob Erlich, Ron Schmidt and Eldon Regua continue their running routine. Rob, who has been a runner for 45 years, including 34 marathons (two Boston Marathons) with a personal best of 2:41:39, is breaking the hunker down boredom with more running since he doesn’t have to be the school site assistant at George McParland Elementary School for the duration of the school shutdown. Eldon and Rob both run in 5K, 10K and 10-mile races. (See picture of Eldon and Cirella Regua and Rob). Ron, as a retired firefighter, runs for the health of it and to stay in shape for softball. (Yes, Ron … it will happen!)

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Kudos go out to Woodbridge women who are making masks for the front liners … nurses, doctors, health care workers and other essential folks. So far, well over 5,000 masks have been made. And, you men of Woodbridge who have donated your time to help neighbors, a big shout out to you, especially Bill Barnhardt and Rich Ferreria who head up Neighbors Helping Neighbors. It’s spring. It’s beautiful outside, so get out of hibernation. Put on

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Page 26 • May 2020

Softball

LIFE WITHOUT SOFTBALL

By Keith Loudermilk. Photos contributed. s all are aware, our lives have been drastically changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. As we collectively “Shelter-in-Place” -- and miss out on softball -- I was curious what our club members do to keep their spirits up and boredom down during these troubling times.

Obviously, we are all staying home and perhaps watching more TV than usual. That much is obvious, but what has changed while sheltering-in-place? I wondered if some started a new hobby, completed spring cleaning projects at home or found time to read? Personally, I have finally taken time to occasionally ride my new bike, having not ridden in more than 30 years. When not working Keith Loudermilk with friend Mario on spring Vernali. cleaning projects at home, I have also discovered Zoom software for online meetings, which I have used a few times. I’m also finally getting started on reading that stack of books collecting dust.

Keith’s wife Chris Loudermilk with their dog Eddy.

Many Woodbridge Senior Softball Club (WSSC) members shared their stories with me. Their stories are interesting and some quite touching, considering that we do not have physical contact with our families and friends.

Laurie Stillmaker is a Diamond Gals player and coach and her husband Dan is a Silver Sluggers player. Laurie shared that she “dusted off my T-25 DVDs and work out and sweat to them when I first wake up (which is NOT early).” Dan and Laurie walk and ride their bikes. Laurie works in the garden, reads, cross stitches (working on early Christmas stockings) and works puzzles. Dan has started a new garden, plays video games and is the designated cook. After dinner, they watch their share of television. Laurie closed by sharing, “I have found it so fortunate to live here because we Dan and Laurie Stillmaker. always see someone we know on our travels around Woodbridge, so we keep in touch with our neighbors – 6-feet apart, of course! We stay in contact with family through Zoom, Amazon Show, emails and texting. I am looking forward to getting back out on the softball field and playing ball!” Mike Belcher practices his batting stance.

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Recently retired Mike Belcher is a Silver Sluggers player and this season

serves as chairperson of the WSSC Discipline Committee. He recently shared, “As with all others, I’ve been decluttering but my biggest accomplishment was to go through 14 photo albums and digitalize all my photos and save them to a computer. I also incorporated many past photos which dated back to the 1950s. I’m trying not to gain weight so am using YouTube for exercise classes and bought a tee with a dozen whiffle balls to try to improve my swing in the garage.” Mike also is watching one documentary each day, having recently completed a two-hour PBS documentary on the history of China. Silver Sluggers coaches, take note, Mike is working on his swing! Diamond Gals player Nancy Behney shared: “A group of us go bike riding daily, keeping our distance and finding lots of new trails that we never knew existed in Manteca. My dog has never been on so many walks and I’m meeting new people who live here every day. The simple life…”

Nancy Behney’s photo of her ‘Biker Divas’ group. (L to R): MaryJo Kusalo, Nancy Behney, Mary Long and Beth Clark riding the trails in Del Webb and throughout Manteca using social distancing. Masks custom made by Carol Silva.

Albert Low is both a Silver Sluggers and Wildcat player. He shares that being home is “right up my alley” although admitting he is “a bit more sociable.” Albert mentioned Rip Van Winkle, adding, “This is a difficult time for everyone but limiting contacts gives doctors and researchers valuable time to defeat this virus.” According to Wikipedia, Rip Van Winkle is a short story written by American author Washington Irving around 1819. The story Margaret and Albert Low.

follows Dutch-American villager Rip Van Winkle, who fell asleep in the Catskill Mountains during the colonial American period and woke up 20 years later, having missed the entire American Revolution! Wouldn’t it be great to take a nap and wake up with the COVID-19 pandemic in our collective rearview mirror?

Rip Van Winkle

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May 2020 • Page 27

WHILE “SHELTERING-IN-PLACE” Erin Spoden is a Diamond Gals player and served as a coach last season. She shared the following: “We’re always complaining about how busy we are, so we have no more excuses now that we have all the time in the world. Although I’ve watched just about every series possible on Netflix, HBO and YouTube TV, I also decided to pick up my Erin Spoden on her Harley. guitar again and start learning some new songs. I’m pretty rusty but I forgot how much fun it is! I also can still paddle my kayak and ride my Harley. Life is what you make it. Stay healthy!” Well said, Erin! Susie Blair is a Diamond Gals player, Snack Shack volunteer and this season trained as a score booth volunteer. She and her husband have been very busy and productive, sharing: “I had to have rotator cuff surgery in late February. I knew I had to quit softball, pickleball and bowling for at least six months, but little did I know everyone else was going to have to take a break as well! I even trained for the scoreboard so I could still participate in softball (thanks Polly Smith). To keep busy, my husband and I take long walks every day, so we at least get some exercise. He does his DVD workouts, but I can’t do much with my arm, Susie Blair gardening so I have started using my elliptical again. With the lack of events at the Clubhouse, we plan an outing a week to get needed items at the store. How exciting. “Getting weekly take-out helps to partially satisfy not going to restaurants. We are getting a lot of yard work done and I managed to plant a vegetable garden. I am an RN and need continuing education to renew my license next year, so am taking advantage of the time and free CE (Continuing Education) offered right now to complete them. As soon as my arm allows, I will get back to playing the keyboard which I have put off for a long time. My husband is getting the maintenance completed on our cars which usually we have a hard time fitting in. All in all, we have found time to get necessary things done and spend more time together. Positive outcomes for a potentially negative time.” Diamond Gals player Kim Sakoi shares: “I, like everyone else, am missing softball and I also am missing MLB and the Giants. My husband and I are still running and working our business as it is deemed

Kim and Bob Sakoi.

essential, but much of our time is going to transitioning our business to an employee who is going to take it over. There are many little details that have to be addressed. We are also hiring via Skype interviews, as she will need employees to cover our vacancy. If all goes as planned, we will be retired by July. Not too fun or exciting but that is what I have been doing with this time.” Hopefully, Kim will be fully retired and ready to play ball once the pandemic has run its course. John and Ruby Cawley are among our newer club members. Both have decades of softball experience. Ruby is a Silver Sluggers player and husband John serves as Silver Sluggers and Wolverines player, as well as head umpire on the WSSC Council. John shares “While I do miss softball, I’ve been dealing with a significant groin issue, so no softball is forcing me to take time off and let it heal properly, which is a good thing. I’ve been busy John and Ruby Cawley. doing many other things and actually don’t find myself bored at all.” John shared: A few of things I’ve been doing: • Playing lots of chess – online and against the computer • Turned my den into a home gym with yoga mat, exercise ball, dumbbells and resistance bands • Listening to more types of music throughout the day • Learning to play harmonica (YouTube) • Rediscovered love of fishing • Researching fun facts about our planet and the universe • Starting or finishing several lingering projects around the house • Donating platelets and plasma at the Red Cross A few things Ruby has been doing: • Gardening • Trying new baking and cooking recipes • Learning Spanish • Playing many different brain games on her iPad • Bouncing pickleball off the garage wall A few things we’ve been doing together: • Walking the dogs more often • Going on long bike rides • Playing corn-hole game in backyard • Playing lots of card and board games • Watching more movies • Swinging a bat and playing catch… so we don’t forget how to play softball! • Catching up with family and friends via Facebook, phone, text, email, Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, etc. More LIFE WITHOUT SOFTBALL page 28

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Continued from LIFE WITHOUT SOFTBALL page 27 Joyce Graham is a Diamond Gals player and Snack Shack volunteer. She shares: “I am so missing softball, dancing, Starbucks, people and mostly, donuts. I have been busy organizing, ridding our home of a lot of old stuff and trying to become an un-hoarder. It is an endless, thankless task. I am so bored. I procrastinate a lot because I don’t want to part with my “old stuff.” Then, I came across an old picture of Elvis who has always inspired me.

Joyce Graham, also known as our mascot ‘Curves.’

“I listen to all his wonderful songs and I start dancing from room to room singing, ‘You ain’t nothing but a hoarder, hoarding all the time, you don’t have the guts to part with your old stuff, so you ain’t no friend of mine.’ Then I smile and cheer up as I remember that life can be tough, and I have lived long enough to know better and I can still hop it up. We are never too old to start something new. Tackle new problems without misgiving by giving it your best. Remember, ‘If you don’t use it, you will lose it.’

“So, I get up with a cup of coffee and good intentions to make my day a challenge while smiling and struggling to do it my way. “I pray for grace as I hum, whistle and sing to frolic, more cheer and ridding myself of more of my things. You know that song ‘Live each day as if it were your last.’ OK, everything is packed in clear boxes just in case I just want to revisit, except for those old recipe clippings I never made and probably never will, all gone.” Well said, Joyce. Among many things we treasure, there is only one Elvis. Dennis and Denise Barta shared a very touching narrative. Denise is a Diamond Gals player and husband Dennis is a Silver Sluggers player, umpire and WSSC Council Treasurer. Their story is very personal and positive, as

ææWoodbridge Seniors Golf Club By Bill Abrew

’m writing this article on March 29 so I’m not really sure what’s going to be happening regarding our tournaments for the next few months. The WSGC March tournament at Spanos was canceled, and I’m not sure about the tournament at Woodside Country Club in Lodi on April 23. The WSGC May tournament is scheduled for May18 at Brookside Country Club in Stockton. It will have a 10 a.m. shotgun start, so please plan on arriving 45 minutes early for a brief meeting. Member’s cost is $60, with a guest being an additional $5. Fees are due by May 3. If you’re a little hesitant about your game, this is an excellent time to come out and join us since none of us has been playing due to course closures. If you have any questions regarding our club or tournaments, contact Mike Patterson, (408) 640-9768.

follows: “Since we were missing our little grandkids so terribly, we had to figure a way ‘outside the box’ that would give us the grandparent fix that we needed and not compromise our household. So, we arranged for our son Nick and daughter-in-law Savannah to bring our three grandkids, Kylie, 6, Kacey, 4 and Kaleb, 2, for a play date through the glass. “We had arranged the kids’ toys and other things to do in the backyard before they came. They came in through the gate and right away, they Dennis and Denise Barta family with came over to the sliding glass door and grandchild. kissed us through the glass and put their little hands up to match ours. It was so touching but heartbreaking, too. “But at least Pop Pop and Nana talked, watched them play, ride their bikes and just loved every moment of their chatter. Thank goodness for big picture windows all around our house. Even made them lunch from our safe zone. It filled our hearts being able to spend the day with them. Nothing like their faces smashed to the window to give us kisses.” Words cannot adequately describe the love felt by the Bartas when their grandkids visited. Just over one year ago, our senior softball season was well underway. We had celebrated our Opening Day ceremonies with a patriotic theme honoring our veterans. This year, we are living through a global pandemic of a magnitude not seen since the Spanish flu of 1918-1920. At some point, we will resume playing senior softball. When that happens, it will prove to be the symbolic event that our lives have finally returned to normal. Until then, please continue to be safe and healthy!

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ĂŚĂŚ HEALTH TIPS

LIVE LONGER AND HEALTHIER Can You Hear Me Now?

Save Your Hearing Day is May 31 By Susie Blair, RN-BSN s we age, our body functions change, unfortunately, usually not for the better. Hearing loss is one of those negative changes many of us will probably deal with. Age-related hearing loss, presbycusis, affects one in every two or three adults over 65, usually in both ears. It is not life threatening but can have an impact on our daily living. If left untreated, it can have negative effects on our cognitive functioning and quality of life. Susie Blair According to the National Council on Aging, seniors RN-BSN who have untreated hearing loss may experience more depression, anxiety, paranoia and be less likely to participate in social activities. Johns Hopkins University has also linked it to dementia and cognitive decline.

What causes this hearing loss? Without getting too technical, it can be caused by structural changes in the inner ear, nerve impairment, decreased blood flow, changes in brain processing and damage to tiny ear hairs. Disease processes like diabetes, heart disease and poor circulation may have an effect, as well as exposure to loud noises, certain medications, family history and smoking. It may be a gradual change that is easy to ignore. This loss is progressive and cannot be reversed, so early treatment is encouraged. Symptoms typically begin with difficulty in hearing high pitched sounds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like voices of women and children. Also look for background noises being hard to hear, certain sounds seeming overly loud, telephone conversations being difficult to understand, trouble distinguishing between â&#x20AC;&#x153;sâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;thâ&#x20AC;? sounds, ringing in the ears, difficulty hearing in movie theaters or the TV, or just feeling limited in your social

May 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 29

life by not being able to understand completely. Once you have decided you might need help, start with your primary care physician. They can look in your ear to see if there is structural damage or excess wax and do some preliminary hearing tests. If it is warranted, they can send you to a specialist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; audiologist or ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) provider who can perform more in-depth testing. They can help you decide the best treatment options. You may require hearing aids or may opt for assistive devices such as telephone amplifiers or a caption phone. My mother finds the caption phone that was provided to her at no cost very useful (check with your provider for more information on how to obtain). Most moderate to large venues like the Gallo Center for the Arts and even some churches have hearing devices they can loan to you at their sites. Lipreading training may be helpful. Many insurance companies cover diagnostic testing, but not all cover the cost of hearing aids. For more serious losses, there are devices like cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing systems. If you are not at the point you need assistance but notice some hearing difficulty, there are things you can do to help. Control your blood sugar if you are a diabetic. Stay away from loud noises. Turn off the TV or radio if you are not actively listening. Be aware of the noise around you when you go out and stay away from areas of loud noise, like the kitchen or bar in a restaurant. Let family and friends know they should face you when they talk and speak clearly. It is better to let them know than be frustrated. You will enjoy your longer and healthier life if you can hear what is going on around you. Resources: Clevelandclinic.org, Gearforears.com, Healthline.com and Hopkinsmedicine.org DISCLAIMER: Woodbridge LIFE is not a source of legal or medical guidance. The above article is the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinion and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or for nutritional guidance.

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THE SPANISH FLU:

OUR WORST NATIONAL PANDEMIC By Keith Loudermilk

hile enduring the COVID-19 global pandemic, I began thinking about the Spanish flu. Flu pandemics have occurred throughout history and continue today. Several other pandemics have raged from coast to coast. One was the H2N2 flu, which struck domestically in February 1957. Originating in East Asia and called the ‘Asian Flu,’ an estimated 1.1 million died worldwide, with 116,000 in the United States. Another occurred in September 1968 when the H3N2 pandemic hit killing about 100,000 domestically and an estimated one million people worldwide. Finally, more than 12,000 Americans died from H1N1 (also known as the ‘swine flu”) from 2009 - 2010.

minimized the pandemic’s impact in order to keep wartime morale high. At home, many were hesitant to speak out for fear of violating the Sedition Act of 1918, which considered dissent about the war or the federal government treasonous.

The most devastating global pandemic was the Black Death. It originated in Asia and moved west through trade caravans into Europe, entering through the Italian port of Messina in October 1347. Also knnown as the bubonic plague, it lasted five years and killed one-third of Europe’s population. Carried by fleas that fed off infected rats, the bacteria called Yersina pestis was then transferred to humans by fleas. It was highly contagious with gruesome symptoms. Second to the Black Death was the 1918 - 1919 Spanish flu.

Germany was also blamed for the Spanish flu with propaganda that their army spread the disease through poisonous clouds dispatched over European battlefields and that the virus was included in Bayer™ aspirin (a new medication at the time) because the Bayer Company was German-owned.

Another reason was to suppress the fact that more soldiers were killed from disease rather than battle. Sixteen million died in World War I but the Spanish flu killed at least 50 million (some estimates as high as 100 million) globally. Spanish flu deaths in the United States totaled 675,000 with American World War I deaths just over 116,000.

The so-called ‘Spanish’ flu was at the time thought to have originated in Spain. While its origin is still debated, historians agree that the Spanish flu did NOT start in Spain. It started in either the military trenches of World War I Europe, China’s Shanxi Province or Camp Funston in Kansas. In 1918, 48 soldiers died there of the flu just before the epidemic exploded. It is known that the soldiers from Camp Funston carried the flu bug to Europe.

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Both the Allied and Central Powers in World War I restricted media coverage of the flu. The United States, Great Britain, France and Germany

Spain was neutral during World War I and allowed its press freedom to report on the pandemic. With wartime media censorship among the Allied and Central Powers, it soon was nicknamed the ‘Spanish’ flu, resulting in widespread belief that the pandemic was centered in Spain. People across the globe obviously understood they were amid a flu epidemic, but most did not understand its origin or magnitude. As mentioned earlier, aspirin was a new drug – trademarked by Bayer in 1899 with patent expiring in 1917 – and was widely used to combat the disease. Thirty grams per day was recommended by medical professionals, a dosage now Continued on page 31

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Continued from SPANISH FLU page 30 known to be toxic. Symptoms of aspirin poisoning included hyperventilation and pulmonary edema (buildup of fluid in the lungs), which increased the death rate. Without vaccines, antibiotics or advanced understanding of influenza viruses, only quarantines and personal hygiene were effective against the pandemic. Sound familiar? Spanish flu symptoms were horrendous and progressed quickly. U.S. Army Dr. Roy Grist in 1918 at Camp Funston said, “It is only a matter of a few hours then until death comes, and it is simply a struggle for air until they suffocate. It is horrible.” The first wave hit in the spring of 1918 and was ‘generally mild’ with a second wave in the fall that proved devastating. The Spanish flu simply had to run its course and did by the summer of 1919. The legacy of the Spanish flu included research into developing an effective vaccine. It took 15 years until 1933 for scientists to understand and isolate the flu virus and another five years to develop the vaccine (1938). The new vaccine was given to those who served in World War II and the American public started flu vaccines after the war. On a lighter and local note, citizens in San Francisco were fined five dollars – a significant amount at the time – for not wearing protective masks. They were charged with disturbing the peace and were dubbed “Mask Slackers.” While we are sheltering-in-place and sacrificing for the common good, we can at least be grateful that a century of technological and medical advances has given all a better chance against this global pandemic. Sources: 1. “Spanish Flu”, History.com Editors, www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/1918-flupandemic, October 12, 2010 (updated March 27, 2020). 2) “Past Pandemics”, CDC Editors, www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/basics/pastpandemics.html, (updated January and March, 2019)

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May 2020 • Page 31

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ææDid You Know. . . Coconut Cream Pie Compiled by Mike Spence

May 8 is National Coconut Cream Pie Day but did you know? • Coconut cream pie, like all cream pies, is a one-crust pie, meaning there is crust on the bottom and sides but not on the top. • A triple coconut cream pie has a coconut-flecked crust, crème filling flavored with coconut milk and coconut flakes sprinkled on the whipped cream. • The fruit of a coconut tree is called a drupe. It shares many characteristics with other trees that bear drupes, like peaches, plums, cherries and others, a collective called “stone fruit.” • The kernel of the coconut drupe holds the familiar white flesh that, when dried, is called copra. The flesh is harvested to collect coconut milk and coconut oil. • The crust of a coconut cream pie can be made from a customary flour pie shell or from crumbled flour cookies or graham crackers. • There are 143 calories in a slice of coconut cream pie. • It is recorded that the coconut was being eaten on the Indian subcontinent before the first century BCE. • The “crème” in coconut cream pie is a custard-like filling similar to crème patisserie but it has more starch and is thicker. • When a coconut palm begins fruit bearing at six to 10 years old, it can produce as many as 75 drupes annually. • January 23 is National Pie Day. March 2 is National Cream Pie Day. June 26 is National Coconut Day sponsored by the Coconut Collation. So, how did the coconut pie get its own orphan unsponsored national day in May of each year? • According to the folk tale, “A Thousand and One Nights,” Sinbad the sailor was selling copra and coconuts on his voyage. • Who makes the best coconut cream pie? Beyond your wife or mother, it’s a wide-open field. An honorable mention would be Chef Desi (Desmond Bonow) of The Carlile Room (restaurant) in Metro Seattle. His triple coconut cream pie is described as “old-school” and “diner-style.” It may help to know he adds crumbled coconut flakes to the graham cracker crust, shreds of coconut to the crème filling, a handful of toasted coconut shreds to the whipped cream topping and 4 ounces of carved white chocolate scatter on top. (I have the recipe; I’m going to make it!) Resources: theflovorbender.com, oureverydaylife. com, en.wilipedia.org, tastingtable.com and thecarlileroom.com.

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ææWILD THINGS in WOODBRIDGE To Feed or Not to Feed By Jana Kattenhorn

ity, state and national parks frequently post signs saying “Do Not Feed the Wildlife” for a very good reason. First, you can attract animals you don’t want, such as bears, skunks, raccoons etc., and second, you are messing with the animals’ natural eating habits. Many years ago, Monterey, California, was dealing with a large starving gull population and after research, it was discovered that generations of gulls were raised on the scraps and offal tossed into the bay by the fishing fleet. These young gulls never learned how to fish for live moving fish. When the fishing fleet disbanded, those young gulls lost their easily obtained source of food and were left to starve. (source: Monterey Bay Aquarium guide class). But how about here at home in your own yard? Due to habitat loss, supplementing local bird food sources with bird feeders is a fun way to enjoy wildlife and also help them survive. Hang a hummingbird feeder in a tree or on a shepherd’s hook where you can watch these garden jewels spar for feeding rights. The sugar syrup feeders do attract ants, so you might need an ant guard. Mix ¼ cup granulated white sugar with 1 cup of water – I use hot water as it helps keep sugar loving bacteria and fungi at bay. There is no need to use red food dye, and some studies have shown that the red dye might be harmful. Never use honey, agave or pancake syrups. If black mold does form, wash the feeder in warm soapy water. You can also spray with white vinegar. Do not use chlorine-based cleaners.

May 2020 • Page 33

Hang a seed feeder or place a platform feeder in your back yard. No visible feeders are allowed in front yards, according to Woodbridge CC&Rs. The best seeds are Nyjer thistle. Nyjer is sterilized so it will not germinate, but the shells can be messy so you need to place it in a spot where you can easily sweep or brush up the shell accumulation or treat it as mulch. This popular seed will attract American and common goldfinches, and mourning doves in our area. Many birds enjoy sunflower seeds; use shelled sunflower nibs if you don’t want a shell mess to clean up. Smaller birds prefer the slightly smaller thinner easy-to-open black sunflower seeds. The larger black and white striped sunflower seeds will attract the California scrub jay and also bully birds like starlings. Mixed seed combinations contain mostly milo, a type of sorghum which most birds do not eat and it can attract pigeons, house finches and English sparrows which some people call trash birds because they travel in fairly large flocks and will chase off the white crowned sparrows and other less aggressive birds at your feeder. All seeds need to be kept dry or put out sparingly as they will quickly mold when wet and harbor bacteria dangerous to bird health. Unfortunately, birdseed, particularly sunflower seeds, can also attract field mice, rats and ground squirrels. You can buy rodent baffles to stop them from climbing up a feeder stand. Slinkys also work although my little enterprising field mouse could easily run up the spiral to reach the feeder without getting tossed off.

Photos contributed

Crape myrtle seeds attract goldfinches, house sparrows and house finches. Yellow rump warblers eat insects found in/near the seed pods of many of our trees. Plants and trees with berries will attract robins, the lovely cedar waxwings and mockingbirds. Mockingbirds are particularly fond of the black berries on fruit producing lantana. Not all lantana set seed as the colorful hybrids are sterile. If you are lucky enough to have orioles, try half of an orange nailed to a post top or hang from a tree limb. In the spring, you can put out mealworms, live or freeze-dried, for harried new parents with a nest full of hungry mouths to feed. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, they also feed the aviary birds live crickets. Think shore bird mad dash when these are tossed into the exhibit. The local robins, mockingbirds and blue birds would enjoy crickets. Crickets and mealworms can be purchased at local pet stores. I have watched mockingbirds carefully combing earwigs and the dreaded hoplia beetle out from between rose petals.

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Birds are attracted to the sound of water and will provide you with hours of entertainment if you place a bird bath where you can watch from a window. Mom and I had a cooper’s or sharp-shinned hawk spend an hour or more enjoying a bird bath when we lived in south San Jose. Here at Woodbridge, I watched an Anna’s hummingbird bathing in water dripping from a hanging plant on a drip line. Some people put out a mist line for hummingbirds to play in when the summers are really hot. References: www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/learn/hummingbirds/red-dye-hummingbirdnectar.php www.thespruce.com/birds-that-eat-nyjer-seed-386533 www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-birds/feeding-birds/best-birdseed-feedbackyard-birds/ www.allaboutbirds.org/news/types-of-bird-seed-a-quickguide/#milo

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Woodbridge “Sheltering-in-Place” Due to the situations around the world, there have not been any Where in the World pictures contributed. For the immediate future, this page will be photos contributed from residents “Sheltering-in-Place” in Woodbridge.

While “Sheltering-in-Place,” Judy Cooper works on her half-finished puzzle. Photo of Panda Park contributed by Elizabeth Cunning while on one of her walks.

Photo of Liberty Park contributed by Elizabeth Cunning while on a walk.

Jan Spence took a photo of her neighbor Eunice Olson on Fox Trot Way celebrating her 80th birthday while “Sheltering-in-Place” on April 10.

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May 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ Page 35

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