Woodbridge LIFE May 2014

W oodbridge Volume 4 ▪ Issue 5 ▪ Number 32

May Each month Woodbridge LIFE takes a look at holidays, celebrations, seasons and the many community activities and events enjoyed by residents.

Thanks to the efforts of Phil Bookman and several students in his creative writing class, we honor those who gave all and celebrate Memorial Day with a fitting tribute to our veterans who answered the call and to those who gave their lives for liberty.

May is a busy month as we also wish a Happy Mothers Day to all of our Woodbridge moms, and spring into summer with activities focused on family and friends. Our Woodbridge family is no exception.

Let's fire up the grill, call a few friends and cherish everyday life at Woodbridge by Del Webb.

Inside

Bedford and Hancock . . . 34 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 8 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Committees . . . . . . . . . 17 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 17 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 32 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 34 Where in the World . . . . . 38 WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

LIFE

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

May ▪ 2014

Salute to Freedom

By Phil Bookman here are places to which I am drawn, places that memory holds and cannot release. One such place is Normandy of D-Day June 6 infamy.

Memorial days as celebrated in western countries such as the United States, Britain, France and the Netherlands honor the fallen of wars and their deeds. One Memorial Day, I attended services in Arnhem, the Netherlands, site of "A Bridge Too Far." And then, there was Dachau, the Nazi extermination camp near Munich with its notorious welcoming sign, "Arbeit macht frei," Work will set you free. Of course, it didn't for hundreds of thousands.

Yet, through the years, I knew there was another memorial to which I was being drawn.

The Vietnam Memorial. I was, and still am, unsettled about that war and grieve for those who died fighting it. I think of our participation in that war as a chapter many years in the making and a story still being told.

In Vietnam we followed our boys through the moving pictures of handheld cameras and the words of the media people who walked with them.

And we watched as they walked through valleys of death. We saw them hug the ground as bullets and mortars ripped overhead.

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Honoring our Veterans

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By Deb Ristau

oodbridge LIFE honors the 160+ veterans living here and pays tribute to those who gave their lives for liberty. The tasks were never easy. The situations were as different as the lands where they occured. There is a reason most veterans do not talk about their experiences. With no wish to relive bad times, veterans choose instead to remember the good. They remember friends, camaradie, a hot

Photo courtesy of Phil Bookman.

A soldier pays tribute to those who gave all. Thanks to Meutia Chaerani – Indradi Soemardjan for making this photo available for use.

We saw mud on their faces and tears being shed and saw blood on their chests. We saw eyes that saw no more.

We saw ponchos over bodies and bodies placed in bags and then in flag-draped caskets for the quiet trip home to their native land, a land torn by its own war, mostly a non-shooting war, but a war nevertheless. Then, the casket would return to the Mantecas or Stocktons, to their native soil. There would be no

marching bands and few presentations of medals.

Some years later, I would find myself in front of that black monument where for the longest time I kept my hand pressed against it as tears filled my eyes.

I looked not for an individual name, but drew all names into my being as I mourned for lost souls. �

shower, laughter and sharing a meal.

They remember growing up fast. Often, too fast.

Our thanks to the creative writing students who interviewed Woodbridge veterans to share their stories. Some were too graphic. Editing decisions were made to include the stories and to follow our mission statement as a positive and uplifting community resource. This is a poignant issue. As you fire up the grill on Memorial Day, think of our veterans everywhere, because they all have a story.

Thank you, Phil Bookman, Jim Cadle, Judy McNamara and Pepper and Ray Noble for your articles about Jack Furrer, Warren Atherton, John Evans, Chuck Somma and Mario Vernali. Thank you, Jean Kavale and Pam Phelps.

The take away here should be a renewed belief in the spirit and heart of every American willing to put his or her life on the line for liberty. Thank you, veterans.

We appreciate and applaud your service. �

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 2 • May 2014

Goodbye, Deb Ristau

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By Phil Bookman

nyone who has touched a copy of Woodbridge LIFE must spend a moment or more to say farewell to a tireless worker who spent countless hours on a newspaper that touched everyone.

Deb Ristau was a founder and editor since its inception three years ago.

She credits former resident Jackie Fretwell with inspiring her to get started and Executive Director Kayo Armstrong who was already working to start a publication and supported the idea from the beginning.

Deb not only served this community with distinction, but more importantly, her country as a nineyear public relations specialist and photo journalist with the California Army National Guard.

In her years with the Guard, Deb met Pope John Paul II, George Bush Sr. and even played golf with a young Tiger Woods.

She stood armed on the front lines during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and through the state's fires and earthquakes. Further, she saw service in Panama and Honduras.

She was once named the top female soldier in California and started the Veterans of Woodbridge group.

"Woodbridge LIFE has been my baby from the beginning. I have loved every minute of it," Ristau says. "And sometimes, it has been a lot of minutes.

Only a mom can complain about that, but it has been a labor of love.

"We have an interesting and dynamic mix of personalities here at Woodbridge and it has been a fascinating experience to get to know people and share their stories.

"Our volunteers on the publication committee are awesome and we could not publish a paper without them or without our advertisers."

When asked about the best part of the job, Deb laughed and said, "Getting results in a month versus writing a book that takes a year and a half."

Praise from fellow workers

Kayo Armstrong, executive director:

"Deb and I introduced the vision almost three years ago and she has been the mainstay of the paper's success.

"Through a true labor of love, Deb has graciously given thousands of hours to ensure Woodbridge LIFE is a

www.ourwoodbridge.net

professional, high quality publication of which the entire community can be proud."

Dodie Miller, activities director:

"Thank you, Deb, for the help and guidance writing my articles for Woodbridge LIFE."

Carol Jo Hargreaves, acting editor:

"Deb is a skilled, experienced writer and editor. She understands what makes a newspaper successful and every month comes up with creative ideas for content and graphics."

Sharyl Burgeson, copy editor:

"It will be hard without Deb. She is the life of Woodbridge LIFE, in addition to being its founder. Deb is a doer who follows the wisdom of Henry Kaiser: If there’s a need, fill it.

Hence, we have Woodbridge LIFE, the Veterans Group and Wine 101.

Besides her dedication, writing ability and organizational and leadership skills, there is another side to Deb. She is sensitive, caring and loyal. I hope everyone has seen both sides of this fantastic woman.

Deb and husband Dave will be spending several months of the year in Modesto where they have a home and he is a senior partner in a Certified Public Accounting firm.

WBL Photo by Robert Philis.

Deb Ristau resigned as WBL editor to spend more time with her husband Dave and family in the Midwest. The couple recently accepted an offer on their Woodbridge home and purchased a new home at Lake Providence by Del Webb near Nashville, TN.

They will spend the rest of the year living in a Del Webb community near Nashville, TN, closer to grandchildren.

The couple will be checking in at Woodbridge as Deb's parents, Pete and Joyce Renebome live here as well as many friends they have made over the past six years.

"It is hard to imagine Woodbridge LIFE without Deb," said Carol Jo Hargreaves.

A Brush With Death

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California Army National Guard archive photo by SFC Jim Ober, 40th ID PAD.

Sgt. Deb Ristau was singled out by Rev. Jesse Jackson at a church rally in the aftermath of the Rodney King riots in 1992.

Deb later contributed to The Heart of a Military Woman, by Sheryl L. Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, writing, "The heart of a military woman is like the heart of a lion—strong, fierce, tenacious.

A tough and formidable opponent... She is amazing in her ability to adapt, overcome adversity, and do whatever it takes...That is the heart of a military woman. There is no creature on earth as tough, as tender, as warm, and giving, as generous of spirit, or as protective as a military woman."

By Phil Bookman

n the midst of the pandemonium and gunfire of the Rodney King riots in 1992 in Los Angeles, Deb Ristau and fellow National Guardsmen were ordered to the front lines. They were to fill in ranks of Marines stretched thin by attending to other trouble flare ups.

They were protecting a strip mall in south central Los Angeles, an area that experienced the most trouble during the riots.

"We were soldiers first and journalists second," Ristau said.

"We were told to be on the lookout for a dark older model Cadillac that likely carried a terrorist who had ‘vowed to kill a soldier.’"

Sure enough, after about 25 minutes on the line,

they saw the Cadillac moving slowly down the street toward them.

As the car stopped before Deb, she released the safety catch on her M16 semiautomatic rifle.

"At that moment, I knew I might have to take a life."

A man in the back seat rolled down his window and looked at her.

"I prayed he would back down," she said. "We locked eyes for what seemed like an eternity but was only a few seconds. He looked away, the window went up and the car took off.

"It was scary, but you asked about a defining moment," she said. "That was it. Training kicked in. I knew I would survive that dogfight."

Vatican archive photo courtesy of Deb Ristau.

In 1987, Sgt. Deb Ristau, then a photo journalist with the 69th Public Affairs Detachment of the California Army National Guard, had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with Pope John Paul II in the courtyard of the Carmel Mission. Pope John Paul II was recently canonized as a saint by Pope Francis. According to Debra, "That firm handshake and our brief exchange had to be one of the most powerful and meaningful moments of my life. There are no words to describe the overwhelming sense of love and goodness that came to me in that brief touch. I didn't want to let go. Just after this photo was taken by a member of the Vatican press corps, Pope John Paul II brought his other hand up and wrapped both of his hands around mine. It was an awesome moment I will never, ever forget," adding with a laugh, "But the guys teased me that the Pope was just trying to get his hand back." (This photo and caption is a last minute addition to the story at the special request of Peter Renebome, Deb's dad and Woodbridge resident.)

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Through the Lens Photos by Residents

Stockbridge Park

Photo by Richard Briggs.

Richard Briggs used an aerial camera to capture this image of Stockbridge Park and a beautiful overview of Woodbridge looking east by northeast. Richard is a forensic photographer and his wife Shawna specializes in wedding photography. Richard and Shawna were among the first residents of Woodbridge, making their home on Fawnwood Dr.

Photo by Carole Pfoutz.

Carole Pfoutz used her iPad and a great 'eye' for framing this image of the pavilion at Stockbridge Park in spring. Carole and Ray Pfoutz are active in all aspects of the Woodbridge lifestyle. Their home on Millpond Way has been on both the Christmas and Garden tours, Ray and Carole head the Bocce Group and Carole is an active member of the Artists and Crafters Group, the Women of Woodbridge and more. The couple enjoys bocce, Wine 101 and many of the activities taking place each month throughout the community.

Page 3 • May 2014

From Dodie's Desk:

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

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ur ladies’ luncheon was held in the Clubhouse for the month of April and catered by the Manteca Unified School District’s culinary students. Box lunches of grilled marinated tri-tip or grilled chicken breast with jewel blend pasta salad, fresh strawberries, brownies and lemon bars were served. The May luncheon will be held at the Mandarin Villa in Tracy. You’ll want to join in.

If you attended “Doc” Dixon’s comedy and magic show, you were treated to an entertaining hour and a half of laughs and magic tricks. He truly provided everyone a terrific show and even incorporated a number of audience participants who added laughter to the mix. There were card tricks, and disappearing items that showed up later in the show. Doc had everyone in ahh! He even stayed after the performance to show the audience how he did some of his tricks. There were many, many compliments from the audience about how good the show was. We’ll definitely have him back in the future for those of you who missed him.

Our Hobo Dinner, an after taxes event, brought out some darn good looking Woodbridge hobos who were fed chicken stew, chili beans, creamed corn and hush puppies.

The stew, beans and corn were served from large tin cans at the tables and pie tins were used for the plates. Newspapers covered the tables with hobo packs on sticks for table decorations. Some of our residents outdid themselves with their hobo dress. You’ll see pictures of them in the paper today.

Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director

Our two winners were Judy McNamara and Rick Harmon.

Woodbridge serenaded Rick Harmon, wishing him a happy birthday.

We had a good number of Woodbridge residents take part in the trip to Golden Gate Fields for the “Day at the Races” event. Everyone was picked up at the Clubhouse via coach transportation to Berkeley. Upon arrival, all were directed to the Turf Club where seating was at the highest point, affording a completely unobstructed panoramic view of the action as well as the Berkeley hills. The day included an elegant buffet luncheon in the Turf Club.

We would like to see more of you at our potlucks every month.

There is always a good variety of food and we tried a little different take for April, using an idea from several residents to do colorful dishes. We always make the comment, “It’s the best meal in town.” We hope to see you in May; the potluck is always the last Tuesday of the month.

Page 4 • May 2014 renown agency based in the Central Valley. Pacific Media Group is the publisher of Stanislaus Magazine, so we are delighted to utilize their immense print media talents here at Woodbridge.

We have negotiated a working rate with Pacific Media Group that enables us to continue providing Kayo Armstrong the high quality newspaper Executive Director free to residents and with no burden on the WOA’s budget. As you know, funds to produce the paper are generated by our faithful advertisers for which we

By Kayo Armstrong are very thankful. As you have an opportunity to his issue of Woodbridge utilize the services of our LIFE will be the last advertisers, please be sure to one designed by Editor mention Woodbridge LIFE Extraordinaire Deb Ristau. and our gratitude for their I trust you read Phil contributions to our paper Bookman’s article on page and community. two, which honors Deb’s In working with Pacific outstanding commitment to Media Group, the editorial the success of our newspaper. team will become more What a fitting way to say farewell to Deb in this edition efficient with deadlines, more structured in several featuring Memorial Day and ways and more proficient in our veterans.

While we as a community and forward-planning. This also an editorial team are saddened means we will need your articles and photos earlier to lose Deb’s amazing talents than in the past to meet preand dedication, we wish determined deadlines. In the absolute best for Deb other words, Deb has spoiled and husband Dave in their us! Our goal is to make the next adventure. In addition transition seamless to our to founding and editing readers and we appreciate Woodbridge LIFE for 32 your patience and support issues, Deb was instrumental as the paper evolves. I am in establishing the Veterans’ grateful for the unsurpassed Group and Wine 101, and work and dedication of the has more recently shared entire Woodbridge LIFE her on-stage talents through team and particularly for the Drama Group. Dave that of our copy editors Carol also faithfully served the Jo Hargreaves and Sharyl community through his fourBurgeson who carry much of year service on the WOA Finance Committee. THANK the load each month.

The Woodbridge Owners YOU, Deb and Dave!

Association will remain the Deb has left big shoes to fill publisher of Woodbridge with Woodbridge LIFE, LIFE, continue to manage but the editorial team is the advertising, and retain committed to carrying on its control over all content. the newspaper in the same If you have any questions or professional and informative comments, please feel free manner to which we’ve to contact me at 824-7581 or all become accustomed.

Beginning with the June kayo.woodbridge@gmail.com. publication, the WOA will be working with Pacific Media Group to design our paper.

Pacific Media Group is a wellestablished and regionally-

Woodbridge LIFE Evolves

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Woodbridge LIFE

WOA Update

By Kayo Armstrong

Enhancements to OurWoodbridge.Net

It’s been about seven months since we launched the new community website, and the feedback has been terrific!

More and more residents are using this useful tool each day and we continue to save the Association a great deal of money as compared to the previous website provider. In reviewing the website analytical reports, we’ve learned what features residents are utilizing most and how we can further enhance the portal. So, as the community grows, the portal is also expanding and offering more opportunities to communicate with your neighbors, the Board and staff.

To increase the portal’s benefit to you, we are introducing some new features today, May 2. These enhancements include more specific discussion group topics and an opportunity to ask questions of a Board member.

First, we are replacing the former “General Discussion Group,” with more specific discussion topics so you can easily find the conversation of interest. The new discussion groups are:

• Woodbridge Events – updates and feedback on events, classes, activities, etc.

• Can You Recommend A …? – referrals on doctors, contractors, landscapers, etc.

• Beyond Woodbridge – information on events, programs and activities outside of Woodbridge • Household Information and Tips – information exchange about your Woodbridge home • Charities/Fundraising – promote your favorite charity or fundraising opportunity • Pets – information on our furry friends such as lost/found, care tips, etc.

• Lost and Found – find your

lost item or an item’s owner • Beware – information on current scams or things to look out for • Movie Reviews – resident reviews on the latest movies • Holiday Cheer – holiday greetings or information on seasonal events • In Memory – tribute to those we’ve lost or service details • Groups & Clubs – these discussion groups will remain to exchange information on special interests These discussion groups will go into effect today and replace the “General Discussion” category. Please be sure you post your topic within the correct category. For items in incorrect categories, the portal administrators will either move your message or contact you to do so. For reference, the “General Discussion” group will remain available until Friday, May 9, but will no longer be accessible after this date.

The second new portal feature is an opportunity to ask a question of or share a comment with the Board of Directors. To access this new tool, simply go to the “Resident Services” menu, choose “Management Office and Forms,” and then select “Ask a Question of the Board of Directors.” This will prompt a screen enabling you to enter your question or comment. Your entry will then be directed to the entire Board or a particular Director to address. Also remaining on the portal is the opportunity to ask questions of the community manager or request information. This feature is also found in the “Resident Services” menu.

We are excited about these new enhancements to the portal which will serve to improve its usefulness and provide an additional opportunity to communicate with the Board. If you have

www.ourwoodbridge.net questions, feel free to call the front desk at 824-7581.

2014 Resident Directories

The 2014 directories have been delivered by the Neighborhood Watch Block Captains. If you haven’t yet received yours, please contact your block captain.

Only those residents who provided permission to be listed will receive a directory.

We apologize for the delay in this year’s directory, as a number of issues with the data base had to be resolved before printing. Special thanks to residents Carol Jo Hargreaves and Roger Cunning for their “above-andbeyond” volunteer efforts to create this year’s directory.

Outdoor Spa Now Open

The outdoor spa is now open for the season. Please familiarize yourself with the Rules and Regulations regarding this amenity prior to using. As a reminder, showers are required before using any spas or pools and children under 12 are not permitted to use the spa. We look forward to opening the outdoor pool at the end of May, weather permitting.

Family Pool Hours

As a reminder, the pools (outdoor will open at the end of May, weather permitting) are open for family swim Monday through Friday, 2 to 5 p.m. and weekends noon to 3 p.m. Please ensure you and your guests are abiding by the Rules and Regulations including wearing cover-up garments in areas of the Clubhouse not in the immediate pool area. If you need a copy of the Rules and Regulations, you may download one from the portal or pick one up at the front desk. Thank you for respecting your fellow residents by following these rules.

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www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

From the Boardroom

By Kayo Armstrong

Note from the Board:

The Board of Directors is launching a new feature in Woodbridge LIFE to summarize current issues and discussion topics in the community from the Board’s perspective. This monthly column will replace the former articles written by your resident directors Roger Cunning and Garry Dudley. The Board’s goal is to keep all residents informed of Board activities in a transparent, objective and unified fashion. “From the Boardroom” will be created by Executive Director Kayo Armstrong serving as the Board’s communication liaison to the community.

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s many of you are aware, the resident directors have hosted “Woodbridge Express,” an opportunity for open dialogue between residents and directors. This has been a successful program which is expanding. On May 14, the resident directors will launch a monthly “Town Hall” meeting to further the opportunities for transparency and discussion. The Town Hall meetings will replace Woodbridge Express and be held at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of odd-numbered months (May, July, etc.) and at 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday of evennumbered months (June, August, etc.).

The alternating day and evening times have been established to accommodate our still-working residents as well as those retired.

Unless a major community issue has surfaced, there will not be specific agendas for these meetings – all topics not of a confidential nature will be addressed as appropriate. Roger and Garry will not be representing the full Board at these meetings, but will answer questions and communicate concerns back to the other directors for action as warranted. The first Town Hall meeting is Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. in the Clubhouse. Please sign up at the front desk.

The “Town Hall” concept was developed in March, as two such meetings were held in response to questions regarding the proposed changes to the Rules and Regulations.

Because these meetings were wellattended and productive, the resident directors have established them on an ongoing basis to provide desired dialogue not always appropriate at Board meetings.

Regarding the proposed changes to the Rules and Regulations, the initial

Introducing: Liberty Park L

By Kayo Armstrong

iberty Park is on the horizon at Woodbridge! Thanks to the creative thinking of residents Phyllis Teglia and Renée St. Lawrence, we now have a name for this exciting new amenity previously referred to as the “North Park.”

In response to a resident contest to name the park, submissions were received from 10 different residents.

The potential names were reviewed by a task force of representatives from Del Webb marketing and land development, along with the WOA staff. The final recommendation, Liberty Park, was approved and announced at the April Board of Directors meeting. Great minds must think alike, as both Phyllis Teglia and Renée St. Lawrence submitted this winning entry. Both contest winners will receive a prize for naming the amenity.

Thanks to the following residents who also submitted names for the park: Gene Bedard, Britt-Marie Bogue Paul Bowers, Steve Durflinger Dee Gotelli, Judi Harper Bernie Jenson, and Ray Noble Liberty Park is a fitting name for the new Woodbridge park, as it follows the overall Norman Rockwell/

Americana theme of the community.

In addition, the signature feature of Liberty Park is the impressive Veterans Memorial Plaza, designed by our own resident Ray Noble with technical support from Norm Hauser.

The liberty given to us by the countless sacrifices of others is represented both in the memorial and the park’s name. For more on the Veterans Memorial, see Jack Dauler’s BRICK TALK.

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n addition to the Veterans Memorial Plaza, Liberty Park will feature tennis, pickleball and shuffleboard courts, picnic cabana areas and social plazas, an outdoor kitchen, concession stand, restrooms, a golf chipping course and a large outdoor amphitheater. In all, the park covers approximately 10 acres of land. On the south side, the park ties into the already-existing linear park extending north from Cobblecreek Street. The south end of the linear park will eventually extend to Americana Street. To the north, east and west of the park are future home sites separated by the future Chestnut Grove street.

Liberty Park’s golf chipping course will feature a number of greens replicated from notable courses throughout the world such as Augusta

National, St. Andrews, Pebble Beach and Harbour Town. The outdoor amphitheater will provide an ideal venue for concerts and other large community events.

Plans for Liberty Park were finalized earlier this spring and submitted to the city of Manteca for review and approval in late March. Construction of Liberty Park is market-driven, but if the real estate environment continues as it is today, Pulte/Del Webb representatives estimate it will completed by the end of 2015.

BRICK TALK

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By Jack Dauler

ith more homes being constructed and our new Liberty Park now featured in this issue of Woodbridge LIFE, I thought people new to Woodbridge as well as our existing residents could use a “reboot” regarding our Veterans Memorial Brick program.

The Veterans Group, with the help of Pulte Homes, will be building a memorial in our new park paying tribute to those who have served our country. (Please see artist rendition of the memorial and other park amenities on page 26.) To help cover the cost of the memorial, we are proud to offer

Page 5 • May 2014 30-day resident comment period concluded on March 28. Feedback, including some suggestion, was received and in response, the resident directors have modified the proposal.

At the April 23 meeting, the Board approved a request to re-post the proposed changes for a second resident review and comment period.

This period will end on May 9, 2014, with a final vote on approval or nonapproval to take place at the May Board meeting.

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he Board appreciates your feedback on all items affecting your lifestyle here at Woodbridge. In addition to the Town Hall meetings, a new communication tool has been introduced on the Woodbridge Portal, in which you can ask a question of the Board. Please see the article on “Portal Enhancements” on page 4 of this issue for more information. The next Board of Directors meeting will be May 20 at 6 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there! �

laser engraved bricks for purchase prices of $125 for a 4” x 8” brick and a donor/veteran brick that is 8” x 8” offered at $500. Along with one to three lines of inscription the 4” x 8” bricks will also include the logo design of the military service of your choosing as a free option. The 8” x 8” bricks will have one to six lines of inscription and the free logo design.

These bricks are engraved using state of the art laser technology. The beauty and durability of these bricks will create a lasting impression. The bricks are meant to honor all resident veterans and will be available for purchase for a veteran, a family member that was/is a veteran or in honor of veterans. All names on bricks must be those of veterans.

To find out more about this fundraising campaign or to inspect a sample of these bricks, please call one of the following Woodbridge veterans:

Jack Dauler at 629-8575 Roger Cunning at 647-4380

Order forms are available on our Woodbridge portal or at the Clubhouse and you can also view a YouTube presentation at: “Manteca Veterans Memorial” or https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=s7iburZ6JYk.

Photos on page 26.

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net

Page 6 • May 2014

 FITNESS

THE FIT FIVE

By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist

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am always asked, “What are the best machines to use?” Well, here they are…. The Woodbridge Fit Five Best Machines are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Lat Pull Chest Press Back Extension Abdominals Glute

You should always start your workout with a light warm up, such as a five-minute walk or the stationary bike, or for the more advanced, the elliptical. Beginners should try to do between one and two sets of all machines, doing 15 reps each set. More advanced should do two to three sets, with 15 reps each set. Select a weight that is heavy enough so that the last three reps are challenging to finish.

Lat Pull

For the lat pull, begin by adjusting the thigh pad for stabilization during exercise. Grasp the bar and sit with thighs under pad. Pull the bar down until elbows are by your side and hands are approximately level with your shoulders. The bar should come down to the area of your collarbone, no lower.

Chest Press

On the chest press, adjust the seat bottom and back so that the handles are at mid-chest. Select a hand position that allows hands to finish in front of shoulders. Push handles forward until your arms are fully straightened and remember Paul’s pointer: Do not pop the elbows.

Back Extension

For the back extension, adjust foot bar for a bend at the knees. Hold feet firmly against footrest; push your back against the pad while keeping a slight bend at the knees.

Push the upper back into the back pad, being careful not to push too far back – do not arch your back.

Rock back and forth like you are in a rocking chair. For this machine, aim for 20 reps with light weight.

Abdominals

Abdominals machine: Adjust the foot bar as you did for the back extension machine. Grasp handles; lean back while extending your arms (keep elbows locked). Again, rock back and forth as in a rocking chair.

This is not an arm exercise. Do 20 repetitions with light weight.

Glute

For the glute machine, adjust abdominal pad for comfortable support according to your height.

Rest lower leg and forearms on pads and grasp handles. Place foot of opposite leg against foot bar and push.

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o, if you do nothing else, concentrating on these five machines will get you to the point that you can complete all of the machines. Your Senior Fitness Specialist is always there to help.

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 SELF-DEFENSE

Using a Cane for Self-Defense

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By Bill Barnhart

f a mugger were to come up to you and grab the front of your clothing in an attempt to frighten you into submission, would you know how to turn the tables and take him down to the ground? Would you even think you could? Well, if you had taken the Cane Self Defense class on March 21, 2014 with Black Belt Master Robin Taberna, you would have learned how to do so and then all it would take is practice. You would have also learned that the cane is the only weapon you legally can take on an airplane.

Master Taberna instructed a class of approximately 18 Woodbridge residents in several useful defensive/ offensive moves as well as simply how to use a cane to stretch and exercise. In the example cited above, there are pressure points on the upper parts of the wrist the mugger would be holding you with. Hitting down on these pressure points with a cane or your forearms will force

Photo courtesy of Patti Barnhart.

Carl Willhoft demonstrates an easy take-down of a would-be criminal, portrayed by Bill Barnhart during a Cane Self-Defense Class offered at Woodbridge last month.

him to release you. Then, if you immediately follow that by raising the cane or your forearms as hard as you can up into his throat (wind pipe), that will disable him long enough to allow you to hook the cane behind his head or use your hands to force him down to the ground so you can get away or pounce on him, whichever your pleasure.

Another easy move taught by Taberna is to take your cane as a mugger approaches you, insert it between his legs and then

start walking around him. This maneuver will cause one of his legs to be blocked and buckle while the other leg is pried out from under him, taking him down to the ground in very short order.

A great defensive maneuver is simply to swing a cane in a figure eight motion with a little wrist action while holding it by the crook part. This creates a very effective safety cone in front and to your sides and any would-be mugger is likely to move on.

 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Pulte Listens to Residents

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By Bob Hall, Neighborhood Watch Commander

eighborhood Watch held a special meeting in early April to address some of the recent concerns of theft in the north area of Woodbridge. More than 70 residents were in attendance. At this meeting, I made a presentation of what we as a community and what we as individuals can do to deter crime in our neighborhoods and to protect

our property. Neighborhood Watch is establishing more block captains in the north area and expanding its nighttime patrol, while neighbors are uniting to look out for one another. In addition, the Manteca Police Department has been made aware of the concern in this area.

See

PULTE page 7

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

PULTE

From page 6 Also at this meeting, several residents commented that the new home construction activity in this area could be an attraction to thieves, and a few residents wrote letters voicing their concerns.

These letters, along with a video recording of the meeting, were presented to Pulte/Del Webb so its representatives could better understand the concerns. The Pulte team immediately met to address the issue and subsequently met with WOA Executive Director Kayo Armstrong and me.

Kayo and I were informed that Pulte has arranged for private security to patrol the areas under construction. The added security measure is temporary and will patrol only the areas of homes in the north area under construction.

Neither Pulte nor the Woodbridge Owners Association will be providing paid security services on a long-term basis, but hopefully the short-term patrol in these potentially vulnerable areas will assist the Neighborhood Watch efforts to reduce crime. In addition, Pulte reports all theft or suspicious activity to the Police Department, which helps to ensure the Manteca force is paying close attention to the area.

I very much appreciate Pulte’s willingness to not only listen to our concerns but also to take immediate action to address theft issues in construction areas. If you see any suspicious individuals or crime happening in your neighborhood, please call 911 or your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain

as appropriate. Thank you for doing your part to keep all of Woodbridge safe and secure.

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Page 7 • May 2014

Pamela Andrews,DDS

 WELCOMING NEWS

Over 20 Years Experience

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Personalized Service

By Kayo Armstrong, Executive Director

or the past several years, Sue Vernali and Cheryl Juarez have done a superb job in co-chairing the Welcoming Committee. Leading a volunteer team of residents, Sue and Cheryl have ensured that all new residents moving into the community are personally greeted with the unsurpassed “Woodbridge Welcome.”

Whether relocating from across town or across the country, new neighbors receive a packet of information full of tips, resources and area discounts to make their transition smooth. In addition, Sue and Cheryl have represented the Welcoming Committee at the New Resident Orientation meetings held monthly.

The WOA is extremely grateful to Sue and Cheryl for their welcoming work during the past several years. With exciting new family commitments, Sue and Cheryl have passed on the leadership torch but will remain members of the committee.

Diana Clements and Jeannie Tebbutt are the new co-chairs of the Welcoming Committee and will continue the tradition of personally greeting new residents as they move to Woodbridge.

Many thanks to Sue, Cheryl, Diana and Jeannie for making our new neighbors feel welcome.

Excellence with Value

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Page 8 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net

At the Clubhouse

 BRIDGE

By Don St. Lawrence

The Bridge Group meets Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Club Room.

Bridge Scores MARCH 31:

Lee Stern Don St. Lawrence Renée St. Lawrence Betty Buff Robi Cornelius Phil McCallion Kathy Comden Don Harris Judy McNamara

APRIL 7:

Grace Pasion Robi Cornelius Don Harris Kathy Comden Phil McCallion Renée St. Lawrence Betty Buff Judy McNamara

5660 4470 3890 3570 3390 3120 2780 2580 2270 4960 4500 3940 3270 3230 3130 2480 2480

Lee Stern Don St. Lawrence Phyllis Tindell

2340 1950 1860

Don Harris Deb Ristau Letha Watson Robi Cornelius Grace Pasion Neda Mosunich Phil McCallion Phyllis Tindell Kathy Comden Lee Stern Betty Buff Jim Mosunich

5100 4930 4610 4290 3800 3670 2690 2680 2610 1850 1820 1720

APRIL 14:

APRIL 21:

These scores are for a shortened fiveround play. The group normally plays a seven-round, four-hand game.

Carolee Jones Don Harris Phil McCallion Betty Buff Robi Cornelius

2580 2290 1830 1050 1010

Arts

room and look at the displays of our “Hidden Artists.” Displays will include pastel art, turned wooden bowls, silk scarves, fleece baby blankets, glass jewelry, quilts and sculptures. Doors open from 10 a.m. until noon and then again from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

You really, really should plan to stop by; you might even find a new hobby for yourself.

 ARTISTS & CRAFTERS

We have scheduled another ‘Out and About’ for Thursday, May 22.

Meet at the Clubhouse at 10 a.m. to carpool to the small but cute town of Turlock. Our ‘Out and About’ is to enjoy the entire town, including a stop for lunch.

By Penny Dauler

A

quick look back sees an April calendar that was full. There were activities every day of the week.

A couple of gentle reminders:

1. During classes, please take your conversations out of the classroom. As we get older, we tend to talk more loudly and it is very difficult for the instructor to talk over a visitor and for students to hear the instructor.

2. Please be prepared to pay for classes at the time of signup. Several of our instructors make up class kits based on the number of sign-ups. If a student doesn’t pay and doesn’t show up, the instructor must cover that person’s cost.

3. Please use the class sign in sheets. ere are a few highlights from the May calendar. These are not all the events as we are still resolving a couple of scheduling conflicts.

H

→ May 17 ←

Have you saved the date?

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f not, do it now! Our BIG event is the Artists and Crafters/Hidden Talent Show-Off Day, Saturday, May 17, in the Multipurpose Room.

On this date the Multipurpose Room will be crowded with the artists and crafters of Woodbridge and the “hidden artists” of the community.

Watercolorists, zentanglers, knitters, quilters, paper crafters, mixed-media artists and more will give demonstrations.

You might wander through the

Out and About

Fairy Garden Class

The long awaited Fairy Garden class has also been added to the May schedule. This class will be held Thursday, May 29, at 11 a.m. Kathy Dezotte will host this workshop in her backyard. I hear there might even be lunch. Details and a sign in sheet may be found in the Arts and Crafts Room.

Garden Party

We will also be offering another multimedia class this month called Garden Party. The project will be made on a 3” x 3” canvas. The class will cost $11.

Fabric Cording

We will also offer a fabric cording basket class. Cost of this class is $4.

Check the calendar in the Arts and Crafts Room for the dates of these classes and a list of materials.

Christmas in July

It’s coming – Christmas in July – all classes will have a Christmas theme and there will be several other surprises as well. As you can see, our Artists and Crafters are keeping busy with several projects, outings and more!

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Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

&

 READERS' GROUP

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By Marie Evans

he Woodbridge Readers met Wednesday, April 2, for a discussion of our April selection - THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN, suggested by Penny Dauler and presented by Renée St. Lawrence. The author is Garth Stein, producer, playwright, author, dog-lover, dog interpreter and more. I certainly think he is a great interpreter of what a dog may be thinking and feeling - at least his interpretations make for delightful, sometimes intense, reading in this book. The protagonist is a dog named Enzo who is full of doggie philosophy if his humans could but hear him.

Another dog story, you may be thinking; well, yes, it is, but it is not just 'another' dog story - this one is full of humor and pathos. Yet, it is an easy read and while a lot of the language is beautiful and full of meaning and often allegorical, it is entertaining, funny and would be a good book to stick in your carry-on luggage or bring to the pool. But it will catch you up in its story - at times full of drama and humor and, for me, not a little impatience with the humans!

Our group was smaller than usual this month with only nine instead of the usual 10 to12 attending, but we were lively in our discussion.

Patty DeRoos found much beauty in the author's use of language and meaning.

Others mentioned the use of racing as a tool in telling a story as the author does, and Enzo's interpretation of that and how it applies to life or how it can apply to life. Enzo is quite the philosopher as well as quite a dog! Phil Bookman is owned by two 'mutts' so enjoyed this book very much and could relate to the relationship demonstrated between Denny, the 'owner' of the dog, Enzo, and Enzo -

the 'owned' dog.

Every character in the book certainly was not likeable or respected and there was much discussion regarding what might have been the reasons for this. As the book moves on, it becomes more intense and more 'human' - the reactions of the human characters to the situation created by the author resulted in much discussion as to what their motivations might have been for reacting in this way and how the author presented it all. In general, I think everyone enjoyed the read and was happy with this selection.

Tamara Supremo will be leading the discussion in May of her suggestion, A RIVER IN THE SKY

by Elisabeth Peters. Judy Murdock will lead the discussion in June with her selection, BLESSINGS by Anne Quindlen; July will be Renée St. Lawrence and CUTTING FOR STONE, Abraham Verghese.

August, A DEATH IN THE FAMILY

by James Agee will be presented by Marie Evans.

Unless otherwise noted, our meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse and they are open to all residents of Woodbridge.

 WB SINGERS

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By Elizabeth Cunnning

ickets are now on sale for “SENIOR PROM,” the Woodbridge Singers Spring concert. Our talented Woodbridge singers and dancers have joined together to provide a memorable time of looking back at days gone by.

Sing along to hits from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. As photos from graduation days appear on the screen, line dancers and ballroom dancers will share the spotlight.

Two performances are planned for your enjoyment: Tuesday, May 13, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 per person at the front desk. (Funds will help with ongoing costs of the choir.) You are invited to bring goodies to share for the reception after each performance.

♪♪♫♪♫♪♫

Page 9 • May 2014

 STRUMMIN' WONDERS Honoring Our Veterans

M

By Carla Marquardt

ake sure to sign up at the front desk to attend the Strummin’ Wonders of Woodbridge Patriotic Concert and Sing Along, Wednesday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. The concert is free and it's always a lot of fun to listen and sing along with our favorite patriotic songs. All veterans will be honored and Jack Dauler will give an update about when construction of our own Veterans Memorial Park will begin. See you there!

Photo by Roger Cunning.

The Strummin' Wonders will honor Woodbridge veterans with a Patriotic Concert. Front Row l to r: Bob Webster, Janet Webster, Irene Whitmore, Marybeth Saari, Eunice Olson, Margo Flanagan and Paul Hanz. Back Row l to r: Dick Salzmann, Joyce Salzmann, Peggy Hames, Gwen Speckman, Cres Anton, Diana Clements, Elizabeth Cunning, Carla Marquardt (Group Leader) and Suzanne Mauck.

 DRAMA Is there an acting career in your future?

L

By Deb Ristau

ast fall I decided to try something different. I went to a Drama Group meeting and got involved, slowly at first, but then, in a big way, with some fantastic people who enjoy the performing arts. I auditioned for a leading role and got the part! Some of you saw the play, "Frank's 75th Christmas," a Woodbridge version of the classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." I played Martha, Frank's wife, opposite leading man, Roger Goodnow. Others in the cast included (in order of appearance) Dona Eberhardt, Margie Hanz, Ruth Field, Caroline Perry, Barbara Jordan, Cindy Bolin, Mel Bernstein, Butch Larson and Claudette Conkin. The play was directed by Suzanne Mauck (whom I lovingly refer to as Ms. Scorsese), Ray Noble created fabulous props, Nick Music and Bob Naquin helped behind the scenes and Sandi Larson narrated.

Being in the play was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life. And, I've had a lot of great experiences. It was my honor and pleasure to work with this great group of folks and my only regret is that I didn't get involved sooner. I guess that is one of the drawbacks of living life in this fabulous community. There are only so many days and so many hours to get it all in! Watch the portal and future issues of Woodbridge LIFE for news about the Drama Group as they are undergoing some changes. Opportunities abound. Do something you always wanted to do.

I promise, you will have no regrets and have memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to everyone in the Drama Group for the wonderful memories I will cherish forever. For information, contact Claudette Conklin at 629-8630.

Page 10 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net

Jean Peckham Kavale: A Salute to Patriotism

,

Thank you for your service

By Phil Bookman

T

his is a book review of sorts, of a sequel to David Finkel's Pulitzer Prize winning "The Good Soldiers." Finkel, then of the Washington Post, wrote of being embedded with the Second Battalion, 16th Infantry, on its deployment in Iraq. This was during the much publicized "surge" of 2007-2008.

It chronicled life, sometimes horrors and depressions, of the soldiers sent to fight that war.

In his second book, "Thank you for your service," Finkel is embedded once again, this time with veterans and their families, still fighting the ravages of that war after their deployments have ended. But it could easily be veterans of Vietnam or Afghanistan.

A scene is the funeral of a veteran who committed suicide.

A eulogist is almost at a loss for words, but finds this: "What is there to say except, 'Thank you for your service.' " This is not an easy book to read as Finkel describes the battles of one veteran haunted by his experience. A veteran is on a Humvee that hits an IED, Improvised Explosive Device, sending the Humvee aflame into the air. He manages to crawl out with a broken leg, yet realizes that others did not. He crawls back and pulls two men, both bloodied, from the burning vehicle. He should have been deemed a hero until someone yells they forgot the driver.

Looking back, he saw the outline of the driver’s body aflame.

The scene would never leave him and in his nightmares he would hear the burning soldier crying, "Why didn't you save me?" Now, he undergoes daily treatment yet the thought of suicide never leaves him.

The hard-to-accept figure is 22 suicides a day of veterans, 3,000 so far this year.

A Washington Post nationwide poll shows that more than half of 2.6 million Americans sent to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan struggle with physical or mental health issues stemming from their service. "They feel disconnected from civilian life and believe the government is failing to meet the needs of this generation's veterans."

On the other hand, most veterans do not feel embittered or regret serving.

"Considering everything they experienced, almost 90 percent would still have joined and 87 percent are proud of their service."

Many are attending college and finding employers grateful to them for their service.

"They have come back to a nation that has embraced them--strongly, positively--and put tremendous value and appreciation into their service," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a Post interview.

Sen. John Walsh (D-Mont.), an early Iraq war combat veteran, is a leader in the battle to reduce military suicides. Walsh commanded an infantry battalion in Iraq with the Montana National Guard.

The bill, the "Suicide Prevention for American Veteran's Act," would extend the time to receive care from the Veteran's Administration to as long as 15 years. Sometimes it takes longer for veterans who experience post traumatic stress disorder.

The bill would also improve the quality of care by making mental health care jobs more competitive with the private sector. Now, there are more than 1,000 jobs open including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, nurses and physician assistants.

"No matter what the cost of the measures urged in the bill, that is the cost of war," he said.

�

By Deb Ristau

"Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be."

~DOUGLAS MACARTHUR

I

t was to the graduating cadets at West Point in 1962 that General Douglas MacArthur spoke the famous words above. These words also appear at the beginning of the preface to the biography of Major General Howard L. Peckham, first captain of his graduating class at West Point, 1918. Written by Peckham’s daughter, Woodbridge resident Jean Peckham Kavale, A Salute to Patriotism is best described by the author in the preface. ~ In the chapters that follow, Howard Peckham’s life and work are described, with an emphasis on his Quartermaster Corps service during and after World War II. I have always felt that the difficult and often heart-wrenching efforts of the United States Army’s Quartermaster Corps haven’t been publicized enough.

The book also briefly describes the careers of several other members of his band of compatriots, those senior officers who were his friends and who performed admirable service to their country. A few of those men are not well known to the general public. With this book, readers See

KAVALE page 11

WBL Photo by Deb Ristau.

Jean Kavale holds a copy of her book, A Salute to Patriotism. Jean's father, Major General Howard Peckham was in charge of the final disposition of U.S. service personnel who died in Europe during WW II. Jean wrote A Salute to Patriotism while living at Woodbridge.

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

KAVALE page 10

will get to know them. At the same time, they will learn new facts about the better-known members of that group, such as George S. Patton Jr. and Omar N. Bradley. My father and his army compatriots would see each other at several different places over the years and during changing circumstances. They would meet during catastrophic wartimes that shook America like ponderous earthquakes – World War II, Korea and Vietnam. ~

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ean’s childhood as the daughter of an army officer during WW II afforded her the unique opportunity to grow up with an insider’s view of military leadership and politics during some of our nation’s most difficult eras.

General Peckham kept his family near when duty called. Jean was born in Cleveland, OH, but spent a majority of her early years in and around Washington, D.C. The family moved to Paris when she was 16.

“I was 16 when we sailed to Europe. I remember driving through Germany in a military vehicle and seeing the bombedout buildings and villages. I was struck by the desolation and sadness of the people. When we arrived in Paris, it was completely different. People were lively and happy. I enjoyed our time in France where I finished high school.

My dad’s job there was more difficult. It was much later, while doing research at the Stanford University library, that I read Final Disposition of World War II Dead** and saw my dad’s name mentioned throughout the book. He was in charge of that in France.

“It was after moving here to Woodbridge that I decided to write A Salute to Patriotism to honor my father and shed more light on the difficult duty of the United States Quartermaster Corps.”

Jean returned to Washington, D.C., attended the University of Maryland, earned a degree in

English and then moved to New York City where she worked for the National Council of Churches. It was there, while helping resettle refugees who had escaped from behind the Iron Curtain, that she met Bob Kavale at the water cooler.

He invited her to a party. They began to date. Bob had friends who had moved to California. In 1959, Bob and Jean were married at Saint Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco.

WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE

astronaut, and his family supported his dream. After graduating from Franklin High Former NASA Astronaut to Speak School in Stockton, he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering

By Jean Benner from the University of the Pacific in 1984 and an M.S. in Electrical oing from migrant farm worker to NASA astronaut, and Computer Engineering from the University of California at Jose Hernandez has lived the American dream. He will share Santa Barbara in 1986. his amazing story on Tuesday, In 2001, Hernandez joined May 27, at 2 p.m. in the the Johnson Space Center in Clubhouse Multipurpose Room, Houston, Texas, and was selected as part of the

by NASA as ongoing Women an astronaut of Woodbridge candidate in Speaker Series.

May 2004. He was assigned While Jose to the crew of was born in Space Shuttle French Camp, mission STSCalifornia, his 128. He also parents are served as from La Piedad, Chief of the Michoacan, Materials with indigenous and Processes Purepecha Branch of roots. As Johnson a child, he Space Center. worked Jose Hernandez Hernandez alongside his left NASA family and in 2011. Prior to his time at other farm workers throughout NASA, Hernandez worked at the fields of California, Lawrence Livermore National harvesting crops and moving Laboratory where he developed from one town to another. equipment for full-field digital Hernandez would live half of mammography. each year in La Piedad and the other half in the United States.

As always, there is no charge He attended many schools and for this presentation. Please didn’t learn to speak English RSVP at the front desk in the until he was 12.

Clubhouse, however, as a count is needed for set-up and preparation Hernandez decided early of material. on that he wanted to be an

G

B

ob and Jean got jobs in the Silicon Valley and lived for more than 30 years in the bucolic community of Saratoga. After four years of teaching early elementary age students, Jean enrolled in a Master’s Degree program offered at the Catholic Church in Saratoga.

She studied theology, became Catholic and wrote her first book, Faith and Philosophy.*** She also worked as an off-site editor for Silicon Valley firms such as IBM, Siemens and Lockheed. Jean edited newsletters for the diocese and Council of Catholic Women and wrote the training manual for editors who worked under her and she was the lead editor for the IBM CallPath Library (six books). In addition to her own books, Jean has written many articles for The Center (a theological journal), the San Jose Mercury News, the Society for Technical Communication Magazine and more.

The couple spent two years living in the Philippines where Bob worked as a consultant. They lived on the 28th floor of a building and Jean said, “We could see Corregidor Island on a clear day. That got me thinking about Dad and I wrote a memoir of my family, From the Potomac to the Seine: The Personal Story of an Army Family."

W

hen Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they began looking for a retirement community.

Their search eventually led them to Woodbridge by Del Webb and, as Jean says, “It’s the perfect location.”

They moved to their perfect home and enjoyed many activities and events together. Bob passed away in 2012. Jean continues to enjoy activities at the Lakeview Clubhouse

Page 11 • May 2014

and has made many friends in the community. She is currently working on marketing her books, writing and editing. ean’s beautifully written tribute makes an especially good read for anyone affected by the tragedies of war. As we approach Memorial Day in late May, our thoughts turn to those who gave and those who gave all. The Woodbridge Creative Writing Class, led by former newspaper editor Phil Bookman, worked on a special project last

J

month and their stories of veterans living here at Woodbridge are featured in this edition. You can order A Salute to Patriotism and Faith and Philosophy by Jean P. Kavale on Amazon.com.

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** 1945-51 U.S. Army, Quartermaster Corps, QMC Historical Studies, Series II, No. 4 Steere, Edward; Boardman, Thayer M. Washington, D.C.: Historical Branch Office of the Quartermaster General. 1957. *** Redwood Publishing.

Page 12 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Lt. Jack Furrer, circa 1944

The Long Way Home from Frankfurt

By Ray Noble, Creative Writing Class

A

lthough we all will stare into the awesome face of eternity, it is not often we do so at the tender age of 20 and even less so while commanding an airship of men barely out of their teens as their airplane heads nearly straight down toward an unfriendly earth.

Such was the case of Lt. Jack Furrer. How did it come to this?

And how fortunate we are today to enjoy Jack’s company here at Woodbridge some 70 years later. t was a routine bombing mission into Frankfurt, Germany, if any such endeavor could be called routine. In 1944, the likelihood of any given air crew’s survival to the 30-mission level was dangerously problematic.

With only one more mission beyond this one, Jack’s 29th, he would be rotated back to the United States for reassignment.

The Allies were mounting giant armadas of aircraft carrying hundreds of tons of high explosives to rain on Germany’s considerable industrial strength to neutralize their war machine but paid an enormous price to do this. Tens of thousands of men and thousands of aircraft were lost in this effort.

But Jack’s story begins in 1924.

Born on January 19, he was raised in Oakland, CA. Jack graduated

I

from Fremont High School in 1942 and before being drafted in December of that year, he worked as a “burner,” cutting steel plates to be used as parts to be welded into Liberty ships.

Early in 1943, after a high grade scored in a general knowledge test, Jack was sent to preflight training for the Army Air Corps at Maxwell, AL, then on to Preliminary Flight School at Lakeland, FL, where flying the bi-wing PT-17, he soloed in four hours and 20 minutes. Basic Training was taken in the BT-13 at Courtland, AL. Jack received his wings in January 1944 at age 19. Transferred to George Field, IL, for Advanced Training, Jack transitioned to multi-engine aircraft in AT-10s. urrer was sent to Army Air Force Base in Sebring, FL, for B-17 and crew combat training. The B-17 was a four-engine bomber carrying a crew of 10 and was popularly known as the Flying Fortress due to its six twin 50-caliber machine gun stations.

After about 40 hours of flight time with his young crew, Jack was assigned a B-17. He had orders to ferry his aircraft and his nine-man crew to Ireland. At this point Jack had logged only 40 hours of flight time in the B-17 with a total time of 200 flight hours. He was now an old man, 20 years of age. Necessary fuel stops were made at Goose Bay,

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Greenland, then Iceland and finally, Ireland. After being transported to London with a layover of a week, Jack was assigned to “The Bloody 100th” Bombing Group. Those in the know offered cheerful and unsolicited comments such as, “In the bloody 100s you’re never gonna make it.” ack was assigned to Thorpe Abbotts, a military air base, and given his B-17, aircraft number 448514 which he named “Lassie Come Home.”

By 1944, The Flying Fortress had undergone many modifications. With six gun turrets, each having twin 50-caliber machine guns located on top and bottom, the tail, both sides and the nose, it fairly bristled with protection. Occasionally there was a shortage of gunners, so one man would handle both side guns, dashing between the two as necessary.

Furrer and his crew were immediately thrust into the midst of the furious air war over Germany.

The British were handling the night bombing raids on “Der Fuhrer’s” homeland. U.S. bombers were making the more dangerous daylight trips that were subject to the assaults of the hundreds of Messerschmitt and Fokker fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe.

Furrer and his crew flew the round trips to Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Bremen, Cologne and Berlin; some

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of these he flew twice, for a total of 29 trips. Each was a round trip of about eight to 10 hours at 24,000 to 28,000 feet where the crew wore oxygen masks and electrically heated flight suits to protect against the 40 to 50 degrees below zero temperatures at those altitudes.

Number 29, the Frankfurt raid, turned out differently from all those before it. Jack and his crew needed only 30 missions to complete their tour and be cycled back to the States. They were nearing the end and to this point must have felt lucky. While they had taken fire, they had made it home with no injuries to crew and the usual hits from flak and machine gun fire from enemy aircraft. he German fighter aircraft were deadly and the anti-aircraft fire from the ground together took a terrible toll on the fleets of bombers on any raid. “Lassie” had been lucky and if she made home without damage, it was called “a milk run.”

Being aware of this, Jack and his crew maintained the orders for radio silence so as not to alert the enemy’s anti-aircraft command and the squadrons of defending fighter aircraft awaiting the Allied raiders’ arrival over Frankfurt.

But someone broke that silence. As a diversionary tactic, the bombers did not fly directly toward Frankfurt and wished to appear flying past it. At the correct moment, they would turn into the target. But that

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See

FURRER page 13

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silence was broken when someone gave the game away when he radioed, “We are turning right into Frankfurt.”

“At that point we knew we were identifiable targets.” Because of a strong headwind, their ground speed was a slow 100 miles per hour, making their aircraft an even easier target. fter dropping their bomb load and a few seconds out of Frankfurt, “Lassie Come Home” took anti-aircraft fire in her left wing.

Both engines on that side were severely damaged and caught fire, the flames reaching as far back as the tail. The concussion of the hit caused the wing of the bomber to suddenly pitch up, causing the whole aircraft to roll violently to the right and begin falling through the layers of formations of B-17s below. Jack, following procedure, feathered the propellers and the engine immediately shut down. It seemed a hopeless situation for the plane and Jack, fearing an explosion, ordered the crew to bail out.

The four crew in the front of the aircraft bailed out. Jack, however, was caught in his seat by his flak jacket which was somehow entangled with the seat itself. This jacket was a vest with steel plates in front and back accompanied by a steel helmet that was put on just before a bomb run and removed soon after.

The aircraft was now descending almost vertically, headed toward earth. Jack realized that if he was to survive this ordeal, he would have to regain control of the aircraft.

After plummeting 14,000 feet, he was able to pull his plane out of its dive. He probably exceeded all the structural limitations the designers thought the plane could stand. In the course of all of this, the fire had, for whatever reason, gone out. It was about then that Jack heard over the plane’s intercom the voice of the tail gunner ask, “What’s going on up there?” Jack then discovered that his mike had come unplugged and the crew in the rear never heard his bail out order.

So the waist gunner, Sgt. Paul Miller, came forward to occupy the co-pilot’s seat after he helped Jack with his flak jacket.

Furrer noted that the bomber did not have enough power from the remaining engines on the right wing and was losing altitude. At this rate,

Woodbridge LIFE

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Photo courtesy of Nannette Furrer.

Lt. Jack K. Furrer (right) met with Lt. James Evans (P-51 pilot) and remaining crew members shortly after returning to Thorpe Abbotts. Paul MIller is sitting to the left of Lt. Evans. The B-17 in this photo is not Furrer's plane.

they would not make it home so he ordered the remaining crew to jettison all loose gear which, of course, they did.

The plane’s radios and navigation instruments were damaged. They were now alone and lost over Germany. Their compass was operable but without a fix on their current location, it was of limited value. Jack asked the crew for a map.

They confessed that the maps were jettisoned with everything else. In frustration, Jack queried, “How much does a map weigh?” t was soon after that a fighter was seen approaching. They feared it might be a German plane coming to finish off their crippled aircraft. It was not. It was Lt. James Evans piloting his P-51 Mustang, the most capable fighter in the ETO (European Theater of Operations). Evans quickly noted the condition of the damaged B-17 and pulled alongside the left wing.

With the plane’s radios out, hand signals were the only way to communicate. And since Jack was more than busy controlling the damaged aircraft, the hand signals were done by Sgt. Miller from the right seat next to Jack.

The P-51 pilot indicated that they were going

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deeper into Germany and needed to turn around.

After getting them on the right heading, Evans, with fuel issues of his own, headed back to his base. Now Furrer could use the compass to find the safety of the English coast. But wait; the story’s not over. fter crossing the English Channel, they found themselves headed for London. The Brits, not liking surprises, thought this might be Germans on a raid and greeted our beleaguered B-17 with anti-aircraft fire. Jack took the hint and turned right and up the coast to Thorpe Abbotts, his home base.

This was Jack’s last mission over Germany and he was returned to the U.S. and reassigned.

Of the four crewmen who bailed out of “Lassie Come Home,” three were confined as German POWs for the remainder of the war. Tragically, Sgt. Robert Garrison was killed while resisting apprehension in Germany. urrer has a long and storied career in the United States Air Force, flying during the Korean and Vietnam wars and remaining active in the service until his retirement on April 1, 1968. He has many interesting stories about those years. When you see him, be sure to ask why he named his B-17 “Lassie Come Home,” and thank him for his service.

Photo insert: Jack and Georgie Furrer still burn up the dance floor whenever they get the chance.

A

F

Page 14 • May 2014

Anchors Aweigh

By Judy McNamara and Jim Cadle, Creative Writing Class

Woodbridge LIFE

The Navy’s USS Quirinus was commissioned in November 1945 as a arren R. Atherton took a landing craft repair vessel and docked Caribbean cruise as a teenager, in Baltimore, MD, where its crew, his first sea duty in the United States including Atherton, Navy. The 18-year-old boarded.

Sailing down high school graduate had the east Atlantic coast, decided in 1943 to enlist Quirinus anchored at in the Navy. After all, Guantanamo Bay Naval he had worn the Navy Base where Atherton uniform as he marched and his crewmates and played clarinet repaired amphibious in the Newport Naval crafts. The ship Reserve Band and his returned to Terminal scoutmaster was a Naval Island, located between Chief Petty Officer. the Port of Los Angeles Warren’s enlistment and Long Beach Harbor, bid was rejected as the where Atherton was recruiter explained mustered out and the Navy had a full Warren Atherton returned to civilian life. complement of enlistees He remained on Navy and would be turning Inactive Reserve status, not required to to the military draft for additional attend meetings, but subject to recall. sailors. Young Atherton could not The four years following were serene as know the ways of the military, for he Atherton worked at appliance sales and was surprised to receive a draft notice repairs.

Weekends were spent racing to the U.S. Navy two months later. boats under sail and engine driven.

Trained as a diesel mechanic and Newspaper headlines flashed the assigned to Little Fork, Virginia, he news on the morning of June 25, 1950, repaired and maintained engines that North Korean troops had invaded on troop landing craft used for South Korea and Atherton, still a Naval amphibious landing assaults.

W

www.ourwoodbridge.net A. Bass was to deliver the troops to landing craft, lie by and return them safely to base.

Atherton’s puckish humor was revealed when he added, “We received several ‘well done’ signals, but never a single ‘medium rare.’”

Atherton was returned to San Diego in December 1952 and was released from active duty. He had served four-and-ahalf-years on active Navy duty for his country and an additional five-and-ahalf-years in reserve.

Atherton is low key about his military service, but his intense patriotism is reflected in his comment on a 2012 trip to Washington, D.C., for the Honor Flight. He remarked, “It felt good to be among so many good Americans.”

Reserve, considered the likelihood that he would be recalled for yet another war. The notice, when it arrived in early 1951, was accepted stoically.

Atherton was assigned to the engine room of the USS Horace A. Bass, a high speed transport ship named in honor of Ensign Horace Ancel Bass, Jr., who was awarded the Navy Cross for action during the Battle of Midway.

During the Korean winter of 1951, the Horace A. Bass regularly took aboard units of Republic of South Korea commandos, British Royal Marines and Navy Underwater Demolition Teams for missions in North Korea. The mission of those men was to interdict and destroy North Korean railroad facilities, capture North Korean soldiers and gather intelligence. The mission of the Horace

Veterans of Woodbridge

Woodbridge

Replacement Flags Available

Flags $20 6’ Poles $10 Call Mel Reynolds Roger Goodnow at 624-3768 815-9344

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 15 • May 2014

Page 16 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE Reaching Out Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581

Board of Directors

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

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER

WOA

Resident Directors

EDITOR

Executive Director

ADVERTISING

Roger: 647-4380 / Garry: 648-4868 Kayo Armstrong:

824-7831

Activities Director

Dodie Miller:

824-7927

Management

Riverside Management PO BOX 697 Roseville, CA 9566 916-740-2462

The opinions expressed in Woodbridge LIFE’s feature articles, paid advertisements and editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association.

WOODBRIDGE LIFE MISSION STATEMENT: “Woodbridge LIFE is a celebration of the diversified residents of Woodbridge by Del Webb in Manteca – a look at their accomplishments, an exploration of their hopes and dreams, a place to share joy, announce activities and bring neighbors together.

Woodbridge LIFE strives to enhance the lives of all residents and exceed expectations with informative articles, lively features, a calendar of events and more.”

824-7581

Deb Ristau

765-5058

Kayo Armstrong

824-7831

WBL EDITORIAL TEAM Kayo Armstrong, chair Bill Barnhart Mel Bernstein Sharyl Burgeson Roger Cunning Carol Jo Hargreaves Dodie Miller Volker Moerbitz Pepper Noble Pam Phelps Deb Ristau Mike Spence

824-7831 629-8838 510-482-8304 239-1492 647-4380 988-5831 824-7927 239-7965 239-1933 408-930-8758 765-5058 924-8032

Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly publication of the Woodbridge Owners Association, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Woodbridge

by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that would be of interest to residents. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles that in our opinion do not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association. Content submitted may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be returned. Contents copyright © 2014 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge Owners Association

Woodbridge LIFE

FINANCE • Christine Carlson, Chair christine.carlson@pultegroup.com LIFESTYLE • Dodie Miller, Chair millerdodie@gmail.com 824-7927

POLICY & PROCEDURES • Chair position, TBD • Debby Hickey, Secretary 629-8737 PROPERTY & GROUNDS • Mike Spence, Chair mspence1740@gmail.com 924-8032 COMMUNICATION • Kayo Armstrong, Chair kayo.woodbridge@gmail.com 824-7831 •

•

Deb Ristau, Woodbridge LIFE deb.s.ristau@gmail.com 765-5058 Carol Jo Hargreaves, Directory cjohargreaves@verizon.net 988-5831

WELCOMING COMMITTEE • Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net 665-4353

• Jeanne Tebbut, Co-Chair jltebbutt@gmail.com 923-4356

Page 17 • May 2014

Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - May/June 2014

Board-Appointed Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW • Mike Wallick, Chair mike.wallick@pultegroup.com

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director THORSON FINANCIAL CASINO BUS TRIP – Friday, May 2 @ 9 a.m. – Join Thorson Financial Estate Management and Carrollton Mortgage Co. for a FREE bus trip to Red Hawk Casino.

Sign-ups taken at the front desk.

COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE – Saturday, May 3 @ 8 a.m. – Set up at your own garage. Mel Reynolds has made signs and the event is advertised in the Manteca Bulletin.

Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MAMA’S WRANGLERS – Saturday, May 3 @ 6:30 p.m. - This is a family band and cloggers from Las Vegas. Their confidence, charisma, hot instrumentation, dancing and vocal harmonies will be a show to remember. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 pp and available at the front desk.

COMMUNITY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH – Sunday, May 4 @ 10 a.m. – This brunch is sponsored by Pulte and is limited to 50 residents. There will also be 50 future homeowners present. An elegant brunch will be catered. Tickets are $12 pp.

SIX-YEAR CLUBHOUSE ANNIVERSARY – Monday, May 5 @ 4 p.m. – Cake and ice cream for the anniversary celebration sponsored by Pulte. Sign up at the front desk.

WINE 101 – Wednesday, May 7 @ 6 p.m. - Unravel the mysteries of taste!

Take a “Taste Sensitivity Assessment” to help understand why you like the type of wine you choose to drink.

Bring your own wine glass, your favorite wine (uncorked and recorked) for sharing and an appetizer to share.

Sign up at the front desk.

HEALTHCARE OPEN FORUM – Thursday, May 8 @ 9:30 a.m. – This forum is being held monthly.

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST Sunday, May 11, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. seatings – Sponsored by the Men of Woodbridge who will be cooking their special breakfast for the start of Mother’s Day. Tickets are $7 pp.

Sign up at the front desk.

WOODBRIDGE SINGERS SPRING CONCERT – Tuesday, May 13 @ 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – We’re in for a treat on this concert from what I’m hearing. You’ll want to get your tickets early and bringing goodies is recommended for after the concert.

Tickets are $2 pp to help with the group’s expenses. Sign up at the front desk.

PATRIOTIC SING ALONG with the Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele Group – Wednesday, May 21 @ 6:30 p.m.

Bring goodies to share after the event.

Sign up at the front desk.

WHEELS OF WOODBRIDGE 100 – Saturday, May 24 @ 10 a.m. – There will be registration of the golf carts at 10 a.m. for those wanting to participate in the “100” and the parade. There are three events: spring, twist & turn, survivor race, and people’s choice and car show.

See pages 20 and 21 or contact Bill Barnhart for more information at 6298838.

WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE SPEAKER SERIES – Thursday, May 27 @ 2 p.m. Former Astronaut Jose Hernandez will speak about his journey into space.

Sign-ups taken at the front desk.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, May 27 @ 5:30 p.m. – Bring your favorite meatloaf, potatoes or vegetables for this potluck night. Always dessert!

Coffee and water provided and you may bring your beverage of choice.

Sign up at the front desk.

HAPPY HOUR – Friday, May 30 @ 5:30 p.m. – This is our first happy hour for 2014. We’ll have Dave Badilla start us off with his dancin’ music as he has done in the past.

Bring an appetizer to share at your table, a folding chair and table if you want for your group. We won’t have enough chairs and tables for everyone and this is a very popular night. Tickets are $3 pp and will go on sale May 1.

WINE 101 – Wednesday, June 4 @ 6 p.m. – Jon Ford will have details after the May get together.

SPRING GARDEN TOUR - Saturday, June 7 @ 10 a.m. – Tours of some of our residents’ backyards, a farmer’s market, lunch and raffle. Tickets will be $15 pp. Sign up at the front desk.

SUMMER DANCE – Saturday, June 14 @ 6:30 p.m. – This is our start of summer dance with many more dances on the way. We will have a ‘50s band. Bring your beverage and snacks of choice. Tickets are $10 pp. Sign up at the front desk.

DRAMA GROUP PLAY – Thursday, June 26, and Saturday, June 28 @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. - Details will follow.

HAPPY HOUR – Friday, June 27 @ 5:30 p.m. – Crystal Image Band on the patio. Bring an appetizer to share at your table, a folding chair and table if you want for your group.

We don’t have enough chairs and tables for everyone. Tickets are $3 pp and will go on sale June 2.

BACKPAIN????????

Call

DR. JON SERAFIN B.S. D.C. At

Lathrop Chiropractic 16972 S. Harlan Rd. Lathrop, CA 95330 Ph (209) 858-1029 www.docserafin.com

Refer a friend and we’ll thank you.

2,500 times to be exact.

GLENBROOKE We have just added

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OVER TWO THOUSAND

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reasons for you to refer your friends

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not share it with the people you care most about.

discovered. Right now you can receive $2,500

THE CLUB

for every person you introduce to us who purchases a new home in any Del Webb community in Northern California.

WOODBRIDGE

See the Woodbridge sales office for details: 1451 Americana Street • Manteca, CA 95336 • (209) 239-3099 • www.delwebb.com/woodbridge

SIERRA CANYON

*Residency requirements at Del Webb communities require that at least one resident of household must be 55 years of age or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55. This referral payment offer is valid only on new purchase agreements for homes in the Del Webb community entered above and that are accepted by Del Webb on or after 9/1/11 and close escrow before 12/31/12. In addition to other terms, conditions and limitations established by Del Webb, the buyer may not be represented by a realtor or broker in connection with the purchase of the home, buyer must not have visited the community before the referral and buyer must register the referring party on buyer’s first visit to the community as required by Del Webb. Eligibility for receipt of a referral fee is subject to terms, conditions and limitations that have been established by Del Webb. In order to be eligible to receive a referral fee, both the buyer and referring party will be required to sign a separate document of Conditions, Restrictions and Certifications. If the document is not signed by both parties and delivered to Del Webb as required by Del Webb, and all of the terms, conditions and restrictions are not fulfilled, a referral fee will not be paid. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. This offer is subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. © 2012 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. Pulte Home Corporation is a licensed California real estate broker (lic. #00876003).

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Softball this month A Spectacular Start

A

By Dave Reed

nother exciting season of softball is off to a great start.

OPENING DAY CEREMONIES

The season officially opened Saturday, April 5. Robi Cornelius and the Diamond Gals decorated the field early. At 8:30 a.m. we served free coffee and donuts sponsored

by Pulte/Del Webb, which kept our Snack Shack volunteers extremely busy. We had 19 classic or sports cars displayed courtesy of our Wheels of Woodbridge car club members.

Music was provided until 9:30 a.m.

by John Green and the Second Chance Band. A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped.

The softball teams, umpires and our Woodbridge Singers gathered on the field for the opening ceremonies. We have five Silver Slugger men’s teams (the Orange Crush, White Knights, Red Devils, Green Hornets and Blues Brothers). The Diamond Gals have four squads that rotate to play each other on Saturdays. They were joined in two teams and showed off their new blue and red jerseys. Each of the teams had a flag bearer from our Veterans of Woodbridge club.

The East Union JROTC color guard joined us on the field to present the colors and the trumpeter Phillip Fiorio, son of Gary and Melinda Fiorio, played the national anthem.

Elizabeth Cunning and the Woodbridge Singers then sang God Bless America, This Land Is Your Land and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Many thanks to all of these special contributors.

The ceremonial first pitches were performed after the color guard and flag bearers left the field. Kayo Armstrong, Executive Director and strong supporter of our Woodbridge softball program, threw out the first ceremonial pitch which was caught by a representative from the Manteca Fire

Department. The second ceremonial pitch was thrown by Manteca Police Officer Jason Massey and Max, his canine unit, was the catcher. Our thanks to Kayo, the Manteca Fire Department and Officer Massey and Max. Remember, our community came together last year to donate more than enough funds to buy Max his own protective vest.

We then held four short softball games — a Diamond Gals game and three Silver Slugger games — so that everyone had a chance to play.

The Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele group played for us at various times during breaks. Special thanks to Carla Marquardt and the rest of the Strummin’ Wonders.

Raffle winners were announced between games. The prizes and the winners are: • Lunch for four at Uncle Frank’s Grill at the Manteca Golf Course – Pepper Noble and Joyce Kohnke • Raley’s $20 gift certificates – Terry Cummings and Dunessa Partin • Orchard Supply Hardware $20 gift certificates – Harleene Bebout and Brian Conway • Papa Murphy’s $10 gift certificates – Kim Rogers and Betty Groo • Screw driver set – Joanne Norcup • Socket set – Charm Mathis • Stockton Ports cap – Corry Seifert • Baseball caps – Mary DiMaggio, Volker Moerbitz and Mario Vernali • Hand fan – Bill Barnhart • Speedway bag – Janie McIntyre Lopez Please give a big thank you to Robi Cornelius, who organized the Opening Day ceremony, along with the Opening Day committee members – Kathy

Dezotte, Caroline Gibson, Ron Kackley, Butch Larson, Dave Reed, Ed Shoup and Trudy Snyder. Thanks also to the Silver Sluggers for taking down the decorations after the games.

Page 19 • May 2014

GAME SCHEDULE THROUGH JUNE 4 Silver Slugger Schedule - MAY

SPONSORS

Please frequent our sponsors and thank them for sponsoring our softball league.

Alhambra Water Arvin Home Systems, Inc. Chez Shari’s Center Appliance Delicato Vineyards Del Webb/Pulte Denise’s Farmers Market Fagundes Meats Farmington Fresh The Lori’s - PMZ Real Estate Manteca Lighting Manteca Optometry Old McGowan’s Feed Orchard Supply Hardware Papa Murphy’s Precision Automotive Raley’s Superstores Sandi Larson - Re/Max Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens Svenhard’s Swedish Bakery Ultimate Furniture and Accessories Valero Cruisers Walgreens

Date

Game

8:30 10:00 11:30

Lines

2 v 3 5 v 4 DGals

Wed 7-May

4 v 1 3 v 5

8:30 10:00

Sat 10-May

DGals 1 v 5 2 v 4

8:30 DGal 10:00 11:30

Wed 14-May

5 v 2 3 v 1

8:30 10:00

2

Sat 17-May

4 v 3 2 v 1 DGals

8:30 10:00 11:30

4

Wed 21-May

3 v 2 4 v 5

8:30 10:00

3

3

5

1

Teams-Colors

Team 1-Orange Tom H Jon F

Team 2-White Sandy D Bob Penz Team 3-Red Jerry M Craig H Team 4-Green Butch L Bill N Team 5-Blue Bob P Will W *Wolverine Tournament-Lodi Option-1, 2 v 3, 5 Option- 70's A v B

Sat No Games 24-May Woodbridge 100 Wed 28-May

5 v 1 4 v 2

8:30 10:00

Sat 31-May

DGals 2 v 5 1 v 3

8:30 DGal 10:00 11:30

Wed 4-Jun

3 v 4 1 v 2

8:30 10:00

Thanks to our Sponsorship Committee for all of the contributions – John Bauer, Laura Conway, Butch Larson and Shirley Smith.

TIMING OF GAMES

Time

Sat 3-May

The Silver Slugger games are played on Wednesdays at 8:30 and 10 a.m.

There are three games on Saturdays at 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. The Silver Sluggers play two games and the Diamond Gals play one game. The Wolverines, our travel team, normally plays Modesto seniors on the first and

4

third Mondays of the month and the Lodi seniors on Fridays. Upcoming games are shown on a schedule on this page.

The first half of the Woodbridge Senior Softball season runs through the end of June. We have the month of July off and the second half of the season starts at the beginning of August and runs through October.

If you missed the main sign-up period, you may still sign up any time during the softball season. You can obtain the sign-up sheets at the front desk of the Clubhouse.

•

IMPORTANT DATES

Coaches’ meetings (5 p.m.): Tuesday, May 6, and Tuesday, June 3. All residents are welcome.

• Woodbridge Senior Softball Council (WSSC) Meetings (6 p.m.): Tuesday, May 6, and Tuesday, June 3.

All residents are welcome.

O

ur Annual Dinner/ General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 1.

I look forward to seeing you at the Del Webb Field.

If you have any questions, please give me a call, Dave Reed, WSSC Vice President Communications 740-6289.

WBL Photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Page 20 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

The Woodbridge 100 Surfin' Safari Feature and artwork compiled by Bill Barnhart, Don St. Lawrence and Ray Noble

T

he Woodbridge 100 is an annual event enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. This year, ALL net proceeds will go to the Woodbridge Owners Association (WOA) to meet our goal of automating a door going into the Club Room. If we get more than enough funds for one door, the remainder will go toward automating the door into the Arts & Crafts Room.

All who have attended in the past know the Woodbridge 100 is a laughter-filled event for residents and their families. Early in the planning stage for this year, the Wheels of Woodbridge Group decided that efforts from the 2014 event go toward

th

a long-term goal. Other WOA clubs and groups have chosen to partner with us for the same purpose. The momentum has grown, improving our chances of meeting the goal. The Orange Crush men’s softball team will be handling food sales and the menu will be similar to that available on regular softball days. The Men of Woodbridge will be handling a raffle from top to bottom, soliciting the gifts, selling tickets and announcing the winners. Neighborhood Watch is helping with security and making sure the event stays family friendly. The Veterans Group will be helping with timing some of the events and other duties as assigned.

Woodbridge Lifestyle

4 Woodbridge 100

Fundraiser for Automating Club Room Door Surfing Safari Golf Cart Races & Car Show Saturday, May 24, 2014

10:00 AM Inspection & Registration 10:30 AM Opening Parade 12:00 Noon Prizes o

No Entry Fees

o

1st Place Trophies for Cart events

o

Prizes for 2nd & 3rd Places

o

Medals for each entrant

o

Perpetual Trophy for Clubhouse

o

Raffle by Men of Woodbridge

o

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Chips, and Soft Drinks will be sold by our Woodbridge Orange Crush Softball Team

Events

All Events are Optional—Enter Any or All Woodbridge 100 Sprint Timed 100 yard sprint (with turns) Twist & Turn Timed slalom Survivor Race Blindfolded driver follows partner’s driving instructions points and best time wins Best Turned Out Peoples Choice of best decorated Car Show Display of Wheels of Woodbridge Members’ cars

Presented by: Wheels of Woodbridge Supported by: Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Orange Crush Softball Team Rules and entry form available at the front desk

Jammers and flip-flops are the order of the day for guys, and for the gals swim suits, coconut shells and cover-ups work just fine. Hula skirts are optional for both guys and gals. Make sure to bring your sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

If you want to participate but haven’t yet filled out a registration form, cut and fill out the one in this article and turn it in to the front desk. Only golf course approved golf carts are acceptable. A golf cart, however, can have multiple drivers signed up to drive it but each driver must fill out a separate registration form. Decorating golf carts in the theme and competing in the Best Turned Out category is purely optional and has no bearing on competing in the other events and vice versa.

The day will also include a car show for residents to display their cars. While the car show is not a competition, it does provide residents an opportunity to get their special cars out on display regardless of whether they are members of the Wheels of Woodbridge or not. Woodbridge has a lot of classic cars just sitting in garages and we would love to see those cars enjoyed by everyone.

www.ourwoodbridge.net Music who can be reached at 8259451. Please let Nick know if you can help.

Volunteers

We need more volunteers for a variety of tasks including track assistants, timers, tabulators, runners and clean up.

Nels Overgaard can be reached at 239-1301. Nels is the overall event coordinator and would love to hear from you if you’d like to get close to the action and volunteer.

Surfin' Safari Thoughts

•

If you're having a bad day, catch a wave.

– Frosty Hesson

•

When the surf's up, your life is too.

– Wilhelm Sverdvik

•

This is what it's all about. What could be better than this?

– Big-Z from “Surf's Up”

•

There is nothing quite like the embrace of a breaking wave… it is just like getting a hug by mother nature herself – Van Dorph

Donations

A cash donation of $300 has already been committed by the Men of Woodbridge. If any other group, club or individual would like to make a contribution for this project, please contact Bill Barnhart. All donation checks should be made out to the Woodbridge Owners Association. Also, we are asking everyone to please save your two-liter soda bottles, 64-ounce juice bottles and 64-ounce milk bottles for us to use. Please drop them off at Bill Barnhart's home on Maple Valley Dr. (See directory for address.)

• • • • • •

Sponsors

The Lori’s at PMZ Real Estate Doctors Hospital of Manteca Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens Thorson Financial Susan Russitano Arvin Home Systems

Raffle gifts

Lathe-turned bowls by Duane Becker, commissioned portrait by Patti Barnhart, gifts from the Crafters' Group, a framed print of "Aflac" and two small duck friends by Pepper Noble and gifts from Golf Cart Pros.

Please consider helping with an individual donation toward the raffle or one from your club or local business.

All raffle gifts will be staged by Nick

The Surfin' Safari themed 2014 Woodbridge events. Participants may enter the Woodbrid turns), the Twist and Turn (a timed slalom race ed and follows verbal driving instructions from a

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Page 21 • May 2014

 WINE 101

By Jon Ford

T

THE BOCCE BALL GROUP Photo courtesy of Carole Pfoutz.

Thirty six Bocce Ball players are celebrating the delivery of their new caps and visors. The logo was designed by group leader Carole Pfoutz and embroidered by new resident and fellow bocce ball player Yvelle Belgin. Come give us a try. See if you will join the elite group of "spoilers" and "dead eyes." Summer hours are now in effect. We play every Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you soon. For more information, please contact Ray or Carole Pfoutz at 238-0387.

Course design drawing by Ray Noble. e 100 features three distinct timed golf cart dge 100 Sprint (a timed 100-yard sprint with e) or the Survivor Race (the driver is blindfolda teammate. Enter one or all three!

Woodbridge 100 Golf Cart Races and Car Show Event Rules & Entry Form th

The 4 Woodbridge 100 is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2014, the Saturday prior to Memorial Day. This event is put on by the Wheels of Woodbridge Car Group. There are no entry fees. The decisions of the Meet Coordinator, Nels Overgaard, are final. All participants must complete an entry form with liability waiver to participate in any of the events.

Only golf course approved golf carts may participate in the golf cart events. All drivers must have a valid California Driver’s License and there must be a Woodbridge Resident with a badge on the cart as either the driver or passenger during participation in any of the cart events. All cart events will be held on the grass of the Woodbridge softball field.

Golf carts must be inspected on the day of the event prior to entry in any event. After inspection each cart will be issued an entry number plaque to be attached to the golf cart during event participation.

Woodbridge 100 is a timed sprint of one golf cart over a 100 foot course, including two stop/starts/turns. Carts must stop within a ten foot by ten foot box at the end of the course. Penalty seconds assessed for crossing course lines and not stopping totally within the box. An individual trophy will be awarded to the top cart driver, as well as listing on the perpetual trophy. Second and third place awards also.

Twist & Turn is a series of timed runs of a single cart through a coned and marked twisted course. Penalty seconds assessed for crossing course lines, knocking over cones, and not stopping totally within the box. An individual trophy will be awarded to the top cart driver, as well as listing on the perpetual trophy. Second and third place awards also.

Survivor Race is a team event. The driver will be blindfolded, and is expected to follow instructions from the passenger through a complicated course. During the race the passenger will attempt to leave rings over designated poles along the course. These rings must be placed while the passenger is seated in the cart. Exiting the cart, touching the ground, crossing course lines, and knocking over cones will all incur penalty points. The race will end in a ten foot square box.

The event will be timed, and time will be used as a tie breaker. An individual trophy will be awarded to the top cart driver, as well as listing on the perpetual trophy. Second and third place awards also.

Best Turned Out will be decided by the People’s Choice. Theme this year is Surfing Safari. An individual trophy will be awarded to the people’s choice, as well as listing on the perpetual trophy. Second and third place awards also. This event is optional; carts do not have to be decorated to participate in other events.

Car Show - Open to any and all Woodbridge residents. No prizes.

-----------Separate Here, Keep Top Portion, Turn in Entry Form to Front Desk-----------------Separate Here, Keep Top Portion, Turn in Entry Form to Front Desk------------

All Drivers and Passengers Must Complete this Entry Form!

Name: Address: Home Phone:

Cell Phone: Events you may participate in

Car Show – □

Make:

Model:

Woodbridge 100 – □

Twist & Turn – □

Survivor Race – □

Year: Best Turned Out – □

Survivor Race Team Partner: Doctor’s Name:

(Must sign separate Entry Form) Doctor’s Phone:

Hospital of choice (in event of injury)

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

It is the intent of the Woodbridge Owners Association to provide the safest possible recreation for its members and guests, and we ask that you conduct yourself in a safe and healthful manner. All participation in recreation programs is based on the premise that participation is purely voluntary. Since participation in virtually all fitness, recreation, and craft activities involves the assumption of some personal risk, program participation within and outside the community during an Association sponsored event by a member or guest constitutes acknowledgement, assumption, and acceptance of that risk.

Signature: Date: Comments or anything else we should know:

Check box and continue on reverse – □

Turn In Entry Form to Front Desk

he April Wine 101 class on gewurztraminer and reisling wines was a huge success and everyone had a great time.

The class was presented with the traditional format of a short lesson about the varietals followed by a wonderful social hour including scrumptious appetizers.

Woodbridge LIFE is honoring our veterans this month and is short on space. So here is the deal, sign up for a Wine 101 class where you will learn about wines, make new friends and have fun, too.

This month, we are exploring "The mysteries of taste" to help you understand why you like the type of wine you choose to drink. This class will help explain why wine judges differ in their scores of the same wine. Fun? Yes! The event is Wesnesday, May 7, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Sign up at the front desk. Free!

Bring your favorite wine, uncorked and recorked for sharing, a glass and an appetizer for sharing. Space is limited to 101 participants. See you on May 7!

 GOLF

Submitted by Dodie Miller

Results of the golf putting tournament held March 22.

LADIES: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Margaret Kimura Rosemary Cadle Birdie Nieri Cindy Bolin Betty Buff Shirley Jones Audrey Meyer Robin Blevins Laneia Bolle Billie Kolsrud Shirley McCarthy Dodie Miller

42 44 44 45 45 46 47 47 47 48 48 49

Art Blevins Frank Mello Mike Wedlake Bob Hall Robin Adams Ralph Meyers Joe Brusco Ben Kimura Rich Klug Ray Foxworth Keith Laudermilk Garry Kerr

41 42 42 42 43 43 43 43 44 44 44 44

MEN: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

HOLE-IN-ONE LADIES: 1. Rosemary Cadle

MEN:

1. Robin Adams

Page 22 • May 2014

Chuck Somma:

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Saving the Hornet T

By Phil Bookman

he scene is the aircraft carrier Hornet. Planes are brought up to the flight deck ready for the hookup to a catapult that will shoot them to the sky. Shortly, they will engage enemy planes and ships in fierce battle.

Once a pilot discovers his electrical system isn’t working, he probably can't connect to the catapult. No catapult. Maybe no action. Send for an electrical mechanic.

It could be 20-year-old Chuck Somma who will determine if electrical problems can be overcome or if the plane would fight another day. If so, another plane would be brought from below decks.

Somma, now retired and living in Woodbridge, was on the eighth naval ship to be named Hornet. The seventh was sunk in a savage battle with the Japanese, called "The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands” near Guadalcanal.

For Somma, "It wasn't a matter of age. You had a job to do and you did it. That was to repair planes."

Somma joined the Navy in 1950 after graduating from Castlement High School in Oakland. Sent to aviation electrician training in Florida, he joined the Hornet shortly after.

In 1954, after the Korean War ended, the Hornet was sent on a round-theworld cruise that would prove to be one of the highlights of Somma's naval career. "It was mostly a show the flag cruise," Somma said.

Leaving from San Francisco, the Hornet visited Pearl Harbor, Yokosuka, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other points in the Far East. It would then take them to Europe and Naples, Lisbon and then back to Norfolk in the United States. "It was one of the great experiences of my life," he said. ut the Chuck Somma story didn't end there. He became one of the greatest of all ex-Navy volunteers.

The Hornet, which had been decommissioned in 1975, was in a mothball fleet in Bremerton, Washington, until 1995. It was brought to Hunter's Point in San Francisco where it was to be scrapped.

“Not so fast,” said Somma and others

B

Photo courtesy of Chuck Somma.

Chuck Somma, in his role of docent aboard the USS Hornet, shows visitors jackets with various colors used to distinguish different jobs of the crew. who served on the Hornet and other ships. They determined the carrier was worth saving and could serve as a floating museum.

The crew raised several million dollars to halt the dismantling of the Hornet and begin its restoration. The Hornet was towed to the Alameda Naval Shipyard in late 1995 and would remain there even though the base was closed in 1997.

With the Navy's approval to transfer ownership of the Hornet to a nonprofit foundation, the ship has become a major Bay Area attraction. omma instantly became a docent for the "museum," showing tour groups around the ship and being one of the hosts at special dinners and meetings. He did this until 2007 when forced into a wheelchair by illness.

Somma worked for the Amero Corp. in Livermore after his discharge and stayed with the company for 35 years.

But it is Chuck’s volunteerism with the

S

Rotary Club of Tracy that particularly stands out. He was coordinator of seven Rotary clubs seeking to raise millions to help eradicate worldwide polio.

He also participated in several trips to Mexico to build or rebuild playgrounds at schools and hospitals.

A major undertaking was a two-week trip to Irkutsk in Siberia bringing medicines and equipment for the city's hospital and orphanage. Doctors and surgeons there really appreciated it, Somma said.

Somma's wife Linda also works outside the home and is a leader in volunteering. She worked on the Hornet, was one of the first members of the McHenry House, Tracy's Family Shelter's board of directors and, with Chuck, volunteered on community service projects.

With most of his life spent as a volunteer for worthy causes, Somma reflects, "I enjoyed every minute of it."

Page 24 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

WOA Business

 P&GC REPORT

T

By Mike Spence, Chair Property and Grounds

he seal coating and restriping project is done. The goal was to apply the seal coating just before cracks in the asphalt appeared.

We got our timing right. The seal coating protects the asphalt from a lot that Mother Nature dishes out, including all sorts of fluids that escape our parked cars, and it happens to look good. The cost to remove and replace all of the asphalt in our lots is in the $300,000 to $400,000 range and has a 20-year projected useful life. After research from P&GC and recommendation to the board, $10,000 was spent to apply just the seal coating. It is believed that the coating will extend the life expectancy of the asphalt several years. A prudent investment.

Now seems a good time to give you a quick account of how P&GC handles projects like the seal coating. P&GC is a group of about a dozen resident volunteers appointed by the WOA

board to conduct research for the executive director and the board.

The skill Mike Spence set in the committee is mind boggling in its diversity. Our reserve study specialist recommended evaluation of the lots for seal coating.

A team was appointed and P&GC member Terry Hickey was asked to take the lead. The team inspected and determined the coating was needed.

Contractors were vetted, their projects inspected and customers interviewed.

One contractor was approved by the team and the full committee and recommended to the board. The board approved the recommended contract.

First, the project was delayed, then, just before it was ready to start, Terry had to step away from the committee.

The team was well-briefed and the next in line stepped up; the seal coating went off with hardly a hitch. That’s how P&GC works and we’re always looking for resident volunteers.

In 2012, a new item was added to our reserve study: Replacement of Plants (not seasonal color). Last summer a P&GC team conducted a directed survey of missing plants. Virtually all of the missing plants are believed to have reached their normal life expectancy. This winter was not kind to our landscaping. P&GC will work with staff to develop a priority system for replanting using the city-approved Woodbridge common areas planting guidelines and plant lists.

As of this writing, Bill Goodwin is scheduling to paint the pump houses at our parks. Look for the freshly painted “Woodbridge Red” doors.

The addition of automated interior Clubhouse doors is a WOA improvement of the Pulte design of our Clubhouse. They are not ADArequired, but they are a great addition to the Clubhouse. The automated doors will allow all of our fellow residents easy access to the various rooms. There is no budgeted WOA funding for these doors which cost $2,500 apiece. Woodbridge groups and clubs have stepped up. Men of Woodbridge and Wheels of Woodbridge and others have offered to dedicate funds raised at certain events toward the purchase of these doors. Groups,

www.ourwoodbridge.net clubs, committees and indivuals are all working to make Woodbridge a great place to live.

 MEN OF WOODBRIDGE

W

By Ed Shoup

e started the month of April with a breakfast/meeting at the Chez Shari's Restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast and a great atmosphere.

We discussed our upcoming Mother's Day breakfast Sunday, May 11. This breakfast is open to all residents and their families and friends. We will be having two sittings, 9 -10:30 a.m. and 10:30 - noon. We will be serving pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and fruit cocktail. Cost will be $7 per person.

Our group was asked to assist with the Woodbridge 100 golf cart event Saturday, May 24. This is a great fun day. We hope to see all the residents and their friends at both events.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 25 • May 2014

 P&PC REPORT

continue to serve as a voting member. A new chair will be elected

By Norm Hauser, Chair during the May 12 Policy and Procedures Committee meeting. he Policy and Procedures As the summer nears, Committee (P&PC) met I want to provide a few on Monday, April 14. We reminders regarding continued our discussions the seasonal increase of the current requirement in use of our pools by Norm Hauser that those residents selling our younger family merchandise during certain members. Current group or club events taking place rules limit pool use by persons under on, or in, a Woodbridge Owners the age of eighteen (18) years to Association (WOA) facility forward specific three-hour periods each day. ten percent (10%) of the resulting Those designated hours are different proceeds to the WOA. for weekday or weekend use. When residents choose to take advantage of We recapped the opinions expressed their right to invite younger guests to by residents and committee members use the pool facilities, both resident during our March meeting and and their guests need to be extended opened the session to input from the same courtesies we are expected to residents attending our April extend to each other as we go about our meeting. Generally, it was felt by lives here at Woodbridge. the majority that the present volume of such activity did not justify the At the same time, residents who invite requirement to share proceeds with youngsters to use our pool facilities the Association. Rather, the feeling need to acquaint themselves with the was that groups or clubs should be rules that differ from those that apply allowed to decide whether or not they to adult guests. Children are to be needed to require some sort of revenue directly supervised at all times. WOAsharing by their members on a caseprovided pool toys must be removed by-case basis. It was felt that a group from the pools and deck areas after use or club may, at times, be justified in and returned to the bin/s set aside for seeking such funds to help offset the their storage. Lap lanes are reserved costs of providing materials to their for adult use. Lane “ropes” are not members as a part of ongoing classes designed as floating bench seats and or programs. should not be used as such by either children or adults. The hot tubs are We again touched on the issue of the NOT to be used by persons under 12. additional wear and related impacts on WOA facilities that may justify When children are using the pools the charging of a percentage of the during the times set aside for their proceeds as a means of offsetting recreation, especially the general the long-term costs associated with swimming area (outside of the lap such activities. Consistent with the lanes) of the indoor pool, adults should thoughts generally expressed at our not be conducting exercise laps through March meeting, it was agreed that the children’s activities. the current volume of these activities Please take advantage of the simply did not rise to a level that numerous hooks on the walls of would exceed costs that should be the indoor pool area for storage of considered covered by our existing clothing and towels. That will leave monthly dues. the very limited number of chairs Two committee members were tasked for use by residents and adult guests with generating suggestions for who are there to provide appropriate language revisions to the Group and supervision of children in the pool area.

Club Guidelines that would address We continue to seek the participation the concepts agreed to during the of our residents. Committee members March and April meetings. Their thank the residents who have joined proposed changes will be presented our meetings for attending and during the May 12 P&PC meeting. engaging us in dialogue. We look We have undergone three changes in forward to resident input and find it our committee structure. Members helpful when addressing policy issues.

Dan Hansen and Terrell Estes We represent your interests so it is have resigned from the group due imperative that we hear your ideas. to pressing personal commitments.

The Policy and Procedures Committee Norm Hauser has stepped down as will meet next at 2 p.m. Monday, May the chair of the committee but will 12 (the second Monday of the month).

T

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Page 26 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net

Introducing: Liberty Park See related stories on page 5.

NOTE: These are artists renderings not intended to show specific detail. Park features are subject to change at any time without notice.

P

By Deb Ristau

lease refer back to the articles on page five for information regarding Liberty Park. The artist renderings here provide a nice overview of some of the fabulous amenities that await.

The huge amphitheater will provide space for large concerts and activities with greater attendance. Additional tennis and pickleball courts will ease demand on existing courts. Shuffle board courts, outdoor kitchens, restrooms and more, more, more.

The Veterans of Woodbridge Group has been instrumental in raising funds to build a veterans memorial at the park and the group is making a renewed plea for residents and others to purchase a memorial brick to honor veterans and support the project. Please see Jack Dauler's article on page five.

The golf chipping course will offer a unique experience here at Woodbridge with the replication of several very famous golf holes from around the world.

All in all, we have exciting times ahead as we watch Liberty Park go from an idea and a few drawings on paper to a fabulous amenity we will all enjoy. ďż˝

LEFT: A rendering of the Veterans Memorial Monument at Liberty Park as designed and drawn by Woodbridge artists, Ray and Pepper Noble with technical design support from Norm Hauser.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 27 • May 2014

Springtime fun at Woodbridge

Jacquie Steffy, Judy McNamara and Donna Ybarra are ready for "Senior Prom" sponsored by the Woodbridge Singers and dancers.

The groups will provide a memorable time with sing-a-long hits from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Graduation photos will be on the big screen and Woodbridge line dancers and ballroom dancers will perform. Shows are scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 per person at the front desk. More information on page nine.

Photo by Volker Moerbitz.

The Women of Woodbridge (WOW), held a special luncheon at the home of Linda Hauser and their Secret Pals for the past year were revealed. Want to get involved next year? Pick up a questionnaire at the Clubhouse and return by Monday, May 5. The second year will start at the Clubhouse at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, with a drawing of names. Note: the rule is that you should not spend more than $25 per gift, but you will spend more than $25 thoughout the year. Questions? Call Linda Hauser at 824-8582.

Above: Hostess Linda Hauser and Susan Rusitanno.

Top right: Carole Pfoutz holds the beautiful azalea she received as a final gift from her secret pal.

Right: Sue Vernali and Pat Fidler admire a gift.

Photos by Volker Moerbitz.

Lisa Goodwyn, the daughter of Polly Smith, was the extraordinary Easter Bunny at the Woodbridge Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Woodbridge Grandparents Group.

Miles Roth, grandson of Robert Philis, is the young man helping the Easter Bunny at the event attended by more than 100 residents and guests.

Rick and Martha Harman and Pat Dobbins (right) show their spirit at the Hobo Dinner.

Photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Photo by Robert Philis.

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 28 • May 2014

www.ourwoodbridge.net

America's Longest War N

Exchanging his heavy Thompson submachine gun for a lighter weight M-1 carbine, Evans helped provide protection for the squad during the withdrawal. Pfc. Hawthorne was later awarded the Bronze Star for having retrieved the body of their machine gunner under heavy fire.

John grew up in a military family.

His father, Richard Evans, Sr. was commissioned an officer in the Army Air Corps in 1942.

Evans gives credit to his men for their steady, well-trained response to the attack at the outpost. Additionally, the support of Baker Company’s mortar unit and the arrival of the reinforcement unit likely saved the lives of the squad that night. A modest man, Evans would shun any hint of his heroism, but his quick command response at the outset of the ambush was instrumental in the survival of his unit.

By Jim Cadle, Creative Writing Class

early six decades have passed since his release from active duty, but his Marine Corps bearing is evident. It can be seen in the self-confident manner and the energy with which each challenge is met. John P. Evans is every inch a Marine.

Soon after Pearl Harbor, his two older brothers joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific.

John was only eight years old, but knew that he, too, would one day become a Marine.

Early on the morning of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People’s Army drove south across the 38th Parallel which divided North and South Korea. Three days later, they captured South Korea’s capitol city of Seoul. President Harry S. Truman then ordered U.S. forces to Korea and, on July 1, 1950, the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Division (ID) and 24th ID arrived in Korea.

J

ohn Evans embraced his destiny.

Only 17 years old at the time, he obtained his father’s required permission and joined the Corps.

Completing boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego, he was first assigned to the Hawthorne Naval Ammunition Depot, Hawthorne, Nevada.

After serving at Hawthorne, Corporal Evans boarded a troop transport in December 1951, bound for Korea on the USS General William Weigel.

The troops celebrated Christmas aboard ship and docked on the east coast of South Korea just below the all important 38th Parallel in January.

Five months later, Armistice talks opened at Panmunjom and the Allied Forces were working to improve tactical positions in order to put

Photo courtesy of John P. Evans.

U.S. Navy Corpsman Vission, (left) 1st Sgt. Leone (also a WW II vet) and Cpl. John P. Evans (right) in reserve south of the 38th Parallel, Korea, Summer 1952. pressure on North Korea and China to negotiate. Each side patrolled between the lines, attacking opposing outposts, ambushing enemy troops and gathering intelligence. Fighting was fierce, and nearly 40 percent of U.S. casualties took place during the final 20 months of the conflict.

The terrain, described by Evans as “diabolic,” was mountainous and rugged. Winter temperatures ranged from minus 20° to 30°. Conditions were difficult.

O

n the evening of September 14, 1952, Evans was informed that he would take part in a patrol to occupy an outpost. Led by a newly arrived 2nd Lieutenant, Evans was secondin-command. As darkness fell, the squad moved silently through the wire and reached their destination. They prepared to set up a perimeter defense, unaware that a force of Communist Chinese soldiers had moved in to surround them.

The silence of the night was broken when a machine gunner in the squad cleared his weapon and racked a round into the chamber. Suddenly, the squad was under siege. Evans was wounded, but the lieutenant in command was disabled and unable to lead. The machine gunner was dead. Evans took charge. The squad rallied and managed to gain enough firepower to prevent the Chinese from overrunning the position.

With the outpost coordinates already registered with nearby B Company’s mortar unit, Pfc. Dick Hawthorne, radioed to “box us in,” asking the mortar unit to fire on all four sides of their position. The dangerously close rounds from B Company threw dirt on the squad, but effectively drove back the enemy soldiers. A 30-man reinforcement unit responded from Baker Company to aid in the withdrawal.

Evans could not walk. He was carried out on the back of a fellow Marine.

Evans’ squad sustained two deaths that night, the machine gunner and a South Korea civilian worker embedded with the squad. Two were wounded, Evans and their Naval Corpsman.

Evans was treated at an aid station upon reaching Baker Company and, after removal of grenade fragments from his foot at a field naval surgical tent, was transferred to hospital ship USS Repose in Inchon Harbor.

During his recovery aboard Repose, he met and spoke with General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Commandant of the Marine Corps, who was touring Korea.

Evans was subsequently transferred to Yokuska Naval Hospital in Japan for rehabilitation before returning to his unit. He arrived on a significant date, the 177th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Marine Corps. Evans remained in Korea until he completed his tour of duty in mid-January 1953 and was returned to the United States. He re-enlisted and served training recruits as a Drill Instructor for three years.

T

he signing of an armistice took place at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, resulting in a cease fire. During the war, 36,574 Americans were killed in action, another 103,284 were wounded. No agreement on a peace treaty has ever been reached by the two sides and hostilities continue.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 29 • May 2014

Manteca's history, told by its Murals Article and photos by Volker Moerbitz

L

ast month, we left the first prospering farms that turned Manteca into a boom town in 1914.

The first water from the newly built Goodwin Dam was delivered in 1913, irrigating 14,000 acres in the first year and 24,000 acres just a year later. Land prices quadrupled within a year, and the population exploded from 300 in 1914 to 15,000 just a few years later.

The irrigation efforts were led by Benjamin A. Goodwin, owner of Goodwin Ranch, which we visited last month. Goodwin realized that the sandy soil would support almonds and melons and started growing those crops as early as the turn of the century, but it soon turned out that more water was needed. nder Goodwin’s supervision, the South San Joaquin Irrigation District was formed, a dam was built and miles of irrigation trenches were dug. In the first years of irrigation, the main crops were alfalfa, vines and corn, but soon almonds literally outgrew everything else. Today, California grows over 80 percent of the world’s almonds. Last year, the total harvest was 1.85 billion pounds, and almost half of it grew within the boundaries of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. he mural titled “Manteca Snow” depicts the time when Manteca is most beautiful: the two weeks of almond blossom in spring. It is the only one of Manteca’s murals with an “inside,

U

T

“Manteca Snow” depicts the time when Manteca is most beautiful: the two weeks of almond blossom in spring. It is the only one of Manteca’s murals with an “inside, looking out” view. The observer looks through a farmhouse window, watching children playing in the closest thing to snow in our area. A small cup of hot coffee in the bottom middle of the mural amplifies the feeling of a cold winter day, when it actually is already spring “outside.”

looking out” view. The observer looks through a farmhouse window, watching children playing in the closest thing to snow in our area. A small cup of hot coffee in the bottom middle of the mural amplifies the feeling of a cold winter day, when it actually is already spring “outside.”

Nowadays, 33,000 acres of almond trees create a snow storm in San Joaquin County every year.

However, in the last couple of years, almond production declined for the first time in 100 years, as many of the old orchards were turned into housing areas. Ever wonder what was here, before Woodbridge by Del Webb was built? Of course, it was a number of almond orchards. When we first moved here in 2009, the Google Earth Picture of Woodbridge still showed the orchards – with the new road map superimposed on top of it.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot...” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).

Building Woodbridge was a “time to uproot,” but the trees that were here before us still live in our memories.

The mural “Manteca Snow” was painted by over 50 community artists precisely at the time of our move from South Manteca to Woodbridge.

Every day, when we hauled another car load to our new home, we could watch the community grow. We like to think that this beautiful piece of art shows what Shadow Berry Lane

looked like, before it became our home. he mural is located at Library Park at the southeast side of Manteca Avenue, one-half block southwest of Sycamore Avenue. It was created by Manteca’s mural artists, D.S. Gordon and E. E. Yates, with the help of over 50 volunteers in October 2009.

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�

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 30 • May 2014

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Memories and Memorial Day

I

By Pam Phelps

come from a long line of veterans. Patriotism runs deep in my veins. Do I like Memorial Day? Of course I do! More than that, I appreciate Memorial Day and all that it stands for. With that in mind, I will always remember the most impactful trip I ever took. It was to Washington, D.C., to view all of the Smithsonian exhibits and the surrounding sites. As it happened, out of five days, I spent three solid days touring and learning about just the war memorials. I was struck on every level by what they represented and also by watching visitors and their reactions to each, mostly through their individual experiences.

It occurred to me that this experience could be enriched by adding the reflections and perspectives of some of our veteran residents here at Woodbridge who had visited the memorials and had personal histories connected to them.

I was fortunate to find two gentlemen kind enough to share a bit of what visiting those memorials meant to them after taking the Northern California Honor Flight in 2012:

Angel Navarro:

“Seeing the national war memorials in Washington, D.C., for the first time brought out emotional reactions from all of us veterans on the trip. For me personally, thinking of my own family (especially my mother having six of her kids serving at the same time), must have made them all proud that I served my country.”

No Time

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Warren Atherton:

“The privilege of going to Washington, D.C., on the Honor Flight with a group of World War II vets was very emotional. At the Vietnam Memorial, I was able to look up a young man from our neighborhood on the wall’s roster. The Korean Memorial was impressive and reminded me that I spent the winters there in 1951 and 1952 ... COLD! I really liked the Iwo Jima statue. It was on a knoll so that when you circled it, the flag looked like it was waving. There were six men raising the flag but thirteen hands on the staff. The thirteenth is the hand of God. For me personally, I found the World War II Memorial the most emotional one. There is a wall covered with gold stars, each one representing 100 Yanks who didn’t make it. Just gazing at it, it was difficult to refrain from crying. All in all, it was a once in a lifetime memory and it was an honor to be with a great bunch of Americans on the trip.”

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here is really not much more I can add but to echo each of the gentlemen’s closing statement to me: GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Honor Flight

From the Honor Flight Northern California web page (http://www. honorflightnorcal.org/): Honor Flight Northern California is a nonprofit program created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices by flying these American heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to senior WW II survivors along with those other veterans that may be terminally ill. The WW II Memorial was not dedicated until April 2004, nearly sixty years after the end of the war. Therefore, there are MANY veterans who have not had the opportunity or the resources to see their country's tribute to their bravery.

Based on recent statistics, we are losing WW II veterans at the rate of 1,200 per day. With many not having the resources or support systems to undertake such a trip, Honor Flight Northern California is doing whatever it takes to fulfill the dreams of our veterans and, very importantly, our senior heroes travel absolutely free. Perhaps more importantly, they are accompanied by trained volunteer guardians who pay their own expenses simply for the honor of serving these American heroes.

A portfolio review will help ensure your investments are keeping pace with your goals. Call your local financial advisor today.

Sharon T Amick Financial Advisor .

1144 South Main Street Manteca, CA 95337 209-824-1000

Member SIPC

Photo courtesy of Angel Navarro.

Angel Navarro visits the WW II Memorial in Washington, D.C. One of the volunteer Honor Flight guardians stated of the trip, "I'm glad we have an Angel on this flight."

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 31 • May 2014

We are the sum of our experiences T

By Pepper Noble

offered food.

30 men to patrol he medivac is delayed day and night Three months by four hours coming to observing the North after finishing a fire transport him by helicopter. Vietnamese Army support base in the He is very hot, bleeding and hears (NVA).

Central Highlands, air escaping from his lung. He the squad was Vernali shares his knows, “One must do it for himself; granted three personal jumpcut no one else will do it for you.” days of rest and visual imagery of Quite a mantra. relaxation. They Vietnam with its Mario Vernali was 18 years old began their descent terrain of sand, in that summer of 1968. Unlike down the arduous hard-pack, swamp so many others, he volunteered terrain toward the and humidity. and was inducted into the United helicopter pickHe saw human States Army when school let out for breakdowns, up point. Coming summer. to a valley, they witnessed the overt encountered enemy Leaving home in San Jose, use of marijuana Mario Vernali mortars and small California, Mario was sent to and use of arms fire. Heading Ft. Lewis, Washington, for nine explosives to dry out for cover, the company lead man weeks of basic training followed by clothing or a coveted poncho. froze in fear, so Vernali took the lead. nine weeks of advanced infantry He speaks of life-threatening booby training.

In a clearing about 15 yards away, traps. There were the three-mile the enemy, with an AK-47 firing When he landed at Bien Hoa walks carrying a backpack of 100 Airbase in Vietnam, Mario was pounds, M16, M79 grenade launcher, fully automatic, hit Vernali with three bullets in the chest, collapsing met with waves of new sights and ammunition and six quarts of water. his right lung; he was also hit in his smells. A young soldier does not There was the herd of water buffalo arm. He was knocked backward forget his first look at extreme which are the farmer’s life’s blood. but managed to return fire. After poverty, coils of barbed wire, and He shared his affection for Lady, crawling into the high grasses for fellow soldiers manning machine the German Shepherd mix who cover, he was given field first aid. guns in sand-bagged bunkers. scoped out the thatched roof huts Fires were set by the NVA to With 216 other men, Vernali was called “hooches,” looking for the distract and impede rescue. The sent to the 101st, a fire support enemy. He observed a young boy chopper finally arrived and it was a field unit. Later, in 1st Battalion, named Phieung who was protective blurry trip to the hospital.

Vernali was assigned to Charlie of the U.S. soldiers. The boy shooed Company, known for its high loss away the other children who came to He spent nine days in intensive care rate, then to E Company with beg. Vernali befriended the lad and unit under the care of Dr. Pardue

at Chu Lai Hospital in South Vietnam. There were four days at Bien Hoa Hospital in Yokota, Japan, preparing to be sent to Travis Air Force Base in a C-141 which consisted of cots stacked four high.

His final hospital destination was Letterman General at the Presidio where he wakened to see the Golden Gate Bridge and passing under it a flat top aircraft carrier.

Vernali is proud to state, “The medical attention that was afforded me by the staff at Chu Lai, the nurses aboard the C-141 and Lieutenant Rhodes at Letterman Hospital at the Presidio in San Francisco were all top notch.”

In his seven months left, he requested to be sent to Fort Ord in Monterey, California, where he became a target detention instructor and taught survival techniques.

Sgt. Vernali returned home to a happy family and his 1969 Camaro SS. He feels his Army experience has taught him: Be happy with what you have, take nothing for granted and always be prepared.

Mario Vernali received the Purple Heart, Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star and Silver Star.

NOT FORGOTTEN

re-enlist in 2006, just before his 35th birthday. Palmer was assigned to the 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters.

Manteca native Christopher Braley was serving in Iraq in September of 2007 as a Navy medic. He was traveling with Marines on a patrol when gunfire broke out and an explosive detonated, sending shrapnel into his right eye and his brain. Christopher spent several months at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda and it was there that President George W. Bush visited with him and his mother, Debra Braley, and presented Christopher with a Purple Heart. The annual 5k Run/Walk is named after Christopher in honor of his bravery and courage while fighting for his country.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Sunday, May 25, 2014

By Bill Barnhart

Information obtained from www. thememorialweekend.org website

I

n 2013, Woodward Park in Manteca hosted over 25,000 at its Memorial Day weekend celebration. The event has been coordinated through the efforts of Pastor Mike Dillman of The Place of Refuge Church.

The 2014 Memorial Weekend schedule begins with the Christopher Braley Wounded Warriors 5K Run/ Walk at 8 a.m. and ends with aerial fireworks at 9:15 p.m. A number of events will occur throughout the day including a flag raising ceremony, helicopters including a Vietnam

Huey Gunship landing and taking off, Kids Energy Zone, bounce houses, a mechanical bull and zip line experience.

There will be a morning and afternoon dog show, a flyover by a World War II bomber, a memorial service honoring those who have fallen since 9/11 and entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening by various bands and the Tahoe Fire Dancers. In the southwest quadrant of the park, there will be the Cpl. Charles O. Palmer Memorial Car Show. In the northern part of the park will be nearly 7,000 white crosses placed in memory of those who lost their lives fighting in the War on Terror overseas and in the southeast part of the park, there will be an exhibitors’ area with several Cub and Boy Scout booths and many other booths representing our armed services. For a complete schedule of all events, go to: www. thememorialweekend.org/schedule-of-

events/.

For several weeks prior to Memorial Day weekend, 600 raffle tickets will be sold for the chance to win a 2014 Ford Fiesta. On the Friday preceding the event, May 23, volunteers will assemble at 9 a.m. to place the nearly 7,000 crosses. If you would like to volunteer for this effort, take gloves, a small hammer and a hat with you. Lunch will be provided compliments of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. This writer and a number of Woodbridge residents volunteered last year and it was a very meaningful experience, especially when you realize each cross represents someone’s son or daughter, sister or brother.

Marine Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II from Manteca was killed in Iraq on May 5, 2007, while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. The 36-year-old had served on active duty from 1990 to 1994 before deciding to

Page 32 • May 2014

Garden Tasks for May

By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

A

s I write this month’s article, I am taking a break from working in my yard. I noticed on Saturday at the Softball Opening Day that the oleanders near the Bocce court are starting to get new growth but they had a lot of frost damage this winter. If you prune back a frost-damaged plant, you should be fine now because we won’t have any more frost by the time you read this.

Your vegetable garden is probably fully planted by now. It is best to plant vegetables in the same spot only two years in a row to prevent soil borne diseases. If you planted cherry tomatoes two years in a row in a pot, you should now switch it up and plant something like peppers or squash. The experts also recommend that if you are reusing a pot, to wash it with a mixture of nine parts water and one part bleach.

I’ve mentioned it before because I only learned last year that the tomatoes that say “determinate” are the tomatoes that will all ripen around the same time.

“Indeterminate” tomatoes are the ones that will be growing tomatoes throughout the growing season.

All of the nurseries and big box stores now have a good selection of vegetable seedlings if you haven't

The Flag

By Roger Goodnow

I

was happy and proud to have received an American flag on our move-in day. I have to admit, though, I really didn’t know much about displaying this national symbol on our home or how to dispose of one when it becomes tattered.

Working with the Veterans of Woodbridge, I’m responsible for dispensing replacement flags for homeowners when needed. Now I need to be more knowledgeable because of this new responsibility.

Woodbridge LIFE finished planting.

I’ve seen a few yellow jackets already. Keep an eye out under your eaves for nests forming and make sure you have the 29’ Sandi Larson yellow jacket spray on hand. For some reason, we are seeing fewer and fewer nests and maybe it’s because they have so many other homes from which to choose!

Be sure to spray at dusk while the majority of the yellow jackets are inside the nest.

It’s still a good time to prune azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons after they have bloomed. Feed azaleas and camellias now and again in the fall before they bloom. If you did not fertilize your citrus, shrubs or trees last month, you can still feed them this month. I put down the Bayer 12-month systemic feed and insecticide this month for my roses and crepe myrtles. I also use that product on my azaleas and gardenias because I’ve had aphids in the past on those two species.

If you’ve noticed that your lawn has stopped absorbing water and that the water is starting to run off quite a bit when you water, it may be time to dethatch your grass. You should dethatch your grass when the thatch layer is more than ¾” deep.

You can take cuttings this month to make new plants. This can be quite successful with geraniums, carnations, With National Flag Day coming on Saturday, June 14, I thought I would briefly share some of the information I quickly found on the VFW website: www.vfw.org/Community The United States Flag Code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Also, the U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed. So … it is appropriate to fly the U.S. flag on our homes 24 hours a day because of the flag pole placement and nearby

succulents and chrysanthemums. You can also divide succulents, daylilies, Shasta daisies and iris. Keep an eye out for seedlings that have hatched from the mother plant this month.

My Rose of Sharon has sent out a lot of seeds. I’m seeing a few blue fescue grasses coming up, my 'Gartenmeister Bonstedt' fuchsia has new babies and there are even some impatiens babies!

I love this Manteca soil!

Clematis is available this time of year.

I have had the evergreen clematis for years, but this year I’m taking it out because it gets a little too unruly unless it has room to roam. I am in love with my clematis montana (white).

I think it’s the third year I’ve had it and, without doing anything other than a light pruning, it is covered every inch with dogwood-like white flowers that have lasted for two weeks.

I’ll prune it lightly after it blooms. It’s on my west fence in my backyard and gets afternoon sun but still seems to love it there.

Ok, garden lovers, here are two opportunities for garden tours. The Manteca Garden Club is having its Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $15. Tickets are available at Delicato Winery, Rain Forest Nursery, New Buds Nursery and Ed’s Rockery as well as other places. Several Woodbridge residents are participating again this year.

The Master Gardener Garden Tour is on Sunday, May 18. Cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Time is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme is “Lovely to look at, delicious to eat.” illumination, but we should bring the flag indoors during rainy weather.

Retirement of the U.S. flag is probably the most confusing aspect for many.

The Veterans of Woodbridge, in association with East Union High School JROTC, have a program in place to help you. We properly retire worn flags and also offer replacements.

If you have a flag that needs replacing, fold it neatly and bring it to the front desk and it will be properly retired.

You may also buy a replacement flag for $20 that matches your original flag.

Just contact me, Roger Goodnow at 815-9344 or rjgoodnow@comcast.net.

We also have six-foot poles to replace the shorter one you initially received.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Gardens from Morada, North Stockton and Lodi will be featured. Tickets are available at Rain Forest Nursery on Yosemite or online at http:// sjmastergardeners.ucanr.edu/2014_ Garden_Tour/.

I just went with the Manteca Garden Club to Annie’s Annuals in Richmond.

Wow! I’d never been there before.

Most of their thousands of plants are in four-inch pots, so you can buy a multitude and only fill a flat!

The name is deceiving because they carry annuals and perennials, vines, succulents and even rare plants.

It’s about a 90-minute trip from Woodbridge. If you are just starting your garden this year, it’s a great way to start out with smaller plants and reap the benefits for years. By buying smaller, you’ll save water!

Lastly, I am all for conserving water during this drought, but if you go for a week or so without watering your landscape, keep an eye out for damage to trees and shrubs. When we were out of town, I withheld water for 10 days and came back to a crispy Black Mission Fig in a wine barrel, a fried potted ornamental eucalyptus and my Pulte-installed maple out front also is 90 percent gone. The fig and eucalyptus will survive; I’m not sure about the maple. As I stated last month, your shrubs and trees are valuable landscape plants so protect them from dying, even in this drought year.

Happy gardening!

INVITATION You are invited to join the Veterans of Woodbridge for a U.S. Flag Retirement service on Saturday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m. on the softball field.

The Veterans of Woodbridge with the East Union High School JROTC will be conducting the ceremony which will follow a softball game. Come out and see some great softball and stay to see a very moving program during which we will dispose of more than 50 flags that have become tattered while flying proudly in Woodbridge.

If you would like to participate in the ceremony, perhaps in memory of a lost veteran or loved one, let me know at the contact info above.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

NEW PHONE DIRECTORIES! OLD PHONE DIRECTORIES?

A

By Bob Hall

s you are reading this, you may or may not have received the 2014 Woodbridge Directory for the residents of this community. This directory is such a huge asset to our communications here. It is impossible for me to imagine life without it.

The directory contains not only residents’ names, addresses and home phone numbers but also their cell numbers. The front half of the book is in alphabetical order according to the last name and the second half of the book is in alphabetical order by street name.

This second half is a great help to the patrol volunteers who can look in the directory while sitting in front of a home that has drawn their attention and be able to know the resident’s name and phone number if it is needed by looking up the address.

What do you do with the old directories when the new ones come out? Well, some people keep them right along side the new one.

But if you feel you do not have a need for the old book, please do not throw it into the recycle bin. There is too much personal information about each resident in there and we need to handle that information with caution.

I have talked to Kayo Armstrong, Woodbridge executive director, and she has said you may turn the old books into the front desk to be shredded when you are through with them.

Please help protect your neighbor’s privacy by doing the right thing.

Page 33 • May 2014

Page 34 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WOA Groups and Clubs:

Group, Club Artists & Crafters Painters Quilters Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco Chair Volleyball Cribbage Crochet/Knitting Dance -­‐ Ballroom Dance -­‐ Line Drama Game Night Golf Group Grandparents Hand & Foot Cards Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle Poker Poker -­‐ also may contact Radio Controlled Flyers Readers' Club Second Chance Band Strummin' Wonders Tennis Trivia (Fun Trivia) Veterans WB Softball Wheels of Woodbridge Wine 101 Women of Woodbridge Woodbridge Singers

Contact Nedra Ball

Phone 815-­‐9309

Ray Pfoutz Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun Jacquie Steffy Dave Steffy Renée St. Lawrence Patti Barnhart Patti Barnhart Claudette Conklin Pat Buxton Rudy Salvador Claudia Watkins Ruth Field Terrell Estes Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Claudia Watkins Al Sanchez Joe Victoria Bob Umberger Renée St. Lawrence John Green Carla Marquardt Mel Topping Bob Hall Jack Dauler Butch Larson Bill Barnhart Jon Ford Birdie Nieri Elizabeth Cunning

239-­‐0387 825-­‐7137 239-­‐0409 825-­‐4805 825-­‐4805 825-­‐7137 629-­‐8838 629-­‐8838 985-­‐4282 239-­‐8663 629-­‐8060 823-­‐8678 229-­‐6977 824-­‐7464 239-­‐5712 239-­‐5712 239-­‐5712 823-­‐8678 239-­‐8235 815-­‐9343 239-­‐2983 825-­‐7137 239-­‐5256 624-­‐3754 239-­‐8718 239-­‐5712 629-­‐8575 824-­‐2062 629-­‐8838 815-­‐9803 624-­‐3779 647-­‐4380

Non WOA Sanctioned Clubs: Club Contact Phone Christian Men Mel Reynolds 624-­‐3768 55ers RV Group Sue Edmiston 601-­‐9210 Indoor Walking Class Jacque Reynolds 629-­‐8508 Ladies "Fore Fun" Golf Betty Buff 479-­‐3568 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Monika Hunt 824-­‐7295 Red Hat Ladies Claudia Watkins 823-­‐8678 Senior Bowling Barbara Silva 824-­‐0262 Women's Bible Study Carolyn Johnson 239-­‐0936 Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net for more detailed information

WATER RODEO! Dodie Miller Be watching for the flyer announcing our first WATER RODEO coming in July!

You’ll want to be part of this event.

FOOD, FUN, THE RACE AND A ONE OF A KIND TROPHY!! Details to follow.

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

May Activities Sunday

Monday

May 2014

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

9 a.m. - Thorson Financial Casino Bus Trip

8 a.m. – Community Wide Garage Sale 6:30 p.m. – Mama’s Wranglers

5 p.m.– Sip for Scholarship – “Sun, Sand & Sip”

4

Page 35 • May 2014

3

10 a.m.– Community Champagne Brunch

5

4 p.m. – 6th Year Clubhouse Anniversary

6

7

6 p.m.– Wine 101

8

9:30 a.m. – Healthcare Open Forum 3 p.m. Property & Grounds Mtg

9

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13

14

15

16

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18

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22

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31

Mother’s Day 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.– Mother’s Day Breakfast

2 p.m. Policy & Procedures Mtg

2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.Woodbridge Singers Spring Concert

6 p.m. Board Meeting

Memorial Day

2 p.m. – Speaker Series

11 a.m. Directors Town Hall Mtg

3 p.m. Listening Post 6:30p.m. – Patriotic Sing Along – Ukulele Group

2 p.m. Finance Committee Mtg

6 p.m. – New Resident Orientation

9 a.m.– CPR Class

10 a.m. - noon 1 - 3 p.m. Artists and Crafters Show

10 a.m.– Wheels of Woodbridge 'Woodbridge100 100'

5:30 p.m. – Happy Hour

5:30 pm - Pot Luck Night

June Activities Sunday

Monday

► Clubs and groups are listed on page 34.

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

June 2014 WOA meetings are also listed on page 4.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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5

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10

11

12

13

14

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16

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2 p.m. - Policy & Procedures Mtg

10:30 a.m. - Wine 101 Field Trip

30

5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

6 p.m. - Wine 101

3 p.m. - Listening Post

3 p.m. - Board Meeting

3 p.m. Property & Grounds Mtg

2 p.m. Finance Committee Mtg

9 a.m. - New Resident Orientation 2 & 7 p.m. - Drama Group Play

5:30 p.m. - Happy Hour

10 a.m. - Spring Garden Tour

6:30 p.m. - Summer Dance

2 p.m. - Drama Group Play 7 p.m. - Drama Group Play

Page 36 • May 2014

Household Hints

Woodbridge LIFE

push through, then the door is tight enough; otherwise the door needs to be adjusted tighter.

The strike plate is the flat piece mounted in the door frame with

By Bill Barnhart a flange that bends into the hole DOORS AND HOW TO FIX THEM drilled in the frame. The latch Part One of Two-Part Series is the spring-loaded part in the door that goes in and out by Air Leaks Around Exterior Doors twisting the knob/handle. When hen your front door closing the door, the rounded was first hung by the side of the latch slides against subcontractor, it was likely the strike plate and then pops adjusted to the point into the hole in the where no light came strike plate once it in between the door passes the flange. and the weather To tighten the fit of stripping. However, the door, that flange that is not tight enough needs to be bent to eliminate air loss/ slightly away from intrusion, especially the vertical edge since all of our homes of the strike plate have that fresh air vent that slightly wraps right there in the return around the door vent. Regardless of Bill Barnhart facing. Remove the whether you have your two screws holding fresh air system turned the strike plate in on, as our heating and cooling the door frame with a Phillips system sucks air from inside the head screwdriver. Put the flat house through the return vent, vertical edge of the strike plate it also sucks air down the fresh on the concrete entry way and tap air vent tube and blends the the flange on the back side of the two together. To keep the air strike plate with a hammer. Just pressure balanced, the excess a couple light taps--then reinstall air has to go somewhere and the the strike plate and test with weakest point for it to escape, the two tests mentioned above. when the windows are all closed, Repeat until you feel the seal is is around the exterior doors. tight enough and there is only a To test your exterior door to see slight amount of jiggle to the door. if it is adjusted tightly enough, DoSOLUTIONS not over tighten the Phillips FUNDING FOR SENIOR LIVING here are two tests. The first is head screws as it is easy to strip to grasp the door knob handle the threads in the wooden door and, without twisting it, try to frame. jiggle the door in and out. There Stay tuned should only be a slight amount ext month in Part Two of this of jiggle. The other test is to series, I’ll write about how to take a standard sheet of paper tighten loose door handles and a and fold it into quarters. From trick to keep doors from swinging outside with the door closed, one way or the other when you attempt to push the folded paper don’t want them to. As always, if through the space between the you have an idea about something door edge and the door facing you would like me to explain or with the four open edges going find a fix for in your home, please first, not the folded edge. If the call or email me 629-8838 or Bill. paper buckles and is difficult to Barnhart@MRBConsulting.us) and I’ll add it to my list.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Denise’s Farmers’ Market

W

N

Coming to Woodbridge Wednesdays at 5:30 pm beginning June 11!

OR

Visit us at our Ripon Store!

16569 E. Hwy. 120 8 am – 7 pm Monday –Thursday 8 am to 8 pm Friday – Sunday

Mother’s hold the heartstrings to our memories…

We hope your Mother is always close to your heart and your memory! mmemories!

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Ho

Thorson Financial Estate Management, Inc. 1101 Standiford Ave., C2 Modesto, CA 95350 www.thorsonfinancial.com (209 ) 522-0250 Office

Thomas K. Thorson, RFC, ChFC® FUNDING STRATEGIES FOR SENIOR LIVING www.thorsonfinancial.com Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Thomas Thorson, Representative. California Insurance License #0712011. Thorson Financial Estate Management, Inc. and the Securities America companies are separate entities.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 37 • May 2014

WE HAVE PLENTY OF GOLF CARTS & GOLF CART ACCESSORIES TO CHOSE FROM...

CALL US FOR ALL YOUR GOLF CART NEEDS.

We sell top quality refurbished Golf Carts with 30 day warranty, all of our carts are thoroughly inspected prior to selling. We offer a full service shop with an experienced mechanic who will take care of all your golf cart needs, whether it is a simple tune-up, a repair or even a custom built cart.

We also sell all the accessories you want or need at a discounted price, including covers, batteries & chargers, seat belts, lights & blinker kits. We can either install the parts and/or accessories or you can chose to install them yourself.

“SEE WHAT YOU'VE BEEN MISSING”

Window Cleaning Pressure Washing Gutter Cleaning *Prices starting at $111* Call for a free estimate We've been in business for over 30 years. Relax and leave everything to us; We are Licensed, Insured & Bonded

Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 239-8906

Page 38 • May 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Where in the world ?

Wow! Woodbridge LIFE has been circling the globe with our wandering residents! We will do our best to include ALL travel photographs, but space and clarity will dictate. Preference will go to those not featured in previous editions and, yes, to those in exotic locales and interesting photo ops! Send images electronically to WBLIFE2012@GMAIL.COM using high resolution or actual size. Thank you for your contributions. We're happy that you continue to enjoy Woodbridge LIFE. If your picture isn't here, look for it in the coming months and keep sending them in! Sorry, we can no longer accept print photos.

(l to r) Ellie Engstrom, Andi Hyden, Rick Hyden and Stephanie Ryan sent this photo taken in Costa Rica on a tour of the Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary. The stop was part of their cruise through the Panama Canal.

Bob and Carol Radke at a beach in Easo, New Caledonia

As we move from a balmy spring into the warmth of another luxurious summer in the Central Valley, we hope you take time to stop, look, smell and absorb the beauty of nature all around us. WBL photographer Volker Moerbitz captured this image of the April sun peeking through a beautiful cherry blossom bouquet.

Rick and Martha Harman and Pat Dobbins visit Daffodil Hill.

Send travel photos to WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

Please use highest resolution and type WB TRAVEL in the subject line. All travel photos MUST be submitted electronically.

Honoring All Who Have Served ~ Remembering All Who Have Fallen

Honoring Fallen Soldier 2nd Lt. Emily Perez

In July 2001 Emily entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. There she was an exemplary student and talented track athlete. Following graduation in 2005, she was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 204th Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army.

Emily was deployed to Iraq as a Medical Service Corps officer. She was killed September 12, 2006 when a makeshift bomb exploded near her Humvee during combat operations in Al Kifl, near Najaf. Aged 23, she was the first female graduate of West Point to be killed in the Iraq War, the first West Point graduate of the "Class of 9/11" to die in combat, and the first female African-American officer to die in combat.

Her military awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge. She posthumously received the NCAA Award of Valor in 2008.

Emily Perez was the 64th female member of the U.S. military to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan and the 40th West Point graduate killed since the September 11, 2001, attacks.

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Interested in Volunteering for the event?

Give us a Call anytime for more details!

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All proceeds will benefit the annual Memorial Day event.

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