WBL November 2016

Page 1

W oodbridge life Congratulations!

Volume 6 • Issue 11 • Number 62

November

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

November • 2016

GET READY TO GAIN AN HOUR OF SLEEP! Daylight Saving Time ends the first Sunday of November 2016. This means Sunday, November 6, at 2 a.m.

Inside

Calendar.. . . . . . . . . . . . New Resident Director. . . Events and Tours.. . . . . . Garden Tasks.. . . . . . . . . Groups and Clubs. . . . . . Scene @ the Clubhouse. . Triker’s Travels. . . . . . . . Where in the World.. . . . .

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WBL Photo by Volker Moerbitz

Your smartphone and other “smart” electronic devices might be programmed to automatically adjust to the new time but don’t forget to re-set your watch, wall clock, microwave oven and stove clocks back one hour.

.9 10 .8 19 .6 16 35 38

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

Contact us: WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

Woodbridge’s history in the making! Resident homeowners are now a majority on our board of directors. Congratulations to Andrew Price for his election to Resident Director. We look forward to his fresh ideas and willingness to step up to the challenge.

Page 2 • November 2016

Woodbridge life

www.ourwoodbridge.net

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge life

Turning a New Leaf at Woodbridge

From the Editor By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

W

ell, it’s finally here! By the time you read this article, my husband and I will have been in Tasmania for a week and begun our month-long tour of Australia and New Zealand. This “trip of a lifetime” has been on our bucket list since I retired in 2010. Larry and I are traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel (something I began humorously referring to as “Overly Ambitious Trip” when I read the book-sized itinerary). We will take 16 flights, ride on eight boats, stay in 18 hotels and spend 40 days seeing three countries. Probably at the end, we will think it wasn’t enough but, looking ahead, it seemed a bit daunting for one who has never taken an organized group trip or a vacation of over three week’s duration. Congratulations to Andrew Price! Judy McNamara introduces the WOA’s newly elected resident director and shares October’s historymaking election on page 10. Also related to the WOA, on page 13 in a series of articles about WOA committees, the Architectural Review Committee explains its purpose and responsibilities. Congratulations, too, to the Wheels of Woodbridge for conducting a wildly successful car show and earning over $8,000 to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. Held in Liberty Park, the “Rods, Roadsters and Cruising Cars” show drew a hundred cars and hundreds of people wanting to see them. See organizer Bill Barnhart’s description and photos of the event on pages 20-21. Veterans Day is November 11. Read John Baber’s interview of resident Alan Nevares on page 15. Judy McNamara interviews another veteran, Lynn Whitaker, in her regular “Triker’s Travels” column on page 35. The Woodbridge Veterans group has commemorative bricks for

November 2016 • Page 3

By John Baber, Activities/Events Coordinator

I

Carol WBL Editor CarolJoJoHargreaves, Hargreaves, WBL Editor sale for placement around Liberty Park’s Veterans Memorial. What a great gift to honor a man or woman for service to our country. See page 14 for more information from Jack Dauler. Sharyl Burgeson continues her popular “Brothers and Sisters” column on page 29. If you and a family member live in Woodbridge and haven’t had your photo taken or provided input for your article and would still like to, please contact Sharyl for an appointment (see page 7 for contact information). The series will continue until everyone eligible and interested has been included. Mike Spence is becoming a regular “foodie”! He pens a feature on pizza and informs us about National Nachos Day in his regular “Did You Know” column. Find these two articles on pages 37 and 34, respectively. Jean Kavale is back and happy to be writing again! This month Jean writes about “Take a Hike Day” on page 33. The annual national observation of hiking takes place November 17. Hiking can burn 400 to 550 calories per hour. What a great way to prepare yourself to enjoy upcoming holiday treats! (or the pizza and nachos you might be consuming even sooner). Enjoy this edition of Woodbridge LIFE! ~ Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team

The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the December 2016 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Saturday, November 5, 2016. Please email your materials to wblife2012@gmail.com. (Please DO NOT send your items to the Editor’s personal email address.)

t’s been almost two months since I started here at Woodbridge and I’m still getting acclimated to my new California life and learning the role of your Activities and Events Coordinator. The Delta winds feel refreshing after a long, hot summer in Modesto. Fall is here, and we have much planned for November. As promised, we begin with new free John Baber, classes in wellness and fitness, including T’ai Activities/Events Coordinator Chi, Aromatherapy and Senior Functional Training. All of your tech questions can be answered on Woodbridge Tech Night hosted by Jesse from Jesse’s Computer Service. In the culinary department, Cooking 401 will whip up some Shrimp Creole and Goopy Bread. One of your requests was to have events on days and evenings that can accommodate the folks still working. Award-winning Master Chef Gil Alfaro will present three simple dishes to make on a Saturday. I’m also very excited about the introduction of Craft Beer Night geared toward resident beer lovers, the first of a four-part series. Veterans Day is coming up and we will dedicate a special night to our servicemen and women. Reflected in this edition of Woodbridge LIFE, I met for coffee with one of our veterans, Alan Nevares. “Remembering Those Who Served” is my account of our conversation. I feel honored to help organize a program dedicated to them and look forward to meeting more veterans in our community through this event and beyond. I really appreciate your patience through this transition. I have a lot to learn, and I am thankful for the help along the way. One of my main goals is to find better ways of communicating with you. We are implementing a new idea of communication based on the old idea of a suggestion box. In this edition, cut out the form and feel free to write down and drop your suggestion at the Clubhouse front desk. A few requests on my end are to keep your suggestions related to our Events and Activities and please have a positive tone. Your name is optional, although we encourage a healthy dialogue of your ideas. Our team will have a look and all suggestions will be considered. I still consider myself somewhat of a Luddite, so this will be a fun way for me to receive your suggestions - just like the old days. Happy Fall!

Woodbridge life

Page 4 • November 2016

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WOA Update WOA Update

From the Bridge From the By Ramon Rivera

N

Bridge

By Ramon Rivera %\ 5DPRQ 5LYHUD

ovember is the month I reflect on everything I am thankful for. I am thankful for Woodbridge and all it has offered me over the years. This community means so much to me and%\ 5DPRQ 5LYHUD it’s a privilege to represent each and every one of our residents. The position of operations manager is not easy and presents many challenges. I am very fortunate and thankful to have a strong team that supports me in everything we have accomplished during my time here.

WOA Communication Listening Post

I want to acknowledge some of the unsung stars of our staff and begin with our Office Coordinator 5DPRQ 5LYHUD Operations Manager Leilani Rodriguez. Leilani began her employment with the Woodbridge Owners Association as a parttime front desk monitor. Over her time here, Leilani has developed into a tremendous asset to the WOA. She has risen through the ranks due to her excellent work ethic, outstanding customer service and dependability. Leilani continues to learn all aspects of our organization and has become a leader within our team. When Leilani was promoted to office coordinator, the door was opened for someone to take advantage of an opportunity and Pat Eckert did just that. Pat served our community for seven years as an evening monitor and currently is our lead monitor. Pat’s attention to detail and strong work ethic leave me in awe at times. Pat is always on time and has never been late! Pat sets the tone for our team when it comes to attendance, punctuality and dependability. Pat has earned the trust and respect of every member of our team and I couldn’t be prouder or more thankful to work with her. Juan Barajas, our lead maintenance person, is not our most talkative employee but definitely is the anchor for our maintenance efforts. There has not been a task assigned to Juan that has made him flinch. Juan has done everything from janitorial duties to getting knee-deep in Lake Rockwell collecting floating material. Juan is continually ready for any task put in front of him. Juan has a high level of respect for our residents and is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to have each one of these people on our team. Each of them deserves recognition for their efforts and I appreciate all of them for what they have done for our team, the organization and our residents.

Ask

ARChie

My favorite thoughts and words of autumn – cozy, mums, cinnamon, hay rides, cool nights, leaves, hot chocolate, friends, smiles, walks, pumpkins, spiced apple cider (with a nip of rum, of course), blankets, soups and stews, crisp air and giving thanks. I wanted to add firewood and bonfire; unfortunately, neither of those thoughts works well in California. Bummer. As we enter into this memorable season, holiday decorations came to mind. As a reminder to all of us, please know that all holiday decorative landscaping items may be allowed within a reasonable period of time prior to, during and after a holiday season. This also includes outdoor lighting. The winter holiday season begins November 15 and ends January 15. If you have any questions, check the Design Guidelines, page 9, or ask a member of the Architectural Review Committee. ~ ARChie PARKING ON SIDE OF HOUSE

~ I’m Brilliant

Holiday Decorations The winter holiday season is right around the corner. Winter holiday decorations may be displayed from November 15, 2016, through January 15, 2017. As a reminder, during non-winter holidays, decorations are allowed starting two weeks prior to and continuing two weeks after a regularly recognized major holiday (e.g., Memorial Day, July 4, etc.) Outdoor Pool and Spa The outdoor pool and spa will close Monday, October 31, 2016, for the winter season and re-open in May 2017. You CAN still swim in the outdoor pool, but it will not be heated! Along with this closure, the rear patio umbrellas and seat cushions will be stored away for the winter.

Dear Brilliant, Just to be frank, I’m not thinking you’re all that brilliant. Throwing the wife under the bus is a bad idea. No doubt your lovely bride has painstakingly saved many precious treasures that will need to be stored for a few more years. I mean, really, how else will you get back at those delightful children you raised? Enjoy now the thoughts of the kiddos crawling through all the years of the meticulously saving of every single school paper, picture and award they earned during their childhood. The sun is shining already. Back to your question; was there a question? Oh, yes. NO, you may NOT park a golf cart or any other vehicle on the side of your home. Not only is this a rule of the HOA, but there are strong restrictions from the city of Manteca. Trust me. This will not fare well for you if you submit a request for approval with our friends at the ARC. ~ ARChie SICK TREES

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Dear ARChie, OK, I have a problem. My garage is full with two cars and stuff my wife won’t let me throw away. We want a golf cart. No room. Eureka! How about putting a gate on the wide side of the house so I can park my golf cart there?

Listening Post has offered residents an opportunity to receive information on upcoming projects and events and is a forum for energetic discussions on hot topic items. The 2016 schedule for Listening Post was set for the second Friday of every month at 1 p.m. We’ve recently noticed we weren’t seeing many new faces among the members in attendance. We were also made aware that a 1 p.m. start time did not give everyone in the community an equal opportunity to attend. The goal for Listening Post is to collect feedback from residents to improve operations and communication. We will select and schedule a new start time when we finalize our event calendar for 2017. The attendance at Listening Post has been great in 2016. We encourage all residents to attend and become informed about what is happening in the community. Bring your questions, suggestions and concerns. We will not shy away from the tough questions and look forward to seeing you there.

$ 9(5< 9(5< %,* 7+$1. <28 72 5(6,'(17 :$<1( :$5

Hey ARChie, %5,1*6 86 7+( 0267 '(&$'(17 9$5,(7< 2) &+2&2/$7( I’ve got a sick tree in the front of my house on the street. You know, with the nasty stuff dripping:( 62222 $335(&,$7( <28 :$<1( down. Do I need your ok to cut it down? Another thing: Can I put in my own of trees or do I have to stay with your boring choice a :22'%5,'*( 67$)) choices? ~ Bored See page 5

ARChie

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge life

November 2016 • Page 5

From the Boardroom By Roger Cunning, President of the Woodbridge Owners Association

F

or the first time in Woodbridge’s history, resident homeowners are now a majority on our board of directors. At the conclusion of this year’s Annual Membership Meeting, the results of our membership voting were announced. Congratulations go to Andrew Price for winning the election and a seat on the board vacated by Pulte employee Christine Carlson who has been serving as our treasurer. We thank Christine for helping us steer our finances for the past several years in a manner that allows our transition from development through completion of building homes with the knowledge that we are financially sound. Thank you, Christine, and we wish you the best in your career. Thank you candidates Carol Boné and Mike Hutchings for self-nominating and being a substantial part of our election process. It was a challenging experience for you and we express our gratitude for your willingness to help lead our community. We expect to see more of you in the future.

The board approved the 2017 budget. It is more than $2.5 million and assures for funding an excellent support staff and their operations. It also contributes about $465,000 into our reserve fund that is essential in maintaining our spectacular amenities. This means our reserve fund will rise from 68 percent to 92.5 percent, which is outstanding by industry standards. It includes a $1/month increase in each lot’s assessment, raising our dues to $164/month in 2017. All homeowners will receive this budget in the mail by the end of the month. The Design Guidelines re-write continues as several residents submitted opinions and comments for consideration. All were reviewed and most were incorporated. Because of their inclusion, the board believed the change was significant enough to warrant another 30-day comment period. This is the third comment period for this document. It will be considered for approval in November. Please review the proposed version that is available on the Woodbridge portal or in the Clubhouse. This document establishes the standards for making modifications to our homes and landscaping.

In accordance with Internal Revenue Service requirements, the Revenue Ruling question on the ballot was approved. This means that any excess funds we have this fiscal year can be rolled over into next year’s budget. The exact dollar amount will be revealed as the year ends. There may not be an excess to implement this decision, but it is good to have the ruling in case of an excess. Board Secretary Carl Hanson resigned because of personal reasons within his family. Pulte appointed Greg Van Dam as his replacement on our board. We sincerely appreciate all that Carl provided our community as it developed. He was here before there were streets and he was critical in its development. We thank you, Carl, and we wish you and your family the best. The entire new board of directors met in Executive Session and elected officers. They are: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director-at-Large From

ARChie

Roger Cunning John Johnson Mike Spence Greg Van Dam Andrew Price

page 4

Dear Bored, Whatever you do, please do not cut down the sad things without approval of the ARC. And what’s this about boring choices? Where do you think you live, the redwoods of Northern California? What I understand to be the rule is, if you wish to remove the tree due to death or disease, it must be replaced with the same tree. Although, if other homeowners are in the same bad tree situation, then trees can all be replaced with another boring tree. There have been instances where the city might need to get involved. And we all know what happens when we mix ourselves with City Hall and have not done our homework. Once again, always check first with the ARC for approval. ~ ARChie FRONT PORCH LIGHTING Dear ARChie, We moved into the new section of the community in late 2015. I was reviewing the newest proposed Design Guidelines and I am familiar with what the changes might be. I want to make sure we are in compliance. We’ve had items stolen from our front entry two times recently. I think a motion light would have deterred the theft if it came on when they entered the private space of our porch. What are the current guidelines regarding a motion light if it only lights up a small area of my porch without causing problems for neighbors or cars driving by? I’m concerned about our safety and I am hoping there may be a compromise on this issue. We

November 2016 Committee Meetings Meeting

Day

Date

Time

ARC Inspections ARC Review New Resident Orientation Listening Post ARC Inspections ARC Review ARC Inspections

Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday

11/1/16 11/8/16 11/10/16 11/11/16 11/15/16 11/22/16 11/29/16

9 a.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m 9 a.m

11/30/16

12 p.m.

Finance Committee

really want to put motion lights in. I am not the only person who has had items stolen. ~ Lights in Motion Dear Lights, Sounds like an old tune from the ‘60s… “C’mon, baby, do the loco-motion.” Ok, I’m losing it. I think I’ve seen the play “Beautiful” one too many times. Sorry to hear of items stolen from your property. Lighting can certainly be a deterrent to break-ins and unwanted guests. As long as the motion light you are referencing is used for security, it must be enclosed in a manner that directs the light in a specific area without causing a visual impairment to passing motorists or pedestrians or is a nuisance to neighboring residences. Bright lights that go on and off can certainly disturb a neighbor. Please be thoughtful. I’d also like to mention changing out the rather SMALL carriage lights that came with the newer homes. Local big box stores carry LED light fixtures that provide a wide span of light and are easy to change out. Always remember, Woodbridge does have a group, “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” if you ever need help. ~ ARChie All questions may be emailed to ARChie care of Leilani at lrodriguez@ ourwoodbridge.net (Clubhouse front desk). Leilani will forward your questions to the members of the Architectural Review Committee. We want to hear your questions and concerns.

Woodbridge life

Page 6 • November 2016

WOA Groups and Clubs: WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs

Contact

Phone

Meeting Day and Time

Nedra Ball Patti Barnhart Contact Rick Hyden Nedra Ball Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun Rick Hyden Susan Russitano Don St. Lawrence

815-9309 629-8838 Phone 824-9257 815-9309 825-7137 629-8838 239-0409 824-9257 275-5817 825-7137

M-F. Time & Workshops vary Friday @ 4:15 p.m. SU & TH @& 2 p.m. M-F. Time Workshops vary Mondays @ 10 p.m. a.m. Friday @ 4:15 3rd 6:30 SU Monday @ 6 p.m.,@TH @ p.m. 8 a.m. 3rd Monday Mondays @@ 106:30 a.m.p.m.

MarySimpson Braun Judy Susan Russitano Jan Spence Judy Simpson Geri Rogers Dave and Jacquie

239-0409 647-2901 275-5817 924-8032 647-2901 824-5310

3rd Monday @a.m. 6:30-p.m. Every Friday 10 1 p.m. Oxford Room @ 6:30 p.m. 3rd Monday 3rd 2 p.m. 2ndTuesday and 4th@ Friday @ 10 a.m. Thursdays @ 10 a.m. 5 - 6:30 p.m. Days vary.

Dave Steffy Jan Spence Jackie Summers Geri Rogers Rick Hyden Pat BuxtonMauck Suzanne Joyce Giordano

825-4805 825-4805 630924-8032 881-8813 824-5310 824-9257 825-4805 239-8663 209-665239-1183 5169

Hula Dance Game Night Line Dancing Game Night-also Line Dancing (Evening) contact Men of Woodbridge Hand & Foot Hula Dance National (American) Mah Line Jongg Dancing Neighborhood Watch Line Dancing (Evening) Oil Painters Men of Woodbridge Open Painting Watch Neighborhood Paddle Tennis Oil Painters

Suzanne Mauck Pat Buxton Patti Barnhart Bill Goodwin Rick Hyden Bill Goodwin Ruth Field Suzanne Mauck Cindy Carlsen

Pickleball Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle

Barbara Shapiro

665-5169 239-8663 629-8838 823-9767 824-9257 823-9767 229-6977 818665-5169 429-1221 647-2695 629-8838 239-5712 823-9767 629-8838 823-9767 629-8838 239-5712 815-9735 629-8838 629-8838 823-3343 815-9735 510-909823-3343 8997 510-909239-8235 8997 815-9343 239-8235 239-2983 815-9343 239-2983 239-2833 239-2833 818429-1221 624-3549 647-2695 624-3754 624-3754 239-8718 239-8718 624-3945 624-3945 815-9476 815-9476 629-8508 629-8508 629-8838 629-8838 815-9803 815-9803 624-3779 624-3779

Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. Check schedule. 3rd Tuesday @ 2 p.m. Thursdays p.m. Thursdays@ @110 a.m. Wednesdays @ 6:30 Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. p.m. Fridays & Saturdays @ 6:30 p.m. Thursdays @ 1 p.m. W-SA-SU @ 1 p.m. Fridays & Sundays @Saturdays 3:30 p.m.@ 6:30 p.m. M-W-F @ 9:15 a.m. Fridays @ 6 p.m. Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 10 a.m. W-SA-SU @ 1 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Fridays12 @- 13 p.m. Fridays p.m. Oxford M-W-FRoom @ 9:15 a.m. Patrols Fridays @ 6 p.m. Tuesday @ 10 @ a.m. 2nd Monday 10 a.m. Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. Patrols Tuesdays @ 10 6 p.m. Tuesday @ a.m. on lighted pickleball courts Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. M-F. Time varies Wednesdays @ 6 p.m.

Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance Groups & Clubs Bocce Ball Bridge Ballroom Dance

Bocce Ball Bunco Bridge Bunco Canasta Bunco-also contact Cooking Canasta401 Crochet/Knitting

Cribbage Chair Volleyball Cooking 401 Drama Cribbage Game DramaNight Hand & Foot

Bob Hall Bill Goodwin Patti Barnhart Bill Goodwin Patti Bob Barnhart Hall Stan Sutfin

Barbara Shapiro Robert Philis AlRobert Sanchez Pinochle Philis Poker Joe Victoria Al Sanchez Radio PokerControlled Flyers Bob Joe Umberger Victoria Radio Controlled Bob Umberger Readers Group Flyers Patty DeRoos Readers’ Group Shang-hai Rummy Cindy Carlsen Senior Golf John Armstrong Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Tennis Mel Topping Tennis Mel Topping Trivia Eileen Hill Trivia Eileen Hill Veterans Veterans Woodbridge Bill Buffington Walking of Indoors Jacque Reynolds Walking Reynolds Wheels Indoors of Woodbridge Jacque Bill Barnhart Wheels of Woodbridge Bill Wine 101 JonBarnhart Ford Wine 101of Jon Ford Women Women of Woodbridge Birdie Nieri Woodbridge Birdie Nieri Woodbridge Senior Woodbridge Senior Vern Mendes 823-4760 Softball Club Vern Mendes 823-4760 Woodbridge Woodbridge Singers Elizabeth Cunning 647-4380 Seniors Golf Club John Armstrong 624-3549

M-F. Time varies MM@@2:15 @@ 1 p.m. 2:15p.m. p.m.&&THTH 1 Wed p.m.@ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m. Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ Days 5:30and p.m.times vary

1st Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m. 1st Wed @ 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays 12 - courses 3 p.m. Various golf Oxford Room Mondays @ 2 p.m. Mondays @ 2 p.m. SU - TU - TH @ 9 a.m. SU - TU - TH @ 9 a.m. 3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m. 3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 4 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 4a.m. p.m. M-W-F @ 8:30 M-W-F @ 8:30 1st Tuesday @a.m. 10:45 a.m. 1st Tuesday @ 10:45 a.m. Days vary Days vary 3rd Wed @ 11 a.m. 3rd Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Seasonal Seasonal Every other Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Various golf courses

Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net for moreEvery detailed information. Woodbridge Singers Elizabeth Cunning 647-4380 other Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net for more detailed information.

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

Interest Groups:

Interest Groups: Groups & Clubs Christian Men’s Fellowship 55er’s Club RV Group “Just Fore Fun” Ladies’ Golf Senior RV Bowling 55er's Group "Just Fore Bible Fun" Study Ladies' Golf Women’s Senior Bowling Women's Bible Study

Note:

Contact Dave Basehore Sue Edmiston Contact BettyBasehore Buff Dave Babara Silva Sue Edmiston Carolyn Johnson Barbara Silva Carolyn Johnson

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

Update Your Contact Information The 2017 Community Directory is coming soon! That means we need you to update your contact information, name, address, email, home and cell phone numbers. Please log on to the portal to check your information and if it is incorrect, please update accordingly. You may also go to the Clubhouse and submit a “Printed Directory and Website Information Form.” If you have any questions, please contact Leilani Rodriguez at the Clubhouse. The deadline for updates is December 31, 2016. Thank you!

WoodbridgeLIFE life Woodbridge

www.ourwoodbridge.net www.ourwoodbridge.net

5HDFKLQJ 2XW Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581

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Roger Cunning, President John Johnson, Vice President Mike Spence, Secretary Greg Van Dam, Treasurer Andrew Price, Director-at-Large

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Ramon Rivera:

495-6803

Activities/Events Coordinator

John Baber

824-7927

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Leilani Rodriguez:

824-7581

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Riverside Management PO BOX 697 Roseville, CA 95661 916-740-2462

The opinions expressed in :RRGEULGJH /,)(¡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.�

November 2016 • Page 7 Page 7 • May 2016

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER :2$

&DURO -R +DUJUHDYHV

EDITOR

ADVERTISING

/HLODQL 5RGULJXH]

WBL EDITORIAL TEAM John Baber Sharyl Burgeson, asst. editor Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair Jean Kavale Ann King Judy McNamara Volker Moerbitz Pepper Noble Ramon Rivera Leilani Rodriguez Mike Spence Shelley Tate

824-7927 239-1492 823-3538 629-8571 650-464-0151 923-4718 239-7965 239-1933 495-6803 824-7581 924-8032 479-4249

Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly publication of the Woodbridge Owners Association, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that would be of interest to residents. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles that in our opinion do not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association. Content submitted may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. Woodbridge LIFE proofreaders use the Associated Press Stylebook, “the journalist’s bible,â€? as a writing and editing reference. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be returned. Contents copyright Š 2016 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

&RQWDFW XV

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

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

Woodbridge life

Page 8 • November 2016

Woodbridge Woodbridge Owners Owners Association

Association Committees

Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW • Jacquie Alexander ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW alexander-fox@comcast.net 209-823-2914 • Jacquie Alexander

Woodbridge Owners Association FINANCE COMMITTEE •

alexander-fox@comcast.net Committees Jacob Lewis, Chair, 209-823-2914 lijalewis@comcast.net

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 647-2995 FINANCE COMMITTEE LIFESTYLE • Jacquie Alexander • John JacobBaber, Lewis, Chair, • Chair, alexander-fox@comcast.net lijalewis@comcast.net jbaber@ourwoodbridge.net 209-823-2914 824-7927 647-2995

FINANCE COMMITTEE LIFESTYLE COMMUNICATION • Jacob Lewis, Chair, Jo Hargreaves, • Carol John Baber, Chair, Chair, lijalewis@comcast.net Woodbridge LIFE Editor and jbaber@ourwoodbridge.net 647-2995 Directory Chair

824-7927

cjohargreaves@gmail.com LIFESTYLE 823-3538 • John Baber, Chair, COMMUNICATION jbaber@ourwoodbridge.net WELCOMING COMMITTEE •• Carol Hargreaves, Chair, DianaJo Clements, Co-Chair 824-7927 tenor4@comcast.net Woodbridge LIFE Editor and 665-4353 Directory Chair COMMUNICATION cjohargreaves@gmail.com •• Carol Jo Tebbutt, Hargreaves, Chair, Jeanne Co-Chair Woodbridge LIFE Editor and 823-3538 jltebbutt@gmail.com

923-4356 Directory Chair cjohargreaves@gmail.com WELCOMING COMMITTEE NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS • Diana Clements, 823-3538 Co-Chair •

Bill Barnhart

tenor4@comcast.net bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us

WELCOMING COMMITTEE 629-8838 665-4353 • Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net • Jeanne Tebbutt, Co-Chair 665-4353 •

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

jltebbutt@gmail.com NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS 923-4356

•

Bill Barnhart

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us Bill Barnhart 629-8838

•

bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838

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Coming Coming to to Woodbridge Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - November 2016

Coming to Woodbridge Submitted by John Baber, Activities/Events Coordinator

T’AI CHI - Tuesday, November 1 @ 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Live long and prosper. Growing evidence suggests this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating and preventing many health problems. It helps alleviate stress and anxiety and improves cardiovascular health. Adding T’ai Chi to your life could also lower your risk for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Give it a whirl; it’s FREE. Sign up at the front desk. Class will be held in the Multipurpose Room.

MEDICINE CHEST - Thursday, November 3 @ 12 - 1:30 p.m. Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance wellbeing. In this 90-minute class, you will learn: What an essential oil is, three ways of using them and why essential oils are effective. Learn what constitutes a quality therapeutic grade oil. Come explore nature’s solution for your health and well-being vs. synthetics. Bring a note pad. FREE, including samples. Door prizes! Sign up at the front desk. Seating limited. Class will be held in the Multipurpose Room. CASUAL COCKTAILS - Thursday, November 3 @ 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Gather with the WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE to meet the club officers and enjoy the company of old and new neighbors. Join for conversation and camaraderie. This special time is designed for resident working women who otherwise would not be able to meet the fine ladies of WOW at their morning meetings. Open to all women. Call Birdie Nieri with questions (624-3779 or 510-304-7525). Sign up at the front desk. FLU SHOT CLINIC - HOSTED BY DOCTORS HOSPITAL OF MANTECA Monday, November 7 @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Melissa Tilford, MSN, RN, is the Infection Preventionist for Doctors Hospital of Manteca. She will discuss ways to stay healthy during the cold and flu season. Highly regarded in her field, she leads and oversees the hospital’s acquired infection surveillance and prevention programs. Come one; come all for a flu shot in the Multipurpose Room. FREE! Sign up at the front desk. NEW RESIDENT ORIENTATION – Thursday, November 10 @ 10 a.m. Are you new to Woodbridge? Come learn more about your Woodbridge Owner’s Association. During this orientation, you’ll learn about the association structure, the Architectural Review process, how to become involved in your community and the myriad of resources available to you. Please reserve your spot by contacting the Clubhouse front desk either in person or by phone at 824-7581. This event will be held in the Oxford Room.

VETERANS DAY AT WOODBRIDGE – Friday, November 11 @ 5 p.m. Come honor those who served. Presentation of colors by the Boy Scouts of Manteca and a fun evening of entertainment featuring “The Strummin’ Wonders� and “The Second Chance Band.� Spaghetti dinner including salad and bread will be served. BYOB. Coffee and water available. Make sure to wear a cap or an item of uniform that still fits. Special guest speaker, Woodbridge’s own retired Major General Eldon Regua will give remarks honoring veterans of all services. $10 per person. Sign up at the front desk. COMMUNITY-WIDE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING – Monday, November 14 @ 7 p.m. Help protect our neighborhood! An officer from the Manteca Police Department will speak first, and the regular meeting will follow. Questions will be addressed about the Neighborhood Watch Program. The results of the election of officers will be announced. COOKING 401: SHRIMP CREOLE AND GOOPY BREAD - Tuesday, November 15 @ 2 p.m. Join chefs Charleen Price and Cindy McGehee as they prepare their delicious dishes in the Multipurpose Room’s Demo Kitchen. Prerequisite: basic kitchen skills and a desire to learn new dishes or a new way to prepare an old favorite. Students take turns as instructor, assistant and sous chef. The class does not produce a meal, but results are shared. Class size is limited. Sign up at the front desk. Final date to pay $5 tuition is Saturday, November 12. CASINO TRIP TO REDHAWK CASINO – November 16 @ 8:30 a.m. Try your luck and place your bets. Board the bus to Redhawk Casino. Check-in time is 8:15 a.m. with departure at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $12 cash. Make sure to fill out the emergency form on the back of the flyer. Sign up at the front desk. CRAFT BEER NIGHT – Wednesday, November 16 @ 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Introduction to craft brewing. Join Bill Holst in discussion of the industry, the role the home brewer plays and some basic techniques on how the process works. A recipe for the beer will be created for future brewing. Craft Beer Night is the first of a four-part series. $2 admission per person (includes samples from local craft breweries). Sign up at the front desk.

WINE 101: WINE AROUND THE WORLD – Thursday, November 17 @ 6 p.m. Jon Ford will talk about top-producing countries, the top selling varietals and other countries that consume the most wine. In addition, other less-known varietals will be discussed. The community table will have 12 of these lesser known wines. Participants are to bring SENIOR FITNESS TRAINING – Thursday, November 10 @ 11 a.m. – 12 their own wine glass, a bottle of non-domestic wine to share with their p.m. A fun, functional training class designed for those 55 and over table (local specialty/import retail stores are a good resource) and an and which incorporates both cardiovascular:KHQ \RX KDYH VLJQHG XS IRU DQ HYHQW DFWLYLW\ RU WRXU DQG \RX ÀQG \RX DUH and resistance training. appetizer to share with the class. A non-refundable $2 per person will The primary goal is to improve quality of unable life by gaining these added be charged for tickets. Sign up at the front desk. to attend, please, as a courtesy to others, call the Clubhouse front desk benefits: stronger heart, increased strength and flexibility, better WR FDQFHO ,I WKH HYHQW KDV D ZDLWLQJ OLVW WKH IURQW GHVN FDQ ÀOO WKH posture and improved mood and cognitive function. This class COOKING WITH MASTER CHEF GIL ALFARO – Saturday, November vacancy from the list. Thank you. incorporates a variety of exercises utilizing resistance balls, bands and 19 @ noon. Join award-winning Chef Gil Alfaro as he demonstrates dumbbells. Sign up at the front desk. FREE! how to prepare simple dishes including chilaquiles, tropical glaze porta bella mushrooms with baby greens and bread pudding. Gil recently TECH NIGHT WITH JESSE – Thursday, November 10 @ 6 – 7:30 p.m. won master chef category at the Lathrop Baconfest, guest-judged by Join Jesse for a Woodbridge Tech Night. Jesse, from Jesse’s Computer Guy Fieri. Come have a good time in our kitchen and let’s put it to use! Service, will answer your technology questions. From computers to Reserve your spot at the front desk. FREE! smartphones, Internet services to why your cable bill is so high, Jesse will tackle it all. It will be a Q & A event, so bring your list of questions POTLUCK JOKE NIGHT – Wednesday, November 30 @ 5:30 p.m. and something to take notes with and let’s try to clear the air with your Need a break from the holidays? Have a bad case of the blues? Come tech. Sign up at the front desk. FREE! laugh it off at our Woodbridge Potluck. Let’s keep this tradition going! Bring your favorite joke to read. Don’t worry - we’ll have a LISTENING POST – Friday, November 11 @ 1 p.m. Come share your microphone. Prizes for the best jokes. Bring a dish for eight to 10 ideas with Ramon Rivera and John Baber. Something troubling you? people and have a good time. Jokes encouraged but not required. New ideas to share? Suggestions, comments or concerns? Bring your Hosted by John Baber and the Lifestyle Committee. two cents worth. This event will be held in the Multipurpose Room.

Important Notice About Cancellations

Important Important Notice Notice About Cancellations About Cancellations

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More information about these as well as Woodbridge Clubs and Groups may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse. This calendar was last updated 10/24/16. Refer to flyers or the Woodbridge portal for additional information. 7KLV FDOHQGDU ZDV ODVW XSGDWHG 6/20 5HIHU WR Á\HUV RU WKH :RRGEULGJH SRUWDO IRU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ Name of Event

Purchase Tickets Starting: As a courtesy to Woodbridge residents, we are providing the following event As a courtesy to Woodbridge residents, we are providing following event information toDeck the Tree assist in planning and obtainingthe tickets. Please note:information This information with The Lifestyle Committee to assist in planning and tickets. note:Saturday, 12/3 @ 4 p.m. This information subjectNo Ticket to is subject to obtaining change. Contact thePlease Clubhouse front desk if you haveis questions. Monday, 12/5 @ 6:30 p.m. and Free. Sign up change. Contact the Clubhouse front desk if you have questions. Woodbridge Singers Concert Tuesday, 12/6 @ 2 and 6 pm. at front desk. Movie Night: “Dear Eleanor” page 10 Tickets Name of Event Purchase A benefit for the Denise Southwick Event Date See Donations Starting: Memorial Cancer Fund Wednesday, 12/7 @ 6 p.m. accepted. Drama Performance Two One-Act Plays, “A Prairie Christmas” and Thursday, 12/8 @ 2 and 6 p.m. $5/ticket Name of Event Event Date Purchase Tickets Deck the Tree with The Lifestyle Committee Saturday, 12/3 @ 4 p.m. No Ticket “Homeless for the Holidays” and Sunday, 12/11 @ 2 p.m. 11/15/16 Starting: Monday, 12/5 @ 6:30 p.m. and Free. Sign up Doctors Hospital Christmas Social Tuesday, 12/6 @ 2 and 6 pm. Tuesday, 12/13 @ 5:30 p.m. at front desk. Woodbridge Singers Concert at front desk. Deck the Tree Movie Night: “Dear Eleanor” Wine 101: $2/ticket with The Lifestyle Committee Saturday, 12/3 @ 4 p.m. No Ticket A benefit for the Denise Southwick Donations Annual Potluck/Bottle Exchange Thursday, 12/15 @ 5:30 p.m. 11/18/2016 Monday, 12/5 @ 6:30 p.m. and Free. Sign up Memorial Cancer Fund Wednesday, 12/7 @ 6 p.m. accepted. $20/ticket Woodbridge Singers Concert Tuesday, 12/6 @ 2 and 6 pm. at front desk. Drama Performance Two One-Act Decades Band Saturday, 12/17 @ 6:30 p.m. 11/5/16 Movie Night: “Dear Eleanor” Plays, “A Prairie Christmas” and Thursday, 12/8 @ 2 and 6 p.m. $5/ticket Strummin’ Wonders Free. Sign up A benefit for the Denise Southwick Donations “Homeless for the Holidays” and Sunday, 12/11 @ 2 p.m. 11/15/16 Christmas Concert Monday, 12/19 @ 6:30 p.m. at front desk. Memorial Cancer Fund Wednesday, 12/7 @ 6 p.m. accepted.

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Woodbridge life New Resident Director Shares Background Info Page 10 • November 2016

By Judy McNamara. WBL photos by Sharyl Burgeson.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

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ndrew Price has been elected to the position of Director-atLarge on the Woodbridge Board of Directors. His main objective is to be able to give something back to our community since he feels he has been so fortunate in his life. His biggest goal is to be able to reach out to the community by listening and finding out the concerns of the folks living here.

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like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rotary and the Masonic Service Organization to help in the community.” A man of integrity, fairness and ideas, Andrew will be a welcome figure on our board. We are lucky to have him in this capacity. “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – John C. Maxwell

He was born in 1952 and hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan. After graduating from Albion College in Michigan, he joined the Navy and spent 20 years as a submarine officer. After retiring from the Navy, he began his second career, spending over 30 Andrew Price talks about the challenges he will years consulting and developing face and is ready to take on the position of new ideas for the next class of resident director. nuclear submarines. After his consulting career, he took on his third career where he worked at the Central Intelligence Agency, helping to account for all the materials purchased and distributed around the world.

Giving back is big on Andrew’s list. He plans to set the example to other residents in the areas of volunteering and using individual talents. He stated, “We have lots of folks here who have advanced degrees and talents who are so capable of helping in the community. There is always a need for things like tutoring in the schools and teaming up with service organizations

Andrew shows his whimsical side as he gives a sneak peek of his Halloween costume for the Lifestyle Committee’s Halloween Extravaganza.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

Flyer developed and distributed by Elizabeth Cunning for Woodbridge Singers.

Andrew and his wife, Charleen.

Andrew and his wife Charleen moved to Manteca three years ago from northern Virginia where they had lived for 40 years. In retirement, the couple wanted to be nearer to their daughter and her family who live in the Bay Area, as does Andrew’s sister. They also have a son living in Modesto.

Woodbridge life

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November 2016 • Page 11

At the Clubhouse ĂŚĂŚ Artists & Crafters Thankful for Season with Family, Food, Football By Penny Dauler

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ovember is upon us. The holiday season is in full swing. MY favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. For me, it is all about family, great food and football. It’s a relatively quiet holiday before the craziness of Christmas, which is my grandkids’ favorite holiday. The Artists and Crafters start the month off with our General Meeting Friday, November 4, at 10 a.m. At this meeting, you will receive a calendar for the following month, a sneak peek at the classes being offered and the chance to sign up and pay for classes. We encourage you to come to General Meetings as some classes have a size limit and it is always first signed and paid gets in.

The oldie but goodie is Kathy Dezotte’s Bread Centerpiece class. This class costs $1 and takes place Friday, November 18, at 10 a.m. A supply list as well as a sign-up sheet may be found in the pocket on the yellow communication board. The class is limited to 10 participants. November18 is also UFO day beginning at 9 a.m. This is the time to work on unfinished projects. Community Boutique: Don’t forget to visit these three homes on Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At each you will find unique and wonderfully made items ranging from soap, pillows, jewelry, candy, woodworking, china painting, embroidery work and much, much more.

We are offering two new classes in November, an oldie but a goodie and something entirely new. Our new class is a Turkey Table Runner perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Nedra Ball will teach this class Thursday, November 10, at 12:30 p.m. The cost will be posted on the sign-up sheet but it will be no more than $5 or $6. A supply list may be found in the pocket on the yellow communication board. The class is limited to eight students, primarily because sewing machines will be required and if we have too many machines going, we blow the circuits.

Genie Becker: 2159 Knollwood Court Birdie Nieri: 1483 Cobblecreek Street Carole Pfoutz: 2438 Millpond Way Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to enjoy with your loved ones, feasting on turkey, pie and cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving is rich with traditions of sharing, loving and saying thank you. It is about being grateful for all the gifts you have received. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your friends and family.

Serving the community since 1979 General Dentistry Dr. Bonnie Morehead Dr. Ron Joseph Dr. Rudy Ciccareli

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Woodbridge life

Page 12 • November 2016

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ur Woodbridge book group met as usual, the first Monday of the month, to discuss “Hotel On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford and presented by Tressie Jones. While the book itself is very interesting and thought provoking, I don’t think we expected to have such a wide-ranging and informative discussion about the subject, a love story between a JapaneseAmerican boy and a Chinese-American girl during World War II in America! Our discussion moved us beyond the story, across time and distance to World War II America, prejudice in and outside of America, history as it is perceived from time and distance and how it might apply to all of us – as well as a discussion about war atrocities and whether we should have relegated Japanese-American citizens to camps such as Tule Lake and Manzanar and so on. All this was provoked by the subject of the book – racial tensions and prejudices against Japanese-American citizens and between Japanese and Chinese-American citizens (which was unexpected to most of us) all wound around and between two

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ææ bridge By Don St. Lawrence The Bridge group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Oxford Room.

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children (one Japanese-American and one Chinese-American) who fell in love during the war and who were separated when the girl and her family were sent to Tule Lake, a Japanese internment camp. Prejudice against blacks was also part of the story. In spite of this fairly heavy and difficult subject, the story itself was tender, surprising and informative.

SEPTEMBER 26: Letha Watson Shirley Lopes Robi Cornelius Cherie Ford Barbara Kreps Don Harris Betty Buff

This is not a predictable read and in case some of you who read this column might decide to read this book, I will not say any more about it except that it was an easy read, difficult subject, gently presented and full of surprises. I recommend the book to those who are interested in history at its human level and a sweet, very human and touching love story.

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OCTOBER 3: Robi Cornelius Don St. Lawrence Letha Watson Cherie Ford Don Harris Marilyn Larson Barbara Kreps Betty Buff

We were a large group – 13, with two new people. Welcome to both of you! Our book for November is “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult. Our November meeting will be Wednesday, November 2, in the Oxford Room. There is no book for December as that will be our Christmas party. We will begin again in January 2017 with a new list of books to read and discuss.

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OCTOBER 10: Don St. Lawrence Shirley Lopes Phyllis Tindell Robi Cornelius Cherie Ford Kathy Comden Don Harris

OCTOBER 17: Phyllis Tindell Don Harris Betty Buff Robi Cornelius Letha Watson

OCTOBER 24: Letha Watson Cherie Ford Phyllis Tindell Don St. Lawrence Betty Buff Don Harris Robi Cornelius

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Woodbridge life

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November 2016 • Page 13

Introducing the

Architectural Review Committee T

he staff of Woodbridge LIFE recently asked the Architectural maintain continuity in the community (one of the number one reasons Review Committee (ARC) to share a few words with our why we all chose to buy into the Woodbridge community). readers about the purpose of the committee. The answer to the purpose came to me quickly. Of course, the purpose of the ARC is to run and hide and stay hidden as long as possible! At least that’s how committee members feel sometimes. Seriously, we want you to know we are not “the big bad wolf” looking to blow your house down or deny your plans. It’s your house and we certainly want you to make it your own. No more humor, let’s get down to brass tacks. The Architectural Review Committee is appointed by and reports directly to the WOA Board of Directors. There are a total of five appointed members. Three members perform reviews of applications for proposed projects and two members perform final reviews or inspections of completed projects. The board, along with the operations manager, governs the committee. The purpose of the committee is to enforce the Design Guidelines, a governing document. The Design Guidelines provide an overall framework for the community to develop and progress in an orderly and cohesive manner. Overall, the guidelines establish certain standards to (L to R): Ellie Engstrom, Jacquie Alexander, Leilani Rodriguez, Wayne Ward and Lanny Langdon.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

By Jacquie Alexander, Committee Chair

We Care Every Day In Every Way. ®

In Loving Memory

James Mosunich

April 8, 1931 - August 19, 2016

Jim is survived by his wife Neda of 63 years, his three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jim was born in San Francisco and graduated from Saint Ignatius High School. Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, and upon his return to San Francisco, joined his father in the grocery business.

Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance Grooming • Assistance with Walking Medication Reminders • Errands Shopping • Light Housekeeping Meal Preparation Friendly Companionship Flexible Hourly Care Respite Care for Families

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Each Visiting Angels agency is independently owned and operated.

Woodbridge life

A BRICK for Christmas? By Jack Dauler

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ou may have heard the history of finding lumps of coal in your Christmas stocking. Well, this is one version from England: In the 19th century, most of Europe was powered by coal, and most household furnaces were coal-burning. A pan of hot coals would often be kept under the bed to generate heat in the middle of the night. In England, while children who were thought to act good got candy and toys in their stockings, those who were not as well-behaved would get coal, if they were lucky. Hopefully all of us in Woodbridge have been good and won’t be seeing any coal in our stockings. But

maybe a stocking with an order form from the Veterans Memorial Brick campaign inside would help make your Christmas bright. The Veterans Memorial honors Woodbridge residents and their loved ones who may not live in Woodbridge but have served in the military. The memorial is located in the northeast section of Liberty Park. We are offering bricks in 4” x 8” and 8” x 8” sizes with prices at $135 and $505, respectively. These laserengraved bricks can have 19 to 23 characters per line and three to six lines of text, along with clip art of the military service you wish. Order forms are available in the Clubhouse or by calling Jack Dauler at 629-8575 or Roger Cunning at 647-4380.

Toys for Tots

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ææ VETERANS OF WOODBRIDGE Military Troop Support Program By Jack Dauler

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eterans of Woodbridge participated in a Military Troop Support Program/ Troop Packing Event at the Manteca Transit Center in early October. The Veterans group presented a check for $500 to Chuck and Teri Palmer in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II, their son, who was one of two Marines killed in 2007 when a roadside bomb exploded next to their Humvee.

Photos submitted by Jack Dauler.

Page 14 • November 2016

Bill Buffington, Chuck and Teri Palmer.

The Palmers’ mission is to raise the general public’s awareness of the sacrifices along with the dedication of troops from all branches of the U.S. military by supporting active duty service members and their families. One way of accomplishing this goal is via troop box-packing events. Toiletries, grooming supplies, correspondence items, high protein snacks and socks are packed in boxes that cost $17 per box to ship. Cash donations are greatly appreciated to help cover the cost of shipping.

By Jack Dauler

The Woodbridge Veterans group is participating in the U.S. Marine Corps 2016 Toys for Tots program. The mission of this program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during November and December and distribute these toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in our community. In early November, the veterans will place boxes in the Clubhouse for collection of toys and will be checking the boxes daily. All toys collected will be given to the Marine Corps coordinator starting November 14. The objectives of Toys

for Tots are to help children throughout the area experience the joy of Christmas and to play an active role in the development of one of our most valuable resources, our children. Monetary donations are also accepted. The last day to contribute to the program is Monday, December 12. For monetary gifts, please contact Al Nevares @ 209-815-9358. All checks should be made out to “Toys for Tots Foundation.” Thank you for your generosity.

Richard Ferreira, Brenda and Bill Buffington, Dan and Marilyn Armstrong, Andrew Price, Rick Dyer and Dennis Atwell pack boxes for the troops.

Woodbridge life

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Remembering Those Who Served – Alan Nevares

November 2016 • Page 15

DRINK WATER FROM EVERY TAP IN YOUR HOME

Photo submitted by John Baber.

By John Baber

Stop buying expensive bottled water! Start drinking better than “bottled” water from every tap in your home with the

PELICAN COMBO SERIES WATER SYSTEM

$2899.00

Alan Nevares and John Baber.

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s I travel through U.S. airports, I am astounded when I see our young soldiers heading home to their families. Maybe it’s the older I get, but they all look like kids to me. That’s exactly the position that Woodbridge veteran Alan Nevares found himself in over 50 years ago. Alan was just out of high school when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served with the 3rd 8-inch Howitzer Battery SP (Self Propelled) located at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, California, which seemed “like the end of the earth.” Right out of boot camp, Nevares found himself along the central coast of Vietnam in a place called Chu Lai. He recalls his first week there was like a war movie being acted out before his eyes. “At first we didn’t take it seriously.” Then the reality sank in, and one week later, Alan was injured by mortars directed at their position on the beach. Several other Marines were injured but, thankfully, all survived the attack. Alan Nevares received a Purple Heart for wounds received during the attack of his position at Chu Lai. Almost two years later, Alan was reunited with his dear friend Louis. They had both entered together as part of a 90-day delayed program

but didn’t see each other until Nevares’ ship was ready to leave for the U.S. “We were all gathered around underneath a giant banyan tree, hundreds of us soldiers. I looked off into the distance, and there was Louis with the biggest smile on his face.” Times have changed since then with regard to the treatment of servicemen and women. Back in those days, when the ship returned home, there were only family members to greet our veterans. “Back then,” said Alan, “you were afraid to wear a uniform in public, which was very sad.” No parades. No ceremony. Our country possessed a much different sentiment than it does today. Today, our heroes are recognized and held in the highest regard. Presently, Alan spends his time working with Toys for Tots along with Bill Buffington and helps facilitate the program with the Marine Corps in Lathrop. One of his biggest passions is his 2016 Corvette Z-06. In retrospect, Nevares doesn’t live his life with regrets. “I wouldn’t trade those war experiences for anything – the good and the bad.” The next time you see a serviceman or woman, be sure to say thank you. That’s the least we can do!

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Woodbridge life

SCENE @ the CLUBHOUSE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

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Clubhouse Monday, October 10, to see what was going on.

oodbridge LIFE staffers visitedBoth Lakeview Clubhouse Friday, April 8, to see what Jong Moore and WBL photos by Sharyl Burgeson. Captions by Jean Kavale.

Annette Keef have always loved dancing and agree that it provides a lot of fun. Line dancing has become very popular at Woodbridge, as well as in other retirement communities. It requires that participants line up in rows, without partners, and follow a choreographed pattern of steps while dancing to country music.

Edie Toy is very new to the class, as are Betty Bowser and Fil Hower. The class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m., as well as Friday at 1 p.m. It is capably led by Patti Barnhart. Yvonne Wiggins has been in the class for two years. She and husband Jack moved to Woodbridge three years ago from Modesto.

Have you ever wondered who creates the beautiful posters that adorn the Clubhouse lobby? That artistic lady is Kathy Dezotte, who has lived at Woodbridge for eight years. To draw your attention to upcoming parties and other events, she often adds relevant threedimensional objects to her works of art as well as stylish lettering.

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0DUJR )ODQDJD FODVV ´3DQVLHV Marilyn Nunes, a resident of Shady Oak Place, has been in the Line Dancing class for two years. She thinks dancing is great exercise.

Orange pumpkins and a tall corn stalk that seem to reach out to you advertized the Halloween Extravaganza, Monday, October 31, hosted by John Baber and the Lifestyle Committee. Precise black lettering adds to the poster’s attractiveness.

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Energetic Phyllis Rose just enjoys dancing. She and husband David are enjoying their home on Belle Glade Lane. Their neighbor Joyce Graham has been in the class ever since she and husband Robert moved to Woodbridge. “I can’t keep my feet still,� she says, an obvious indication of her love for dancing.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge life

November 2016 • Page 17

Fulfilling Our Bucket Lists Article and photos submitted by Charm Mathis.

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o you have a bucket list? I didn’t really think I did, but apparently my two recent adventures are considered to be top bucket list choices.

The first was two years ago when I went to Leon, Nicaragua, where we strapped boards to our backs and began to ascend the 2,388-foot (72 meters) black mountain of loose rock. Racing down an active volcano at 30 mph on a little piece of wood is really fun they said; I say stupid! I survived this wild ride but my speed was 8 mph as I dug in my heels and kicked up a lot of ash. Two days later while playing a seemingly mild game of kickball with the locals, I fell and separated my shoulder. But, that is another story.

women to come on the Grand Canyon trip with me. Our bond of friendship grew with the magic of the canyon, its beauty, the laughter, and, yes, Mother Nature.

The second adventure began August 18, 2016, when three of my Woodbridge Diamond Gal pals, Rosemary Hein, Sue Lough, Linda Medler and I took an outof-this-world adventure, rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

We fell into a routine and quickly learned how to set up and take down our daily camp (cots, tents, packing and unpacking). We made new friends and shared personal stories over cocktail hours and very tasty meals.

They say rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon ranks up there with a safari to the Serengeti Plain or a trek through the Himalayas. The experience is definitely unique. In eight memorable days, we covered approximately 277 river miles, negotiating nearly 200 exciting white water rapids in safety and first-class comfort.

The thrills of “white water” did not disappoint and we found ourselves moving up to the front of the rafts waiting to be slammed with the cold water. We experienced challenging hikes, played in waterfalls, listened to Glade playing his guitar deep within the canyon walls and made memories that will last us a lifetime.

We arrived in Las Vegas (August 17) and attended an evening orientation where we met our fellow rafting adventurers. We listened intently and were told to be ready to depart the following morning at 0500 hours. We returned to our rooms carrying a waterproof river bag and small ammo can, wondering how all our stuff would fit into these two small containers.

Descending further into the depth of the canyon each day, we often floated in silence, lost in our own thoughts and looking up toward the beautiful sky surrounded by the massive rock walls.

Redwall Cavern.

The following morning, we woke up excited to be on our way and, under the cover of darkness, headed north on Highway 15 on a five-hour comfortable bus ride. Along the way, we stopped at a Walmart in Hurricane, Utah, for last minute must-have items – some purchased travel pillows. I chose a big bag of my much-needed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups; after all, we were going to be gone for eight days!

We certainly stepped out of our comfort zone, and as Sue said, “There is nothing more memorable than lying on your cot, looking up at the night sky and watching each star come out until the sky is full of twinkling lights beyond anything you’ve ever seen.” The cots were amazing, as we didn’t have to sleep on the ground. Lying there as a full moon hung over us, we would listen to the slight roar of rapids and drift off to sleep. The best part was waking up to fresh coffee, with the sun starting to peak over the crest of the gigantic canyon walls and knowing we got to do it all over again.

We stopped again in Fredonia, Arizona, where one of the captains, my brother Marty, his wife Sara and the rest of his high school friends all boarded our bus. We made another stop at Jacob Lake Inn where we bought the yummiest cookies and then we were back on our way to our final stop at Lees Ferry.

Grand Canyon Expeditions is my brother Marty’s company. Marty has been running the Grand Canyon for 38 years. This was my fourth trip with my brother, and nearly 30 years ago, Linda and Woody (Medler) experienced the river for their first time with Arizona River Runners.

At Lees Ferry, we were greeted by our second captain, Glade, and his swamper, Tabitha, who handed us our lifejackets and gave more instructions before we boarded our rafts. As we floated downstream and turned the bend, we realized there was no turning back. We were now river runners!

The river will not disappoint, especially when “Hermit” and “Lava Falls” rapids are running at their best. As my brother kept reminding us, “This is not a vacation, sis, it’s an EXPEDITION.”

Rosemary, Sue, Linda, and I first traveled together last January to Disney World, and when opportunity presented itself, I did not hesitate to invite these

For more pictures, check out the Woodbridge portal where you will find a YouTube link to a short video of our Grand Canyon Expedition trip: https://youtu.be/FC3YmoLEAZM

Charm Mathis, Marty Mathis, Linda Medler, Sue Lough and Rosemary Hein relax after a day on the river.

Sue Lough, Charm Mathis, Linda Medler and Rosemary Hein get off their rafts to hike and explore.

Page 18 • November 2016

Woodbridge life

www.ourwoodbridge.net

www.ourwoodbridge.net www.ourwoodbridge.net

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Garden Tasks for Garden Tasks June for November

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Article and photos by Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

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elcome to some seriously cooler weather. By the time you read this, 6DQGL /DUVRQ we will have already had a couple of rain storms. Is it wishful thinking to hope for more El Niùo this year? The state now says each city can set its own water rationing rules. When I went to get my car work done in Pleasanton today, they didn’t wash the car, just vacuumed because water rationing hasn’t ended in Pleasanton. I’ve seen some beautiful yards in Woodbridge. Can you believe many people come into our community and don’t realize it’s an age-restricted community and would love to buy a home here because of how nice everyone keeps their front yards! I have to applaud everyone for maintaining lovely

Page 192016 • May 2016 November • Page 19

landscaper for a lip on your raised beds. Just make sure it’s not so wide that you can’t reach into the middle of the bed. Big box stores and local nurseries still have small plants (six-packs) of vegetables. While you’re there, see if they have any spring bulbs left.

TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Lenten rose or hellebore bloom in the winter for about two to three months. They are great accent plants in a shady or partial sun location. LEFT PHOTO: Gardenias bloom very well in the fall, now that our heat is gone.

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Hydrangeas in fall bloom make great dried flowers. yards. You enhance our neighborhood and make it fun to go for walks. If you have been thinking about planting new shrubs or trees, the beginning of this month is a good time. Trees can be pruned in the winter or late fall. I personally like late fall because a deciduous tree still might have leaves on it and you can see where branches are going to hit in your yard (or on your house). You should be reducing your water irrigation now. There might be a meter on your irrigation controls that allows you to reduce or increase the amount of irrigation you’re doing by percentage. If you’re currently at 100 percent, you can dial that number back as our rainy season starts or if we have enough rain, turn off your irrigation completely. I’m a+\GUDQJHDV FRPH LQWR EORRP IURP 0D\ WR -XQH DQG DUH JUHDW IRU GULHG little miffed at the residents of Manteca who choose to not water their lawns AT ALL. This practice definitely lowers their home’s value and à RZHUV LQWR WKH IDOO the values of homes around them. It also makes the city of Manteca look bad. Thank goodness some rain is around the corner and the lawns will start looking better. Frost is just around the corner, too. If you are cutting back on your irrigation, remember plants under the eaves in pots or foundation plantings. Check those a couple of times a week for signs of stress or low water. Be sure to protect frost sensitive plants with either frost blankets or a protectant that gives the plant a couple of extra degrees of protection. You can also water your plants before frost is due, put little lights on them or shoot a floodlight onto the plant to warm it and save it from frost damage. If you are into vegetable gardening and have the space, now is a good time to plant lettuce, radishes, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and Swiss chard. If you want a raised bed and your yard isn’t installed yet, ask your

As far as your lawn goes, you or your gardener should now cut it a little FDQ EH DIIHFWHG E\ +RSOLD EHHWOHV LQ $SULO DQG 0D\ shorter. Leave it a little taller in the summer because of the loss of fluid with the heat. When we were at the car show in early October, the grass was really damp because of the moisture in the air. It’s a reminder to all of us that fall and winter bring more moisture to the ground. Some great trees for color and interest in the fall are Chinese pistache, Japanese maple, crape myrtle, hawthorn, eastern redbud and ginko. I love ginko when they turn yellow and drop all their leaves in just a few days! If you love indoor plants in the winter and want to see some beautiful arrangements or poinsettias, go to Duarte Nursery in Hughson. If you go early, you’ll have the best selection. I go there every November a few days before Thanksgiving. They have poinsettias that are all colors, ruffled, pastels and rose varieties. The dish gardens are spectacular with cyclamen, ivy and many other winter-blooming plants for indoors. It’s a little bit of a drive, but you can have lunch in Hughson at the Hilmar Cheese Company or the Fruit Yard Restaurant Be sure to pick up the debris on the ground to prevent insects from hiding under it. One last reminder: Citrus trees need Enjoy the season and feeding in the winter. If you find that the leaves are yellow on your citrus, add appy liquid iron or zinc to the soil.

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Seeberries. Pyracantha in the late fall in Jerome, Arizona. Birds love their

Page 20 • November 2016

Woodbridge life

www.ourwoodbridge.net

2016 Rods, Roadsters and Article and photos by Bill Barnhart, President and Head Lugnut, Wheels of Woodbridge

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lanning for a big event at a large new location always makes you wonder if you’ve thought of everything and how to best utilize the new area. Liberty Park is so vast, I often wondered how we were going to utilize all the features of the park. It took some planning by several folks but, I believe, and all the comments I’ve heard confirm it, everyone not only had a great time but loved the location and the car show, also. Our effort resulted in $8,190 being raised for Second Harvest Food Bank with the help of everyone attending the car show. Thank you! In the early hours while it was still dark, car club members started arriving. After all the set up was completed, Ray Noble and Ken Beaty guided cars down into the basin where the parking crew, led by John Gannon, made quick work of getting cars parked in some semblance of order. Having prepared the park the day before, the parking crew made short work of that task. The Women of Woodbridge arrived with their home-baked goods by 7:30 a.m. and were met by coordinators Eileen Hill and Carole Pfoutz who set up and utilized the new snack shack for selling the sweets. Mike Hill, following his great success last year, again coordinated and ramrodded the cooking and selling of hot dogs, drinks and chips. The Men of Woodbridge group has helped out with the cooking and sales for so many years that I’ve lost count. This year, a new taxi service headed by Debby Hickey and her crew turned an idea into reality. Residents and car show participants who had difficulty traversing the grass received rides from this service. It was such a big success that we will likely expand it next year so that more residents can get an “up close” view of the cars. The raffle, manned by Butch Larson and his crew of slaphappy “raffleteers” continues to be a main attraction and source of funds raised for the Food Bank. The week before the show, we had quite the crew at my house one evening to package raffle prizes, log and then eventually transport them to the park. A special thank you goes to Shirley Foley who took it upon herself to turn the donated wine into beautiful gift baskets days earlier. “Second Chance Band” played all the old tunes we enjoy and associate

2016 Hot Rod award was taken by Horace DiMaggio driving his 1941 Chevy Master Delux Coupe.

(L to R): Scott Brenner (tall), Bill Goodwin, Bill Buffington, Jack Dauler, John Gannon, John Martin, Jon Ford, Tom Scardina and Mike Hill. Behind the camera, Andrew Price and Chuck Baker. with those good old days when we were young, rebellious and ready to conquer the world. Now that we have succeeded and the world is ours, we are still in love with the old tunes and the old cars. Our ever-present sponsors were there again to support and raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank. Our great Platinum sponsors with a booth onsite included Valley Custom Carts with some of the fanciest golf carts you’ll see around, Susan Russitano and Curtis Holt with PMZ Real Estate treating everyone to their pink Cadillac cupcakes, and the Lori’s, also with PMZ Real Estate, handing out their traditional root beer floats. Additional Platinum sponsors included Doctors Hospital, Riverside Management, Urban Futures and Dominic Martos Insurance Agency. Silver sponsorship was provided by P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, Valley Oak Dental Group, Fran’s Creative Upholstery, Bank of Stockton and Security Public Storage. We were even able to show off our cars, a different one every week, during the month of September in the lobby area of the Bank of Stockton. Lisa Mikelonis (Salazar), formerly with Pulte and the main driving force behind the design of our new Liberty Park, commented on how beautiful the park turned out and how it will add so much to our lifestyle with events such as the car show. The entry ramp into the basin that Lisa designed for the car show served its purpose well, allowing cars to enter without any difficulty or damage to the park.

2016 Muscle Car award was captured by Jerry Schultz and his 1963 Plymouth 426ci Maxwedge.

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Woodbridge life

November 2016 • Page 21

Cruising Cars Car Show With the new venue, we learned a few lessons and will make next year’s car show even better although I’m wondering how on God’s green earth it could be much better than it was this year. Thanks to everyone for helping to make our community car show such a great success!

2016 Best of Show award was taken by Steve Lucido (Looch) and his beautiful 1934 Ford Pickup.

In closing, I would like to say thanks, especially to the association and specifically to James and Juan for all their hard work overseeing the maintenance crews the day before and getting the work done themselves while helping the car club in any way they could. It was appreciated, guys!

2016 Sports Car award was won by Gaylord Ostenberg and his yellow 2001 Chevy Corvette.

2016 Kid's Choice award went to Chuck Manzanares for his 1934 Ford Delus Sedan.

2016 Classic Modified award was finessed by Larry Moline showing off his 1958 Chevy Impala.

2016 First Place Truck award went to Charlie Mello with his 1966 Chevy Panel Delivery.

2016 Classic Stock award was won by Cecil Fulton featuring his 1930 Ford Model A Delux.

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Page 22 • November 2016

Woodbridge life

www.ourwoodbridge.net

The American and the Car By Ray Noble

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hat is it with Americans and their cars? This obsession which dominates much of our time, energy and treasure has in the last several decades caught on in most of the western countries and now in China where, oddly enough, Buick is the favorite among General Motors products. What is it about Americans that makes us different and, yes, exceptional? It is worth remembering that our country was initially, and continues to be, populated by people who didn’t like where they or their ancestors were from, and saw this land as an opportunity to carve out a life where they could design the parameters of personal freedom. In the beginning, the horse and the long gun were the symbols of this new personal freedom and, as depicted in art and literature that Europeans found so attractive, they came here in waves. Horses were the favorite way to traverse this wooded and rocky country. Yes, oxen and boats were used where practicality dictated but a person astride a horse was perceived as more elevated in measure and stature and therefore at greater liberty to travel unencumbered by the limitations of those afoot. Then, a little over a hundred years ago, the automobile appeared as a smelly, undependable and frightfully ugly conveyance. In a few short years, artists and engineers collaborated to produce a marketable car. Being market driven, cars became swift and some became elegant and a few, beautiful. People who came to be free could be even freer, free to roam this vast landscape we call America. And we did. The children of the waves of immigrants created waves who moved west, and those from the Western Pacific rim contributed to the American melting pot. The American car became faster, bigger and bolder. The American preadolescent and teenager observing all this during the transitions mentioned above developed a hunger to experience this freedom as a rite of passage to adulthood. Being a child also has freedoms but they must be surrendered and replaced by new aspirations. The car announces you are an adult. It even comes with a card from the government with your picture on it. You have to show the card frequently to others and then they know you, too, are an American DRIVER deserving of proper respect. “Proper respect” is important because it depends on the qualities of the car you drive. Although it could be argued otherwise, I’ll list them in order of significance; Uniqueness Beauty Power Utility One could easily and justifiably invert this order, but I’m essentially examining the American male whose adolescence frequently extends

indefinitely. It is worth mentioning that I do not exclude myself from this group. Cars I’ve owned chronologically: 1. 1926 Ford T Bucket, V8-60, Modified (beginning at age 15) 2. 1934 Ford 5-window Coupe, V8 3. 1934 Ford Roadster, V8, Modified 4. 1934 Ford 3-window Coupe, V8, Modified 5. 1940 Ford Coupe, V8 6. 1941 Ford Coupe, V8, Modified 7. 1929 Ford Roadster, Channeled, Corvette V8 Engine 8. 1954 Hudson Jet, 6-cylinder (Pepper’s and my dating car) 9. 1961 Corvair Monza Coupe, 6-cylinder 10. 1970 Camaro, V8, 350ci. 11. 1966 Meyers Manx Dune buggy, 4-cylinder VW, Modified 12. 1972 Jaguar XJ, 350 ci SB, Modified 13. 1995 Camaro, V8, Z28 14. 2006 Corvette Convertible, V8, 6-liter, 400HP (current) There’s not much utility in my choices and I don’t think I’m unusual among American males. While there were a few vans and sedans not on this list, there was no passion in my ownership of them. I love driving, so the way a car behaves in terms of performance is important. Since I’m an artist, I see cars through a sculptor’s eye in terms of balance and the suggestion of motion while at rest. There are a lot of contestable lines drawn between women and men, but attitudes about the role cars play in our lives become very clear. For women, passionless utility is first. Second, third and fourth barely count. If it’s true that nesting and nurturing are the ancient endowments for women, then I understand why they are risk averse. After all, I should have killed myself somewhere between number one and nine in the above list. But my point is: Men are virtually hard-wired into their attraction to interesting, unique, sporty, hot-rodded, raced, homemade, or otherwise coveted cars. Women, whom we embrace for a host of virtues, not the least of which is their nurturing spirit that attempts to understand and even tolerate our affinity for cars, are, in fact, troubled by our expensive pastime. But not troubled enough to completely halt it. I sometimes believe they are initially attracted to us for the entertainment value of watching us bust our phistarious (I made that word up; pronounced fist-air-E-us). Recent research in the area of brain development in males finds that the frontal lobe responsible for exercising good judgment does not fully mature until age 25 or somewhat later. I would suggest that in many of us it does not fully develop at all. Further, that it is replaced by an insatiable hunger for shiny, loud metal things that say ZUM, ZUM and speed away toward the horizon. Which, at this point, is what I should do.

Woodbridge life

www.ourwoodbridge.net

November 2016 • Page 23

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Page 24 • November 2016

Woodbridge life

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Softball Supports Breast Cancer By Butch Larson

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ctober was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year alone, more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer. Sadly, this disease has most likely affected the life of someone we know.

Woodbridge softball colored the softball field PINK on October 1, bringing out many residents and players who wore pink and had pink ribbons painted on their faces. This year all proceeds from the Snack Shack were donated to “Mammograms in Action.” “Mammograms in Action” is more than a non-profit organization and is dedicated to and believes that EVERYONE has a RIGHT to know if they’re living with breast cancer. To learn more about this organization, go to their website at https://www.barbellsforboobs.org

(L to R): Paul Bowers, Dave Stefy, George Johnson and Jerry Clements attend the Breast Cancer Awareness softball game.

Photos submitted by Charm Mathis.

Diamond Gals raise awareness for breast cancer.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Kim Pella and Linda Checchi dressed for the occasion.

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Woodbridge life

November 2016 • Page 25

Softball

End of Season—Now What? By Roger Gibson It’s that time of year when the 2016 softball program is completed and the grieving begins. It has been a good year with many new players – both men and women. The coaches and players have appreciated all of the people who have helped make this a challenging (sometimes), rewarding (occasionally) and enjoyable (always) season. We thank all of those who worked in the Snack Shack, the umpires, the people in the booth (sound, score keepers, etc.) and the loyal fans. Some of those who are die-hard players won’t know what to do with themselves now that the schedule of games is completed. Some will try to create pick-up games, some will go to the empty field and hit balls to themselves, some will spend time in the garage cleaning their bats and oiling their gloves and others will just sit around the house moping until their spouses push them out. It really is a sad sight! For them a bit of advice may be helpful, so here are some suggestions. You can meet some of the other grieving players in the Clubhouse and review the events of the past season. Talking about these things can be therapeutic. Talk about the strange hits, catches, plays or stumbles and falls that happened (there were many of them). The conversation starts with, “Remember the game when …” Or you can also boast about some of the same things. Rest your bones, nurse the bruises and strains and reorder your pain meds. By this time, you may have already covered your insurance deductible so the rest of the prescriptions are free to you. Take advantage of this plan! Recruit new residents to join us for the next season that begins in April 2017. Gosh, that’s a long way off, isn’t it? So many people, who don’t know what a great system we have in place for them, are purchasing homes and moving into our community. Let’s get them involved in our accidental injury-inflicting softball program, too. Hit the batting cages! Go to Big League Dreams field and use the little tokens you received when you paid your entry fee from the last time you visited there. This can help sharpen your eye and increase the hand-eye coordination needed for your next heroic exploit when the new season begins. Of course, you will need to do this for the next five months! And, of course, you can get involved in some pick-up games or mope around the house. Then when you get pushed out, you will need to spend some time in the garage cleaning your bats and oiling your glove. Have a good off-season!

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Woodbridge life

Page 26 • November 2016

Softball 2016 Softball Mishaps and Memories By Debby Hickey

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hat a fun season we had! With six Silver Slugger teams bringing additional games and our DGals’ interchangeable squads (and in both cases the bats were definitely alive), this turned out to be an exciting season, filled with many trials and tribulations. Booth mishaps: Our club members’ (and fans’) patience was tested numerous times as multiple problems persisted. We even used two different laptops and an iPad. Volume control got stuck and out of whack, causing songs to be played at zero volume or even up to 180 percent! It was hit or miss. The iPad had a crack in the glass, so any false touch generated a clip being played, often at an inopportune moment. The good news: The new red lights were installed in the scoreboard. The bad news: They displayed some of our errors. Field mishaps: A player hit a line drive toward third base, had a senior moment and ran to third base. (If that wasn’t funny enough, he did it again on his next time at bat!) Another player hit the ball, threw the bat out of the way, and the bat hit the foot of the on-deck player. One batter popped the ball straight up, the catcher pushed the batter out of way to make the play, and the batter fell flat on his face. (We think the catcher pushed him so he wouldn’t get hit on the top of his head.) The sprinklers behind home plate burst and drenched the batter, the catcher and the ump. The White team stood by home plate for a photo op and booth personnel photo bombed the shot. (Unbeknownst to booth personnel, an ump then photo bombed them.) The landscaping crew left the infield sprinklers on and puddled the infield, which delayed the game for 40 minutes.

www.ourwoodbridge.net Snack Shack mishap: The barbecue grill went missing. It was later discovered at Liberty Park (used for the Grand Opening but not returned). Umpire mishaps: Booth personnel noticed something white fall out of an ump’s shorts. Thinking it was an important piece of protective equipment, booth personnel tried to discreetly notify the ump (thankfully, the white thing turned out to be facial tissue!). The first base ump called “Out!” but had both arms stretched out in “Safe” manner. These were all part of the many great memories at the field this year. Bats were definitely hot this season, creating some incredible defensive plays and a record number of double plays. It’s always fun to watch (and listen to) the pockets of team spouses cheer their guys on, as well as watching and listening to the fist-pumping guys acknowledging great DGal plays made. Great camaraderie and sportsmanship were displayed this year, as Council President Vern Mendes’ mantra (known as “Vern’s Vision”) of “play fair and have fun” was truly realized. Thanks go to the players and umpires for the entertainment, to the many volunteers in the booth and Snack Shack who supported them, and to our great fans who make this so worthwhile! See you next season!

The Softball Contest By Roger Gibson The contest is finished! But I want to congratulate John Ochoa and Mike Coughlan for correctly identifying the connection from the picture to our softball program for the month of October. The winners each received a voucher to be redeemed at the Snack Shack. The correct answers were: 1. Batter 3. Base (bass) 2. Pitcher 4. Pop up (toaster)

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Woodbridge life

Road Trip to St. George, Utah By Karen and Coach Bob Perrin

I

t was a warm day in beautiful St. George, Utah and the Huntsman World Senior Games were beginning Monday, October 3. There would be over 11,000 athletes representing 30 countries. In softball alone there were over 400 teams competing and over 1,000 games scheduled. The Wolverines and most of their wives started arriving, some by plane, some by car, some with their RVs and motor homes. Not all of the team could make it and those who couldn’t were surely missed. Anticipating our first game Monday, our hopes were for a good tournament with no one getting hurt. Bill Norcup faced a team from Washington State, the Wenatchee Merchants, and we were defeated 24-10. Can you say “first game jitters�? Bob Perrin re-injured his knee that day and knew he could not or should not play anymore. Glen Jenkins stepped up and took over shortstop for the rest of the games. Losing that day did not dampen our spirits. We all got together that evening and had a great dinner out at the Gun Barrel and Game restaurant. Tuesday, October 4, we had two early morning games at Bloomington Fields, a beautiful field. Both opponents were from Canada. Wayne Gordon pitched the first game against the Hewcor Bandits. Gary Fiorio, Nelson Conner and Sandy Davison had a great day at the plate. It was a very close game but we were edged out in the last inning with a final score 16-15. The Wolverines only had 10 players that day as Bob Naquin was competing in a track and field event. He won his own bronze medal for that event. The next game started right away with Charlie Pace pitching against the Old Stockers. Our bats finally warmed up but we suffered a tough 20-14 loss. This was the final game of our pool bracket. That evening we had our softball barbecue picnic and then were off to the opening ceremonies at Dixie State University. The ceremony was Olympic-like with 30 country flags and the competing athletes walking in. There were also a torch lighting ceremony and a fireworks finale. What a night to remember! Starting Wednesday, October 5, we were re-seeded to start the tournament. We knew we were in a tough bracket and medals were at stake. We were given a first round bye and played our first game against the Copper Gang. Wayne Gordon was back on the mound. What a game it was – hits, hits, hits! We scored five runs in

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November 2016 • Page 27

every inning and were victorious, 20-17. Greg Meagher made a shoestring catch to stop a rally by the Copper Gang. Mike Herrera continued with his eagle eye at the plate forcing the opposing pitchers for his 4th walk in the tournament. Good catchers have that skill. That night we all got together over 60 fans on display.. Silver Sluggers in Utah. at a sports bar “With and watched the Let us help you find the right ONE� Giants beat the Mets. Two good wins that day. Our victory Wednesday put us in the medal round Thursday morning, facing Reliant Recovery from Portland, Oregon, and Nanaimo Sliver from Vancouver, B.C. I am sorry to say we went down in defeat in both games but the bronze medal was ours! We came in third place in our six-team C bracket. Quite an accomplishment for the Wolverines on their first trip to the Huntsman World Senior Games! That night we all attended a Hawaiian luau. Fans no games FridayLighting/Accessories The Wolverines played so everyone did their own thing. That evening we had a wonderful celebration dinner together in St. George, overlooking the lights of the city. Sincere thanks for the great efforts of all the players. Thanks to our cheering fans and wives, Dorothy, Janet, Peg, Karen, Joanne, Chris, Melinda, Patty and Carole along with Vern and Carol Edgren and Melinda’s brother and sister-in-law. Thanks again to the Wolverines for a wonderfully memorable 2016 tournament season!

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Woodbridge life

Page 28 • November 2016

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September WSGC Tournament Results

Woodbridge Golf September Putting Tournament Results

By John Armstrong

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Submitted by Mike Wedlake

LADIES 1st 2nd 3rd 4th T – 5th T – 5th 7th T – 8th T – 8th T – 8th T –11th T –11th

Margaret Kimura Brenda Buffington Judy Goodnow Shirley Smith Barbara Tandy Linda Boteler Birdie Nieri Cheryl Iverson Brenda Just Joyce Kohnke Robin Blevins Sharon Sgro

CLOSEST TO PIN LADIES HOLE IN ONE! 1st Brenda Buffington

39 43 44 45 46 46 47 48 48 48 49 49

MEN 1st 2nd T – 3rd T – 3rd T – 5th T – 5th T – 5th T – 8th T – 8th T – 10th T – 10th T – 12th T – 12th T – 12th MEN 1st 2nd

Mike Wedlake Dick Turner Jerry Just Joe Brusco Tom Bolle Bill Buffington Rich Whitlock Art Blevins Carl Cummings Ray Foxworth Ben Kimura Larry Evans Dan Nieri Mike Tandy

Joe Brusco Dick Turner

39 40 42 42 43 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 46

8” 24”

he Woodbridge Seniors Golf Club had our last points tournament for the year at Diablo Grande in Patterson in late September. We had 35 players participate in the action at the difficult Ranch course. This tournament counted for double points in our yearlong battle to see who would take the championship in both the Nicklaus and Palmer flights. We will announce the results for the Woodbridge Cup in December. Nicklaus Flight winners: 1st place, Gary Becker with a net score of 75 2nd place, Mark Gattuso with a net score of 79 2nd place, Rudy Salvador with a net score of 79 3rd place, Jeff Pace with a net score of 81 3rd place, Bill Goodwin with a net score of 81 Palmer Flight winners: 1st place, Young Han with a net score of 74 2nd place, Albert Low with a net score of 79 2nd place, Bob Martinez with a net score of 79 3rd place, Richard Chandler with a net score of 80 3rd place, Dan Pangilianan with a net score of 80 Closest to the pin winners: Hole #4 Young Han 24’ 5/12” Mark Gattuso 24’ 8” Mike Austin 29’ 8” Hole #11 Mike Patterson 19’ 9” Albert Low 20’ 4” Larry Wiertel 36’ 11/4” We will be having our end of year dinner where we will award trophies to the winners on November 1 at the Clubhouse.

This 1951 Plymouth Woodie owned by Ed Lee was one of the unique and highly customized cars at last year’s car show.

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Woodbridge life

November 2016 • Page 29

Brothers and Sisters

Norman Rockwell’s painting “Family Tree” appeared on the cover of the October 24, 1959, edition of Saturday Evening Post. It seems fitting, in this Rockwell-inspired community, that a series featuring brothers, sisters, cousins and other family members who reside in Woodbridge be accompanied by Rockwell’s painting. At the inception of this project, we didn’t know how deep family ties go in Woodbridge and were thrilled with the overwhelming response to our idea. It will take several editions to include all participants. Thanks to everyone who took part!

Sandi and Kimberly, Sisters at Heart Article and photo by Sharyl Burgeson

Sandi Kinyon and Kimberly Hegman are sisters-in-law by marriage but real sisters at heart. Sandi has known Kimberly since she (Kimberly) was nine years old. “Kim and her family lived down the street. Kim liked to hang out at our house with her big brother Michael and my brother Donald, who were best friends,” related Sandi. “Of course, my brother Don decided she looked pretty good as she got older and they married in 1975,” Sandi continued. Before moving to Woodbridge in April 2015, Sandi and husband Kirk lived in Tracy for 27 years and “really didn’t know” their neighbors. They came to Woodbridge to visit Kim and saw the camaraderie and activities which abounded. “We made the move. Woodbridge has things to keep you moving. I know everybody on my block and we’re active and socialize with birthday and Cinco de Mayo parties and impromptu gatherings. We even play bocce ball once a month,” she explained. Sandi participates in many Clubhouse activities including the walking exercise class, card making class (she showed her cards at the recent Hidden Talents show and husband Kirk displayed his craft sticks-toothpick creations), bus tours to casinos and all the shows and entertainment activities. She and Kirk belong to the 55er’s RV group and are looking forward to their November three-night stay at Jackson Rancheria. Sandi and Kirk each have two sons from previous marriages. Sandi’s sons live in Oregon and Connecticut. “We don’t see each other very often but we are in frequent communication via emails, texts and phone calls,” she said. On the other hand, Kirk’s sons and four grandchildren live in Tracy and Napa. “We get to see this side of the family quite often. The grandkids especially enjoy the putting green and the pools,” she concluded. Kimberly also lived in Tracy before coming to Woodbridge in 2011. She said the move to Tracy in ’82 was the best thing she, her husband and two boys did. Tracy had a small-town atmosphere (population about 11,000) and, after living in Dublin, was affordable. When her husband passed away in 2009, Kimberly downsized to a home in Woodbridge because she was “… dreaming about living here. It looked like a quiet, serene place and I needed serenity after losing my husband.” Remaining close to her sons and their families (Manteca and Banta) was an added benefit. Kimberly’s mom has lived with her for a total of six years, the most recent from 2009 to 2015. “Mom has Alzheimer’s and I needed to do for her because she did so much for me. I enjoyed giving her a nice, relaxing place to live.” Her mom is now in a facility in Oregon near her brother. Kimberly’s current Woodbridge activities are somewhat limited as she still works part-time (20 hours a week) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory after her retirement as office manager in 2013. “My kids, grandkids and I enjoy the putting course and the pools, especially the outdoor one.” She likes the shows and entertainment activities and is a

member of the Woodbridge Singers. “The new Liberty Park is wonderful. I enjoyed the Kistners and stopping by the Veterans Memorial to see my two bricks, one for my dad and one for my father-in-law (still living). Sandi and Kimberly have lived near each other since 1988. They now live less than a mile apart and enjoy frequent activities together, looking out for each other and walking their two Shiba Inus (a Japanese breed of dog), Madie and Kenji. “It’s a wonderful feeling to see each other more often and to live here in this little paradise,” both “sisters” agreed.

ææ men of woodbridge It’s Toys for Tots Time Again! Submitted by Bill Goodwin, MOW President Join the Men of Woodbridge at Chili’s in Manteca on Monday, November 7, and Tuesday, November 8, for lunch and/or dinner. Chili’s will contribute 15 percent of the food sales on those two days to the Men of Woodbridge Toys for Tots fund.

CHILI’S IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

Men of Woodbridge

The coupon below must be presented for Chili’s to honor the agreement.Thank you to all residents who donated school supplies. This is just another example of Woodbridge’s generosity and commitment to supporting the Manteca community.

Let Chili's do the cooking while we support Men of Woodbridge at the same time. With each flyer presented on Nov 7th and 8th 2016, Chili's will donate 15% of the event day sales back to this great organization. Men of Woodbridge Give Back Event is:

Nov 7th and 8th From 11am to 10pm

only at: Manteca 2262 Daniels St. - Manteca, CA 95337 209-824-5200 - www.chilis.com

more GIVING BACK happens here

CHILI’S IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CHILI’S IS of PROUD Men TO SUPPORT Woodbridge

Men of Woodbridge more GIVING BACK happens here

Give Back Event flyer required with each check to receive credit for the sale. Sale cannot be included in donation amount with flyer. Offer only valid on the date and location stated above. Donations will not be given on sales made prior to or past this date.

Let Chili's do the cooking while we support Men of Woodbridge at the same time. With each flyer presented on Nov 7th and 8th 2016, Chili's will donate 15% of the event day sales back to this great organization. Let Chili's do the cooking while we support Men of Menatofthe Woodbridge Back Event Woodbridge same time.Give With each flyeris:presented on Nov 7th and 8thNov 2016, 7thChili's and will 8thdonate 15% of the event day From sales back to thistogreat organization. 11am 10pm only at: Manteca 2262Men Danielsof St. Woodbridge - Manteca, CA 95337Give 209-824-5200 - www.chilis.com Back Event is:

Nov 7th and 8th From 11am to 10pm

Give Back Event flyer required with each check to receive credit for the sale. Sale cannot be included in donation amount with flyer. Offer only valid on the date and location stated above. Donations will not be given on sales made prior to or past this date.

Woodbridge life Woodbridge LIFE

Page 30 • November 2016

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Music in the Park with the www.ourwoodbridge.net

Page 29 • May 2016

ROMMEL RECOMMENDS: )RQWLQD 5LVWRUDQWH

$UWLFOH DQG SKRWR E\ 5RPPHO 3DUVHK By Carol Jo Hargreaves. WBL photos by John Baber and Sharyl Burgeson.

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your trip you to the East Bay and you are near theand friends For thefsecond timeisintaking a month, hundreds of Woodbridge residents, family Tri-Valley area wondering where to go for lunch or dinner, try gathered in Liberty Park amphitheatre to enjoy free live music – this time a jazz performance Fontina Ristorante in downtown Pleasanton. This authentic by the Brubeck Institute Quintet. Italian restaurant opened in 2004 and changed ownership in 2007 to Stockton’s University of the Pacific established the Brubeck Institute to honor its the Choi family. The Choi family has been in the restaurant business distinguished alumni, Dave and Iola Brubeck. The Institute’s mission is to build on Dave for 25 years and sold the Toscana, an Italian restaurant in Concord, Brubeck’s legacy and lifelong dedication to music, creativity, education and the advancement before acquiring the Fontina Ristorante. The restaurant has a classy of important social ambiance, fullissues. bar and outdoor seating. Clothing is casual. As the talented musicians played each pre-determined tune, they used their instruments We were seated away andimprovising someone served water, fresh to communicate feelings,right spontaneously riffs andus harmonies and sharing bread and the garlic/olive oil dip. The server took our drink orders. emotions felt as they played. We ordered a raspberry iced tea and a glass of Chianti Riserva that All members of the award-winning quintet are in had a nice aroma and taste. Their wine list shows a vast selection of the Brubeck Institute’s Fellowship Program. They white and red wines from Italy and Northern California. If you bring perform concerts around the United States and in your own bottle, the corkage fee is $15. foreign countries. They perform in well-known jazz seven appetizers clubs.They Theyserve perform at thedifferent United Nations. And and a soup of the day. We Pesto with jumbo prawns perfectly sautéed in garlic, 7KHUH LV URRP IRU RXWVLGH GLQLQJ DW )RQWLQD 5LVWRUDQWH theyordered perform Prawns at Woodbridge! white wine and pesto sauce. Tender prawns were very well balanced Members of the 2016-17 quintet are: with the sauce and tasted delicious. Trumpet – Brandon Woody (Baltimore, MD) have a variety salads you can They Saxophone – Isaiah of Collier (Chicago, IL)make a meal by adding prawns orBeach, New York chicken, Pianosalmon, – Jamaeljumbo Dean (Redondo CA) steak. We each ordered the house green salad made with organic spring mix, kalamata olives Bass – Zane DeBord (Chicago, IL) Drums – Timothy Angulo (Berkeley, CA) See

5200(/ page 36

Woodbridge life

www.ourwoodbridge.net

November 2016 • Page 31

Brubeck Institute (L to R): Susan Moniz, Shari Helton and Cathy Mello grooved to the jazz sounds of the Brubeck Institute.

Yvonne Perez and Lorenzo Gonzalez enjoyed dinner from Fagundes Meats, who donated proceeds to the Breast Cancer Society.

Angela Green cruised over to the concert.

(L to R): Linda Checchi, Kim Pella and Wanda Emerick slowed down the crowd.

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ge 32Page • May 2016 32 • November 2016

Woodbridge LIFE life Woodbridge

www.ourwoodbridge.net www.ourwoodbridge.net

  :,1( By Jon Ford. WBL photos by Shelley Tate. %\ -RQ )RUG

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s fall ant tosnuck makein, new community friends? Want to rub This will eliminate the 42 Winewith 101 your favorite neighbors? Want to meet elbows donation jar and will interesting allow the Wine 101 participantsguest speakers? Want to learn more about the wines you love to drink? Want to go on interesting trips to class to build a fund caught a school bus for an various wine appellations? If you answered yes to any of these for future purchases. I October “field tripâ€? to Lucca questions, then perhaps the Wine 101 class is just right for you. am envisioning a time Winery in Ripon. Wine 101 meets Upon once a month at the Clubhouse from 6 to 8:30 where Wine 101 will arrival, weknowledge were greeted p.m. No of wine is necessary to become part of this be able to purchase activity. You will leave each class knowing more about wine wines from various by owner/winemaker Mark than you did when you came. Each participant is asked to bring appellations or a Luchessi and his lovely a wine to share based on the evening’s theme. We also ask that particular varietal so wife Lynette. In addition to participants bring wineglasses and an appetizer to share. that all participants Mark’s taking us through will get a chance to Our April class welcomed Chad Londry, a key account taste wines that we aspecialist tasting offor his American awesome Wines, a division ofJon Southern WineDan Armstrong, Counterclockwise: Ford (standing), normally wouldn't be wines, we wereChad treated to and Spirits. indoctrinated classJoanne on the trials and Barbaraour Williams, Dyer, Debbie Machado, Mike to enjoy. of lunch. the wholesaler in moving winery toJon inable McNamara, Rogerproduct and Judy from Goodnow listen to a Lucca atribulations catered buffet We retailer. Wenew have now heard stories from several winemakers Our second change Winery presentation. also saw the tasting from Livermore Valley and Lodi as well as a wine grower from is that we have room and production facility Lodi. I will be working toward landing a big wine retailer to talk eliminated the scheduled to have a grand openingofNovember 5. about their end of the journey the grape. community wine table and are asking Generally, we have a full class of 120 participants eager to hear our guest speakers or to taste from surrounding vineyards. participants to bring a wine to share with their Sign-ups are taken at the front desk at the Clubhouse. table and neighbors. On May 17, a full bus of Wine 101ers will be going to Amador I'm currently County. We will depart by 9:30 a.m. and will be returning by 5 contacting several S P :H ZLOO Ă€UVW YLVLW <RXQJ V 9LQH\DUGV ZKR ZLOO RSHQ WKHLU individuals to set up future classes. I am planning a bus trip doors on a usually closed day to host us in a VIP wine tasting. in October for 54 individuals to go to Lucca Winery in Ripon They have beautiful grounds with a lovely pond surrounded by for a day on the green, a catered lunch and a wine tasting. serene areas to sit and relax. Participants are to bring their Particulars have not all been ironed out. own lunches to enjoy in this peaceful setting. After lunch we will board the bus and head to Villa Toscana where we will be I post all Wine 101 events on the Woodbridge portal, on other hosted for another VIP wine tasting. VRFLDO PHGLD YLD Ă \HUV LQ WKH &OXEKRXVH DQG RQ D :LQH hotline via email. If you wish to be put on that email, simply Starting in June, we are changing our class format and will contact me at jluvswine@aol.com. I also send articles from time charge $2 per participant with the nonrefundable fee payable at to time via email. the front desk at the Clubhouse. We will use tickets for these functions so they may be passed on or sold to someone else in If you have any questions, I can be reached at jluvswine@aol. WKH HYHQW RI D VFKHGXOH FRQĂ LFW <RX QRZ PXVW SD\ LQ SHUVRQ com Wine 101 field trip participants enjoyed field trip to Ripon’s Lucca to receive your tickets. It is mytheir understanding that youWinery. may SO MANY WINES, SO LITTLE TIME! purchase a second set of tickets for a neighbor if you wish. As before, a maximum of 120 participants will be allowed to attend. The November Wine 101 event is November17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sign-ups began in October and a maximum of 120 participants will be accepted. For this class, we will be taking a quick trip around the world to learn about varietals available in other countries. Our community table will feature 12 wines from page 31 various countries for our classmates to sample. Participants are asked to bringFrom their own wine glasses, an appetizer to share with the class and a bottle of nonan enemy between them. domestic wine to share with their table and surrounding neighbors.

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$W WKH WLPH RI WKH PHHWLQJ WKLV ZDV WKH $PHULFDQ VLGH of the river but, according to the Yalta Conference, Torgau The ever-popular Christmas potluck and bottle exchange is December 15 from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. (Note time change for this event.) Sign-ups for this classlater became part of the Soviet Zone. The Russian Army HUHFWHG D PRQXPHQW FURZQHG E\ WZR JUDQLWH Ă DJV 6RYLHW DQG will commence November 18. Only 96 participants are accepted for this event, American. For all we know, throughout the entire Cold War, so sign up early! WKDW ZDV SUREDEO\ WKH RQO\ $PHULFDQ Ă DJ Ă RZQ DQ\ZKHUH LQ the Eastern Block between the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall It was wonderful to greet six new residents who tried out our class. We hope of China. to see them again.

There’s lots of fun stuff planned for future classes, so stay tuned. SO MANY WINES, SO LITTLE TIME!

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Woodbridge life

National Take a Hike Day By Jean Kavale

W

e residents of Manteca are fortunate the month of November greets us with bright blue skies and cooler days, both of which encourage us to enjoy exercising outdoors. It’s no wonder that November 17 has been designated as Take a Hike Day. Unless it’s raining hard, any day in this crisp, cool month is fine for taking hikes or long walks. Research has shown that going on long walks can have many health benefits, especially if done in nature. Heart activity is increased, but stress and blood pressure are, fortunately, reduced. Hiking is also an enjoyable way to get needed exercise. One popular place for hiking in our area is Caswell Memorial State Park, located in Ripon. The original landowner, Thomas Caswell, thoroughly enjoyed his property and felt it should be preserved for future generations. He instilled that same desire in his children and grandchildren, who donated 134 acres to the people of California back in 1950. The park’s current size is 258 acres, thanks primarily to land purchases made by the state of California. It was opened to the public in 1958. Sitting majestically along the Stanislaus River, the park acts like a security guard by protecting riparian woodland from potential developers or other dangers. At one time, the beautiful oak woodlands in the park thrived throughout California. Hiking on one of the park’s picturesque trails allows you to get a close-up view of the trees, lush vegetation and the river. It thus gives you the opportunity to commune with nature and, if you’re so inclined, do some bird watching. You might even see a rabbit or two scurrying through the bushes. Especially popular are the Short Loop Trail, a 1.2 mile loop, and the River Bend-Majestic Oaks Loop Trail, a 3.7 mile loop. Both are good for all levels of skill. To reach Caswell Park, exit Highway 99 at Austin Road and head south along that road. You will come to the park at the end of Austin Road. The park is open all year from 8 a.m. to sunset.

November 2016 • Page 33

For more information, such as parking, call 599-3810 or visit the website at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=557. There are also good sites for walking in the city of Manteca, which is blessed with many nice parks. The largest of these is Woodward Community Park at 710 E Woodward Road (phone 456-8600). This is a fine place to take exhilarating long walks adjacent to fields of green grass and lovely trees. Every Memorial Day weekend, the spacious park plays host to “Not Forgotten,” a patriotic event that encourages us to remember our fallen military heroes and their families. Going on the Mural Walking Tour in downtown Manteca is another wonderful way to exercise outdoors. It’s also very educational. Currently, there are 29 individual murals in public spaces throughout the city, and the 30th is now being created. Each mural tells its own story, but, as a whole, they give a comprehensive picture of Manteca’s history, agriculture, lifestyles, commerce and people. You can begin your tour anywhere you want. A brochure describing each mural in detail is available at the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, 183 W. North Street. The tour is sponsored by the Manteca Mural Society, an all-volunteer organization whose members share a compelling enthusiasm for “Building a better community through public art.” To learn more about the society’s work and goals, you might want to visit their website at www. MantecaMurals.com. The website also explains how to become a Mural Society member. If you prefer to call for information, their phone number is 988-1971. Now, last but not least: If you want to exercise here at Woodbridge, you may take long walks along its many concrete pathways. These are bordered by beautiful trees, attractive parks and meticulously maintained grounds. Best of all, they are right outside our front doors. So, this November, let’s put on our most comfortable walking shoes and, as often as possible, head to the great outdoors. I’m sure we won’t regret it.

Page 34 • November 2016

Woodbridge life

ææDid You Know. . . Nachos By Mike Spence from references including National Public Radio, Tacobell.com, Oxford University Press, SacramentoBee.com and Wikipedia.org

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Nachos first appeared in Los Angeles in 1959 at the El Cholo Mexican restaurant, courtesy of a newly hired waitress from Texas

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The variant of the melted cheese, called cheese sauce, was first served at Arlington Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and called “ballpark nachos”

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The “biggest nacho of the world” contest, held during the International Nacho Festival in Piedras Negras each October, is registered in the “Guinness Book of World Records”

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In Memphis, Tennessee, the chips are topped with barbecued pork, the cheese added, then more barbecue sauce topped with sliced peppers

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Nacho cheese sauce can now be found in local grocery stores marketed by name brands: FritoLay, Tostitos, Taco Bell and others

Friday, October 21, was International Day of the Nacho, but did you know: •

Nachos derive their name from their inventor, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya

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Nachos were invented in 1943 in the town of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, just across the border from U. S. Army Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass, Texas. Some Army wives wanted an afterhours snack

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The original recipe for nachos included corn tortillas cut into triangles, fried, covered with cheddar cheese, heated and topped with pickled jalapeno peppers

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In Hawaii, kalua pork and pineapple nachos are served at many restaurants

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The original recipe was first printed in the 1954 “St. Anne’s Cookbook”

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The Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras still serves the original recipe

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The original recipe used cheese imported from Wisconsin

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Woodbridgewww.ourwoodbridge.net LIFE

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Triker’s Travels By Judy McNamara. WBL photo by Sharyl Burgeson.

Lynn Whitaker, Man with a Full Life “One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.” ~ William Feather

A

nd, what an adventure 93-year-old Lynn Whitaker has had. Born in -XG\ 0F1DPDUD Henrietta, Oklahoma, in 1924, Lynn was one of 11 kids. When he was 16, his family ventured out west to Santa Barbara, California, where Lynn attended high school. After high school, he married in 1944, had one son in 1945 and then enlisted in the Marines and served in the Pacific area of Okinawa and the Marshall Islands from 1945 to 1946. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he returned to Southern California and enrolled in Ventura Junior College where he played football. In 1947 he was recruited to play one season for the Los Angeles Dons, which is now the San Diego Chargers. In those days, there were no contracts, no insurance or health benefits and Lynn was paid only $2,500 for the season, hardly enough on which to raise a family. He decided to go back to school and in 1948, enrolled in Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, majoring in engineering and communications. Since he was in the active reserves, he was called back into the Marines in 1950 and he served in the states during the Korean Conflict. During the ‘50s, he worked for the telephone company and eventually went out on his own in communications. He developed splice cases for the Air Force in the 1960s. The splice cases were underground cables for Minuteman Missiles.

November 2016 • Page 35

In 1967 Lynn invested in a camera shop in Los Altos and by 1972, had opened four more camera shops. Sadly, he was widowed in 1973. Maureen, his present wife, was his bookkeeper for the shops and it was in 1977 that they married. Lynn was an avid golfer and got Maureen interested in the game. They worked on golf tournaments at Stanford University Golf Course where they were members. Maureen is still an avid golfer. Always involved in the outdoors, Lynn invested in a hunting preserve in Idaho and became a hunting guide in the ‘90s. Besides the hunting adventure, he was also an ocean swimmer and did free-diving for abalone up the California coast and crabbing in Oregon. Having lived in Woodbridge for a little over five years, Lynn still goes to the gym regularly to ride the bike and use other equipment. He also goes to the indoor walking class with Maureen and does at least one mile each time he attends. Lynn has one son, Maureen has two sons and together they have three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren that Lynn and Maureen see often. In the words of William Shakespeare, “I bear a charmed life.” “Life is a lively process of becoming.” - Douglas MacArthur “It is not length of life, but depth of life.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Lynn and Maureen Whitaker relax in their front courtyard.

Page 36 • November 2016

Woodbridge life

ææ Day Trippin’ San Francisco Waterfront By Marie Evans

I

f you want to see just about THE most spectacular views of the Bay, take the Hayes Street cable car from Powell and Market Streets. There is always a line but wait for THAT cable car and sit as close to the front as you possibly can. If you are unsuccessful, on the return trip, sit at the back of the car and on the outside so you can look back toward the Bay. Either way, it’s beautiful and well worth it. This gives you the most exciting and scenic cable car ride. Continue to the end of the line and when you disembark, walk down to the Hayes Street Wharf National Park at the end of the street; use your Golden Eagle Pass if you have one. Various ships are on display that sailed the waters around this area and up and down the coast. This is not a disabled accessible area if you want to walk on the ships. One of the most interesting and historic ships is an original ferry that used to carry cars across the Bay. Before the bridges, there were ferries crossing the Bay at several different sites. Pier 39 is east and the walk will pass the original Fisherman’s Wharf where you can walk out on the wharves and get a good view of the Bay as well as the bridges. Many fishing boats take tourists out on the Bay but I cannot speak to that as I have not cruised on them. We find that if we want to see more of the Bay, rather than taking the sightseeing cruises, we

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simply buy a round trip ticket from Pier 39 to Sausalito and Tiburon and back for beautiful views of Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Tamalpais, Angel Island and surrounding Bay Area cities. You can get off and walk around and then get back on the next boat. Most people prefer Pier 39 to the original and historic wharf as it offers gift shops, many restaurants, a double-decker carousel and, of course, the noisy and stinky seals. I prefer the old restaurants but every restaurant we have tried in this area has been very good. In general, it is Italian and seafood. Most of them post their menus outside. Kuleto’s Restaurant (on Powell, downtown) has joined with McCormick’s at Ghirardelli Square – what great views! We have eaten at the downtown Kuleto’s several times and have never been disappointed. Getting to this area is easy. BART will take you to Market and Powell Streets or you can always take the ferry from Oakland to the “Wharf.” Information on the ferry is available online. This trip is best taken in the spring or fall as hot weather in the valley often produces a summer fog in the Bay Area - or just check the weather report. Driving can be frustrating and parking is quite expensive. Try not to take BART or the ferry during rush hours - you will regret it.

o t o h P l Trave Linda Checchi and Marlene Riley at the Mt. Saint Helen's Visitor's Center.

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Woodbridge life

November 2016 • Page 37

Pizza By Mike Spence from sources including Pizza.com, Pizzatoday.com, Whatscookingamerica.net, BBCnews.com, Wikipedia.com, USDA.gov and LATimes.com

P

izza is an enigma; it just is. Some call it a pie. Pizzas look a bit like pies with their crusty rims and fillings. Pies mostly have a dense pastry crust while pizza is more bread-like. Pies (Shepherd’s pie excluded) are generally dessert fare. Pizza is somewhere between a snack, an appetizer and an entrée. All pizzas are baked but some are baked on the bricked deck of an oven and others are baked in a pan. How thick should the crust be? Some favor a thin crust akin to an unleavened flatbread, while others prefer thicker, doughier bread akin to focaccia. Then there’s the shape of a pizza. They can be round, square, rectangular or oval. The list of sauces, cheeses and toppings for a pizza is bewildering. How did an arguably simple food item become so complex? In recent years, the varied palates of Americans and the availability of diverse food supplies allowed for experimentation. If you’re looking for the roots of pizza, you need to head back a thousand years to what is now modern Italy. The ancient Greeks served flatbread with olive oil, salt and herbs, but if that bread had a specific name, it is lost to history. A 10th century Latin text from central Italy states that modern day pizza was invented in Naples. The Naples pizza or True Neapolitan Pizza was a flatbread topped with basil, cheese and tomatoes (green, white and red like the stripes on the modern flag of Italy). The folks living on what is now Sicily appear to have been concurrently developing their own version of pizza using focaccia-style bread. These different pizzas remained local/ regional dishes for many years. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a great influx of folks with Italian heritage into the United States. They brought their local recipes. New York City and Chicago both seemed to develop a

“Little Italy.” The first pizzeria in the United States opened in NYC in 1905. It served flatbread-style pizza. During World War II, America sent many young soldiers to battlegrounds in Sicily and mainland Italy. There is a saying that “An army marches on its belly.” The soldiers who returned from the Italian peninsula campaign had experienced pizza and wanted it at home. Thus the pizzeria bonanza began. Today pizza is a booming industry. It consumes two billion pounds of specially produced cheeses. In Europe, a pizza vending machine, “Let’s Pizza” was developed. The machine produces a 10-inch pizza with a topping from scratch in about three minutes. The machine looks like three soda vending machines strapped together. One unconfirmed report suggests the machines are widely popular in university dorms. Some interesting numbers: One survey suggests, on any given day, 13 percent of Americans eat pizza; the “Guinness Book of World Records” lists the largest pizza at just over 122 feet (how’d they put the toppings in the middle?) and if you want a “Pizza Royal 007” topped with lobster and caviar and sprinkled gold dust, you’ll need to travel to the Haggis Restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland, and cough up $1,000.

Woodbridge life

Page 38 • November 2016

Where in the world? Wow! Woodbridge LIFE has been circling the globe with our wandering residents! We will do our best to include ALL travel photographs, but space and clarity will dictate. Preference will go to those not featured in previous editions and, yes, to those in exotic locales and interesting photo ops! Send images electronically to wblife2012@gmail.com using high resolution or actual size. Thank you for your contributions. We’re happy that you continue to enjoy Woodbridge LIFE. If your picture isn’t here, look for it in the coming months and keep sending them in! Sorry, we can no longer accept print photos.

1.

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1. Czech us out! Jan and Jerry Cox enjoyed their last mouth-watering Czech meal at the Bohemian Cafe in Omaha, Nebraska. 2. Linda Little traveled to Europe last month with her friend Kathi Canfield. Here they are pictured overlooking The Cliffs of Moher in southwest Ireland. 3. Genie and Duane Becker and Esther Mack traveled to South Dakota and saw Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. 4. Susan Delora and Randy Booth visited the Evergreen Lodge in Yosemite National Park. 5. Robert Burnam and Susan DeMontigny saw the sights at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 3.

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Send travel photos to WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

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

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Mr. “Fix-it�

November 2016 • Page 39

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Page 40 • May 2016

Woodbridge life

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