WBL NOVEMBER 2018

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W oodbridge LIFE Volume 8 • Issue 11 • Number 86

November FALL BACK

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Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

November • 2018

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Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m.,

Sunday, November 4.

Be sure to set your clocks back one hour and enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

Inside

Calendar.. . . . . . . . . . Events and Activities. . Gardener’s Corner .. . . Groups and Clubs. . . . Triker’s Travels. . . . . . Where in the World.. . .

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

Contact us: WBLIFE2017@gmail.com

WBL photo by Jennie Custodio

Carole Pfoutz looked beautifully radiant dressed all in white for the Women of Woodbridge “Le Diner en Blanc,” chaired by Birdie Nieri. Also known as “Dinner in White,” this event has become a worldwide phenomenon, now spanning six continents. Guests dressed all in white were treated to delicious food and wine, artful centerpieces, and white chair covers and tablecloths, both on the patio and in the Multipurpose Room. See scene @ the clubhouse pages 18-19

W oodbridge LIFE

Page 2 • November 2018

www.ourwoodbridge.net

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W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

From the Editor

What’s Going On at Woodbridge?

By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

T

wo important celebrations are coming up this month: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. What a fitting combination! Be sure to thank a veteran for his or her service.

The Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team joined together for lunch in October to celebrate the newspaper’s seventh birthday. Editor Carol Jo Hargreaves blew out candles on the beautifully decorated cake.

Dan Armstrong, Jack Dauler and Dennis Atwell, all Veterans of Woodbridge (VOW) members, also contributed articles to this edition. Dan shares Veterans Day background and information, Jack describes current VOW projects including brick sales and support of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and Dennis strongly encourages veterans to participate in the Honor Flight program. These articles are found on pages 21, 22 and 23. I had the opportunity to become better acquainted with the two newly elected board members, Steve Brazen and Sheila Petrakis. I was impressed by the candor with which each communicated as well as their relevant knowledge and experience. Read what I learned about each one on pages 10 and 11. Director Bob Teglia delivers an informative piece about the monthly homeowners’ assessment and where it goes on page 5. I hope board members will contribute more educational pieces for future editions. “Cover girl” Carole Pfoutz symbolizes the beauty and style brought to the Women of Woodbridge event, “Le Diner en Blanc,” chaired by Birdie Nieri. See pages 18 and 19 for more photos and a wrap-up report of this highly successful first-time event. In another wrap-up report, Wheels of Woodbridge Rods, Roadsters and Cruising Cars Car Show results are revealed on pages 16 and 17 with photos of winning residents’ gorgeous cars, trucks, even a motorcycle (aka scooter). Entries in the 2019 Community Directory Cover Contest are due to the front desk by December 31. Take this opportunity to have your work featured on the cover of next year’s directory! Qualifications and entry information appear on page 32. Don’t forget Daylight Saving Time ends this month! (Oh, boy! Dark in the morning when we get up and dark in the evening before we go to bed!) Set your clocks back before you go to sleep Saturday, November 3.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz

By Jennie Custodio, Activities & Events Coordinator

The Veterans of Woodbridge group and its activities are the primary feature in this edition of Woodbridge LIFE. We republish two articles from the May 2014 edition: “The Long Way Home From Frankfurt” by Ray Noble about Jack Furrer (page 20) and “We Are the Sum of Our Experiences” penned by Pepper Noble about Mario Vernalli (page 22). These fascinating stories of bravery and courage deserve retelling. Marie Evans recently became acquainted with now 94-year-old Jack Furrer and adds more information about him on page 21. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars recently paid tribute to Mario Vernalli and other Purple Heart recipients. Mario appended a brief introduction to the article about him on page 22.

November 2018 • Page 3

“If all you did was just look for things to appreciate, you would live a joyous, spectacular life.” ~ Abraham Hicks

I

n the spirit of Thanksgiving, this month we are going to focus on gratitude. I’m so excited to introduce Jennie Custodio, a fun new tradition to Activities/Events Coordinator Woodbridge this year! The first week of November, you will notice a turkey on the table as you enter the Clubhouse. Next to the turkey, you will find several blank feathers. I encourage each of you to write something you are thankful for on the feather and add it to the turkey. By the end of the month, the turkey should be full of gratitude and each feather will be read at our Friendsgiving celebration at the end of the month. So, what is Friendsgiving? Another fun tradition I’m excited to bring to Woodbridge. It’s Thanksgiving but with your friends! If you don’t have family nearby or don’t get the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving for whatever reason, I hope you’ll join us! Bring a traditional Thanksgiving dish and gobble gobble with your friends. I have always lived a life of gratitude. I start each day by being grateful for what I have and end each day with 10 things I’m grateful for that happened throughout the day. Even on the tough days, it forces me to find something, anything, to be happy about. During the month of November, I really kick it up a notch and make a conscious effort to find extra things to be thankful for. Something I know we are all grateful for at Woodbridge are our veterans. I hope you will all join in this month to show them how much we appreciate them. You will notice military photos displayed throughout the Clubhouse this month and a special tribute to our vets will be held Monday, November 12 at Liberty Park. So, this month, swing by the Clubhouse, fill out a feather, gobble with your friends, thank a vet and start each day with a grateful heart.

In this month of giving thanks, thank you for reading Woodbridge LIFE!

~ Carol Jo Hargreaves and the Woodbridge LIFE team

The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the December 2018 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Monday, November 5, 2018. Email your materials to wblife2017@gmail.com Please send any photos as separate high resolution .jpegs, attached with your emailed article. (In other words, please do not embed photos in your articles.) (Please DO NOT send Woodbridge LIFE items to the Editor’s personal email address.) Thank you!

In Memoriam

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

W oodbridge LIFE

Page 4 • November 2018

From the Bridge

From the Bridge

By Ramon Rivera

H

appy Thanksgiving! I hope the holiday season brings you wonderful joy and time shared with your loved ones. I am thankful for each and every Woodbridge resident. Many of you who have come to the Clubhouse for the New Resident %\ 5DPRQ 5LYHUD Orientation may remember this message. I am forever thankful for Woodbridge and the opportunities it has provided me.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

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WOA Update Recommendation for Woodbridge residents who live alone %\ 5DPRQ 5LYHUD

WOA Communication

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When I think of Woodbridge, I see the bigger picture. Each of you, through years of hard work and dedication, is the reason a place like Woodbridge exists. 5DPRQ 5LYHUD Operations Manager Each of you has had a hand in creating this community, by paying it forward and creating opportunities for people like me and the members of our staff to begin paving paths toward a brighter future. Having the big picture in mind, paying it forward has served as the motivation for me to serve Woodbridge to the best of my abilities. I am truly thankful to be a part of this community, as challenging as it may seem at times. Each of you makes this place special. I always smile because watching residents enjoy their lives is the most rewarding feeling for me. Enjoy your community, happy holidays, and may God bless each of you!

hen you live alone, it is reassuring to have someone check in on you daily. Snug Safety’s app can provide the reassurance you seek. The Snug app is a modernday Medical Alert or Life Alert designed to be easy, positive and proactive. The app is designed for its user to set up a daily check in time. If you don’t check in by your selected daily time, a Snug dispatcher (through the fee-based plan) will call to check on you. If you still don’t respond, your emergency contacts will be called, and then emergency services will be called for a wellness check. Snug also offers a free plan where emergency contacts are texted if someone doesn’t check in at their regular time.

Additional plans are available through in-app purchases. For more information on the Snug Safety app, visit their website: Snugsafe.com.

WOA Update By Ramon Rivera

Clubhouse Water Leaks Investigation WOA operations began the process of determining the cause of Clubhouse water leaks. Through our initial research, which included prior reports developed by residents and the WOA HVAC contractor, we took the first step which was to confirm whether or not the HVAC units are missing a protective sheet metal cover underneath the units. The board of directors approved a recommendation to lift AC Unit #12, selected based on the initial research as a unit more likely to provide the answer we sought. Signs of leaks were evident in the area of the unit and mention of this unit was included in previous reports. Once this first step is completed, a report and plan of action will be presented to the board of directors.

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Del Webb Field Improvements Del Webb Field improvements are underway as of October 2018. The board approved a three-part plan for Del Webb Field: infield soil improvement, batting cage upgrades and addition of a storage shed. The batting cages and shed improvements go hand in hand. The batting cage, that was mostly unused, will now be upgraded to a storage area for softball and maintenance

equipment. The storage area will be closed off with privacy screens and a double gate that will be accessible from the field only. The infield soil improvement will include the proper balance of sand, silt and clay for ideal firmness and water holding capacity. In short, when the improvements are completed, Woodbridge will have one of the best playing infields to date.

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Photo by T.J. Vallero.

WOA Noncompliance Program The board of directors has approved for WOA operations to continue the majority of administrative tasks involved with the WOA noncompliance program. A six-month trial period provided the feedback needed for the directors to execute their decision. We ask members to be vigilant and report items of concern. If you need guidance/clarification on an item of concern or the noncompliance process itself before submitting or reporting a noncompliance matter, please contact the front desk or submit an Ask a Manager form available on the WOA portal website. Noncompliance forms may be obtained and submitted at the front desk or online through the WOA portal website.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

W oodbridge LIFE

November 2018 • Page 5

From the Boardroom By Andrew Price, WOA director

T

he first thing I want to mention is the results of the recent election of two new board members. On September 26, homeowners elected Steve Brazen and Sheila Petrakis.

Please join me in congratulating our new board members! I also want to thank Rick Van De Boom and Tony Delgado for self-nominating as candidates for director positions. The board made a decision not to elect officers at the Annual Meeting because Sheila was not present, and we felt it appropriate to wait until she could help us select officers for next year. The officers were selected at our October 30 board meeting and were announced on the Woodbridge portal. For those of you who attended the Annual Meeting in September, you got a flavor of the inclusiveness the new board wants homeowners to experience. This is your board and you have a right, and a responsibility, to participate and voice your ideas and concerns. As new director Steve Brazen mentioned, the board will implement a new process to ensure that each issue raised by a homeowner is responded to in a timely manner. We also want to hear your ideas for making board meetings more meaningful to homeowners. One member mentioned to me that in the past, when the board addressed an agenda topic, homeowners had an opportunity to directly address the agenda topic in a kind of open forum manner as part of the board’s deliberations. Directors will look at this idea and other ideas to enhance board meetings. Over the next months, the board is expecting reports from the two committees chartered to assist in the overhaul of all Woodbridge Owners Association governing documents. Changes to these documents will be discussed with homeowners and homeowners will be invited to review all

changes and offer ideas and suggestions. The board will provide more updates both at the monthly board meetings and in Woodbridge LIFE. Finally, three committees are currently requesting homeowner participation. These are: • • • • • •

Finance Committee Architectural Review Committee Property Plant and Equipment Committee (the newest committee)

Position descriptions and self-nomination forms may be found on the Woodbridge portal. I hope you feel moved to nominate yourself.

November 2018 WOA Meetings Meeting

Day

Date

ARC Review Tuesday Review Tuesday New Resident Orientation Orientation Thursday Thursday Thursday Listening Post Thursday ARC Inspections Tuesday Inspections Tuesday Finance Committee Tuesday Board Meeting Wednesday 3 p.m. – Executive session ARC Review Tuesday ARC Review Tuesday Board Meeting 5VFTEBZ session 3 p.m. – Executive Finance Committee Tuesday ARC Inspections Tuesday Inspections Tuesday

*

*

Time

11/6/18 9 a.m. 11/6/18 11/8/18 10 a.m. 11/8/18 11/8/18 3 p.m. 11/8/18 11/13/18 9 a.m. 11/13/18 11/20/18 8 a.m. 11/14/18 6 p.m. – Board meeting 11/20/18 9 a.m. 11/20/18 9 a.m. 11/ /18 6 p.m. – Board8 meeting 11/20/18 a.m. 11/27/18 9 a.m. 11/27/18

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YOUR MONTHLY A$$E$$MENT – WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? By Bob Teglia, WOA director

I

t’s the time of the year when Woodbridge Owners Association’s 2019 Annual Budget Package is being finalized for publication to members. Accordingly, I believe it would be useful to address WOA’s current financial status, hopefully in terms that make some sense. WOA is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation formed in 2006 to manage our common interest development in conformance with the Davis-Stirling Act. The primary purpose of the corporation is to provide for the management, administration, maintenance, preservation and architectural control of the lots and common areas within Woodbridge, which is a part of the Union Ranch Specific Plan. Your monthly assessments are what sustains the WOA. Here’s a summarized breakdown of how those assessments are disbursed. First, the 1,426 households being assessed $164 monthly add up to approximately $2.8 million annually. Supplemental income from facility rentals, special events, etc., brings the 2019 annual budget to $2.977 million. So where does all that money go? Here’s the breakdown on both a dollar and percentage basis: Administration (including Riverside Management) - $557,000 (18.7%) Operations Payroll - $560,000 (18.8%) Landscaping - $481,000 (16.2%) Utilities (excluding Clubhouse) - $146,000 (4.9%) Community Center (including Clubhouse) - $718,000 (24.1%) Equipment Depreciation - $8,000 (0.3%) This adds up to a Total Operating Cost of $2.47 million (83%). With $2.977 million in income and $2.47 million in operating expenses, what accounts for

5/9

the $507,000 difference? That’s where the Reserve Account comes in.

Just as our operating budget is administered through its checking account, WOA’s Reserve Account is a savings account funded out of your monthly assessments to pay for the long-term repair, restoration, replacement and/or maintenance of common area major components and equipment. WOA’s 5/9 Reserve Account as of the end of August 2018 stands at $2.892 million. For 4/25 12 p 5/9 than WOA’s entire 2018 operating comparative purposes, that’s $422,000 more budget. It’s also more than the 10/3/2017 Reserve Study calculation of $2.704 million fully funded requirement for the end of fiscal year 2018. Furthermore, the board recently elected to roll $190,000 of 2017 surplus operating funds into the Reserve Account. 4/25 Reserve12 p The outstanding financial standing of WOA’s Account enhances the value of our individual residences as well as our entire community. That’s 4/25 to cover any 12 sort p of significant because there is more than adequate funding 5/9 repairs, restorations or replacements of major common area components if or when that becomes necessary. While California HOA laws require the establishment of a reserve fund, there is no set requirement for minimal funding. In fact, it is not illegal to have $0 in the fund. HOAs that choose to operate on a shoestring with inadequate or nonexistent reserve funds can get into big trouble if a major, costly component breaks down or needs replacement. Without adequate reserve funding, the members are charged mandatory special assessments to pay for major repairs or replacements. The chances of that occurring in Woodbridge any time soon are slim to none. Because of WOA’s solid financial standing, there will be no increase in assessments for fiscal year 2019. 4/25 12 p

W oodbridge LIFE

Meets every other Monday Page 6 • November Woodbridge Singers 2018Elizabeth Cunning 647-4380 @ 6:30 p.m.

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

Interest Groups: Groups & Clubs Christian Men’s Fellowship 55er’s RV Group “Just Fore Fun” Ladies’ Golf Senior Bowling

Ask

Contact Dave Basehore Sue Edmiston Betty Buff Barbara Silva

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

ARChie

Dear ARChie, I am hearing reports of numerous car break-ins and suspicious activity throughout the community. In an effort to make my home more secure, I want to install video cameras, security doors and motion-activated lights. Do I need ARC approval? ~ Nervous Resident Dear Nervous Resident, Before addressing your initial concerns, let me just say that it is important to base a response on fact in place of rumors. If you have some safety concerns about your respective neighborhood, I would encourage you to contact your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain and/or the Manteca Police Department before deciding on a “safety/security strategy.” Now, to address your equipment concerns. In the area of video cameras, security doors and motion-activated lights, these additions are all governed by the Design Guidelines. Design Guideline 2.2 (page 5) applies in these situations. In summary, the guideline pertains to all exterior additions, alterations and modifications to a residence and those modifications are subject to Architectural Review Committee (ARC) review. Security doors are specifically covered in Design Guideline 2.28 (page 14). Basically, homeowners must apply and receive written approval before any security door, screen door or retractable screen door may be installed. When submitting your application, be sure to include photos of the proposed door, pattern and color. Motion-activated lights are covered in Design Guideline 2.10 - 2.10.2 (page 7). Basically, this guideline deals with a broad spectrum of lights, types and lighting requirements. Although colors and styles are somewhat limited, it is important to include photos of the lights and their intended locations. Before deciding on any security measure, I think it is important to consider a few factors – price or cost being one of the primary considerations. The second important consideration is how your intended changes may adversely affect your neighbors. For example: No one wants spotlights or motion-activated lights shining in their windows during all hours of the evening. A good “rule of thumb” is to use a common sense approach and consult the Design Guidelines or ask the ARC whenever you have a question. We all want to be safe and our Design Guidelines are here to assist and benefit everyone.

~ ARChie

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs

Bunco Canasta Chair Volleyball Chess Club Cooking 401

Contact Penny Dauler Patti Barnhart Rick Hyden Kathy Comden Cherie Ford Mary Braun Susan Holt Judy Simpson Dave Steffy Jack Dauler Jan Spence

Craft Beer Group

Bill Holst

Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance Bocce Ball Bridge

Crochet/Knitting Cribbage Drama

Debbie Vierra Dave Steffy Michelle Paradis Pat Buxton Game Night Rick Hyden Hand & Foot Sue Cameron Ladies Billiards Mary Braun Line Dancing (Beginning) Sue Lough Line Dancing Patti Barnhart Line Dancing (Evening) Mary Salvador Men of Woodbridge Chuck Harvey National (American) Mah Jongg Neighborhood Watch Group

Cindy Carlsen

Phone

Meeting Day and Time

629-8575 629-8838 824-9257 239-3191 665-7872 229-6379 275-5817 647-2901 825-4805 269-8575 924-8032 719660-5327 925918-1023 825-4805 815-9446 824-9257 239-8663 624-3982 229-6379 624-3713 629-8838 629-8060 647-4479 818429-1221 647-2695

M-F. Time & Workshops vary Fridays @ 4:15 p.m. SU & TH @ 2 p.m. Mondays @ 10 a.m. 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Fridays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesdays @ 5 p.m. (days vary) 2nd & 4th Monday @ 4 p.m. 3rd Tuesday @ 2 p.m. Meeting days & times vary Thursdays @ 10 a.m. Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. Thursdays @ 1 p.m. Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays @ 6:30 p.m. W-SA-SU @ 1 p.m. Mondays @ 1 p.m. Thursdays @ 9:15 a.m. M-W-F @ 9:15 a.m. Fridays @ 6 p.m. 2nd Monday @ 10 a.m.

Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fridays 1 - 3 p.m. Block Captains will be Bob Hall 239-5712 notified of meetings 916Night Riders Nancie Ross 297-3271 Daily at the Clubhouse @ 7 p.m. Oil Painters Patti Barnhart 629-8838 Tuesdays @ 9 a.m. Mondays @ 4 - 5 p.m. Paddle Tennis Stan Sutfin 815-9735 at Liberty Park Paper Crafters Betty Grandt 815-9827 Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 650Pickleball Barbara Shapiro 438-3085 M-F. Time varies Ping Pong John Goodman 629-8200 M & TH @ 1 - 3 p.m. 510Mondays @ 2:15 p.m. Pinochle Robert Philis 909-8997 Thursdays @ 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Al Sanchez 239-8235 Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. & Poker Joe Victoria 815-9343 Fridays @ 5 p.m. Radio Controlled Flyers Bob Umberger 239-2983 Days and times vary 408Robotics Larry Wiertel 439-5828 Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Westport Room, Scrapbookers Elaine DeSouza 603-9796 3rd Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 818429-1221 Shang-hai Rummy Cindy Carlsen 647-2695 Tuesdays @ 12 - 3 p.m. Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt 624-3754 Mondays @ 2 p.m. Tennis Jim Corey 665-7687 TU-TH-SU @ 8 a.m. Trivia Eileen Hill 624-3945 3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m. Veterans of Woodbridge Rick Van De Boom 923-4709 2nd Monday @ 11 a.m. Walking Indoors Jacque Reynolds 629-8508 M-W-F @ 8:30 a.m. 510Wheels of Woodbridge Steve Ray 876-2962 1st Tuesday @ 10:30 a.m. Widows & Widowers Group Francesca Jeglum 305-8448 3rd Saturday Wine 101 Jon Ford 815-9803 Days vary Wii Bowling Tom Heckl 275-9537 Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. Women of Woodbridge Polly Smith 665-7236 3rd Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Woodbridge Thursdays 1-3 p.m. Women’s Calvary Church Bible Study Carolyn Johnson 239-0936 815 W. Lathrop Rd., Manteca Woodbridge Monday through Friday Pool Hustlers Ron Plummer 609-4350 @ 12 - 3 p.m. Woodbridge Book Group Patty DeRoos 239-2833 1st Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m. Woodbridge Senior 408Softball Club John Ochoa 981-3499 Seasonal Woodbridge 4083rd Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m. Seniors Golf Club Mike Patterson 640-9768 in the Oxford Room Meets every other Monday Woodbridge Singers Elizabeth Cunning 647-4380 @ 6:30 p.m.

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

W oodbridge Woodbridge LIFELIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net www.ourwoodbridge.net

 Reaching Out

Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581 Board of Directors

President - Norm Hauser Vice President - Sheila Petrakis Treasurer - Steve Brazen Secretary - Bob Teglia Member at Large - Andrew Price

Operations Manager

Ramon Rivera 824-7831 rrivera@ourwoodbridge.net

Activities/Events Coordinator

Jennie Custodio 824-7927 jcustodio@ourwoodbridge.net

Office Coordinator

Leilani Rodriguez 824-7581 lrodriguez@ourwoodbridge.net

Maintenance Supervisor

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

Management

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

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

WOODBRIDGE LIFE MISSION STATEMENT: “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 20182016 • Page 7 Page 7 • May

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER :2$

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EDITOR

ADVERTISING

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WBL WBLEDITORIAL EDITORIALTEAM TEAM

sharylBlair burgeson, asst. editor 239-1492 Susie 239-1134 Sharyl Burgeson 239-1492 Jennie custodio 824-7927 Jennie Custodio 824-7927 Marie evans 239-3726 Marie Evans 239-3726 Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair 823-3538 Carol Jo Hargreaves 823-3538 Ann King 650-464-0151 Jana Kattenhorn 823-0809 JudyKing McNamara 923-4718 Ann 650-464-0151 VolkerMcNamara Moerbitz 239-7965 Judy 923-4718 PepperMoerbitz Noble 239-1933 Volker 239-7965 Pepper Noble 239-1933 Ramon Rivera 495-6803 Ramon Rivera 495-6803 Leilani Rodriguez 824-7581 Leilani Rodriguez 824-7581 Mike Spence 924-8032 Mike Spence 924-8032 Shelley Tate 479-4249 Shelley Tate 479-4249 cate White Cate White 823-3381 823-3381

Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly 8PPECSJEHF -*'& JT B GSFF NPOUIMZ publication of the Woodbridge Owners QVCMJDBUJPO PG UIF 8PPECSJEHF 0XOFST Association, a nonprofit organization serving "TTPDJBUJPO B OPOQSPmU PSHBOJ[BUJPO TFSWJOH the residents of the Woodbridge by Del Webb UIF SFTJEFOUT PG UIF 8PPECSJEHF CZ %FM 8FCC community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge DPNNVOJUZ JO .BOUFDB $" 8PPECSJEHF LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that -*'& JOWJUFT TUPSJFT QIPUPHSBQIT DPNNFOUT would be of interest to residents. We reserve DBSUPPOT KPLFT BOE BOZ PUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO UIBU the right to accept or refuse submissions and XPVME CF PG JOUFSFTU UP SFTJEFOUT 8F SFTFSWF edit for content and length. We also reserve UIF SJHIU UP BDDFQU PS SFGVTF TVCNJTTJPOT BOE the right to refuse advertising or articles that FEJU GPS DPOUFOU BOE MFOHUI 8F BMTP SFTFSWF in our opinion do not reflect the standards ofUIF SJHIU UP SFGVTF BEWFSUJTJOH PS BSUJDMFT UIBU the newspaper. The Woodbridge LIFE JO PVS PQJOJPO EP OPU SFnFDU UIF TUBOEBSET advertising contract permits each advertiser toPG UIF OFXTQBQFS ÉŠF PQJOJPOT FYQSFTTFE conduct one event per year in the Lakeview Clubhouse Multipurpose Room. The opinions XIFUIFS CZ QBJE BEWFSUJTFNFOU PS FEJUPSJBM expressed, whether by paid advertisement or DPOUFOU EP OPU OFDFTTBSJMZ SFnFDU UIF WJFXT PG editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the UIJT OFXTQBQFS PS UIF 8PPECSJEHF 0XOFST views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge "TTPDJBUJPO $POUFOU TVCNJUUFE NBZ CF FEJUFE Owners Association. Content submitted SFQSJOUFE BOE BDLOPXMFEHFE XJUIPVU DPOTFOU may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged VOMFTT TQFDJmDBMMZ SFRVFTUFE 8PPECSJEHF -*'& without consent unless specifically requested. QSPPGSFBEFST VTF UIF "TTPDJBUFE 1SFTT 4UZMFCPPL Woodbridge LIFE proofreaders use the iUIF KPVSOBMJTU T CJCMF w BT B XSJUJOH BOE FEJUJOH Associated Press Stylebook, “the journalist’s bible,â€? as a writing and editing reference. The SFGFSFODF ÉŠF QVCMJTIFS JT OPU SFTQPOTJCMF GPS publisher is not responsible for unsolicited VOTPMJDJUFE NBOVTDSJQUT PS BSUXPSL .BUFSJBMT manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted TVCNJUUFE XJUI B TFMG BEESFTTFE TUBNQFE with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will FOWFMPQF XJMM CF SFUVSOFE $POUFOUT DPQZSJHIU be returned. Contents copyright Š 2018 by ÂŞ CZ 8PPECSJEHF 0XOFST "TTPDJBUJPO Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of /P QBSU PG UIJT QVCMJDBUJPO NBZ CF SFQSPEVDFE this publication may be reproduced without XJUIPVU XSJUUFO QFSNJTTJPO PG UIF QVCMJTIFS written permission of the publisher.

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WBLIFE2017@gmail.com

Thorson Financial Estate Management, Inc. 1101 Standiford Ave. C2 Modesto, CA 95350 www.Thorsonfinancial.com (209) 522-0250 Office Thomas K. Thorson, RFC, ChFCÂŽ

We specalize in: Trusts, Wills, Estate Planning, Investment and Cash Flow Management, Asset Protection and Tax Strategy Planning With a complimentary consultation with Tom, you In Memoriam have everything to gain and nothing to lose. We In tribute to a loved one who has died, Woodbridge LIFE provide independent financial advice to help you welcomes residents to submit up to 100 words and a 2-inch x achieve your andSend financial goals. 2-inch photo (optional) forestate publication. submissions by

Securities through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and advisory services offered emailoffered to wblife2017@gmail.com through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Thomas Thorson, Representative. California Insurance License #0712011. Thorson Financial Estate Management, Inc. and the Securities America companies are separate entities. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; please consult the appropriate professional regarding your particular situation.

Page 8 • November 2018

Woodbridge Owners Woodbridge Owners Association Association Committees

Committees

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

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Coming to Woodbridge

Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and ACTIVITIES – November 2018

Submitted by Jennie Custodio, Activities & Events Coordinator ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW FINANCE COMMITTEE DANCE WITH THE DELTA DOGS – Friday, November 2 Second World War. This 45-minute one-man performance Jacob Lewis, Chair • • Tony Delgado, Chair will showcase the WW II adventures of Audie Murphy, his @ 6 p.m. – The Valley’s own Delta Dogs are coming to lijalewis@comcast.net bmradct@yahoo.com 647-2995 Woodbridge with a variety of music from the ‘50s to the ‘80s. life and his crusade to help veterans with PTSD. Doors 647-2593 LIFESTYLE open at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at the front desk. In the Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. BYOB and appetizers. In the FINANCE COMMITTEE • John Baber, Chair Multipurpose Room. $6 Multipurpose Room. $13 jbaber@ourwoodbridge.net • Jacob Lewis, Chair 824-7927 lijalewis@comcast.net DRAMA PLAY – Tuesday, November 13 @ 5 p.m. – Back CASINO TRIP TO JACKSON RANCHERIA – Tuesday, 647-2995 for a second performance. Another evening of light November 6 @ 8:30 a.m. – Join us for a five-hour stay at COMMUNICATION •

Carol Jo Hargreaves, Chair

Woodbridge LIFE Editor and

Jackson Rancheria. The emergency contact form at the front desk must be completed each time you go on a casino trip. Pay at the front desk. $12 CASH ONLY (does not include tip for the driver).

LIFESTYLE Directory Chair • Jennie Custodio, Chair cjohargreaves@gmail.com 823-3538 jcustodio@ourwoodbridge.net WELCOMING COMMITTEE824-7927 MEN OF WOODBRIDGE DESSERTS & DANCE – Wednesday, •

Diana Clements, Co-Chair

November 7 @ 7 p.m. – Jam out to the Second Chance Band

COMMUNICATION tenor4@comcast.net and enjoy some treats sponsored by the Men of Woodbridge. 665-4353 • Carol Jo Hargreaves, Chair BYOB. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at the front LIFE EditorCo-Chair desk. In the Multipurpose Room. $10 • Woodbridge Jeannie Tebbutt, jltebbutt@gmail.com WBLIFE2017@gmail.com 923-4356 NEW RESIDENT ORIENTATION – Thursday, November 8 823-3538

@ 10 a.m. – Learn more about your Woodbridge Owners Association and join the Clubhouse team as team members WELCOMING COMMITTEE • Bill Barnhart answer your questions. Learn about the Association • bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us Diana Clements, Co-Chair 629-8838 structure, the Architectural Review process and the tenor4@comcast.net resources and activities available to you. In the Oxford 665-4353 Room. RSVP at the front desk. NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

•

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

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS • Bill Barnhart, Co-Chair bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838 •

Rich Ferreira, Co-Chair

raf49er@yahoo.com 629-8371

Important Notice About Cancellations When you have signed up for a free event, activity or tour and you find you are unable to attend, please, as a courtesy to others, call the Clubhouse front desk (824-7581) to cancel. If the event has a waiting list, the front desk can fill the vacancy from the list. Thank you.

entertainment. Come and enjoy a delicious meal and three of our best comedies, “Doctor Doctor,� “It’s Only Money,� and “Silent Movie,� all written by Bob Naquin. Menu includes tri-tip or chicken, rice pilaf, green beans and dessert. BYOB. Doors open at 5 p.m. In the Multipurpose Room. Purchase tickets at the front desk. $25 (proceeds benefit the Ray of Hope, “The Kids Cupboard� pantry). NEW YEAR’S EVE TICKETS GO ON SALE – Thursday, November 15 @ 7 a.m. – The Lifestyle Committee will begin selling New Year’s Eve tickets starting at 7 a.m. in the Clubhouse. Jump back in time for this Great Gatsby themed event. Jolts Coffee Bar Truck will be here serving specialty coffees starting at 5 a.m. for those who wish to get here early to stand in line. Reservation Policy: Each household is allowed to purchase two tickets and at least one resident must be present for the reservation. To reserve a full table of eight, four of the guests must come to the Clubhouse together for tickets. $75

LISTENING POST – Thursday, November 8 @ 3 p.m. WINE 101 - Thursday, November 15 @ 6 p.m. – “Tempting Listening Post is an informative forum with an open Tempranillo.â€? An exploration into the Tempranillo grape. invitation for all residents to attend. Hosted by Ramon Participants are to bring a Tempranillo to share with their Rivera, Operations Manager, we provide updates on WOA operations, projects and special events, and discuss hot topic table and nearby neighbors, an appetizer for the class, and their own wine glasses. All utensils, plates, napkins and issues. We encourage all residents to come and participate. water are provided. In the Multipurpose Room. Sign up at Most of our ideas for improvements begin through the the front desk. $3 non-refundable. feedback we receive at Listening Post. Come and join us. :KHQ \RX KDYH VLJQHG XS IRU DQ HYHQW DFWLYLW\ RU WRXU DQG \RX Ă€QG \RX DUH Important Notice to attend, please, as a courtesy to others, call the Clubhouse front desk We look forward to seeing you there! unable In the Multipurpose COOKING 401 – Tuesday, November 20 @ 2 p.m. – Guest Room. About Cancellations WR FDQFHO ,I WKH HYHQW KDV D ZDLWLQJ OLVW WKH IURQW GHVN FDQ Ă€OO WKH vacancy from the list. Thank you. chefs Rosemary Hein and Vickie Mitchell will be demonstrating how to prepare Thanksgiving dinner in an DRAMA PLAY – Sunday, November 11 @ 5:30 p.m. – An Instant Pot. Turkey, sweet potatoes and cornbread in one pot evening of light entertainment. Come and enjoy a delicious and apple cobbler in another. In the Quincy Room. RSVP at meal and three of our best comedies, “Doctor Doctor,â€? “It’s the front desk. $5 Only Money,â€? and “Silent Movie,â€? all written by Bob Naquin. Menu includes tri-tip or chicken, rice pilaf, green beans and FRIENDSGIVING – Wednesday, November 21 @ 5 p.m. – It’s dessert. BYOB. Doors open at 5 p.m. In the Multipurpose just like Thanksgiving, but with friends! This is a potluck-style Room. Purchase tickets at the front desk. $25 (proceeds event but will require you to sign up for a specific dish prior benefit the Ray of Hope, “The Kids Cupboardâ€? pantry). to the event to make sure we have enough of everything. Once each category has been filled, please sign up to bring VETERANS DAY CEREMONY – Monday, November 12 something from another category. Sign-up sheet will be at @ 10 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all of our the front desk. Please bring a dish to serve eight. Music Woodbridge veterans. All residents are welcome. We invite courtesy of our awesome new jukebox! It will be preloaded members of the Veterans of Woodbridge group back to the for everyone to pick songs and enjoy! In the Multipurpose Clubhouse for an appreciation lunch following the ceremony. Room. FREE. At the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Liberty Park. Veterans, please RSVP for the luncheon ONLY at the front desk. CHRIS PUCCI CHRISTMAS SHOW – Friday, November 30 @ 6:30 p.m. – Formerly of the Juilliard and Metropolitan DUFFY HUDSON’S ONE-MAN SHOW – Monday, :KHQ \RX KDYH VLJQHG XS IRU DQ HYHQW DFWLYLW\ RU WRXU DQG \RX Ă€QG \RX DUH Opera New York Chris Pucci front is grateful November 12 @ 7 p.m. – A trueunable American hero if there ever to attend, please, as a courtesy toinothers, callCity, the Clubhouse desk to be back at Woodbridge to sing all of your favorite Christmas classics. was one. Broadway and film veteran Duffy Hudson, just WR FDQFHO ,I WKH HYHQW KDV D ZDLWLQJ OLVW WKH IURQW GHVN FDQ Ă€OO WKH Purchase tickets at the front desk. In the Multipurpose named Best One-Man Show in Los Angeles, has created a vacancy from the list. memorable bio-play of America’s most decorated heroThank of the you.Room. $10

Important Notice About Cancellations

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www.ourwoodbridge.net www.ourwoodbridge.net

November Events and Activities

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and activities are listed on page 8. More information about these as well as Woodbridge Clubs and Groups and on activities are listed portal on page 8. atMore information about these as well as Woodbridge Clubs and Groups may be found the Woodbridge and the Lakeview Clubhouse. may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

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This calendar was last updated 10/29/18. Refer to flyers or the Woodbridge portal for additional information.

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Page 10 • November 2018

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

As the editor of Woodbridge LIFE, one thing I particularly enjoy is to interview and get better acquainted with people who live in our community. I scheduled one-hour appointments with our two newly elected WOA board members, Steve Brazen and Sheila Petrakis. The interviews were so enjoyable they easily slipped into one-and-a-half and two hours without our even realizing it. Here are some of the things I learned. Thank you, Steve and Sheila, for your availability, time and candor! ~ Carol Jo Hargreaves

“If It Isn’t In Writing, It Didn’t Happen”

S

teve Brazen and I immediately discovered we had a couple of things in common. First, we both were born in the same year in Seattle and second, we both participated in the May 1970 University of Washington student strike rally (Steve because he was a conscientious objector; me, ignominiously - I was engaged to a ROTC guy). During the strike organized against the Vietnam War and recent Kent State killings, more than 6,000 U.W. students marched off campus, charged onto Interstate 5, blocked all lanes and brought traffic to a standstill for hours. Before becoming a student at the U.W., however, Steve was on a serious path to becoming a Catholic priest. Pressured to go, he spent four years of high school and two years of college at St. Edward Seminary in Kirkland, Washington, but quit in his sophomore year to move to the U.W., where he studied from 1969 to 1971. With his brand new philosophy degree in hand, Steve moved to Chicago where he worked for the Ecumenical Institute, a nonprofit organization that developed practical methods of community renewal and motivated co­operative action. Steve gave training on leadership and community development, covering such useful topics as strategic planning and how to run meetings. During this time, Steve met and married Lynn. The couple subsequently traveled to Boston for a brief two-year stint then on to Caño Negro, (aka “Black Gulch”), Venezuela, for four years. Residents of the little jungle village three hours east of Caracas were said to be impossible to turn around. Undaunted, Steve taught community and rural development as well as effective leadership skills. His work helped diversify and strengthen the local economy through establishment of retail and industrial businesses as well as expansion of pre-school and elementary education. Steve proudly related one particular achievement in Caño Negro that resulted in an unintended consequence – maybe positive, maybe negative. Village women typically spent their days as “beasts of burden,” every day walking far from home to dig pits in white clay, scoop up water and lug it back home. The idea of drilling a deep well in the aquifer beneath the village was met with great skepticism and little support. The day that 36 liters of clean, fresh water gushed out of the new well, however, the village was changed forever. A spigot was installed in every home and the water-carrying “beast” women had free time to take on leadership roles and wrest part ownership of nearby cocoa plantations from their male counterparts! Back in the U.S. by 1978, Steve spent 14 years as CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta, an organization providing help and creating hope through family counseling, refugee resettlement, affordable housing, assisted living and other social services. Steve earned his master’s degree in nonprofit management from Georgia State University. His next position was 12 years with Senior Connections, another nonprofit community service agency that provided Meals on Wheels, senior centers, home repair, in-home care and other home-based services for seniors. Steve retired at age 55 but didn’t stop working. He consulted on strategic planning and taught graduate level classes in nonprofit management at Georgia State and Kennesaw State universities.

About 11 years ago, Steve and Lynn moved to a large, gated community in north Georgia called “Big Canoe.” The development consisted of more than 8,000 acres and 3,000 residents. There, Steve served on the HOA board for three years and helped handle the community’s “vicious and ugly transition” from developer to resident control, assisted in putting long-term financial planning strategies in place and began the process of accumulating monies in the community’s empty reserve fund. During the interview, Steve talked little about his marriage or family life. I was impressed, however, when he told me Lynn’s and his lives are intermixed. They motivate each other to get involved, they push each other and they reciprocally support and are enthusiastic about each other’s undertakings. Steve and Lynn have two daughters. Their eldest daughter, born with dual citizenship in Venezuela, now lives with her husband and two children in Oakland. Their youngest daughter, born in Atlanta, resides in Berlin, Germany. About three years ago, Steve and Lynn traveled to California to visit their daughter and her family. They began to research active adult communities and Woodbridge by Del Webb ended up among their top 12 selections. They drove to Manteca to see Woodbridge in person but, unfortunately, arrived the back way via Airport Road and didn’t find the area particularly pretty. Their second visit, however, was more positive. They found the people friendly, liked the look of the community, were permitted to examine the HOA’s financial reports and decided Manteca would be “a great place to be from as it is so close to everything.” Now settled in Woodbridge, Steve is a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain (but is looking for a replacement since he has been elected to the board), has served on the Finance Committee for a year-and-a-half, plays tennis regularly and enjoys social activities like Women of Woodbridge events, comedy nights and potlucks. His passion is tennis, which he and Lynn play two times a week. He reads science fiction, a love that began in the sixth grade because the books “take him to other worlds.” From this article, it is easy to glean the education and depth of experience Steve brings to the WOA board but you might wonder why he wanted to be a director. He wants to help others. He wants transparency and to make it easier for residents to find and use WOA governing documents and policies. He recognizes that since all board members are homeowners, this is an extremely important time to move into effective self-governance. He is positive that directors and residents alike can learn from each other and work together. When asked for his watchword, motto or favorite saying, Steve quickly replied, “If it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen.” I think, from his early employment with the Ecumenical Institute, Steve has internalized the essence of that organization’s wedge-blade philosophy. He understands that processes of social change often engender conflict between those who want to perpetuate the past and those who want to change the future. His position is now as facilitator of transition, honoring and integrating the wisdom of the past and building consensus in order to move toward a new future.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

W oodbridge LIFE

November 2018 • Page 11

“Fairness and Always Speaking Up for Others”

S

heila Petrakis was born and raised in San Francisco. Although she still loves the city, she regrets it has changed quite a bit and she no longer chooses to live there.

Sheila was educated in the public school system and graduated from George Washington High School in 1972, where she was active in girls’ athletics. She completed credits at a community college in San Francisco, majoring in journalism (particularly feature writing) but left to work in the banking industry, first as a teller at Bank of America and later in financial accounting for Lloyd’s Bank. The ‘70s were the era in which women’s rights, gay rights and environmental movements competed for attention with the Watergate scandal, the energy crisis and the ongoing Vietnam War. The times were controversial, tumultuous and changing. Sheila joined protests in support of the Equal Rights Amendment at San Francisco City Hall and at the Mormon Church. Eventually feeling unfulfilled in her banking position, Sheila started the application process for the San Francisco police department but legal issues caused the recruitment to be postponed. She took the firefighter exam and passed the first phase but decided that wasn’t for her. She went on to pass the Department of Corrections test, gave two weeks’ notice at Lloyd’s and went through a week of orientation at San Quentin where her eyes were widely opened by observing the inside of the prison and having to shoot three different types of weapons (which, admittedly, she found enjoyable). Sheila did well at the Academy and was proud to be selected the first female squad leader. She moved to Marin County to begin work at San Quentin. Sheila remembered spending her first night on the job as a correctional officer in the guard tower, holding her mini-M14 at all times and making sure no one escaped. She said she must have drunk more than 10 cups of coffee that night. In 1982, at the beginning of her career with the California Department of Corrections, there were many places in San Quentin where females were not permitted to work, specifically the Level 4/Maximum Security area. She found the job difficult. Inmates tested her constantly and perpetrated brutal acts upon each other as well as upon correctional officers. Sheila questioned her decision to work at San Quentin but decided to remain. In 1985, she was promoted to sergeant. She discovered she loved supervision because she was fair, consistent and disciplined and expected her staff to follow the law. Sheila also discovered she was well suited for work on Death Row. She had the unique opportunity of working for the first female warden at San Quentin and was invited to help her write a college textbook chapter on managing Death Row. Sheila was the first female to go up the ranks from officer (in 1982) to sergeant, lieutenant, captain and associate warden (2001) in uniform, differing from those who entered the criminal justice system without uniform service from the beginning. In addition to her regularly assigned duties, Sheila served at various times as discrimination/compliance officer, Equal Employment Opportunity officer, acting chief deputy and acting warden. Following through on a commitment to herself, Sheila returned to school in 2002 to complete her bachelor’s degree, this time in criminal justice. In 2003, she was promoted to associate warden over business services where her responsibilities included overseeing a $145 milliion budget, personnel,

accounting, contracts, purchase orders and plant operations for the oldest prison in the United States, sorely overcrowded and receiving no additional state funding. After 20 years, the winds of change had blown the opposite direction and females were permitted to serve throughout the criminal justice system. At the time, operational tasks like plumbing and electrical were predominantly performed by males who tested her like the inmates did but Sheila did not tolerate their behavior. Sheila left San Quentin for a year when she was appointed to serve on the Board of Parole Hearings by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This full-time job involved reviewing files and conducting mini hearings with inmates, attorneys, victims and witnesses to determine whether a life-term inmate had the possibility of parole. She left this appointment when her elderly mother’s memory issues became so great she needed full-time care. Sheila is single and has no children except “two mischievous dogs, a Yorkie and a Beagle mix.” She has three sisters and a brother and picked up her strong sense of family from her Greek ancestry. Although she could have continued to live in her mother’s San Francisco home, the siblings agreed to sell the house and divvy up its proceeds. Sheila never looked anywhere but Manteca for a new residence. She wanted a nice, clean place to live, close to her Manteca sister, and she wanted “a community.” Although she was not permitted to tour the Clubhouse when she visited Woodbridge, she found the common areas beautiful. She saw people waving as she drove by and knew this community was welcoming, friendly and generally kind and thoughtful. Sheila is now settled in her new Woodbridge home. She loves to play Bunco, maintains close contact with her neighbors, attends Men of Woodbridge dinners and Women of Woodbridge teas, serves on the Rules and Regulations Committee and is passionate about ocean cruising. In fact, Sheila has cruised with one group of friends for 18 years in a row! Sheila revealed her secret to success to be common sense and acquiring knowledge and information. She always reads the many manuals or written materials available to learn the rules and how to navigate a new system. As she described during a September evening with candidates, her top three priorities as a new director are safety, fundamental changes in operations and increasing the transparency of the board. She would like the Woodbridge portal, the primary source of information for residents, to be updated and more userfriendly. She pledged to promote security and a feeling of personal safety in the community but she wants to see things for herself. For example, she is concerned about breaches in the walls around Woodbridge but wants to drive around to perform her own assessment before making any recommendations for change. I found Sheila to be forthright, not easily intimidated and a good listener who encourages and values the input of others. She strongly believes respect for each other is crucial, as are trust and the art of compromise (which she learned when working with unions during her career). When asked for her watchword, motto or favorite saying, Sheila’s response was “fairness and always speaking up for people who are too shy or unable to speak for themselves.”

Page 12 • November 2018

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

At the Clubhouse ææ CRAFTERS CORNER By Debbie Cosetto

D

on’t you just love fall? The leaves turning…the cool, crisp mornings… and the delicious apple and pumpkin goodies that seem to be everywhere! November is a great month; one that reminds me to be thankful and remember all the blessings in my life. I wish a very happy Veterans Day to all Woodbridge veterans. Thank you just doesn’t seem to say enough for your brave service to our nation. But, thank you and bless each and every one of you. And, of course, there’s Thanksgiving later in the month and then the holidays are really in full swing. I hope you are taking some time to enjoy the fall season. Mark your calendars, crafters, as the Artists & Crafters group is holding its second annual Open House on Friday, November 16, at 1 p.m. We will display items that have been made in the Westport Room, either during a class or during a group that meets regularly in the room. We also will have samples of upcoming classes. Have an idea for a class? We’ll have a suggestion sheet where you can list classes you’d like to see. Better yet – ever thought about teaching a class? We’re always on the lookout for new teachers with new crafty ideas! Come hang out with fellow crafters and get inspired by looking at the crafts people have made right here in the Woodbridge Westport Room! Here’s what the Artists & Crafters group has happening this month: Friday, November 2 at 10 a.m. – Artists & Crafters GENERAL MEETING. Friday, November 9 at 12:30 p.m. – Molly Cooper will teach a WATERCOLOR PAINTING class. This month’s painting will include autumn leaves and a pumpkin.

Friday, November 16 at 9 a.m. – SCRAPBOOKERS get together to work on their scrapbooks. Friday, November 16 at 1 p.m. – ARTISTS & CRAFTERS GROUP’S 2ND ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE (in the Quincy Room). Monday, November 19 at 10 a.m. – KAISER BREAST CANCER PILLOW WORKSHOP. Martha Harman leads a talented group of ladies who make pillows for breast cancer patients. Please help put these pillows together and know your talents and energy are going toward helping someone who is facing a health challenge. You don’t need to know how to sew to help! (Kaiser Hospital provides the materials.) We post our Artists & Crafters calendar of activities for the month on the easel outside the Westport Room following our General Meeting. Also, make sure to check the window displays of the Westport Room. In addition to upcoming class project samples, we have samples displayed from groups that meet regularly, as well as samples from our philanthropic groups. If you’d like to be amongst the first to hear about upcoming events for the month, come down to our General Meeting, the first Friday of each month. Happy Veterans Day to Woodbridge veterans and a very happy Thanksgiving to all!

Vimala D. Vontela, DDS General Dentistry Member:

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209.823.7655 Visit our website: www.drmala.com

Your SMILE is important and deserves the best possible care

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

November 2018 • Page 13

ææ DRAMA GROUP

ææ bridge

From the Drama Corner

By Cherie Ford

By Michelle Paradis

The Bridge group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Oxford Room.

M

ark your calendars! The Woodbridge Drama group is back with another fun evening of good food and entertainment. Come socialize with your neighbors as you enjoy a catered meal and three hilarious short plays.

Bridge Scores 3940 3760 3740 3510 3230 3150

OCTOBER 15: Letha Watson Kay Schnaidt Nancy Hansen Marilyn Larson Betty Buff Don Harris Phyllis Tindell Kay Schnaidt

4070 3410 3030 2740 2580 2070 1980 3780

OCTOBER 22: Don Harris Marilyn Larson Cherie Ford Betty Buff Esther Lapointe

3520 3500 3460 2790 2030

OCTOBER 29: Kathy Comden Cherie Ford Kay Schnaidt Don Harris Betty Buff Esther Lapointe

3650 3200 3180 3160 3150 2380

Your community’s nonprofit hospice, providing compassionate and quality care, education and support to terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay since 1979.

Community Hospice is pleased to announce Community Care Choices, a palliative care program focusing on enhancing comfort and improving quality of life for individuals facing a serious illness.

Comprehensive support and care for patients and families 24/7

Palliative Care may be provided at any time during a patient’s illness and delivered while seeking curative and life-prolonging treatments.

Admissions 7 days a week Alexander Cohen Hospice House, the only 16 bed hospice inpatient facility serving the Central Valley

2431 W. March Lane, Suite 100 Stockton, CA 95207 • 209.477.6300 hospiceheart.org CA100000783 | CA100000613

For more information visit palliativeheart.org or call 209.578.6333

CommunityHospiceCV HospiceHeart Chi_CommunityHospice Community Hospice

Proceeds benefit “The Kids Cupboard” pantry where healthy meals are prepared for homeless kids.

Flyer courtesy of Woodbridge Drama group

OCTOBER 1: Kathy Comden Betty Buff Kay Schnaidt Phyllis Tindell Don Harris Letha Watson

W oodbridge LIFE

Page 14 • November 2018

www.ourwoodbridge.net

ĂŚĂŚ woodbridge singers

Holiday Concert By Elizabeth Cunning

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lan to join the Woodbridge Singers and Dancers as they kick off the holiday season with their annual winter concert. You will be invited to sing along on many of your favorite songs, as well as enjoy upbeat tunes from guitarist Frank Perez like “Boogie Woogie Santa Clausâ€? and “Feliz Navidad.â€? The group of singers has grown to over 80 members and this is the sixth year with accompanist, Yvonne Bechthold. Jacquie and Dave Steffy always delight the crowd with their group participation of “Twelve Days of Christmas.â€? Singers are working hard this year with extra rehearsals to learn their individual parts. It truly will be a spectacular concert – the best one ever! (But then I say that about every one of the concerts.) Your choice of three performances in the Multipurpose Room: • Monday, December 3 @ 6:30 p.m. • Tuesday, December 4 @ 2 p.m. • Tuesday, December 4 @ 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Clubhouse front desk for $3 each. There will be a dessert reception after the concert. Please bring finger food items on disposable plates (i.e., cookies, brownies, bar cookies – not pies). See you there!

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November 2018 • Page 15

Once in a Lifetime Experience Woodbridge Singers to Perform at Gallo Center

By Elizabeth Cunning

I

To say it was a surprise to be invited is an understatement at best. Now, preparations have gone from, “Yes, you’re invited!” and “What songs shall we sing?” to “What are we going to wear?” and “We need a bus to get us there!”

remember family gatherings when I was a little girl where all the aunts, uncles and cousins would get together. Somewhere in the evening after all the food, laughter, sharing stories and board games, there would be a time when the youngsters would be called on to share something special. I always sang a favorite song that I’d heard on the radio and, of course, I knew every word by heart.

Returning for a third year at the Gallo, “A Very Choral Christmas” presents 10 local choirs performing holiday favorites over two nights (five choirs on each night). Woodbridge Singers will perform Friday, December 14. The Dance Factory will also be on hand to entertain. The show is 90 minutes long and benefits the non-profit Gallo Center. Matt Cover, instrumental music director at Modesto High School, will serve as master of ceremonies and direct the final number by the combined choruses.

Any singer might dream of performing before a crowd or sharing a special song on a big stage. Wouldn’t that be something? You’ve probably attended concerts in a big theater, but what if that were YOU as part of the entertainment? What if that were YOU on stage with bright lights where legendary performers have stood? That dream is coming true for the Woodbridge Singers and they are hoping neighbors and friends will share in their excitement about a holiday concert at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. The Singers will likely be the largest choir with 76 members accompanied by Yvonne Bechthold, pianist.

Ken Summers

Managing Partner Funeral Director FDR #1046 4th Generation

Woodbridge Singers will perform at the Gallo Center for the Arts Friday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. You may sign up at the front desk in the Clubhouse for special discounted tickets for $14 each (front orchestra seating).

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Page 16 • November 2018

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ææ wheels of Woodbridge

2018 Rods, Roadsters and Cruising Cars Car assembled the temporary shelters, sold T-shirts and performed a myriad of all of the tasks…these volunteers all deserve our thanks.

By Ray Noble and Steve Ray Photos by Cathy Ray

T

his year Wheels of Woodbridge car show exceeded the $60,000+ goal as the aggregate for the group’s years of fundraising for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Beautiful Liberty Park was again the setting for this year’s cars, trucks, motorcycles and crowds. Members of the Artists & Crafters group returned to the tree-lined pavilion to sell marvelous handmade arts and crafts items they’ve produced. The Artists & Crafters donated 10 percent of their car show event sales to Second Harvest. This event draws the largest resident turnout of any event in the Woodbridge community and, as a result, is the most useful vehicle for joyful celebration within our neighborhood. With a variety of treasured cars, good food, music, shopping opportunities and greenery for the eyes, it was a feast for all the senses. Happy faces were seen well into the afternoon when awards were presented to entrants for their cars, trucks and motorcycles. We are ever grateful for those underpinning our efforts for this event. A big thanks to our sponsors: TLC Real Estate Team, bringing their signature root beer floats and real estate experience; Van Berg Associates Insurance Marketing, providing insurance solutions assisting seniors to find the right solutions for their Medicare and other insurance needs; Valley Custom Carts, a family owned custom and restoration golf cart shop, on-site exhibiting golf carts; Financial Center Credit Union in Stockton; Golf Cart Pros, providing complete service and maintenance to keep your golf cart in top performance as long as possible; Black Oak Casino Resort, providing a casino gaming experience and hotel in the foothills of the Sierra where you may stay, explore, revive and relax; Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens and Security, a family owned business providing top of the line security door and window products custom built to meet your need; PMZ Real Estate (Susan and Curtis Holt), offering to meet your real estate needs; D&S Auto Repair in Manteca, and P.L. Fry and Son Funeral Home, who bring together decades of experienced care, whether you are pre-planning or have a need today.

CAR SHOW RESULTS Best of Show: Slade Correia with his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro 1st Place Winner in Each Class: Motorcycle - Don Vehrs and his 1948 Cushman Step-Through “Road King” Classic Modified – Ron Plummer showing his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Classic Stock – Chuck Foley with his 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Convertible Hot Rod – Horace DiMaggio showing his 1941 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Coupe Muscle Car – Angel Silva showing his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Sports Car – Mario and Gloria Chavez and their 1959 Chevy Corvette Roadster Trucks & Kids Choice - Wayne and Carole Gordon with their 1949 Ford F1 The following Woodbridge residents also won awards: Chuck Foley – 2nd place in Trucks showing his 1957 Dodge Sweptside Pickup Steve Ray – 2nd place in Sports Car with his 2015 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale (Centennial Edition) David Avelar – 3rd place in Sports Car showing his 2014 Porsche 911 GT3

Carole and Wayne Gordon’s 1949 Ford F1

It could be said that one of the greatest contributions is that of one’s time. The Men of Woodbridge who made and served lunch and the Wheels of Woodbridge members who prepared the area the day before, parked the show cars,

Chuck Foley’s 1957 Dodge Sweptside pickup

Don Vehrs with 1948 Cushman

Ron Plummer’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Horace DiMaggio’s 1941 Chevrolet Master Deluxe coupe

Chuck Foley’s 1957 Dodge Custom Royal convertible

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WBL photo by Sharyl Burgeson

Show

Steve Ray’s 2015 Maserati

November 2018 • Page 17

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Page 18 • November 2018

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SCENE @ the Clubhouse WBL photos by Jennie Custodio except where otherwise noted

Photo submitted by Charm Mathis

Birdie Nieri, event chairperson.

Photo by Lisa Boone

“Charm”ing photo of friends enjoying the photo booth on the lakeside pier. (L to R): Cheryl Iverson, Charm Mathis and Brenda Just.

“The Connies” – (L to R): Connie Barclay, Connie Gannon and Connie Reed. Beautiful ladies inside and out. Helpful WOW angels.

Lisa Boone, representing Klemm Realty, this year's event partner, served Nancy Ome.

Men donned their white in style, too. Leila and Barry Carter with Steve Brazen.

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November 2018 • Page 19

ææ WOmen of woodbridge

Le Diner en Blanc By Birdie Nieri, chairperson

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omen of Woodbridge (WOW) created a beautiful lakeside dinner catered by be.tech’s be.cuisine career academy amid a sea of white florals, soft lighting and guests dressed in post Labor Day white. The patio, all set in white tables, chairs, linens, tableware and centerpieces, was in stark contrast to the blue lake and green lawns of our picturesque community. The champagne garden that was planned was cancelled due to soggy grass and threat of rain. Instead, the Men of Woodbridge (MOW) passed pre-dinner bites to the seated crowd. The bar served a wonderful champagne cocktail that was “stirred, not shaken” to warm the spirits as the coolness of fall began to fill the air. Bartenders for the evening were Lisa Boone and hubby John from our benefactor partner of the evening, Klemm Realty. Complimentary champagne, courtesy of Susan Dell’Osso from The Boathouse Restaurant, was surely appreciated as well. Diners were treated to a four-course meal set for a king. Tender beef or chicken with delightful herb drizzle accompanied fresh asparagus and fluffy white potatoes. The salad, fresh spinach with berries and bacon, was served European-style after the protein main entree. No French-style menu would be complete without a chocolate mousse dessert. We had it all. The meal and ambience were superb.

Men of Woodbridge brought color, fun and great table service to the event. Bob Collister and Bob Naramore delivered strawberry salads.

Thursday’s crowd had plan “B” all set up in the ballroom for dessert and dancing while Friday’s crowd continued to enjoy the twilight dinner and dessert lakeside in the 75 degree warmth as daylight faded away. The Friday crowd was quite the spectacle as 60 or so line dancers performed a routine to “Elvira,” reminiscent of the NYC Rockettes in white uniform. Music and dancing by One Mile Band began promptly at 7 o’clock to work off some caloric intake and to warm the bodies as twilight turned to evening. Warmth from the fireplace and the fire pit enabled outdoor lounging and chitchat among friends and neighbors as they clinked glasses for one more toast as summer patio parties came to an end. The two-night event to celebrate the world phenomenon of “Le Diner en Blanc” was a big undertaking for WOW. The event was breathtakingly beautiful in both concept and reality. WOW would like to thank Lisa Boone and Jack Klemm of Klemm Realty for the generous donation that enabled this upscale evening of fun and charity. The Men of Woodbridge, who have our backs and our hearts, served us quickly and efficiently, as always. Thank you, too, to Susan Dell’Osso for the champagne cocktails that were a little different but delicious just the same. Thank you to Chef Bryan and his be.tech students who created every aspect of our meal. Thank you to all the volunteers who stepped forward to find anything white in their homes for our décor and then spent hours fulfilling the vision. Big thanks to all raffle prize donors and those who sold admission and raffle tickets. It took many, many hours of planning and organization to make this event possible and successful. We accomplished both. My warmest appreciation to all residents for supporting women in the Woodbridge community. The Haven of Peace and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca sincerely thank you. Outdoor patio tables were artfully adorned with white centerpieces and flowers.

Page 20 • November 2018

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The Long Way Home from Frankfurt By Ray Noble

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

Such was the case of Lt. Jack Furrer. How did it come to this? And how fortunate we are today to enjoy Jack’s company here at Woodbridge almost 75 years later. It was a routine bombing mission into Frankfurt, Germany, if any such endeavor could be called routine. In 1944, the likelihood of any given air crew’s survival to the 30-mission level was dangerously problematic. With only one more mission beyond this one, Jack’s 29th, he would be rotated back to the United States for reassignment. The Allies were mounting giant armadas of aircraft carrying hundreds of tons of high explosives to rain on Germany’s considerable industrial strength to neutralize their war machine but paid an enormous price to do this. Tens of thousands of men and thousands of aircraft were lost in this effort. But Jack’s story begins in 1924. Born on January 19, he was raised in Oakland, California. Jack graduated from Fremont High School in 1942 and before being drafted in December of that year, he worked as a “burner” “cutting steel plates to be used as parts to be welded into Liberty ships. Early in 1943, after a high grade scored in a general knowledge test, Jack was sent to preflight training for the Army Air Corps at Maxwell, Alabama, then on to Preliminary Flight School at Lakeland, Florida, where flying the bi-wing PT 17, he soloed in four hours and 20 minutes. Basic Training was taken in the BT 13 at Courtland, Alabama. Jack received his wings in January 1944 at age 19. Transferred to George Field, Illinois, for Advanced Training, Jack transitioned to multi-engine aircraft in AT 10s. Furrer was sent to Army Air Force Base in Sebring, Florida, for B 17 and

crew combat training. The B 17 was a four-engine bomber carrying a crew of 10 and was popularly known as the Flying Fortress due to its six twin 50caliber machine gun stations. After about 40 hours of flight time with his young crew, Jack was assigned a B 17. He had orders to ferry his aircraft and his nine-man crew to Ireland. At this point Jack had logged only 40 hours of flight time in the B 17 with a total time of 200 flight hours. He was now an old man, 20 years of age. Necessary fuel stops were made at Goose Bay, Greenland, Iceland, and finally Ireland. After being transported to London with a layover of a week, Jack was assigned to “The Bloody 100th” Bombing Group. Those in the know offered cheerful and unsolicited comments such as, “In the bloody 100s you’re never gonna make it.”

Jack was assigned to Thorpe Abbotts, a military air base, and given his B 17, aircraft number 44-8514 which he named “Lassie Come Home.” By 1944, The Flying Fortress had undergone many modifications. With six gun turrets, each having twin 50caliber machine guns located on top and bottom, the tail, both sides and the nose, it fairly bristled with protection. Occasionally there was a shortage of gunners, so one man would handle both side guns, dashing between the two as necessary. Furrer and his crew were immediately thrust into the midst of the furious air war over Germany. The British were handling the night bombing raids on “Der Fuhrer’s” homeland. U.S. bombers were making the more dangerous daylight trips that were subject to the assaults of the hundreds of Messerschmitt and Fokker fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe. Furrer and his crew flew the round trips to Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Bremen, Cologne and Berlin; some of these he flew twice, for a total of 29 trips. Each was a round trip of about eight to 10 hours at 24,000 to 28,000 feet where the crew wore oxygen masks and electrically heated flight suits to protect against the -40 to -50 degree

temperatures at those altitudes. Number 29, the Frankfurt raid, turned out differently from all those before it. Jack and his crew needed only 30 missions to complete their tour and be cycled back to the States. They were nearing the end and to this point must have felt lucky. While they had taken fire, they had made it home with no injuries to crew and the usual hits from flak and machine gun fire from enemy aircraft. The German fighter aircraft were deadly and the anti-aircraft fire from the ground together took a terrible toll on the fleets of bombers on any raid. “Lassie” had been lucky and if she fearing an explosion, ordered the crew made home without damage, it was to bail out. called “a milk run.” The four crew in the front of the Being aware of this, Jack and his aircraft bailed out. Jack, however, was crew maintained the orders for radio caught in his seat by his flak jacket silence so as not to alert the enemy’s which was somehow entangled with anti-aircraft command and the the seat itself. This jacket was a vest squadrons of defending fighter aircraft with steel plates in front and back awaiting the Allied raiders’ arrival accompanied by a steel helmet that over Frankfurt. was put on just before a bomb run and But someone broke that silence. removed soon after. As a diversionary tactic, the bombers The aircraft was now descending did not fly directly toward Frankfurt almost vertically, headed toward earth. and wished to appear flying past it. Jack realized that if he was to survive At the correct moment, they would this ordeal, he would have to regain turn into the target. But that silence control of the aircraft. was broken when someone gave the After plummeting 14,000 feet, he game away when he radioed, “We are was able to pull his plane out of its turning right into Frankfurt.” dive. He probably exceeded all the “At that point we knew we were structural limitations the designers identifiable targets.” Because of a thought the plane could stand. In strong headwind, their ground speed the course of all of this, the fire had, at that point was a slow 100 miles per for whatever reason, gone out. It hour, making their aircraft an even was about then that Jack heard over easier target. the plane’s intercom the voice of the After dropping their bomb load tail gunner ask, “What’s going on up and a few seconds out of Frankfurt, there?” Jack then discovered that his “Lassie Come Home” took anti-aircraft mike had come unplugged and the fire in her left wing. Both engines on crew in the rear never heard his bail that side were severely damaged and out order. So the waist gunner, Sgt. caught fire, the flames reaching as See the long way home page 23 far back as the tail. The concussion of the hit caused the wing of the bomber to suddenly pitch up causing the whole aircraft to roll violently to the right and begin falling through the layers of formations of B 17s below. Jack, following procedure, feathered the propellers and the Lt. Jack K. Furrer (right) and part of the crew engine immediately (Photo courtesy of Nannette Furrer) shut down. It seemed a hopeless Lt. James Evans (P-51 pilot) and the remaining crew members shortly after returning to Thorpe Abbotts. In this picture Lt. Evans situation for the and Lt. Furrer are shaking hands. Paul Miller is sitting to the left plane and Jack, of Lt. Evans. The B 17 in this photo is not Lassie Come Home.

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ANOTHER WAR

W oodbridge LIFE

By Marie Evans

I

have learned, in general, most combat veterans do not talk much about what happened to them during the war with anyone but others who had the same experiences. In my experience living in military housing, meeting many Korean War and World War II (hereafter referred to as WW II) veterans and in my family, veterans talk openly with each other. I suppose this is true of almost all of them. John Furrer (better known as Jack) is cut from the same cloth but willingly shared his story with us.

November 2018 • Page 21

Jack was stationed in South Korea and spent time in Seoul (the capital of South Korea), which was fought over twice by the North Koreans and Chinese, who devastated the city. He flew troop carriers and then became General Van Fleet’s pilot. General Van Fleet had served in both World War I and World War II and now Korea. Jack also flew munitions from place to place as needed. There were some close calls, as one can imagine, flying munitions during wartime. Jack had his first airplane accident in Korea while landing his plane on a rain slickened runway and hitting a truck. The runways were made of metal and were very slippery when wet. He flew in every kind of weather - sometimes with very dangerous cargo. Jack described the weather in Korea as “horrific.” The Korean War has been called “the Forgotten War” in the United States, where coverage of the 1950s conflict was censored and its memory decades later is often overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam War. The military, especially the branch you serve in, becomes family. Servicemen and women look out for and care for each other. This is very helpful when husbands (and today, wives) are away fighting in a war. Usually, families live in military housing and their kids attend the same schools. Husbands feel less pressure from worrying about their families and families have people to depend upon who understand what they are going through; they share the same concerns. After retiring from the military, Jack and his family moved to San Francisco where he found an interesting job with Holiday Airlines and flew for seven years, meeting many well-known actors and other people. Although he grew up in Oakland, San Francisco was always “the city on the hill,” very attractive to most “East Bay kids” in those days. Not so much anymore, however, as Jack now sees a lot of change in the Bay Area.

Jack Furrer at his Woodbridge residence.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz

After WW II, Jack left the Army and made a life for himself and his family in the Bay Area where he grew up. He had served three years in WW II and stayed in the reserves after discharge. When the Korean Conflict started, Jack was called back into the service. Korea was a feisty, fast and furious war with terrible winters for one from California and with many casualties in its relatively short duration. At some point during this tour of duty, Jack decided to make the military his career, which led to a future tour of duty in Vietnam.

Veterans Introduce New Mini-Bricks By Jack Dauler

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s an extension of our ongoing Brick Campaign fundraiser, the Woodbridge Veterans group is now selling mini bricks. These bricks are 1” x 3” and 3” x 3” in size and may have up to 23 characters per line along three lines of text and with clip art of the service of your choice (see photo). The mini bricks will cost $20 for a 1” x 3” and $25 for a 3” x 3” brick. (The wood easel stand is not included in the price.) These bricks are made of the same material as the 4” x 8” bricks in the Veterans Memorial area. They are small enough for mailing as a Christmas gift or displaying on your home mantle or shelf. (See example in Veterans window in the Oxford Room.) For residents new to Woodbridge, we are still selling the 4” x 8” bricks for $135 to display at the Veterans Memorial in Liberty Park. As an incentive for purchasing a 4” x 8” brick, we will offer a free mini brick of either size. This offer will only be for the months of November and December 2018. Please contact me if you have questions or need more information.

All in all, Jack has had a very interesting and busy life. He served in three wars, including a world war – WW II - Korea and Vietnam. Thank you, Jack, for your service.

Attention On Deck By Dennis Atwell

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lease excuse the title of this article, but I need to get your attention about a very important opportunity that is going to waste: the “Honor Flight” program. My name is Dennis Atwell. I am the newest member of the Veterans of Woodbridge steering committee and I have taken on the responsibility of getting the word out to my fellow vets. Although, we are targeting (no pun intended) World War II vets to go on this trip to Washington, D.C., I have been informed by the CEO of the Honor Flight program, that in the event no one steps forward to go, we will probably open the offer to Korean War vets. The trip is an escorted event by the “Guardian Program,” of which I am also a member. It consists of a weeklong, all expenses paid trip to many sights in our nation’s Capitol. The number one sight is a visit to the latest WW II Memorial, dedicated in April 2004. Sadly, we are losing WW II vets at the rate of 1,200 per day. I am proud of you vets and the part of history you played in WW II. This is a trip you have earned and should not miss. The mission of the “Honor Flight” program is to fly vets to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials. I understand it may be hard for some. I, myself, want to visit the Vietnam Wall, even though it will be hard seeing the names of guys I knew who didn’t make it back. I feel by visiting their memorial, I am honoring their loss and paying tribute to them. Please feel free to talk to vets who have gone on past “Honor Flights” at a Veterans of Woodbridge (VOW) meeting. You will not be disappointed. Once again, please take advantage of this opportunity. I can be contacted at Dennisatwell@gmail.com or come to the VOW meeting the second Monday of each month. Hope to see you there.

Page 22 • November 2018

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The idea of registering for the Draft (volunteering) came about for several reasons. The relationship with my parents wasn’t the best, college wasn’t going well, I had no job or sports obligations and no commitment to a relationship. Because of this void in my life, I decided to answer the call of duty and take the solemn oath to serve my country. The date was April 15, 1968. ~ Mario J. Vernali, October 2018

We Are the Sum of Our Experiences By Pepper Noble

T

he medivac is delayed by four hours coming to transport him by helicopter. He is very hot, bleeding and hearing air escaping from his lung. He knows, “One must do it for himself; no one else will do it for you.” Quite a mantra. Mario Vernali volunteered for the Army in June 1968. This young man (age 18) approached the draft board just before finishing his first year of college and was inducted at the end of his semester’s work. Leaving home in San Jose, California, he received infantry training at Ft. Lewis, Washington - nine weeks of basic training and nine weeks of advanced infantry training. When Vernali landed at Bien Hoa Airbase in Vietnam, he experienced culture shock in that he was unaccustomed to the new sights and smells. There were peasants, barbed wire and sand bagged bunkers with manned machine guns. With 216 other men, Vernali was sent in a stretched DC-8 plane to the 101st, a fire support field unit. He recounted that upon landing at a hot, unknown and unsecured area, he spotted a young teenage boy sitting on top of a water buffalo observing the troops from 300 meters. Vernali carefully rested his M16 in secure grip and continuously fired semi-auto tracer rounds over the youth’s left shoulder. The water buffalo darted away from the firing, causing the boy to be thrown off. Dust flew everywhere. As the youth contacted the ground, he ran at great speed chasing after the buffalo. Later, in 1st Battalion, Vernali was assigned to Charlie Company, known for its high loss rate, then to E Company with 30 men to patrol day and night observing the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). Vernali shared his food with John Vernon Ponton when John had very

By Jack Dauler

It’s that time of the year again -- time to start collecting toys for the Woodbridge Veterans Toys for Tots program. The Marine Corps Reserve is asking for local collection sites, like our Woodbridge community, to organize a campaign of collecting toys starting the week after Thanksgiving. As in past years, the Woodbridge Veterans group will be collecting the toys and/or any cash donations. The objectives of the Toys for Tots program are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign and to contribute to improving communities in the future. Please watch for toy collection bins in the Clubhouse.

little to eat. Due to this act of kindness, John requested Vernali join E Company and a trade was made. Affectionately, Vernali referred to the squad as “John’s squad.” To this day, John and Mario are friends. Vernali shares his personal jumpcut visual imagery of Vietnam with its terrain of sand, hard-pack, swamp and humidity. He saw human breakdowns, witnessed the overt use of marijuana and use of explosives to dry out clothing and to dry that coveted poncho. He speaks of life-threatening booby traps. There were the 6 to 8 mile-long walks carrying a backpack of 100 pounds, M16, M79 grenade launcher, ammunition and six quarts of water. There was the herd of water buffalo which are the farmer’s life’s blood. He shared his affection for Lady, the German Shepherd mix who scoped out the thatched roof huts called “hootches,” looking for the enemy. He observed a young boy named Phieung who was protective of the U.S. soldiers. The boy shooed away the other children who came to beg. Vernali befriended the lad and offered food. Three months after finishing a fire support base in the Central Highlands, the squad was granted three days of rest and relaxation. They began their descent down the arduous terrain toward the helicopter pick-up point. Coming to a valley, they encountered enemy mortars and small arms fire. Heading for cover, the company lead man froze in fear, so Vernali took the lead. In a clearing about 15 yards away, the enemy, with an AK-47 firing fully automatic, hit Vernali in the chest with three bullets, collapsing his right lung; he was also hit in his arm. He was knocked backward but managed to return fire. After crawling into the high grasses for cover, he was given field first aid. Fires were set by the NVA to distract and impede rescue. The chopper finally arrived and it was a blurry trip to the hospital. Vernali spent nine days in an intensive care unit under the care of Dr. Pardue at Chu Lai Hospital in South Vietnam. There were four days at Bien Hoa Hospital in Vietnam followed by three days of recovery at Yokota Airbase, Japan, preparing to be sent to Travis Air Force Base in a C-141 which consisted of cots stacked four high. His final hospital destination was Letterman General at the Presidio where he wakened to see the Golden Gate Bridge and passing under it, a flat top aircraft carrier. Vernali is proud to state, “The medical attention that was afforded me by the staff at Chu Lai, the nurses aboard the C-141 and Lieutenant Rhodes at Letterman Hospital at the Presidio in San Francisco were all top notch.” With seven months active duty left, he requested to be sent to Fort Ord in Monterey, California, where he became a target detention instructor and taught survival techniques. Sgt. Vernali returned home to a happy family and his 1969 Camaro SS. He received the Purple Heart, Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star and Silver Star. He feels his Army experience has taught him: Be happy with what you have, take nothing for granted and always be prepared.

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www.ourwoodbridge.net Continued from THE long way home page 20

Paul Miller came forward to occupy the co-pilot’s seat after he helped Jack with his flak jacket. Furrer noted that the bomber did not have enough power from the remaining engines on the right wing and was losing altitude. At this rate, they would not make it home so he ordered the remaining crew to jettison all loose gear which, of course, they did. The plane’s radios and navigation instruments were damaged. They were now alone and lost over Germany. Their compass was operable but without a fix on their current location, it was of limited value. Jack asked the crew for a map. They confessed that the maps were jettisoned with everything else. In frustration, Jack queried, “How much does a map weigh?� It was soon after that a fighter was seen approaching. They feared it might be a German plane coming to finish off their crippled aircraft. It was not. It was Lt. James Evans piloting his P 51 Mustang, the most capable fighter in the ETO (European Theater of Operations). Evans quickly noted the condition of the damaged B 17 and pulled alongside the left wing. With the plane’s radios out, hand signals were the only way to communicate. And since Jack was more than busy controlling the damaged aircraft, the hand signals were done by Sgt. Miller from the right seat next to Jack. The P 51 pilot indicated that they were going deeper into Germany and needed to turn around. After getting them on the right heading, Evans, with fuel issues of his own, headed back to his base. Now Furrer could use the compass to find the safety of the English coast. But wait; the story’s not over. After crossing the English Channel, they found themselves headed for London. The Brits, not liking surprises, thought this might be Germans on a raid and greeted the beleaguered B 17 with anti-aircraft fire. Jack took the hint and turned right and up the coast to Thorpe Abbotts, his home base. This was Jack’s last mission over Germany and he was returned to the U.S. and reassigned. Of the four crewmen who bailed out of “Lassie Come Home,� three where confined as German POWs for the remainder of the war. Tragically, Sgt. Robert Garrison was killed while resisting apprehension in Germany. Furrer has a long and storied career in the United States Air Force, flying during the Korean and Vietnam wars and remaining active in the service until his retirement on April 1, 1968. He has many interesting stories about those years. When you see him, be sure to ask why he named his B 17 “Lassie Come Home,� and thank him for his service.

November 2018 • Page 23

U.S. FLAGS

By Dan Armstrong, Veterans of Woodbridge Steering Committee

E

ver wonder why Veterans Day is on the 11th of November and does not change? World War I ended on the 11th month, 11th day, at the 11th hour.

Ever wonder why poppies are worn on Veterans Day? The poppy is worn on the right side. The red represents the blood of all those who gave their lives, the black represents the mourning of those who didn’t have their loved ones return home, the green leaf represents the grass and crops growing and future prosperity after the war destroyed so much. The leaf should be positioned at 11 o’clock to represent the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the time WW I formally ended. We should carry on these traditions so that younger generations will understand this, as our generation won’t be around much longer to teach them. We must remember the veterans from our current wars also. November 11 is Veterans Day. Please proudly fly your flag and, if you get a chance, thank a veteran for his or her service. I thank the residents of Woodbridge who came to the Clubhouse for the initial sale of black mourning ribbons. I ordered 25 ribbons, not knowing what the response would be. Well, now I know! The ribbons sold out in less than 20 minutes and there was still a line of people who had to be turned away. More ribbons have been ordered and I’ll post a notification of the sale date and time. Eventually, the ribbons will be sold at the Clubhouse Flag Kiosk in conjunction with flag and pole sales. A point of interest: When I contacted Gettysburg Flag Works to re-order the black mourning ribbons, I was told they were out as Amazon had purchased all they currently had in stock. Amazon is selling the ribbons for $17 each! The Veterans of Woodbridge sell them for $10 each (a real bargain). Again, if you are a veteran and live in Woodbridge, you are invited to attend a Veterans of Woodbridge (VOW) meeting. Meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 11 a.m. in the Clubhouse and at 7 p.m. every third month to accommodate working veterans. Hope to see you soon.

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Manteca’s History – Part 5: Of Butter, Lard and Railroads

Photo by J. B. Atwood courtesy of Bank of Stockton

Not only has Manteca been shaped by the railroad, but the railroad has been shaped by Manteca as well. On May 10, 1869, Leland Stanford, president of the Central Pacific Railroad, went to Promontory Summit, Utah, and drove a Golden Spike through a railroad log, connecting the Central Pacific Railroad from the west with the Union Pacific Railroad from the east, creating the First Transcontinental Railroad. Little attention was paid to the fact that, at this time, a westbound train ride would have ended 40 miles shy of the Pacific coast – right here at the banks of the San Joaquin River. For six months, every train that arrived on one side of the river was unloaded, goods and passengers were ferried across the river at Moss’ Ferry, loaded onto a second train on the other side, then continued the westward journey on the second train. It wasn’t until September 10, 1869, that the first train could really travel uninterrupted from sea to shining sea. The bridge has been part of the transcontinental railway ever since. The first bridge consisted of two covered parts on each side of a First railroad bridge at Mossdale Crossing wooden tower. The tower sat on a turntable that swung parallel to the riverbank to allow steamboats to pass. There seems to be only one picture remaining of the original bridge, taken by Lathrop photographer J. B. Atwood. The bridge we see today was finished in 1942. It was originally a lift bridge, but with the growing demands of irrigation, the river eventually became too shallow to navigate and the lift part was welded shut.

A historical marker near Mossdale Crossing Park used to commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railway. The bronze plaque describing the bridge was vandalized by scrap metal thieves and has not been replaced. Manteca’s most recently painted mural, located at Yosemite and Grand Avenue, depicts the scene of the first crossing of the San Joaquin River. Many Woodbridge volunteers helped in the painting of that mural, October 6 and 7, 2018. (See page 25 for photo and story.)

The ferry was discontinued in 1900, when the county completed a wooden road bridge. At this time, Moss already owned considerable real estate in the area. Among it were 6.6 miles of riverfront property along the new bridge. Moss turned the riverfront into the “Lower French Camp Turnpike,” which in 1913 became the Lincoln Highway, connecting Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. With trains and cars Lincoln Highway crossing the San Joaquin crossing the San Joaquin River in 1917. River on the way from coast to coast, the small settlement at the banks of the river had clearly been put on the map. All it needed now was a name. So far, trains and cars were mostly just passing through. In 1873, the Central Pacific Railroad laid new track directly across the center of the still nameless settlement, but locals who wanted to ship their goods on a train had to stand by the track and flag it down. The only depot in these early days was a discarded boxcar at the crossing of the road that is now Yosemite Avenue.

The settlers wanted a real train station and they wanted to name it Cowell Station after Joshua Cowell on whose property the crossing was. However, further up the track, there was already a Cowell Station on the property of Joshua Cowell’s brother, Wright. With the main transported goods of the time being dairy products, the people settled for the name Monteca, an adaptation of the Spanish word for butter, mantequilla. Local residents were in for an unpleasant surprise when the first batch of tickets arrived at the new station and it turned out the name was misprinted and turned into Manteca, the Spanish word for lard. In the fight following the typo, the railroad company ended up winning, and the early settlers of a prospering community that was supposed to be named “Butter” settled to live in “Lard.”

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz

The location of the bridge, today known as Mossdale Crossing, used to be a popular fishing ground for the Yokut Indians. A sharp bend in the river that slowed down the current made it the perfect spot for a ferry in service of the trail leading from San Jose Mission to Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento. The first ferry was established in 1848. In 1856, William T. Moss, a former riverboat captain, used the ferry on his way to the gold fields. Back then, the ferry charged $1 for a man, $3 for a man Railroad bridge today

and his horse and $8 for a wagon. Moss quickly realized that there was more gold on the route leading to the gold fields than in the Sierra and purchased the ferry on the spot. The completion of the railroad bridge did not affect his business too much, as most of the local Manteca's first railroad station in 1915. traffic between San Jose, Stockton and Sacramento still continued on the old trail.

Photo courtesy of Caltrans

A

nybody driving through Manteca in any direction will notice the town has a lot of connection with the railroad. With no less than 10 crossings within the city limits, Manteca must be among the towns with the most railroad crossings per square mile in California.

Scanned from Manteca - Selected chapters of It’s History

Article by Volker Moerbitz

Resources used to compile this article include: “Manteca – The Story of a Town” by Alice B. Coon, Manteca Historical Society, “Manteca – Selected Chapters of its History” by Evelyn Prouty, Manteca Bulletin, 1980, “The Traveler,” Lincoln Highway Association, July 2014. Online at lincolnhighwayassoc.org/ca/ traveler/2014-07/traveler-2014-07.pdf, “Moss’ crossing linked continent by rail,” Lodi News-Sentinel, April 1, 2005. Online at: lodinews.com/features/ vintage_lodi/ article_d0895d12-aaed-5455-a5a9-3ecabd647b0c.html?mode=story, and various Wikipedia entries, en.wikipedia.org

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November 2018 • Page 25

M u r a l I n A We e k e n d

By Bill Barnhart and Carol Jo Hargreaves

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oodbridge residents became part of Manteca history by helping to paint the new “Mossdale Crossing is Open” mural-in-a-weekend. Funded by the Manteca Mural Society, the colorful 16x60-foot artwork celebrates the final link to complete the Transcontinental Railroad at Lathrop Mossdale Crossing, September 8, 1869. The Manteca Mural Society governing board—which includes Woodbridge residents Roger LaPresle, Ray Noble and Bill Barnhart—worked with Master Muralist Dave Gordon to design this commemoration of the final link. The mural fit beautifully on the side of the Spin Cycle Laundry building in downtown Manteca. The following Woodbridge residents participated in the actual mounting and painting of the mural (not all are shown in this Manteca Bulletin photo taken October 23): Bill and Patti Barnhart, Edie Brown and her grandson Ryan Black, Bill and Brenda Buffington, Fred Gallegos, Carol Jo Hargreaves, Jana Kattenhorn, Pepper and Ray Noble, Larry Schneider, Doug and Donna Sommerfeld, and Sandy Stanger.

Photo courtesy of Manteca Bulletin

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LUCILLE ANN WILLET October 31, 1929 September 26, 2018

Lucille Ann Willet, 88, went home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2018, at her home in Manteca, after a short illness. Lucille was born on October 31, 1929, to John and Virginia Clark in Pomona, California. She traveled to Hilmar, California, at the age of 18 to begin her teaching career and later graduated from San Jose State College. Lucille moved to Hayward, California, and went on to teach in the Hayward Unified School District for over 50 years with kindergarten being her favorite grade. Lucille’s many hobbies included quilting, sewing, bible study, cooking, book club, traveling and rooting for the Warriors and Giants. Lucille had a deep and loving connection with the Lord and her family. She was a much loved mother to Robin, Leon, Randy, Kyle and Kevin Willet, grandmother to six and great grandmother to six. She leaves behind many who have wonderful memories and sorrowful hearts. She will be dearly missed.

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Gardener’s Corner

November Garden Checklist

3

Article by Master Gardener Cate White

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ith cold weather setting in and winter just around the corner, now is the time to start preparing your garden for cold weather. Average frost dates in our area run from midNovember to late February or early March. Brief light frosts are less dangerous unless your plants are very sensitive, but prolonged cold or temperatures under 28 degrees or so are more serious. Early fall and late spring frosts can be the most damaging. Watch for clear skies and low humidity combined with low temperatures and follow weather forecasts so you can take appropriate action. To begin winterizing your yard, be sure that it has a good layer of mulch, which helps keep warmth in the ground. Remember to leave an area 4 to 6 inches in diameter around each plant free of mulch to keep trunks from developing rot. When leaves fall, rake them off your lawn, and use them as additional mulch around your plants. This also prevents fungal growth in your lawn. Another tip for lawns is that the heavy morning dews of November should supply them with enough water. Hopefully, we will even get some rain!

November 2018 • Page 27

• Continue planting trees and shrubs until nighttime temperatures drop below freezing. • Keep planting spring bulbs and winter annuals such as pansies, violas, stock, Iceland poppies and decorative kale. • There’s also still time to plant starts of winter vegetables including lettuce, kale, Swiss chard and parsley. • Manage ants using baits. Sticky barriers may go on tree trunks. • Adjust your watering schedule, taking into account dry windy weather, cold and rainfall. Avoid watering within 48 hours of measurable rain. • Strip any “mummies” (dried, shrunken or rotten fruits) from fruit trees. • Trim citrus 6 inches off the ground to prevent brown rot.

Frost-sensitive plants in pots should be kept moist and moved under a sheltering roof for protection. Consider moving especially sensitive plants inside until the weather warms up.

Slugs, snails and earwigs become Cate White active in cool, damp weather. Baiting or hand picking is a good way to combat these voracious pests. Another removal method is to put out rolled up newspapers or flat boards. Snails and slugs congregate under the boards, and earwigs will take shelter in rolled up newspapers, making it easier to dispose of them. In addition, a word about black widow spiders, commonly found in our area. Since their bite is quite poisonous, I generally make sure never to stick an ungloved hand into places I can’t see. Learn to detect their webs, which are unorganized and very sticky, and often built low across pathways. Black widows are active at night, so once you have detected a suspicious web, you can go out with a flashlight and dispatch them. In colder months, they look for more sheltered areas, such as sheds and garages, fuse or timer boxes, and sometimes your house. Spraying around doors and other likely spaces will discourage them, but since they aren’t killed unless the spray actually hits them, general widespread use of pesticides is ineffective Crystal Downs Ins Agcy Inc When you combine your home and auto and will kill Crystal Downs ChFC CLU, Agent insurance, good things happen – like saving beneficial bugs. Insurance Lic#: 0G26090 time and money. Just another way I’m here to It makes sense 259 N Main Street Manteca, CA 95336 to reserve sprays help life go right™. Bus: 209-823-7121 until you see the CALL ME TODAY. crystal@crystaldowns.net spider and then make sure to apply it directly.

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Cover frost-sensitive plants before sunset to keep in-ground warmth. Avoid letting covers touch plant foliage; place them over stakes surrounding your plant. Remove the covers on sunny days. Keep ground around frost-sensitive plants moist, since damp soil holds warmth better than dry ground. For citrus, be aware that young trees are the most prone to severe frost damage, while mature trees may not be seriously affected. Wait until spring to remove damaged growth. Another strategy for protecting sensitive plants is to drape them with a set of little Christmas lights which produce enough warmth to prevent damage, while adding a fun twinkle on cold dark nights. Be sure to use incandescent lights, not the LED types.

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November 2018 • Page 29

Softball SOFTBALL NEWS … From the Score Booth

By Debby Hickey

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in’t no stopping them now…15 hot dog home runs hit by the Silver Sluggers from September 5 to September 29 and one hot dog home run by Erin Spode of the Diamond Gals. All these home runs are keeping Snack Shack griller Ron Kackley busy! Here is a list of home run hitters this month: Dennis Donaldson Nelson Conner Wayne Gordon Brian Jones Erin Spode Roger Gibson Rich Ryan Dave Avelar Ken Beaty Mike Frary

1 1 4 1 1 3 1 1 1 1

(Season total-5) (Season total-1) (Season total-14) (Season total-7) (Season total-1) (Season total-4) (Season total-6) (Season total-5) (Season total-15) (Season total-1)

I love the variety of announcers at the booth, each unique in his or her own style. The colorful phrases used are ever so intriguing: ”Tag ’n’ toss,” “the table is set,” “handcuffed by that hit,” “can of corn catch,” etc. Perhaps they will offer a class on baseball jargon…? Beloved announcer Caroline Gibson has spurred a discussion not only from the crowds but from the Yellow Hornets as well, as to how many substitute names she uses for the yellow team. There’s lots of laughter when she calls them the “glow worms,” the “highlighters,” the “neon tetras,” the “Lite-Brites®,” the “fireflies,” the “beacons,” the “flashlights,” the “Caltrans crew,” and a personal favorite…wait for it…”the yellow PEEPS®”!

Speaking of grilling, one of Ron’s back ups, Dale Bittle, ambitiously grilled six tri-tips at the Shack recently and they still sold out by 11 a.m.! Sheesh!

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Steve Hosler, who holds the record for the only Silver Slugger to hit an outside the park home run, has added another record at Del Webb Field: Longest foul of the season! Yes, that’s right—all the way to the fence! Heartbreaking! Just a few inches to the third base line! The Diamond Gals ended their season September 29 and the Silver Sluggers wrapped up October 27. I will total up all of the home runs and have the last of the season’s tidbits next month.

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ĂŚĂŚWoodbridge Seniors Golf Club By Mike Patterson

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oodbridge Seniors Golf Club played its final points tournament of the year at Diablo Grande, September 24. Champions for the 2018 season were crowned and are listed. Congrats to the winners and all who participated through the year. PALMER FLIGHT Total Pts 1st (tie) Steve Howe 390 Young Han 390 3rd Dan Pangilinan 380 4th Bob Hamilton 370

NICKLAUS FLIGHT 1st Mike Patterson 2nd Ken Nelson 3rd Greg Meagher 4th Bill Abrew

Total Pts 360 350 330 310

Now is the time to renew your WSGC membership and NCGA membership. Membership applications are available at the Clubhouse. New NCGA players may join now and get the balance of 2018 with no membership charge. We have some exciting new courses for the 2019 season including Spring Creek Country Club, Brookside Country Club, Stockton Country Club, Saddle Creek Country Club and Poppy Ridge Golf. Join us for a fun year of tournaments and other events. Keep them straight! For more information about Woodbridge Seniors Golf Club, call Mike at 408-640-9768

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November 2018 • Page 31

Tennis By Jim Corey

2018 Grand Slam season began with the Australian Open played in January in the middle of Australia’s hot summer. In the end, we had a player winning her very first Grand Slam and a player winning his 20th Grand Slam. With her very first Grand Slam win, Caroline Wozniacki from Denmark became the first player from her country to ever win a Grand Slam. On the men’s side, Switzerland’s Roger Federer won to add to his all-time best total of 20. Roger is 36 years old. Most players are either not playing or on the down side of their careers long before reaching 36 years of age. Don’t be surprised if both of these players win more Grand Slams! Next we moved on to the French Open which is the only major tournament played on clay. For what seems like decades, Spain’s Rafael Nadal has won this tournament and he continued that in 2018 with his 11th French Open Championship. Nadal has an unbelievable record, winning in ease again and claiming his 14th Grand Slam. Simona Halep from Romania won her first Grand Slam. Serena Williams of the U.S. returned to play after giving birth to her daughter and experiencing life-threatening complications during childbirth. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the tournament early due to an injury.

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Then came the Wimbledon Championship, played in London and played on grass. This may be Roger Federer’s favorite playing surface and many expected him to win this event but it was not to be this year. Novak Djokovic from Serbia made a successful comeback from last year’s elbow surgery to win his 13th Grand Slam. Serena Williams made it to the finals but could not conquer Angelique Kerber of Germany. Although Serena lost, it remains a great feat to come that far after the severe problems she experienced during childbirth. Earlier in the tournament, John Isner from the U.S. lost in a six-hour match, the longest in the history of Wimbledon. Last, but not least, was the U.S. Open played in New York City’s sweltering heat. There were many exciting, long matches played this year. Many players were unable to endure the heat. Novak Djokovic continued his dominance to win in straight sets to capture his 14th Grand Slam. Americans were excited to see Serena Williams make it to her second consecutive final this year but the results were disappointing as she lost to Naomi Osaka of Japan who won her first Grand Slam. In addition, Serena and the chair umpire argued at length, resulting in penalties being assessed to Serena that were hotly discussed for days. Overall, it was a most exciting year in tennis. What will next year bring us? In the coming months, I will tell you about America’s up and coming tennis players, some very promising and exciting players to watch in the future.

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2019 WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COVER CONTEST Participation Requirements: All contest entrants must reside within the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, California. Residence will be verified. Art Requirements: 1. Artwork for the cover of the community directory must clearly represent “the Woodbridge lifestyle.” 2. Artwork may depict people, places or things and may be created in any art media type such as: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, architecture, carving and textiles. 3. If photography is the artist’s art media, photos MUST be taken within the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, California. Location will be verified. Entry Requirements: 1. A photograph of the actual artwork must be submitted as an entry to this contest. 2. Photo resolution must be at least 300 dots per inch (dpi). Use a minimum of a 4-mega pixel camera. 3. Color or black and white photos will be accepted. 4. Photos must be oriented to fit the Woodbridge Community Directory cover (preferably 5 ½” high x 8 ½” wide unless artwork is more effectively photographed in vertical format). 5. Only single photographs will be accepted. Collages will not be accepted. 6. Photographs must be submitted as digital files only. Digital file format must be JPEG or TIFF. 7. Each entry photograph must have an identifying caption/name to differentiate it from other entries in this contest and to refer to it when necessary. Examples, “The sun setting over Lakeview Clubhouse,” OR “Sunset.” Contest Rules: 1. All entry photographs submitted for this contest become the property of Woodbridge LIFE.

2. By submitting an entry for this contest, the contest entrant agrees s/he will not be compensated in any way if his/her entry photograph is selected for use on the cover of the 2019 Woodbridge Community Directory or published in Woodbridge LIFE newspaper. 3. Entrants may submit more than one entry photograph. 4. Submit entry photograph(s) on a thumb drive. 5. Place the thumb drive in an envelope upon which is written the contestant’s full name, residence address, phone number and email address. 6. Submit the sealed envelope containing the thumb drive to the front desk of the Lakeview Clubhouse. 7. Thumb drives will not be returned. 8. Woodbridge LIFE newspaper is not responsible for entry photographs or materials sent in. Be sure to save copies of your entry photograph(s). 9. Woodbridge LIFE newspaper will not sell or otherwise use the photographs submitted for this contest except as previously stated. Deadlines: All submissions must be received at the front desk of the Clubhouse no later than 5 p.m., December 31, 2018. Submissions received after this time and date will not be accepted. Judging: 1. All entry photographs submitted in the contest will be reviewed. 2. Representatives of the Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team will select the winning photo. 3. The decision of the judges is final. Prizes: 1. The winning entry photograph will be used as artwork on the cover of the 2019 Woodbridge Community Directory. The winning entrant’s name will be printed on the directory cover with the photo of his/her artwork. 2. The winner, two runners up, and a list of names of all contest entrants will be published in Woodbridge LIFE newspaper.

HAVE YOU HEARD? The Commons at Union Ranch is now an MBK Senior Living community. This change brings in a renewed commitment to providing the utmost care and support to our residents and their families. MBK Senior Living owns and operates 33 senior living communities in the Western United States which include California, Washington, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon. We welcome you to our family where quality, value, high standards of service, and extraordinary people have come together to enrich the lives of the residents and families we serve.

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MBKSeniorLiving.com

Mention this ad when you tour and get two complimentary tickets to our Signature Brunch.

Assisted Living • Memory Care (209) 888-0770

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Triker’s Travels

Ronda had to find shelter under a tree. Another time, two dogs ran out from an abandoned building and one bit Ronda on the ankle. Because of the cell phones, Vonda was able to go back and assist Ronda with medical treatment.

By Judy McNamara and Vonda Hardcastle

Vonda Hardcastle “Life is like a 10-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.” ~ Charles Schulz

E

ver wonder what it would be like to wake up one day and tell yourself, “I’m going to ride my bicycle across the United States”?

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Vonda Hardcastle grew up in French Camp, attended Manteca schools, married her high school sweetheart, raised their four children here and has lived in Woodbridge since its inception 11 years ago. Always having been very close to her children as they grew into adulthood, Vonda wasn’t surprised when her oldest daughter Ronda announced she was going to ride her bicycle across the United States. Ronda graduated from East Union High School in 1976 and was its first female student body president. In 1978 she joined the Navy and ultimately became master chief over air operations. After a 23-year career in the Navy, Ronda retired in 2000 and began the next phase of her life. One of the things on her bucket list was to ride her bicycle across the U.S.A. Mom Vonda decided to be part of Ronda’s bicycle trip across the U.S.A. since she had been active in sports and it would give her a chance to participate in this amazing journey to help Ronda celebrate her 60th birthday. Ronda was planning to do the trip alone so Vonda volunteered to be her sag wagon by driving her RV ahead of her daughter in order to scope out the territory and help ensure Ronda’s safety. The adventure began May 4, 2018, from Arlington, Washington, and ended June 29, 2018, in St. Augustine, Florida. The pair crossed 11 states on this magical trip, including Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama before finally arriving at their final destination. The women had memorable experiences and faced many challenges along the way. Besides driving the RV, Vonda was in charge of Ronda’s two dogs, fondly referred to as “the boys.” Mom and daughter communicated via cell phones in case Ronda needed assistance or it was break time for Vonda, Ronda and the boys. Each night Ronda mapped out the route for the following day and Vonda copied it. When Vonda stopped to wait for Ronda to catch up, she would replenish supplies and call to locate a RV park for the end of that day’s ride. After spending time at a campsite in Arizona and visiting with family there, the two continued on to New Mexico. In New Mexico, they helped a young man named Alex by giving him water. Alex was heading in the opposite direction on a bicycle. He was from Brazil, biking from New York to San Francisco and needed to catch a flight back home by June 27. After Ronda had been cycling for several days and was getting sore, it was time to rest. Both Vonda and Ronda could stretch their legs and explore some of the beautiful New Mexico territory. They walked over a mile on the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, a unique trail winding through a water-filled canyon. Then they drove the RV nine miles up a perilously steep road to Mogollon, an 1880s mining town now privately owned and run by its residents. Finally, they set out on foot to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, original home of the Mogollon tribe in the late 1200s. The duo set off for Texas after a two-day rest. Travel was rarely on main highways. At one point, they encountered hail so large and falling so hard,

Stamina and resilience continued to be tested when the navigation system in the RV was off and the two went 40 miles in the wrong direction before realizing it. Ronda was philosophical about it, saying that she got to ride more miles that day.

Photo submitted by Vonda Hardcastle

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Vonda Hardcastle (left) with her daughter Ronda.

The two visited places through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama before reaching St. Augustine, Florida, the final destination, June 29, 2018. Ronda cycled approximately 3,000 miles, averaging about 65 miles a day. Proud momma Vonda says that no matter how long she waited, she never tired of the wonderful excitement she felt to see Ronda coming over a mountain, around a curve or just riding toward her with a big smile. She knew Ronda was safe and accomplishing her journey, 10 miles at a time. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

~ Theodore Roosevelt

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ææwine 101 By Jon Ford

I

approaching. This is always one of the highlights of the year and a lot of fun.

n September’s class, we were introduced to the fabulous Pinot Noir grape and in October, we looked at wines infused with fruit flavors. The November class will focus on “Tempting Tempranillo,” a black grape variety widely grown to make full-bodied red wines. We will explore the many Tempranillo wines available as well as some blends featuring Tempranillo.

In order to make signing up for this event as fair as possible for all interested residents, there will be a different sign-up format this year. To accommodate as many people as possible, there will be two classes: December 6 and 20. You may only sign up for one class and each sign-up may be for only one household.

The class will be held Thursday, November 15. (Sign-ups began October 19.) If you didn’t get a space, keep your eye on social media for potential postings of tickets and/or check at the front desk the morning of the class to see if someone who cannot attend left tickets there.

Sign-ups for the December 6 class will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, November 19. There will be a table in the lobby of the Clubhouse for signing up.

November participants are to bring a Tempranillo to the event to share with their table and other interested parties. In addition, bring your own wine glasses and an appetizer to share with the class. I am pleased to announce, that although not finalized by any means, I have plans to carry this class at least into June 2020. DECEMBER POTLUCK AND BOTTLE EXCHANGE For people new to our community, the long awaited December “Potluck and Bottle Exchange,” probably the most popular class of the year, is fast

LEARN HOW TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL HEALTH!

Saving places for other residents is not permitted. Each household may sign up for a maximum of two tickets. Upon signing up, you will be given a ticket to give to the front desk to pay for your spots. Tickets for this event will be $5 per person, non-refundable. In addition to the ticket, you will be assigned to bring a salad, entrée or dessert to the event. If for any reason you sell your tickets or pass them on, please let the recipients know what they are supposed to bring. Sign-ups for the December 20 “Potluck and Bottle Exchange” will be held Wednesday, November 21 at 10 a.m. The same rules and instructions as mentioned above will apply to this day.

SO MANY WINES, SO LITTLE TIME!

YOU CAN FEEL GREAT, HAVE ENERGY TO BE ABLE TO DO THE THINGS YOU WANT TO! We c We can an tteach each h yyou ou h how ow tto o practic practice ce a healthy lifestyle and avoid the effects of Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol, Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux, Joint Inflammation, Obesity and more. Weight loss can be a side effect of using the Habits!!

Joe

and

Susie Blair RN-BSN

Joe_SusieForHealth@yahoo.com Cell 209-401-1266 • www.susieforhealth.Optavia.com

Before

After

In-Home Senior Care for Total Peace of Mind 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 Live-In Care

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CA License #0642874 Office: 209.825.2100/Cell: 209.538.1300 wiggins08@sbcglobal.net Medical, Dental & Life Insurance

209-952-3585

PO Box 1174 Manteca, CA 95336

www.jmhomecare

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ææDid You Know. . . French Toast Compiled by Mike Spence

French Toast Day is November 28, but did you know? • French toast may not be French at all. It was served in the 4th century to Romans. It was called aliter dulcia, “another sweet dish.” • French toast uses day-old or stale bread not only for thrift but because it absorbs more and holds together better than fresh bread when dipped in beaten eggs. • French toast goes by many names: nun’s toast, eggy bread, gypsy toast, poor knights (of Windsor), Spanish toast, German toast and others. • Some of the earliest recipes for French toast required only white bread with trimmed crusts and was served to nobility. • The Santa Fe Railroad served “French Toast a la Santa Fe” in its dining cars and gave away printed recipes as a promotional feature. • Topping French toast with maple syrup is common in the U.S. but elsewhere toppings include: cane syrup, honey, jam, fruit, bacon or cheese. • The French lay claim to be the country of origin of French bread because it was titled as such in the earliest known printed recipe that appeared in Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink in 1871. • The Monte Cristo is at least a cousin of more traditional French bread. It is a sandwich made with sliced ham, Swiss cheese and sliced turkey then dipped in beaten eggs and pan or deep-fried. It is served with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar. • The folks on the British Isles seem to prefer less sweet versions of French toast. The British top it with catsup while the Irish like to wrap the toast around a sausage and eat it sandwich-style. • The French refer to French toast as pain perdu (lost bread), apparently referring to the fact that the recipe uses stale bread that would otherwise be discarded and lost. • The “Hong Kong” version of French toast involves two slices of bread with peanut butter or fruit jam between, dipped in an egg wash then deep-fried. It is served with butter and syrup. • If you want to purchase private or boarding school uniforms for boys and girls, you may want to visit www.frenchtoast.com. Resources: mobile-cuisine.com, wonderopolis.org, tenrandomfacts.com, frenchtoast. com and en.wikipedia.org

“REGUA Real Estate Team” g Eldon R. Regua, Maj Gen(R), MBA Realtor BRE#01970692

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40 -892-0861 (c)

408-519-6466 (fax) CirellaRegua@aol.com

Woodbridge Residents

November 2018 • Page 35

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ææ HEALTH TIPS

LIVE LONGER AND HEALTHIER Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Restock for Health! By Susie Blair, RN-BSN “Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day” is November 15. Good timing to get your refrigerator ready for holiday cooking and events. It is important to keep your appliance clean and organized but it is even more important that it contain the right foods for your health. The following suggestions were found on the NationalDayCalendar.com website. First get your cleaning supplies and a large garbage bag ready and then plunge in! - Empty out the shelves - Wash down the shelves and inside walls of the refrigerator, including inside the door - Take out the drawers and wipe underneath them - Vacuum the condenser coils - Get rid of expired or moldy food, or things you will not use Now decide what goes back in and what to buy – suggestions are shown below. What you should keep out of your refrigerator (according to www.eatthis.com): Soymilk – due to its possible estrogen-like effects and fat content, consider substituting with something like almond milk (cow’s milk may not be digested well by some adult humans). Egg Beaters – Dana James, certified dietician nutritionist, opines, “This is as far from a natural egg as you can get. …this product is processed so much that makers actually have to add in synthetic vitamins…Go for the real thing instead.” According to their website, Egg Beaters contain 99% egg whites, seasoning, beta carotene for coloring and added vitamins and minerals. Fruit Smoothies – Store bought options are usually high glycemic (raising your blood sugar quickly), with dairy products that are very high calorie and cheap sweeteners. If you make your own, consider controlling the glycemic effect by adding protein powder. Fruit Juice – When fruit is processed into juice, most of the fiber is taken out and the sugar is concentrated in the fruit. What you end up with is something that has as much sugar as soda and very little nutrient value left. It’s better to eat the whole fruit instead! Sodas – The phosphorus contained in most sodas (diet or regular) can deplete the calcium in bones and teeth. The equivalent

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of about 20 sugar cubes contained in one can soda, which can quickly raise your blood sugar and insulin production (causing inflammation). Guillen Gonzalez-Lomas, MD and sports medicine specialist, says, “Diet beverages contain low doses of carcinogens and artificial sweeteners that have potentially dangerous side effects on the brain and metabolism.” No good news in soda!

is

of

Deli and Other Processed Meats – read the labels carefully – most have nitrates and other chemicals. David L. Katz, MD, MPH, states, “If you eat meat, it should be pure, like you want your own muscles to be.” Look for organic, free range, grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish. Organic may seem like a luxury, but your body is worth not getting infused with growth hormones! One of my pet projects is warning against the dangers of margarine. According to TheRealFoodGuide.com, due to its processing and partial hydrogenation you are left with trans-fats along with synthetic and artificial ingredients. Butter made from grass-fed cow’s milk is a better option (in moderation). What you should keep in your refrigerator: Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs (organic where possible) Plant-based milks (almond, cashew, rice) and low-fat dairy products Condiments like salsa, mustard, pickles, hummus, miso paste and nutritional yeast Organic, grass fed, free-range meats and eggs and wild-caught fish Water and plain iced tea Eat to live a longer and healthier life – don’t live to eat! DISCLAIMER: Woodbridge LIFE is not a source of legal or medical guidance. The above article is the author’s opinion and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or for nutritional guidance.

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ææ WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE

San Joaquin Kit Fox - The Midnight Roamer of Woodbridge By Jana Kattenhorn

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e have a very special resident at Woodbridge. Sightings of the San Joaquin Kit Fox and pups began about the time the fields and crops west of Airport Road were plowed under in preparation for construction. This protected and endangered California native once roamed the grasslands of San Joaquin Valley but with the advent of agriculture and housing developments, its habitat is quickly disappearing. The San Joaquin Kit Fox is the smallest of all the wild dogs, standing only 12 inches at the shoulder, and until you see the bushy tail, big pointed ears and pointed nose, you might mistake it for a cat. It is nocturnal and eats insects, rats, mice, lizards and birds. Kit foxes live in dens made by other burrowing animals as well as in drainage pipes and other small crawl spaces. In the southern end of the valley, the Kit Fox is adapting to urban survival. These small, shy foxes will not attack you or your pets.

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Photo by Peterson B. Moose, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Because they are a protected species, there are some do’s and don’ts with regard to how to share our yards with them. Do not feed them (keep garbage cans closed) or put out water for them. They do not drink water as they get the moisture they need from the live kills they eat. One of the biggest dangers to them after habitat destruction is rat and mouse poison. Because of the danger to children, pets and the endangered and protected San Joaquin Kit Fox, some types of d-CON® were banned from use in California. Sources used to compile this article: Defenders of Wildlife (https://defenders.org/san-joaquin-kit-fox/basic-facts), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/keep-me-wild/kit-fox), California Department of Pesticide Regulation Endangered Species Project (https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/endspec/espdfs/sjkfden.pdf), Conservation strategies for San Joaquin Kit Foxes in urban environments (http://esrp.csustan.edu/publications/pdf/cypher_etal_2012_urban_kitfox_ conservation_esrp.pdf). For more information visit their web sites.

Travel Adventures

Thank you for your participation!

~ Nannette Giomi

All trips pick up from Woodbridge Community Center TOURS

Destination:

ith the holiday cooking season upon us, this is a great time to clip those Box Tops for local schools. They are most appreciative of our support. Please check the expiration dates to make sure the Box Tops are current and drop your coupons into the bright yellow collection box in the library at the Clubhouse. Additional information may be found at www.boxtops4education.com, or call me at 665-4026.

“HAmilton”

Overnight-San francisco April 23 & 24, 2019 Price$769 dbl / $899 sgl

This overnight San Francisco theater trip includes orchestra seating for Hamilton, lunch at Treasure Island Culinary Academy ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ǰȱ time in Union Square and the Ferry Building’s gourmet marketplace.

All extended trips include airfare and transportation to the airport Call or email for a detailed daily itinerary on any trip

Cirque du Soleil “VOLTA”

2 Trips to Choose from: A T & T Park San Francisco January 13, 2019 Price $269 or Santa Clara County Fairgrounds March 3, 2019 Price $289

Known for its breathtaking stunts, avante-garde costumes and stylish music, Cirque du Soleil has breathtakingly reinvented the circus. Lunch included on both trips.

Alaskan Cruise & Denali National Park 12 Days, Aug. 29-Sept. 9, 2019 Price: $3,879 dbl ins / $5,389 sgl ins $4,979 dbl bal / $7,589 sgl bal

The best of Alaska combines the majesty of Denali National Park with a cruise of stunning coastlines and dazling glaciers onboard NCL’s Norwegian Jewel. Meet an Iditarod musher and his sled dog team. Tour Anchorage and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Experience. Airfaire included.

For reservations: e-mail robin@setness.com or call (209) 476-8486

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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 wblife2017@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. Dave and Paula Klein enjoyed a visit to the beautiful and breathtaking Lake Louise while in Banff, British Columbia, Canada, for a family wedding. 2. Jeannie Lowery visited Bonn, Cologne, Cochem, Alken, Koblenz, Heidelberg and Rudesheim, Germany. 3. Sally and Phil Rankin attended the College World Series in Wichita, Kansas. 4. Sandi and Kirk Kinyon ate at Guy Fieri's restaurant in Las Vegas. (No, Guy wasn't there!) 5. (L to R): Linda Medler, Karen Penzenstadler, Charm Mathis and Karen Mower learned to pour and taste beer at Guinness Brewery, located in the heart of St. James Gate, Dublin, Ireland. They found the beer quite tasty! 6. The Appleleaf Gang enjoyed themselves on a dinner cruise along the Delta.

4. 3.

2.

5.

5.

6.

Send travel photos to WBLIFE2017@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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