WBL MARCH 2018 by Woodbridge LIFE

W oodbridge LIFE Volume 8 • Issue 3 • Number 78

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

March • 2018

Crochet/Knitting Group

March Daylight Saving Time

Touching lives with handwork

d r a w r o F g Sprin

Sunday, March 11

Inside

Calendar.. . . . . . . . Events and Tours.. . Gardener’s Corner .. Groups and Clubs. . Triker’s Travels. . . . Where in the World.. Wine 101.. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

.9 .8 27 .6 32 34 26

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

WBL photo by Sharyl Burgeson

Debbie Vierra (right) creates darling, cuddly dogs of soft, furry yarn. Charlotte Richards (left), the newest member of the group, has made two baby blankets in four months and is now working on her first baby hat. See crochet/knitting group page 18-19

Page 2 â&#x20AC;¢ March 2018

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

W oodbridge LIFE

March 2018 • Page 3

From the Editor

What’s Happening at Woodbridge?

By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

By Jennie Custodio, Activities/Events Coordinator (New Kid on the Block)

n January’s edition, I wrote of looking back, taking inventory and reframing resolutions and goals in a more agreeable, positive way called “self-cultivation” (rather than “selfimprovement”). Remember? It would be less about finding something wrong and fixing it and more about taking care of and building on what I already am.

CarolJoJoHargreaves, Hargreaves,WBL WBLEditor Editor Carol So, for the past two months, I have followed my desires, things I want to do and learn and be to fulfill myself. Right now I am patting myself on the back for two positive changes. I am taking care of myself in new ways. I purchased and am regularly using a variable-height desk that lets me alternate between sitting and standing when I use my computer (for hours on end!) Second, I began (and am sticking to) a more healthful, plant-based eating plan (less protein, more veggies). Not having a sore back, losing a few pounds and feeling better about myself, although they may not make me “a more interesting person,” definitely help me take more pleasure in living! Quickly diverging from the topic of “healthful eating,” this month Mike Spence compiles facts about the world’s best-selling cookie on page 31. Mike is always able to collect fascinating crumbs of information! Cate White sets forth a plan for preparing summer vegetable gardens in her feature, “Gardener’s Corner,” on page 27. Cate’s always-helpful checklist may be clipped and used as a reminder of the month’s tasks. Marie Evans helps us get better acquainted with Gene Bedard, the avid 78-year-old bicyclist who in 2017 challenged himself to ride 100 miles for each year of his age. Gene not only met, he exceeded his goal. Read his success story on page 20. Kirby Brown was one of a minority who got up very early to see January’s “Super Blue Blood Moon.” Since this event hasn’t happened since 1866 and won’t happen again until 2037, Kirby felt he had to be present. See Kirby’s photographs and humorously informational story on page 22. At this writing, only one new Woodbridge house remains to be sold. Charlie Fairchild pens a poignant letter to all buyers who made Pulte sales consultants’ jobs memorable. You’ll find Charlie’s thank you letter on page 16. As always, there are multitudes of fun-sounding events and activities on the calendar this month. We welcome Jennie Custodio, Activities/Events Coordinator, as a regular contributor to Woodbridge LIFE. Jennie is enthusiastic about staying the dynamic course set by John Baber and adding her own personal touch to future events. Jennie introduces herself on this page. If you haven’t already done so, stop by and say hello to Jennie next time you’re at the Clubhouse. We thank everyone who has taken Woodbridge LIFE on vacation with them and shared their photos in “Where in the World” (page 34). It seems this newspaper travels more than all of us put together! Today is “Read Across America Day.” Do your part by reading Woodbridge LIFE! ~ Carol Jo Hargreaves and the Woodbridge LIFE Team The deadline for submission of articles and photographs for the April 2018 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Monday, March 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!

’ve had the pleasure of meeting several residents in my first few weeks here but if you don’t know who I am, I am the “New Kid on the Block,” appropriately named “Jennie from the Block” already by a few folks, and I’m your new Activities/ Events Coordinator. The biggest question I’ve gotten so far is “Who are you?” A little about me. I have 18 years of administrative and event planning experience, having spent the last five years helping coordinate fundraising events for senior living communities in California, Arizona, Washington and Las Vegas. When I’m not planning activities, I’m, well… planning activities. No, seriously! I am a mom to three little kids, Noah (5), Paige (3) and Gavin (2) and they are always counting on Mommy to come up with fun new activities and party ideas. Happily married for almost 10 years to my husband Ryan whom I met back at Tennyson High School. I’m a baseball mom, a pancake artist, a wine enthusiast, a foodie and a photographer in my spare time. I am a Bay Area native and grew up in Hayward, moved out to the Valley almost 10 years ago and now call River Islands in Lathrop home, where we just bought our first home three years ago. I hope you can all bear with me as I transition into my new role. I know I have some big shoes to fill (and I’m trying to do it in heels!). Planning events is truly my

Jennie Custodio, Activities/Events Coordinator passion and I hope to bring fresh and fun new ideas to Woodbridge to keep the party going. I’m open to suggestions. Please swing by and introduce yourself and tell me what you’d like to see here in the community. I’m all ears! I’m just getting started but already have some activities in the pipeline for March to add to those John set up before he left. Slingshot will be returning for our potluck, March 29, and I’ve arranged a casino trip to Jackson Rancheria for March 13. The Men of Woodbridge will host their annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner, Wednesday, March 14, and we’ve got a Troop Packing event Saturday, March 17. Tom Scardina and his wife will be test-driving their new paella pan in Cooking 401, March 20, which is sure to be a treat for your taste buds! Finally, a huge thanks to everyone for such a warm welcome. I’m so happy to be here and already feel like part of the Woodbridge family.

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 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2018

From the Bridge

From the W Bridge By Ramon Rivera

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WOA Update

began sending out follow-up email blasts along with video updates of Listening Post to reach residents who cannot attend and to provide everyone in the community the opportunity to receive updates on %\ 5DPRQ 5LYHUD operations. Your response to these emails is opening new lines of communication and, hopefully, will lead to increased attendance and WOA Communication participation from residents.

OA operations are in full swing as we enter the month of March. The WOA Board of Directors is actively working on several important items as we continue down the path %\ 5DPRQ 5LYHUD of transition. The board has approved the formation of Rules & Regulations and Transition committees to assist with the tasks ahead. Communication is the focus of the board of directors and, as staff, it is our job to implement this policy across operations.

The feeling of change is once again among us. With new leadership come new ideas. When change begins, everyone reacts differently, which is normal, but the focus should not change. The focus will always be Woodbridge and what we have to do as an organization and community to continue strengthening a place that has become important to us all. I believe this transition period will be an opportunity for the community to come together in a positive manner and pave the way for the future. Laws that govern California homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associations are changing. With that comes change in the rules and regulations. The board and operations are well aware of these changes and we will communicate how they will be handled. As an organization, our focus will be communicating and providing multiple avenues to stay informed. Coming up this month, please join us for Listening Post, Thursday, March 8, at 3 p.m. and the board of directors meeting, Wednesday, March 28, at 4 p.m.

5DPRQ 5LYHUD Operations Manager

Through attendance at monthly board meetings and Listening Posts, residents have opportunities to stay up-to-date on all business. The feedback we have received over the first part of the year indicates improvements residents seek are being implemented. This year we

WOA Update By Ramon Rivera

WOA Common Area Rock and Bark Suggestions Deadline The decorative rock and bark display showing 11 different colors and sizes of rock will be available for viewing through the end of the day Friday, March 9. Forms available near the display may be completed and will be tallied. All input/suggestions will be taken into consideration. A recommendation for the WOA Board of Directors will be created through feedback received via your suggestions plus price, availability, etc. We seek to have a recommendation ready for directors at the upcoming board meeting, March 28 at 4 p.m.

Disaster Preparedness Task Force The WOA is seeking volunteers to join our newest task force focusing on an emergency disaster plan for the Woodbridge community. We seek volunteers with prior experience in developing emergency disaster plans. Applications will be available until Friday, March 23. We plan to conduct interviews the week of March 26-30 and form the task force the first week of April. We will need participation and buy-in from members to make this a successful effort. If you are interested, come by the front desk to pick up an application.

WBL photo by Sharyl Burgeson

Ő˘

Rules and Regulations Committee Applications If you are interested in serving on the newly adopted Rules and Regulations Committee, please stop by the front desk to pick up an application. We seek volunteers who are interested in serving the community. Participation is key in getting this committee off the ground. The WOA Board of Directors will appoint volunteers to the committee.

Daylight Saving Time A friendly reminder to set your clock forward Sunday, March 11, as Daylight Saving Time begins.

SAFETY ALERT Please be mindful of screws, nails and other debris when $ 9(5< 9(5< %,* 7+$1. <28 72 5(6,'(17 :$<1( :$5' :+2 walking or driving in construction zones. Stay safe! ~ WOA

%5,1*6 86 7+( 0267 '(&$'(17 9$5,(7< 2) &+2&2/$7(6

www.ourwoodbridge.net

W oodbridge LIFE

March 2018 • Page 5

From the Boardroom By Roger Cunning, president, WOA board of directors

t sure seems like this has been a very short winter. Apparently, the groundhog looked the wrong way and never saw his shadow this year! This is the time when we all must begin looking at the landscaping around our individual homes as well as within the association’s common property. The five directors recently attended continuing training in how to be a knowledgeable, effective board member. Our association attorney Deon Stein conducted the training. Laws impacting homeowner associations frequently change so this continuing education is critically important. The board agreed with Operations Manager Ramon Rivera’s recommendation to replace the bark ground cover surrounding the Lakeview Clubhouse with rock. When it rains, the bark around the Clubhouse tends to wash away with the water runoff. Ramon provided a display of rock possibilities, hoping that residents would offer their opinions regarding the rock selection. This is for our association-owned common areas only. It has nothing to do with residential properties. The tall Canary Pine trees that lined Del Webb Boulevard were removed several months ago because they posed a safety issue and a nuisance to adjacent neighbors. The trees continuously dropped leaves and branches into homeowners’ yards. Our Union Ranch city-approved tree list must be revised to allow a more suitable, appropriate tree replacement. Because of the high cost of the permit, the board decided to postpone tree replacement for a few years to take advantage of other areas in our community that may also require a change to the plan.

Ask

The board recently decided to suspend using Robert’s Rules of Order during board meetings. Enacted in 2007, this provision has not been followed to the letter. Also, the board suspended the need for a parliamentarian, once deemed required in 2007 but not appointed in anyone’s recent memory. The Davis-Stirling Act addresses this topic states that both of the above are not required. That being said, the board decided the practices of good decorum we have been using in our meetings will be continued. We welcome your attendance at the next scheduled meeting of the board of directors on Wednesday, March 28, at 4 p.m.

March 2018 WOA Committee Meetings Meeting

Day

Date

Time

ARC Inspections New Resident Orientation Listening Post ARC Review ARC Inspections ARC Review Finance Committee WOA Board Meeting

Tuesday Thursday Thursday Tuesday

3/6/18 3/8/18 3/8/18 3/13/18 3/20/18 3/27/18 3/27/18 3/28/18

9 a.m. 10 a.m. 3 p.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 12 p.m. 4 p.m.

Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday

ARChie

“Everyone gives up something to live in a community association like ours…” Dear neighbors, When you were making the final decisions to purchase your new home in Woodbridge, did you think what it was going to be like having to give up a little of your individuality in style or design so that we all might live in harmony? Or were your thoughts to live out the spirit of the community’s original concept? Well, I recently read an article from another Del Webb community’s newsletter and thought it worth sharing. Thank you to Rusty from Del Webb Lake Providence, Mt. Juliette, Tennessee, for giving us a “thumbs up” to print. (A few edits were made to mesh with our Woodbridge community). “Everyone gives up something to live in a community association like ours: total control of our yards, walking our pets, limits on holiday lights, birdhouse locations, exterior home colors. We all have some item that chafes us and yet we accept it to live here and enjoy what our community offers. But why does a new community need such rules? When a large number of people from all walks of life and backgrounds come together, they bring diverse expectations of what they want from their new community and what they can do with their property. So, there have to be some standards, rules and procedures for how we will interact and govern ourselves as well as maintain our yards, homes

and common areas for the good of the whole community. We all agreed to a group of governing documents in order to live here. You can read them on the portal. These documents establish common expectations among ourselves regarding a wide range of issues and what we value as a community. Our rules are not perfect. There are provisions to change the rules if a sufficient number of residents seek to affect our evolving community standards. Living in a community association is not for everyone. Living here means we all have to give a little bit. We are slowly establishing our cultural identity as a very unique 5/9/17 community in Central California. Let’s keep an eye on the bigger picture evolving here: our community’s values and culture.”

~ ARChie

NOW, a bit of fun to begin the month of March. Spring is on its way! You know you live in an HOA if:

4/25/17

12 p.m.

• You have stamped and colored concrete … everywhere! • Your neighbor signals for you to slow down and you are going 23 mph. • You know your neighbors by their dogs’ names. See

ARChie page 6

Cooking 401 Jan Spence Crochet/Knitting Page 6 • March 2018 Kathy Topping

924-8032 3rd Tuesday @ 2 p.m. 239-8718 Thursdays @ 10 a.m.

Cribbage

825-4805 Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.

ARChie

From Drama

Dave Steffy

W oodbridge LIFE

page 5 Michelle Paradis 815-9446 Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Pat Buxton 824-9257 • Walking your dog is a full-time job. Game Night Rick Hyden 239-8663 Hand Footstart a conversation Sue Cameron • &You with: 624-3982 Ladies Billiards Mary Braun 229-6379 1. Who did YOUR landscaping? Line Dancing (Beginning) Sue Lough 624-3713 Line Patti Barnhart Dancing 2. THEY let you put in THAT?629-8838 Line Dancing (Evening) Bill Goodwin 823-9767

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.

of3. How did youChuck get THAT the ARC?2nd Monday @ 10 a.m. Men Woodbridge Harveypast647-4479 818• You put on yourCindy nametag to go to the mailbox. National (American) Carlsen 429-1221 Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mah Jongg 647-2695 Fridays 1 - 3 p.m. • Your dog piddles on plastic grass. Neighborhood Watch Block Captains will be Group Bob Hall 239-5712 notified of meetings You can’t carry Patti on aBarnhart conversation withoutTuesdays someone Oil• Painters 629-8838 @ using 9 a.m. the words “newbie” or “founding member.” Mondays @ 4 - 5 p.m. Paddle Tennis Stan Sutfin 815-9735 at Liberty Park • You refer to a narrow strip of land between the sidewalk and street Pickleball Barbara Shapiro 823-3343 M-F. Time varies as a “boulevard.” Ping Pong John Goodman 629-8200 Mondays @ 1 - 3 p.m. • You describe your yard by rock 510-909type, colorMondays and size. @ 2:15 p.m. Pinochle Robert Philis 8997 Thursdays @ 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. • Nothing is added to your calendar on a Tuesday because you refuse AlBowling Sanchez time. 239-8235 Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. & Poker to miss your WiiJoe Victoria 815-9343 Fridays @ 5 p.m. Radio Bob“potluck” Umberger and239-2983 Days and times • Controlled You hear Flyers the word you’re reminded that vary it’s tonight.

Robotics

Don St. Lawrence 825-7137 Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. • You wonder, “Did ARC approve that paint color?” Westport Room, Scrapbook Group Elaine DeSouza 603-9796 3rd Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have other “You know you live818in an HOA if ” suggestions please contact Leilani Rodriguez at 824-7581 email at@lrodriguez@ Shang-hai Rummy Cindy Carlsen 429-1221or Tuesdays 12 - 3 p.m. ourwoodbridge.net and she will forward them on to ARChie. 647-2695 Social Dancing Anthony Aquino 408Thursdays @ 4-5 p.m. in the Multipurpose 206-8993 Until next month, Room Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt 624-3754 Mondays @ 2 p.m. Tennis Mel Topping 239-8718~ ARChie 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. Wine 101 Wii Bowling Women of Woodbridge Woodbridge Pool Hustlers Woodbridge Book Group Woodbridge Senior Softball Club Woodbridge Seniors Golf Club Woodbridge Singers

Jon Ford Rick Hyden Polly Smith

815-9803 Days vary 639-2003 Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. 665-7236 3rd Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Monday through Friday Ron Plummer 609-4350 @ 12 - 3 p.m. Patty DeRoos 239-2833 1st Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m. 408John Ochoa 981-3499 Seasonal 4083rd Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m. Mike Patterson 640-9768 in the Oxford Room Meets every other Monday Elizabeth 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 Women’s Bible Study

Contact Dave Basehore Sue Edmiston Betty Buff Babara Silva Carolyn Johnson

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

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WOA Groups and Clubs: Groups & Clubs

Contact Artists & Crafters Nedra Ball Ballroom Dance Patti Barnhart Bocce Ball Rick Hyden Bridge Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun Bunco Susan Holt Canasta Judy Simpson Chair Volleyball Dave Steffy Chess Club Jack Dauler Cooking 401 Jan Spence Crochet/Knitting Kathy Topping Cribbage Dave Steffy Drama 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) Bill Goodwin Men of Woodbridge Chuck Harvey

Phone 815-9309 629-8838 824-9257 825-7137 229-6379 275-5817 647-2901 825-4805 269-8575 924-8032 239-8718 825-4805 815-9446 824-9257 239-8663 624-3982 229-6379 624-3713 629-8838 823-9767 647-4479 818429-1221 647-2695

National (American) Mah Jongg Neighborhood Watch Group Oil Painters

Cindy Carlsen Bob Hall Patti Barnhart

239-5712 629-8838

Paddle Tennis Pickleball Ping Pong

Stan Sutfin Barbara Shapiro John Goodman

815-9735 823-3343 629-8200 510-9098997 239-8235 815-9343 239-2983

Pinochle

Robert Philis Al Sanchez Poker Joe Victoria Radio Controlled Flyers Bob Umberger

Meeting Day and Time 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. 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 notified of meetings Tuesdays @ 9 a.m. Mondays @ 4 - 5 p.m. at Liberty Park M-F. Time varies Mondays @ 1 - 3 p.m. Mondays @ 2:15 p.m. Thursdays @ 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. & Fridays @ 5 p.m. Days and times vary

Robotics

Don St. Lawrence 825-7137 Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Westport Room, Scrapbook Group Elaine DeSouza 603-9796 3rd Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 818Shang-hai Rummy Cindy Carlsen 429-1221 Tuesdays @ 12 - 3 p.m. 647-2695 Social Dancing Anthony Aquino 408Thursdays @ 4-5 p.m. 206-8993 in the Multipurpose Room Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt 624-3754 Mondays @ 2 p.m. Tennis Mel Topping 239-8718 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 510Wheels of Woodbridge Steve Ray 876-2962 Wine 101 Jon Ford 815-9803 Wii Bowling Rick Hyden 639-2003 Women of Woodbridge Polly Smith 665-7236 Woodbridge Pool Hustlers Ron Plummer 609-4350 Woodbridge Book Group Patty DeRoos 239-2833 Woodbridge Senior 408Softball Club John Ochoa 981-3499 Woodbridge 408Seniors Golf Club Mike Patterson 640-9768 Woodbridge Singers

M-W-F @ 8:30 a.m. 1st Tuesday @ 10:30 a.m. Days vary Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. 3rd Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Monday through Friday @ 12 - 3 p.m. 1st Wednesday @ 10:30 a.m.

Seasonal 3rd Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m. in the Oxford Room Meets every other Monday 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

â&#x20AC;&#x2030;Reaching Out

Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581 Board of Directors

Roger Cunning, President Norm Hauser, Vice President Bob Teglia, Secretary Terry Hickey, Treasurer Andrew Price, Director-at-Large

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: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woodbridge LIFE is a celebration of the diversified residents of Woodbridge by Del Webb in Manteca â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a look at their accomplishments, an exploration of their hopes and dreams, a place to share joy, announce activities and bring neighbors together. Woodbridge LIFE strives to enhance the lives of all residents and exceed expectations with informative articles, lively features, a calendar of events and more.â&#x20AC;?

March â&#x20AC;˘ Page Page 7 â&#x20AC;˘2018 May 20167

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 EDITORIAL TEAM Sharyl Burgeson, asst. editor Jennie Custodio Marie evans Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair Ann King Judy McNamara Volker Moerbitz Pepper Noble Ramon Rivera Leilani Rodriguez Mike Spence Shelley Tate Cate White

239-1492 824-7927 239-3726 823-3538 650-464-0151 923-4718 239-7965 239-1933 495-6803 824-7581 924-8032 479-4249 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, -*'& JOWJUFT TUPSJFT QIPUPHSBQIT DPNNFOUT cartoons, jokes and any other information that DBSUPPOT KPLFT BOE BOZ PUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO UIBU would be of interest to residents. We reserve 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 UIF SJHIU UP SFGVTF BEWFSUJTJOH PS BSUJDMFT UIBU of the newspaper. The Woodbridge LIFE JO PVS PQJOJPO EP OPU SFnFDU UIF TUBOEBSET advertising contract permits each advertiser toPG UIF OFXTQBQFS ÉŠF PQJOJPOT FYQSFTTFE conduct one event per year in the Lakeview XIFUIFS CZ QBJE BEWFSUJTFNFOU PS FEJUPSJBM Clubhouse Multipurpose Room. The opinions DPOUFOU EP OPU OFDFTTBSJMZ SFnFDU UIF WJFXT PG expressed, whether by paid advertisement or 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, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the journalistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SFGFSFODF ÉŠF QVCMJTIFS JT OPU SFTQPOTJCMF GPS bible,â&#x20AC;? as a writing and editing reference. The VOTPMJDJUFE NBOVTDSJQUT PS BSUXPSL .BUFSJBMT publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted TVCNJUUFE XJUI B TFMG BEESFTTFE TUBNQFE with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will FOWFMPQF XJMM CF SFUVSOFE $POUFOUT DPQZSJHIU beÂŞ returned. Contents copyright ÂŠ 2018 by 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.

&RQWDFW XV

WBLIFE2017@gmail.com

In Memoriam In tribute to a loved one who has died, Woodbridge LIFE welcomes residents to submit up to 100 words and a 2-inch x 2-inch photo (optional) for publication. Send submissions by email to wblife2017@gmail.com

Page 8 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2018

Woodbridge Owners Woodbridge Owners Association Association Committees Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW â&#x20AC;˘ Jacquie Alexander, Chair alexander-fox@comcast.net ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 209-823-2914 â&#x20AC;˘

Jacquie Alexander, Chair

FINANCEalexander-fox@comcast.net COMMITTEE â&#x20AC;˘ Jacob Lewis, Chair 823-2914 lijalewis@comcast.net 647-2995

FINANCE COMMITTEE LIFESTYLE â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ Jacob Lewis, Chair John Baber, Chair lijalewis@comcast.net jbaber@ourwoodbridge.net 647-2995 824-7927

LIFESTYLE COMMUNICATION â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Jennie Custodio, Chair Carol Jo Hargreaves, Chair Woodbridge LIFE Editor and jcustodio@ourwoodbridge.net Directory Chair 824-7927

cjohargreaves@gmail.com 823-3538 COMMUNICATION

â&#x20AC;˘ WELCOMING Carol Jo COMMITTEE Hargreaves, Chair Woodbridge LIFE Editor and â&#x20AC;˘ Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net Directory Chair 665-4353 WBLIFE2017@gmail.com 823-3538 â&#x20AC;˘

Jeannie Tebbutt, Co-Chair

jltebbutt@gmail.com WELCOMING COMMITTEE 923-4356 â&#x20AC;˘ Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS 665-4353 â&#x20AC;˘ Bill Barnhart

â&#x20AC;˘

bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838

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

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS â&#x20AC;˘ Bill Barnhart, Co-Chair bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838 â&#x20AC;˘

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.

W oodbridge LIFE

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Coming to Woodbridge Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and ACTIVITIES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 2018 Submitted by Jennie Custodio, Activities/Events Coordinator

SOCIAL DANCING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday, March 1 @ 4 p.m. Join Andrew Aquino as he teaches our new Social Dancing class every Thursday at 4 p.m. Learn how to do the Basic Boogie, Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa and more! In the Multipurpose Room. No sign-up necessary. Limited to the first 30 people. Free. NO CLASS MARCH 8.

MEN OF WOODBRIDGE ST. PATRICKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY DINNER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wednesday, March 14 @ 5 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Enjoy a traditional St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day dinner including corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots and rolls. Dessert, water and coffee provided. Feel free to bring your own beverage. In the Multipurpose Room. Pay at the front desk. $15

MARY MENZ ARGENTINE TANGO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Monday, March 5 @ 11 a.m. and Monday, March 19 @ 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mary Menz returns this month to bring her love of dance to Woodbridge. She has danced in many tango festivals throughout the world including Bueno Aires, London, Paris, Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam. In the Multipurpose Room. RSVP at the front desk. Free

WINE 101: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Wine Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s View of the Worldâ&#x20AC;? Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Come join Wine 101 as Russ Winton, a wine writer for the Modesto Bee and Merced Sun-Star, shares his journalistic journey and writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective on wine. Please bring a wine of your choice to share at your table, your own wine glass and an appetizer to share with the class. In the Multipurpose Room. Pay at the front desk. $3

NEW RESIDENT ORIENTATION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday, March 8 @ 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Learn more about your Woodbridge Owners Association and join the Clubhouse team as they answer your questions. Learn about the association structure, the Architectural Review process and the resources and activities available to you. In the Oxford Room. RSVP at the front desk.

HEALTH FORUM: HEART HEALTH with Bill Barnhart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuesday, March 20 @ 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Not everyone matches the standard protocol for having a major cardiac event. According to resident Bill Barnhart, several standard protocol tests said he would lead a heart-healthy life but one new test said he could possibly die tomorrow. Would you trust the standard test results or would you hedge your bets? Come and learn about the heart test and Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience. In the Andover Room. RSVP at the front desk. Free

LISTENING POST â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday, March 8 @ 3 p.m. Come share your ideas with Ramon Rivera. Something troubling you? New ideas to share? Suggestions, comments or concerns? Bring your 2 cents worth. In the Multipurpose Room.

COOKING 401: PAELLA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuesday, March 20 @ 2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Join Tom Scardina and his wife Lois as they test drive their new paella pan and prepare the perfect paella for you. In the Quincy Room. Pay at the front desk. $5

TROOP PACKING EVENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, March 10 @ 11 a.m. (Set up at 9:30 a.m.) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chuck and Terri Palmer bring their organization to PUTTING TOURNAMENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday, March 25. Woodbridge as we help support:KHQ \RX KDYH VLJQHG XS IRU DQ HYHQW DFWLYLW\ RU WRXU DQG \RX Ă&#x20AC;QG \RX DUH U.S. troops Check-in at to 1:30 p.m.callTee 2 p.m. Important Notice unable to attend, a courtesy others, thetime: Clubhouse front desk abroad. Donations are being accepted in the please, as Potluck and results will follow in the Multipurpose WR FDQFHO ,I WKH HYHQW KDV D ZDLWLQJ OLVW WKH IURQW GHVN FDQ Ă&#x20AC;OO WKH Community Living Room. In loving memory About Cancellations vacancy from the list. Thank you.Please bring a dish to share. Open to 72 Room. of their son, Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II, this golfers. Deadline for signing up is 12 p.m., March packing event benefits displaced troops 22. Pay at the front desk. $5 CASH ONLY throughout the world. See page 15 of this newspaper or the flyer for a list of items needed WOA BOARD MEETING: Open Session or email jcustodio@ourwoodbridge.net. In the Wednesday, March 28 @ 4 p.m. Board members Multipurpose Room. will discuss operational topics, management issues, finances and other subjects. Directors CASINO TRIP TO JACKSON RANCHERIA encourage all homeowners to attend. This Tuesday, March 13 @ 8:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Board the bus meeting is for owners only. In the Multipurpose to Jackson for a five-hour stay and win big. Each Room. player receives $20 in slot play or $25 in match

play. Please arrange to be at the Clubhouse no POTLUCK WITH SLINGSHOT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday, :KHQ \RX KDYH VLJQHG XS IRU DQ HYHQW DFWLYLW\ RU WRXU DQG \RX Ă&#x20AC;QG \RX DUH later than 8:15 a.m. The emergency contact March 29 @ 5 p.m. Slingshot returns to bring the unable to attend, please, to others, call â&#x20AC;&#x201C;the Clubhouse front desk form at the front desk must be completed each as a courtesy best of the Blues, Rock and R&B to Woodbridge. WR FDQFHO ,I WKH HYHQW KDV D ZDLWLQJ OLVW WKH IURQW GHVN FDQ Ă&#x20AC;OO WKH time. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your Dreamcatcher cards. Please bring a dish to serve eight. In the Good luck! Pay at the frontvacancy desk. from $16 the CASH list. Thank you. Multipurpose Room. RSVP at the front desk. Free ONLY

Important Notice About Cancellations

W oodbridge LIFE

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March 2018 • Page 9 Winter Clubhouse hours (9/10 through 4/30) NOTE: Dates may vary seasonally.

March Events and Activities

Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Sunday

Summer Clubhouse Hours (5/1 through 8/31

Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

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As a courtesy to Woodbridgeresidents, residents, we are the following event information to assist As a courtesy to Woodbridge weproviding are providing the following event informa in planning and obtaining tickets. Please note: This information is subject change. Contactis the to assist in planning and obtaining tickets. Please note: This to information subject t Clubhouse front desk if you have questions. change. Contact the Clubhouse front desk if you have questions. See

(9(176 pag

Page 10 • March 2018

W oodbridge LIFE

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At the Clubhouse ææ CRAFTERS CORNER By Debbie Cosetto

ebruary was a quieter month for Artists & Crafters but activities for March are revving up!

Last month, a new group called Scrapbooking began. Led by Elaine DeSouza, this group creates scrapbook pages that give pictures and memories a beautiful home. Scrapbooking provides a wonderful way to display your photos and document vacations, family memories, trips and events. I stopped by their first meeting and the ladies were hard at work on each of their own projects. If you have boxes full of pictures that need a home, maybe think about creating a scrapbook. Elaine created an information sheet that provides some basic tips on getting started and organizing your photos. The group’s next meeting is Friday, March 16, at 9 a.m. If you would like to begin scrapbooking or have questions, please stop by. Our weekly groups continue to meet at their normal times. In addition to these groups, here’s how the rest of the month shapes up: Friday, March 2, at 10 a.m. – Artists & Crafters General Meeting Thursday, March 8, at 9 a.m. – Our first Out & About of the year! On this outing, we will visit some of the quilt shops participating in the March Madness Quilt Hop. The sign-up sheet is posted on the easel outside the Westport Room. Friday, March 9, at 12:30 p.m. – Molly Cooper will teach a Watercolor Painting class. This month’s painting is called “Winter Flowers.” Monday, March 19, at 10 a.m. – Kaiser Breast Cancer Pillow workshop. Kaiser Hospital provides the materials and our talented women make pillows for breast cancer patients. Please come help put these pillows together (you don’t need to know how to sew to help) and know your talent and energy is going toward helping someone who is facing a health challenge. Wednesday, March 21, at noon – Kathy Dezotte will teach a Casserole Carrier class. Thursday, March 22, at 12:30 p.m. – Connie Reed will teach a Jewelry Making class. Friday, March 23, at 10 a.m. – Kathy Dezotte will lead the Doodlebugs class. Friday, March 23, at 1 p.m. – Woodbridge Quilters will meet to showcase their amazing work and discuss techniques. Friday, March 30, at 9 a.m. – Dog & Cat Beds workshop. Come by to help make dog beds and cat mats for our furry friends currently living at local animal shelters. You don’t need to know how to sew to help. This is an all-day event and pizza will be provided to those helping out! We post our Artists & Crafters calendar of activities for the month on the easel outside the Westport Room. Sign-up sheets for any classes are also located on the easel. Have a great month!

Photo by Debbie Cosetto

Scrapbookers at their first meeting last month. (L to R): Bonnie Pater, Kathy Wright, Elaine DeSouza, Jan Spence and Ellie Engstrom.

W oodbridge LIFE

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ĂŚĂŚ bridge By Don St. Lawrence The Bridge group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the Oxford Room.

Bridge Scores FEBRUARY 5: Phyllis Tindell Don Harris Kathy Comden Phil McCallion Betty Buff Letha Watson Don St. Lawrence Barbara Kreps FEBRUARY 12: Betty Buff Don St. Lawrence Phil McCallion Phyllis Tindell Kathy Comden Don Harris Cherie Ford

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FEBRUARY 19: Phil McCallion Phyllis Tindell Marilyn Larson Barbara Kreps Cherie Ford Don Harris Kathy Comden Betty Buff Letha Watson

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FEBRUARY 26: Phyllis Tindell Phil McCallion Don Harris Cherie Ford Letha Watson Kay Schnaidt Betty Buff Kathy Comden Marilyn Larson

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March 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 11

ĂŚĂŚ WOODBRIDGE book GROUP y Judith Mohr B

n â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quiet,â&#x20AC;? author Susan Cain says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The next generation of quiet kids [introverts] can and must be raised to know their own strengths.â&#x20AC;? This idea and other intriguing insights were discussed by the Woodbridge Readers at their February 7 meeting. Most found themselves somewhere on the introversion scale and enjoyed talking about their related experiences.

Book Group

The March 5 meeting will focus on a book that has been referenced by Bugs Bunny, Lucy Ricardo and Batman as well as contemporary rappers and recent best-seller, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Glass Castle.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Tree Grows in Brooklynâ&#x20AC;? by Betty Smith was first published in 1943 and became a favorite of servicemen in World War II when it was shipped for free by Armed Services Edition Books. The themes of overcoming adversity and the strength of the human spirit make it an excellent first-time experience or re-read. If you need some extra lead time, get started on â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Embarrassment of Mangoesâ&#x20AC;? by Ann Vanderhoff. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a humorous novel and should foster an entertaining discussion at our April 4 meeting. Join us!

ĂŚĂŚ men of Woodbridge

Annual St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Dinner, March 14 By Chuck Harvey

hanks to all who came out for the Men of Woodbridge (MOW) sponsored Winter Dance in January with the Second Chance Band. The event sold out and was a great success. In February, the MOW supported the Women of Woodbridge with a work crew at their annual tea events. This month we will be delivering our annual St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day dinner. The dinner will be March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Clubhouse. Just think â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those who really like to get into the Irish spirit can celebrate at this event and then again at a venue of their choosing March 17, which most of my close Irish friends refer to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;high holiday.â&#x20AC;? The March 14 dinner will be a table-served traditional meal including corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots, rolls, dessert and coffee. Cost is $15 per person. We hope you will honor us with your support and make this year another sell out. Remember, all proceeds the MOW group raises throughout the year are given to local service organizations to help support those who need our help and to enhance the quality of life in our community. If you are interested in learning more about the Men of Woodbridge, please attend our monthly meeting held the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Clubhouse (except for once-per-quarter offsite breakfast meetings). Contact Chuck Harvey at 647-4479 or by email at skeebum55@ comcast.net if you would like to learn more.

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Page 12 • March 2018

W oodbridge LIFE

ææ women of woodbridge UPDATES By Polly Smith 2018 Officers: Polly Smith – President Mickie Gattuso – Vice President Karen Nickell – Secretary Sue Edmiston – Treasurer Fifty-five women attended the Women of Woodbridge brunch meeting in January. We want to welcome the new members. Our outgoing officers, Birdie Nieri, Connie Reed and Margaret Waters were recognized for all of their hard work with Women of Woodbridge these past years. Here is a list of our upcoming events. Mark your calendars and plan to attend: • May 10 @ 5 p.m. – SIP for Scholarship “Route 66” • TBD – Happy Hour (evening gathering on the Lakeview Clubhouse patio) • October 4 and 5 – Dine La Blanc Women of Woodbridge is open to all women who live in Woodbridge. Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month. The meetings alternate times, some day and some evening, to encourage maximum attendance. Our next meeting is March 21 at 11 a.m. in the Clubhouse Multipurpose Room. We hope to see you there.

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W oodbridge LIFE

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March 2018 • Page 13

ææ women of woodbridge

Meet Polly Smith, New Women of Woodbridge President By Carol Jo Hargreaves

olly Smith loves people, going places and doing things. She loves to play tennis, softball and chair volleyball. She participates regularly in Wine 101 and she frequently attends dances and potlucks at the Clubhouse. Polly has played softball for the Diamond Gals since her first spring as a Woodbridge resident. She was elected to serve as this year’s vice president of scheduling for the Woodbridge Senior Softball Club Council.

memory of Polly is when she demonstrated her creativity and sense of fun, dressed as “One Night Stand” at the 2017 Halloween Party. What a kick! Polly wore a jaunty lampshade on her head and a cardboard table (complete with alarm clock and bouquet of flowers) around her waist. It took me a moment and a couple of double takes to get the pun but then I was overcome with laughter. What better leadership qualities can a woman have? Friendliness, enthusiasm, optimism, a sense of humor and the willingness to serve.

Polly was the perfect candidate for president of Women of Woodbridge (WOW). What is the old saw? “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” This quote, attributed to Lucille Ball, aptly describes Polly Smith.

Welcome, President Polly!

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

209-923-4241 (c)

Eldon.Regua@gmail.com

Polly moved to Woodbridge in January 2014 from Pleasanton where she had lived for 38 years. Polly loves living in Woodbridge for all of its activity, both outdoor and indoor. She has two daughters. The youngest lives in Livermore with Polly’s two granddaughters. The oldest lives in Arizona with her husband and Polly’s three “granddogs.”

Cirella T. Regua, BA, GRI, SRES, SFR, PMC Realtor/Notary BRE#01466468

40 -892-0861 (c)

Although automatically eligible to become a member of Women of Woodbridge when she moved in, Polly became an active member of WOW in 2015. She very quickly immersed herself in the group’s activities and has participated in every WOW activity held during the past three years. Through her participation, Polly made many new friends and gained a feeling of accomplishment.

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

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Polly enjoys all of WOW’s events but confides that she especially enjoys SIP for Scholarship because it provides qualified students an opportunity to attend college through scholarship awards.

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As president of WOW, Polly says all of the new officers would like to provide information about the organization to those who attend monthly membership meetings and would like to get more women involved in planning 2019 WOW events.

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Although I thought the “Plant Your Dreams” table Polly co-hosted at the 2017 tea was beautifully set and I know she spent hours hawking butter braids in the Clubhouse and writing regular softball articles for Woodbridge LIFE, my fondest

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ææ Strummin’ wonders Ukulele group

Valentine’s Beatles Sing-Along

Outfitted in colorful top hats and goofy large-framed glasses, the Strummin’ Wonders performed many favorite Beatles songs.

The Strummin’ Wonders, a ukulele group made up of Woodbridge residents, entertained a packed house in honor of Valentine’s Day. Lyrics displayed on the screen helped everyone join in the Beatles-themed sing-along. WBL photos by Volker Moerbitz Captions by Carol Jo Hargreaves

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The Multipurpose Room was at full capacity for the Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele Band’s Beatles Sing-Along. Audience members sang along with the popular music.

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ææ Veterans of Woodbridge

The Life of a Brick By Jack Dauler

our life as a brick might have started 5,000 years ago on the banks of the eternal Nile. It took soft clay, straw and a few days’ sunbathing to create you. Your job was to help build tombs, walls and, maybe, the occasional pyramid. Later, around the Mediterranean, you were used to build brick structures throughout the Roman Empire. You proudly wore the stamped-on seal of the legion. During the Industrial Revolution, the need for you increased dramatically. For example, you were part of factory buildings in England where red stone and clay material were readily available. If red, you were used to make the buildings more visible in the heavy fog and to help prevent traffic accidents. Now you are called for another vital task: to display the name of a veteran for all to see. A veteran, who has risked his or her life to protect our country’s way of life. You have joined, shoulder-to-shoulder with other bricks to compose the Woodbridge Veterans Memorial, a place where people can view history in your inscriptions and imagine the lifechanging stories behind them. To find out more about the Woodbridge Veterans Memorial brick campaign, please see the order form found in the Clubhouse or contact Jack Dauler at 629-8575 or email daulerj@yahoo.com or Roger Cunning at 647-4380 or email r.cunning@comcast.net.

For Your Convenience AGAPE VILLAGES FOSTER FAMILY AGENCY is making See’s Candies available at Del Webb

March 2018 • Page 15

ææ Veterans of Woodbridge

TROOP PACKING EVENT By Jack Dauler

emember, Saturday, March 10, the Veterans of Woodbridge and the Men of Woodbridge will conduct another packing event for the Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II Memorial Troop Support Program. Set-up will begin at 9:30 a.m., packing boxes at 11 a.m. For those not familiar with the packing events: The general public is asked to join in preparing care packages (boxes) to be sent to deployed troops. Items needed to fill the boxes: • Games, personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, lotion, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste and floss) • Correspondence items (paper, pens, pencils) • Feminine hygiene items (tampons, pads, etc.) • High protein snacks (jerky, energy bars, nuts, etc.) • Seasonings/condiments (sugar, salt, pepper, powdered creamer, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise packets) • Personal grooming items (nail clippers, lip balm, unscented wipes, combs, brushes, disposable razors) • Socks (white or black) • Hand towels, washcloths We hope you will join us March 10!

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Page 16 • March 2018

Thank You

W oodbridge LIFE

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s a child, I was always known for having a big imagination; I was an inventor at heart and loved to solve problems and come up with creative inventions that would someday change the lives of people around the world. Unfortunately, none of my own contraptions ever won a patent or made its way onto a clever infomercial pitching a limited 2 for 1 offer. However, in the summer of 2004, soon after joining the Pulte Group, my vice president at the time took this wide-eyed, 24-yearold college recruit to an almond orchard in north Manteca and that day my life changed. She laid out a grand vision. At the time, even though it was just on a blue-print, I could see that Woodbridge was going to be something special, a project that was BIG and would change and improve the lives of so many people and I counted myself as blessed to be a part of it. Photo contributed

Over the course of the development, we literally changed the landscape of not just 355 acres of land but of the city itself. Enthusiastic residents from across the country and the state and some from just across town began to call Woodbridge by Del Webb home and as they did, they poured time and resources into the City of Manteca, the benefits of which are immeasurable. There is one more impact that Woodbridge’s residents have made and it is something that I have reflected on quite a bit lately, especially as the last home is being sold and we are just months away from handing out the last set of keys.

know that it is finally here. It is very important that the team and I take the opportunity to express our genuine appreciation for making our work so gratifying. During our time as sales consultants, many of us built lasting relationships with so many of you and we want to simply say “thank you!” We thank you for your friendship, for sharing your lives with us, for bringing us meals, introducing us to your families (and dogs), stopping by for coffee and even allowing us to show off your homes like an extension of our model park. Most importantly, we thank YOU for making this part of our careers so memorable.

Today as I write this, we have just one home to sell. All the talented sales consultants who have worked at Woodbridge over the years knew this day would come and we are sad to

Finally, while I may not have had any great inventions of my own that changed any lives, Del Webb sure did and being a part of his vision for improving the lives of people 55+ has been a tremendous experience. Looking back, we as sales people wanted to help people improve and to enrich your lives, but I don’t know that any of us knew how much YOU would impact our lives. It has been the opportunity of a lifetime and one for which the sales team and I will be forever thankful.

WBL photos by Sharyl Burgeson and Mike Spence

Sincerely,

Charlie Fairchild General Sales Manager Pulte Group, Northern California

W oodbridge LIFE

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March 2018 • Page 17

Woodbridge Rainbows Photos submitted by Volker Moerbitz

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SCENE @ the Clubhouse By Carol Jo Hargreaves WBL photos by Sharyl Burgeson

oodbridge LIFE staffers visited the Lakeview Clubhouse Thursday, February 15, and again February 22, to find members of the Crochet/ Knitting group, nimble fingers flying, working These soft, cuddly critters – two dogs, a black sheep and a duck – are ready on a variety of colorful to be loved. projects. This group of 38 regular members meets Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. All residents who would like to work with a great group of skilled hand crafters, make new friends and exchange patterns are welcome to join the group. Longtime member, Judy Simpson, encourages all to attend, saying, “The club is open; we are here to help others. Don’t be afraid or intimidated. We will help you with your projects and, in turn, your confidence will grow.” Crocheted toys are a specialty of several crocheters. This charming giraffe is one of many “Critters Give Love” dolls made by Judy Simpson.

A show of hands verified crochet is the most popular way to craft within the group because “it is easier to fix mistakes and faster to complete a project.” Many group members both knit and crochet. Nancy Berger told us she “knits in winter because the work on her lap keeps her warm and cozy.” She “crochets in summer when she can keep the work off to her side.”

The assembled Crochet/Knitting group and their projects. Multi-talented members make personal projects and gifts as well as items to donate to helping agencies.

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March 2018 • Page 19

Many members of the Crochet/Knitting group give of their time to make hats and blankets. The group has knitted or crocheted 1,500 baby blankets, afghans and hats over the past six years to donate to the David Grant Medical Facility, Mother and Baby Unit at Travis Air Force Base. Carole Pfoutz demonstrated how she uses fleece to make baby blankets, then finishes them with a scallop, picot or straight border crocheted around the edges. Carole donates about 100 blankets a year to the David Grant Medical Facility. Among others who regularly make blankets to donate are Nancy Berger, Annie Borrelli, Carol Harrington and Charlotte Richards. Several group members make items to sell at local boutiques. Sometimes proceeds are used to purchase more materials, other times funds are donated to local nonprofit organizations like Love, Inc., that supports local homeless families with children. Twenty percent of the proceeds from a recent Holiday Boutique were donated to Second Harvest Food Bank, Marty Bartlett is crocheting numerous heart squares she will sew together to form a baby blanket. Kathy Topping leads the “Knitted Knockers” group. Free lightweight, comfortable bra inserts in varied cup sizes are knitted or crocheted and donated to Doctors Medical Center of Manteca and Kaiser Hospital to give to women who have had a mastectomy. Woodbridge women are part of a nationwide group whose motto is “Made with Love, Given with Hope.” Other women in the Knitted Knockers group are: Marty Bartlett, Nancy Berger, Yvonne Brown, Geri Rogers and Debbie Vierra.

Photo contributed

Kathy Topping leads the “Knitted Knockers” group. Free lightweight, comfortable bra inserts in varied cup sizes are knitted or crocheted and donated to Doctors Medical Center of Manteca to give to women who have had a mastectomy. Woodbridge women are part of a nationwide group whose motto is “Made with Love, Given with Hope.” Other women in the Knitted Knockers group are: Marty Bartlett, Nancy Berger, Yvonne Brown, Geri Rogers and Debbie Vierra.

Annie Borrelli holds up an afghan crocheted with cute animal faces. Annie keeps this one at home for her grandchildren to cuddle in when they visit.

Maria Phillips displays a baby-sized Granny Square afghan she will donate to the David Grant Medical Facility at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield. Maria “uses TV time as well as time in the Crochet/Knitting group to work on projects.”

W oodbridge LIFE

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Unique Hobbies

A Bicyclist of a Different Breed By Marie Evans

ene Bedard has always ridden a bicycle but bought his first really good bike when he was in his twenties. Cycling became a lifetime hobby, an activity that only halted when Gene developed a health issue that prevented him from riding for several years. Gratefully, Gene was able to resume riding his bicycle in 2017. At first, he just wanted to ride again but then he set a goal for himself of riding his age times 100 miles in one calendar year. Gene worried he might have taken on too much but that was not the case. In his first six months of personal competition, he biked 3,000 miles and then rode an additional 5,000 miles in the next six months, including 1,000 miles in September alone. Gene reached his goal of 7,800 miles on December 11 and finished the year with a total of 8,125 miles. In his early years, Gene lived and worked in Yosemite, Tahoe and other beautiful places. He rode his bike and also loved to hike and ski, in order to explore many of the breathtaking and often rugged trails in these mountainous areas. Living in Woodbridge, Gene sets out alone with his bike as early as 3:30 or 4 a.m. Gene feels the best of cycling in the early morning is â&#x20AC;&#x153;seeing the sun rise and appreciating life.â&#x20AC;? Safe cycling requires that you be visible to others, which means having the proper lights and reflectors on your bike, wearing a helmet and always keeping yourself aware of everything going on around you. Ride safely and defensively. Gene uses a phone app called Strava (the Swedish word for â&#x20AC;&#x153;striveâ&#x20AC;?) that records, tracks and analyzes mileage, time, elevation gain, heart rate, etc. Geneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son Rob monitors the app and tracks where Gene is at all times. Geneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans for the future are to set goals for himself and stay active.

Gene Bedard rode 8,125 miles in 2017.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz

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March 2018 • Page 21

Benefits of Bicycling for Those of Us 55+ cycling), along with feeling better about themselves. Cycling helps you relax and supports confidence. In addition to this, it perfects mental agility. Increased blood flow transports oxygen more efficiently to all of the organs, including the brain.

By Carol Jo Hargreaves

s 78-year-old Gene Bedard knows, bicycle riding provides a long list of benefits, particularly for those of us 55 and over.

• It is a low impact exercise that builds strength and stamina Bicycling is an excellent low impact exercise for your whole body, second only to swimming, and a great way to stay fit as you age. Because it is smooth and regular, the circular movement of pedaling does not stress or jar the joints, including knees and ankles.

•

It improves independence One of the biggest advantages of bicycling is the fact that it helps you keep your independence. Riding a bicycle is much easier than driving an automobile. Many people who no longer have the confidence to drive discover they can still enjoy riding a bike because the rate of travel is slow enough for them to take in and cope with the journey.

• It provides safe cardiovascular exercise Studies have shown cycling four miles a day reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent. Cycling ensures lower resting pulse and supports your heart in achieving an optimal steady rhythm. With reduced blood fat levels, the chances for heart disease decrease.

Start riding a bicycle regularly and take advantage of all its benefits! Compiled from the following websites: From Talk Health Partnership, Loving the Bike and Cyclorama’s Bike Culture

In addition, if you cycle for about half an hour a day, you lower the risks of developing diabetes, kidney malfunction, skin and ocular diseases. Regular cycling improves lung function (useful if you suffer from bronchitis or asthma), strengthens your skeletal system and boosts your immunity, making you more resilient. Cycling helps the adrenal system work more efficiently. The brain relies on the adrenal system to produce the hormones and nutrients it needs to function properly. • It keeps weight under control Studies have shown that riding a bike for as little as five minutes a day can help you control your weight. Regular cycling can help you burn around 300 calories an hour, depending on your current weight and the tempo at which you travel. It boosts your metabolism, which means you burn calories even when you’re at rest. By the way, don’t hesitate to ride your bike during cooler weather. When temperatures drop, your body’s metabolic rate goes up, thus you expend more calories. • It is great for strength and balance Studies show that older people who bicycle are stronger than those who do not exercise. Bicycling also contributes to better balance, thus reducing the likelihood of trips and falls. • It promotes good mental health According to Loving the Bike, “ Cycling is the best feel-good exercise and a great way to battle symptoms of depression, anxiety, or high stress.” A bike ride impacts your serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine, all responsible for making you feel happier, more content and alert. In one study, participating seniors reported improved fitness and better performance in other physical activities (after being persistent with

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Super Blue Blood Moon in Manteca, January 31, 2018 By Kirby Brown

our o’clock in the morning! I’m not a morning person, but I had to get up for an event that last happened in 1866: a total eclipse of the moon with a lot of extra goodies. With a jacket over my bathrobe, I set up the tripod and camera in the back yard with hopes of capturing some pictures. Just a super-zoom digital camera but worth a try.

back. And slowly, the moon did come back. The beast listened to our pleas and returned the moon to us.

I was not disappointed. It was foggy, but the moon was clearly visible with a beautiful aura around it. I was just in time to see the first bite taken out of the moon. Gradually the bites got bigger and the moon grew dimmer. Finally, just a tiny sliver remained as I waited in anticipation of the blood-red moon. I waited and waited. Nothing! The moon just disappeared. Apparently the fog was thick enough to mask the weakly lit moon. I suddenly felt a kinship with my ancient ancestors who were awed by such an event. The moon was being devoured by a great beast in the sky. Beat drums, shout chants and beg the beast to give the moon

Eclipse Blood Moon

It will be a long time before this triple event occurs again. A “regular” full lunar eclipse will next be visible in Manteca, May 26, 2021.

Photos by Kirby Brown

Photo by Gabriela Dee, 12-year-old granddaughter of Dave and Jacquie Steffy.

This wonderful event was a total eclipse of the moon. The moon’s orbit reached a place where the earth blocked the sun and cast its shadow on the moon. Not a really rare event, but a combination of factors made it very special. “Super” refers to the moon’s being closer to the earth than usual, making it appear notably larger. A “blue moon” is a second full moon in a month. Why “blue,” I don’t know. “Blood” is the part we missed. As sunlight passes through the earth’s atmosphere, the shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered while the longer wavelengths (red and orange) pass through, giving a red glow to the eclipsed moon.

Super Blue Blood Moon Stages.

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March 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 23

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

Dr. Daman Saini Dr. Harneet (Neeti) Saini Dr. Elizabeth Grecco

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Mark Grecco

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Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence. Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children. We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite. Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anethesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment.

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Page 24 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2018

Softball Diamond Gals, Silver Sluggers Opening Day, April 7 By Polly Smith It is hard to believe but the start of Woodbridge softball season is coming April 7. Players are getting their equipment from the closet and dusting off their gloves in preparation for playing one of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite sports. The Silver Sluggers are already on the field taking batting practice and getting their bodies ready for a real workout. The Diamond Gals are planning practices and preparing to set their squads. Opening Day at Del Webb Field has become a community tradition. Several Woodbridge groups and clubs will participate by highlighting their talents. Special groups are brought in for the presentation of our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colors and the traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;throwing out the first pitch.â&#x20AC;? Volunteers will decorate the softball grounds to increase the festive atmosphere for all residents who attend. Here is a schedule for the day: 10 a.m. Opening Ceremony 10:30 a.m. Diamond Gals Game 11 a.m. Silver Sluggers Game #1 11:30 a.m. Silver Sluggers Game #2 12:30 a.m. Silver Sluggers Game #3

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Happy 10-Year Anniversary Diamond Gals and Silver Sluggers By Polly Smith

Come one, come all! Come out and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of exciting softball at Woodbridge. Where can you go to get free coffee and donuts; hear the crack of the bat as it hits the ball; see your friends and neighbors; experience the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fly over,â&#x20AC;? and buy a hot dog, chips and a drink for only $4? AND you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have to drive to get there!

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Woodbridge softball program as an umpire or by working in the score booth or snack bar, fill out the sign-up form available from the Clubhouse front desk and join us. (Everyone, regardless of position or duties, needs to complete a softball form.)

Travel Adventures

Laugh and cheer your favorite team! Who will throw out the first pitch? Who is on the men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teams? What other surprises will there be? PLAY BALL, WOODBRIDGE!

All trips pick up from Del Webb Community Center TOURS

Destination:

OPENING DAY OF SOFTBALL IS APRIL 7 at 10 a.m.

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Take in three Broadway shows and explore Price: $2,959 dbl. / $3,569 sgl Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018;Â&#x160;Ä´Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Č&#x201A;Â&#x153;ČąÂ?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2122;ČąÂ&#x153;Â&#x2019;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x153;ÇŻČą Â&#x2019;Â&#x153;Â&#x2019;Â?ČąÂ?Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;ČąĹ&#x;ČŚĹ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;Čą Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2019;Â&#x160;Â&#x2022;Ç°Čą Â?Â&#x160;Â?Â&#x17E;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2DC;Â?Čą Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â?Â˘ČąÇČą Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x153;Čą Â&#x153;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?ÇŻČą Enjoy the view from One World Observatory Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;ČąÂ?Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â Čą Â&#x203A;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2013;Čą Â&#x2DC;Â Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;ÇŻČąČą Â?Â&#x203A;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;ČąÂ?Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x17E;Â?Â&#x2018;Čą Central Park, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural Enter a wonderland of natural beauty,

Â&#x2019;Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;Â˘ÇŻČą Â&#x17E;Â&#x2019;Â?Â&#x17D;Â?ČąÂ?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x17E;Â&#x203A;Â&#x153;ČąÂ&#x2DC;Â?ČąÂ&#x17E;Â&#x2122;Â?Â&#x2DC;Â Â&#x2014;ČąÂ&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?Čą Â&#x160;ČąÂ&#x2013;Â˘Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x17E;Â&#x153;ČąÂ&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?ČąÂ&#x2DC;Â?ČąÂ&#x201C;Â&#x160;Â?Â?Â&#x17D;Â?ČąÂ&#x2122;Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x153;Ç°Čą Â?Â&#x2DC;Â Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2DC;Â Â&#x2014;Čą Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018;Â&#x160;Ä´Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;ÇŻČą Â&#x2019;Â&#x203A;Â?Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x152;Â&#x2022;Â&#x17E;Â?Â&#x17D;Â?ÇŻ Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â?ČąÂ?Â&#x17D;Â˘Â&#x153;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x153;Ç°ČąÂ&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?ČąÂ?Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x152;Â&#x2019;Â&#x160;Â&#x2022;ČąÂ&#x;Â&#x160;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x17D;Â˘Â&#x153;ÇŻČą Finding Neverland tells the story Experience a wildlife safari at dusk, a Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â?ČąÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2DC;Â?ČąÂ?Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022;Â?Č&#x201A;Â&#x153;ČąÂ&#x2013;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153;Â?Čą Ä&#x161;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x160;Â?ČąÂ?Â&#x203A;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2122;ČąÂ?Â&#x2DC;Â Â&#x2014;ČąÂ?Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x153;Â&#x152;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x152;Čą Â&#x2014;Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x17D;Čą Â&#x2019;Â&#x;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Čą Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x;Â&#x17D;Â?ČąÂ&#x152;Â&#x2018;Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â&#x160;Â&#x152;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x153;ÇąČą Â&#x17D;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Čą Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;ÇŻČą and a performance of the Mormon Â&#x17E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x152;Â&#x2018;ČąÂ&#x160;Â?Čą Â&#x2022;Â&#x17E;Â&#x17D;Čą Â&#x203A;Â˘Â&#x2014;Â?ÇŻČą Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2014;Â&#x160;Â&#x152;Â&#x2022;Â&#x17D;Čą Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2019;Â&#x203A;ÇŻČąČą Â&#x2019;Â&#x203A;Â?Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x152;Â&#x2022;Â&#x17E;Â?Â&#x17D;Â?ÇŻ

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

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W oodbridge LIFE

March 2018 • Page 25

ææWoodbridge Seniors Golf Club By John Armstrong

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Page 26 • March 2018

W oodbridge LIFE

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ææwine 101 By Jon Ford WBL photos by Sharyl Burgeson Captions by Carol Jo Hargreaves

he Wine 101 class started 2018 off with a bang and a full class of 120 eager wine drinkers. The January class focused on zinfandel, a rather complicated grape in terms of origin and history. The February class, I was told, sold out by 10 o’clock in the morning on the day of the release of tickets. That’s 120 people signing up AND a waiting list. Just a reminder: Always get on the waiting list if you are a late sign-up because frequently people on the list get into the class. The February class focused on chardonnays, oaked and unoaked, from France, New Zealand, Australia and various appellations around California. By the time you read this article, the March class will be sold out but I can give you a heads up for the April class. Sign-ups for the April 19 class begin March 16. Tickets are now $3 per person and a single individual may purchase four tickets. When you are paying for yourself, you may pay by credit card, cash or on account. When you are paying for other peoples’ tickets, you must pay by cash or check (the check can be yours or your neighbors’). You cannot use a credit card to purchase the additional tickets. The April class will focus on sauvignon blanc wines. The last time we did a class on sauvignon blanc was a blind tasting in January 2014. The March class will feature Russ Winton, wine writer for the Modesto Bee and the Merced Sun-Star. Russ will share his journalistic journey and writer’s perspective on wine.

Enjoying the February Wine 101 class on chardonnays were (L to R): Mike and Jan Spence, Arlene DeGraff, Jacque Foster, Rich DeGraff, Steve Foster, Shirley McCarthy, Horace DiMaggio, Ivan Loebs and Connie Mihos. I do have a wine newsletter, crude as it may be. You may sign up for it by dropping me a line at jluvswine@aol.com and requesting to be added to the list. This can give you advance notice of classes, trips, etc. If you are new to the Wine 101 class, it is simply an informal class that will give you the opportunity to learn a little more about wine. You will sit with others at tables of eight with 120 total people in the class. You are asked to bring your own wine glasses, a wine based on the theme of the evening (i.e., “Exploring Chardonnay,” you bring a chardonnay from anywhere). This wine is shared with your table and neighboring tables. You are also asked to bring an appetizer to place on the banquet tables for all to enjoy. In many instances, there will also be a community table where you can sample other wines based on the night’s theme. The classes, except for December’s, always run from 6 to 8 p.m. SO MANY WINES, SO LITTLE TIME!

At the buffet were Mike McNamara (left) and Kim Niemeier. Kim moved to Woodbridge last Halloween. This was only her second Wine 101 class because it is so hard to get tickets to this popular monthly event. Mike, a regular student at Wine 101, likes the camaraderie of the great people who attend.

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

March 2018 • Page 27

Gardener’s Corner

March Garden Checklist

By Cate White, Master Gardener

ow that spring is around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about a summer vegetable garden. With a little thought and planning, you can enjoy the pleasure of running out to the yard at dinnertime to pick that fresh tomato or bunch of sweet basil to make your meal special!

options. Keep in mind the space you have available, since some vegetables such as winter squash, cucumbers, melons or corn can take up quite a bit of space. Sweet basil can be a perfect compliment for tomatoes, and if you want a touch of Mexican flavor, try hot peppers and tomatillos. All these vegetables thrive in our Valley climate.

Start by picking a good growing spot. It should get at least eight hours of full sun and have access to adequate irrigation (drip is preferable). If the soil is compacted, spade it to a depth of 6 inches and dig in some aged compost. A little cow or chicken manure is also good but it should be aged and used sparingly, as it is high in salt content. Chicken manure is stronger, so use less. If you only plan to grow a few plants, such as a tomato or two, you can even stick them in an ornamental bed, as long as you are not using systemic or other pesticides not recommended for edible plants (check labels).

Once you’ve picked a growing spot and prepared the soil, start planning where things will go. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant belong to the same family and should not be planted in the same place year after year. You should also choose disease resistant varieties, marked “VFN” for resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt and nematodes, all prevalent in our area. When choosing varieties, also keep in mind how much space you have, as different varieties grow larger than others. Some varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers and squash are even bred for growing in large pots. Tomatoes can be determinate or indeterminate. Determinate varieties do not grow as large and set fruit all at once then stop bearing. Indeterminate varieties will grow and bear fruit all season into fall, so the plant can get quite large. My favorite tomato is Early Girl, which starts bearing in early July, continues into October and grows to be huge!

Next, consider what vegetables your family enjoys. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans and summer squash are all good

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to begin planting. All these plants do best in warm weather, so it’s best to wait until nighttime

Photo contributed

Photo by Cate White

Cate White temperatures are at least 50 degrees before planting. Tomatoes, peppers and eggplant should be put out as seedlings, planting deeply, covering the stems with soil up to the first set of true leaves. They can be planted from mid March to mid May. Corn, beans, squash and melons do well planted from seed, April through May. Basil can be planted from seedlings or seed, April through May. I always have a sense of excited anticipation as I plant my vegetable patch and wait for the first harvest!

• Early March is still time to plant lettuce, parsley and chard seedlings. Peas, carrots and radishes may be planted from seed. Flowering spring annuals such as pansies, sweet peas and ranunculus may also be planted now. • Plant summer bulbs such as gladiolas and dahlias. • Most plants, including your lawn, will appreciate application of an allpurpose fertilizer now. • Continue to control ants, slugs and snails, and adjust watering according to rainfall. • Cultivate or pull weeds.

W oodbridge LIFE

Page 28 • March 2018

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Talented Woodbridge Women Enter the

30 Annual Fine th

By Carol Jo Hargreaves WBL photos by Sharyl Burgeson

orothy Indelicato, Delicato Family Vineyards matriarch, died in May 2017. She was often called a “Renaissance woman” for her love and patronage of the arts. Dorothy believed art and wine brought the community together in a positive way. A tribute to her passion for art, the Annual Delicato Fine Art Show at the Delicato Vineyards Tasting Room, was held January 29 through February 17.

Molly Cooper’s watercolor, “Early 1900s White Fire Truck”

This year, three talented Woodbridge women entered artwork in the show. Molly Cooper exhibited two watercolors, Patti Barnhart showed two oil paintings and Kathy Comden entered five watercolor paintings. Stockton artist and teacher, Tina Moore, well known for her work in oil and pastels, was the show judge. Comden earned 2nd Place for her landscape, “Rio Vista,” 3rd Place for her floral painting titled “Fruit of the Vine” (which sold during the show), and Honorable Mention for her landscape, “Harmony.” Congratulations, Kathy! Results of the Visitor’s Choice Award were announced February 17. A $100 gift certificate was awarded to the artist winning the popular vote.

“Fall Harvest,” a watercolor by Kathy Comden

Kathy Comden’s “Harmony” received Honorable Mention

Second Place landscape, “Rio Vista” by Kathy Comden

“Water Play” by Kathy Comden

Fruit of the Vine watercolor by Kathy Comden

W oodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

March 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 29

Dorothy Indelicato

Art Show

â&#x20AC;&#x153;GMC Utility Truckâ&#x20AC;? by Molly Cooper Patti Barnhartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mime With Red Roseâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;White Rose,â&#x20AC;? an oil painting by Patti Barnhart

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W oodbridge LIFE

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ææ Day Trippin’ NORTH BEACH By Marie Evans

1987.

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If you want to see just about THE most spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, take the Hayes Street cable car from Powell and Market Streets. There is always a line but wait for THAT cable car and sit as close to the front as you possibly can. If you are unsuccessful, on the return trip, sit at the back of the car and on the outside so you can look back toward the bay. Either way, it’s beautiful and well worth it. This gives you the most exciting and scenic cable car ride. Continue to the end of the line and when you disembark, walk down to the Hayes Street Wharf National Park at the end of the street. Use your Golden Eagle Pass, if you have one, for entry into the park. Various ships that sailed the waters around this area and up and down the coast are on display. Be aware, this is a challenging area if you want to walk on the ships. One of the most interesting and historic ships is an original ferry that used to carry cars across the bay. Before the bridges, there were ferries crossing the bay at several different sites.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Pier 39 is east and the walk will pass the original Fisherman’s Wharf where you can walk out on the wharves and get a good view of the bay as well as the bridges. Many fishing boats take tourists out on the bay but I cannot speak to that as I have not sailed on them. My husband and I find that if we want to see more of the bay, rather than taking the commercial sightseeing cruises, we simply buy a round trip ticket from Pier 39 to Sausalito and Tiburon and back. On the trip, we take in beautiful views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Tamalpais, Angel Island and surrounding Bay Area cities. If you want, you can get off the boat and walk around, then get back on the next boat. Most people prefer Pier 39 to the original and historic wharf because it offers gift shops, many restaurants, a double-decker carousel and, of course, the noisy and stinky “seals” (actually sea lions). I prefer the old restaurants but every restaurant we have tried in this area has been very good. In general, menus predominately offer Italian fare and seafood. Most of them post their menus outside so you can decide before you go in. Kuleto’s Restaurant joined with McCormick’s at Ghirardelli Square and has great views. Although we have not eaten at the new Ghirardelli Square site, we have eaten at the downtown Kuleto’s (now closed) several times and have never been disappointed. Getting to this area is easy. BART will take you to Market and Powell Streets, or you can take the ferry from Oakland to the “Wharf.” Information on the ferry is available online. This trip is best taken in the spring or fall as hot weather in the valley often produces a summer fog in the Bay Area. Check the weather report before you go. Driving can be frustrating and parking is quite expensive. Try not to take BART or the ferry during rush hours - you will regret it.

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ææDid You Know. . . Oreo Cookies Compiled by Mike Spence

The Oreo® celebrates its birthday March 6, but did you know? • The first batch of Oreo® cookies was sold in New Jersey in 1912 • The wafer to cream ratio is 71 to 29 percent • If all 450 billion Oreo® cookies ever sold were stacked like poker chips, they would reach from the Earth to the Moon and back five times • Oreo®, the world’s best-selling cookie, is sold in more than 100 countries but the largest consumers are: United States, China, Venezuela, Canada and Indonesia • The Oreo® was launched as an imitation of the Hydrox cookie, first sold in 1908 by the Sunshine Company • The first offerings of Oreo® were available with either vanilla or lemon filling • The cake dough used for the outer wafers is formed in a rotary mold and then baked in a 300-foot-long oven • Much of the early production of Oreo® cookies was done at the Hershey factory in Pennsylvania • The Oreo® McFlurry™ is available seasonally nearly worldwide at McDonald’s restaurants • The source of the name “Oreo®” is lost in time, but the Latin Oreodaphne, a laurel, is depicted as a wreath on the wafer crust • The advertising tag line, “Milk’s Favorite Cookie,”™ was developed by the South Korean division of the marketing firm Cheil Worldwide, but the commercial featuring the line never aired in Korea (or anywhere else for that matter) • The Oreo® cookies we know have had several names. Oreo Biscuit was the original name. In 1921, the name was changed to the Oreo Sandwich; in 1948, it became the Oreo Crème Sandwich and in 1974, it became the Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie • The principal food scientist for Nabisco, Sam Porcello, holds five patents relating to Oreo® cookies • Amazon.com offers a membership in OREO® Cookie Club Subscription Box to receive monthly deliveries • A 2013 Connecticut college research study using rats concluded that Oreo® cookies are as addictive as cocaine

Photo courtesy of sheknows.com

Resources used to research this article included: theatlantic.com, snackworks.com, oreo.com, amazon.com, en.wikipedia.com, snopes.com, nytimes.com, nabiscoworld.com and newsfeed.time.com

March 2018 • Page 31

Page 28 • May 2016

Page 32 • March 2018

Woodbridge LIFE

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W oodbridge LIFE

Triker' s Travels Triker’ s Travels 6RIWEDOO 2SHQLQJ 'D\

Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane! %\ -XG\ 0F1DPDUD

By Judy McNamara

ost of us born in the ‘40s and ‘50s have memories of a simpler life. Growing up was easier and somehow we even survived without the constant need to be connected to the latest hand-held device. There was usually only one rotary dial phone in the house and if you were lucky, the other party wasn’t using it. And pay phones in a booth? Just try to find a phone booth now to fish for any nickels in the return slot. They are totally obsolete (and the nickels are becoming that, too)! Parents and grandparents usually had a lot of the answers to our questions and/or concerns. Now, “Alexa,” along with the other electronic devices taking over our lives, has all the answers. (Are we being replaced?) Before computers, I remember doing my term papers on an old, manual Underwood typewriter and if I made a mistake, I’d use a round eraser with a brush on the end. To make copies, I used carbon paper, which resulted in purple hands for the rest of the day. If you wanted to borrow a book from the library, you’d have to present your library card and if you wanted to research a book or subject, you’d use the Dewey Decimal System and card catalog. (A far cry from Google!) There was usually only one TV in the home and it was in a fairly large, wooden box with “rabbit ears” on top. Three channels were all you could get. And, a hand held remote? You were the remote. In order to change channels, you actually had to get up out of the chair and turn the dial on the TV. Nothing was in color. Programs only came in black and white with the favorite shows being “The Lone Ranger,” “Hopalong Cassidy,” “Milton Berle” and “American Bandstand,” for which I would race home from school to watch Dick Clark’s group of musicians and catch up on the latest dance craze. The ringer washing machine was another memory from the past. We’d use the hand crank ringer and then hang the clothes outside or in the basement to dry. Dryers were a real luxury, which we didn’t have. Watching my grandsons using skateboards now brings back memories of ball bearing roller skates, the kind you slipped your shoes into and locked with the skate key you wore around your neck. Helmets, kneepads and arm guards were not even a thought. If you fell and hit your head, you’d go home crying and put a cold butter knife on the bump. Schwinn bikes had one speed – forward. To stop, you’d push backward to brake and to make it sound like you were riding a motorcycle, you’d fasten playing cards to the spokes with clothespins. The milkman always delivered milk in bottles with cardboard stoppers. We had to shake the bottle to get the cream mixed in with the milk. Meals were always home-cooked with fresh veggies from the vegetable truck that came to our neighborhood. After dinner we’d play kick the can or hide-andgo-seek until the sun went down. If we got thirsty, we’d drink from one of the neighbor’s hoses. (Somehow we survived without bottled water!)

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Fast-forward to high school where you really felt you’d arrived into adulthood…or so we thought! Do you remember saddle shoes or white buck shoes complete with buck powder bags, tons of petticoats starched in Jell-O™ for us girls and ducktail haircuts and lettermen’s jackets for the guys, Woolworth soda fountains with jukeboxes, Mel’s Drive-In or The Plaza with trays attached to your rolled down windows, drive-in movies when you’d pack all your friends into the car to watch a movie and school dances where you’d do the bop, jitterbug, slow dance and the stroll? -XG\ 0F1DPDUD

Thanks, Wayne Gordon, for passing on a few more of the following “blasts from the past:” “Olly olly oxen free” Slingshots Catching fireflies in a jar S&H Green Stamps® 78-rpm records Hi-fis and 45-rpm records Peashooters Clove® chewing gum Hula hoops Playing street baseball with no rules

Many of you baby boomers may not relate to this time in history nor would your kids or grandkids. These were the best times of our lives and how innocent we were! At the risk of sounding really ancient, those were “the good old days.”

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By Mike Spence

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March 2018 • Page 33

sort of

pring-cleaning seems rooted in cold climate regions, but it’s not as climate related as you might think. The idea of a cleaning your home after being “cabin-bound” all winter seems logical. It also seems logical to mimic spring’s rebirth of plants by making your home clean and refreshed. In North America, March is often warm enough to open windows that may have been closed all winter. Spring breezes help “dust” your house from a winter’s accumulation and before the insects arrive. Perhaps that’s why March 5-11 is National Spring Cleaning Week. In the Middle East, the Persian new year falls on the first day of spring and everything in the house must be cleaned just before that day. In Arabic this cleaning translates to “shaking the house.” Traditionally the Catholic Church thoroughly cleans the entire church and altar on Maundy Thursday before Good Friday. I’m not going to list the things you need to include in your spring cleaning, but there are other things to at least consider and address. Take a nice slow tour of your house, inside and out, especially out. Walk slowly, look up and look down. Is it time to think about painting? Is there evidence that birds and insects are sharing your home with you? Are the windows and screens due for a good cleaning? Are there any “I haven’t seen that before” things that need attention? Just go look! We live surrounded by batteries. Some we can recharge but others need testing and replacement as needed. Our smoke detectors give us a heads-up by

Simple Home-Cooked Favorites Cooking is creative for this home chef By Sharyl Burgeson

atty DeRoos credits her mom for igniting her interest and setting the foundation for her cooking passion. “Mom, a basic cook of traditional Dutch food, would leave my younger sister Nancy and me directions on how to start dinner when I was 12 years old. Nancy and I would start preparations and Mom would finish when she got home from work. Then, it was a tradition to dine as a family on a real tablecloth.” (Patty admits she has a carryover “tablecloth problem.” She now only has 24 tablecloths in her entry closet, covering all holidays, seasons and décor, even after recently downsizing by five cloths.) Patty’s mom also taught her an invaluable lesson—how to make a roux—a white sauce of butter, flour and milk that goes “over or into everything (like creamed tuna on toast, macaroni and cheese and a cheese sauce over chicken on toast) when you’re young and poor.” Sunset magazine became Patty’s mentor when she discovered cooking had become creative for her. She could “take separate foods and put them together to create a wonderful dish.” Today, Patty plans meals two weeks at a time and tries to cook almost every night “just because I enjoy it.” The only shortcut she takes is using Knorr® Bernaisé sauce mix “because I can’t make it better myself.” Meals are varied. She especially likes stir-fry and anything with lemons. She plans one night for fish and others for veggies, beef, pork and chicken. She tries to eat natural foods and has a passion for fresh, organic vegetables. Patty submitted Torta Rustica as the first dish for this new column. Torta Rustica, which means Italian Rustic Pie, is a delicious layered dish, hearty and savory, whose leftovers, if any, can be frozen. Patty first made this dish in 1971 when she was working as a fifth grade teacher in South San Francisco (and before she was married). She now makes the dish four or five times a year because she “gets rave reviews every time she serves it.”`

chirping when there’s a problem, but other devices just quit – always at an inopportune time. These are things like garage door openers, TV remotes, irrigation time clocks, the computer mouse and that emergency flashlight somewhere in one of the junk drawers. I’m not above conscripting, cajoling, faking infirmities and outright bribing relatives to help (actually do) my non-traditional spring-cleaning. My favorite targets are sons-in-law and grandkids 12 and over. The grandkids work cheap, but the adults often want a serious steak as reward for their efforts. The grandkids love to scamper up on the roof (with permission), even if it is to give the solar panels a scrub and bath. My volunteers are very adept at moving and tipping back furniture. I’m always surprised at the wonderous things we’ve found and vacuumed up. My sons-in-law are experts at showing me how to use new tools. Last year, one showed me how to use my new dryer vent cleaning brush. This year he’s going to have his son (my grandson) give me a refresher course. The grandkids actually like changing the water filter in the refrigerator. I’m pretty sure it’s because of my cautioning to not let the water squirt on their face when they take out the old filter. When the son-in-law finishes a day of “helping” me, I drag out a humongous steak and plop it on the BBQ. Next morning, before he gets ready to leave, I ask him to help me take apart the BBQ for a good cleaning – guilt works. Then I ask the grandson to show me how to work the pressure washer like we did last year. Now, I’m off to pick up filters, batteries and a new tip for the pressure washer. Next, I’ll order that big steak. Why? Son-in-law and grandson arrive in two weeks and my sometimes-sore knee will be really sore by then.

Patty DeRoos has set out a springform pan, Pillsbury Hot Roll Yeast Mix and S&W Stewed Sliced Roma-Style Tomatoes, needed for her Torta Rustica recipe. She also shows her folding file holder of recipes along with individual cooking folders and a 1971 copy of “Sunset Cookbook of Favorite Recipes.”

TORTA RUSTICA Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients: 1 pkg. hot yeast roll mix plus water and egg as specified on the box (or one Bridgford® frozen bread dough, thawed) Sausage and Tomato Filling (see below) About 2 tablespoons beaten egg Instructions: Prepare hot roll mix as directed on the package. After the dough has risen, turn onto a lightly floured board and knead to expel air bubbles. Divide dough in half. On a floured board, roll one portion into a 9-inch round. Fit dough in bottom of greased 9 by 1-1/2 inch springform pan or cake pan with removable bottom. Cover evenly with Sausage and Tomato Filling. Shape the remaining portion of dough in a 1-inch circle and cut into 8 pie-shaped wedges. Arrange wedges side by side on filling, tips meeting in the center. Lightly cover the shaped dough and set in a warm place until puffy-looking. Uncover and brush top with beaten egg. Bake on the lowest rack of a 350 F oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Cut in wedges. Good warm or cold. Sausage and Tomato Filling: Remove casing from ¾ pound Italian sausages and chop the meat coarsely. Cook until browned, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Spoon out and discard fat. Blend with meat ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley and 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese. Distribute filling on dough as directed, then top with ½ cup well-drained canned sliced tomatoes (or peel fresh tomatoes and remove seeds). Top with 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese.

Page 34 • March 2018

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Where in the world?

1. The “Del Webb Dozen” on our Panama vacation in January. (L to R): Keith Loudermilk, Vickie Killingsworth, Curtis and Susan Holt, Mike Killingsworth, Mario and Sue Vernali, Glen and Becky Jenkins, Chris Loudermilk, Rob and Shirley Reynolds.

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.

2. Karen Penzenstadler and her two daughters toured Vietnam for three weeks with a stop at the Cu Chi Tunnels. 3. Kris and Dewayne Day on seven-night Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas Eastern Caribbean cruise in January 2018.

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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March 2018 • Page 35

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