Woodbridge LIFE March 2012

W oodbridge

LIFE

Serving the Del Webb community of Woodbridge in Manteca, CA

Volume 2 ▪ Issue 3

March ▪ 2012

March SHOOTING POOL

Karla Hoyer is on a quest to find her perfect sport. Join her in the Billiard Room at the Clubhouse for the inside story. Page 6

WOODBRIDGE HAS TALENT

Bob Naquin shares highlights from the talent show with his tonguein-cheek, stand-up-comic style of journalism. Pages 7 & 11

BEA LINGENFELTER

WBL photos by Bob Abreu.

Sharyl Burgeson’s volunteer of the month, Bea Lingenfelter, uses retirement as an opportunity to keep working. Page 14

Judy Mishoe (left) used a stunning bird cage to create an ornate table setting for the Ladies’ Tea sponsored by the Women of Woodbridge last month. Guest speaker, Virginia Grabbe (above) encouraged the crowd to enjoy life with a positive attitude and love for yourself and others.

She retired from teaching at 85, but knew she had more work to do. She now inspires audiences everywhere with her colorful presentation of “Celebrate Yourself!”

More about WOW on page 13.

DENNIS & DEBBIE BURKE

Deb Ristau tells how this couple chooses to juggle work and a 78mile weekday commute to enjoy the Woodbridge lifestyle. Page 16

PETE RENEBOME’S 10 LITTLE EYES Contributing writer Joyce Renebome shares a thoughtprovoking article about finding Meaning in your life. Page 17

RAY & DOTTIE SERAFIN

He retired from full-time practice, but says he will never retire from healing and caring. Don’t miss Kayo’s story, A passion for healing.

Page 24.

Work? Retire? Volunteer?

This month, our writers share stories about how residents transition to life at Woodbridge.

Index

Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Committees . . . . . . . . . 3 From the Editor . . . . . . . . 4 How we met . . . . . . . 23 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . 21 WOA Update . . . . . . . . 28

Page 2 • March 2012 PUBLISHER WOA

824-7581

EDITOR Deb Ristau

825-8095

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Bob Abreu 823-3207 Sharyl Burgeson 239-1492 Carol Jo Hargreaves 988-5831 Karla Hoyer 825-5617 Anne Madrid 824-5725 Dodie Miller 824-7927 ADVISER & ADVERTISING Kayo Armstrong 824-7831 Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly publication of the Woodbridge Owners Association, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Woodbridge by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that would be of interest to residents. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles that in our opinion do not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association.

Content submitted may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested.

The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

Materials submitted with a selfaddressed, stamped envelope will be returned. Contents copyright © 2011

by Woodbridge Owners Association.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Inside Scoop KAYO’S CORNER

By Kayo Armstrong, Executive Director

In 1960 Del Webb, the man, founded his dream on developing active communities for the retired, but today his innovative concept has transformed into much more.

Woodbridge is just one of the Del Webb communities throughout the nation changing the face of active adult living.

As society has evolved over the years, people are working longer yet desire many of the community aspects offered at communities like Woodbridge. Regardless of our work status, we all value safety, neighborhood camaraderie, amenities, quality homes, activities with people who share similarities, a great location, sense of belonging, and opportunities for continued physical and mental enhancement.

All these things we value are right here at Woodbridge!

To accommodate those still working, the Clubhouse is open until 9 p.m. on weeknights, and we strive to schedule programming in the evenings and on weekends as well as weekdays. For example, Board meetings, new resident orientations, portal classes and many social events are offered in the evenings as well as weekdays.

Personally, I dream of the day when I can live in a community like Woodbridge, and I hope that’s long before my retirement. In the meantime, it is a true privilege to serve the community by endeavoring daily to enhance your Woodbridge lifestyle.

Many thanks to all our residents for making Woodbridge a great place to live, work and play. And

special thanks to the “Wheels of Woodbridge” for making me an honorary member and the Executive Lugnut!

�

BILL’S BOARD NOTES

By Bill Barnhart, Resident Director

Many of us have worked all our adult lives or even started working in our early teens so that we could someday enjoy retirement. Many of us are still working in preparation for retirement, and many others are working at making retirement work for us. I’m hoping that you will see in this month’s presentation the wisdom and the humor from peoples of many different backgrounds and from several different times going back through the centuries, who ponder this task we call work.

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. All play and no work make Jack a mere toy.” This quote can be traced back to the 16th century where I’m sure the first part was the husband’s argument for taking a little time off at the local pub.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

About three centuries later, along comes Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, who says: “Do something every day that you don’t want to do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain.”

Of course, all those unknown authors have to get a word in edgewise: “I’m not arguing against diligence and hard work.

But it can suck the soul right out of you if it’s always for someone else.” Or the same sentiment but expressed entirely differently by another unknown author: “Being unappreciated for hard work sucks!

Especially when I put in a lot of time and effort for them to just over look it…” Haven’t we all felt that way more than once?

You know that old cliché.

If you’re looking to make friends and influence enemies, then G. Richard Rieger has the proper mindset for the workplace: “Our work-a-day lives are filled with opportunities to bless others. The power of a single glance or an encouraging smile must never be underestimated.”

These next two quotes probably best embody my perspective on what living here at Woodbridge is all about whether you are presently working so you can retire, or if you are working at making retirement work for you.

SEE BARNHART, PAGE 3

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BARNHART FROM PAGE 2 Steven Paul Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., says there are three rules of life.

1. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.

2. Don’t be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.

3. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition - they somehow already know what you truly want to become.

Acclaimed author and artist Mary Anne Radmacher tells us to “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness.

Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate friends.

Continue to learn. Do what you love.

Live as if this is all there is.” ☺

FROM DODIE’S DESK:

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

The Nostalgia “Remember When” show was a huge success with Randy Riggle, comedian, impersonator and entertainer. We will have him back in the fall to do his Nostalgic Holiday show, so be watching for sign-up time.

St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated with a dinner and dance. Our Men of Woodbridge Group will be serving a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, and then we’ll all dance to the band, “The Edsels.” Let’s see who shows up wearing the most green!

Daffodils at Ironstone on Tuesday, March 13, includes lunch and transportation.

This outing is booked through Setness Tours. You’ll need to pick up a flyer for all the information.

Our Softball Opening Day

Woodbridge LIFE

DIRECTOR DREWRY

By Denise Drewry, Resident Director

Most of our residents might be retired but a few, like me, still work at least part time. Finding a balance between work, family and social activities has always been a key issue for me.

It is the main reason I wanted to move here.

My job as Emergency Room manager often required more than 12 hours a day at work as well as being on call 24/7. When I wasn’t at work, I focused on my family, especially my grandchildren. The constant demand on my time drained my energy and left little time for me. I determined to become healthier and trimmer

is Saturday, March 31, and we are expecting the stands to be filled to capacity. You don’t want to miss the many festivities planned for the day.

After the daytime fun on March 31, get ready for a fantastic Saturday night and leave the cooking to the Veterans of Woodbridge who will sponsor a spaghetti feed dinner, program and dance.

Several events are planned for April and May. Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens will host a dinner in April. Joni Morris and her Patsy Cline tribute will be back with our own Woodbridge resident, Bobby Black*, joining her on steel guitar. In May we will be celebrating our fourth anniversary in the Clubhouse; Women of Woodbridge will hold their Take a Sip for

when we moved here. In the first year here, I lost over 30 pounds, learned how to paint, learned how to play Mexican Train Dominoes and gained more friends than I ever imagined.

Living at Woodbridge makes it easy to get both mentally and physically fit. I have a gym, swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, but mostly I just walk or ride my bike in our community. Mental health is the easiest to achieve here.

Getting involved in the activities helps to relax and refresh the soul. Besides painting and playing Mexican Train, I now belong to a book club.

Many of my friends who are fully retired divide their time between the social activities here, their families, travel and volunteering. The choices for activities keep us healthy and YOUNG in heart and body. I love living here!

Scholarship, we’ll have a Minute to Win It game night and the Wheels of Woodbridge will sponsor Woodbridge 100.

Pepper Noble was the lucky Valentines’ Day winner in the drawing for the makeover sponsored by several of our Woodbridge LIFE advertisers.

Be sure to see Pepper’s ‘new look’ in the April issue of Woodbridge LIFE. Don’t forget our monthly potluck on Tuesday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. This month’s potluck will be soups, salads, crackers, breads and desserts.

See you there! * Bobby Black was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame located in St. Louis, MO, in 2004. His Hall of Fame bio reads, “For over 50 years he inspired diverse audiences with his proficiency in country, swing, rock, pop and Hawaiian music. With thousands of appearances, backing over 100 major artists at concerts, on radio, in television, motion pictures, stage productions and on his own recordings, he earned his title of ‘Mr. Versatility.’”

Page 3 • March 2012

Woodbridge Owners Association Board-Appointed Committees Thanks to the numerous volunteers who comprise the Board-appointed committees at Woodbridge. Listed below are the committees along with contact information for the chairperson and secretary, if applicable. Your participation in any of the scheduled committee meetings is always welcome.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW

• Lisa Salazar, Chair lisa.salazar@pultegroup.com

FINANCE

925. 260.4753

• Lisa Salazar, Chair lisa.salazar@pultegroup.com

LIFESTYLE

925. 260.4753

• Dodie Miller, Chair dodie.miller@ourwoodbridge.net

209.824.7927

POLICY & PROCEDURES

• Denise Drewry, Chair drewryd@comcast.net 209.639.2448

• Bea Lingenfelter, Secretary beaal@comcast.net 209.239.3881

PROPERTY & GROUNDS

• Bill Barnhart, Chair bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 209.629.8838

• Dan Buckman, Secretary danbuckman@gmail.com

PUBLICATION

209.239.2133

• Deb Ristau, Editor debristau@verizon.net 209.825.8095

• Kayo Armstrong, Adviser kayo.woodbridge@gmail.com

WELCOMING

209.824.7831

• Sharon Bayer, Chair wtsdascoop@aol.com 209.825.4347

Page 4 • March 2012

Woodbridge LIFE

Viewpoint  FROM THE EDITOR heard the story of the bag of nails?

I

was reminded recently about the valuable lesson of practicing what we preach. It’s not always as easy as it sounds.

As an example, I like to expound that we all need to keep a positive outlook on life and that we all should and could ‘choose’ to be happy. Sometimes easier said than done.

Happiness and a positive outlook can be hard to find when a person is facing the difficulties of aging, concerns about money, working when you want to be retired or being retired when you would rather work. Add any kind of health care problem and some people may find it easier to sit home alone trying to figure out how to be happy again. Happiness IS a choice, but sometimes it’s hard to reach.

Every person has value. Each life is unique. Unless we have walked in our neighbor’s shoes or taken the time to talk with him or her long enough to discover the true gem that lies within that beating heart, we cannot know nor understand that person.

We are all sometimes quick to judge. Just as we hear maliscious gossip about a political candidate or pop star, we tend to believe or at least consider the information, without verification. Even if we are doubtful about the story at first, it stays with us. Days and weeks go by and we remember the story, but not where we first heard it. It gets retold. It changes. It sometimes gets juicier. But was it ever true?

Did someone get hurt because we shared a story? Chances are that someone did. Have you

There was once a small boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he should hammer a nail in the fence.

The boy drove 37 nails into the fence on the first day. Gradually, the number of nails dwindled each day as he found it easier to hold his temper than to pound the nails.

Then finally came the day when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He proudly told his father who suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed until one day he told his father that all of the nails were gone. The father gazed at the fence. “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. It will never be the same.

When you say things in anger, you leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say, ‘I’m sorry,’ the wound is still there.”

If someone we know or happen to meet seems a little off-kilter, let’s take the time to respond with concern instead of scorn and with open arms instead of a closed mind. If we hear an unflattering story about someone, let’s go to the source and get the truth. If someone says something that bothers us, let’s talk it out. Don’t take it for a round of discussion at the next cocktail party like the mean girls from high school. Let’s give each other room to make mistakes, to grow and to gently heal the holes left in each of us by cruel or thoughtless words of others.

Let’s give each other the tools to choose happiness rather than a bag of nails.

Deb Ristau, Editor

FYI: 1263 Miles ☺

Arts

 THE BOOK NOOK

By Marie Evans

Woodbridge has a lively book club that meets the first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Clubhouse. Each member may recommend a book to be read and when that book has been read, will lead the discussion if he or she would like to. I enjoy our group because of the wide variety of literature we cover and the people I meet. Because of our book club, I have read books I would never have thought to read and enjoyed the reading and discussion.

As a group, we like variety and sometimes view a movie based on a book we have read. We have had a discussion in a private home followed by lunch, and we are considering a trip to Salinas to visit the John Steinbeck Museum. At Christmastime we try to read a special Christmas book, and we have a luncheon. This past Christmas we read a children’s book, Star Mother’s Youngest Child by Louise Moeri. I found the story so charming I bought several copies online for my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

When we discuss a book we have read, each of us gives our opinion and a numerical grade based on a scale of 0-5 with 5 being the best.

The final grade is an average of these numbers. In January, we read The Valcourt Heiress, written by Catherine Coulter. We discussed the book at our February meeting and gave it a grade of 2. There were several new people and a lively discussion was held. We are now reading Dinner At The Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler and will discuss it at our March meeting.

Watch this column for a list of books to be read in the coming months. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me, Marie Evans at 239-3726.

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 ARTS & CRAFTS

By Kathy Dezotte

Woodbridge Artists’ and Crafters’ group has started off the new year with a bang. We have scheduled several new classes: card making, origami and embroidery and beginning quilting, water color and crocheting. We have a suggestion box in the craft room, so if there are classes you would like to see us teach, let us know.

We are very excited about our new “Sunrise” and “Sunset” programs. The Sunrise program will consist of members crocheting borders on handmade fleece baby blankets, which we will then donate to our local Pregnancy Crisis Center and San Joaquin General Hospital. The Sunset portion will be crocheting trim on lap blankets which we will donate to our local hospice chapter and rest homes. We are now in the process of putting together kits that our members, or anyone who would like to help, can pick up and crochet the trim onto the blankets, which we will then collect and distribute. We send special thanks to the Knitting and Crocheting Group for offering to lend a hand and for donating money for these projects.

Most of our ideas come from our Woodbridge family; we are always looking for the next great class!!

Let us know your ideas.

 THANK YOU NOTES FOR CHAIR COVERS:

By Kathy Dezotte

If you did not attend the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Clubhouse or the Ladies’ Tea in February, you might not know that we now have beautiful black and white chair covers to lend an air of elegance to our more extravagant affairs.

Specials thanks go to Karla Hoyer for organizing the project and to the following volunteers for their contributions:

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Jane and Dick Abascal Jacqueline and Geno Andrews Kayo and Rich Armstrong Patti and Bill Barnhart Harleene Bebout Jan Besmer Mary Brumleve Debbie and Dennis Burke Nadine Cimoli Wayne Cipperly Kathy and Buzz Dezotte Mary and Horace DiMaggio Carol and Vern Edgren Shelly and Bob Edwards Margo and Jim Flanagan Carole and Wayne Gordon Charlene Haywood Lynn and Dave Heagney Bob Hedrick Karla and Craig Hoyer Jane and Garry Kerr Margaret and Ben Kimura Dreanna and Lanny Langdon Pam and Sam Larussa Arlene and Frank Lopez

Woodbridge LIFE

Dodie Miller Glenda Mohrman Jerry Monares Marge and Rick Nelson Birdie and Dan Nieri Liz and Ray Olivares Judy and Pat O’Rourke Karen and Bob Penzenstadler Jacqueline and Bill Reynolds Deb and Dave Ristau Marybeth and Ron Saari Mary and Rudy Salvador Silver Sluggers Softball Irene Sink Mabel and Dan Sisemore Marcia and Bob Umberger Sherry and Butch Wagner Nina and Mike Wedlake Betty and Carl Willhoft

 DRAMA CLUB

By Anne Madrid

Have you ever watched a play or talent show and said to yourself, “I could do that?” Or maybe you want

to get involved in drama but being behind the scenes is more your style.

Now is the PERFECT time to join the Drama Club.

The club is taking a short break from performing and is working on acting skills using dramatic interpretation, pantomiming and playing charades. They have had several workshops and their next performance has been moved to May. Ray Noble led a workshop with a dramatic interpretation of Robert Service’s The cremation of Sam McGee. Ray gave the members several suggestions to help improve their acting skills.

There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold; The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, But the queerest they ever did see Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee.

Page 5 • March 2012 The goal of the workshop was to expand our ability to inhabit the character we wish to portray. Ray helped the group learn to take risks.

All members are among friends who help each other with constructive suggestions and comments.

Participants are encouraged to rehearse material at home, in front of a mirror.

Actors convey a great deal about a character through body language and facial expression. The visual projection of any actor is as important as the spoken words. Players who inhabit the character will also find it easier to remember lines.

If this appeals to you, come to the next Drama Club meeting, Thursday at 1 p.m. For more information contact Nick Music at 825-9451.

Page 6 • March 2012

Games  SHOOTING POOL

By Karla Hoyer

As a novice athlete, I am on a quest to find my perfect sport. I will be taking this year to test drive the various sports offered at ‘Club Woodbridge.’ Due to cold weather, I have chosen an indoor venue for my first sport, and that will be pool.

Woodbridge received its first pool table in March 2007. It was located in the trailer that was set up as our first Clubhouse. Les Hicks was the director at that time and the Del Webb team purchased a pool table for all the residents to use for entertainment.

Woodbridge homeowners Robert Comden, John Shirley, Frank Lopez and Dewey Hunt actually put the pool table together and began to play on it immediately.

The Lakeview Clubhouse opened in May 2008 and houses two pool tables in the Billiard Room. An inviting fireplace and flat screen television add to the ambience.

Although it can be crowded when filled with players, the Billiard Room offers a comfortable setting for my new sport.

 BRIDGE By Don St. Lawrence JANUARY 30: Kathy Comden 6090; George Jones 4640; Inger Hammer 4270; Don St. Lawrence 2060.

FEBRUARY 6: Ted Rupert 5450; Carolee Jones 4930; Letha Watson 4570; Nancy Compton 1860.

FEBRUARY 13: Carolee Jones 6140; Nancy Compton 5300; Ted Rupert 4560; Inger Hammer 2310.

FEBRUARY 20: Letha Watson 4860; Kathy Comden 4790; Ted Rupert 4220; Grace Pasion 2690.

The Court in the Cards In a deck of cards the jack of spades, jack of hearts and king of diamonds are drawn in profile, while the rest of the court is shown in full face; thus the cards drawn in

Woodbridge LIFE

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Mary Braun and Monika Hunt have been playing pool on Mondays since the opening of the Clubhouse. These two women would love to see the room filled with ladies playing pool on a regular basis. This would require both tables to be used, and a time to play scheduled separately from the men.

The Billiard Room was crowded on Monday afternoon at 1 p.m. when I arrived. The four ladies and six men soon paired up into teams, and the games began. The players were very eager to help each other with their strategy of the next shot to be made. From my fresh-tothe-game vantage point, there seems to be players of every skill level playing on any given day.

Mary Braun was joined by Sue Vernali, Cheryl Juarez and Harleene Bebout for several games of pool. Monika Hunt is unable to play while recovering from WBL photo by Deb Ristau. back surgery, but she’s there to cheer on Karla Hoyer is on a quest. Join her each month as she samples a the ladies. Some of the ladies are new variety of athletic activities available at Woodbridge. to the game and were concerned about the amount of practice it would take to The men tend to fill the Billiard Room on hone their skills. They were having a good most afternoons for several hours. John time despite missed shots and talk of more Shirley, George Moffatt, Barry Carter, Bob practice.

Edwards, Dewey Hunt and Jim Jefferies are profile are commonly called “one-eyed.”

The king of hearts is the only king with no mustache and is also typically shown with a sword behind his head, making him appear to be stabbing himself. The axe held by the king of diamonds is behind his head with the blade facing toward him which leads to the nickname “suicide king.”

The king of diamonds is traditionally armed with an axe while the other three kings are armed with swords, and thus the king of diamonds is sometimes referred to as “the man with the axe.”

The queen of spades usually holds a scepter and is sometimes known as “the bedpost queen,” or more often she is called “Black Lady.”

the regular Woodbridge pool players. These gentlemen play pool between three and four times a week and have been doing so for a very long time. The common denominators between the men and the women are the laughter, storytelling and their drive to improve their skills. They all seem to have become quite refined in the game of pool.

“Is pool a game or a sport?” I asked several of the players. Their answer was simple, “Both,” they replied.

Regarding my talent or lack of ability as a pool player, I believe it will take at least four years for me to be ready to compete at any level. I played three games of pool and missed so many shots that I lost count. I did manage to make a few terrific shots and got a lot of exercise running laps around the table.

This game takes a lot of practice, tenacity and a great sense of humor to play. I agree with the experts. This is both a game and a sport, just as the players stated. I am humbly moving on to my next quest and looking forward to meeting each and every sports group and learning all about the game and the people.

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Page 7 • March 2012

Be Tax-smart

By Paul E. Serpa, Personal Fitness Instructor

W

BASAL METABOLIC RATE

ith all nutrition plans, you need to make sure you do not fall below your basal metabolic rate – the minimum number of calories (fuel) your body needs to function properly. For most people, the minimum intake needs to be between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day.

And unfortunately, as we age, our basal metabolic rate decreases, resulting in a corresponding decrease in the number of calories we need to take in each day.

with Your Investments.

According to the Tax Foundation, it took the average American until April 12 this year to earn enough to pay 2011 income taxes.

A recent study compared the caloric efficiency of the human body to automobiles. Surprisingly, our bodies are extremely efficient with fuel-burning, and, according to the study, if our bodies were able to use gasoline as fuel, we would attain a surprising 912 miles per gallon of gas. NO, we cannot drink gasoline, but the comparison does show how extremely efficient our bodies are and how few calories it actually takes to function properly.

This year, aim to be above average. Start by evaluating whether you can benefit from tax-smart investing strategies, such as: • Tax-advantaged investments and retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs) • 529 college savings plans • Holding stocks for the long term Keep in mind that tax implications should only be one consideration when making investment decisions, not the driving factor.

So, check with your local fitness professional regarding your personal metabolic rate.

Call or visit today to learn more about these investing strategies.

Danny Danbom

Financial Advisor .

1144 South Main Street Manteca, CA 95337 209-824-1000 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Paul Hanz and Kirby Brown performed “King of the Road”

by Roger Miller and a rendition of “Blue Moon,” to win the “really big check” presented by emcee Bob Naquin on the final night of “Woodbridge Has Talent” on February 2.

The judges remarked that they were the “total act,” had “great props,” and “I’d recommend these two for Vaudeville.”

See story on page 11.

WBL photo by Bob Abreu.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Sports Softball at Del Webb Field T

By Butch Larson

he Silver Sluggers and Diamond Gals play their softball games on the beautiful Del Webb Field (DWF). Our program began in 2009 with coed teams but has evolved into two divisions: Men’s-Silver Sluggers which includes the Wolverines team and the Women’s-Diamond Gals. In the upcoming 2012 season, we expect to have four recreational men’s teams: Red, White, Blue and Green. There will also be two women’s teams: Red and Blue. These are in addition to the competitive and traveling Wolverines team.

Official practices are under way and will continue into March. Players should check the Woodbridge portal for dates and times.

keeping a watchful eye on the field to minimize the potential for injuries. As one might expect, we have shed some epithelium and a few drops of hemoglobin and strained a few muscles since DWF opened. Throw in a few broken bones, strained “hammies” and jammed knuckles, and you might understand why Doctors Hospital hosts several Wine and Cheese events for us. Our players would not trade our beloved DWF for any other Del Webb amenity, though the hot tubs come in a close second once the season begins.

Senior softball requires a few special design features, and DWF has them. I would like to introduce you to two of these unique features.

W

First base

hat’s on first? Well, the first base at DWF The men’s player draft will be held on Monday, March 12. contains the traditional squareshaped white base lying to the Our Opening Day Ceremony left of the foul line and of course and Games for both men it is well within fair territory. and women will be held on It also contains a nontraditional Saturday, March 31. Our spring season will run through orange base residing on the right side of the foul line and the last week of June. We is therefore in foul territory. will break for the month of The orange base is connected July and resume again with like a conjoined twin to the our fall season from August white base. The reasoning is through October. Schedules will be available on the portal that a second, bright-orange bag allows our aging eyes to or at the Clubhouse after the draft. Players may also obtain more easily identify where our aging legs should run. This schedules from their coaches. then leaves the white base any of us have played available for the aging first on a variety of “ball baseman to touch once the ball fields” in our time and DWF is caught. The intent is to keep is one of the best. In addition, the two players apart to avoid a our groundkeeping team is collision and subsequent injury.

M

In theory it works, except when the second baseman or the pitcher tries to cover first base, or the first baseman lunges, scoops or stumbles after an errant throw. The resulting ballet of avoidance is scary yet artistic like a Salvador Dali painting in motion.

You might be pleased to know that we have taken additional precautions to avoid contact at first base by painting a chalk line horizontal to the conjoined bases to allow runners to “come close” to the orange base without touching it. They need only reach the chalk line. Thus far it has worked pretty well; however, two runners have generously interpreted the line to extend into the bench area and three other players have complained about being allergic to the chalk.

T

Home plate

he second unique design feature at DWF is home plate, or should I say, home plates. Once again there are two where there is normally just one. The first home plate is in the normal position, facing the pitcher’s mound. It is flush to the ground and can be easily obsured by dirt. The second home plate is parallel to the first plate and six feet to the right. It is the same size, same shape, same color and is also flush to the ground.

Additionally, it is positioned near the grass growing in foul territory. Again, the reasoning is the second plate will keep the runner and the catcher apart.

In theory it works.

W

e all know, however, that grass gets slippery and provides moisture to a rubber surface like that of the spiked shoes worn by the runner who will attempt to step on this second plate while running at

Page 9 • March 2012

break-neck speed.

Do you see where this is going? What is a ballplayer to do? After chugging around three other bases, legs getting heavy and sweat dripping into eyes and ears, we are expected to pick up and distinguish between two same colored home plates. I wonder if they thought about making the second one orange?

T

he result can be a skating exhibition reminiscent of the Winter Olympics. Or, should a catcher or pitcher be anywhere near the plates, a rugby scrum might break out.

We used chalk to help solve our problem by putting in a guideline to lead the runner toward the second plate at home. However, with chalk on the field to delineate foul lines, batter’s box, first base, second base, third base, commit lines and now the new “guide line” - you might have to be an airplane pilot to navigate the DWF bases.

T

he game of softball is pretty simple after all: pitch, hit, run, score, catch, don’t slide, don’t turn around after going halfway to the next base, learn the flip-flop rule and oh, yes, don’t call “infield flies” and outfielders stay behind the cones until the ball is hit.

So, for the 2012 season, gentlemen, start your softball engines, fire up the BBQ, Ron, and let’s enjoy the season.

We’re asking the Manteca Fire Department and EMTs to keep those engines idling.

Next month we’ll take a look at the men who manage the game - the coaches. Hope to see everyone at DWF for the Opening Ceremonies and Games on March 31st!

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 11 • March 2012

Woodbridge Has Talent

O

By Bob Naquin

n Thursday, January 26, round one of the first Woodbridge Has Talent contest was held in the Lakeview Clubhouse. With Bob Naquin as master of ceremonies, the three judges from the Manteca Fire Department were ready to see what the residents of Woodbridge could scare up for performers.

Before the show got started the master of ceremonies interviewed the three judges from the fire department who were: Traig Smith, Franco Torrice and Bob Marty, the last being one of Woodbridge’s newest residents. After the emcee got assurances no bribes had been offered, it’s the economy and the judges’ characters were beyond reproach, the contest began.

The first act was a duet of “Mack the Knife” performed by Paul Hanz and Kirby Brown. This song from “The Three Penny Opera” and made famous by Bobby Darin, was done in appropriate costume by Paul and Kirby to the delight of the audience.

Next Ray Noble entered his T-shirt folding expertise in the “Stupid Human Tricks” category. Ray was able to fold his T-shirt in three seconds, as advertised, proving that even stupid humans have their uses.

Going from light to the slightly heavier entertainment, Jerry Clements exercised his pipes with the Spanish operatic song “No Puede Ser,” showing off his vocal range.

Dar Choate on the piano, serenaded the crowd with “Climb Every Mountain” from the “Sound of Music.”

Ed Limon then sang a little heard song called “Mary Did You Know?” in a deep, rich voice reminiscent of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s.

Jerry Clements returned, bringing his better half, Diana, onstage to sing a duet version of “You Raise Me Up,” another crowd pleaser.

For the finale the Ukes of Woodbridge crowded up onstage, each with a ukulele and four lessons under his or her belt to play: “How Much is That Doggie in the Window” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” After their performance, the emcee interviewed them and discovered some had given up pole dancing careers to take up the ukulele. The sacrifices some people make for their art! The group was led by Carla Marquardt who played bass on an odd-looking African instrument. Carla was accompanied by her students: Sue Adams, Dar Choate, Margo Flanagan, Jeannie Grinsell, Peggy Hames, Paul Hanz, Sally McNamara, Caroline Oestreicher, Don Peirano and Mel Reynolds.

After careful deliberation and another call for bribes, the gallant firemen had to eliminate three of the contestants. This left four acts advancing to the second and final round.

The Final Round

On Thursday, February 2, the second and final round of talent competition was held. The emcee was still Bob Naquin Sally McNamara, accompanied by as he did not get eliminated in the first LOSS OF HEARING round. The judges Feeling of isolation were reduced to Loneliness two, Franco Torrice Call 823-2107 and Bob Marty.

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Actually, duty called for Judge Traig Smith and it was agreed by all it would be better if he spent his night helping people.

The stakes had been raised for the final round as there could be only one winner, and that act was slated to receive a really, really big check. The room was full, and you could almost cut the tension with a knife.

The first performance was by Jerry and Diana Clements singing “My Heart Will Go On” from the hit movie “Titanic.”

Jerry and Diana did a wonderful job and brought a tear to more than one eye, making them contenders for the really, really big check.

Sally McNamara returned, once again accompanied on the piano by Dar Choate, to sing “I Believe.” The emcee solicited Sally’s help in putting on a road show with him but, after some negotiation, it was decided he could not afford her talents.

Next the dynamic duo of Paul Hanz and Kirby Brown performed “King of the Road” by Roger Miller. After a short onstage costume change, the pair brought the house down with their rendition of “Blue Moon,” complete with blue moons and a mop-headed party doll to sing to.

The crowd’s favorite, the Ukes of Woodbridge, returned; this time without their fearless leader Carla Marquardt.

Even without Carla, they were able to entertain the crowd with “This Land is Your Land” and “On Top of Spaghetti.”

After the songs they added a couple of limericks to the night’s entertainment.

The limericks all had a pole dancing theme. It is believed this continued reference to pole dancing had something to do with firehouse poles but you never know with this bunch. The performers were once again: Sue Adams, Dar Chaote, Margo Flanagan, Jeannie Grinsell, Peggy Hames, Paul Hanz, Sally McNamara, Caroling Oestreicher, Don Peirano and Mel Reynolds with the addition of Kirby Brown on bass.

Mel also did a little solo performance while we waited for the decision of the judges.

The judges returned with their decision after an appropriate time in deliberation. The winners were as follows: Third Runner Up: Sally McNamara with comments from the judges like “American Idol worthy” and “classic voice.”

Second Runner Up: Jerry and Diana Clements with judges’ comments of “romantic,” “harmonized” and “elegant.”

First Runner Up: The crowd favorite Ukes of Woodbridge with judges’ comments such as “strong finish,” “good crowd involvement,” and “everyone in sync.”

The winners of the really, really big check were Paul Hanz and Kirby Brown. The judges remarked that they were the “total act,” had “great props,” and “I’d recommend these two for Vaudeville.”

Dodie Miller awarded the winners their really, really big check for One Million Dollars good only at the library coffee bar in the Community Room where the coffee is free anyway! All participants received a gift card to Starbucks and everyone’s heroes, the firemen judges, received gift cards to Bass Pro Shops.

Bob Naquin thanked everyone for their attendance and participation.

He also thanked the ladies behind the scene who make everything go smoothly every day - Dreanna Langdon, Kayo Armstrong and Dodie Miller. A fun time was had by all and people went home to prepare for the next Woodbridge Has Talent show.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Women of Woodbridge Woodbridge Women Give Back to Community

By Marybeth Saari

2011 was a very successful year for The Women of Woodbridge (WOW) group as they volunteered their time, gathered hundreds of school supplies and raised over $5,000 for children of Manteca!

WOW fundraisers and events for 2011 included: •

Take A Sip For Scholarship

$3,000 was raised for East Union High School for two scholarships/academic blocks/pins

•

Ladies’ Tea

$1,000 was raised for the Manteca Unified School District Homeless Program

•

Oktoberfest and iPad Raffle

$1,000 was raised for Haven of Peace Women’s Shelter

•

Neil Hafley Elementary/French Camp Elementary

School supplies; volunteer program; stuffies and books from Kohl’s for kindergarten

Looking Forward in 2012 April 2012: Butter Braid Fundraiser

Proceeds to Manteca Pregnancy Center

May 10: Take A Sip For Scholarship

Scholarships for Manteca high schools

Summer:

Supplies collected for local Elementary Schools

October 16: Oktoberfest

iPad/Kindle Fire Raffle, Proceeds to Mary Graham Hall

November: Butter Braid Fundraiser

Proceeds to Manteca Pregnancy Center

Ongoing Projects:

Donations for Haven of Peace should be put into the supply bin located in the Club Room – a list of needs is attached to the bin

Guest Speakers:

March: Tom Wilson, Murals of Manteca May: Mayor Willie Weatherford

Thank you for attending and supporting these events for the children of Manteca. It is a great way to have fun and make new friends here at Woodbridge while giving back to the community!

Page 13 • March 2012

 ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER & DANCE

Saturday, March 17. We have our St. Patrick’s Day dinner/dance starting with dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by dancing to the band “The Edsels.” The Men of Woodbridge Group will be serving an authentic corned beef and cabbage dinner. Tickets are available at the front desk. $12.50 per person.

 SPAGHETTI FEED & DANCE

Saturday, March 31 , 6:30 p.m. The Veterans of Woodbridge Group is hosting a spaghetti feed and dance fundraiser. The group is raising money to “Send our boys to Washington” (See story on page 21). The evening will include a special program and guest performance during dinner. If you heard about the Veterans’ Day dance this group put on last November - you know that you don’t want to miss this upcoming event. Tickets go on sale March 6 at the Clubhouse front desk. $12.50 per person.

A silent auction and raffle are planned as part of the evening festivities.

 SOUP & SALAD POTLUCK

Tuesday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. This month’s potluck will feature soups, salads, crackers, breads and desserts. Be sure to mark your calendar and think about trying a new type of soup or salad to share. Woodbridge’s Potluck Night is the best meal in town. See you there!

 SAVE THE DATE - AFTER EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 14. Mark your calendars now so you don’t forget to sign up for the free annual Easter Egg Hunt and Ice Cream Sodas event, sponsored by the Woodbridge Grandparents Group and Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens. The event, including egg hunt and games for children and ice cream sodas for all, will be held on the Saturday AFTER Easter, April 14, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Watch for more information in the April edition of Woodbridge LIFE. Easter Sunday is April 8.

 PATSY CLINE TRIBUTE

Saturday, April 14. “A TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE” STARRING JONI MORRIS AND THE AFTER- MIDNIGHT BAND FEATURING BOBBY BLACK (STEEL GUITAR HALL OF FAME). Best known for her tribute to the late singer, Patsy Cline, Joni Morris also performs songs by legendary ladies of country music. She sings each song brilliantly and adds dazzling costumes and comedy, too. Show date is Saturday, April 14, and tickets go on sale March 15 at the Clubhouse front desk, $22 per person. This is an excellent show that you won’t want to miss.

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Page 14 • March 2012

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Retirement keeps Bea Lingenfelter going strong

“I enjoy the Bea is active in St. Paul’s League because United Methodist Church ea Lingenfelter I learn so much where she has served on is a woman of about what’s numerous committees. multiple talents going on in our She currently is a Stephen and interests. If government Minister, a lay program anything, Bea has broadened today. We provided by the church where her retirement activities to extensively she will meet one-on-one with parallel the devoted energy study all facets people who are going through and dedication that marked of an issue a difficult time in their life. her 30+ years in education. to determine These difficulties might range That career began as a our position from loss of a loved one, to reading teacher and ended as for advocacy,” divorce, unemployment or superintendent of two school she concluded. financial difficulties. districts.

Those issues “We received 50 hours of Currently, Bea is president vary and include initial training and meet topics which of the League of Women bi-monthly for additional range from Voters of San Joaquin training. Four of us are immigration County. The League, which Stephen leaders, and we do all and health WBL photo by Bob Abreu. was formed after 1919 when Bea Lingenfelter is the current president of the League of Women the training,” she said. women won the right to vote, and welfare Voters of San Joaquin County, donates time each week at two area is a non-partisan group whose to privatizing Bea participates in hospitals, serves on the WOA Policy and Procedures Committee, cogovernment original goal was to educate Woodbridge activities and chairs the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Group and does much more. services women voters about how has served for two years as like law the government works. The Preemie babies in the Intensive secretary of the Policy and enforcement, libraries and League is now open to both Care Nursery will be fussing Procedures Committee. She water treatment plants. men and women. and crying but will settle heads the greeting committee down after a few minutes of on the Holiday Home Tour anting to do The League has two cuddling,” she declared.

Her and organizes speakers for the something purposes: to educate about husband Al also volunteers to Spring Garden Tour. entirely different ballot measures and other hold and rock the babies. after spending election-related information, She co-chairs, with Monika her entire working career in and to advocate and support As an aside, Bea noted the Hunt and Sandy Herrera, education, Bea turned to two the political issues they nurses “love the little knitted Neighbors Helping Neighbors. local hospitals. For 10 years study. caps the Woodbridge knitters “We are men and women who she has volunteered in the gift and crocheters donate. have volunteered to help with “2012 will be very busy shop and on the main desk because we have the June as part of Doctors Hospital of primary and the November Manteca Auxiliary. She is also ThoRSon FInAnCIAL eSTATe Presidential election. mAnAgemenT, InC. a past membership chair for the Our members study and group.

Lifetime Income Solutions present pros/cons on ballot Bea also volunteers for two 1101 Standiford Ave., C2 propositions so the voter can to three hours weekly at San Modesto, CA 95350 make an informed decision.

Joaquin County Hospital as a We hope to provide a ballot baby cuddler. She co-chairs (209) 522-0250 issues presentation to the baby cuddler program for Fax (209) 576-0065 Woodbridge residents in the fall where questions from the the Auxiliary with Woodbridge www.thorsonfinancial.com Thomas Thorson, RFC audience will be encouraged,” resident Bonnie Bordenhagen.

Tom@thorsonfinancial.com CA Insurance Lic. #0712011 she said.

“It’s absolutely amazing.

By Sharyl Burgeson

B

W

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

minor repair issues or light household tasks that have become difficult for residents,” she explained.

major. She married Al, her college sweetheart whom she met on a blind date her first year of college.

“We also send notes of encouragement to those in need. It is important that residents contact us if they know of anyone needing cheer,” she further explained.

She stayed home for 10 years to raise their three children.

Then came more schooling and she earned her master’s degree in reading specialization and a doctorate in educational administration.

Woodbridge activities she attends include the yoga class, walking group, a book club comprised mainly of residents, the potlucks and choral concerts. Husband Al is a member of the Woodbridge Singers. She attends other activities depending on the topic.

Bea was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from BaldwinWallace, a private liberal arts school, with a K-9 education

The family moved to California in 1983, and her career escalated to serving as principal of two elementary and one junior high school in Ceres.

The next advancement landed her in Groveland where she served two years as Superintendent of Public Schools in Big Oak Flat/ Groveland Unified School District.

She returned to Ceres where, for another four years, she

headed the Ceres Unified School hopefully with all three District. families, and make side trips from their base in Rome.

After retiring in 2001 from the public school system, Bea still “We’ve lived in Manteca since wasn’t finished teaching. She taught education leadership 1983 and were so excited about classes to students earning the Del Webb development that master and doctorate degrees in the University of the Pacific’s we moved in with the original Department of Educational Administration. She again group of new residents.” retired from her education career in 2006 because she “We’ve lived in Manteca “wanted to travel more to visit since 1983 and were so her grandchildren.” excited about the Del Webb This traveling includes at development that we moved in least three visits yearly to a with the original group of new married son and their two residents. children in Guatemala, another “We’re still excited about married son with three children living here. In fact, we love in North Carolina and a it. Besides the activities, daughter and significant other the people, especially our living in Marin County. neighbors, watch out for each Bea and Al will celebrate other and are supportive, their 50th anniversary this encouraging and friendly,” she July. They plan to visit Italy, concluded. �

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Woodbridge LIFE

Still working

T

By Deb Ristau

he year was 2008.

Dennis and Debbie Burke drove from their home in San Jose to visit friends and family in the Central Valley. They saw billboard signs promoting a Del Webb community with an active adult lifestyle. They stopped to look.

“We fell in love with everything about Woodbridge and the whole concept of the Del Webb active adult lifestyle, but we were still working,” said Debbie. “We weren’t ready to move.”

The Burkes spent the next year visiting the models and sales office where they continued to keep their fingers on the pulse of the project.

Each visit brought them closer to a decision. With every pass through the sales pavilion, the couple would linger over the huge community model and ponder their favorite location.

In 2009, Pulte Homes released the lot that Dennis and Debbie wanted to own, yet the Burkes still weren’t ready to retire.

What to do?

They loved their home in San Jose that was only 16 bumperto-bumper miles from work, but they also loved the Bedford model and didn’t want to lose a chance to get ‘their’ house on ‘their’ lot. Indeed, what to do?

The couple opted to put their San Jose home on the market and see what the future would bring. As luck would have it, the house sold right away and the Burke’s 16-mile, 60-minute weekday commute became a 78mile, 90-minute commute.

Today, Dennis and Debbie have no regrets about the

www.ourwoodbridge.net

move that has exceeded their expectations and delivered the lifestyle promised and more than the couple imagined. “We love living here,” said Debbie.

“We love our home, our sense of community and the many friends we’ve made.”

Dennis added that, “We have no regrets that we moved here before retirement. We knew the commute would be the most difficult part of our decision, and it is no worse than we expected it to be. The benefits far outweigh the hassle of driving to Palo Alto five days a week.”

Despite holding down fulltime jobs away from home, Dennis and Debbie are actively involved in the community and look forward to even greater participation in a few years. For now, the need for health care benefits and extra income for added retirement comfort, keeps them on the road five days a week.

“If we’ve had a good day at work, we come home, spend 30-minutes on the treadmill then enjoy a nice dinner together. On bad days, we walk into the home we love, open a bottle of wine and order a pizza.”

According to Dennis, when they were in the process of buying their home at Woodbridge, the Burkes were told that approximately 40% of the residents still work. “But we feel that we are in the minority when it comes to those who work

WBL photo by Deb Ristau.

Dennis and Debbie Burke and Nina Wedlake enjoy visiting at one of the many impromptu parties that are part of the Woodbridge culture. and those who are retired,” he said. Debbie added, “If we’ve had a good day at work, we come home, spend 30-minutes on the treadmill then enjoy a nice dinner together. On bad days, we walk into the home we love, open a bottle of wine and order a pizza.”

While the Burkes might feel they are part of the minority, the actual numbers are probably consistent with 40% of residents actively working in a full or part-time capacity. Many more are active volunteers for various community organizations.

This Woodbridge by Del Webb community will continue to attract both segments of the population. Those not yet retired will eventually do so and the cycle will continue. Trends in America are ever-changing.

Woodbridge residents want it all. They want the opportunity to go out at a moment’s notice and frolic with friends or the

luxury of staying home with a good book when everyone else is dancing the night away at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

Residents agree that living in a community where neighbors look out for each other provides a high level of comfort and security. Unsavory characters with no business on the streets of Woodbridge are often escorted off the property by volunteer neighborhood watch teams.

Whether retired, still working, volunteering time or being an active hobbyist, Woodbridge residents enjoy life with neighbors who have become friends.

Dennis and Debbie Burke give up an extra hour each day to savor the good life at Woodbridge. As Dennis says, “What more could we want? It’s wonderful here.”

�

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 17 • March 2012

Find the Meaning in your life

By Joyce Renebome

I first read Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” in the early ‘60s.

His words and philosophy have stayed with me for life.

Frankl survived years in the infamous Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz. He was not a physically strong man. The main reason Frankl survived the atrocities of the death camp was due to his determination to write a book about his philosophy on life. As terrible as his experience was, it reinforced his belief that life is not primarily a quest for pleasure as Freud believed or a quest for power as Alfred Adler taught.

Frankl believed the greatest task for any person was to find Meaning in his or her life. He believed the words of Neitzsche: He who has a “Why” to live by, can overcome almost any “How.” For many years after reading Frankl’s book, when I or someone I knew seemed depressed or lost, my mantra was, “Read Man’s Search for Meaning.”

Being an avid reader, I read hundreds of books as the years passed. I made a point,

however, to file the words and meaning of Frankl’s book in my subconscious mind, along with a few other books including “Dr. Zhivago,” “East of Eden” and “Of Mice and Men.” When my husband Pete’s failing eyesight and hearing got to a point he had to give up ranching and raising his beloved purebred bulls, I realized he was slowly losing his Meaning.

I once again began thinking about Frankl’s book, which was long gone. Using computer technology, I was able to find the 1992 version. Some parts were revised, some deleted and new parts were added; however, the basic concept was there for the taking.

As I concentrated on helping Pete find a new Meaning for his life, I realized there must be a lot of folks living in Woodbridge who are retired or close to retiring. I would imagine that for a good number of these people, their work was the main Meaning and Why in their life. This would be especially true for the Type A personalities who put in long hours at work. The sudden loss of that Meaning in life can be traumatic. This becomes even more difficult if a person suffers from a sudden disability that no longer allows him or her to drive or be independent.

One of the wonderful benefits of living in the WBL photo by Deb Ristau. Woodbridge

Pete Renebome’s model homes.

WBL photo by Deb Ristau.

Joyce Renebome helps her husband Pete use his “Ten little eyes” and his old table saw to create a variety of bird houses. community is the lifestyle. It can be beneficial to a great many retirees. They can donate time to help others or join groups they enjoy. However, not everyone is physically able, or perhaps they don’t possess an outgoing personality. For those of you who are finding it difficult to fill the void of retirement, take the time to find a Meaning. There is something out there that will work for you.

In my husband’s case, it was building bird houses. They may be a little crooked here or there

due to his blindness, but the birds don’t seem to care.

He put his 30-year-old table saw in the last two garage sales after I insisted it was too dangerous for a blind man to be using an electric saw. We didn’t get any takers. I guess the good Lord was watching over him and his ten little eyes (that is what he calls his fingers). So far he still has all ten, and without his table saw, he never would have found his Meaning.

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SIERRA CANYON

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

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Wine 101

By Deb Ristau

JUSTICE IS BLIND Brown Bag Wine Night is designed to be a social, fun, winetasting evening in a teaching/ learning environment. It’s scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, at 5 p.m. in the Bristol and Andover Rooms at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

Unlike a double blind tasting where neither the varietal nor origin is known, the Wine 101 Group will taste only chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon wines this month, two very common white and red varietals.

Selections may come from any wine appellation in the world, but do not have to be from a single vineyard designation. They may not, however, be blended with any other varietal by the winemaker.

The chardonnays will be tasted first, then discussed and debated by tasters who will agree, disagree,

Woodbridge LIFE

note the flaws and pick favorites.

Ballots will be marked and turned in.

Judges will score all wines in order of preference from first to last.

The group will then taste the cabs, offering more of the same comments regarding preferences, nose, likes and dislikes. All tasters and judges are encouraged to offer opinions along with reasons for those opinions.

With members of the group ranging from those very new to the world of wines to amateur wine makers with sophisticated palates, this should prove to be an interesting evening.

As the last tasters reach the end and all signed ballots are turned in, there will be an informal applause-meter vote, with the wines still hidden, for the top two and least two favorites still in the bags. Once the official scores are tabulated, the winners will be lined up in order and the bags ripped off to reveal the results. There might be a bit of revisiting the wines that goes on after the bags are off as judges

review their notes. There might also be a surprised look or two and more discussion when the price points are revealed. Before the night concludes, tasting notes will be finalized, pictures will be taken and the next Wine 101 event will be announced.

There is no budget or a price range for this Brown Bag Wine Night in March. Members may bring a $2 Charles Shaw, a $32 Rombauer, a $60 Grgich Hills or anything else.

Member name and the price paid will be attached to each bottle - hidden by the bag - until the unveiling. It will be intriguing to see if a $9 cab might show as well or better than a $34 bottle of the same varietal.

To sign up: Call the March coordinators, Dave and Deb Ristau at 209-765-5058 by March 5.

Membership in the Wine 101 Group is free and new members are always welcome. You may join the group by signing up on the WOA portal and/or by attending a group sponsored event.

Page 19 • March 2012

WE ARE A FAMILY!

By Anne Madrid

When you move to Woodbridge, you never expect your family to grow. We are seniors, for heaven’s sake! Then senior things happen.

Our ailments and problems get in the way of our fun. But your new family will be there to help.

For example, Karen Perrin sends a request for “help” on the portal. Her friend and neighbor, Melinda Fiorio, has just had a hip replacement and husband Gary is now caretaker and housekeeper.

Will we help? Of course we will.

Karen asked for meals for the Fiorios while Melinda is recuperating. “I can’t believe the response,” says Karen. One resident said she doesn’t cook but wants to buy a Costco meal for the family. Our only hope is that Gary doesn’t have to go on a diet after Melinda’s recovery.

Welcome to Woodbridge!

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 20 • March 2012

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N

By Bob Hall

eighborhood Watch held a workshop with more than two hundred residents in attendance. Guest speakers, a Manteca police officer and representatives from Arvin Home Systems and Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens were invited to address the audience.

The officer seemed overwhelmed with the number of people at the workshop; he said his sergeant had told him it would be a small meeting. He then answered questions about the amount of home burglaries in the city and the procedure followed by the police after a burglary has occurred.

Next the gentlemen from Arvin Home Systems discussed the alarm systems in our homes and the alarm units available for homes that did not come with systems already installed.

Steve’s Sunscreens then offered to install security door screens and other locks for the homes.

As a result of the huge turnout and the concern for home security, the Neighborhood Watch decided it was time once

I

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again to offer a Window and Door Lock Package to residents at a discounted price. This offer had been attempted a couple of years ago, but because the price depended on buying a large bulk order and the required number of residents did not participate, the project was unsuccessful.

This time the required number of homes was reached and, as a result, forty-eight residents were able to custom order the locking components they felt they needed for their homes. Volunteers helped assemble the individual orders and handed them out the second week of February.

I want to give Len Ambers special thanks for all the hard work he put into getting this package together and Don St. Lawrence for his help with the two presentations made to inform the community about this special offer.

Letters from our readers:

’m stealing a few words from Hallmark Cards, Inc., but it’s important for me to convey my deep feeling of thanks and Hallmark usually does it best.

But how do I send Hallmark cards to the many wonderful ladies who graciously gave me birthday gifts, when most of the cards and gifts became separated in the confusion of a wonderful birthday party hosted by my friend and neighbor, our Woodbridge LIFE editor, Deb Ristau?

My Hallmark message to all of you with my sincere thanks:

“What a gift you are. Too often life just rolls along and we don’t take the time to tell those who have touched our lives in some special way how much that has meant...

“You have such a good heart.

You’re always saying something thoughtful or doing something kind. And I want to be sure you know how much you are appreciated and what a gift you truly are.”

Thank you my friends at Woodbridge so very much for always being there for me!

~Jill Padilla

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 21 • March 2012

Veterans of Woodbridge plan fundraiser and honor Carl Willhoft

By Deb Ristau, Army National Guard

T

he Veterans of Woodbridge Group is on a mission.

They are trying to raise the necessary funds to send three of their WWII veterans on the Honor Flight from California to Washington D.C. Through the fundraising efforts of Venture Academy in Stockton, the group was offered one seat on the prestigious trip to the Capitol to tour the city and memorials.

Three of the 16 WWII veterans living at Woodbridge submitted applications.

“It will be more than a year before we have this opportunity again and we don’t want to make these guys wait,” said Mike Crabb, one of the leaders who wants to see all three on the next Honor Flight in September. “These men put their lives on the line when our country called. They are now near 90-years-old or more. We want to do this for them before we can’t do this for them,” he added.

The group is planning a spaghetti feed, program and dance slated for March 31. There will be additional fundraising efforts in conjuction with the event. “This evening is shaping up to be every bit as spectacular as our Veterans Day dance held last November.

We anticipate a sold-out house and promise that no one will be disappointed. Tickets go on sale on March 6, with all proceeds going toward the drive to “Send our boys to Washington.”

Thanks to a donation by Dave Reed, we now have a United States flag with a pole and stand in the Multipurpose Room. This donation was made for use by all groups, not just the veterans.

WBL photo by Deb Ristau

Carl and Betty Willhoft share an afternoon toast at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

In other business the group presented a Certificate of Appreciation to member Carl R. Willhoft, as the first ever, Member of the Month.

The veterans meet on the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Lakeview Clubhouse. New members are always welcome.

Carl R. Willhoft

A

By Dave Reed, USMC

fter graduating from San Francisco State University where he completed two years of Air Force ROTC, Carl enlisted in the United Sates Marine Corps on December 3, 1952 and received basic training at Camp Pendleton, CA, near San Diego.

Stationed later at El Toro Air Base, he completed 18 months on active

duty before he became part of the USMC Air Reserves and completed his USMC enlistment on June 30, 1957.

While flying from Oakland to Alameda to pick up torpedoes on one mission, Carl was sitting in a turret behind the pilot when a gust of wind sucked him up and half-way out of the plane. He said that he hung on for dear life as they rattled onto the runway, and that he took a lot of teasing about the incident.

After completing his tour with the Marine Corps, Carl joined the Army National Guard in ‘57 and served in the Guard for three more years.

He was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant.

Carl serves on the Steering Committee for the Veterans of Woodbridge Group and has been

instrumental in planning activities.

He was also the chairman of the Memorial Day Committee in 2011.

Carl was awarded the Veterans of Woodbridge Certificate of Appreciation for his service and dedication to the organization. The certificate reads, “Carl Willhoft, you are hereby presented with this certificate of appreciation as our very first Woodbridge Veteran of the Month for your continuous and outstanding support of our mission, our members and our community.”

Carl and his wife Betty are fouryear residents and active members of the community. Betty works as a front desk monitor, and the couple can often be found visiting with friends at a potluck or other event.

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Woodbridge LIFE

How we met . . .

I

By Anne Madrid

t was an Alameda connection.

In 1961, Jacque Glidewell met Geno Andrews at the Lincoln Teen Club in Alameda. Little did they know this was the beginning of a 50-year friendship. “Geno was a great dancer!” remembers Jacque. Geno and Jacque both graduated from Alameda High School in 1964.

Bill Reynolds lived in Oakland and had a friend who had a band. While Bill was hanging around with his friend and the band known as “The Whaler’s,” he met the bass guitar player, Geno Andrews. The two became good friends.

Jacqueline and Geno fell in love.

On May 15, 1973, 27-year-old Geno Andrews married Jacqueline and became the father of two all in one day!

Families grow and change but not friendships. Bill is the golfer; Geno is the handyman and eBay shopper.

In fact, Geno is so addicted to eBay that Jacqueline insists, “If I die, Geno will surely get his next wife on eBay!” Both men share a love of hunting and enjoy time spent at their Duck Club in Hilmar.

The families travel, ski and attend graduations and kids’ weddings together. One day, Jacqueline told Jacque that she had good news and bad news. Her son, Aaron, Jacque Glidewell was cruising was getting married, but it was in around town with one of her girlfriends when they noticed a car the Netherlands. “And what is the bad news?” asked Jacque as the full of guys following them. The girls pulled up at Riders’ Drive-In Reynolds got ready to pack their to get a burger. The guys followed. bags.

In 2006 Jacque knew something One of those “guys” was Bill was wrong. She was in extreme Reynolds. He gave Jacque a pain and had lost a lot of weight. big smile and invited her to join When a tumorous growth was him at the bowling alley to play pool. They began dating and were found on her pancreas, surgery was scheduled at Stanford. married on November 11, 1967.

Jacqueline Burr was a freshman at Alameda High School. She knew Bill and Jacque and had heard of Geno. “I thought he was ‘stuck-up’,” she says. After graduation in 1967, Jacqueline married and had two children, Tiffany and Aaron. Life took an unexpected turn, and in 1972, Jacqueline found herself a widow with two small children.

Jacqueline visited her friend often while she was hospitalized (30 times when she counted her Fast Passes).

Jacqueline owned a shop where she was a manicurist. Thinking her friend was ready to go home and should look “pretty,” she packed her supplies and proceeded to give Jacque a manicure in the hospital, much to the surprise of the hospital staff.

It was at a nightclub with friends that Jacqueline met “stuck-up” Geno. When he asked her for a date, Jacqueline insisted they double with friends. “I didn’t trust him,” she says. Even her best friend Jacque warned he was “a player, so be careful.” “I was SO wrong!” Jacque says now.

Then Jacqueline noticed that her friend looked “yellow” and brought it to the attention of the hospital staff. When she was told that it was normal, Jacqueline didn’t give up. After more tests, Jacque was scheduled for additional surgery.

Now that it is over, they both laugh about the most beautiful nails in the

hospital.

After Jacque recovered from surgery, she and Bill began to search for a retirement home. Their Alameda home had stairs, and Bill was determined to move. They started their search in Reno. Bill asked the Del Webb salesman if there were any homes in the Bay Area. “What about Manteca?” the salesman asked. “Manteca? Where is Manteca?”

It wasn’t long before Jacque and Bill knew exactly where Manteca was located. In April 2007, the Reynolds invited the Andrews to join them and check out Woodbridge’s Grand Opening of the models. But when Bill and Jacque put their Alameda home on the market, Jacqueline told Bill, “If you take my best friend away, I will NEVER speak to you again!”

A short time later, Geno and Jacqueline sent their friends a message, “We need to talk to you.”

When Bill and Jacque showed up, the Andrews met them at the door with a copy of Woodbridge’s CC&Rs. They now live around the corner from one another.

The kids and grandkids had an adjustment to make, however, when the two couples moved to Manteca.

The Andrews have Tiffany and

Page 23 • March 2012

Aaron who blessed them with two grandchildren. The Reynolds have sons Mark, Michael and Matthew who added six grandchildren to the family.

“Manteca is SO far away,” claims one grandchild. “They must be in a different time zone.”

Another laments, “Do I need my passport to visit them?” Bill says that their kids still manage to find the way to Manteca to drop off the grandkids for babysitting.

The friendship continues. Bill and Geno still go to the Duck Club in Hilmar. “What goes on at the Duck Club STAYS at the Duck Club,” they both say. Jacque and Jacqueline plan the Ladies’ Luncheon at Woodbridge each month. The Andrews love football while the Reynolds can’t wait for baseball season. All four agree moving to Woodbridge was the best decision ever! “Everyone here is SO friendly,” says Jacqueline.

“We have made many new friends,” Jacque Reynolds adds.

“When we were leaving our neighborhood in Alameda our next door neighbor came out to say good bye. After 33 years we knew her by sight, but on moving day we finally learned her first name!” �

WBL photo by Deb Ristau.

Bill and Jacque Reynolds with Jacqueline and Geno Andrews.

When the Reynolds moved to Manteca, the Andrews weren’t about to be left behind in Alameda.

Page 24 • March 2012

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

A Passion for Healing

By Kayo Armstrong

W

hen Ray and Dottie Serafin opened their chiropractic facility in Pleasanton, his type of medical practice was not widely accepted, and life was simpler. The year was 1964, Pleasanton was a farming community of 4,000 residents and Dr. Serafin was the only chiropractor in town.

In this era, chiropractic service was not covered under insurance so Ray didn’t have to worry about paperwork but rather could focus his attention, education and expertise directly on healing his patients. The fee for a visit was three dollars, and often the payment was made with vegetables or a chicken. Those who couldn’t afford his services were never

reside close by, while the fourth remains in the Pleasanton home where he grew up. The Serafin’s third child, Jon, followed in his dad’s footsteps and managed the turned away and the practice also Square, it was there he met Dottie.

Pleasanton chiropractic practice offered a free children’s clinic. Ray’s A native of San Leandro, the before relocating to open Lathrop philosophy was one of exceeding 19-year-old Dottie worked as a dental Chiropractic. patients’ expectations and loving assistant and happened to be at the service was his foremost technique.

While Ray is “officially” retired same party as Ray in 1958. They Ray says, “If you want to serve from full-time practice, he still shared a dance, and 54 years later, more people, serve people more.” maintains his medical license Ray says, “we’re still dancing.” Ray Ray remained Pleasanton’s sole and will never retire from healing and Dottie were married in 1959 chiropractor for another ten years and caring. Along with Dottie, and following his duty in Alameda, and stayed in his first office until his relocated to attend Cleveland Ray assists his son Jon each year retirement in 2001.

Chiropractic College in Kansas City. with a volunteer program that provides physical exams to local Originally from Kansas, Ray served Although the California girl was kids preparing for the Youth three years in the army during anxious to experience the change of Football League season. Both the peacetime between the Korean and seasons and snow, four years in the cheerleaders and players receive Vietnam conflicts. He describes his Midwest was enough for Dottie, so military days as a “fantastic duty full upon graduation they returned to the exams, and the boys are fitted with helmets and uniforms. Each year, of new adventures with exposure to Bay Area and settled in Pleasanton.

400 - 500 children benefit from the a lot of neat things.” Basic training Ray and Dottie raised their four free service, which also provides was at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and children in Pleasanton, and today education on injury prevention and then young Ray was off to Alameda. they have four grandchildren. avoiding dehydration in the summer Stationed in a satellite army base Three of their four children heat. across the estuary from Jack London The Serafins moved from Pleasanton to Discovery Bay in 1997, where they lived for 14 years before relocating again to Woodbridge. They chose Woodbridge to be closer to their children, and especially their twoyear-old granddaughter Charlotte, who puts the sparkle in Grandpa’s eye. They still own the Discovery Bay home, along with two boats.

Having been Woodbridge residents for just three months, Ray and Dottie are still getting settled in their home but have enjoyed attending social events and participating in trips with the RVers. They also enjoy bowling, movies, fishing and traveling, and Dottie is an avid collector of cranberry glass.

WBL photo by Bob Abreu.

Ray and Dottie Serafin moved to Woodbridge three months ago to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. Ray says, “If you want to serve more people, serve people more.”

Welcome to Woodbridge, Ray and Dottie! �

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

There are Heroes Among Us

By Kayo Armstrong

W

e all value the daily sacrifices our local firefighters make to serve and protect our community, and here at Woodbridge, we have one such hero living among us. His name is Bob Marty.

Bob and his wife Debbie moved to Woodbridge last October, but WBL photo by Bob Abreu. as many other Bob and Debbie Marty are interviewed by Kayo Armstrong at the Lakeview residents, are Clubhouse. years away from retirement. The worked at Oakwood Lakes water engaged to marry Crystal, whose empty-nesters saw their Manteca slides in Manteca. dad, brother, uncle and cousin are neighborhood change over the all Phoenix firefighters.

As fate would have it, Debbie years and were looking for an also worked at the water slides and In the midst of decorating and opportunity to downsize in an in 1974 was Oakwood Lake’s first landscaping their new home, active community without kids employee. Initially Debbie didn’t Bob and Debbie haven’t yet had and their toys filling the streets. care too much for Bob, although she the opportunity to become as Woodbridge fit the bill! was quite fond of his brother. After involved in Woodbridge activities Bob is a 26-year veteran of the a few summers, Bob won her heart, as they hope, but enjoy their Manteca Fire Department and and they were married in 1981. neighbors and amenities like the Debbie is a sales representative walking trail, pool and fitness As newlyweds, Debbie worked for a Modesto printing company. with several doctors here in Manteca center. Along with two other local According to Bob, “I could have firefighters, Bob was a judge in the while Bob was substitute teaching retired sooner, but I love the job recent “Woodbridge Has Talent” and pursuing a career in sales. In and helping people too much. competition.

1984, Bob began fire testing and It’s a dynamic environment in 1986 launched his career as a Debbie says, “I can’t wait to get with continual physical and Manteca firefighter. involved in the community,” and mental stimulation. The The Martys have two children and hopes to start a “Working Women camaraderie with the guys is like of Woodbridge” group to coordinate two poodles but are still awaiting a brotherhood.” more evening opportunities for grandkids who will come from a Originally from South San other members not yet ready to long line of heroes. Oldest daughter Francisco, Bob’s family relocated retire.

Alicia, an esthetician and owner to Manteca in 1974. Combining of Studio 101 in Ripon, married Bob and Debbie, welcome to Woodbridge! his passion for hoops with his her high school sweetheart Matt And Bob, on behalf of the Woodbridge national origin, Bob played Lopez who is a Moraga fire-medic. community, thank you for your life’s noble professional basketball in Following in his dad’s footsteps, son Switzerland for four years after dedication to public service through the fire Landon is a Hayward fire-medic college. During summer breaks department. from Swiss basketball, Bob

Page 25 • March 2012

Sweet Seventeen

By Bill Barnhart, President and Head Lugnut, Wheels of Woodbridge

Russ Jones has owned 17 vehicles throughout his life. As a youngster he remembers riding in the rumble seat of his parents’ 1932 Ford three-window coupe after he got too big to sit up-front in the passenger compartment with his mom and dad.

Russ’ first car was a 1950 Oldsmobile two-door six-cylinder hard top. He drove it to Fremont High in Oakland, where he belonged to a car club called the “Savages” and to church where he met a girl named Marilyn.

After the Olds, Russ got a ’54 Chevy, and later, after eyeing Thunderbirds and Corvettes, he purchased a ’57 Chevy Bel Air convertible. Following that he owned a ’50 Dodge and a ’56 Ford that had been his dad’s. The Ford was a two-door hard top with a 312 cubic inch T-Bird engine.

Russ later owned a ’60 Corvair, a ’65 Chevy El Camino, a ’91 Ford Bronco and eight other vehicles throughout the past 50+ years. In 2005 Russ purchased a modified ’86 Corvette from his brother-inlaw, Ed Vincent. Ed and his wife Loretta are also residents here at Woodbridge.

Russ and his bride of 52 years, Marilyn, moved to Woodbridge in 2007. He keeps busy with the Manteca Garden Club, the Woodbridge Singers and the Wheels of Woodbridge. Russ also volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank.

“We moved here after 47 years in Dublin, and we love it,” said Russ. �

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 26 • March 2012

Garden Tasks for March

M

By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

roses but leave space around arch is the month in the base. the garden when plants start waking up. The • Aphids will begin to be active days are a little longer, the now; spray with a stream of weather is a little warmer, and water. If you have had aphid we are nearing the end of our problems in the past, you frost possibilities. This is a good may choose to use a 12-month month to do a sprinkler tune up. pest control when aphids March will bring the return of first appear. There are both snails and slugs. You can handconcentrate and granular pick them early in the morning forms. Make sure to water or late at night to cut down well after application. dramatically on the population.

If you prefer to use a pesticide, • Toward the end of March be sure and check for safety if is also a good time to prune you have animals. bougainvillea and fuchsias that bloom on new wood.

• Fertilize roses, citrus and flowering plants that are ready to bloom before they start to leaf out. Now is the time to mulch around your

• Now is an excellent time

to pull weeds before they establish and go to seed.

• Hold off on planting tomatoes

and peppers until the end of the month when most chance of frost is over.

• After your

azaleas, rhododendrons or camellias have finished blooming, fertilize them with an acid-loving fertilizer.

• Most plants will benefit

from fertilizer this month.

However, if your garden is beginning to be a little overgrown, you may want to fertilize less.

• If you have trees that are still

staked, evaluate if they would do better without stakes. A tree will naturally use its root system more if the stakes are removed because it has to dig down a little when it’s windy.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Garden Reflections: “Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes, the wind will presently disappear, the taxes last us all the year.”

~Ogden Nash “Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!””

~Robin Williams “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want - oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

~Mark Twain

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

It’s Party Time (Again)!

Page 27 • March 2012

By Anne Madrid

FROM CHEF JERRY Appetizers are always in season, and this month’s recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Woodbridge residents don’t need a special occasion to invite friends for the evening. LET’S PARTY!!!

Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

12 large white mushrooms ½ lb. Italian sausage (sweet or hot) 1 c. fresh spinach leaves, chopped ½ c. Italian parsley, minced ½ c. grated parmesan cheese, divided ½ c. scallions, minced 1 large egg, lightly beaten Salt and pepper to taste ¼ c. butter ¼ c. plain bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the stems away from the mushroom caps and trim to remove any dirt or bruised portions.

Chop the stems and reserve. Scrape the gills from the mushroom caps and discard. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble.

Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring to break up any large clumps, until the sausage is no longer pink, about five minutes. Drain well. Cool.

Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems, and sauté until they are tender and any moisture release has cooked away, two to three minutes. Add the spinach and sauté until tender, about four minutes. Combine the spinach mixture with the sausage in a mixing bowl. When the mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the parsley, ¼ cup parmesan, the scallions and egg. Stir until blended and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the butter and heat until it is melted but not foaming. Add the mushroom caps to the butter and toss gently until evenly coated. Continue to cook until heated through, about two to three minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer to a baking dish. Fill the caps with the sausage stuffing mixture. Combine the remaining ¼ parmesan with the bread crumbs and sprinkle evenly over the tops of the mushrooms. Bake until the tops of the mushrooms are golden and crisp, about 10-12 minutes.

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Page 28 • March 2012

Woodbridge LIFE

Woodbridge Owners Association updates

By Kayo Armstrong

Community Listening Post

This month’s Listening Post, scheduled for 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 21, will feature a presentation on the newly installed security camera system at Woodbridge. Plan to attend as your Property & Grounds Committee members will demonstrate the impressive capabilities of the system designed to enhance community security. Following the presentation, we’ll resume the regular Listening Post format for any other concerns.

Monthly Board Meetings

Beginning in February, your Board of Directors will now be convening every month.

Meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the months March, May, July, September, October and December and include regular business, committee reports, financial review and policy decisions. In the alternate months of April, June, August and November, the Board will meet at 2 p.m. on the last Monday to discuss interim business. As always, residents are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings.

Wine Bottle Recycling

The WOA now has an opportunity for recycling wine bottles. Although they do not have a CRV refund, wine bottles provide an excellent source for glass recycling. Through the recycling process, glass is melted down and reused to eliminate unnecessary landfill waste.

We’ve partnered with the San Joaquin Regional Conservations Corps who will pick up our empty wine bottles from the Clubhouse on a regular basis. You will find the wine bottle depositories in the Club and Multipurpose Rooms next to the CRV receptacles. Please continue to bring your CRV cans and bottles to benefit Lou George’s efforts on behalf of the American Cancer Society and deposit your wine bottles in the adjacent container.

E-Waste Opportunities

The San Joaquin Regional Conservation Corps will be providing periodic pick-up of old, used or broken electronics.

The first pick-up will be in April and on the designated date, all you’ll need to do is leave your unwanted electronics in your driveway. Look for the date and more details in the April issue of Woodbridge LIFE

DEEP WATER RUNNING CLASSES OFFERED

By Chris Russell

Do you remember the article about Deep Water Running (DWR) from the January, 2012, issue of Woodbridge LIFE? We had an excellent response and several people want to learn.

By the time you read this, we will have already held three beginning instruction classes with a limit of 12 students in each class.

The classes covered the basics so that each attendee had enough information to practice on their own.

Equipment

You need a swim belt and paddles.

They are available at Fitness Wholesale: 1-800-537-5512. www.fwonline.com.

Things to remember about DWR:

1. Use a lane where you can’t touch the bottom of the pool in order to gain full leg extension to naturally align your spine.

2. Tighten the belt below your rib cage.

3. Hold the paddles so you can see your knuckles out in front of you (elbows slightly bent) and the paddles are perpendicular to the water with the top of the paddles a little below the water.

4. As you run in the water – push your right hand away from you.

At the same time, lift your left leg to run – then push your left arm away from you and at the same time, lift your right leg.

5. Engage your stomach muscles to hold your body upright while kicking your feet out slightly behind and pushing your hands back and forth.

6. Start slowly and build speed.

7. Combine DWR with swim laps for a good workout.

8. Cool down in the jacuzzi with stretches and water yoga.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

DEVELOPER UPDATE

By Lisa Salazar, Del Webb’s Land Manager at Woodbridge

Many exciting things are happening in the Woodbridge community as we prepare for new neighbors and amenities in the north section. With most of the land development work complete for the remaining home sites in the community’s southern neighborhoods, our focus is now on development in the north.

Improvements are progressing as scheduled at the north Union entrance on Shady Pines, and development is underway on the linear park. This greenbelt will begin in the area just north of the sales pavilion and extend all the way up to the north park. This amenity will connect the north and south sections of the community and serve as another park-like walking trail.

On February 8, we held the final meeting for the north park and were grateful for the valuable input received from residents. Plans for the park are now evolving from conceptual drawings to working construction documents. This will be a spectacular community amenity featuring pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, an outdoor kitchen, chipping course, picnic areas, cabanas, a European-style paseo, concession stand and an outdoor amphitheater with permanent seating. At the entrance to the park will be a meditation garden and in the background a three-story high tower, complementing the architecture of the clock tower at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

Also presented at the meeting in February was the proposed Veterans’ Memorial which would be located in the north park. Still in the design stages, this monument is being proposed by the Veterans’ Group to honor Woodbridge residents who have served in the military.

The Del Webb team thanks you for your patience and support as Woodbridge continues to grow.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Mmm, Good

By Anne Madrid

Top of the mornin’ to you all! We are all a wee bit of Irish as March approaches, so warm up your crockpots for the BEST corned beef and cabbage yet! This recipe was in a Safeway ad 20 years ago and has been a family favorite since then. Take it to a St. Paddy’s Day potluck and it will be the hit of the party!

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE 1 corned beef round or brisket (with or without the spices) 1 quart apple juice 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 large head of cabbage, quartered 10 small red potatoes 4 or 5 carrots, peeled and cut in large pieces Onions (optional) Horseradish

Mix the apple juice and brown sugar together, and pour it over the corned beef in the crockpot. Add the vegetables * and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the corned beef is done. Slice the meat and serve with the horseradish on the side. * If your crockpot is small, omit the vegetables. When the meat is done, remove to a large, covered dish with a little juice and keep in a warm oven, 180 degrees. Put the vegetables in the crockpot and cook on high for about an hour or until done.

Page 29 • March 2012

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 30 • March 2012

Event Calendar

Exercise classes and activities schedule

March

Walking Class:

M-W-F / 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

APRIL

2 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE - MANTECA MURALS

10 STEVE’S MOBILE SUNSCREENS DINNER (3/9*)

7 LADIES’ LUNCHEON

11 LADIES’ LUNCHEON 14 JONI MORRIS & BOBBY BLACK SHOW (3/15*)

17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY - DINNER & DANCE

15 WILDFLOWER TRAIN (Setness Tours)

21 SECURITY CAM PRESENTATION & LISTENING POST, 3 P.M.

17 WINE & CHEESE SOCIAL BY THORSON FINANCIAL

27 RESIDENT POTLUCK, 5:30 p.m.

19 MILLION $$ QUARTET (Setness Tours)

28 WOA BOARD MEETING, 6 p.m.

21 CITY OF MANTECA SHRED DAY

29 NEW RESIDENT ORIENTATION

24 RESIDENT POTLUCK, 5:30 p.m.

29 DR. BLISS CLARK: ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY

30 INTERIM BOARD MEETING, 2 p.m.

Tennis Doubles:

Su / 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Tennis Doubles:

M / 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Lakeview Clubhouse:

824-7581

Board of Directors

Mark Kaushagen, President Mike Moore, Vice President Lisa Salazar, CFO Bill Barnhart, Secretary: Denise Drewry, Director:

Executive Director

Kayo Armstrong:

Activities Director

Dodie Miller:

Management

629-8838 639-2448 824-7831 824-7927

Vierra Moore, Inc. Randee Walshe, Community Mgr. James Martin, Accountant Phoua Vang, Property Administrator 1-800-696-7027

Tennis Doubles:

T-Th / 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Ladies Tennis:

W-Fr / 9:30 – 11 a.m.

WBL photo by Bob Abreu.

WBL photo by Deb Ristau.

Reaching out

Congratulations to Pepper Noble who won the Woodbridge LIFE MAKEOVER CONTEST.

Clubs & Groups Artists & Crafters:

Bocce:

Book Group: Bridge:

M 9-1 F 9-9

Sunday 2 - 4 p.m.

First Wed 10:30-12

Monday 11-3

Bunco:

Third M 6:30-9 p.m.

Caregivers:

First & Third Monday 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Cribbage:

Tuesday 7-8:30 p.m.

Cancer Support: First Tuesday 2-3

Crochet & Knitting: Dance:

Drama:

Thursday 10-12

Friday 6-7:30 p.m.

Th 1-3:30

Disability Support:First & Third Monday 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Game Night:

Hand & Foot:

LCR (dice): Men of WB:

W/F/Sa 6:30-8:30

W/F/Su 1-3 p.m.

Thursday 7-9 p.m.

M 6:30-9 p.m.

Second M 10-11

Mexican Train Dominoes: Tu & Th 1-3 Th 7-8:45 p.m.

Water Aerobics:

T-Th / 10 – 11 a.m.

Pickleball:

M-W-Fr / 7 – 8:30 p.m.

31 SPAGHETTI FEED & DANCE BY VETERANS GROUP

Jill and Ed Padilla (R) enjoy the dance floor at the Lakeview Clubhouse on Valentine’s Day.

Circuit Training:

M-W / 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.

Pickleball:

Wkdys / 10 – 11:30 a.m.

( * Indicates the date sign-ups will begin)

Wine 101 members (L) enjoy port tasting in February and plan a blind chardonnay and cabernet tasting in March.

Yoga Class:

T-Th / 8 – 9 a.m.

Circuit Training:

T-Th / 9 – 9:45 a.m.

13 DAFFODILS AT IRONSTONE WINERY (Setness Tours)

31 SILVER SLUGGERS SOFTBALL - OPENING DAY

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Neighborhood Watch:

Varies

Pickleball:

M/W/F 7-8:30 p.m.

M/TU/TH/F 9-10:30 a.m.

W 10-11:30 a.m.

Ping Pong:

M 4-5 p.m.

Pinochle:

M/Th 1-3 p.m.

Poker:

W 1:30-4:30 p.m.

F 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Veterans of WB:

Second M 4-5:30

WB Diamond Gals:

WB Singers:

Every other M 7-8 p.m.

WB Silver Sluggers: Wheels of WB: Wine 101:

Women of WB:

Varies Varies

First Tu 10-11

First W (time varies)

Third W 11-12

Most groups meet at the Clubhouse and all welcome new members. Rules for starting new groups are available at the Clubhouse.

Pepper’s name was drawn by the DJ at the Valentine’s Day Dance on February 14.

Everyone who signed up for the drawing had her name entered and an equal chance to win.

Pepper will soon meet with the experts at Mimosa Salon & Spa, Dr. Masood Cajee, DDS and Esther Mello of First Impressions Image Design. Her before and after glam shots and the story will be in the April edition of Woodbridge LIFE, available March 30.

Starting at

/month

Package Includes:

~Window Cleaning 2x per year ~CHOOSE Dryer Vent Clean OR Gutter Clean ~Pressure Wash Entire Home $39/month —The Hancock, The Harpswell, The Cambridge, The Chesterfield $45/month —The Williamsburg, The Bridgman $49/month — The Bedford

Announcing the two newest members of the SMS team!

Choose the Package that’s right for you!

Custom Packages Available!

Starting at

/month

Package Includes:

~Window Cleaning 2x per year ~Dryer Vent AND Gutter Cleaning ~Pressure Wash Entire House $49/month —The Hancock, The Harpswell, The Cambridge, The Chesterfield $55/month —The Williamsburg, The Bridgman $59/month — The Bedford

Starting at

/month

Package Includes:

~Window Cleaning 2x per year ~Dryer Vent AND Gutter Cleaning ~Pressure Wash Entire House ~Garbage Can Sanitizing 2x per year ~HVAC Filters Changed 2x per year ~Smoke/CO2 Detector Batteries Changed 2x per year ~Fan Blades Cleaned 2x per year $71/month —The Hancock, The Harpswell, The Cambridge, The Chesterfield

$80/month —The Williamsburg, The Bridgman

November 18, 2011 at 9:33am Emma Jean ~ 5 pounds 14 ounces ~ 18 3/4 in.

Olivia Marie ~ 5 pounds 6 ounces ~ 17 1/2 in.

Proud parents Wesley and Sarah Jasper

$85/month — The Bedford

Solar Screens ~ Security Doors ~ Screen Doors ~ Awnings ~ Home Maintenance

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