Page 10 • February 2014
Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net
Residents share Camino
Santiago trek experience WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE
By Linda Little
“Do you want to take a walk?” pilgrimage was traditionally known
your friend asks. “Sure” is your response. “By the way,” your friend adds, “the walk is 500 miles long and we have to travel to Spain to complete it.” If you’re Woodbridge residents Juanita and Terry Hall, you accept the challenge. Between last August and October, the Halls completed the 500-mile trek on the Camino Santiago. On March 27 at 2 p.m., they will share their experiences preparing for and participating in the trek. Their presentation is part of the bimonthly Women of Woodbridge Speaker Series held in the Lakeview Clubhouse. The Camino Santiago, partially documented Hollywood style in The Way starring Martin Sheen, covers a 500-mile trail through mostly northern Spain. The journey dates back to medieval times when the
as “The Way of St. James.” Legend has it that the remains of St. John were carried by boat to northern Spain and buried on the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. Both walkers and bikers make the pilgrimage and can opt to cover the full 500 miles or a shorter distance. To qualify for a compostela (certificate of completion), walkers must travel at least 100 km and bikers 200 km. The popularity of the Camino Santiago trek has grown from 1985 when 690 completed the walk to 2012 when 192,488 received their compostela. Please RSVP at the front desk for this presentation. As always, there is no fee. However, a count is needed for set-up and preparation of materials. Call to cancel if you cannot attend.
WINE 101
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WOW ELECTS OFFICERS
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Photo courtesy of Terry and Jaunita Hall.
Terry and Juanita Hall of Woodbridge.
By Jon Ford
ur January Wine 101 class focused around the theme of Sauvignon Blanc. We were able to sample many California sauvignon blancs in a variety of styles as well as some Chilean and Australian styles. As usual, the appetizers our classmates brought were just wonderful. We had 85 in attendance at our last meeting and we were delighted to have eight new attendees this time. The theme for February is "A Port in Any Storm.” The focus for food pairing is chocolate and/or veined cheeses. In this class, we will be focusing on the history of port and the many styles available. Wine 101 is open to any resident of Del Webb Woodbridge and no knowledge of wine is necessary because the class is designed to have you leave with new knowledge
each time you attend. People in attendance have a varied range of wine knowledge. The February class is Wednesday, February 12, from 6 until 8:30 p.m. Sign-ups are at the registration/information desk at the Clubhouse. We are limiting the sign-ups to 100 people for each class. We ask that you bring to this event: • Your own wine glasses (in this case we recommend smaller cordial glasses if you have them). • An appetizer to share with the group (either a chocolate dessert or a veined cheese). • Your desire to meet up with new/old neighbors, learn a little more about port wines and have a wonderful time socializing. If you have any questions, you may call Jon Ford at 815-9803.
By Birdie Nieri
new slate of officers was inducted into Women of Woodbridge last month. The regular meeting, held each third Wednesday of the month, was conducted and a luncheon of salads and desserts was served, adding to the festivities of the day. Longtime founder and president, Marybeth Saari, received well wishes and applause for her five years of leadership. She was the driving force who created the club and its many charitable events that help the children of Manteca, as well as adopting its mission statement that is in force today. Also leaving after a five-year term as vice president is Jean Benner. This dynamic pair of women has done a wonderful service for our community of women. They will continue to be a strong voice for our club. The new slate of officers includes: Birdie Nieri, president Connie Reed, vice president Sue Edmiston, treasurer Karen Penzenstadler, secretary
The group will continue with its Signature Events in 2014 as we create and continue with our tradition of outstanding events such as the Take a Sip for Scholarship in May, Oktoberfest in October and our Ladies’ Tea in February. Come join our group and experience the fulfillment we feel as we enrich the lives of children in our area.
WBL photo by Robert Philis.
Birdie Nieri (left) is the newly elected president of the Women of Woodbridge. She will succeed WOW founder Marybeth Saari (right) who led the group for the past five years.