Board Meeting Highlights

The Board:

March 16, 2022

• Approved the February 2023 financial report from Treasurer Karen Warren, as shown on this page.

• Approved the delinquency report for the period through March 1 as presented.

• Approved liens on four subject accounts and instructed the management company to forward the delinquent accounts to the association’s collection attorney for further collection efforts.

• Approved the creation, member review, and the correction of any discrepancies in the 2023 election voter eligibility list. Approved management to make all voter list corrections.

• Approved the appointment of Mary Kay Crowley as the co-chair of the Architectural Committee.

• Approved the resignation of David Shostak and approved the appointment of Karen Warren as a volunteer member of the Ad Hoc Committee to review the policies and procedures for Casta del Sol.

• Approved the proposal from PWLC1 to remove the tree, grind the stump, and remove 14 feet by 20 feet of front lawn, regrade and install new sod at 23892 Via Lugones at a cost of $1,775.

• Approved the homeowner’s request for reimbursement in the amount of $2,128 for the demolition and re-pour of concrete patio with bricks at the property at 28301 Alava due to common-area tree roots.

• Approved the bid submitted by Landscape West Management Service, Inc. in the amount of $80,385 for the Jeronimo Road Slope Renovation Project as recommended by the Greenbelt Committee. Approved a ten percent project contingency in the amount of $8,038 to cover the costs of unforeseen conditions during the project period as recommended by the Greenbelt Committee. The total cost of this project is $88,423.

• Approved the replacement of 30 lineal feet of the chain link fence near 24055 Via Silvestre that was damaged when a tree fell on the fence in a recent storm. Work to be performed by Saddleback Fence & Vinyl Products at a cost of $2,858.80.

• Approved changing gate access software from DwellingLIVE to Nordic iGate for a total cost of $17,136.11.

• General Manager Marilyn Smith reported that the friends and family transponder proposal will require further review. The Traffic Committee will study further. There are four candidates who have submitted applications for the upcoming election for Board of Directors.

• Landscape Services Coordinator Bill Thornton reported there were 165 landscape maintenance requests received in March. PWLC1 will be preparing another rebate request to the Santa Margarita Water District. Under a prior approval for conversion to recycled water, the grass had to removed first. The conversion to recycled water is a separate project eligible for a rebate.

• Maintenance Services Supervisor Ed Pedroncelli reported that the paint project is on schedule for a November completion despite the recent rains. Maintenance staff installed blinds in the fitness center. They have completed 94 projects for the month.

• Recreation Director Valerie Hanich rereported that the age-verification process is nearing completion. Staff will be contacting those residents who have not returned the forms.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held April 20, 2023, at 1 p.m. in the Vista Room. The next workshop meeting will be held April 6, at 9 a.m. in the Vista Room.

Fran Morgan, Courier Chair

**For a copy of the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report, refer to castadelsol.com, Recreation Center bulletin boards, and/or eblasts.

February Treasurer’s Report

Total HOA Assets as of February 28, 2023 are $7,072,843 an increase of $407,485 from last month. This includes the following:

• Operating Cash is $1,445,552. This includes $299,364 in cash, $646,188 invested in a money market account, and $500,000 invested in four CDs with interest rates between 2.50 and 4.35%. There are no operating CDs that mature in March 2023.

• Reserve Cash is $4,999,863. This includes $1,027,792 invested in a money market account, $4,200,000 invested in twenty-one CDs with interest rates between .80 and 4.80%, plus $18,319 in prepaid taxes and $40,948 in interest. There is also a total expense due to Operating in the amount of ($287,195). There is one Reserve CD that matures on March 2, 2023. This CD will be rolled over for a one-year CD in the amount of $200,000 at an interest rate of 5%.

• Capital Improvement Cash is $215,113. This account is funded by budgeting $8 per month per homeowner that results in monthly capital contributions of $15,416 plus interest.

• Total Outstanding Accounts Receivable is $86,343. The allowance for Bad Debts is $51,950 and is adjusted monthly. It is equal to outstanding receivable balances over 28 days.

The following is a selection of our operating category expenses for the first two months of 2023.

General & Administration is: $220,471 which is $7,165 over budget.

Land Maintenance is: $570,409 which is $156,449 under budget.

Recreation/Lifestyle is: $66,836 which is $7,344 under budget.

Repairs and Maintenance is: $49,179 which is $2,858 under budget.

Traffic Control is: $152,932 which is $485 under budget.

Utilities are: $199,237 which is $32,271 over budget.

TOTAL Operating Expenses

Before Reserves is: $1,259,065 which is $127,701 under budget.

TOTAL Operating Expense

Including Reserves and Interest is: $1,905,482 which is $109,116 under budget.

The following is a sampling of operating category expense for the month of February 2023.

General and Administration

• Legal Fees is $6,110 which is $1,110 over budget due to an additional General Legal Fee Expenses

Maintenance

• Tree Removal is $27,690 which is $15,190 over budget due to emergency removal of nine trees.

Utilities

• Natural Gas is $19,226 which is $4,564 over budget due to seasonal increase in the usage of gas and the increase in gas prices.

Treasurer’s Comments:

This Treasurer’s report includes all information compiled through February 28, 2023. The financial statement for February currently includes expenses for 2022 that were not paid until February 2023. These expenses will be reallocated to 2022 after the audit, which will be concluded in March of this year. The Board will keep the membership apprised of all progress made on all outstanding projects. We had one reserve CD of $200,000 to be rolled over on March 2, 2023.

Respectfully submitted, Karen

Warren, Treasurer

Election: Member Review of the Association Eligibility Voter List

California Civil Code Section 5105 specifies that the Association shall have a Voter List of those members who are eligible to vote in the annual election. The Voter List shall include name, voting power, and either the physical address of the voter’s separate interest, the parcel number, or both. The mailing address for the ballot shall be listed on the Voter List if it differs from the physical address of the voter’s separate interest or if only the parcel number is used. The Association shall permit members to verify the accuracy of their individual information for at least 30 days before the ballots are distributed.

The Voter List is scheduled to be finalized on May 1 and approved by the Board on May 4 as the final Eligibility List for the June 22, 2023 Election and used by the printer to mail ballots to each eligible member. To allow for the required 30-day member review, the initial Voter List will be available for a member to review their individual record in the Association Administration Building during normal business hours starting on Monday, April 5.

Getting to Know Our Neighbors: Michael Schlesinger

Continued from page 1 to their home and enjoys outings with them to museums and exhibits. He enjoyed taking the twin grandsons, who are in the middle school orchestra, to the Chamber Music Concert at the Murray Center.

Michael takes pride in the fact that his love of art is inherited from his aunt and uncle who have a wing in the San Diego Museum of Art, and from his father who he watched making metal sculptures and painting. He is especially delighted for his grandchildren to continue the tradition.

While many people take it easy in their retirement, Michael is always busy and finding new issues to address.

Election: Return of Ballots and Ballot Tabulation

The Board of Directors plans to approve the final Voter Eligibility List, the Annual Meeting Ballot, and Annual Meeting Notice on May 4. The Voter List, Ballot, and Member Notice will then be sent to a printer for preparation and mailing to all members of record. The Election Calendar calls for the ballots to arrive no later than May 22 to permit a 30-day period for voting before the annual June 22, 2023 Annual Meeting.

California Civil Code section 511(b) specifies that the Association shall provide members with a general notice concerning the date, time, and location for the return of ballots, and the date, time, and location where the ballots will be tabulated at least 30 days before the ballots are distributed. In accordance with this requirement, the necessary general notice will be posted on the Casta del Sol website and Bulletin Board no later than April 21.

Landscape Notes

Continued from page 2

We will never eliminate the problem, but I urge all residents to consider the benefit to you and your neighbors by following the recommendations of the Orange County Vector Control. To obtain more information, go to the website www.ocvcd.org.

The Board of Directors approved a contract to place 650 stations in the common areas that started in July of 2020. That might sound like a lot of stations, but considering there are 236 acres of landscape and 1,927 homes, there is still a need for homeowners to help by following the Vector Con-

Maintenance Report

Ed Pedroncelli, Maintenance Services Supervisor

Architectural Standards & Guidelines Purpose: mation is available at the Planning Commission Office at the City of Mission Viejo.

Maintenance Responsibilities

Defined: trol recommendations. Homeowners cannot request to move these stations as they are for common areas and not private property. Homeowners should not call the HOA contractor Allure directly, unless you want to contract with them for stations around your home paid by you. The stations are serviced once a month and monitored.

There are two types of spaces within our HOA community: separate interests and common areas.

The purpose is to keep Casta del Sol’s community appearance pleasing and presentable while maintaining property values. To ensure this, the committee periodically inspects dwellings ensuring compliance and mails Courtesy Notices to non compliant homeowners.

All modifications, feature changes, or improvements to the exterior require a detailed application form, available at the Rec Ctr 1 office or the website. The form is completed by the homeowner and submitted to the committee for review and approval before a project may proceed.

Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis; however, it may not be approved based on the impact the modification would have on the aesthetics of the community or the style of the dwelling.

Modifications considered must be within the property lines of the homeowner’s lot. Property boundary infor-

• Separate interests are the individual units. In our community, the separate interest is each parcel of land and any structures that sit upon it.

• Common areas include all those areas that are shared by members of the community, and to which each member has an undivided equal interest.

The HOA CC&R’s section 3.07, Exterior Maintenance and Repair differentiates responsibility between HOA repairs and homeowner repairs.

Please note that the Association is responsible for repairing, replacing, or maintaining the common area, and the owner of each separate interest is responsible for maintaining their home.

Ed Pedroncelli, epedroncelli@powerstonepm.com, (949) 215-9155

Donna Duhn, Maintenance Coordinator, dduhn@powerstonepm.com, (949) 455-4671 (office)

Join Us In Welcoming Our New Residents

A pril 2023

Boustany, Michael & Mika 27651 Via Rodrigo Unlisted Long Beach, CA

Copenhaver, Jaimie & Donna 28049 Via Tirso (714) 315-7928 Eagleville, TN

Deardurff, Janice & Robert 27626 Via Turina (562) 412-6335 Los Alamitos, CA

Faili, Fatemah & Ray .................. 28271 Alava ..................... (310) 744-9241 San Antonio, TX

Galinda, Kathleen 23245 El Greco (949) 413-7011 Riverside, CA

Maes, Anthony & Lanette 27701 Via Rodrigo (949) 274-6504 Laguna Hills, CA

Reischl, Tim & Kathleen 27805 Espinoza (760) 617-1649 Apple Valley, CA

Roberts, Marilyn & Ken 27740 Calle Valdes (775) 530-7071 Sparks, NV

How to Sign Up for Eblasts

Please sign up for eblasts for the most up-to-date connection you can have with all that goes on in Casta del Sol by contacting Valerie Hanich at vhan ich@powerstonepm.com. You can also find eblasts on the CdS website, www.castadelsol.com

Architectural

“April showers bring May flowers” the saying goes, and in Casta del Sol, April is also the time our focus is on the houses being painted, but we are still observing your foundation areas, any wood damage, your awnings and gates. The foundation area we refer to is what we call the planter beds located on the perimeter of your home. This is a good time of year to make sure the perimeter is free of clutter such as tiles, bricks, pavers, wood, and scraps of any kind. These should be removed. Empty pots need to be freshly planted or removed. Although we are not experts on wood damage, we do look at the trim, beams, plant shelves, shutters, patio covers, and wooden gates for signs of damage that must be repaired by the homeowner prior to painting.

Awnings need to be clean and not faded, torn, or sagging. Gates that have peeling paint or rust must be corrected. Spring is the perfect time to freshen up, repair or replace aging patio covers and wooden gates, pop some new color into the empty pots and your foundation areas, and spruce up or replace those awnings with an approved color. Let’s all work together to keep Casta a beautiful place to live.

John Nicsinger, Co-Chair, (818) 261-5316

Linda Silverman, Liaison

Budget and Finance

The Budget and Finance (B&F) Committee reviewed the February financial statements at our March meeting noting any 2022 expenses which will need to be adjusted by the auditor. In March, we also reviewed the draft audited 2022 financial statements with the Board of Directors and the auditor before sending the financials to the Board in April for approval.

A few of the B&F members continue to attend the Board Ad Hoc committee meetings to discuss improvements to the draft Casta del Sol Policy and Procedures document as well as other policies.

All residents are welcome to attend the B&F meetings. The Budget and Finance Committee meets regularly on the third Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Vista Room. Our April meeting will be held on April 17. Please look for eblasts with additional details about our next meeting.

Lisa Shoemaker, Chair, (949) 305-6336 Karen Warren, Liaison

Courier

At the Courier, we are always looking for interesting information to bring to the residents of Casta del Sol. The main goal is to bring the important news from the Association including the messages from our Board of Directors, Powerstone staff, and the volunteer committees. But we like to go beyond that to show what a wonderful place Casta del Sol is to live.

A new approach we have taken this year, thanks to our new Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Lassos, is to honor special days, events, and celebrations. We tie these into what is happening in our community. For instance, we tied National Book Month into our two book clubs, Earth Day into activities in the Vegetable and Heritage Gardens, and National Volunteer Day into our newest volunteers on the Courier Committee. We will continue to highlight many of the wonderful social events, feature various activities offered, keep up with new developments, and spotlight our very accomplished residents.

There are several columns where we encourage residents to contribute. These are Where in the World, Restaurant Reviews, Remember When? and Sharing Our Roots. If you have stories about a great trip, a special memory of days gone by, a heritage that is unique, or a restaurant that you enjoyed, please contact us. The Committee meets every second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Fiesta Room to discuss the previous month’s issue and review assignments for future issues.

Debra Friedman, Chair, (949) 230-7195 Linda Silverman, Liaison

Election

At its March meeting, the Election Committee reviewed the Voter List format which was forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval. California Civil Code requires the creation of a Voter List for Casta del Sol member review 30 days before it is used. The Voter List will be available for review by CdS members beginning April 5. The staff will handle reviews and updates. The Candidate Application became available on February 28, and those candidates who turned in an application by March 31 will have their photo and resume published in the May Courier. The deadline for a candidate to submit an application to have their name placed on the ballot is April 14. All qualified candidates will participate in a Meet the Candidates Night on May 25, and they will have their photos and information posted on the HOA website.

At the April 20 Board meeting, the Directors will be asked to approve a Candidate Registration List to be

Continued on page 9

Election

Continued from page 8 completed once all applications are received. On April 21, the Election Committee will post an Election General Notice covering: 1) ballot return information, 2) ballot tabulation information, and 3) a list of all qualified candidates who will appear on the ballot.

Scott Shiroma was appointed Election Committee secretary. He replaces Jayne Freed who resigned so that she could run for one of the three open Board positions. Committee Chair Jeff McCoy thanked Jayne for her 11 years of service with the Election Committee.

Jeff McCoy, Chair, jmactr1@gmail.com

David Shostak, Liaison

Facilities

Special thanks to homeowners for their response to placing trash receptacles on the right side of the cul-de-sac when entering. Your care of our streets is overwhelming.

We are calling on homeowners to cease using the Rec Ctr 2 Pool Restrooms for bathing pets. Pets entering Association buildings is prohibited by HOA Association Rules & Regulations. HOA Maintenance is frequently unclogging plumbing lines due to excessive animal hair and washing down the bathroom interior due to remnants of bathing an animal.

Projects for 2023 include a new paving contract, home painting, gate locking systems at Rec Ctr 1 and Rec Ctr 2 Pool, working on Statement of Work on Rec Ctr 2 Pool, new awning, umbrella covers, and picnic tables at Paddle Tennis, remodel of Ceramics, replacing chairs used in meeting rooms, replacing controllers at Rec Ctr 2 Pool, replacing lawn bowling back boards, removing the shade structure at Rec Ctr 2 Pool due to wood rot and termites, fixing and replacing chain link fencing between Gates 1 and 2, replacing wrought iron fencing at Gate 1, and looking into future capital items. Future capital items are new Pickleball courts, a dog park, and an upgrade of the Lawn Bowling Pavilion. New capital items involve a great deal of investigation on feasibility, availability of capital funds, and ADA requirements, just to name a few.

The Facilities Committee meets on the fourth Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Vista Room or online via Zoom.

Nancy Cunningham, Chair, (949) 350-3562

Matt Loftus, Liaison

Greenbelt

With spring approaching, many of us who manage our own perimeter planters look to purge and refresh our plant palette. Before you decide to replace plants, please review the Rules & Regulations beginning on page 55 in the Casta del Sol Homeowners Directory. No approval is necessary for planting flowers and bedding plants in the planters that you maintain. However, if you wish to modify or completely replant the foundation area and you want the Homeowners Association landscape maintenance contractor to maintain it, the plants must be selected from the HOA-approved list and an Application for Proposed Foundation Planting (available in the Rec Ctr 1 office) must be submitted for approval. Refer to Paragraphs 2.1 and 5 for requirements.

But no trees; trees are prohibited in foundation areas. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to remove any existing foundation-area trees before damage occurs to your property or that of the HOA. When you sell your home, those trees will be required to be removed at your expense. A new owner cannot accept responsibility for a tree in the foundation area. Therefore, I recommend foundation trees be removed now before they grow any larger. Remember to contact DigAlert at least two days before you or a hired contractor digs up that tree or bush.

The Greenbelt Committee welcomes your comments. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Fiesta Room.

June Anderson, Chair, juanders2004@yahoo.com

Lori Gilbertson, Liaison

Library

The Library’s reservation process is now open to residents. You can reserve a book in one of two ways: either send an email to us at cdslibrary2@gmail.com and tell us what book you want, your name, and your phone number, or fill out the reservation form located in the Library in the black tray. You’ll know the form is for reserving a book because it is green. Be sure to put in the date and time of your request as we are reserving books on a first-come, first-served basis. As soon as the book is available, you will be notified either by email or phone. The book will be kept in the green bin in the annex for seven days. Enjoy!

New Additions to the Library

Regular Print:

Every Man a King, Walter Mosley

Exiles, Jane Harper

Hell Bent, Leigh Bardugo

Looking for Jane, Heather Marshall

Someone Else’s Shoes, Jojo Moyes

The Chinese Groove, Kathryn Ma

The Cradle of Ice, James Rollins

The Drift, C. J. Tudor

The House of Eve, Sedeqa Johnson

The Terraformers, Annalee Newitz

The Writing Retreat, Julia Bartz

Unnatural History, Jonathan Kellerman

Victory City, Salman Rushdie

Large Print:

Code Name Sapphire, Pam Jenoff

Hell Bent, Leigh Bardugo

Maame, Jessica George

River Sing Me Home, Eleanor Shearer

The House at the End of the World, Dean Koontz

Continued from page 9

The Mitford Affair, Marie Benedict

The Night Ship, Jess Kidd

Audio:

Murder in Haxford, Rick Bleiweiss

Stealing, Margaret Verble

Pat Vitti, Chair, (949) 457-9194

Matt Loftus, Liaison

Social

The Social Committee hosted a spectacular Sock Hop in March. It was one for the ages giving us an excellent opportunity to visit the past, dress like we were teenagers again, and cut a rug on the dance floor. Everyone had a blast. From the Bunny Hop to the Twist and with every dance in between, Casta del Sol residents showed us their exceptional dance moves. We enjoyed root beer floats with those amazing frothy tops, and the quintessential chips and dip. If that doesn’t bring back memories, I don’t know what does. Did I mention the outfits: poodle skirts galore, saddle shoes, slicked back hair, greaser jackets, and of course, bobby sox. So many great memories being relived. Come see the photo board by the front desk to see what an enjoyable time we had.

Coming up Saturday, April 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. is our Chico’s fashion show with a lovely tea party afterwards. Tickets for this event went on sale March 28. Don’t miss out on the fun. I hope you all received your copy of the Social Committee calendar for 2023. It was an insert in last month’s issue of the Courier. Check your eblasts also for news of our events.

Amy Lake, Chair, (516) 263-7941, Alake225@gmail.com

Karen Warren, Liaison

Traffic

Due to requirements of which the Traffic Committee was unaware, the Friends & Family program approved by the Board of Directors at the March 2 Board workshop represents an HOA rule change. As such, the proposed Friends & Family program must receive a Board vote approval as a rule change and then must be sent to the Casta del Sol membership. The membership has 30 days in which to comment on the program.

As a result of the required further approvals, the start of this program has been delayed. We apologize for this delay.

John Nethercutt, Co-Chair, ravens987@hotmail.com

Joe Hachadoorian, Liaison

Welcome

Welcome as always to newcomers in the community. Members of the Welcome Committee contact new residents to arrange a meeting and provide a packet of information about the many programs and clubs in Casta del Sol, and to answer your questions. If you have not yet been contacted by one of our members and wish to meet, you may email me to arrange a time and place to get together with one or two of us.

Welcome to Casta once again and we hope you enjoy exploring and finding your way around the community. We look forward to meeting each one of you.

Priscilla Tripp, Chair, ptripp1@gmail.com

Joe Hachadoorian, Liaison

Puns for fun: (compiled by Jeff McCoy)

New and Improved Names for Boring Everyday Things: Couch = People

Shelf, Books = Manual Films, Bracelets = Clockless Watches, Air Horn = Spray Scream, Bottled Water = Snowman Blood, Feather = Bird Leaf.

Q: What did the cannibal’s wife do when her husband came home an hour late for dinner? A: She gave him the cold shoulder.

Q: What’s the difference between love and marriage? A: Love is blind, and marriage is an eye-opener!

Q: What did Adam say the day before Christmas? A: It’s Christmas, Eve!

What do you call a Far Eastern monk who sells reincarnations? A used karma dealer.

Bible Study

Any resident of Casta del Sol who has an interest in participating in the study of the Bible is welcome to join us. This is an active group of folks from different churches. Our studies are varied, but always Bible-oriented. We examine and/or question the study of the day, but always keep the discussion on topic from the Bible.

The club meets at Rec Ctr 2 every Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for study and prayer. Come and join us as we sing the old hymns.

We are a no-dues club. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Peter Filakouridis at (949) 305-1935.

Kay

Reed,

dentist2cali@gmail.com, (949) 354-1460

Billiards

It’s April, and hopefully this cold and wet weather is behind us. Of course, the weather in the Billiards Room is always warm, dry, and welcoming. If you still haven’t taken advantage of our secret happy place, definitely stop by and say hello. Meet some of your fellow residents who have already discovered a great place to socialize, have fun, and sharpen that eye-hand coordination. Our March tournament was lots of fun and we will be scheduling more in the future.

In case you missed it, we have installed a professional dart board in the Billiards Room. Expect some scheduled competitions this year, so no excuses from all you dart players who wanted a dart board in our fun room. This is everyone’s facility, so if your club is looking for a cozy venue to hold a party, the Billiards Room is the perfect place. Just give me a call to arrange it.

Fred Wilmott, BilliardsCdS@cox.net,

(949) 367-6671

Bridge

We routinely have three or four tables for our duplicate bridge games on Tuesdays in the Rec Ctr 1 Garden Room; we play from noon to about 3:30 p.m. Duplicate bidding is silent but sometimes the chatter gets a bit noisy, and distracting. Rubber bridge, aka party/social bridge, is just that, and is expected to be more conversational and relational. As always, bridge players are supposed to be courteous and mindful of proper bridge etiquette and rules.

There are always people moving into Casta del Sol. If you’re new, or an old timer, we invite you to let us know if you are interested in playing or learning bridge. Just drop an email with bridge in the subject line and we will try to plug you in. Please indicate if you play rubber bridge or duplicate bridge, or phone me and leave a message. I’m in the CdS phone book. Duplicate Bridge at CdS is unsanctioned by the ACBL.

Tim McCoy, mccoytest@cox.net

Canine Companions

The howl of the coyote, the bay of the beagle, the bark of our best friend are all reminders of how privileged we are to be in such wonderful surroundings. Be wary but not frightened. Thanks to Mary Carlson and the timely MV brochure on The Urban Coyote , we shall be providing a presentation by Animal Services.

As you all know, Linda Galloway is leading a terrific effort for a Dog Park in CdS. She and a goodly number of our membership attended the recent Facilities Committee meeting with their presentation. The Facilities Committee is researching local dog parks for specifics such as fencing, problems, maintenance costs, as well as contacting the City of MV for requirements.

Our next Canine gathering is April 22 at 1 p.m. at the Rec Ctr 2 Pavilion. Hot dogs and cold drinks are on the menu. Please RSVP.

Tom Brockmiller, lindabrock@cox.net, (949) 412-1083

Casta Creatives

Calling all artists! Join us on Wednesdays and Thursdays for Open Studio from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Arts & Craft Room at Rec Ctr 1. Bring a piece that you are working on. Get help, ideas, and inspiration from the artists in Casta del Sol. All media and levels welcome, from aspiring to advanced artists.

April 22 is the Heritage Garden Open House from 2 - 5 p.m. This event will include an exhibit of Casta Creative’s artwork.

In June, Casta Creatives will be providing a Wine and Paint event! Art supplies, wine and appetizers will be included in the cost. Seats will be limited. More information will come in May. For more information contact Maribeth McFaul.

Maribeth McFaul, maribethmcfaul@gmail.com

Ceramics

The Ceramics Club would like to thank all those who made this year’s Flea Market such a great success. As a reminder, and especially to new folks, the yearly Ceramic Club’s Boutique in October is for Casta’s crafters, artists and ceramists (that’s us) to exhibit and sell their work, while in March we host the Community’s Flea Market. Distinctly different, this is more like a garage sale where you can sell your gently used items other than clothing, electronics, and furniture. Artisans are, of course, again welcomed. With that combination you never know what will turn up but, please, no rusty carburetors.

Our hand-building classes are so well-attended we’ve had three this year, each taught by a different instructor. Thank you, Claudia, Darrelyn, and Shelly. This month, we will begin classes on paints and glazes, so watch for the postings on Cabinet 12 in the

Arts and Crafts Room or call Claudia for details.

Jo Steciuk, (949) 394-5181

Crafts For Charity

The Craft Ladies of Casta del Sol will be delivering a few springtime projects, including journals and inspirational cards, to Laura’s House. After that, we will be working on many new projects for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and onward to summer. We will make tray favors for the recipients of Meals on Wheels and thank you cards for deployed members of the military supported by the City of Mission Viejo. Come and join us on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon in Rec Ctr 2. Club meetings will be on April 5 and April 19. There is no membership fee, and we don’t take attendance. Stop by when you can and lend a hand. All materials will be supplied, and you’ll be shown what to do. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends.

Jessica Hollowell, (310) 480-9093

Cribbage

We play cribbage each Thursday in the Heritage Room at Rec Ctr 2 from 6:30 until about 8:45 p.m. If you are interested in learning to play this old English card game, any of our members would be willing to teach you on a one-to-one basis, or we can do it on a Thursday evening; it’s really not that complicated. You just need to be able to count to 31. If you have ever played in the past, the rules will quickly come flooding back; just come on down for a few games and a general social evening. There is no sign-up or commitment. If you want more information, contact Susan Herrning.

Susan Herrning, susanherrning@aol.com, (949) 630-2565

Democrats

We are happy to have increased our attendance at meetings the past few months, especially since we became an official club. Our meetings will usually be on the third Sunday each month at 3 p.m. in the Vista Room, so mark your calendars. Our next meeting is April 16.

During our meetings, we will address local, and national topics as well as those applying specifically to Casta del Sol. We typically have one feature topic per month. In order to further grow our meeting attendance, we are asking everyone to encourage friends to attend.

Our friendly group loves to stay and mingle after the presentations, so please bring food or beverages to share and plan to stay a bit.

In between meetings, we send emails on major events, important issues, and other information. If you have not received emails and would like to add your name to the list, please let me know.

Debra Friedman, debrafriedman0@gmail.com, (949) 230-7195

Health & Fitness

A resident recently inquired if the Fitness Center could be accessed outside of posted hours. There was a time when the gym opened earlier in the mornings, but that is no longer the case. Because of insurance and safety concerns, the Fitness Center is open at the same time as our other facilities; namely 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. May through October. From November through April, facilities close at 8 p.m. on weekends. It makes sense because we don’t want anyone working out without staff on hand nearby for assistance of any kind. An easy way to remember when the Fitness Club is open is if the main office is open, you can access the gym.

Helen Freedman, PelicanPost123@yahoo.com, (646) 662-7325

Heritage Garden

Heritage Garden Club invites you to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Heritage Garden. The recent rainfall has brought a bouquet of colors to the garden awakening all our senses to the beauty of life. Come and spend the afternoon in the garden, rejoice in the background music, and enjoy the display of beautiful art by our Casta Creative artists. Experience the serenity of the Zen Garden with hummingbirds and butterflies. Relax in the shade and enjoy complimentary wine and cheese with friends and family. This is a no charge event for all to enjoy. Grab your sunhat and sunglasses, lace your walking shoes, and we look forward to seeing you in the garden.

We thank all our donors for their continued generosity and all Casta del Sol residents who recycle their glass and plastic bottles (with CRV) at the garden.

Parizad Sethna, parizad9@outlook.com, (949) 298-0076

Italian American

Hope all enjoyed the March dinner and entertainment. Our next event will be Bingo Night on April 13. We will be having Italian American Bingo Night every month on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Vista Room at Rec Ctr 1. Cost will be $5 for members and $10 for non-members. We will be serving cookies, coffee, and water. Our next Italian American Dinner Night will be in late June, but we will always have our regular Italian American Bingo Night on the second Thursday of the month.

Lucille Naves, neilnaves@cox.net,

949-600-5887

Las Damas

With spring in the air, Las Damas Club invites its members and friends of Casta del Sol to hop on down to the Vista Room on April 12 for a festive luncheon and entertainment. The delicious menu is featuring Mandarin orange chicken and lemon meringue

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Las Damas

Continued from page 12 pie for dessert. Our entertainers are the Everlees, who will astound us with their musical renditions of the Everly Brothers rock and roll.

Sign-ups close on April 9 at Rec Ctr 1. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members, payable to Las Damas Club. Newcomers are welcome to sign up at the welcome table to meet new friends.

The May 10 meeting will honor Cinco de Mayo, with a luncheon featuring chicken enchiladas and chocolate cake. Sign-ups will begin immediately following the April Luncheon.

Pat Crowley, (949) 305-0582

Military Veterans

The CdS Veterans Club February Pizza Social was a success! A total of 43 people attended including members and their guests. A getting to know you game was played to learn more about each person’s military career. Thank you to all of you who participated. Members should look out for an email that will soon be sent about our next social on April 24.

As a reminder, there are no dues for 2023 and membership is open to all residents who had an active military, reserve, or a national guard career. Applications are in the Military Veterans file at the Rec Ctr 1 desk.

Rod Jordan, roddy@roddyjordan.com, (714) 746-1158

Ping Pong

We are happy to announce that Ping Pong has a new home. We now meet in the Garden Room multi-purpose space (former Fitness Center). We play on most Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. Game play lasts about one and a half hours. Depending on the number of players, there could be doubles and singles play. We continue to use two tables with friendly competitions. All skill levels are welcome. Come join us!

Sherry Hargrove, (858) 336-5369

Pinochle

Attention Pinochle players. We play six games of Pinochle in the Heritage Room at Rec Ctr 2 every Friday, with play starting promptly at 6:30 p.m.

In February, Dawn Hibbs had high game with 1050 and Cathie Joy was second with 1020. The high series (a total of all games played) was won by Cathie Joy with 4870. There were six double Pinochles reported. Congratulations to all our winners.

Anyone interested in the game of Pinochle is cordially invited to join us. For more information, call Dawn Hibbs and leave a message for a call back.

Dawn Hibbs, idglass@cox.net, (949) 455-9826

Republicans

The Republicans Club Officers are preparing for our May 20 event. At this time, we are in the process of securing a well-known guest speaker for California. He has a wealth of knowledge of our state’s politics and has a lot to offer our club on upcoming issues. There are a great deal of these issues happening not only in the state but also the country. It is imperative that we keep informed and stay active with our party. Please stay involved.

All Casta Republicans are encouraged to join the group to share like-minded views. It is never too late to sign up. Dues are $10 per individual and $15 per couple per year and for the most part all events are free. Again, thanks for your continued support.

Betty Houston, (626) 422-0771

Social Singles

If you are a Casta del Sol resident who is single, you are invited to join our Singles group. We have no membership dues. We will be meeting for lunch on Thursday, April 13 at 1:00 at Outback Steakhouse. Please remember to RSVP to Carol Kowalsky at scekewpie1@cox.net by Monday, April 10 to reserve your seat at the table. To join the group and get on our email list, or for more information, please contact Mary Carlson.

Mary Carlson, marycarlson28@gmail.com, (949) 380-0744

Sol Rock ‘n Rollers

Saturday, April 1 is the date of our first dance event Spring Fling, sponsored by the new Sol Rock ‘n Rollers Club. If you haven’t signed up, please check in the office to see if any last-minute spaces may be available. We would love to have you join us to celebrate a new club and look toward the future and planning with your input.

Plans are already underway for a fun filled summertime event at the pool. For the Spring Fling event on April 1, we are hosting the band Sideways and will have a great Italian dinner catered by our neighborhood restaurant, Sabatino’s. The event is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $25 for residents and guests. Feel free to BYOB.

If you are unable to attend but would like to be involved in the future planning of events for our club, we would love to have you. For more information, contact Donna Farris.

Donna Farris, dbfarris117@gmail.com, (949) 378-6158

Support Group

If you experience grief because of losing a loved one, losing independence due to illness, aging, or caring for a loved one, this is a place for

Recreation Center 1: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Recreation

Note: All meetings are subject to a change of location or being on Zoom.