After the Storm

Photos by Nevin Valentine

brings skills learned in a Leadership Training Program to the committee.

Election: Jeff McCoy says his interest in elections goes back to his high school government class. He was recruited to the Chair position with a rich background of community service.

Jeff has volunteered as a poll worker for many years. He sees his role as Chair to ensure that Board of Directors elections are administered fairly and correctly, according to the California Civil Code.

Greenbelt: June Anderson first volunteered for the Facilities Committee before joining Greenbelt. She served as senior project manager in charge of capital projects for a municipality. Her goal is to carefully watch landscape contracts and maintenance expenses. The goal of the Greenbelt Committee is to keep Casta a beautiful, peaceful place to live.

Reserves: Randy Thompson has served on the Budget and Finance Committee and was on the Board of Directors for five years. He volunteered to chair the Reserves Committee because of his past involvement and experience.

Traffic: John Nethercutt joins as Co-Chair. John’s career was spent in the hospitality industry and hotel management. He believes his business management experience will be of use in making the best decisions possible for the community. He joined the Traffic Committee in 2022.

Casta del Sol is fortunate to have talented, dedicated volunteers to assist the CdS Homeowners Association in keeping our community fiscally sound and beautifully maintained.

Military Veterans

Continued from page 13

You will be impressed with our guest speaker, Ronnie Guyer, who served with Colonel Hal Moore during the Vietnam War and was featured in the movie We Were Soldiers. Ronnie will also share the story of his Emmy Award for his video of the famous battle in the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam.

Please feel free to bring a guest to this event as our doors are always open to new veterans so they can join our club. See you all soon.

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

Pinochle

In January, Friday the thirteenth proved to be a lucky time for five players who were dealt a Double Pinochle (2 Queens of Spades and 2 Jacks of Diamonds) worth 30 points in meld. In fact, there were 12 Double Pinochles in January - a rare occurrence.

Terry Owen had the highest threegame total of 1,410 points and Cathie Joy was second with 1,130. The high totals for a six-game series were Cathie Joy at 4,200 and Cathi Moro at 4,080. Congratulations to all our winners.

Come join us for Pinochle on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. sharp in the Heritage Room at Rec Ctr 2. For information, call Dawn and leave a message for a call back at (949)455-9826.

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

Republicans

The Republican Club officers hope you had a great time at our February 5 Welcome to 2023 event. It was a soldout crowd that enjoyed a great meal of tacos and the trimmings, and great desserts. Topping the event was entertainment by Tony Odell Rogers and a lot of dancing and singing. Believe it or not, there were no politics discussed at this fun event.

Now it is time to get back on track which will be our next event in May. We are in the process of securing a guest speaker and will keep you informed of the details closer to the event. It is never too late to sign up. Dues are $10 per individual or $15 a couple per year. 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, March 9 at 1 p.m. at Tutto Fresco in Rancho Santa Margarita. Please remember to RSVP to Carol Kowalsky by email at cekewpie1@cox.net by Monday, March 6 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

Save the date of Saturday, April 1 for our first big event: Spring Fling. We will have a live band and a catered dinner. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. in the Vista Room. The cost will be $25 for residents or guests. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 10.

Last month, I inadvertently missed the name of our Treasurer, Jane Deak. We have all of our officers but, going forward, we will be looking for other interested people to help us. If you love event planning and partying, we are a group for you. Being involved in new groups is a great way to meet new people. For more information, call or email 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 emotional support, sharing experiences, and hearing similar situations. You are not alone on your journey. Come and meet others in similar seasons and situations. We meet twice a month. For more information, contact Kathy Wu.

Kathy Wu, Kathywu.mv@gmail.com, (818) 590-8009

Variety

The Variety Club is tentatively planning our next show for the weekend of July 28 to 30, with specific dates and times to be announced. We are planning to continue the high quality, entertaining, and humorous types of shows we have done for the past few years. Future Courier articles will provide additional information.

The Variety Club is a group of performers and crew members who enjoy being together, laughing, and learning a lot about self-confidence and theater skills. If you are interested in joining us for future shows, please contact Barb Turino at (951) 858-7350.

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

Vegetable Garden

The rains we had in January caused our crops to have a growth spurt. But the Yang was that the rain brought weeds and nut grass, sometimes referred to as Texas grass. To assist the gardeners who grow citrus trees, our February Master Garden talk was about citrus trees. In April, we will have a talk by one of our gardeners about trimming citrus trees. This month, we will have our first compost delivery. The soil for the garden is clay so to loosen it up plus provide a healthy planting bed for our gardens, compost is a must.

Due to a number of turnovers, we have welcomed new gardeners from our waiting list. However, just as soon as one person obtains a lot, another joins the list.

Michael

Schlesinger,

mikeschles123@gmail.com, (914) 815-1002

Woodworkers

Woodworkers’ Club members had a busy beginning of 2023 by continuing to answer Casta del Sol resident requests for small wood projects and simple household repairs such as broken picture frames, repairing a broken couch leg fastener, and reducing the lengths of several wooden barstools and wooden chair legs. We would accept building or repairing larger wood projects but for the lack of a common group workspace other than our home garage workshops.

Club members meet on Mondays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Rec Ctr 1 Arts and Crafts Room across from the Vista Room. Drop by if you have a work request or are interested in our activities.

Steve Vallely,

(714) 595-5766

Away Golf

There is still time to sign up to play in our next tournament. It will be held on Tuesday, March 14 at the Welk Resort in Escondido. We will play the Fountains Course. Consecutive tee times will start at 9 a.m. Cost including golf with cart and prizes is $55. Signup will be available at Casta del Sol Rec Ctr 1 through March 6. Make checks out to CdS Away Golf Club. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Joyce Parlin, (949) 588-0337

Fishing

Hello to all. Lake fishing conditions have not changed. The Golden Algae problem is not improving and there are no plans to stock fish this year. The lake is continually working to find solutions, but at this time there is no short-term fix.

The current club fishing activity is ocean fishing on the Laguna Woods Rod and Gun Club Charter. There will be two charters in March. Sculpin are the primary target due to the closed rockfish season.

Bocce Ball

We continue to play Bocce Ball on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2 to 3 p.m. New players are always welcome to come down and join in the fun. Save the date of Monday, April 3 for our Pizza-Bingo Party at 6 p.m. in the Vista Room. The party will be free for our members and $10 for guests.

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Cliff Pesonen on January 31. Cliff was a member of our club for 13 years and will be truly missed by all of our members.

Dues for 2023 remain at $10 and are now payable by check at Rec Ctr 1. Our next regular meeting will be held on Monday, March 6 at 6 p.m. in the Fiesta Room. Following a short business meeting, we will be playing Bingo.

Carol Zinsmeister, (949) 305-9890

Bowling

We are over halfway through our league schedule and Split Happens, Dee Yamabe, Jim Kazan, Benjamin Yu, and Steve Saltz, has a slight lead on Alley Cats, Richard Scott, Jack Miller, and Clifford Miller. There is still time for any of the other teams to pass them in the standings.

The Casta del Sol Bowling League bowls on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at Saddleback Lanes on Marguerite Parkway. We have openings on several of our teams, so if you are interested in joining us for some fun and camaraderie you can contact us at either of the numbers listed below. If you do not want to commit to bowl every week, you could get on our list of subs; just call Donna Miller at (949) 395-8958. If interested in checking out how much fun we have, you can always stop by on Thursday at 1 p.m. at Saddleback Lanes Van Quinn, (949) 842-9151

We will be having a luncheon meeting on March 24 at 12 p.m. in the Fiesta Room. Newcomers are welcome; contact Nick Morenc for details. We are also looking into a club outing at Lake Elsinore this summer, but nothing is firm at this time. Until next month, tight lines for all.

Nick Morenc, (949) 588-6223

Golf Chippers

Mark your calendar: Friday, May 5. Here’s a new offer for all Casta del Sol residents and guests. You are invited to try out, free of charge, the Golf Chippers 18-hole course at Rec Ctr 2 any time after 10:30 a.m. Golf balls are there for you to use. Let us know if you need a golf club. Then you’ll be warmed up and ready to play in the Golf Chippers event on Saturday, May 6 at 9 a.m. We had three non-golfers at our February event, so have no fear. The fee is $5. Consider bringing a golf-related or white elephant item for the raffle table. Do you have golf equipment that is no longer in use? We can give it a new home.

Congratulations to our February winners: Jan McMains, Linda Galloway, Nancy Hulse, Dave Andersen, Dave Velton, and Jerry Castro.

Bob Hrad, (949) 290-0366

Lawn Bowling

It’s time to let you non-bowlers, as well as our active members, know what we have planned for this year’s events. Because of Courier publishing constraints, by the time you get to read this, our February Superbowl party will be over. About two dozen members showed up, bowlers and non-bowlers. The tournament included sandwiches, chips, drinks, and a host of desserts and snacks. Decorations and the main course were handled by

Cynthia Swystun and Vicki Slawson. Thank you both.

April 8 will be our short jack tournament. May 20 will be our Lawn Bowling Open House starting at 10 a.m. Instructions and snacks are included; come on out. June 24 will be our Red White and Blue tournament. August 23 will be Hot August Nights bowling and BBQ. October 7 will be our seasonal yardstick bowl. Want to join in and bowl? Call Shuman Chan at (626) 428-9970 for lessons.

Roman Swystun, (818) 669-9970

Men’s Golf

Our club has started off the new year with an abundance of enthusiasm despite some wild wet weather which resulted in the dreaded “cart paths only” rule. The rough period did not deter five new members from signing up in January and February. The club now has 105 members. If you are interested in joining our club, please contact our membership chairman Al Arnott at (714) 425-4320.

Our Board has received a motion for consideration to add a Low Gross Club Champion category. The Low Net Club Champion category will remain in place with no changes. Our Board will vote on this proposal on March 4.

The March games are: 3/1 - Blind Nine Holes; 3/8 - Individual Low Net; 3/15 - Twosome Best Ball; 3/22 - Best 15 Holes; 3/29 - Team Scramble. Merl Barrett, (949) 770-5024

Paddle Tennis

Following the success of our first tournament of the year – Love of the Game – we are planning a second tournament on April 1 at 9 a.m. It will be appropriately named the April Fools Tournament. Tournament Director Dan Viotto will let members know the details about sign-ups. We are alternating our tournaments this year between planned partners and random draw.

We will bring back our popular social events: Progressive Dinner, Pizza Olympics, Annual Meeting, and Holiday Party. A Save the Date schedule was sent to members in January, so we hope our members put those dates on their calendars.

We always welcome new members, so come try out and practice paddle tennis during Open Court at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. We are still

Continued on page 19

Paddle Tennis

Continued from page 17 collecting dues of $10 per person for the Paddle Tennis Club for 2023. This entitles members to participate in our social events and tournaments.

Debra Friedman, Debrafriedman0@gmail.com, (949) 230-7195

Pickleball

The Pickleball Club will hold its first tournament of 2023 on Saturday, March 25 starting at 9 a.m. Called the Luck of the Draw Tournament, teams will be determined by a random card draw which should make for some interesting pairings. If you are curious to see how much your fellow Casta del Sol residents enjoy playing pickleball, come to Rec Ctr 2 on March 25. We welcome spectators; join us for refreshments and cheer on your neighbors.

If you want to watch or try pickleball, our Open Play times are Monday and Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. The screens at the entrance

On the Road Again

Carlsbad Flower Fields

New to SoCal, too busy to explore, or perhaps time to revisit? Debra offers suggestions.

Debra Friedman

Located 45 miles south of Casta del Sol in Carlsbad, lies a wondrous spectacle on 50 acres of land. During the months of March and April, the Carlsbad Flower Fields become a riot of color with the annual bloom of the giant Tecolote Ranunculus. The large fields, with the profusion of 13 blazing colors planted in ribbons, are amazing to behold. There is also an American flag created every year.

Started by Edwin Frazee in 1933, this is the only commercial ranunculus farm in the country. Ranunculus are native to Asia Minor and a member of the buttercup family. The ranunculus plants are sold as cut flowers for a limited time, and bulbs are sold year-round to home gardeners.

In addition to the fields of ranunculus, there are dedicated areas boasting other varieties of flowers. These to the courts have been adjusted so that you can relax on the bench and enjoy watching. If you have questions, please contact Metty Thomason at (714) 3253526, or Donna Guild.

Donna Guild, (949) 446-0005

Shuffleboard

There is still time to sign up for the March 24 Shuffleboard Bingo Party in the Vista Room with sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

Winners of the Tuesday morning fall session were Bill Swift and Gary Schmitt. The Sunday Super Shuffle winners - first place: Susan Herrning, Howard Reafsnyder; second place: Sherry Taylor, Bob Caywood; third place: Bev Carrier, Mary Ellen Marcus. The Sunday Potluck Social Shuffle winners - first place: Barbara Harris, Judy Paskey; second place: Ann Loranger, Linda Clark; third place: Bev Carrier, Marlene Solem.

The leagues are back with Pot of Gold league on Wednesday evenings and Tuesday mornings. The Friendly

Shufflers welcome players on Wednesday mornings while lessons and practice are on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. with Bob and Mo Caywood.

The Sunday Super Shuffle is March 12 at 1 p.m. and the Sunday Potluck Social Shuffle is March 26 at 2 p.m. For further information, please contact Jim Kinney at dothemath99@ yahoo.com

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

Tennis

As the skies are clearing and the temperatures rising, we can begin to fully appreciate the many court activities the Tennis Club is offering during 2023. To inspire some friendly competition, a Spring tournament is planned for June 3 and a Fall tournament is planned for October 7. To accommodate weekly play, we are continuing our Wednesday and Saturday morning round-robin events. We have also scheduled a special Clarity Clinic and Coffee event with donuts on the first Saturday of each month. These events will include group play with helpful tennis tips from our resident instructor. In addition to the scheduled events, there are generally a number of informal gatherings on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings. To complement all the on-court activities, the Tennis Club social calendar includes a pool-side summer extravaganza on August 18 and the very festive holiday party on December 9.

Roger Gyger, (630) 430-9045

Name That Street

Compiled by Parizad Sethna

Follow the clues and unscramble the names of Casta del Sol streets and learn the stories behind them!

(Source: CdS archives) glalaarm

I am named for a Castilian Spanish writer whose poetry was based on themes drawn from human life and nature. Aptly, a good number of houses on this street have beautiful views of the Western skyline. Most houses on this street were built in 1972. What street am I?

Answer on page 20 include the Poinsettia Pavilion, the Sweet Pea Maze, the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse, and well-manicured artist garden areas that inspire photo ops. Visitors can enjoy a wagon ride through the fields for a panoramic view. Walking through the fields allows for a close-up view of the stunning flowers.

The fields are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and senior tickets are $20. Plan on spending a few hours. I visit nearly every year as new areas of interest are added. There is a bird aviary, and on many days, there are special events such as workshops and music concerts. Following the visit to the fields, you can shop at the Armstrong Nursery and visit the adjacent Carlsbad Outlets.

Reflections of a Casta Newbie

A new resident explores the adventures of Casta.

Here at Casta del Sol, possibilities for forming new friendships are around every corner. From the day we arrived with our first load of boxes, neighbors showed up with a helping hand and a welcoming smile. Our block captain, Libby Victoria, dropped by our home on moving day with a stack of Casta flyers, resources, and safety instructions which gave us an instant sense of belonging. What might have been a ten-minute orientation became the first step towards a warm friendship. Any concerns I may have had about fitting in vanished because I could tell our neighbors had their friendship doors open.

Friendships are, of course, a vital aspect of a healthy life, and so is playing. Playing together with friends is a key to thriving in this wonderful community. No matter our age, creating new connections means being willing to invest time and energy in relationships. All the Casta activities are much more fun to do with friends.

I discovered a common theme while serving as a proofreader of the clubs and activities submissions for the Courier. The descriptions of the clubs and sports are all warmly geared toward expanding their circle to include anyone who is interested. There are so many ways to play at Casta, including card games, sports, creating art, and acting in plays.

I took a chance on a game I had never played before, and now you will find me playing shuffleboard with a group of friends every Wednesday. We support each other in improving our skills while having a lot of fun. We cheer for each other’s good shots, and we commiserate when the disc falls off the court. Once a month, we have a tournament when the rules are changed so the points come more easily. We donate $2 to the jackpot, which results in a few dollars for the top three teams. Do take up the Courier writers’ invitations to try out a club, activity, or sport. You will not only have fun; you will most likely make new friends. Let’s play!

Small Talk

A Decorating Blunder

A freelance writer’s humorous spin on the ups and downs of life.

cabinets were painted black, and the doors and drawers were painted in a color. Stunning! It took me a couple of weeks to save a few dollars out of my grocery money before I went off to the hardware store to buy black and light yellow paint. Who knew there were so many shades of yellow?

What’s Cooking at Casta

Want help in the kitchen? Linda shares her favorite recipes.

Dorothy Frances

I often think back to the apartment my husband and I rented when we got married. Located in the downstairs of an old house, it comprised a bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchen. Despite the fact that it was old and small, I was thrilled to have my own home.

Anxious to decorate, I perused magazines looking for ideas. The kitchen needed the most attention. It had old-fashioned yellow tiles halfway up the walls and the old cabinets were painted a dull, pale yellow. Then I saw a picture of a kitchen where the

An hour later, I rushed home and started painting. When I was done and stood back to admire my work; I almost fainted. The yellow shade I chose was way too bright, almost day-glow yellow, which stood out like a flashing yellow traffic light against the black background. Yikes!

Since we soon found out that a baby was on the way, any extra money went toward buying baby furniture. Therefore, we lived with the bizarre day-glow yellow kitchen for another year before we moved out.

On the good side, I can honestly say that I once had a one-of-a-kind kitchen.

Remember When? The Milkman

By April Wilsey

Many years ago, the milkman made daily deliveries of dairy products to families that had signed up for the service. The milkman would carry a wire basket filled with milk bottles, as well as other items from his truck to the resident’s door. On the doorstep each morning, he placed the new order and removed the prior day’s empty bottles.

On very cold mornings, however, we would find that the whole milk had partially frozen and the cream had risen to the top. This process lifted the small cardboard lid about an inch above the bottle top. It certainly made for a strange sight.

Door-to-door delivery must have been deemed inefficient because eventually the milkman disappeared. Although less personal, today grocery stores and online sites supply most of the food and drink to families.

Taco Salad

Linda Brockmiller

1 head Iceberg lettuce, chopped

4 tomatoes, chopped

1 red onion, chopped

1 avocado, chopped

1 cup black olives, cut in half

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 lb. ground beef

1 white onion, chopped

1 (14 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup Catalina dressing

1 cup sour cream

½ tsp. chili powder

½ tsp. salt and pepper

Brown ground beef, white onion, and seasonings; simmer and drain. Add kidney beans.

Put remaining ingredients in a salad bowl. Pour beef and bean mixture over the salad and toss with dressing.

Garnish with red onion, olives, avocado, sour cream, chips, and salsa

Name That Street Answer

Continued from page 19 Via Maragall (Juan Maragall)

Restaurant Review – Happy Hour at Domenico’s on the Lake

By Liz Rickett

I am a big happy hour fan. Small plates allow diners to sample various menu items without feeling stuffed. As a bonus, the prices are generally lower.

Checking the website, Domenico’s on the Lake, appeared to have a great happy hour menu. We decided to check it out. As we were seated, we were served yummy house bread with a dipping sauce.

We ordered giant meatballs (which come with a choice of three sauces), short rib sliders served with garlic par- mesan fries, and Brussels sprouts with bacon in a balsamic glaze. The servings were ample, the service was great, and the prices were reasonable. Our only complaint was that happy hour is served in the bar and on the outside front patio. We were seated in the bar, which was a tad noisy. Domenico’s on the Lake, 27782 Vista Del Lago, Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. daily.

Do you have a restaurant review to share? Please send details to Fran Morgan at fmorgan17@cox.net.

A Good Read: Nora Goes Off Script

By Liz Rickett

Nora Hamilton has the formula down pat for writing romance movies for television. This talent allows her to support her husband, who considers this career and any other career beneath him and their two children. Her husband leaves her. She writes a screenplay about their marriage and its end.

To her surprise, the script is bought. Not only is it bought, but it will be filmed at her house and will star one of the biggest heart throbs of all time.

Nora’s life, the town, her children, and friends will never be the same again.

This novel by Annabel Monaghan is available at the Casta del Sol Library.

What a Super Fun Sunday

By Parizad Sethna, photos by Fred Lake

Thanks, Social Committee, for conceiving and organizing the Super Bowl festivities

It may be more impressive to see the Super Bowl live in a stadium, but believe me, the Super Bowl party hosted by the Casta del Sol Social Committee was a ton of fun. It was the first time that the Super Bowl party was organized as a group event for CdS residents and it was a huge success. More than 90 residents attended the party, including a mix of passionate, hardcore football fans and a few who couldn’t care less about who won. Even before the kick off, the die-hard fans were making predictions and passionately discussing the odds. Then there were those who came for the legendary commercials and the halftime show.

The Super Bowl is the second highest eating day for Americans behind Thanksgiving, and our party in the Vista Room was no exception. The potluck had everyone bring their favorite dish and we ended up with a sumptuous feast that outdid professionally catered parties. Playing the Super Bowl Squares Pool with prizes at the end of each quarter was enjoyed by all. The National Anthem beautifully rendered by the Grammy award-winning country singer Chris Stapleton gave us goosebumps. A loud cheer and applause resonated in the room as the first all-female pilot team orchestrating the diamond formation pregame flyover honored 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy.

The excitement in the room grew tense when the score was tied with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the nail-biting finish had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats. The final score of Super Bowl LVII was 38 Kansas City Chiefs to 35 Philadelphia Eagles. It was a super fun filled, delightful afternoon of watching the game on the big screen and enjoying good food and camaraderie with friends and neighbors. Thank you, CdS Social Committee for hosting this enjoyable event. We look forward to your next event.

New Chippers Shed for Casta Golfers

By Liz Rickett, photo by Jeff McCoy

Directly behind the Paddle Tennis courts and the Vegetable Garden at Rec Ctr 2 is the Chipping Area. Golfers can hone their skills or compete against other golfers here.

This area has a shed where golf balls and equipment are stored. The original shed, placed here in 1987, showed its age. The shed had wood rot and the wood floor boards had caved in, making the structure unusable. Members of the Chippers Club approached the Facilities Committee requesting a new structure. The paperwork submitted by the Chippers Club was reviewed. Then the Facilities Committee examined the condition of the shed, and checked the reserves to determine if there was enough to fund a new building. The Facilities Committee approved the request which was then approved by the Board of Directors.

The next stage in the process was the responsibility of Ed Pedroncelli and his group of maintenance workers. They tore down the old shed, disposed of all the debris, and poured new concrete. The Tuff Shed company erected the new structure. The new shed, besides being watertight, is taller, making it easier for members to work in the building. The concrete apron is larger, giving easier access to the shed. In addition, a work bench was installed so that members can repair equipment as needed. Furthermore, the maintenance crew installed a new practice cage.

Bob Hrad, past president of the Chippers Club, wants to remind all Casta del Sol residents that they and their adult guests are welcome to use the chipping area. Free golf clubs and balls are available for the asking; just call him and he will make it happen. The Club also holds fun events four times a year, open to all Casta residents and their adult guests. Contact Bob Hrad at (949) 290-0366.

Getting to Know Our Neighbors: Grala Warren

By Liz Rickett, photo by Darrell Holdaway

Grala Warren is truly her father’s daughter. Her dad, Jerry Yeomans, was a pedal steel guitarist, playing in big bands in New York and the East Coast until the 1940s when that craze ended. Returning to Ohio, he got a job at Goodyear Aircraft as an engineer. Here he used his organizational skills to be a success. These skills were helpful as he soon was playing and teaching music in his spare time.

When her father was on the road playing, he never had to worry about a hotel room. His warm personality and his ability to cook ensured he could always bunk with someone wherever he was. Grala remembers how he could open cupboards and a refrigerator, take this and that and in no time create a delicious meal even though his hosts declared there was nothing to eat.

Like her father, after business college, Grala left Ohio for New York City. Like him, she found work in the music business, although she worked not as a performer but behind the scenes in the business end.

Grala also excels at organizing, as did her father. These skills helped her rise in the business world. She also inherited his ability to make meals out of nothing, a gift she continues to use to this day.

As a youngster, Grala learned about musicians from her dad. She was able to return the favor when he visited her in New York and she introduced him to the Tonight Show band and other musicians with whom she worked.

Grala and her husband, Lou, got tired of living on Long Island with the long drive to go anywhere. She got several books, researching the best places to retire. The two checked out the locations, settling happily in Walnut Creek where they lived for 32 years.

Continued on page 26

March is National Reading Month

Article and photo by Fran Morgan

This observance is initiated with “Read Across America Day” on March 2; an observance that has taken place since 1998. It is a time where children, teachers, parents, caregivers, and community members around the U.S. band together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading. The book lovers of Casta del Sol are happy to celebrate with the nation, but don’t need to be urged to read. Casta has two book groups comprised of enthusiastic readers.

Book Group 1 is led by Suzanne Poppel, a member of the Library Committee, who organized the group in 2007. There are currently 14 to 16 participants who meet once a month in the Casta Library for the recently named “Cover to Cover” group. Suzanne’s group reads books from a list of available book group kits, put together by the city’s Mission Viejo Library. She picks up the book bag each month to distribute at the Casta meeting. There are a variety of titles to satisfy many different tastes.

Book Group 2, now called “Literary Ladies,” came about when the first group had grown so big that Suzanne decided to divide it, and sought another discussion leader. The Literary Ladies uses a different approach to choosing books. Shelley Kirsh, the current leader, asks members to send their book suggestions by December for the upcoming year. Shelley compiles the list and asks each member to rank their choices. The top 12 choices become the reading list for the year.

Each group has a slightly different approach to discussing the chosen book. Susanne says her group uses the “free form” approach with no chosen leader. Suzanne ensures that everyone gets to comment. The Literary Ladies group has a leader for each book and uses the discussion questions at the end of the book.

Both book clubs are now at full membership for their meeting spaces. However, Suzanne Poppel has offered to help anyone start a new book group.

Book lovers everywhere greet one another with “what are you reading?” Of course, they will be reading on March 2, because they can’t imagine a day without a book.