Casta Courier - May 2023

Board Of Directors Candidates For 2023

Photos by Kip Isbell

Pictured on this page are the qualified candidates who are running to fill three Board of Directors openings. Board members serve two-year terms. Who will receive your vote? To assist you in making that decision, read each candidate’s resume and then attend the “Meet the Candidates Night” on Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m. in the Vista Room or on Zoom. Each candidate will have the opportunity to present their qualifications and vision for the community and answer questions from the audience. Ballots will be tabulated on June 21 and finalized

on June 22 in the Vista Room. The results will be announced at the Casta del Sol Association 51st Annual Meeting on June 22 at 7 p.m. in the Vista Room and on Zoom.

The order that the candidates appear on this page and on the official ballot was determined by a random drawing.

The Homeowners Association is not responsible for or liable for any statements made by candidates. These statements are solely the opinions and views of the candidate.

John Nethercutt Robert “Bob” Stokesbary

Past actions are the best predictor of future behavior. I attended Washington State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration while also earning a degree in Hospitality Management.

My career in hotel management spanned over 50 years, managing 22 different hotels throughout the US, ranging from 120 to 550 rooms, including such companies as Westin, Marriot, and Hilton. I have opened nine hotels from the ground up, renovating several hotels, and working to improve profitability for others. To successfully accomplish these challenges, I was tasked with the overall re-

Continued on page 9

Four and half years ago my wife and I moved to Casta. We were focused on senior living communities and particularly liked the openness and beauty of this community. Individual housing units with plenty of parking were a real plus, compared with the condos and very limited parking on other properties.

It was only after moving in that I noticed that something was wrong. Homeowners really had no voice.

I was also stunned at the lack of sophistication in

Continued on page 9

Jayne Freed

My name is Jayne Freed. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California. I have an Associate Degree from Cypress College, in Cypress, California. I moved to Casta del Sol in June 2003. My goal was to purchase a detached patio home in a gated, senior community once I turned 55. Casta fit the bill perfectly. The first 8 ½ years I lived here, I worked full time as a legal secretary for an international law firm with an office in Irvine, CA. My attorneys focused on commercial real estate, business, and corporate law. After my retirement, I volunteered for the fol-

Continued on page 9

Matt Loftus Susan Ashby

I’ve been a Mission Viejo resident for 27 years and a homeowner in Casta Del Sol since 2018. I am currently serving on the Board of Directors.

I work for the California Department of Consumer Affairs where I am a supervisor responsible for the initiation and coordination of investigations into unfair and deceptive business practices to ensure compliance with California laws. I bring criminal cases to the District Attorney’s Office that provide evidence in prosecutions ensuring justice for California customers. I also file Civil and Administrative cases with the Office of the Attorney General.

Continued on page 9

I started my corporate career with 17 years at Xerox, getting promoted several times, finally to Administrative Manager, Western U.S. I was then Revenue Manager for the Seattle Times, controller for a small company, co-owner of a travel agency and then 28 years with an international legal publisher. My responsibilities there expanded over the years to include training accountants and attorneys on online research in tax, securities, and all things civil law. I am a quick learner and a takecharge person.

I have a B.S. in Management, an M.A. in Human Behavior, plus 2 years of law school. I have always

Continued on page 9

Landscape Audit Report

The landscape audit report prepared by Common Solutions Consulting is available to all residents. See recent eblast, visit the Homeowners Association’s website under Homeowners – Documents – Common Solutions Consulting Report, or visit the Administrative Office to review a hard copy of the report.

President’s Message

Marci Smith, President

We have entered election season here at Casta del Sol. I encourage you to get to know the candidates running for the three open seats on your Board of Directors. The Election Committee will host a Meet the Candidates night on Thursday, May 25.

The Election Committee plays an integral role in CdS. It is their responsibility to advise the Board of the many deadlines, and Civil Codes the Board must adhere to in order to ensure a smooth and successful election. Casta del Sol is fortunate to have a resident with much experience as our Inspector of Elections. The Election Committee volunteers assist with validating and counting of the ballots. The results are announced at the Annual Meeting on June 22. Please consider volunteering for the Election Committee and be sure and turn in your ballot.

The other committee I’d like to highlight this month is the Courier Committee. Recently I attended a Courier meeting which was filled with laughter and camaraderie. Not only does the Courier supply ample information on our Association, it also has fun features highlighting our residents, clubs, and activities. There are so many positive ways to enjoy our community. One of the most beloved is the Courier stuffing at the end of each month. I am not sure if stuffing means the Courier, or all the donuts and treats I hear are offered to the volunteers. No matter, it is a good time all around.

There is so much goodness and fun to be had right outside your door. I hope you choose to get involved and enjoy all Casta Del Sol has to offer.

Manager’s Report

Marilyn Smith, General Manager

As a child, do you remember being taught The Golden Rule? Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

There seems to be a lot of divisiveness in Casta del Sol, which I have been told, has been on-going for some time now. What is divisiveness? Per Merriam-Webster, it means creating disunity or dissension. However, being part of an engaging community should give us a sense of belonging. It enables us to share personal relatedness and support perpetual growth of each other, ourselves, and our environment.

Diversity can be a good thing. It is okay to disagree with others, but how you do it is critical. Name calling, maligning others, creating false narratives, yelling and hostile behavior are not acceptable, and is no way to treat your neighbors, staff, or for that matter, anyone. I would like to encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on what you personally can do for the betterment of the community of Casta del Sol. Life is short and can be taken away from us at any moment. So, please take some time to think about what is profoundly important in life.

I would like to urge everyone when they are upset about an issue, to think about the matter for a while prior to addressing the issue to see if it truly is worth creating discord. Listen to others and their perspectives, be empathetic, offer support to one another, invoke higher principles, and in general—be neighborly

Marilyn Smith, msmith@powerstonepm.com

Casta del Sol HOA - Board of Directors -

President: Marci Smith marcitaylorsmith@gmail.com

Vice President: David Shostak davidrshostak@gmail.com

Treasurer: Karen Warren kwarrencds@gmail.com

Secretary: Linda Silverman dirsilverman71@yahoo.com

Directors: Lori Gilbertson lori9CDS@gmail.com

Joe Hachadoorian joecdsbod@gmail.com

Matt Loftus mloft107@gmail.com

For Courier staffing contact information, please see page 26

The Casta Courier is published monthly by the Casta del Sol Homeowners Association. The mailing address is 27651 Casta del Sol Drive, Mission Viejo, Calif. 92692. Deadline for submitting material for the next month appears at the bottom of this page.

DISCLAIMER

CdS Homeowners Association and Farmer Publications, accept no responsibility for content, accuracy or opinion, expressed or implied, of articles, letters or advertisements. Inclusion of advertisements does not carry with it any endorsement, actual or implied, for the product or services advertised. The CdS Homeowners Association and Farmer Publications have content Rules and Restrictions that must be met, and accept no responsibility for damage occasioned through use of products or services advertised herein.

Landscape Notes

Bill Thornton, Landscape Services Coordinator

Greenbelt Rules and Regulations

During Greenbelt Committee meetings over the years, we continue to discuss homeowners encroaching into the common area in violation of Casta del Sol’s Rules & Regulations. Committee members, who are all resident volunteers, spend many hours walking the property inspecting and reporting property in need of replanting, and looking for items in non-compliance with the rules and regulations. They are all dedicated to making Casta as pleasant and beautiful a place as possible within the budget and environmental conditions of the area. One of the most difficult tasks

Submissions to the Courier

The Opinion Letters section of the Courier has been temporarily suspended.

Contributions to our ongoing series are encouraged: Where in the World (travel stories), Sharing Our Roots (ancestry), Remember When? (activities/items from the past), and local Restaurant Reviews. Our staff will work with residents to write and/or edit the above submissions. We’re also looking for submissions about recent, unique remodels. Please send submissions or story ideas to debrafriedman0@ gmail.com

The Courier Committee meets in the Fiesta Room on the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.

they face is educating homeowners as to what they can and cannot do in the landscape. Some of the most common violations are birdfeeders, birdbaths, potted plants, private plants, rocks, area lights, etc., encroaching into the common areas. Also, stored items like tiles, wood, and pots with water located in the foundation areas that draw and provide a home for rodents and mosquitos. It makes the committee members’ task unpleasant having to write up non-compliance notices instead of concentrating on important planning to improve the community.

Please help the HOA and Greenbelt Committee by taking the time to read the rules and regulations starting on page 55 of the official 2022-2023 Casta del Sol telephone directory. All the landscape and tree contractors’ maintenance activities are on a schedule and residents do not need to call for that information. Mowing

Continued on page 7

INSIDE

ASSOCIATION NEWS Cont’d

Board Meeting Highlights

April 6 and April 20, 2023

• General Manager Marilyn Smith reported that the Jeronimo Slope Project has been completed. The audit of the landscape invoices is complete, and the findings have been posted in an eblast to residents.

• Facilities Report given by General Manager Marilyn Smith. The paint project is proceeding on schedule. The bocce ball courts project was completed by staff.

• Landscape Services Coordinator Bill Thornton reported that our vendor, Great Scott Tree Services, is reviewing the list of trees to be trimmed this year.

• Recreation Director Valerie Hanich reported that the age-verification process is nearing completion.

• The Board:

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

• Approved procurement of materials to replace damaged backboards at the Lawn Bowling Pavilion from American Plastic Lumber for the total cost of $5,121.82.

• Approved the purchase of a 20-foot storage container from SunPac Containers at a total cost of $4,145.34.

• Approved the removal of the Rec Ctr 2 pool covering to be completed by the HOA maintenance staff at a total cost of $869.

• Approved the replacement of two controllers at Rec Ctr 2 pool by Aqua Tek Pool Services for a total not to exceed cost of $11,079.88.

• Approved extra work items to be completed by PWLC1 to correct safety issues at Ribalta Park for materials to support the treescape at a cost of $2,191.09.

• Approved the notification and posting of proposed changes/additions to Traffic Rules and Regulations regarding the Friends & Family Transponder program.

• Approved replacement of lava rock at two fire pits with fire glass and metal screens at a cost not to exceed $3,432.92.

• Approved the revision of the Committee Recommendation Document.

• Approved change order #1 from Landscape West Services for additional plants for the Jeronimo Slope Project in the amount of $11,090.

• Approved committee members and vice chairs: Fred Wilmott as a member of the Architectural Committee, Bryan Spafford as Vice Chair of the Facilities Committee, Claire Readey as Vice Chair of the Social Committee.

• Approved the proposal from PWLC1 to repair the lawn bowling mower not to exceed $290.

• Approved the list of tree removals submitted by W.B. Starr to remove 17 trees due to danger, damage, health, or potential sewer issues at a cost of $23,983.

• Approved the 2023 candidate list and the posting of the General Notice as provided and recommended by the Election Committee in compliance with California Civil Code.

• Approved the proposal from GMU Geotechnical, Inc to design the drainage improvement plan at 28071 Calle Casal, solicit bids and oversee construction.

• Approved the proposal from Santa Margarita Plumbing to repair the sewer line at 28081 Via Enriquez at a cost of $8,890 and for PWLC1 to remove the tree at a cost of $350 for a total cost of $9,240.

• Approved a system for Work Orders by which PWLC1 will accept approved work and then reference that Work Order for cross reference to invoices.

• Approved a review of the trees under warranty that were planted and failed, to ensure they were, in fact, replaced.

• Common Solutions Consulting (CSC) - Board member individual observations on the CSC Landscape Report.

The May meetings of the Board of Directors will be held May 4, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Vista Room and on May 18 at 1 p.m. in the Vista Room.

Fran Morgan, Courier Staff

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

March Treasurer’s Report

Total HOA Assets as of March 31, 2023 are $7,390,280 an increase of $317,437 from last month. This includes the following:

• Operating Cash is $1,697,970. This includes $262,666 in cash, $935,304 invested in a money market account, and $500,000 invested in four CDs with interest rates between 2.50 and 4.35%. There is one operating CD that matures April 27, 2023 for $100,000 that will be rolled over for one year at a rate of 5.25%. The plan is to invest another $400,000 in four $100,000 CDs on a ladder basis. One is for three months at 5%, one for six months at 5.20%, one for nine months at 5.20%, and finally one for 18 months at 5.30%. This will bring our operating CDs to nine for a total of $900,000. That will leave $436,099 in the liquid FDIC Money Fund.

• Reserve Cash is $5,159,536. This includes $1,043,819 invested in a money market account, $4,200,000 invested in 21 CDs with interest rates between .70 and 5%, plus $18,319 in prepaid taxes and $47,846 in interest. There is also a total expense due to Operating in the amount of $132,129. There are two $200,000 Reserve CDs that mature on April 13 and 25, 2023, that will be rolled over, one is for nine months at 5.20% and one for one year at 5.25%. Additionally, one more $200,000 CD will be invested for 18 months for 5.30%. This will bring the Reserve CDs to 22 at a total of $4,400,000. That will leave $444,659 in the liquid FDIC Money Fund.

• Capital Improvement Cash is $230,778. 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 $86,046. The allowance for Bad Debts is $52,622 and is adjusted monthly. It is equal to outstanding receivable balances over 31 days.

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

General & Administration is: $326,958 which is $4,660 under budget.

Land Maintenance is: $917,682 which is $172,606 under budget.

Recreation/Lifestyle is: $100,013 which is $8,808 under budget. Repairs and Maintenance is: $$66,613 which is $10,900 under budget.

Traffic Control is: $228,394 which is $1,731 under budget.

Utilities are: $243,968 which is $91,771 under budget.

TOTAL Operating Expenses

Before Reserves is: $1,883,629 which is $290,476 under budget.

TOTAL Operating Expense

Including Reserves and Interest is: $2,856,237 which is $259,616 under budget. The following is a sampling of operating category expense for the month of March 2023.

General and Administration

• Office Supplies/Equipment is $1,954 under budget, which is Credit Due to 2022 Audit Adjusting Entries.

Maintenance

• Tree Removal is $27,190 which is $14,690 over budget due to emergency removal of 21 Dead/Dying/Diseased Trees.

Utilities

• Electricity is $13,767 which is $31,288 under budget due to the Climate Credit being applied to one of the Edison accounts.

Treasurer Comments

This Treasurer’s report includes all information compiled through March 31, 2023. There are three $200,000 Reserve CDs that will mature on May 4, 10 and 11, 2023. We are still working on the Asphalt contract and sending out bid requests for the new Landscape contract. The Board will keep the membership apprised of all progress made on all outstanding projects.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Warren, Treasurer

ASSOCIATION NEWS Cont’d

Join Us In Welcoming Our New Residents

How to Attend Regular HOA Board Meetings

Regular Board meetings are held on the first Thursday each month at 9 a.m. and the third Thursday each month at 1 p.m. These meetings are held in the Vista Room at Rec Ctr 1. If you cannot attend in person, you can call in or attend virtually on your smart phone, tablet, or computer.

To join via audio, you need to call the following phone number, then when prompted, enter the Meeting ID # and Passcode:

• Audio Phone #: 1-669-900-6833 (Not a Toll-Free #)

• Meeting ID #: 336-234-8073

• Passcode: 12345

To participate via Zoom, depending on the device, use the Zoom app or go to www.zoom.us and use the above Meeting ID# and Passcode.

Note: If you do not get on the call, please try again or call the Rec Ctr 1 office and they will work to assist you. When you attend via Zoom, everyone will be placed on mute and you can raise your computer hand if you would like to speak. If you wish to submit comments to the Board of Directors, you can do so via email to: CDSBODMTGS@gmail.com

Maintenance Report

Ed Pedroncelli, Maintenance Services Supervisor

The role of maintenance service is to maintain and enhance the quality of the Homeowners Association’s common areas, via the management of required repairs and preventative maintenance. Included in this duty is enforcement of rules and covenants, support of initiatives, as well as the management of projects and capital improvements.

It is important to understand the process of how projects are identified, funded, and who determines when they are completed. All projects are determined by a community committee, such as Facilities, Architectural, Traffic, Greenbelt, etc., who make recommendations to the Board of Directors for review and final approval. Once a project is approved, the BoD provides direction to the HOA’s contracted management team.

Please note, the HOA’s BoD may consider staff and members’ input, however, it is the Board that has the legal authority to make maintenance

decisions related to the common areas. There are many reasons why members do not legally vote on common area repair decisions. Members are not fiduciaries to one another or to the HOA. Members elect the BoD to handle the day-to-day business of the Association/Corporation. As such, the BoD votes on business matters for the HOA. Members do not vote on these types of items.

Ed Pedroncelli, (949) 215-9155 epedroncelli@powerstonepm.com, Donna Duhn, (949) 455-4671 Maintenance Coordinator, dduhn@powerstonepm.com

Landscape Notes

Continued from page 2 is done weekly from April to October and every other week from October to April. HOA plant maintenance in the foundations is every six weeks from April to October and every eight weeks from October to April. Trees are pruned by two contractors on separate schedules per contract, under 25 feet and over 25 feet tall. The contractors work section by section to complete the pruning of all of the trees. Not all trees are pruned annually.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

ASSOCIATION NEWS Cont’d

Board of Directors Candidates for 2023

John Nethercutt

Continued from page 1

sponsibility for Operations, Sales, as well as financial management.

I have had experience hiring and training employes, analyzing Profit & Loss Statements, analyzing contracts, and implementing Capital improvement projects as well as creating a culture of hospitality.

I have had a very fruitful life by treating everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness, and impressing this culture upon employees as they delt with our guests, some of whom could be quite challenging.

I have lived in Casta nearly three years and currently serve as Co-Chair on the Traffic Committee since January 2023. I am a member of the Ad Hoc Policy and Procedures Committee. Our committee proposed and the Board approved the Friends & Family Program, allowing individuals not living in Casta to obtain a transponder sticker to expedite their entry to our community to visit residents.

I am seeking to serve on the Board as someone who has no agenda, appreciates hearing differing viewpoints, and will make decisions based on the good of the community. Going forward, solid business management decisions will lead our community on the path to improving property values. I would work to promote a more harmonious and positive outlook within our community.

I would ask for your support and valuable vote for a Board position.

Don’t

Be In A Rut, Vote For Nethercutt

Susan Ashby

Continued from page 1 focused on getting the job done, whatever it is. I listen to all sides and do research so I have all the information to discuss an issue. I am a positive person with a sense of humor.

I have traveled all over the world but I am now happy to live the resort life in Casta del Sol. In 2022, I joined three Committees: Budget & Finance (Secretary), Facilities (Secretary), and Greenbelt, plus I went to all the Board meetings. I helped edit the Landscape Agreement; edited the Greenbelt Rules and Regulations; worked on Greenbelt Foundation issues with Architectural; and helped Budget & Finance edit Pol-

Robert “Bob” Stokesbary

Continued from page 1

the business practices of such a large community. The last 30 years of my working career were spent developing cost-effective management information and control systems for various industries including healthcare, wholesale tire distribution, and paint manufacturing/sales. In that endeavor I had the opportunity to work with all levels of management and understand what management styles worked and what styles did not, and why. Casta was clearly behind the curve.

Sharing this concern linked me with similarly minded neighbors and we formed a group to aggressively back candidates that we thought would push for reforms in the business practices of our community. And it is working. Committees are now able to attract skilled personnel with directly related skills that are already yielding beneficial results in lowering the costs of implementation.

We need to keep the momentum going. As many of you in this community know, I have been a strong advocate for better management and clearer communication. I have expressed concern about the competency of our management staff and failings of previous Board actions. While the last two elections have brought remarkable results there is still more that needs to be done. I am now asking you to support my candidacy for the Casta del Sol Board of Directors. Together we can make our community a better place for all. Thank you.

Jayne Freed

Continued from page 1

lowing: Election Committee – where I served as secretary, and the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R) Ad Hoc Committee. I volunteered for this committee because of my background in real estate law. We passed the following three: Majority of QuorumInstead of a super majority (67%), we went to 50% +1. This was necessary because we couldn’t get 67% of homeowners to vote. Capital Improvement - We raised the Capital Improvement budget from $10,000 to 3% of the total operating budget. A 20% Rental Limit The State mandate is now 25%. During my time on this committee, the state changed the Civil Code numbers. We made sure all references to Civil Codes showed the new numbers. When the Rules and Regulations were updated, we made sure they complied with our CC&Rs.

I also volunteer for Courier stuffing and as a poll worker for state & federal elections.

I belong to the following clubs: Mah Jongg Mavens (President), Baby Boomers (I have served as Secretary and President), Shuffleboard Club, Las Damas, and Italian American Club I love living in Casta, and regularly attend Board Meetings to keep apprised of what’s going on. My focus is to do what’s best for all of Casta.

Matt Loftus

Continued from page 1

When I served as Board Treasurer, I was fortunate to share my findings regarding contractor oversight and invoicing discrepancies with Board members and management.

If elected to the Casta Board of Directors, I look forward to being an active force for Casta homeowners and all residents, seeking solutions through teamwork. I believe in being proactive with issues rather than being in a reactive and more costly position.

Going forward we must ensure all our contracts are at the highest level of service with the least fiscal impact on our homeowners. We deserve to have all contractors provide competitive bids for our business in the areas of their expertise. We must ensure that HOA staffing is based on demonstrated need and responsible to the Association and Homeowners.

I fully appreciate the opportunity to fill an open position on our Board and I look forward to joining other homeowners in these volunteer positions. As a member of Casta’s Board I will always bear in mind that my primary responsibility is to the association, our homeowners, and meeting the needs of our HOA with the utmost fiscal conservatism and excellence in service. I would appreciate your vote in June.

icies and Procedures. In 2023, I joined the Board’s new Ad Hoc Committee. I also belong to the Art Club.

Our community needs constant maintenance to keep it attractive to residents and prospective buyers but we must be frugal with our limited funds. I have become very familiar with the needs of the community, our budget and reserves. I want to work with Board members and Committees to get the job done and keep this place the beautiful community we love. I firmly believe I will be a very effective member of the CDS Board.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Architectural

Going back in history, in 1972 when Casta del Sol was being built, there was no local building department. So, if you have replaced your driveway or patio recently, you know that no steel reinforcement (rebar) was placed into the area before the cement was poured.

If you decide you need a concrete walkway on the side of your home or you want to replace your driveway, you will need to submit an application for the proposed new concrete work. If the new concrete is poured between two homes, an expansion joint against your neighbor’s property is recommended.

We also recommend that your contractor install steel reinforcement in poured concrete projects. Driveways that are replaced with pavers do not need the steel reinforcement but do need an application to be submitted.

We encourage each homeowner to keep up with what is best for our special neighborhood and to maintain the quality of the Casta homes and their value.

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

Mary Kay Crowley, Co-Chair, (949) 412-8735

Linda Silverman, Liaison

Budget and Finance

The Budget and Finance (B&F) Committee reviewed the March financial statements which included the 2022 adjustments made by the auditor at our April meeting. The draft audited 2022 financial statements were presented to the Board for approval as recommended by the B&F Commit-

tee. The final 2022 audited financial statements will soon be mailed to homeowners.

A few of the B&F members continue to attend the Board Ad Hoc Committee meetings to discuss improvements to the Policy Guidelines for Board-Appointed Committees 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 May meeting will be held on May 15.

Please look for the eblasts with additional details about our next meeting.

Lisa Shoemaker, Chair, (949) 305-6336

Karen Warren, Liaison

Courier

The Courier Committee is always seeking to improve the publication we bring to our community. We have had a writers’ workshop and a photographers’ workshop to share ideas, update guidelines, and support each other. We will also be updating our Rules and Regulations and our Committee Guidebook.

There are always so many activities taking place, new projects, and social events that we want to highlight and have enough content to fill the next several issues. We are looking at ways to have non-staff writers contribute to our publication so we are embarking on “person on the street” type interviews. We are continuing to ask our residents to volunteer to be interviewed if they have a unique talent or background, want to write a restaurant review, or share a story about a great trip.

We are so fortunate to have so many enthusiastic volunteers participate in our monthly “stuffing” event. For the April issue we had 58 volunteers and finished preparing the Courier for delivery in 39 minutes. Please join us to connect with your neighbors, volunteer for the good of our community, and on top of that, get free donuts and bagels.

The Courier 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

As of April 3, five candidates have submitted their applications and resumes to fill the three open Board of Directors positions in the June 22 election. Their pictures and resumes start on the front page of this issue. The appearance order was determined by random draw. The last day to apply was April 16, so there may be more than five candidates on the final ballot. You can find additional information in the General Notice of Election and Voting Information that was posted on April 22, as noted in the April Courier

At the May 25 Meet the Candidates Night, Casta del Sol members will have the opportunity to hear the candidates tell why they should be elected. The candidates will also answer questions submitted by the attending and viewing audience. The campaign meeting will be held in the Vista Room at 6 p.m. and can be viewed on Zoom. Ballots will be mailed to CdS members the week of May 15. Please vote!

The Election Committee planned the agenda for the Meet the Candidates Night and discussed campaigning at its April 5 meeting. Association funds may not be used for any campaign purposes (Civil Code 5145), but every candidate is ensured equal access to association media, newsletters, and internet website. Barbara Harris, Inspector of Elections, noted that the staff has continued to process Voter List updates with the final Voter List due May 5.

Jeff McCoy, Chair, (714) 293-9949

David Shostak, Liaison

Facilities

Spring is in the air! Residents are out walking, swimming, gardening,

attending various club activities and committee meetings. It’s a great way of staying connected with residents.

There are two items requiring homeowner attention. The trash bins located at Rec Ctr 2 by the Vegetable Garden are not for dumping unwanted household items and trash or for vendors/contractors to dump materials removed from homes. Also, no bathing of animals at Rec Ctr 2 Pool Restrooms is allowed. For information, refer to the HOA Rules & Regulations in the directory, page 20.

Proposals for the 2023 paving project have been reviewed by the Board. We hope to start the project this June. Rain has caused delays in home painting. Check the HOA website for schedule updates.

Other projects for 2023 include gate locking systems at Rec Ctr 1 and the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, working on a “Statement of Work” for the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, new awning, umbrella covers, and picnic tables at Paddle Tennis, remodel of the Ceramics rooms, replacing chairs used in meeting rooms, replacing controllers at the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, replacing lawn bowling back boards, removing the shade structure at the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, fixing and replacing chain link fencing between Gates 1 and 2, replacing wrought iron fencing at Gate 1. We are also looking into future capital items including new pickleball courts, a dog park, and an upgrade of the Lawn Bowling Pavilion. The Facilities Committee continues to investigate these items.

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

Nancy Cunningham, Chair, (949) 350-3562

Matt Loftus, Liaison

Greenbelt

Spring has sprung and with it the completion of the Jeronimo Road slope replanting project! Colorful Carissa macrocarpa “Green Carpet” (green with white flowers), Callistemon dwarf “Little John” (green with red flowers), Rhaphiolepis indica “Pink Lady” (green with pink flowers), Salvia leucantha dwarf “Santa Barbara” (green with purple flowers), Tecomaria (green with orange flowers), topped off with Leucophyllum frutescens compacta “Texas Ranger” (grey with pink flowers) will provide abounding

Continued on page 11

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD Cont’d

Greenbelt

Continued from page 10 beauty for years to come. In all, 1,900 plants were planted on more than 62,000 square feet. True, it will take a few years to reach full maturity, but the spacing is on purpose to limit undergrowth and maintain clearances for maintenance. This project was funded through the Reserve Account in the final total amount of $91,475.

The abundant rainfall has over-saturated turf areas – a recipe for tree root rot and a high underground water table. If water cannot percolate down into the aquifers, it has nowhere to go but up and out, following the natural drainage flow, which means over sidewalks into street gutters. We get reports of irrigation leaks when this happens, but the sprinklers have been turned off when it rains. So please take special care on your walks around Casta del Sol.

The Greenbelt Committee welcomes your comments. We meet the second Tuesday of the month, at 9 a.m. in the Fiesta Room, inside the Administration Office building at Rec Ctr 1.

June Anderson, Chair, juanders2004@ yahoo.com

Lori Gilbertson, Liaison

Library

The Library Committee will be enhancing the reservations program with colorful bookmarks for those residents who reserve books. One of the enhancements this program gives us is the ability to track book circulation better. It also gives us better insight into books that are overdue, never returned, and deemed lost.

We are appealing to the Casta del Sol community to look on your bookshelves for the following lost books: “Zero Day” by David Baldacci; “The Switch” by Sandra Brown; “Country Guesthouse” by Robyn Carr; “Comfort and Joy” and “True Colors” both by Kristin Hannah; “Dying to Please” by Linda Howard; and “Cornwalls Are Gone” by James Patterson.

If you find them, please return them to the return bin in the Rec Center office, no questions asked. Thank you so much.

New Additions to the Library Regular Print:

All That is Mine I Carry with Me, William Landy Birnam Wood, Eleanor Catton Commitment, Mona Simpson

Desert Star, Michael Connelly

Dust Child, Que Mai Phan Nguyen

Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano

Loyalty, Lisa Scottoline

The Cabinet of Dr. Leng, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

The Dog of the North, Elizabeth McKenzie

The Farewell Tour, Stephanie Clifford

The Kind Worth Saving, Peter Swanson

The Lost English Girl, Julia Kelly

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, Colleen Oakley

Large Print:

Black Candle Women, Diane M. Brown

Collateral Damage, J. A. Jance

Hiss and Tell, Rita Mae Brown

Never Never, Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

The Golden Spoon, Jessa Maxwell

The Sister Effect, Susan Mallery

Wayward, Emilia Hart

Audio:

Everybody Knows, Jordan Harper

Lying Beside You, Michael Robotham

Pat Vitti, Chair, (949) 457-9194 Matt Loftus, Liaison

Social

The ladies of Casta del Sol were here in full force, beautifully outfitted in lovely clothing and fancy hats for the Chico’s fashion show on April 29. As members of the Social Committee modeled the varied fashion designs, guests were able to see the outfits up close. Commentary describing the clothing was provided by the fashion specialist the store provided. Following the show, a tea party was enjoyed by all. Tea sandwiches, scones, dessert and, of course, tea was a wonderful way to cap the event. A heartfelt thank you to all the members of the Social Committee for all the time they put in to bring this event to fruition.

April showers bring May flowers and at Casta, May means Memorial Day. Tickets for the annual Memorial Day Celebration go on sale May 1. Please join us for a barbecue of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sides dishes, and dessert. Our color guard will give a tribute to the brave soldiers who gave so much for us to enjoy our freedom.

I am hoping to see you all at our events.

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

Karen Warren, Liaison

Traffic

The Traffic Committee is excited to in troduce a new gate software program, Nordic iGate, which will be replacing the existing, problematic DwellingLive software. We will also receive the latest all-new gate house hardware, as well. We will no longer be speaking to the other side of the globe with service issues or questions. The customer service center is located in Orange County and is available 24/7.

There are many new capabilities that are available with iGate. On the go? That’s why the Nordic iGate App is available for both iPhone and Android. A resident can manage all of the basics of their profile right from their phone or tablet. Traditional PC users will find a similar, user-friendly website. Whether it’s pizza delivery or a family friend, a few quick clicks and your guest is registered. Arriving at the gate minutes later, they are quickly issued a pass. This saves time for our residents and reduces processing time for the gate attendants.

The Traffic Committee, along with Nordic, will conduct an extensive education campaign to acquaint our residents with the new user-friendly

profile page. Our goal is to allow a seamless transition at the gate, as well as provide enhanced capabilities for our residents.

Stay tuned for more information.

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

Joe Hachadoorian, Liaison

Welcome

Welcome to springtime in Casta del Sol, especially our newcomers in the community. We would like to meet you. 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 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

Bulletin Board

Please see club reports for more information.

Bible Study Club

May 16, 10 a.m., at Rec Ctr 2, George and Leela Chavanikamannil, missionaries to India, will be speaking on the dangerous conditions for Christians in India.

Canine Companions Club

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Bible Study

Chess Rec Ctr 1 Library, Wednesdays at noon.

Join us on May 6 for Taco Time from 1 to 3 at the Lawn Bowling Pavilion, Rec Ctr 2. Bring your doggies out for a fun afternoon. Please RSVP to Linda Brockmiller, (949) 412-1083. The Canine Companions Club invites all residents to a seminar on The Urban Coyote and how to keep you and your pets safe on May 24, in the Vista Room at 1 p.m. Sign up at Rec Ctr1. Refreshments will be provided.

— Tom Brockmiller, (949) 584-8061

Quilters Group

The CdS Quilter’s Group will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Garden Room on Thursday, May 11 and Thursday May 25 We are not a club, have no dues, and we welcome all who enjoy needle art. — Contact Victoria Crayne at (949) 587-1853.

Paddle Tennis

May 6, at 4 p.m. is the Cinco de Mayo Open House with margaritas, food, and treats We are encouraging new and novice players to try this fun game. Anyone can learn. There will be demonstrations and lessons will be provided. No sign-up required, just show up — Debra Friedman, debrafriedman0@gmail.com

ARMDI

Casta del Sol Choir

We are looking for singers to form a new choir at CdS. If you enjoy singing in three-to-fourpart harmony, contact Marge Osborn at (949) 697-6274 by phone, text or email naniosborn@icloud.com

Book Group #1

The book for the May 22 meeting is A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell. It is the true story of the heroism of an American woman in WWII. Posing as an American journalist, she changed the course of the war by conducting a spy network in France in 1942. We meet in the Casta Library at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month.

— Suzanne Popel, (949) 215-5157

The monthly Bagel and Lox Brunch will be in the Vista Room at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 28 and will feature Dalia Taft, OC’s Jewish History Archivist. June 25 will feature Arnold Weiss, actor and historical storyteller Choose your type of bagel or other option when you sign up in Rec Ctr 1. $20 per person. Questions, call or text Jaye Yaruss, (949) 842-2961.

Submissions to the Bulletin Board

Shuffleboard

Friday, June 21 will be a festive party with dinner and music on the Pool 1 patio This will be open to Shuffleboard members and non-members. Sign-ups will be in mid-May at the Rec Ctr 1 office. More details will follow The Super Sunday Shuffle is May 21 and the Sunday Potluck Social Shuffle is May 28 with sign-ups in the Pavilion.

— Debra Friedman, debrafriedman0@gmail.com

The Bulletin Board is to be used by Casta del Sol clubs and organizations to briefly announce activities or changes to activities occurring during the month of, and month following, the publication issue. More informative details, such as menus and entertainment offered, should be included in the Clubs & Activities section of the Courier, not in the Bulletin Board. The Bulletin article should include just the basics: what, where, when, cost, and who to contact. Submissions to the Bulletin Board should either be in the body of an email or as an email attachment in Word format. Submit your information to alguild@earthlink.net by the sixth of the month preceding the month of publication. Al Guild, Your Bulletin Board Editor

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

May! It’s National Billiards Month – I think. I’ll have to check on that. Anyway, national month or not, we are celebrating Casta del Sol Billiards with a monthly Billiards Contest. We will keep it simple and fun. We had quite a few newly interested residents show up for our big competition last month so, with the increased interest, we expect even more players. Every fourth Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. we will have a mini fun competition in our Billiards Room. Stop by, participate, learn to play, or just watch and cheer for your favorite player.

Don’t forget, we also have a recently installed a dart board. Try out your eye hand coordination, you may surprise yourself. Hope to see you there.

Fred Wilmott, BilliardsCdS@cox.net,

(949) 367-6671

Bridge

We recently had to move all our bridge supplies to a different location in the Garden Room at Rec Ctr 1. During that time, I had the opportunity to look at some old bridge club membership information. Rather than trying to merge old, possibly obsolete, information, I hope to collect all new information from Casta del Sol folks. If you play or have played bridge at CdS, drop me an email about:

1. Whether you play Party, Duplicate or Both, P or D or B.

2. Whether you would like to be a substitute for P or D or B.

3. If you play with non-CdS people,

would they substitute P or D or B?

No email? Phone me and leave a message at the beep, I’m in the CdS phone book. I look forward to hearing from you. Duplicate Bridge at CdS is unsanctioned by the ACBL.

Tim McCoy, mccoytest@cox.net

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.

On Friday, June 23, relax and enjoy the fun of painting as you sip wine, snack on appetizers, listen to music, and socialize at the first Paint & Wine Night! No experience is required to participate. Members’ cost is $20/ Non-members $25 (includes art supplies, appetizers, and two glasses of wine). This event will be held in the Vista Room from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sign up in the Rec Ctr 1 office beginning May 1. Space will be limited to thirty residents.

Maribeth McFaul, maribethmcfaul@gmail.com

Ceramics

Spring has sprung and all around us we see the beauty it brings. Step outside, take a lungful of air and just look. What’s a weed to others might be a beautiful flower to you. It’s all in the eye of the beholder; and thus, some artists are inspired, be they painters, writers, musicians, or ceramists. You might look out one day and see something you feel should be captured as a ceramic piece. Don’t say you’re not an artist. Not everyone in the Ceramics Club is an artist yet we turn out some lovely pieces. Most of our members pour slip (liquid clay) into molds – and we have many molds all neatly catalogued. So, if you saw a bunny or an elephant – a teacup or a Christmas tree, you can look it up, find the mold and make it. Hand-builders are welcome, but the same applies to both: you must be a member and must be checked out on our methods; kinda’ like the military!

Jo Steciuk, (949) 394-5181

Crafts For Charity

The Craft Ladies of Casta del Sol are getting ready for summer with a few new projects. We will be creating Fourth of July cards for the deployed military supported by the City of Mission Viejo, and tray favors for local recipients of Meals on Wheels. After that, we will be working on floral centerpieces and several fun projects for the children residing at Laura’s House. Come and join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at Rec Ctr 2. Club meetings will be on May 3 and May 17. 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 while helping others. For details, call Marlene Kazen at (949) 916-5044.

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 new members at our meetings for the past few months, and we will be working on getting even more members through our New Membership Project Group, headed by Cathy Paxton. Our meetings will generally be on the third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the Vista Room. Our next meeting is May 21 at 3 p.m.

During our meetings, we will address local and national topics as well as topics specific to Casta del Sol. We typically have one feature topic per month.

Our friendly members love to stay and mingle after the presentations, so please bring food or beverages to

share and plan to stay a bit to catch up. In between meetings, we send emails on major events, important issues, and other information. If you would like to add your name to the list, please let me know.

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

Heritage Garden

What started out as a normal season for rain is now record rain and snow in SoCal. The weather has kept the forecasters busy and guessing on what the ensuing summer will bring. Regardless of the weather, our Heritage Garden volunteers continue with planting, weeding, raking, replacing worn-out shrubs, and pruning to make the garden beautiful for all to enjoy. If you love nature and the outdoors, then consider joining the Heritage Garden Club and volunteering at the garden. You can choose a gardening task that fits your capability. A couple of hours a week of physical activity in fresh air with social interaction with fellow volunteers and garden visitors will do wonders for you and will add beauty to the garden. Contact Beth McVey at (949) 279-0103 for more details. So, dab on your sunscreen, lace up your

shoes, and we look forward to seeing you in the garden.

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

Italian American

Our next event will be Bingo Night on May 11. We will be having Italian American Bingo Night 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 $8 for non-members. We will be serving cookies, coffee, and water. The last game will always have a $100 pay-out. 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 each month.

Lucille Naves, neilnaves@cox.net, (949) 600-5887

Las Damas

April showers bring May flowers. Las Damas Club will celebrate Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo on Wednesday, May 10, with a delightful spring Luncheon Meeting in the Vista Room

Continued on page 16

Recreation Center 1:

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Recreation

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Calendar Coordinator, Valerie Hanich

Recreation Director, vhanich@powerstonepm.com (949) 455-4681

• Association, Board & Committee Meetings • Association Sponsored Activities • Club & Activity Events

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

Daily/Weekly Activities Schedule - May 2023 (All activities are subject to change.)

Shuffle (Pot of Gold) W, 6:30 p.m., SBP

Shuffle League Play TH, 9 a.m., SBP

Shuffle Super 2nd Su, 1 p.m., SBP

Shuffle Training F, 10 a.m., SBP

Shuffle Travel Teams T, 9 a.m., SBP

Strummers

1 p.m., H

Support Group 1st & 3rd TH,10:30 a.m., G Tennis

Texas

TH, 6:30 p.m., TC;

W, S, 8 a.m., TC

Whole Fiesta Room

= Fiesta Room Fireplace Side

= Fiesta Room Back Side

= Garden Room

= Lapidary Room

= Pool 1

= Shuffleboard Pavilion

= Vista

Recreation Center 2

= Chipping Green

= Heritage Room

= Lawn Bowling Green

= Lawn Bowling Patio/Pavilion

= Pool 2

= Paddle Tennis Court

= Tennis Court

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

The Quilters of Casta del Sol

By Parizad Sethna, photos by Jeff McCoy

Walk into the Garden Room near Rec Ctr 1 on the second or fourth Thursday of the month at 1 p.m., and you will find a cheerful group of fabric artists. They will be on their sewing machines, cutting, trimming, and swapping blocks of fabrics while happily chatting away. They are the Quilters of Casta del Sol. Started ten years ago by CdS resident Victoria Crayne, the group welcomes all who love the art of needlework to create beautiful things, and therefore, you will also find knitters and crocheters. Their stories and the friendships they have woven together are as beautiful as the quilts they sew. The camaraderie in the room is beyond words. There is always sharing of materials, ideas, and talent. The generosity and support goes beyond quilting. Everyone’s birthday is joyfully acknowledged, and this support group goes into action when its members need h elp.

Some of these quilters can boast of winning blue ribbons at local and national quilting competitions. One of the quilters had her quilt appraised at $900. Each quilt, painstakingly

sewn in various patterns and styles, shows the creativity, originality, and the talent to see connections in colors and patterns. These are artists painting masterpieces with fabric.

Some quilt and sew for family and friends, some compete in national contests, and some quilters donate the quilts they make. Quilts made for donation and for family use are larger, warmer and cuddly, while quilts made as decorative wall hangers or for competition are more colorful and smaller in size. And quilts are not all that are donated. About $700 has been raised for Ukraine by knitting hats. More than 120 warm crochet blankets have been donated to local charities; and others have sewn pillow cases and flannel blankets for Marines. Last year, a few quilters got together and sewed beautiful dresses for donation to little girls in Africa. How awesome is that? And if you have noticed the flip flop quilt hanging as a backdrop at some of our CdS social events, and/or the shuffleboard quilt hanging in the Shuffleboard Pavilion, you should know those came from one of these talented quilters. Want to add quilting to your repertoire? Then join this creative and talented group and sew on!

The Quilters of Casta Del Sol

Featuring a Blue-Ribbon winner are quilters from L to R: Gretchen Ikerd, Marion Shiroma, Pam Flint, and Victoria Crayne

Featuring the famous flip flop quilt, among others, from L to R: Kathie Carr, Metty Thomason, and Judy Bryant

Featuring vibrant quilts from L to R: Sherry Kihm, Flo Hutchings, and Maria Gomez-Greenberg

Featuring American pride and love, from L to R: Mary Phillips, Kay Hoyt, and Sandi Banks

Featuring an Easter quilt, among others, from L to R: Jill Baker, Carole Burtt, and Nancy Miller

Sewing lessons being given by Judy Bryan to Sandi Banks and Metty Thomason

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Cont’d

Las Damas

Continued from page 13

beginning 11:15 a.m. A delicious menu featuring chicken enchiladas with all the trimmings followed by chocolate cake. In keeping with the Cinco de Mayo theme and entertainment, we are featuring fabulous guitarist and vocalist, Raza.

Reservations can be made through May 7 at Rec Ctr 1 with checks payable

to Las Damas Club. Member tickets are $25 and non-Members, $30.

The final Luncheon Meeting of this season will be held on Wednesday, June 14, complete with a summer picnic featuring Baby Back Ribs, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Reservations will begin immediately after the May luncheon. Please join us.

Pat Crowley, (949) 305-0582

Military Veterans

At our March meeting, guest speaker Ronnie Guyer, a veteran of the first major battle in Vietnam shared his story about the Battle at the Ia Drang Valley. This true military action was later depicted in the motion picture, We Were Soldiers, starring Mel Gibson and Sam Elliott. We had a great turn out. Please stay posted for our next social event in June.

The Casta del Sol Veterans Club is preparing a full Honor Guard for Memorial Day on May 29. This day is observed to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the military. We look forward to seeing you there.

Veterans, and widows/widowers of anyone with prior military service are more than welcome to attend a social event or formal meeting. Please check your email for future meeting dates and time.

Rod

Jordan,

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

Ping Pong

Casta del Sol Ping Pong paddlers are enjoying their bright Garden Room location. Last month, after seeing us through the windows, several new players joined in. The group plays on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. Although the group is growing, we are still looking for more players. To accommodate all levels of play, we are reserving one table from 10 - 11 a.m. for the inexperienced player or those who may need a refresher. No paddle, no problem because loaners are available. We encourage you to join in our fun, social, and competitive games with no commitment required. For more information, contact Sherry Hargrove.

Sherry Hargrove, (858) 336-5369

Pinochle

There were five Fridays in March, and we played cut-throat (every player against two opponents) on three Fridays. We voted to play partners on another Friday, and we played a variation game when five players came.

The winner for the six-game series was Terry Owen with 3980, and Cathie Joy was second highest with 3590. Alice McNany had the highest total for the month at 8840, and Peggy Torrance was runner-up with 7270.

There were four Double Pinochles during regular games. The five-handed variation is played with a double deck,

nines removed, and resulted in four triple pinochles worth 90 points each. Double runs, multiple marriages, and other combinations make this an interesting variation.

We welcome your participation. We play on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. sharp in the Heritage Room of Rec Ctr 2. Come join us. We will teach you how to play.

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

Republicans

Please save the date of May 20 for our next gathering, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Vista Room. We are still trying to confirm our speaker who is a wellknown speaker in California. There are a great number of issues that are happening now, not only in the state but also in our country. It is becoming even more important that we keep up to date on these issues on local, state, and national levels. Please stay involved and look for our eblast.

All Casta del Sol 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; 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. Please check your email around the beginning of May to see when and where we will be meeting for lunch, or possibly potluck, in May. 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 was the Spring Fling, the first dinner/dance of our new club’s year. A sold-out crowd danced the night away in the Vista Room to the sounds of the great band, Sideways. We all enjoyed a wonderful Italian meal provided by our nearby restaurant, Sabatino’s. Portions were generous and even included enough to offer some take-home meals.

Continued on next page

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Cont’d

Sol Rock ‘n Rollers Variety

Continued from previous page

We are already hard at work planning our summertime event. Save the date of July 22 for a poolside concert with Dylan’s Steel Drum Band. The theme for the event will be a Caribbean night with an island buffet.

We are still seeking fun loving residents to be a part of our working group. 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

The Variety Club is planning our next show for the weekend of July 28 to 30, with specific dates and times to be announced. We will have a casting call on May 24 at 6 p.m. in the Vista Room for all those interested in performing. Rehearsals will start in early June. We are planning to continue the high quality, entertaining, and humorous types of shows we have done for the past few years. Look for more details about the type of show in future communications.

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 any shows, please contact Barb Turino at (951) 858-7350.

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

Vegetable Garden

Spring arrived with a blast last month, and thanks to the record rainfall we had this year, our gardens are thriving. People last month planted in earnest their spring and summer crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, peas, beets, Brussels sprouts,

cucumbers, artichokes, potatoes, onions, garlic, cabbage, kale, and celery. In addition, last month, at various plots, fruit trees such as figs, peaches and all sorts of citrus trees brought forth their blossoms adorning our gardens. Not to be outdone, some of our gardeners have planted various Asian vegetables and fruits. Our berry gardeners’ crop of blackberries and strawberries are starting to emerge with their fruit. At this stage, individuals who signed up for a garden can now expect less than a year to wait for their gardens. Happy Gardening!

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

Water Exercise

This has been the wettest spring in a long time so hope those May flowers bloom profusely! Most of us are back in the pool again and it feels great. A good way to begin the day is with water exercise. It’s gentle on the joints and will keep you in good condition, plus we have a lot of fun. We meet at Pool 1 at 9 a.m.; sign up in the office, and it’s $10 for the whole year. See you at the pool!

Nan Rednall, nrednall@gmail.com, (949) 584-4321

Woodworkers

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

Club members are researching the internet for information and the cost of CNC routing and engraving woodworking machines with hopes of obtaining one to update our woodworking skills. We could also expand our ability to produce a larger variety of useful wood projects, as well as artistic wood designs.

The Club meets on Mondays from 2-3:30 p.m. and Thursdays 1-3 p.m. at Rec Ctr 1 Arts and Crafts Room across from the Vista Room. Come by if you have a work request or you are interested in our activities.

Steve Vallely, (714) 595-5766

Away Golf

Our next tournament will be held Tuesday, June 13 at Hidden Valley Golf Course in Norco. Consecutive tee times will start at 9:04 a.m. The cost for golf, cart, and prizes is $63. Signup will be available at Casta del Sol Rec Ctr 1 beginning May 17 through June 7. Make checks out to CdS Away Golf Club.

Mark your calendar, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to play in our fun tournament. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Joyce Parlin, (949) 588-0337

Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball continues to play on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2 to 3 p.m. Come on down and join in on the fun. We would like to welcome Patti Bronson and Leo Restrich as new members to the Bocce Ball Club.

The new date for the Bocce Pizza Party will now be held on Friday, May 5 at 6 p.m. in the Vista Room.

As mentioned last month, we will no longer be calling our members to

remind them of the monthly meetings. An amended version of the Calendar of Events for the rest of the year will be passed out at the Pizza Bingo Party. Our next regular meeting will be held on Monday, June 5 at 7 p.m. in the Fiesta Room. Following a short business meeting, we will be playing cards.

Carol Zinsmeister, (949) 305-9890

Bowling

We have just three weeks remaining in our league schedule and Split Happens (Dee Yamabe, Jim Kazan, Benjamin Yu, and Steve Saltz) has a slight lead on We Do Love Bowling... We Do! (Dawn and Dave Gove, and Judy and David Trombley). There is still time for any of the other teams to pass them in the standings.

The Casta del Sol Bowling league bowls on Thursday’s at 1 p.m. at Saddleback Lanes on Marguerite Parkway. If you would like to 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.

Continued on next page

SPORTS Cont’d

Our league does not bowl during the summer but there is a summer league that many of our league members join. I will have more information next month.

Van Quinn, (949) 842-9151

Fishing

Winter is gone. Rockfish season opened on April 1. The Laguna Woods Club Charter is back for two trips per month. Rockfish will be the primary target for May. The Calico Bass should start moving around a bit and we may give them a go on the second charter. There will be two charters on May 1 and May 17. We will be having a luncheon meeting on May 26, at noon in the Fiesta Room. Newcomers are welcome, contact Nick Morenc for details. Until next month, tight lines for all.

Nick Morenc, (949) 588-6223

Golf Chippers

Proposals have been submitted for a safe walking path. We also propose, for safety, that the fence height be raised with netting material to ten feet. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. On Friday, the quarterly Chippers contest field will be set up at 9 a.m. by volunteers. After 10:30 a.m. that day, all Casta del Sol residents are welcome to try out the Chippers course. It will be available to you all day, free of charge. A wedge club can be provided. Just let us know ahead of time. Plenty of golf balls will be at your disposal. Adult guests are welcome. On the following day, Saturday, May 6, come back for our quarterly Golf Chippers event at 9 a.m. The cost is only $5. White elephant items are welcome for our prize table. No experience necessary. We welcome learners.

Bob Hrad, (949) 290-0366

Lawn Bowling

No more room for excuses. The rainy season appears to be over, yet all we’re getting in regular club attendance is between 10 and 12 members MWF at 1 p.m. As soon as summer heat begins, our hours will go to 9:30 a.m. to avoid bowlers’ discomfort. Last month, we held our annual Short Jack contest

for members and invited newbies. The white ball, the jack, is purposely placed almost opposite the pig line. That marker denotes the shortest legal throw of the jack to qualify for gameplay. Shorter is not always easier as many of you would find out if you joined the club. The contest included snacks before the bowling, and pizza, salad, cokes, and beer after. The party started at 11 a.m. to make it comfortable for all. If you are interested in joining this truly fun group, call Mr. Shuman Chan at (626) 428-9970 for lessons convenient to you both.

Roman Swystun, (818) 669-9970

Men’s Golf

The return of warmer weather and lush course conditions has caused a marked increase in golfing activities throughout the area. Now is the time to sharpen your skills for our upcoming summer schedule. In June, the first phase of a three-month qualifying period for the club championships will take place. Each player will record his first round played in June, July, and August to qualify. The club will provide more detailed information before the tournament.

The May games are: 5/3 Team Twosome Total; 5/10 Pinehurst; 5/17 Three Clubs and a Putter; 5/24 Team Best Ball; 5/31 Team Scramble.

A word about our club. Membership includes full access to all social functions, monthly tournaments, club championships, and an SCGA handicap, and fun-loving members. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact our membership chairman Al Arnott at (714) 425-4320.

Merl Barrett, (949) 770-5024

Paddle Tennis

The April Fools tournament had the following winners: Competitive Group: 1st Frank Geronimo; 2nd Chaz Manuel: 3rd tie for Scott Shiroma and Narayan Kanoor; Intermediate Group: 1st Merritt Oldaker; 2nd Tissy Manuel; 3rd Amy Chan; and Social Group: 1st tie for Debra Friedman and Jerry Castro; 2nd Lanette Dahn; 3rd Valerie Kohler. It was a fun event with lots of support on the sidelines from friends and neighbors.

On May 6 at 4 p.m. we will have our Cinco de Mayo Open House. This is

a fantastic opportunity for newcomers and non-members to experience the fun of this wonderful sport with demonstrations and lessons.

The Progressive Dinner is always a hit and will take place on June 10. This is for members only, so if you haven’t signed up there’s still time to become a member for $10 for the year.

We always welcome new players, so come practice during Open Court at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday

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

Pickleball

A good time was had by players and spectators alike at our Luck of the Draw Tournament on March 25. Congratulations to our winners: Narayan Kanoor, 1st Place; Marti McGee, 2nd Place; Dena Rawson and Jim McGee,

3rd Place. Our second tournament of 2023 was held on April 29.

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. If you would like to try playing pickleball, we have paddles that you may borrow, and experienced club members who will introduce you to the sport. If you would just like to watch all the fun, come relax on the bench outside the courts and enjoy watching the play.

If you have questions about pickleball, please contact Metty Thomason at (714) 325-3526, or Donna Guild at (949) 446-0005.

Donna Guild, (949) 446-0005

Shuffleboard

The Shuffleboard Bingo event was a success with a special thanks to Eleanor and Howard Reafsnyder, Bob Hrad, and all the helpers for food, raffles, and games.

The Winter Pot of Gold league yielded the following winners: 1st place, Stan Krauson; 2nd place, Susan Herrning; 3rd place, Michael Bukala. The Sunday Super Shuffle in March had the following winners: 1st, Judy Paskey and Bob Caywood; 2nd, Shirley Saunders and Mo Caywood; 3rd, Cathy McCoy and Stan Krauson.

The Spring Pot of Gold league meets on Wednesday evening, and the Spring Tuesday morning Intramural League started at the end of March and will run for 10 weeks. Subs are welcome. Those who prefer the no take-out style of play can join the Friendly Shufflers on Wednesday mornings. Lessons and practice are on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. with Bob and Mo Caywood.

The Sunday Super Shuffle is May 21 at 1 p.m. and the Sunday Potluck Social Shuffle is May 28 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 we enter the height of the Spring tennis season, a variety of events are now underway. Regularly scheduled round-robin events are held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. We have also included a special Clarity, Clinic, and Coffee (with donuts) event for the first Saturday of each month. These sessions are a great way to hone your skills and pick up some pointers. In addition to the scheduled events, there are also informal groups on many Tuesday and Thursday evenings. To complement the various group events, the first tournament of the year is now scheduled for June 3. A fall tournament is also planned.

Mark your calendars now for the Tennis Club’s summer pool-side gala on August 18, which will feature the alluring southern rock sounds of Ortega Highway and the enticing food of The Mexican Taco. For your long-range planning, add the festive holiday party on December 9 to your calendar.

Roger Gyger, (630) 430-9045

On the Road Again

Hollywood Museum

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

Debra Friedman

The Hollywood Museum can be found amongst an array of unusual movieland museums. It is on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine, adjacent to Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the Hollywood Wax Museum.

The Hollywood Museum, housed in the 1928 art deco Max Factor Building, is an interesting and eclectic mix of movie-related mementos from films spanning the 1920s until today. It has an extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia, featuring 10,000 authentic show biz treasures such as costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections and personal artifacts, posters, and vintage memorabilia. Some of the stand-outs are the

What’s Cooking at Casta

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

Key Lime Pie

Linda Brockmiller

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup sugar

6 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 (14 oz.) cans sweetened

condensed milk

½ cup sour cream

2-3 key limes, zested

¾ cup key lime juice

2 egg yolks

8 oz. heavy whipping cream

2-3 Tbsp. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

ruby red slippers that Dorothy wore in the Wizard of Oz, a gorilla replica from King Kong, and the Marilyn Monroe million-dollar dress. During my visit there was a section dedicated to Judy Garland since it was the 100-year anniversary of her birth. There are several rotating exhibits and more recent themes such as superheroes, LGBTQ, and the supernatural. The horror film section is in the basement, which I purposely skipped.

The Max Factor history of the building is evident in the display of cosmetics and the organization. There are four relatively small rooms designated for Blonds, Redheads, Brunettes and Brownettes. In each room the wall color and the make-up colors are designed to enhance the look for each of these hair colors. The dominant focus for the Redheads room is Lucille Ball, and the Blonds room is Marilyn Monroe.

Although this museum is not as wellknown as other famous structures in this old Hollywood section of Los Angeles, it is a treat for fans of old movies and movie stars.

Slices of lime and mint leaves for decoration.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter. Finely crush graham crackers. Add sugar and pour in butter and stir until mixed. Pour crust mixture into 9-inch deep dish pan. Press in evenly on bottom and sides. Bake for 6-8 minutes. Remove and cool completely in refrigerator.

Zest limes and squeeze ¾ cup juice. Pour together juice, zest, milk, sour cream and egg yolks and mix until combined, then on medium high for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Pour filling into graham cracker crust and bake 15-20 minutes until set. Remove and cool for 30 minutes and refrigerate for 3 hours. Whip whipping cream, vanilla, and sugar until thick and refrigerate. Garnish pie with lime slices, mint leaves, and whipping cream.

Puns for fun: (compiled by Jeff McCoy)

• You know you are old when the oxygen masks drop from the ceiling when your birthday candles are lit.

• Did you see the movie about the hot dog? It was an Oscar wiener.

• Spending too much time at the coffee bar can cause a latte problems.

• I love it when candy canes are in mint condition.

CASTA CONNECTIONS Cont’d

Reflections of a Casta Newbie Small Talk

A new resident explores the adventures of Casta.

Nevin Valentine

Do you remember collecting baseball cards, comic books, or stamps as a child? I never had a collection, and it wasn’t until my two children were away at college that I became a passionate collector of plates. Plates? Really? Yes.

My obsession with Blue Ridge dinnerware began when my cousin, who married my college roommate Pam, needed my care during his short illness. It was during this special time that I first saw Pam’s collection of Blue Ridge plates. It was love at first sight.

Blue Ridge was the everyday dinnerware during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Each piece was hand painted in an Erwin, Tennessee factory by more than 500 women trained in the art of folk painting. I like to imagine the women in that factory who carefully painted each leaf and blossom. There are more than 4,000 patterns, each with a name,

and the factory produced millions of plates, bowls, cups, and pitchers until it closed in 1957.

The brightly colored flowers and leaves captured my heart. Pam grew up with one of the patterns, Wild Strawberry. She wanted to find the plates that were her family’s dinnerware, so she began hunting through antique stores looking for those treasures. I wanted to collect too but I didn’t have a family connection.

All that changed when, at the end of my stay, Pam told me to choose two plates to start my collection. I picked two Betty pattern plates with bright yellow flowers, and these became my sentimental link to Blue Ridge. The hunt was on, and I spent many happy days that turned into years, searching for plates in antique stores throughout California. I hung them on the walls of my house and used my ever-growing collection for mother-daughter teas, dinner parties, and everyday meals.

Imagine my absolute joy when I discovered our Casta del Sol home has a plate shelf that surrounds the dining room. One of my happiest days was when I unpacked my Blue Ridge collection and chose the most beautiful patterns to adorn the plate shelves. They look like bouquets of flowers, filling me with delight.

The Sheep and the Engineer

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

Dorothy Frances

In the mid-eighties during a trip to Europe, we decided to take a train from Frankfurt, Germany to Rome. It was a great decision. The train took us past small, fairy-tale villages, deep forests, and rolling hills. The most spectacular views came as we went through the Alps and passed by the Matterhorn.

As we chugged along, the train suddenly came to a screeching, jolting halt. Our car was awash with exclamations in many different languages. Hearing shouts from outside, we all rushed to the right side of the car

to peer out the windows. The Italian engineer was out there yelling and waving his arms at several sheep who had found their way onto the tracks. The errant sheep finally ran back into the wooded area and we were on our way again. It wasn’t even five minutes later when the train once again came to a screeching halt. Passengers gathered at the windows to find the engineer screaming in Italian at the sheep. It seems they had run through the woods, gotten ahead of the train, and were once again on the track. It was hilarious to see the bewildered looks on the faces of the sheep as the furious, red-faced engineer shook his fist at them.

With all the incredible sights we saw during that train ride, the sheep and the Italian engineer remain the most memorable. Too bad Michelangelo wasn’t alive to capture the scene in a sculpture that would surely produce smiles for centuries.

Homeowners Association Pet Rules

Pet owners must ensure that their pets do not disturb the peace and comfort of their neighbors. This includes having their pets relieve themselves in close proximity to residents’ windows. Also, they are responsible for removing all pet droppings and keeping their dogs on a leash. Pets are prohibited at Rec Ctr 1 and all buildings, courts, and vegetable garden at Rec Ctr 2, and should always be watched to protect them from possible coyote attacks. No pets are allowed to run free or be left unattended in any common area. Voluntary cooperation of pet owners is required to enforce these regulations. Please report stray animals to the Mission Viejo Animal Services by calling (949) 470-3045.

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS

May Day Traditions

By Sara Henninger

May Day is celebrated around the world on the first of May with many different traditions. Some of the festivities include gathering wildflowers and green branches and weaving together floral garlands that can be used to crown a May Day Queen.

Setting up a maypole with long colored ribbons attached around garlands of flowers while dancing and singing around the maypole may be one of the best childhood memories. For the May Day dance, participants hold onto the ribbon and dance around the maypole, often forming intricate weaving patterns. There are various songs associated with this holiday in America and other countries. One playful American folksong is called All Around the Maypole Dance.

Some other traditions that are celebrated around the world include making spring flower crowns. In Hawaii, May Day is called “Lei Day” where the Hawaiian culture celebrates the spirit of aloha. Traditions differ in various countries including giving flowers to those you love, making May Day Baskets and delivering to friends or family, decorating your home with

flowers, planting spring flowers in your yard or garden, flying a kite to celebrate May Day, playing May Day games, and dining on traditional May Day foods. In Sweden, people eat flavored porridge called havregröt. The Czechs make a May Day cake. In the United States, May Day baskets, much like Easter baskets filled with flowers and candy, may be hung on the front door of a residence or given during a May Day picnic.

Casta residents may celebrate May Day with their grandchildren at parks and schools. Here in Orange County, a May Faire Celebration and May Day Parade will take place in historic Old Towne Orange on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. All ages will enjoy a bit of nostalgia seeing the marching bands, drill teams and color guards, and may find themselves singing or humming along with the performers.

Sock Hop Fun

By Debra Friedman, photos by Darrell Holdaway

Sock hops immediately bring to mind the 1950s when music was innocent and dancing was frenzied. How many know the origin of “sock hops”? During the 50s, people were not allowed to wear shoes with black soles in the gym due to potential damage to the floors. So, teens removed their shoes and danced for hours in their socks. Apparently, the composition of gym floors has changed since then.

For the first time, the Social Committee brought us a sock hop on March 25. Many guests wore period-appropriate clothing. There was an abundance of poodle skirts, Pink Lady jackets, and neck scarves for women. The men wore letterman jackets, rolled up jeans, and white T-shirts, sans the Marlboros in the sleeves.

The food was simple – chips with dips, popcorn, and Tootsie Rolls. The highlight was the root beer floats that were available in endless supply. The décor was impressive. The tables were adorned with record albums, plastic LPs, and

Continued on next page

Pink Ladies and Poodle Skirts

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS Cont’d

Sock Hop Fun

Continued from previous page coke glasses designed to look like root beer floats. The photo screen backdrop was a 1950s throwback photo and well used by most guests.

Our resident superb DJ, Kip Isbell, played tunes from the 50s so attendees could dance the night away. While there was no official dance marathon, several people rarely sat down. There were even tunes to satisfy the line dance enthusiasts.

The Social Committee, under the leadership of Chair Amy Lake, along with 20 other committee members, has planned monthly events throughout 2023. The objective was to introduce some events that had not previously been hosted, or at least not for many years. Another goal was to have some free events, some low-cost events, as well as more traditional plated dinner events. So far this year, the Superbowl Sunday party and the Sock Hop have been sold-put rousing successes.

Artist in Residence: Debra Friedman

By Liz Rickett, photos by Kip Isbell

Debra Friedman, our “Artist in Residence,” now featured in the Casta del Sol Library from April to June, demonstrated her many artistic talents at an early age. A dancer since age seven, Debra auditioned for and was accepted into the Metropolitan Opera Ballet School by age nine. For five years she continued in this rigorous program, complete with a Russian speaking teacher wielding a big stick, honing her talent on pointe, and performing in operas at the Met.

Line Dance Enthusiasts

Serving the Marines

Article and photos by Kip Isbell

Saturday, April 8 was Marine Lake Day hosted by the Mission Viejo Marine and Sailors Adoption Committee. This is a yearly event to provide a funfilled day for Camp Pendleton Marines and their families to enjoy a day at beautiful Lake Mission Viejo with all the trimmings. There was music playing, games held, a bull-riding ring for anyone brave enough to try, pontoon boat rides, a bounce house, and a Thomas the Train kiddie train offering rides from end to end. All these items made this sunny day special for our

wonderful service men and women and their children. Oh yes, and lots of food, as well as toys for the tots.

The Casta del Sol Military Veterans Club supported this event with seven members cooking burgers and hot dogs and serving drinks throughout the day. Casta’s servers were Bill Burfeind, Steve Vallely, Randy Smith, Carol Ann Carol, Bob Casillas, and Kip and Elaine Isbell. We are grateful for being able to honor these service men and women in some small way.

A busy high school schedule led to her dropping out of this program, but she continued to take classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and Israeli dancing throughout her adult life. From her 20s on, she continued to perform in small companies and at community colleges in various styles. Her most renowned performances were at Carnegie Hall in New York and on the Mike Douglas Show, hosted in Philadelphia.

As a young adult, she enjoyed various arts and crafts including needlepoint and later making simple two-dimensional mosaics with her sister. About

ten years ago, when visiting the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach, she saw the more complicated mosaics by Carolyn Machado. Debra contacted the artist and took several of her workshops. These are the Asian themed mosaics currently displayed.

Continued on page 24

Landscape paintings and Asian vase mosaic

Casta del Sol volunteers cooking food at Marine Lake Day

Ben Dolgin and Diane Taylor showing off their letters

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS Cont’d

Artist in Residence: Debra Friedman

Continued from page 23

Debra confesses she has always loved small objects that represent larger objects. This love led to her making and collecting miniatures which are displayed in her house.

She has also always admired Asian art. Visiting Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, she discovered an exhibit on Chinese Brush Painting. These works inspired her to take Saddleback College Emeritus classes in this genre and to focus on this art form. Studying Chinese Brush Painting for three years, she is getting more proficient in some subjects, such as flowers, but still finds animals especially challenging.

Debra has taken several other art classes, including workshops at Art A Fair in Laguna Beach, to enhance her skills. She has been very generous about sharing her knowledge, giving workshops in mosaics, Chinese Brush Painting, and embellished frames at Casta.

Dancing and orchestrating choreography for Casta’s Variety Shows is ever still an ongoing passion.

Jeronimo Tunnel Mural

Article and photo by Jeff

McCoy

If you have walked the Oso Creek Trail recently, then you have noticed that the corrugated walls of the tunnel beneath Jeronimo Road have been brightly painted with alternating orange, blue, yellow-green, and purple stripes. Mission Viejo’s latest public art project is titled “Tunnel Vibrations.” The mural uses the

art and science of color to create an optical illusion where the tunnel walls appear to vibrate. This occurs when high-contrasting colors like blue and orange are placed side by side.

According to Allison Tran, the Library and Cultural Services Supervisor for the city, “The design of the tunnel was a collaborative effort between the Assistant City Manager and the Cultural Services Department. A professional design team spray-painted the stripes, then a group of community volunteers added geometric shapes to complete the project.” Each of Mission Viejo’s more than 20 public art pieces not only enhance community aesthetics but they have an educational component that promotes the city’s mission of life-long learning opportunities for its residents.

Walkers may experience color vibrations as they stroll through the newly painted Jeronimo tunnel

Casta del Sol walkers and runners may have also noticed that more than two dozen trees have been planted along the entrance to the Oso Creek Trail near Gate 2. The tunnel mural and the recent landscaping project represent the continued effort of Mission Viejo to develop the Oso Creek Trail system and its Core Area Vision Plan.

Chain Mail and Me

By Liz Rickett, photos by Darrell Holdaway

Pliers are used to open jump rings to make the chain mail

Disclaimer: I am not crafty. I am not patient. However, I was intrigued by the premise and promise of making jewelry from chain mail so off I went to a meeting of the Jewelry Making Club led by Joe McFaul. I found myself in the Arts and Crafts Room with Joe, President of the Lapidary Club Rich Banks, and eight other eager students.

Joe explained the history of chain mail. He used large plastic rings to demonstrate how to use “jump rings” to make chain mail. Armed with a handout, two baggies of rings and two pairs of pliers and under the guidance of the ever-patient Joe and Rich, we began to make chain mail to be formed into earrings.

It took time and several attempts but two hours later, I had made a pair

of chain mail

of earrings from chain mail and was on my way to making a bracelet.

If you are interested in making jewelry, the Lapidary/Jewelry Making Club meets every Friday at 1 p.m. in the Arts and Crafts Room at Rec Ctr 1. Call Joe at (949) 981-7824 to find out about future classes. Look for information in the Casta Courier and eblasts from the office.

Pink peony with tiny buds

Joe McFaul (standing) explains the history and technique of chain mail

Continued top of next column

Bracelets, necklace, and earrings made

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS Cont’d

Crafts for Charity –Gifts from the Heart

By Fran Morgan, photos by Darrell Holdaway

Restaurant Review: Love Sushi

By Leona Brimmer

Since Love Sushi opened several months ago, I’ve frequented it about once a week.

Their food is excellent, with special rolls, such as, “Tom’s Special,” which is a baked roll with salmon and cream cheese. Their crab is fresh and delicious, and is featured in the California rolls.

Do not be deterred if you do not like raw fish as I, too, do not eat it. There are bento boxes with an assortment of, say, teriyaki chicken, a fried dumpling, salad, miso soup, a California roll and rice. Yummy!

the circuitous driveway one takes to Tutto Fresco, and across the street from the new Lulu’s café.

Try it! You’ll like it!

The Crafts for Charity ladies who meet twice a month in the Heritage Room have one trait in common: the desire to be of service to others. Their projects of paper crafting, jewelry, and centerpieces are made with love to give away to the residents of domestic abuse shelters, assisted living facilities, military families, and those receiving meal delivery service.

The leaders of the group are Jessica Hollowell, Lucille Naves, and Marlene Kazen. Jessica’s interest is in paper crafting. She designs about 30 sets of materials to fashion into a finished project to send to one of their charities. The week I visited, they were making journals to send to a women’s shelter. Lucille creates beautiful centerpieces to take to residents in assisted living facilities. “It gives them something beautiful to look at,” says Lucille. Marlene’s specialty is beadwork, made into jewelry. “A new piece of jewelry brings joy,” says Marlene.

The designated leader for the project of the day gets all the pieces ready to assemble and leads the group through the process to create beautiful, finished projects for others. “The first 30 minutes are quiet,” says Jessica. Everyone are listening and concentrating on getting the instructions right. Then, conversation breaks out and the rest of the meeting is spent talking and sharing with one another as they work. Sometimes the projects are for a holiday, sometimes the gifts are for children, such as finger puppets or pencil toppers, and sometimes they

Crafts for Charity Logo are just to bring joy to the recipients.

The current leadership team has been organizing the group for more than ten years. Attendance can be anywhere from six to a dozen women who show up ready for a new project. There is no need to invest in any tools or supplies, everything is cut, assembled and ready for the volunteers to turn the materials into beautiful gifts. “Anyone can join us,” says Jessica. “We welcome anyone to help or bring new ideas.”

Each project is sent with the group’s logo: two hands holding a bunch of hearts with the words "From the Heart. Made especially for you by the Craft Ladies @ Casta del Sol."

There are also a variety of noodle “Udon” soups, which warm the body and the heart.

But the most important virtue of this shop is the service. The owners are sweet as can be, very helpful, and I’ve often been given “on the house” treasures, which are always most welcome.

Love Sushi is across the street from

Love Sushi is located at 22245 El Paseo in Rancho Santa Margarita. Telephone (949) 888-0888.

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

Crafters hard at work

Leaders Marlene Kazen, Lucille Naves, and Jessica Hollowell

PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS Cont’d

Courier Committee Members and Staff

Board Liaison Linda Silverman dirsilverman71@yahoo.com

Courier Chair Debra Friedman debrafriedman0@gmail.com

Courier Associate Chair Kip Isbell kipisbell@live.com

Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Lassos charlottelassos@gmail.com

Secretary Fran Morgan fmorgan17@cox.net

Section Editors:

Association News April Wilsey aprilincal@gmail.com

Bulletin Board Al Guild alguild@earthlink.net

Casta Connections Donna Guild donnaguild@earthlink.net

Clubs Kip Isbell kipisbell@live.com

Committees Bob Destino bobdestino@outlook.com

People, Places & Events Fran Morgan fmorgan17@cox.net

Sports Bob Destino bobdestino@outlook.com

Columnists: On the Road Again Debra Friedman debrafriedman0@gmail.com

Reflections of a Casta Newbie Nevin Valentine nevinvalentine@gmail.com

Small Talk Dorothy Frances mimidp@cox.net

What’s Cooking Linda Brockmiller LindaBrock@cox.net

Feature Writers: Debra Friedman debrafriedman0@gmail.com

Sara Henninger saracly@gmail.comt

Jeff McCoy jmactr1@gmail.com

Fran Morgan fmorgan17@cox.net

Liz Rickett LizRickett@me.com

Parizad Sethna sethna7@hotmail.com

Staff Photographers: Darrell Holdaway holdaway@gmail.com

Fred Lake lakebcbc@gmail.com

Jeff McCoy jmactr1@gmail.com

Photo Coordinator: Kip Isbell kipisbell@live.com

Proofreaders: Judy Barrett lvbarretts20@gmail.com

Darrell Holdaway holdaway@gmail.com

Kip Isbell kipisbell@live.com

Dottie Lewis dottielewis19@gmail.com

Suzanne Moore Jsmoore830@gmail.com

Claire Readey csreadey@gmail.com

Evelyn Rothert erothert@sbcglobal.net

Nevin Valentine nevinvalentine@gmail.com

Delivery Preparations: David Ankeny candyman803@gmail.com

Courier Volunteers

Calling All Stuffers!

We will meet on Friday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. in the Vista Room to prepare the Courier for delivery. Please contact David Ankeny at candyman803@gmail.com if you are interested in helping.

David Ankeny

Susan Ashby

Judy Barrett

Nancy Blumenthal

Rich Blumenthal

Ree Brickman

Mike Carr

Arline Chenarides

George Conrad

Kathy Conway

Joan Corbin

Terisita Del Sol

Jayne Freed

Debra Friedman

Jore Germeroth

Barbara Harris

Judy Horner

Elaine Isbell

Kip Isbell

Jerry Jankowski

Nancy Jankowski

Eliana Jordan

Daphne Kohls

Mary Lehnhart

Shelly Lethiot

Ann Loranger

Deb McCoy

Cathy McCoy

Jeff McCoy

Brian McDonald

Audrey Michaels

Fran Morgan

John Nethercutt

Judy Paskey

Laura Pfisterer

Marsha Rasmusse

Pam Rhoades

Kathy Schinas

Karen Scott

Richard Scott

Hormuz Sethna

Parizad Sethna

Barry Silverman

Linda Silverman

Randy Smith

Myrna Smith

Marlene Solem

Renee Starr

Don Stoddard

Linda Swain

Dolores Thompson

Randy Thompson

Pam Towsend

Jean Vanderford

Debra Wagner

John Wagner

Linda Walters

Grala Warren

When you list with us you benefit from a complete team of professionals backed by the best company in the business, all workin g together to get your home sold fast! We are big enough to provide you with the resources and technologies necessary in today's tough market, and small enough to ensure you receive the personal service you deserve for clear communication, healthy relationships and genuine satisfaction. Contact us today and let us show you why we have become one of the top real estate groups at Coldwell Banker Mission Viejo and how we can put our system to work for you!