This newsletter is written by and for the residents of Friendly Village La Habra. The goal of this publication is to inform and enlighten. We welcome submissions from all residents on all subjects. Have something to share with others? Let us know, just give us the details and we will write it for you or you may write it yourself.
The Village Glen is not supported in any way by the Friendly Village management or the Casa Del Glen Club. The views are those of the authors of the articles in this publication.
The Village Glen is financed by donations from the Friendly Village community. We appreciate your input at any time regarding how this publication does or does not meet the needs of the community. Please do not hesitate to inform us if there is any information in this newsletter that is incorrect or unclear. As previously stated, our goal is to inform and enlighten and we would like to do that with entertaining and positive news of the Village.
Community Manager
Belinda & Louis Llamas
Office Coordinator
Mona Severin
Maintenance Techs
Jamie Arias
Alfredo Hernandez
Brandon Penrod
Office Hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat by appointment only
Office phone (562) 694-1801
After Hours
Emergency (877) 786-6048
Address
1001 W Lambert Rd La Habra CA 90631
LettertotheEditor
Dear Village Glen,
Regular home inspections help maintain a clean and safe community, which I appreciate. However, there is no clear way for residents to report when common areas need attention, for instance, ongoing issues with pool cleanliness and safety, neglected water features that often smell bad, and poorly maintained roads and dumpsters.Additionally, our clubhouse kitchen needs cabinet repairs and a new microwave. While we are expected to keep our homes in good condition, similar standards should apply to the upkeep of shared spaces.
Thank You, a Tidy Homeowner
Dear Tidy Homeowner,
Many residents in Friendly Village recognize that maintaining upkeep standards contributes to the overall appearance of the community. However, these requirements may pose financial challenges for some individuals due to the cost of living in Southern California. Requests for repairs and improvements, such as painting or roofing, are made irrespective of personal budgets. Maintenance request forms for common areas are available at the office window, and can be submitted through the mail slot either anonymously or with contact information. Note that anonymous submissions will not receive a response. Residents have the right to expect safety, cleanliness, and a wellmaintained environment in their shared spaces.
The Village Glen
Let’s Go
2025
Away for the day. We will usually leave around 10 AM carpooling to our destination. We will leisurely enjoy our chosen activity, have lunch and return home early afternoon. Your reservation is needed in case we need to reserve tickets in advance. You will be informed of prices and any other requirements for the day in advance so hopefully there will be no surprises only a fun filled day out with friends. So put these dates on your calendar for 2025.
Thursday September 18, 2025
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. The Academy Museum offers exceptional exhibitions and programs that illuminate the world of cinema. They are immersive and dynamic and tell the many stories of the movies—their art, technology, artists, history, and social impact.
The Academy Museum tells complete stories of moviemaking—celebratory, educational, and are sometimes critical or uncomfortable.
Thursday October 16 , 2025 Oak Glen
Oak Glen is a small agricultural community located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. At 40005000ft above sea level we experience all four seasons.
Oak Glen has one central road that winds from the 10 interstate freeway in Yucaipa, CA up through the two valleys that that comprise Oak Glen, Potato Canyon and Wilshire Creek Canyon. The same road then travels back out of the hills and returns to the 10 interstate freeway in Beaumont, CA. The whole stretch of Oak Glen Road is a scenic loop that travels a total distance of 20 miles. Oak Glen is a 5 mile section of this road and passes apple farms, shops, restaurants, group camps, nature trails, bakeries, cafes, ciderys, and historical landmarks. Now on the third Thursday of the month.
Why Engagement Matters and How to Make Meaningful Connections
Introduction
Imagine the sense of belonging that comes from walking down your street and being greeted by name, or the comfort of knowing a neighbor is only a call away should you need a helping hand. For many, these simple joys seem reserved for small towns or closeknit neighborhoods, yet they are entirely possible and often overlooked in mobile home communities. Community is not merely a place; it is a living, breathing network of relationships, opportunities, and support. And if you find yourself thinking, “But I don’t know anyone,” remember: that’s not a reason to hold back. It’s the very reason you should start.
The Power of Being Involved
Mobile home communities are rich with diversity, untapped social energy, and opportunities for connection. Unlike sprawling suburbs or faceless apartment complexes, the very design of mobile home parks with their winding roads, communal spaces, and close proximity invites interaction. Yet, involvement doesn’t just happen; it takes a willingness to step out, show up, and introduce yourself.
Being involved transforms your living space into a true home. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or freshly arrived, participating
in community life weaves you into the fabric of something larger than yourself. It means you are not just passing through; you are contributing to your shared environment, shaping its culture, and enriching your own day-to-day existence.
Benefits of Community Involvement
1. Building Personal Connections
Personal contact is the foundation of any thriving neighborhood. Getting involved whether by attending a community meeting, volunteering for a clean-up day, or joining a neighborhood watch opens the door to countless conversations. Each “hello” is a thread that strengthens the social net that supports you and your neighbors.
Face-to-face interactions foster trust and understanding, making it easier to resolve conflicts amicably, share resources, and find common ground. In an age where digital communication dominates, there’s something profoundly grounding about a friendly wave from your porch or a spontaneous chat over a garden gate.
2. Making New Friends
Perhaps you moved into your mobile home community recently. Maybe your routine has kept you isolated, or you’re simply shy. It’s easy to let the phrase “I don’t know anyone” become a selfimposed barrier. But in truth, it’s the starting line for new friendships.
Community events potlucks, block parties, hobby groups, or fitness walks are designed for introductions. Every long-term friendship begins as a shared smile or a brief conversation. Investing time in your community means investing in friendships that can sustain you through celebrations and challenges alike. Whether it’s borrowing a cup of sugar, exchanging gardening tips, or caring for a pet while a neighbor is away, these micro-moments of connection add up to a meaningful social life.
3. Creating a Network of Support
Active participation in your mobile home community creates a safety net. When you know your neighbors, you look out for one another. In times of need a power outage, a family emergency, an illness this network becomes invaluable. Small gestures, such as checking on a neighbor after a storm or sharing surplus groceries, can have a lasting impact. Moreover, communal involvement can lead to shared problemsolving. Issues with local infrastructure, park management, or amenities are more readily addressed when residents band together. Your voice becomes stronger, and so does your collective bargaining power.
4. Enriching Your Daily Life
Life can feel repetitive and lonely when social interaction is lacking. By participating in community life, you add color to your routine. Book clubs, game nights, and gardening groups can spark new interests and revive old passions. You may discover talents you never knew you had or find yourself learning from a neighbor’s expertise.
Engagement fosters a sense of pride in your surroundings. When people know each other, they are more likely to take care of communal spaces, respect community rules, and advocate for improvements. The result is a more pleasant, attractive, and vibrant living environment for everyone.
I Don’t Know Anyone: The Best Reason to Get Involved
It’s perfectly normal to feel hesitant when you don’t recognize a single face in your community. But remember: every stranger is a potential friend, and every gathering is an opportunity waiting to happen. The feeling of not knowing anyone is not an excuse to remain uninvolved; on the contrary, it is the most compelling reason to reach out.
By stepping in, you set a powerful example. You show others especially newcomers or those who may feel equally isolated that community is built one introduction at a time. Often, all it takes is the courage to attend your first meeting or say “hello” at a community event. The more you engage, the more familiar faces you’ll see, and the more at home you’ll feel.
How to Start Getting Involved
• Attend Community Meetings: Even if you don’t speak up at first, just being present helps you learn about local issues and meet neighbors.
• Participate in Events: Whether it’s a barbecue, garage sale, or seasonal festival, every event is a chance to interact.
• Volunteer: Offer your time for park beautification, helping at the clubhouse, or organizing activities. Small contributions make a big difference.
• Introduce Yourself: Sometimes, a simple “Hi, I’m new here”
opens the door to a world of connections.
• Join Interest Groups: Many communities have hobby clubs or sports teams. Find one that matches your interests.
• Start Something New: If you notice a gap an absence of a book club, a need for a walking group why not create it?
Overcoming Common Barriers
Fear of rejection, time constraints, or not knowing where to start are common concerns. Remember, everyone feels awkward at first. Start small offer a wave or a smile, attend one event, or extend a kind gesture. Over time, these small steps build confidence and connection.
If you’re nervous, invite a family member to join you, or reach out to a neighbor you’ve seen in passing. Most communities are eager to welcome new participants, and your presence will likely be appreciated more than you realize.
Conclusion
Getting involved in your mobile home community is about more than filling your calendar. It’s about transforming your environment into a place of belonging, support, and joy. The benefits personal connection, new friendships, a network of support, and an enriched daily life far outweigh the initial discomfort of stepping out of your comfort zone.
So if you catch yourself thinking, “I don’t know anyone,” let it be your rallying cry, not your retreat. Introduce yourself, attend events, and volunteer. The community you long for is waiting to welcome you and all it takes is your willingness to get involved.
The 6 signs of pancreatic cancer to never ignore
Some cancers are sadly more deadly and more brutal than others –pancreatic cancer being one of them.
According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 10,800 new pancreatic cancer cases in the UK every year – that’s 30 a day.
While Pancreatic Cancer Action notes that it’s the fifth most lethal and the 10th most common cancer in the UK.
“The majority of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are dead within three months,” says Heather Archbold, health information and research manager at Pancreatic Cancer Action.
“Forty-four per cent of cases are diagnosed in A&E, where it is often too late for curative treatment.”
In fact, only 10 per cent of patients are diagnosed in time for lifesaving surgery.
turing pancreatic and bowel cancer patients, the groundbreaking new jab appears capable of slowing progression of the disease and boosting survival chances.
The vaccine works by harnessing the body’s own immune system to target specific cells, called KRAS-mutant cancer cells, and the pancreatic cancer patients in the study, on average, survived around two years and five months after receiving the vaccine.
Study lead Dr Zev Wainberg, from the University of California, Los Angeles, said: “Pancreas cancer (patients) even after all standard treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, still have very high risks of the cancer coming back.
“Our results show, in the group of patients who had profound immune responses (17/25, 68 per cent) achieved longer survival than we have expected in this cancer, quite a remarkable finding to occur in a phase 1 trial.”
One of the major issues with pancreatic cancer is that symptoms can be “vague” and “masquerade as other less threatening illnesses” like irritable bowel syndrome and gallstones, “so a lot of people will not tend to worry about them or present to the GP with them until it’s too late,” explains Archbold. “Even when they do present, GPs don’t often recognise the signs and symptoms, so it’s definitely one of the most misdiagnosed of all the common cancers.”
“Time is of the essence with pancreatic cancer,” she continues. “We encourage everyone to trust their instincts and see a healthcare professional if they notice unusual symptoms, no matter how small they may seem. Early diagnosis saves lives.”
But a potential vaccine is now offering new hope to pancreatic cancer patients, as well as bowel cancer patients. Findings published in the journal Nature Medicine, have revealed that in an early trial fea-
Signsandsymptoms
These are the early symptoms to be aware of. “It is worth noting these symptoms may appear as a combination and not independently,” flags Archbold.
Abdominal or back pain
Don’t automatically assume you’ve slipped a disc or pulled a muscle. Abdominal (the tummy area) or back pain could be a warning sign, “particularly if it’s a mild discomfort and worsens over time, or it can be eased by leaning forward,” says Archbold. The back pain usually occurs “where a woman’s bra strap would sit.”
“It’s the stomach and back pain that tends to drive patients toA&E,” she adds. Back pain tends to occur when “the tumor will have spread beyond the pancreas and will be pressing against the spine”.
Unexplained weight loss
As with many cancers, “weight loss without trying” is a red flag for pancreatic cancer. So if your jeans are suddenly much looser without your diet changing, speak to your GP.
Jaundice
“Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes,” explains Archbold. “It doesn’t present the same in people with darker skin. That’s why we always ask people to look at the whites of their eyes.”
She adds that “jaundice can cause intense itching” on the body too.
Changes to urine and stools
Things to look out for are “stools that won’t flush” as well as “darker urine”, but any noticeable changes that are out of the ordinary for you are worth seeing a GP about, including pale, greasy looking stools.
New onset diabetes
According to Diabetes UK, early signs of diabetes include peeing more frequently, especially at night, being very thirsty, feeling more tired than usual, losing weight without trying, genital itching or thrush, cuts and wounds taking longer to heal, blurred eyesight and increased hunger – some of which overlap with the other early signs of pancreatic cancer.
Apersistent or a sudden drop in energy
This isn’t being knackered for a couple of days after a busy week or a bad night’s sleep, but “persistent fatigue, no matter how much sleep you are getting,” says Archbold.
Indigestion
You might just need some over-the-counter medicine, but if indigestion doesn’t seem to respond to the usual meds, see your GP.
For more information on pancreatic cancer symptoms and early diagnosis, check out pancreaticcanceraction.org.
A happy Power Ball winner at Tuesday night BINGO. Barbara Dibbern Space 307 won the $280 Powerball game in May. Congratulations Barbara
Reports of mail theft are surfacing in the Village. Please do not put outgoing mail in your mailbox with the flag raised, it is an invitation for thieves to steal your outgoing mail. The USPS recommends depositing your mail at the post office or an official USPS mail receptacle. Repair to your bank account can be frustrating, time consuming and expensive if not handled in a timely manner.
Tuesday Crafts more successful projects hosted by
Mary and Barbara Belz
Tuesday Crafts is sponsoring the November Sock Hop. We will be making decorations for the party in September and October. If you would like to join us we would love to have your help. First third and fourth Tuesdays at 5:00 PM.
Stephanie Hunt (562)690-2404
Licensed Cosmetologist Located on Site
Kenneth Rugg (714)244-0175
Licensed Mobile Home Repair Specialist
Wetzel Hill (562) 318-1420 Handy Man
Ramon Arias (562) 351-2360
Exterior Maintenance and Gardening
Leno Hernandez (562) 501-8739
Gardening, Landscape, Maintenance
Stephanie Hunt (562) 690-2404 Caregiving
Carl Ledford (714) 851-8977
Pest and termite control
Would you like to have your name and number added to our helpers page?
Linda (714) 267-7222
If you would like your name in this space please call Linda at (714) 267-7222
Friendly Village La Habra
By Linda Hudak Secretary/Treasurer
Letter sent to GSMOL Executive Board Members following last months meeting with the Catholic Diocese of Orange
Dear GSMOL Executive Board Members,
On behalf of our senior mobile home community, thank you for your steadfast support and advocacy. Your expertise and guidance have been essential in helping us maintain our quality of life.
No other organization offers the same readily available support for mobile home owners. Your deep understanding of the Mobilehome Residency Law helps us avoid costly and time-consuming legal battles, while protecting the rights we depend on.
We have choosen mobile home communities for many reasons affordability, social connection, neighborhood atmosphere, and amenities like pools, spas, gyms, walking paths, and pet-friendly policies. The ability to park directly at one’s homesite is an often-overlooked but priceless benefit, especially for those with disabilities or physical challenges. Proximity to shopping, worship, and medical care further enhances the quality of life here.
Unfortunately, escalating rent increases have put tremendous pressure on seniors with fixed incomes, threatening their ability to age in place. Many now face the devastating possibility of moving in with family under strained circumstances—or worse, becoming homeless.
GSMOL provided hands-on support during one of our most difficult times—reviving our chapter, addressing rent concerns, and standing by us during a traumatic incident that required SWAT intervention. While park management offered no reassurance, GSMOL provided calm, direction, strength and provided a format for us to invite local law enforcement to speak with our community.
We are especially grateful for being included in the wider GSMOL community. Hearing from other parks facing similar challenges has given us encouragement, practical ideas, and the reassurance that we are not alone.
Thanks to you, we feel more empowered and better prepared to protect our homes and our rights. We are deeply thankful for everything you do to support mobile home residents across California.
With sincere appreciation, Friendly Village GSMOL Chapter #0511
Can I Still Get Mobile
Home Homeowners Insur-
ance in California?
A GSMOL member recently called me in a panic, “My insurance company just told me they would no longer insure my mobile home! What can I do?” Her concern is increasingly echoed by many others across the state of California. Several insurance companies are tightening eligibility requirements to drastically limit who they will insure or are pulling out of California altogether. Why? I called Barber Insurance, one of the advertisers in this magazine, and the company I have my homeowner’s insurance with. Barber has been in business long enough to have ridden the tides over many years and probably could offer some perspective. According to co-owner Cheryl Fessenden, the current tumultuous situation is due to a confluence of several things that created a
“perfect storm” that affected profitability. In a nutshell, they are Covid-19, climate change, the recent devastating fires in California, and regulations by the California Department of Insurance (CDI).
CDI regulates insurance companies to protect consumers. One such regulation prohibits an insurance company from not renewing your homeowner’s insurance for one year following a catastrophic event, such as the recent catastrophic California fires.2023 was the first year insurance companies were released from that restriction and could decide whether to renew – or not! This was compounded by a nearly 3year restriction on rate increases allowed for
auto insurance companies following Covid. When Covid abated and people started driving again, car accidents – and repair costs – skyrocketed. Further inflaming this tight market were supply chain delays.
In the face of this uncertain market and shrinking profitability, some insurance companies decided to leave the California market altogether. Others decided not to write new business. Others tightened their underwriting requirements to limit who they would insure such as deciding not to insure older homes or insure anyone who had a claim within the last 5 years. Fewer companies, fewer competition, fewer choices, and higher prices have created the current hardship for consumers and agents trying to help consumers.
California does have an alternative option for home insurance - the California FAIR Plan. The FAIR Plan is available to California residents and businesses who cannot obtain insurance through a regular insurance company. As of 2020, the FAIR Plan covered less than 3% of residents, meaning more than 97% of Californians had a competitive option for insurance.
Since then, at some points in 2023, they were receiving 1000 submissions a day! Their website suggests you shop the market before calling them. They are expensive and the point of last resort when you are unable to get insurance elsewhere. You can contact a licensed insurance broker who is registered to sell Fair Insurance, or you call them directly at 800-3394099.
But there is good news! Cheryl Fessenden assured me that Barber Insurance is still issuing mobile home homeowner’s policies across the state. They are a broker, not a captive agency, which means they can shop policies from many companies to find you insurance, and they are one of the licensed brokers for the Fair Plan if they can’t qualify you with one of their regular insurance companies.
But Cheryl cautioned me this takes time in this shrinking and tightening market, so be patient and allow them time. Cheryl did recommend a couple things you can do to “stay insurable”.
1. If you already have insurance, stick with your carrier! Do not let it cancel! Trying to get insurance on a home that has been uninsured is more difficult than ever.
2. If you do get a cancellation or non-renewal notice, do not delay! Start shopping but be aware that most insurance companies cannot issue a policy more than 30 days in advance, so understand that timeline.
3. There are a couple things you can do to keep your home safe: keep your roof updated from leaks, have your plumbing and water pipes inspected, keep trees trimmed to prevent overhanging on your property or your neighbor’s home, and create a defensible fire space around your home.
A note about Barber Insurance: In addition to supporting mobile home residents with their home insurance needs - and supporting GSMOL with their advertising dollar - Barber Insurance
has been sponsoring free GSMOL memberships at the monthly Petaluma Coalition luncheon in Sonoma County where they are located.
GSMOL would like to acknowledge Barber Insurance for their ongoing participation in our shared mission to ‘insure’ the property and rights of MH homeowners! Thank You!
By Carol Brinkman, Barber insurance client and GSMOL
State
Secretary.
From GSMOL website https://www.gsmol.org/knowyour-mh-rights/
Second Tuesday of the Month every Month Next BINGO is Tuesday September 9, 2025
Friends and Family are always welcome
$10 Minimum buy in includes all regular games
$1 Special games also available
Payouts depend on amount of games played so please bring friends and family Bring your own snacks or Bring snacks to share if you like. Free Popcorn Sometimes
Complements of Community Management
Village Volunteers
We will be playing on the Second Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM
If you are interested in playing please call Linda at 714 267-7222 9:00 AM
The Village Glen appreciates your continued support. We are always open to your suggestions for additional information and news worthy articles. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can make our Village a better place to live. We continue to strive to provide what we know you want but you need to tell us the things we do not know. Don’t rely on the unreliable and inaccurate rumor mill to get your feelings known, tell us in person or send us an email and we will do our best to provide what you would like. There is an even better way to get the activities and events you would like and that is to get involved. This is your community as much as it is mine and when we work together we can make it ours. ThisisourVillage
Puzzles and Word Games you can
Swifty Songs Fish Exclamation
ALL TOO WELL AUGUST BACK TO DECEMBER BAD BLOOD BEGIN AGAIN BLANK SPACE CARDIGAN DELICATE ENCHANTED EXILE FEARLESS KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO LOVE STORY
LOVER MEAN MINE OUR SONG RED SHAKE IT OFF SPARKS FLY STYLE
TEARDROPS ON MY GUITAR THE MAN TIM MCGRAW WILDEST DREAMS WILLOW YOU BELONG WITH ME
Across 1.Bossy remark?
4.Construction girder
9.Ring bearer, maybe
10. The writer Saki’s real name
11.“Yadda, yadda, yadda”
12.Primp
13.Casual clothing
15.In attendance
16.Say “@#$%!”
18.Commercial
20.Father of Agamemnon
23.Certain Muslim
25.Freudian topic
26.Astound
27.Soar
28.Dads
29.A sib
Down
1.Docile
2.Curse
3.Killer whales
4.Blasphemy and sacrilege
5.College treasurer
6.Compass heading 7.Geometry calculation
8.Alpine sight
14.Holiday since 1966
17.Coral formations
18.Rush job notation
19.Russian legislature
21.___ fruit
22.Some beans
24.Short snooze The headline is a clue to the answer in the diagonal.
September Sudoku
How to solve sudoku puzzles
No math is required to solve a sudoku. You only need logic and patience.
Simply make sure that each 3x3 square region has only one instance of the numbers 1-9. Similarly, each number can only
appear once in a column or row in the larger grid. The difficulty on this puzzle is medium.