Treasurer Robert Akelian robert@chumashvillage com
Member at Large Maureen Beaulieu maureen@chumashvillage.com
Ambassadors
Mary Pollock & Christine Escartin
Architectural Control Committee
TBD
Seeking qualified members
Finance Committee
Robert Akelian – Member Jim Halls - Member
Seeking additional members
Infrastructure
Duane Livingston-Board Liaison
Pool Committee
Cynthia Pretzel Eva Zayha Tom O’Connor
Committees
Library
John Kabonic
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Christine Escartin - Member
James Sievert – Member
Mary Rash - Member Candace DeGeare -Board Liaison
Smoke Signals
Bethany Winslow (bethanywinslow@gmail.com) *Please use all caps subject line - CHUMASH
Social Events & Volunteer Coordinators
Vacant & Seeking additional members
Sunshine Cards
Michel Waddel - (951) 834-6276 Notify of illness or death
For after-hours community emergencies (from 5pm to 8:00am and weekends), call the Unity Support Team (559)228-0606. This pertains to the common areas outside of your home, but it includes the meters. From the meter to the inside of your home is the owner’s responsibility.
For frequent electrical blackout outages call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000
● For Medical, Police, & Fire Emergencies call 911
● For Gas Leak or smell Gas call SoCalGas at (800) 427-2200
● For Power Outages contact PGE at (800) 743-5002
February 2026
TGIF: On Hold & Seeking Volunteer Coordinator
Despite the great turnout at the TGIF parties in 2025, without any volunteers they are now on hold. Unless someone is willing to step up and be a coordinator for this monthly event!
Let’s Bring Back Our Monthly TGIF Parties!
Why These Gatherings Matter Living in a 55+ community offers a unique gift: neighbors who look out for one another We know that staying socially connected is vital for our health and happiness. These TGIF events are about more than just a snack; they are about:
● Sustaining Friendships: Catching up and checking in on one another.
● Combating Isolation: Ensuring no one feels alone in our neighborhood.
● Building Community: Creating a welcoming environment where everyone belongs.
We Need a Coordinator (Could it be you?) We are looking for a community member (or a small team!) to step up and keep the tradition alive. If you are new to the park or have been looking for a way to get involved, this is the perfect opportunity. To keep things simple and sustainable, why not host these as a casual potluck—and ask neighbors to simply bring a snack or drink to share.
The Role is Simple:
● Help set out the tables and chairs in the clubhouse ahead of time and get some people to help with the clean up after.
● You won’t be alone: Bethany (& June?) are available to serve as your mentors to show you the ropes!
If you’d like to see these events back on the calendar and are willing to help, please come see Bethany or June for more details. (Bethany is in space #132 and June is two doors down in space #134.) We’d be happy to make sure the event is promoted every month in Smoke Signals!
Your Voice, Our Community: A Call for Submissions
Our community is a living library of experiences, wisdom, and creativity. To make our newsletter truly reflective of the people who live here, we are inviting you to contribute. Whether you’ve lived at Chumash for twenty years or twenty days, your perspective is a vital part of our neighborhood tapestry
What are we looking for?
We are looking for diverse content that informs, entertains, or inspires. Consider sharing:
● Creative Writing: Short stories or original poetry
● Travelogues: A brief recap or advice from a recent excursion.
● Expertise & Advice: A gardening column, a favorite recipe, or a DIY tip.
● Community News: Information or updates you believe would benefit your neighbors.
● General Ideas: If you have a concept that doesn't fit a category, I want to hear it!
How to Submit
To ensure your submission is received and organized, please follow these simple steps:
1. Email your submission to the Smoke Signals Coordinator, Bethany Email bethanywinslow@gmail.com
2. Subject Line: Use CHUMASH in all caps.
3. Contact Info: Please include your phone number so I can reach out to you directly
Please Note: All submissions will be thoughtfully considered. To maintain the integrity of our newsletter, all content must be appropriate for the community
Spotlight: Share Your Story (The Easy Way!)
I am especially interested in showcasing our members—both "new and old"—through a Community Spotlight series. If you’ve ever thought, “I have a story to tell, but I’m not a
writer,” then this is for you! If you are willing to be featured, all you have to do is invite me over! I’ll come to your home at a time that’s convenient for you. We’ll spend a little time talking about your journey and how you found your way to Chumash. I usually record our conversation so I can capture your story accurately. I’ll also take a quick photo of you to accompany the piece.
I’ll handle all the writing and formatting—you just provide the tea and the tales! If you’re willing to be featured, please reach out. I can’t wait to sit down and get to know you better!
Chumash Village Has a New Website
The Chumash Village website has been getting a big refresh. It’s currently still under construction but check it out www.chumashvillage.com
It’s still under construction, but you can click on the member login and soon we should all be able to log into the site. There’s a placeholder there for electronic issues of Smoke Signals, you can find information about the park and our new management company etc.
In the meantime, your suggestions are most welcome! Email suggestions or additions to office@chumashvillage.com or to robert@chumashvillage.com
Start Your Week Steady: The Monday Strength & Balance Habit
If you’ve walked by the clubhouse on a Monday morning lately, you’ve likely heard the sounds of a community in motion. Our free Strength & Balance class is more than just a workout; it’s an investment in the freedom to keep doing exactly what you love.
Why One Hour a week?
Maintaining our physical foundation isn’t about "fitness" in the traditional sense—it’s about functional independence We focus on gentle, intentional movements that make real life easier:
● Stability: Building the confidence to navigate uneven paths or stairs.
● Power: Ensuring you can reach, lift, and carry with ease.
● Freedom: Protecting your ability to travel, garden, and play for years to come.
No Pressure, No Pretense
If you’ve stayed away because you think you aren't "the exercise type," this class is for you. There is no complicated choreography, no heavy weights, and definitely no spandex required.
June and the group provide a supportive, zero-pressure environment where everyone works at their own pace. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, there is always a seat (or a spot on the floor) for you.
Join the Movement
● When: Every Monday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
● Where: The Clubhouse
● Cost: Completely Free
Your Mid-Week Creative Escape: Why Tuesday
Mornings at the Clubhouse Are Buzzing
Creativity and conversation flow every Tuesday morning at the clubhouse. Join us!
Have you ever walked past the clubhouse on a Tuesday morning and wondered what all the laughter was about?
If you peek inside, you won’t find a hushed, serious art studio. Instead, you’ll find one of the liveliest spots in our community the Tuesday Morning Arts & Crafts group.
While the previous article talked about finding old supplies hidden in your closet, this month we want to talk about what you find when you bring them out of the closet: a fantastic community of neighbors
Connection Over Perfection
There is a misconception that to join an "arts" group, you need to be talented Let us be clear: No experience is required.
Our Tuesday mornings are less about creating masterpieces and more about creating connections. It’s a set time each week to step away from household chores or the television, sip a coffee, and keep your hands busy while chatting with friends.
It is amazing how much easier conversation flows when you are stitching a hem or gluing paper. The shared activity breaks the ice, making this one of the easiest social groups in the park to join as a new face.
A Melting Pot of Projects
The best part of Tuesday mornings is the variety. We are a "bring your own project" style group, which means the room is always full of different inspirations. On any given week, you might see:
● Neighbors helping each other decipher tricky knitting or crochet patterns.
● Someone trying out watercolors for the very first time.
● Intricate paper crafting and card making (perfect for upcoming birthdays!).
● Detailed jewelry making or simple mending jobs
An Open Invitation
Whether you are working on a complex quilt, just want to color in an adult coloring book, or simply want to come see what others are doing before you commit to a project, you have a seat at our table
Come for the crafts, stay for the company We hope to see you this Tuesday!
Superfoods: Pomegranate
For February, a perfect "superfood" to focus on is the pomegranate.
Not only does its vibrant red color fit the festive feel of February (and Heart Health Month!), but it is also at the peak of its season and packed with antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
The Power of Pomegranate
As we move through the winter months, our bodies crave nutrients that support both our immune systems and our heart health. February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to highlight one of nature’s most potent "superfoods": the pomegranate.
Why Pomegranates?
These jewel-like seeds (called arils) are more than just a pretty garnish. They are nutritional powerhouses that offer:
● Heart-Healthy Antioxidants: Pomegranates contain punicalagins and anthocyanins, which help protect the lining of your arteries and may help lower blood pressure.
● Immune Support: Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, they provide a vital boost during the tail end of flu season.
● Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many age-related diseases; pomegranates are famous for their ability to help reduce inflammation throughout the body
How to Enjoy Them
You don't need a complicated recipe to benefit from this fruit. Try these simple "no-fuss" ideas:
● The Breakfast Boost: Sprinkle a spoonful of pomegranate seeds over your morning oatmeal or yogurt.
● The Winter Salad: Add them to a bed of spinach with some walnuts and feta for a burst of crunch and sweetness.
● Simple Sipping: If peeling the fruit feels like too much work, a small glass of 100% pure pomegranate juice offers many of the same benefits.
Reputable References for Further Reading
If you'd like to dive deeper into the science, here are some good resources:
Use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home.
STAIRS & STEPS (INDOORS & OUTDOORS)
Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs?
[ ] Always keep objects off the stairs.
Are some steps broken or uneven?
[ ] Fix loose or uneven steps.
Is there a light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs?
[ ] Have an electrician put in an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.
Has a stairway light bulb burned out?
[ ] Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.
Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?
[ ] Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.
Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?
[ ] Fix loose handrails, or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs, and are as long as the stairs.
FLOORS
When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?
[ ] Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.
Do you have throw rugs on the floor?
[ ] Remove the rugs, or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.
Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the floor?
[ ] Pick up things that are on the floor Always keep objects off the floor
Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone, or extension cords)?
[ ] Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. If needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.
KITCHEN
Are the things you use often on high shelves?
[ ] Keep things you use often on the lower shelves (about waist high).
Is your step stool sturdy?
[ ] If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.
BEDROOMS
Is the light near the bed hard to reach?
[ ] Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.
Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?
[ ] Put in a nightlight so you can see where you’re walking. Some nightlights go on by themselves after dark.
BATHROOMS
Is the tub or shower floor slippery?
[ ] Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub, or up from the toilet?
[ ] Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.
Calling All Residents:
Chumash Village Community Facebook Group
Did you know we have a Chumash Village Community Facebook page?
This is a private, social group for respectful dialogue, announcements, and neighborhood concerns among all Chumash Village residents. Get to know your neighbors, build relationships, and look out for one another
This space is not for official HOA dealings or political topics. Posts are moderated to ensure everyone feels welcome.
Search Facebook using the keywords “Chumash Village Community” or this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/317913222183804/
Reminders from the Board
CC&Rs Article III Section 3Use Restrictions:
● III 3. Maintenance: Mobile homes and other structures, including private yards, driveways, walkways, and landscaping not otherwise maintained by the Association, shall at all times be maintained by the owner or occupant in good condition and repair, and in a clean, neat and orderly condition.
Rules and Regulations Section 6 – Lot/Home Maintenance:
● 6.1 Residents shall maintain their space and exterior of their mobile home in good repair, and a neat and clean condition.
Be a GOOD Pet Owner (Dogs & Cats) & Neighbor
Please help us keep our community clean and enjoyable for all our residents including our furry friends.
Please be sure to pick up after your pet in all areas of our community.
Do NOT allow your pet to take care of business on your neighbor’s property.
Did you know that every HOA with more than 50 Units MUST have an information website for its Members?
Create your account to gain access to all the additional information that is available there!
✓ Upcoming meetings
✓ Board meetings and recording of last meeting
✓ Access to past agendas and minutes
✓ Review our various Governing documents such as CC&Rs, Bylaws, Annual Budget Report and Policy Statement
✓ Committee meetings
✓ Architectural Control Rules
✓ Gallery for some past Major Projects and/or updates on Major Projects underway
✓ Access to Smoke Signals
✓ Clubhouse reservation
✓ Download current Utility CARE Discount forms.
✓ Form to set up Autopay for your HOA and/or utility bills
✓ Download forms such as Reserving parking space, planning alterations to your lot, notify the office of items in need of maintenance, Volunteer application., and more to come.
Architectural Control Rules Summary
✓ An Owner planning an improvement to an existing mobile home or relating to construction of a new mobile home must submit to the Association’s Architectural Control Committee and/or the Board of Directors a written request for approval.
✓ Unless the Committee’s approval of the proposal is first obtained, no work on the improvement shall be undertaken.
✓ Any Owner may apply to the Committee for preliminary approval of the proposed improvement project.
✓ All Owners, who desire to undertake any work improvement or landscaping must apply to the Architectural Control Committee and receive its prior approval.
✓ The application shall be in writing and shall contain all information that is necessary to reasonably evaluate the nature, design, location, and extent of the proposed improvement including at a minimum, one complete set of plans and specifications for the improvement project plot plans and such additional information as the Committee may reasonably request, either by Architectural Rule or while the project is under review.
✓ During the course of the construction, representatives of the Architectural Control Committee shall have the right to inspect the jobsite to confirm that the improvement project is proceeding in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
✓ Upon completion of any work or improvements for which the Architectural Control Committee is required, the Owner shall give the Architectural Control Committee written notice of completion.
For a complete copy of the Architectural Control Rules, please go to our website at www.chumashvillage.com, refer to the Annual Package or request a copy of the Rules from the office.
Health Words
AFFORDABLE
CHILDREN
CHIP
COBRA
DOCTORS
DRUGS
GAP
IMMIGRANTS
INSURANCE
KENNEDY
MALPRACTICE
MEDICAID MEDICARE
OBAMA PARTISAN PREVENTION PRIMARY CARE PRIVATE PUBLIC RATIONING REFORM SENIORS SMALL BUSINESS TAXES TORT
Across 1.Biblical beast
4.Inflexible
9.Babysitter’s handful
10.“Home ___”
11.Rightful
12.Artery problems
13.Expresses
15.Sooner St.
16.Get fit after injury
18.“Stubborn ___ a mule”
20.Corolla and Prius maker
23.Bake, as eggs
25.Dine
26.They’re nuts
27.Colorado Indian
28.Some porcelain
29.Fraternity letters
Down
1.Boosts
2.Censor’s target
3.Asparagus unit
4.Thoroughbred
5.“You got that right!”
6.Moo ___ gai pan
Gemstones in February
8.Escritoire
14.Foursome
17.Petty-Officer on merchant ship
18.Questions
19.Boutique
21.1984 Nobelist
22.“Planet of the ___”
7.“What’s gotten ___ you?”
24.1969 Peace Prize grp. February 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 easy.
The title is a clue to the word in the shaded diagonal.
TRIVIA TEASER
The Golden Age
1. Which actor played the title character in the James Bond film The Man With the Golden Gun? a-Frank Sinatra, b-Raymond Burr, c-Randy Quaid, d-Christopher Lee.
2.Formerly known as the Warriors, what is the "golden" sports team nickname now used at Marquette University in Milwaukee?a-Golden Bears, b-Golden Lights, c-Golden Eagles, d-Golden Panthers.
3. While Moses was away collecting the Ten Commandments, who fashioned a golden calf worshipped by the Hebrews? a-Lazarus, b-Aaron, c-Noah, d-Joshua.
4.In which movie did James Stewart rescue a suicidal Kim Novak from beneath the Golden Gate Bridge? a-The Big Clock, b-Bend of the River, c-Vertigo, d-Bell, Book and Candle.
5.Which pop song was the theme song for the sitcom The Golden Girls? a-"Lonely Boy," b-"Say You, Say Me," c"Thank You For Being a Friend," d-"My Generation."
6.Which PGA star is nicknamed "The Golden Bear?" a-Jack Nicklaus, b-Lee Trevino, c-Curtis Strange, d-Tiger Woods.
7.Which city is separated by an inlet called the Golden Horn? a-Budapest, b-Istanbul, c-Buenos Aires, d-Copenhagen.
8.What was the name of the ship on which Sir Francis Drake became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe? a-Golden Plover, b-Golden Bowl, c-Golden Hind, d-Golden Fleece.
9.The flag of which country pictures a golden eagle with a snake in its mouth? a-Mexico, b-Philippines, c-Lithuania, dItaly.
10. In the game of Quidditch, played by Harry Potter, how many points is capturing the Golden Snitch worth? a-50, b-100, c-150, d-250.
QUOTES
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
Dr. Seuss
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."
Audrey Hepburn
"I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more."
Angelita Lim
"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides."
David Viscott
"Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."
Robert A. Heinlein
"True love is selfless. It is worthy of the person it loves."
BetterHelp
The big rewards come to those who travel the second, undemanded mile.
Bruce Barton
Ask yourself: "How am I going to live today in order to create the tomorrow I'm committed to?"
Tony Robbins
Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.
Sally Koch
The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.
Zig Ziglar
We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon.
Konrad Adenauer
One of the great lessons in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.
Winston Churchill
The Lighter Side Plan ahead
A groundhog named Phil woke up on February 2nd, peeked out of his burrow, saw his shadow, and sighed dramatically.
He turned to his wife and said, "Six more weeks of winter... but at least we'll have Valentine's Day to look forward to!"
She rolled her eyes and replied, "Honey, you say that every year. And every year you still forget to get me flowers."
Phil thought for a second, then grinned.
"True... but this time I'm prepared! I already ordered them."
"Really?" she asked, surprised.
"Yeah," he said proudly, "I got you a dozen roses... they're just six weeks late because of the shadow thing."
The Lion Tamer
A man tells the circus master that he wants to join the circus as a lion tamer. The circus master asked if he has any experience and the man says, "Why, yes. My father was one of the most famous lion tamers in the world, and he taught me everything he knew."
"Really?" said the circus master. "Did he teach you how to make a lion jump through a flaming hoop?"
"Yes he did," the man replies.
"And did he teach you how to have six lions form a pyramid?"
"Yes he did," the man replies.
"And have you ever stuck your head in a lion's mouth?"
"Just once," the man replies.
The circus master asks, "Why only once?"
The man says, "I was looking for my father."
Answers to The Golden Age
1-d, Christopher Lee
2-c, Golden Eagles
3-b, Aaron
4-c, "Vertigo"
5-c, "Thank You For Being a Friend"
6-a, Jack Nicklaus
7-b, Istanbul
8-c, Golden Hind
9-a, Mexico
10-c, 150
info@mobilehomeboard.com www.mobilehomeparkmagazines.com 1240-C Mtn. View/Alviso Rd. • Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (408) 744-1011 or (800) 828-8242
