ESSENTIALS SIERRA MEADOWS SOCIAL CLUB ……………………………. 2
& CALENDAR .. 8 IN THE POND ………………. 10 Neighbors, Friends, & Events LIFE HAPPENS...……………. 15
Life is what happens when you’re making other plans. PERSPECTIVES………………. 16 Thoughts on hope and faith
& GAMES ………. 17
There are so many good things happening in the park right now. I am really enjoying working with the team members on the Sierra Meadows Social Club Project Services Team... and I’ve also heard a lot of positive feedback. We would still love to see more of you on the first Tuesdays of each month at 6 PM for the Project Services Team (PST) Meetings. All residents are invited and we hope to have all of our volunteers at every meeting—BECAUSE we are voting on decisions and planning events … and those affect and involve ALL of our volunteers as well as our community.
So, please join us.
Our dinner this month is the Saturday following Easter and it will be a ham dinner. See the ad on page 3 for all the details. I know I’m going to enjoy that one!
Decide to focus on the positive for this upcoming month! Have an amazing month of April.,
Debbie Jo Silva
Sierra Meadows Newsletter Editor & Social Club President
Social Events for our Neighbors & Friends
Sierra Meadows Social Club
Project Services Team Contacts
Executive Team:
President Debbie Jo Silva 916-213-4775 dhs.silva@yahoo.com
Vice President Judi Whitely 916-595-4279 hairbyjudi@surewest.net
Care & Compassion: Handicap Items Frank Deitch 916-803-1148
Sunshine Pat Garcia 831-262-7669 pagdtm1@gmail.com
Ticket Sales Debbie Jo Silva 916-213-4775
Volunteer Coordination Debbie Jo Silva 916-213-4775
Special Events & Dining Room Judi Whitely 916-595-4279
Setup 113-4775
Cleanup: Julie Huey 916-218-2832
Tricia Owens
Team Leads (cont…)
Communications Deliveries: Mary Deitch 916-803-1148
Directory Debbie Jo Silva 916-213-4775 dhs.silva@yahoo.com
Directory Asst. Marie Sturgeon 916-517-2367
Newsletter Editor: Debbie Jo Silva 916-213-4775 Submissions sierrameadows.news@yahoo.com
Sierra Meadows Social Club Project Services Team
Teams working together to promote fellowship and friendship through social activities for the members of our community.
Your Callers:
Area 1—Woodduck
Area 2 Pintail Circle
Area 3 MallardSnowgoose
Kathye Miller 916-802-3539
Anne Renshaw 602-317-7200
Sandy Boyd 916-205-1789
279-758-2435 Frankie Bullard
279-888-0258
Food Services Tricia Owens 279-758-2435
Setup Frankie Bullard
279-888-0258
Cooking Leads: Debbie Jo Silva 916-213-4775 Gary Lee 916-595-4279
Food Deliveries : Susan Berg
Caller Lead: Ruth Imler
831-210-3506
916-722-3526
Area 4—Cackler
Area 5—ShovlersGadwall
Area 6 CanvasbackBufflehead
Area 7—Pintail LaneScaup
Area 8 Goldeneye
Denise Mohl 916-412-5591
Ruth Imler 916-722-3526
Pamela Townsend 707-293-7102
Sharon Powell 916-727-1377
Mary Deitch 916-715-1931
SIERRA MEADOWS SOCIAL CLUB
Social Events for our Neighbors & Friends SIERRA MEADOWS SOCIAL CLUB
APRIL DINNER
Saturday, April 26
Happy Hour: 4:30 • Dinner: 5:30
Reservations Required
Tickets must be purchased by 10:00 AM, Tuesday, APR 22. Buy tickets from your caller or from ticket sellers at the Clubhouse, 9-10AM, Mon-Sat.
$10.00 per person
MENU
Ham with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes • Broccoli Salad • Jello Salad Rolls & Butter • Dump Cake
APRIL
Sierra Meadows Social Club Project Services Team Meeting & Community Discussion
All residents invited! This is where the decisions are made and the projects come together. Join us. 6:00 PM at the Clubhouse.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
If you would like to submit an article for consideration, DEADLINE is the 5th of each month for publication the following month.
Email: Debbie Jo Silva at sierrameadows.news@yahoo.com Text 916-213-4775 or Put document in my hand.
Social Events for our Neighbors & Friends
Just a quick note from your president (with a small “p”) … I know the minutes last month and this month are lengthy. We’ve been covering a lot of ground for transparency reasons and to include you in all that we’re doing. I promise this is the last of the long minutes. Future meetings will be a lot less “packed” … and there will be goodies. So I hope to see you all there at our next meeting on April 1.
Thanks, Debbie Jo
Sierra Meadows Social Club - Project Services Team Meeting Minutes
March 4, 2025, 6:00 PM
Meeting called to order at 6:01 pm by Debbie Jo. Attending were 27 members/residents.
Executive Board attended: Debbie Jo Silva, Judi Whitley, Sandra Boyd and Patricia (Tricia) Owens
Realized we picked a bad night for this meeting because our newly elected President Trump was having a State of Union address as well.
First Item of business:
• Regarding saying Pledge of Allegiance, to start meeting off - Vote taken and it passed unanimously
• New TV in the clubhouse; Wifi coming soon recent information indicates a challenge
• Board Games, located in the cabinet in the card room, are not being played. Any resident/member that would like to have any of the Board games, please take it home, otherwise they will be thrown out
• Bulletin Boards will be cleaned up, reorganized by Debbie Jo Silva and Tricia Owens. New Items posted will be dated and removed after a certain time. TBA
• Please DO NOT drop off or leave Kitchen supplies in the Clubhouse. Most of the time we can’t use it and it gets thrown away. Talk to one of our Executive Team members if you think it would be helpful.
• After Clubhouse Dinners, do not leave leftovers in the Kitchen, storage closet or refrigerator/freezer. The Clean-up team members may take them home unless otherwise discussed.
• Men’s Poker on Sundays at 12:30 pm may be going away. Not enough men are attending. If you’re interested in playing please contact Steve Silva at 916-768-9597.
• Frankie Bullard asked if women could attend? It’s up for discussion and Men’s Poker will let us know… though we saw Steve shaking his head. It is, after all, called MEN’S Poker it’s a “guy thing.”
Old Business:
• 10 people volunteered for the Communications Delivery Team. Mary Deitch is the Team Lead. This allowed us to divide the park up in 3 regions of approximately 80 residents/members to deliver to.
• Our Stock Room is now clean and organized. Please take a look. It needs to stay that way.
• There are still volunteer spots to be filled – see clipboards … or contact Debbie Jo Silva at 916-213-4775. We could really use a few more cooks.
Moving Forward:
• We are adopting a Team attitude because there’s strength in numbers and we can encourage one another. Your Social Club volunteers are the Project Services Team
• Project Services Team (PST) meetings will happen on the first Tuesday, every month at 6pm
• All Volunteers are Team Members and are expected to attend these meetings, as much as possible
• All residents are members and are invited and encouraged to attend because proposals are voted on and monthly dinners are staffed
• SMSC Rules of Order were built from Robert’s Rules of Order but adapted. Everyone was asked to review them, then a vote was taken, and passed, to adopt them, including:
Social Events for our Neighbors & Friends
• 10 members/residents present are needed to vote
• If you don’t understand proposal; ask for clarification
• One person to speak at a time
• Limited to 3 minutes to speak
• Minutes of the Meeting and the Treasurer’s Reports will be in each month’s newsletter. In the April 2025 newsletter, the Treasurers Report figures are as of end February 2025. The Treasurer’s reports will always reflect the 2nd month prior due to publishing deadlines.
Treasurer’s Report;
• Judi reported there is $4,490.66 in the bank as of February 28, 2025.
Project Services Team structure and expectations of Team members:
• Team members will have documented job descriptions. This is a work in progress, subject to change, as we evolve
• All Teams will have a Lead or multiple Leads
• We will have Training on Food Services which will include “Certification” on Chafing Dish usage and storage.
• Training date on Tuesday March 11, 2025, at 6pm to be certified
• All Team leads and some members in cooking, setup, and cleanup must be certified, and attendance is expected
• All Team members must have a friendly, kind and respectful attitude. Welcome newcomers, introduce yourself, or sit with someone you’ve never sat with before.
• No longer accepted is negative bad mouthing or rumor mongers who don’t work well with others
• Any challenges can be brought to your Team Lead and/or Executive Team to help determine how to resolve in a positive solution. If a solution cannot be resolved, or negatives continue, you will be asked to step aside.
• Keep your commitments or else you’re doubling someone else’s workload
• The Social Club and Bridging Hearts are working together to coordinate events and pulling volunteers. You can choose to help at events for both or one or the other.
• Recognize all the groups who use the Clubhouse i.e. Social Club, Bridging Hearts, Bible Study, Bingo, Bunco, Men’s Poker, Watercolor Group, Tops, and Community Potluck. If you have any questions, please direct your questions to the person in charge of that group (see activities page in newsletter or on bulletin board in the Clubhouse.)
• Please promote and encourages fellow residents to participate
Meet your Executive Team
• President – Debbie Jo Silva
• Vice President – Judi Whitley; BU – Gary Lee
• (Vice President of Events & Communications – Debbie Jo Silva under development)
• Secretary – Tricia Owens
• Treasurer – Sandy Boyd; BU Judi Whitley
The Executive Team meets on the last Tuesdays of the month @ 6 pm
Vote to change fiscal year: Change the annual meeting from June to April. First annual meeting held on the first Tuesday in April 2026. This will be to vote in your Executive Team each year
Debbie Jo asked for vote and it was unanimously accepted.
Debbie Jo asked for members to fill openings on the March 22 and April dinners. Both dinners now fully staffed.
April dinner date was proposed by Judi Whitley to change to the 26th instead of the 19th because Easter is on the 20th . (This has been confirmed.)
Continued on next page
Social Events for our Neighbors & Friends
Minutes continued …
PST Goodies Team:
• Frankie Bullard
• Denise Mohl
Expense/receipt for goodies can be submitted to the Treasurer for reimbursement per Judi Whitley
Others items discussed:
• Judi shared with everyone present that the Kitchen has stocked paper plates and plastic silverware that can be used, when needed.
• Debbie Jo encouraged everyone to join Facebook – Sierra Meadows Social Club group on social media to get the most up to date notifications about events, date changes, etc. The Daly Connect group is also available for park info, water shut-offs, etc.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully,
Tricia Owens
Sierra Meadows Social Club Treasurer’s Report—February 2025
Social Events for our Neighbors & Friends
Sierra Meadows Social Club
Attendees Vote New Fiscal Year
We’ve changed our Annual Meeting and the vote for the new Executive Team from June to April. The first vote will happen in April of 2026, giving the current redevelopment team plenty of time to complete their work. So here’s a peek at what the Club’s planned activity year will look like:
• No 1st Tuesday PST Meeting
New Rules of Order for the Sierra Meadows Social Club Project Services Team Meetings
(PST) (formerly known as the General Meeting.)
JAN
• 3rd Saturday: Annual Kick-off Luncheon (Nominating Committee selected for Executive Team elections in April)
• No monthly dinner
• No 1st Tuesday PST Meeting
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
• Monthly dinner maybe dance?
• Nominees announced at 1stTuesday PST Meeting
• Monthly Dinner (St. Patty’s Day theme)
• ANNUAL ELECTIONS for Club Executive Team at 1st Tuesday PST Meeting
• 1st Saturday PST Team Members Brunch (will staff Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners)
• No regular dinner
• Halloween Party
• 1st Tuesday PST meeting
• Monthly Dinner (Thanksgiving)
• 1st Tuesday PST meeting
• Monthly Dinner (Christmas)
One of the votes at the March 4th meeting included adopting the Sierra Meadows Social Club Rules of Order. These are based on the basic provisions of Robert’s Rules of order, though not in their entirety … the are simplified and more in keeping with who we are as a group. See the following:
Parliamentary procedure is a set of rules for conducting orderly meetings that accomplish goals fairly. Benefits of parliamentary procedure include the following.
• Justice and courtesy for all
• Maintenance of order
• Consideration of one item at a time
• All sides get heard
• Ability for each member to provide input
• Majority rule
• Protection of the rights of all members including the minority
Basic Principles
• All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations
• No person can speak until recognized by the chair
• Personal remarks during debate are out of order
• Only one question at a time may be considered, and only one person may have the floor at any one time
• Members have a right to know what the immediately pending question is and to have it restated before a vote is taken
• Full and free discussion of every main motion is a basic right – individual speakers are limited to 3 minutes unless otherwise agreed upon
• A quorum must be present for business to be conducted – SMSC PST meeting quorum is 10 persons present
• Silence gives consent. Those who do not vote allow the decision to be made by those who do vote.
Activity Guide
Sunday
Men’s Poker
• Every Sunday 1:00-5:00 PM
• Contact Steve Silva 916 768 9597
Monday
Watercolor Art Group
• Every Monday 12:00
• Contact Marie Sturgeon 916-517-2367 or Judi Whitley 916-803-8948
Tuesday
Every Tuesday at 11:00 AM
Thursday
Ladies Social Club
• 1st Thursday each month at 12PM
Contact Rob or Debi Lake at 728-5473
Sierra Meadows Social Club
Project Services Team Meeting
All Residents Welcome to Attend
• First Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
• Contact Debbie Jo Silva at 916-213-4775 for any questions you may have.
Wednesday
Bingo
• Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM
• Coffee & ice water available, you may bring snacks
• Contact Debi Lake 916-728
Bible Study
Followed by Bingo Potluck finger foods to share Contact Shelly Thurman at
Bridging Hearts Together
3rd Thursday each month at 3:30 PM at the Clubhouse
Trudy Woodgate 916-871-0700 or Phil Minard at 916-239-9477
2nd & 4th Thursdays 12:45 PM
• Cost $5; all money collected returned as prizes!
• Shelly Thurman 916-955-1151
Bunco
• Every Wednesday at 10:00 AM
• Led by Debbie Jo Silva
• Contact Ruth Imler 722-3526 or Debbie Jo Silva 916-213-4775
TOPS | Taking Off Pounds
Sensibly
• Every Wednesday 2:30-3:30
• Exchange diets, recipes, tips
• Awards for most weight lost
• Contact Joyce Williams at 916-729-4513 Come early at 1:30
• 3rd Thursdays 6-8 PM
• Cost $10.25; all money collected returned as prizes!
• Shelly Thurman 916-955-1151
Bookmobile
• 1st Thursday 1:15-2 PM
• Free books, CDs, tapes, videos keep for one month
• Contact Neal Denton 433-2029
Red Hawk Casino
• Usually 3rd Tuesday or Thursday 9:00 AM (date posted monthly)
• Signups in the clubhouse
• Contact Lena Mueller at 916-380-2974
Friday
Community Potluck
2nd Friday each month 5:30 PM
Bring a dish of your choice
Bring your own plate & flatware
Coffee is provided
Ruth Imler at 916-722-3526 or Shelly Newton at 916-3837
Saturday
Park Dinner
3rd or 4th Saturdays 5:30 PM
Happy hour 4:30; Tickets required
Debbie Jo Silva at 916-213-4775
MEN’S POKER 12:30 PM
MEN’S POKER 12:30 PM BINGO 11:00 AM BIBLE STUDY 10:00 TOPS 2:30 BINGO 6:30 PM COMMUNITY POTLUCK 5:30 PM BOOK MOBILE 1:15 2:00 BUNCO 12:45 PM
BIBLE STUDY 10:00 AM TOPS 2:30 BINGO 6:30 PM BINGO 11:00 AM LADIES LUNCHEON 12:00 NOON SOCIAL CLUB MEETING 6:00PM
BIBLE STUDY 10:00 AM TOPS 2:30 BINGO 6:30 PM
WATERCOLOR ARTGROUP 12:00 - 2:00
BINGO 11:00 AM BUNCO 12:45 PM BRIDGING HEARTS 3:30 PM BIBLE STUDY 10:00 AM TOPS 2:30 BINGO BINGO 11:00 AM WATERCOLOR ARTGROUP 12:00 - 2:00
BIBLE STUDY 10:00 AM TOPS 2:30 BINGO 6:30 PM 30 BUS AT 9AM
MEN’S POKER 12:30 PM CLUBDINNER HAPPYHOUR 4:30PM DINNER5:30
Neighbors, Friends, & Events
The Clubhouse is open daily
Clubhouse hours are 9 AM to 10 PM daily. There are a variety of activities that happen at the clubhouse. There is a dart board, a ping pong table, a reading area, television, jigsaw table, a card playing room, and a pool room. Shuffleboard is available outside. Not to be forgotten are the many other activities that happen here, such as morning coffee, meetings, potluck dinner, monthly dinner, Bible study, TOPS, Bingo, Ladies Social Club, Bunco, Poker, and the Book Mobile monthly visit. Remember, this is the residents’ clubhouse!
Need Medical Equipment?
Need a walker, cane, shower chair, or ???
We have various items to loan residents in need.
Contact our “Care and Compassion” Chairperson
Frank Deitch (916) 803-1148
Red Hawk Casino
Sierra Meadows Resident Professionals
Computer and Home Technology Services
Rick Bernard 916-712-2811
Available evenings & weekends, too. Good reviews from residents.
House Cleaning, Yard Work, Licensed Caregiver
Tricia & Steve Owens 279-758-2435
Also offers painting and repair work. References available
Picture Matting, Framing, Repairs, Framed Art
Susan Ayala, Sea Pony Arts 916-432-5884
Realtor
Aggie Worley 408-640-3900
Royalty Enterprise Real Estate Services aworley2700@ gmail.com CalDRE #01821712
Realtor Portfolio Real Estate
Gary Lee 916-595-4279
Do you like to gamble?
Join your fellow residents once a month with a trip by bus to Red Hawk Casino. We usually plan the 3rd Tuesday or Thursday of the month. This month, the bus will pick us up on: Tuesday, April 15, 9:00 AM
A sign-up sheet will be posted in the entranceway to the billiard room at the clubhouse.
Any questions, call Lena Mueller at 916-380-2974.
Home Repairs / Construction & Consulting
Phillip “Twilly”Myers
Certified Building and Code Inspector 949-842-7326 CSLB #1072254
Lifestyle Wellness Coach/Health & Nutrition Coach
Teresa Halverson, “The Gut Love Lady” 530-828-1488 Teresa@alivestylewellness.com
• DRE #01448722 • Gary@PortfolioRE.com Rutsell Lee 916-695-2800 • DRE #02067791 • Rutsell@PortfolioRE.com (fluent in Bisaya and Tagalog)
Friends, & Events
Connections at Sierra Meadows
If you’d like to stay connected daily with your Sierra Meadows neighbors, there are two different Facebook groups you may want to check out. There is the Sierra Meadows Social Club or the Daly Connect. The first is all about the social life here, the second is more of a homeowner’s type group. Here’s what their About pages have to say about them:
Sierra Meadows Social Club
The Sierra Meadows Social Club encourages community and facilitates activities among the residents of Sierra Meadows Mobile Estates. On this page we will share events, celebrations, announcements, and opportunities to help. We also like to share accolades and sympathies among our neighbors. We are a social club, not a homeowners association. If you have concerns about park management, security, or contractor issues, those should be addressed directly with park management or discussions shared on Daly Connect.
Daly Connect
This private group is for residents living in the Sierra Meadows Mobile Home park to communicate real time events:
• power outages, wifi issues, water disruptions, etc.
• suspicious activity/vehicles/persons that the community needs to be aware of. (please call 911 for emergency)
• Items for sale post will be removed after 2 weeks
• Free items—fruit/veggies, household
• Recommendations for handyman, yard work, transportation, restaurants, etc.
Note: Daly Connect clears their page monthly of all posts except for service recommendations.
Community Potluck
Join us on the second Fridays of each month at 5:30 PM in the clubhouse for our Community Potluck
All existing neighbors welcome with a potluck dish. Paper Plates and plastic flatware available. Newcomers don’t need to bring a dish as there will be plenty of food to share. (unless you are just dying to bring your Aunt Betty’s Stomping Good Casserole or Cousin Cassie’s cheesecake)
We love to welcome newcomers to this monthly potluck.
See you April 11!
Resident Directory Updates
Please advise of any updates or changes to the resident directory. If you would like your email in the directory, then you can also receive digital copies and interim updates. Also advise if you would like your name removed from the “do not call” list for notification of Club events.
For updates, please contact Debbie Jo Silva. You may text me at 916-213-4775 or you can email sierrameadows.news@yahoo.com.
Directory Asst: Marie Sturgeon, 916-517-2367
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
If you would like to submit an article for consideration, DEADLINE is the 5th of each month for publication the following month.
Email: Debbie Jo Silva at sierrameadows.news@yahoo.com Text 916-213-4775 or Put document in my hand.
Neighbors, Friends, & Events
April Birthdays
Ron Bickel 4/1
Lorna Todd 4/5
Bonnie Fogel 4/8
Julie Huey 4/8
Margie Menz 4/8
Deanna Sellers 4/9
Deborah Murbach 4/10
Tommy Servantez 4/10
Jeffrey Greenspan 4/11
Jan Nichols 4/11
Michael Lynch 4/12
Robert Mariscal 4/12
Michel Powell 4/12
Dennis Kendall 4/13
John Di Ricco 4/14
Angela Garcia 4/14
Christy Strock 4/14
Chris Bauer 4/15
Betty Gross 4/15
Gary Ribeiro 4/16
Wanda Speck 4/19
William Fulmer 4/20
Elaina Reynolds 4/21
Robert Brown 4/23
Phyllis Greenspan 4/25
Charlie Brown 4/26
Peggy Donnell 4/26
Janice Hamett 4/26
Al Dierkes 4/28
Ladies Social Club Meets First Thursdays
The Ladies Social Club is a no-hostess time of goodies and Bingo. Bring your own plate and silverware and any kind of finger-food to share. If you have special diet needs, bring your own food and come on down and eat with your friends. Water will be provided. We eat promptly at 12:00, so come a little early to socialize.
Bingo starts at 12:30. $10.00 will cover all 21 games. This is a good way to get acquainted with your neighbors and make or renew friendships.
Let’s have some fun!
April 3, 2025
For more info, please call Shelly Thurman at 916-955-1151.
Morning Coffee & Chat … A Great Start to the Day
Join us at the clubhouse from 9:00 to 10:00 AM every Monday through Saturday for coffee and chit-chat. It’s a great way to connect and learn what’s going on at Sierra Meadows. We often have opportunities to encourage one another or even celebrate a birthday or two. Sierra Meadows management provides the coffee, your neighbors provide the company. Join us!
Watercolor Painting Group On Mondays
On Monday afternoons from noon till 2:00 in the clubhouse, the Watercolor Painting Art Group meets, facilitated by experienced artists Judi Whitley and Marie Sturgeon. They also provide instruction if you want it. Contact Judi at 916-8038948, or Marie at 916-517-2367.
Join us for group projects or bring your own project and enjoy the company.
Neighbors, Friends, & Events
To All Sierra Meadows Newcomers
We’d like to welcome you to our friendly community here at Sierra Meadows and let you know about some of our neighborhood activities. Every resident here, by default, is a member of our social club and you’re welcome at all of our events.
Please contact Marie Sturgeon, our Hospitality Chairperson with the Sierra Meadows Social Club, at 916-517-2367. She will be glad to stop by and fix you up with some free tickets to our next club dinner as well as Bingo
She will also provide you with our telephone directory, other event information, and answer any questions you may have.
THERE ARE RESIDENTS WHO HAVE SEVERE REACTIONS FROM HEAVY PERFUMES, AFTERSHAVES, AND OTHER SCENTS WHEN AROUND OTHERS WHO CHOOSE TO WEAR THEM IN PUBLIC.
WE ASK FOR YOU COOPERATION IN NOT WEARING HEAVY FRAGRANCES WHILE ATTENDING FUNCTIONS AT THE CLUBHOUSE OR ON THE CASINO BUSES. THOSE OF US WITH HEALTH ISSUES WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS.
Connie & Al Schuller 4/8
Fred & Janus Paulin 4/9
Gary & Rutsell Lee 4/18
Tommy & Victoria Servantez 4/19
Get Well Wishes were shared with the following neighbors. We hope you are feeling better! Wes Archer Lee Ballard
Please be sure to check in with them and make sure they are doing well.
If you know someone who is ill, please contact Pat Garcia at 831-262-7669.
In Sympathy
Our prayers & condolences
To the friends & family of Mike Whittaker on his passing
Talking Trash … again!
By Lena Mueller
Time for a reminder: Most of you know there are two dumpsters located inside gated areas throughout the community. In some locations, one is for household trash and the other is for recyclables (papers, cans, bottles, cardboard boxes or any item with a recycle symbol on it.) Other locations have two for household trash and none for recyclables.
All regular trash is to be bagged and put into the dumpster and NEVER placed on the ground. If the dumpster is full, discard it in another dumpster that is not so full on another street.
Shredded documents and newspapers should be placed in a PAPER BAG and either taped or stapled at the top when throwing away in the recycle bin. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD PLASTIC BAGS OR STYROFORM BE PUT IN THE RECYCLE BIN. Also noted are large cardboard boxes being discarded into the dumpster. BOXES SHOULD BE BROKEN DOWN PRIOR TO DISCARDING.
NEVER leave anything on the ground next to the dumpsters!! It will not be picked up by the trash company, and it is not the manager’s job to pick it up. Examples include paint cans, clothing, old printers, toilets, stereo equipment, etc. Also, large items such as furniture, appliances, etc. should not be discarded in any dumpster YOU need to arrange for other disposal.
Grass clippings, tree trimmings, etc. should be thrown into the dumpster at the end of Woodduck near Shovlers and not into the household trash dumpsters.
Contractors should be reminded that the dumpsters are for residents’ use only; they need to discard ol materials removed from you homes during repairs to a local dump.
Please help keep YOUR community clean by doing your part. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Is Your Outgoing Mail Safe?
Unfortunately, the answer is NO. There has been outgoing mail stolen from mailboxes within Sierra Meadows. When Anthony Aguiar sent out his mortgage check in his mailbox in the early morning before heading out to work, the mailman never saw it. Anthony did not realize the problem until his mortgage company notified him about a missing payment. The sad part is … somebody cashed that check!
If you have important mail to send out, I would recommend either handing it directly to your mail carrier—OR—take it directly to the post office and deposit it in their inside slot. Personally, I don’t even drop my mail in the large blue mailboxes outside of the post office. I have heard of too many incidents of vandalism even there.
So, just to be safe … make the trip to the post office. It is much less expensive than some yo-yo cashing your mortgage check, or spending that gift card you sent to your granddaughter for her birthday.
Sorry folks, but that is just the state of the world we are living in today.
Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.
Tricia & Steve Owens … Re-inventing Life Together & Getting it Done!
When Tricia and Steve were looking for a new home in a senior mobile home park, they fell in love with Sierra Meadows. It was not on a main road, Steve spent many growing up years just two blocks away, and … it was really, really clean. After looking at innumerable parks, this was it.
But everything wasn’t lollipops and roses at that time in their life. It was 2021, and Covid had its impact: both had just lost their jobs, Tricia from a great job at VSP and Steve from his truck driving. Steve also had medical issues interrupting life at that time. It was time to re-invent themselves.
At this stage of life that can be both intimidating and difficult. But these two are getting it done. But a little more on that later.
In addition to their hard-working ethic, both of them bring a lot to our neighborhood. Most of all, they really care about people.
Tricia was California born and raised. While in Modesto, her grandfather, Coleman F. Brown, had a school and a park named after him. He was the superintendent of schools starting from a one-room K-12 schoolhouse and then was instrumental in the development of multiple schools as well as the school bussing programs.
Steve was a military brat, his father serving mostly on the east coast both for the Air Force and then for the Army. His mother was from Wales with that delightful accent and ways of speaking. They did spend some time in Edison, Nebraska, where you will still find Steve’s initials (and his first girlfriend’s) on the underside of a bridge.
Steve and Tricia met at a mutual friends house 25 years ago when they were both with different partners, but very challenging partners. Tricia’s bad marriage dissolved and Steve’s girlfriend became a bad memory of the past. It seems these two were meant for each other. Tricia says, with Steve she felt safe. They have five kids between them, now ages 29 through 44, but never felt like a “blended” family. Steve was “Dad” and Tricia was “Mom.” Two of the daughters even shared the same first name and they eventually had to use their middle names. Everyone was loved!
They lived for eleven years in Minnesota and then moved to Arizona. Tricia used to ride the truck with Steve and their cat, but after seven months of that, she went on to California to care for her ailing mother. During that time Steve suffered a motorcycle accident … and broke a LOT of bones!
Coincidentally, living now in a mobile home park, Tricia worked for 3-4 years as a regional director for GSMOL (Golden State Mobile Homeowners) She advocated before the State Legislature for rent control for mobile home communities, arguing that most mobile home owners were seniors who shouldn’t have to choose between buying food or medical care or paying their space rent. She even won a Legacy Award for her work.
Today, as they are re-inventing themselves, they offer yardwork, especially with the details; Tricia hires out for housecleaning and also works with a housecleaning service. She is a licensed caregiver and has clients in the park. Steve is a jack-of-all trades. He’s worked as a warehouse manager and did cement work for 11 years. They’ve done a lot of painting and repair work through Bridging Hearts here in the park. And they are available to hire for YOUR needs.
I am delighted to now have Tricia as our Club Secretary as she is already doing an outstanding job. She joined the Social Club Executive Team to get to know more of you and wants to be a part of a warm and welcoming leadership team in a friendly community. I, for one, am happy she is a part of OUR community!
PERSPECTIVES
Thoughts on Hope and Faith
What
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect a position, endorsement, or non-endorsement by the editor or Sierra Meadows Social Club
The Easter Bunny's origins are varied and go back centuries, and once you learn how the cute critter became a mascot of the holiest Christian holiday, it all starts to make sense even if you still can't quite work out the fact that a mammal (that isn't a monotreme) purportedly lays eggs.
The history of the Easter Bunny has almost nothing to do with Easter beyond marketing. There aren't any mentions of bunnies, fluffy yellow chicks, baskets of goodies or chocolate in the Biblical story of Easter, let alone in terms of the resurrection specifically.
In short, the Easter Bunny is not related to Jesus at all. At most, they're both obviously tied to the holiday celebrating the resurrection, and they're both considered symbols of new life but the links to one another, essentially, end there. Jesus is often symbolized by a lamb, however, which is sometimes also used as an Easter symbol, but isn't nearly as ubiquitous as the bunny.
Rabbits don't appear much at all in the Bible, but in one of their few rare mentions, it's not great: Leviticus 11:3-8, the Bible reads, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof, divided in two, and that chews the cud, but not an animal that only chews the cud or only has a split hoof. For instance, the camel chews the cud but doesn't have a split hoof, so it's unclean. The rock badger chews the cud but doesn't have a split hoof and so it's unclean. The rabbit chews the cud but doesn't have a split hoof, so is unclean.
The pig has a split hoof, divided in two, but doesn't chew the cud and so is unclean. You may not eat their meat nor touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you."
Basically, the Bible says rabbits aren't Kosher and to avoid them!
According to Time, the concept of the Easter bunny stems from pagan rituals around the vernal equinox (the first day of spring). The pagan goddess of fertility, Eostre, was also symbolized by a hare and eggs. It's believed that when missionaries spread Christianity throughout Europe, they combined the pagan spring rituals with Easter and resurrection celebrations to make the transition from paganism to Christianity easier for new converts.
In terms of the Easter Bunny's specific ties to the Christian holiday, German writings from the 1600s were reportedly among the first to mention an Easter hare. The Easter hare (called "Oschter Haws" in German) was said to have left colorful eggs for good children around Easter. Children would sometimes prepare "nests" for the eggs and leave carrots for the hare. German immigrants are believed to have brought the Easter Bunny tradition to the United States around the 1700s.
Despite Easter's association with eggs as a symbol of new life and the resurrection, the cute critter symbol of Easter being a bunny and not a chicken isn't an accident. The thinking behind the tradition was simply that rabbits reproduce a lot, so as a symbol representing new life, rabbits took the edge over chickens.
Bible Study at Clubhouse on Wednesday Mornings.
Would you like to learn more about God’s love for you?
There is a Bible Study on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM, at the clubhouse. We are currently exploring “Experiencing the Heart of Jesus,” by Max Lucado. This is appropriate for absolute beginners as well as the seasoned Bible student. We are a judgement-free zone and there is no such thing as a “stupid” question or a perfect person.
Our Bible Study is facilitated by Debbie Jo Silva. 916-213-4775
Puzzles and Word Games you can
Kitchen Gadgets
AIR FRYER
BLENDER
CAN OPENER
COFFEE MAKER
CUTTING BOARD
EGG COOKER
GRIDDLE
HAND MIXER
INSTANT POT
JUICER
KETTLE
MICROWAVE NINJA
PASTA MAKER
POPCORN MAKER
RICE COOKER
SCALE
SCISSORS
SLOW COOKER
TOASTER
Across
1.Not an orig.
Flying Helicopter Bug
4.Like some renewable energy
9.WWW address
10.Livid
11.Turkish title
12.Mutton or lamb leg
13.Lowers oneself
15.Northeasternmost st.
16.Drivel
18.Radio mode
20. Flowering plant with healing properties
23.Cousin of a raccoon
25.In support of
26.Moth-___
27.Freddy Krueger’s street
28.Cubic meter
29.Beam Down 1.Couple
2.Exhort
3.Kilt pattern
4.Italian unmarried woman
5.Prayer
6.Hang back
7.Proton’s place
8.Neural network
14.Kitchen gadget
17.Inmate who’s never getting out
18.Air force heroes
19.Castle defense
21.RC, e.g.
22.___ brat
24.Lunched
The headline is a clue to the answer in the diagonal.
April Wordoku
How to solve wordoku puzzles
You only need logic and patience to solve a wordoku. Simply make sure that each 3x3 square region has only one letter from the word JUDGMENT. Similarly, each letter can only appear once in a column or row in
the larger grid. The difficulty on this puzzle is medium.
TRIVIA TEASER
Only 17
1.Which special space appears exactly 17 times on a Scrabble board? a-Double letter score, b-Double word score, cTriple letter score, d-Triple word score.
2.Which family lived at 17 Cherry Tree Lane in Mary Poppins? a-Banks, b-Mitchell, c-Lancaster, d-Shaw.
3.Which pitcher struck out 17 Detroit Tigers in game one of the 1968 World Series? a-Sandy Koufax, b-Bob Gibson, c-Jerry Koosman, d-Jim Palmer.
4.In which year did 17-year-old Boris Becker become the youngest-ever men's Grand Slam singles winner at Wimbledon? a-1985, b-1989, c-1991, d-1994.
5.Eliza McCardle was only 17 years old when she married which future U.S. President? a-Grover Cleveland, b-Andrew Johnson, c-Herbert Hoover, d-Andrew Jackson.
6.Which group scored a pop hit in 1983 with (She's) Sexy + 17? a-Culture Club, b-Adam and the Ants, c-Georgia Satellites, d-Stray Cats.
7.A photo on the cover of Seventeen magazine is one of the prizes on which reality TV series? a-America's Next Top Model, b-Hell's Kitchen, c-Project Runway, d-Shear Genius.
8.Colonel Aureliano Buendia was the father of 17 sons, all named Aureliano, with 17 different women in which novel? a-Mona Lisa Smile, b-One Hundred Years of Solitude, c-Dirt Music, d-The Satanic Verses.
9.Which of the actors in the movie Stalag 17 served as the narrator of the events in the film? a-Gil Stratton, bWilliam Holden, c-Don Taylor, d-Harvey Lembeck.
10.Which female singer-songwriter had hits with "Society's Child" and "At Seventeen"? a-Kate Bush, b-Janis Ian, c-Suzanne Vega, d- Michelle Shocked.
QUOTES
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.
Theodore M. Hesburgh
Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions.
Albert Einstein
Learning is about more than acquiring new knowledge. It is also crucial to unlearn old knowledge that has outlived its relevance. Forgetting can be as important as learning.
Gary Ryan Blair
Progress involves taking risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.
Frederick Wilcox
The more you seek security, the less of it you will have and the more you pursue opportunity, the more security you will achieve.
Brian Tracy
It is difficult to know what counts in the world. Most of us count credits, honors, dollars. But at the bulging center of mid-life, I am beginning to see that the things that really matter take place not in the boardrooms, but in the kitchens of the world.
Allen Sledge
A great attitude does more than turn on the lights in our worlds. It seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change.
Earl Nightingale
More people would learn from their mistakes if they weren't so busy denying them.
Harold J. Smith
When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out.
David L. Weatherford
Answers to 'Only 17'
1-b,Double word score
2-a, Banks
3-b, Bob Gibson
4-a, 1985
5-b, Andrew Johnson
The Lighter Side
Inner Strength
•
• If you are always cheerful,
If you wake up without caffeine,
6-d, Stray Cats
7-a, "America's Next Top Model"
8-b, "One Hundred Years of Solitude"
9-a, Gil Stratton
10-b, Janis Ian
•
• boring people with your troubles,
If you can resist complaining and
• ones don't have time for you,
If you understand when your loved
• without resentment,
If you can take criticism and blame
• friend better than a poor friend,
If you can resist treating a rich
• medical help,
If you can conquer tension without
• pill,
If you can go to sleep without a
Then you are the family dog.
Communication Problem
A farmer went to the attorney's office and said he wanted to get a divorce. The attorney asked if he had any grounds.
"Yeah, I got about 240 acres," the farmer said. The attorney replied, "But, I mean do you have a case?"
"No, I have a John Deere."
"Well, do you have a grudge?"
The farmer said, "Yea, I got a grudge. That's where I park my John Deere."
"No, I mean do you have a suit?"
"Yes, sir, I got a suit. I wear it to church on Sundays."
Next, the exasperated lawyer asked, "Well, sir, does your wife beat you up or anything?"
"No, we both get up about 4:30."
The attorney finally asked, "OK, so why do you want a divorce?"
"Well," said the farmer, "I can't have a meaningful conversation with her!"
APRIL 2025 Calendar
ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH.
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH.
BEAVER AWARENESS MONTH.
DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH.
GLOBAL ASTRONOMY MONTH.
NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL MONTH.
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH.
NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH.
PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS MONTH.
STRESS AWARENESS MONTH.
1, April Fool's Day.
4, ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., 56th ANNIVERSARY. In 1968, the racial justice advocate was shot and killed in Memphis, TN. Assassin James Early Ray died in prison in 1998 while serving a 99year sentence.
5, GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY. Since 2010, honoring surviving spouses of armed forces members.
6-12, NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK.
7, INTERNATIONAL BEAVER DAY.
7-13, THE MASTERS TOURNAMENT. Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA. Web: masters.com
10-13, FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL. New Orleans, LA. 40th annual. Concerts, food.
11, CIVIL RIGHTS ACT, 56th anniversary.
11, NATIONAL PET DAY.
11-13, COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL. Also 18-20. Empire Polo Grounds, Indio, CA. Music and arts festival. Web:
coachella.com.
12, DOGWOOD FESTIVAL. Camdenton, MO. Spring carnival.
12-20, PASSOVER begins before sundown on Monday, April 12 and ends after nightfall on April 20.
13, PALM SUNDAY.
13, PINK MOON. The April full moon.
15, INCOME TAX PAY DAY.
16, NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY.
17, BAT APPRECIATION DAY.
17, MGM STUDIOS FOUNDED: 100th anniversary.
18, GOOD FRIDAY.
19, OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING REMEMBRANCE, 1995.
19-27, NATIONAL PARK WEEK.
20, EASTER.
*20-26, MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL AND HULA COMPETITION. Hilo HI. Honors King David Kalakauna.
*21, BOSTON MARATHON, 128th RUNNING.
21, AGGIE MUSTER. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Current and former students gather to honor fellow Aggies. Web: aggienetwork.com.
22, EARTH DAY
23, FIRST MOVIE THEATER OPENS. Apr 23, 1896, New York City at Koster and Bials Mustic Hall.
23, ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY.
*24-May 4, FIESTA SAN ANTONIO. Since 1891.
25, ARBOR DAY. Since 1872. Web: arborday. org.
25, WORLD PENGUIN DAY.
25, FIDDLER'S FROLICS. Hallettsville, TX. Since 1971.
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