C8 pueblo serena by MHBgroup

Pueblo Serena

THE SERENAN

Sponsored By Pueblo Serena Homeowners Alliance

Editor/Admin: Lin Marie deVincent lmdevincent@comcast.net

Calendar/Birthdays: Cynthia Boyer – byerbird@sonic.net

PUEBLO SERENA HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OCTOBER 2025

Board Chair : Ana Maria Erickson. .................................415-988-5882

Treasurer: John Kyle......................................................................................................415-341-2463

Secretary: Robert Bruce ………………………………………………………………650-678-4122

Director-at-Large: Bert McCarthy ……………………………………………………707-933-6461

Designated Tenant Representative (DTR): John Kyle 415-341-2463

GSMOL Super Chapter President: Ann Colichidas 415-902-7690

GSMOL V.P. Membership: Carol Werner .. 707-935-1235

PS & HOA Email Communications: Hugh McBride 707-934-0860

Social Activities Coordinator: Linda Bruce .. 650-678-4121

Emergency Response Coordinator: Mike Colhouer 707-227-0848 Sandi Bird

Homeowners’ Phone List: 415-450-1755

Cul-de-Sac Coordinator: Linda Bruce #112 Merida 650-678-4121

CHICO

HACIENDA

ACAPULCO

MAZATLAN

CUERNAVACA

GUADALAJARA

MAYAN

GUAYMAS

LA PAZ

HERMOSILLO

MERIDA

PEPITO

CUL-de-SAC CAPTAINS

Ramsey Sullivan #6

Ted Sexauer #12

Cynthia Boyer #28

707-732-0624

707-337-4518

707-495-6639

Monica Wohlferd #35 707-939-3683

Cathy Flight #43 415-531-5489

Terry Swartt #59

707-225-6864

Keval Nguyen #58 415-203-3323

Kathy Jewell #126 707-225-4804

Barbara Rose #123 707-231-8061

Sandy Colhouer #75 707-318-3480

Carol Stienke #89

Carmen Naimish #99

Diane Lumiere #113

Donna Tranchina #117

707-292-3107

805-745-1520

916-761-3234

707-938-7674

OCTOBER 2025

Qigong 9:30-10:30

Bocce 10-12

Bocce 10-12 Bridge 1-4pm Library Bocce 10-12 TGIF 6pm BYOB 5 6 7 8

Pancakes+ 9:30am

Bocce 10-12

ChantContemplate- Chat 12-1pm Library

Bocce 10-12

Recycling on W McArthur

Creativity 204

10:45-12:15

Luci Ungar

Bocce 10-12

Pancakes+ 9:30am

Bocce 10-12

BBB 11-12

ChantContemplateChat 12- 1pm Library Bocce 10-12

Pancakes+ 9:30am Bocce 10-12

ChantContemplate- Chat 12- 1pm Library Library

Pancakes+ 9:30am

Bocce 10-12 BBB 11-12

ChantContemplateChat 12- 1pm Library

Bocce 10-12

Recycling on W McArthur

Qigong 9:30-10:30

Bocce 10-12

Sonoma City Council Meeting 6PM

Bocce 10-12

10-12

6pm BYOB

SWAP MEET SET UP 9am START 10am take down 3:30

Bocce 10-12

Qigong

9:30-10:30

Creativity 204

10:45-12:15

Luci Ungar

Bocce 10-12

Qigong 9:30-10:30

Bocce 10-12

Sonoma City Council

Meeting 6PM 177 1st St West

Bocce 10-12

10-12

Bocce 10-12

Bridge 1-4pm Library

Bocce 10-12 Bridge 1-4pm Library

Bocce 10-12 GSMOL Zoom Meeting 11 to 1pm & LIVE In Petaluma

Bocce 10-12

HALLOWEEN PARTY! 5:30pm See p 5

TENDING OUR SOUL GARDEN

A man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life. -- James Allen

Every garden needs tending, including the garden of our soul. One of the symbolic exercises we did at an elder leadership training I attended was called “Weeds and Seeds.”

Weeds: In the morning, we were asked to go on a kind of scavenger hunt and find items in nature that represented the “weeds” in our soul garden that were interfering with our ability to live joyfully and express fully. What I’ve noticed about my home garden is that weeds have a habit of spreading quickly and choking out the plants I am trying to grow. I suspect the same is true for our soul garden where negative attitudes, destructive habits and limiting beliefs can take over if we don’t pay attention and learn to control them.

For many of us doing the exercise, the “weeds” included such things as a tendency to get distracted by unimportant things, assuming too many responsibilities, living in the past, lack of confidence in our abilities, unhealthy lifestyles, difficult relationships and dreary routines that did not inspire our imagination.

Seeds: The afternoon session focused on finding things that represented the “seeds” we wanted to plant in our soul garden. Like seeds in a home garden, these also require our effort and attention. The ground must first be cultivated, the seeds must be watered and fertilized, and once they mature, they require regular attention to ensure that they survive and thrive.

In the exercise, some in our group wanted to plant a “seed” for improved physical wellbeing through a healthier diet and more exercise. Others felt the need to cultivate opportunities for more intellectual and spiritual stimulation. A few wanted to focus more by setting priorities and limiting their commitments.

Like good master gardeners, most of us have a vision of how we want our soul gardens to look, but we sometimes neglect to do the necessary weeding and seeding. As elders, it is easy for us to become complacent and allow our soul gardens to become barren in some areas and overgrown or weed-choked in others.

What are some “weeds” that you would like to remove from your soul garden? What are some “seeds” that you would like to plant?

Gary Hermes is a resident of Sonoma Oaks. This is one of a series of his “thoughts” on the challenges and opportunities of aging as he shares his elder journey. He would love to hear your reflections as well. You can reach him via e-mail at GaryDHermes@comcast.net

Robin’s Corner

Will return In November!

Virginia, Bob, Carol - Halloween 2013

Art by Mary Englebreit

~ Submitted by Cynthia Boyer

~ SOPHIE STRAND from Myco-Eco-Mytho

“Go to the oak tree and ask for its story. Go to the river and ask for its story. Go to the goldenrod and ask without saying anything. Ask with your nose, your belly, your eyes. The answer won’t always be words. Won’t always be sound. Sometimes it will be a feeling in your body. Sometimes it will be a smell. Stories don’t belong to human beings. But human beings belong to stories. Let’s enter back into the complex, tangled work of letting go of authorship and letting ourselves be told.”

Submitted by LMdV

Consider removing this plant if it is in your garden! Here are 2 sources for information on the plant’s toxicity.

Common pokeweed is poisonous to mammals and can be fatal to humans [especially children]

Pokeweed/pokeberry is a weed that is coming up more and more in our Pueblo Serena gardens. Especially on Guadalajara and Guaymas. The purple berries are poisonous especially to children. All parts of this plant are toxic. The seeds are spread by birds who don't seem to be affected by the poison. See link below for more information on control.

#1. “Common pokeweed, “poke sallet” pokeberry

Synonyms: Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca decandra L. in part. Phytolacca americana (common pokeweed) is a tall perennial forb/herb (family Phytolaccaceae) that invades disturbed sites throughout most of California, excepting in drier regions. It is native to North America east of the Continental Divide. Plants annually to 1-3m in height, have large, simple, hairless leaves with smooth edges, stems that can range from green to purple, and a large, white taproot. Flowers are green-white along a spike, and fruits are fleshy, purple/black berries with long-lived seeds. Plants can form large stands but their direct impact on native vegetation is unclear. Common pokeweed is poisonous to mammals and can be fatal to humans [especially children] and livestock. “

Cal-IPC link for further information: https://www.cal-ipc.org/.../phytolacca-americana-profile

More info: https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_P/Phytolacca.pdf

Submitted by Rosemary U’Ren, Guadalajara Drive

#2. UC Davis Education Information

Pueblo Serena Artists of the Month – the Homeowner who is growing CORN in his/her garden!!!

And the gardener growing these dahlias!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, my name is AnaMaria Erickson!

I would like to introduce myself - I am the new Chair of our HOA. I live at #103, the house with the catio, a 19 lb. cat named Archie Bunker and an Air Mail birdhouse. I’ve lived here for two years.

I was born and raised in Marin County and moved to Washington State to remarry my ex-husband Gary. We were happily living on the top of a mountain with 40 acres of trees near the Canadian border (except for a lot of snow). When he passed away almost three years ago, my son asked me to come home and be near him, my grandsons and my great granddaughter. I was lucky enough to find my new home here in this paradise of the Pueblo Serena community.

Until recently I worked reception at a veterinarian clinic. Then I went to Norway last Thanksgiving Three months ago I took a month long trip to Europe. I discovered that I love to travel and can hardly wait to go somewhere else next year. If you see me around the hood, stop and say hi.

SONOMA VALLEY GSMOL

Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League

7 Flags, Moon Valley, Pueblo Serena, Sonoma Oaks, Rancho Vista

This article by Ann Colichidas originally appeared in the Sonoma Sun in 2018, and was written in response to the following question:

What do you think our readers would like to know about living in a senior mobilehome community?

If you ask just about anyone, I think they will say it’s all about the “people”, the sense of community and the security it brings. People know their neighbors and look after each other by giving rides, sharing food, a laugh or a hug. There is always someone around for those emergencies big or small, that includes park management. Good park managers are a real blessing!

It is a unique lifestyle whereby the homes are owned, but the individual site is rented. A homeowner may be making mortgage payments as well as paying the space rent. In addition, homeowners pay all utilities including sewer and have total responsibility for maintenance of their home and landscaping. Park management is responsible for the common areas, roads, and whatever amenities they have agreed to provide which may include a clubhouse, pool, spa, BBQ, laundry, recreation area, etc.

The clubhouse serves as a community center for formal and informal gatherings, parties, meetings, a potluck, entertainment or just a cup of coffee. Clubhouses are required by statute to be open for resident use during certain hours, and the hours need to be posted. The clubhouse may include a community kitchen, a cozy fireplace, a big screen TV, tables and chairs for special events and a bulletin board. Maybe there is a piano, Bingo equipment, a pool table, and at one park, a full-size stuffed bear (in Santa Rosa), really!

Senior mobilehome parks are particularly suited for aging in place. They offer that sense of security and safety within the boundaries of the community; and, they are often in a location with nearby shopping, services and transportation. The homes themselves are easily adapted, on a single level, typically with lots of built in storage, central heat/air conditioning and covered carport parking. Outdoor decks and covered porches are common, and every home is allowed one storage shed.

Although the mobilehome spaces vary in size and shape, there is always an opportunity for gardening. In our Sonoma climate, where everything grows in abundance, fruit trees abound, fig, apple, peach, pear, plum, lemon, persimmon, you name it! Gorgeous flowers, succulents, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, greens, eggplant, garlic, strawberries and squash eligible for the annual zucchini races. Weeding can be a significant chore, and some homeowners choose to lay down mulch and decorative rock as a back-saving measure. Yard maintenance is an

obligation written into the park rules and, management inspects regularly for compliance. Mobile home parks are governed by park rules-set by the owner and laid out in the rental agreement. Homeowners are allowed to have pets, size and number are detailed in the rules, and leashes are required for dogs while walking on park grounds.

Speaking of pets, what joy and companionship they provide; and a ready excuse to go out for a walk. Neighbors help with pet-sitting, dog walking and one homeowner group is working on creating a small dog park where pets can play off leash while their humans socialize.

Homeowners invest time and energy into making community happen. The opportunities to volunteer are bound only by imagination. Some examples include: contributing to the community newsletter, serving on the resident board or social committee, acting as a cul-de-sac captain, cooking up a weekly pancake breakfast, organizing to help neighbors with yard work, making sure those who are homebound are included in collective meals. At one park, residents have created a “bank” where they collect and lend out durable medical equipment (DME) if someone needs a walker, wheelchair, shower chair or commode. At another, every resident gets a cheerful phone call on their birthday from a gentleman that few have met but all know by the sound of his voice. In Sonoma, many of our beloved institutions have at one time or another benefited from this generosity of time and energy including SOS, Vintage House, Pets Lifeline, Visitors Center, FISH, Depot Museum, Community Center, the Toscano Hotel, KSVY, Ecology Center and countless community groups and places of worship.

However, safety and security remain important considerations in senior mobilehome parks. Especially in the aftermath of the fires and other potential emergencies, preparedness is essential. And although parks are required to have emergency plans on file, they often do not go far enough to address the physical safety or actual evacuation of the residents and pets. So the homeowners must take it upon themselves to have adequate supplies and join with their neighbors in establishing procedures for check-in and evacuation, with special attention those identified as needing extra help. The establishment of emergency procedures can be a significant community building opportunity. Homeowners taking responsibility for themselves, and each other, to find out where is the home gas main, what kind of wrench is needed, how to evacuate vehicles and identify those who are injured and those who are safe.

The most important security has been saved for last. And that is housing security. Even before the fires, Sonoma housing was in high demand and short supply, and rents are skyrocketing. In the 1990s, mobile homeowners experienced rent increases that were unsustainable in their retirement years. With the support of the Sonoma City Council, rent stabilization for mobile homes was established; and, in 2015 the Council unanimously adopted a significant revision to the ordinance. Rent stabilization guarantees park owners automatic annual rent increases and constitutionally protected return on investment. Our homeowners can breathe easy knowing they will never again experience the kind of rent spike which might force them to abandon their home in the community they love.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum 20 Fourth St

October 2, 2025 to November 2, 2025 every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Free

The Museum will once again partner with El Dia De Los Muertos Petaluma to host an exhibition of ofrendas and artworks in celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, the annual holiday in honor of the deceased that is traditionally observed in parts of Mexico and in other Latin America communities. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of this now-iconic Petaluma tradition!

Pueblo Serena Fiesta Party!

o everyone who attended the Fiesta Party on Saturday August 16th. We had 36 residents join for good food, music and exceptional Sangria.

Decorations were gorgeous and the cake was divine! Plenty of enchiladas, rice and beans, guacamole, chips and salsa was enjoyed by all.

What can we do to encourage more of you to join us at the clubhouse for gatherings? Suggestions are welcome. Please contact any member of the Social Team or Linda Bruce, our head Honcho! Other Team members are Diane Hulme (pictured), Diane Lumiere, Carol Kelly, Pat Scheuner, Linda Gonzales, Kathy Rohrer, Keval Nguyen, Anamaria Erickson (prt tm), Laurelyn Borst,(prt tm),Carol Stienke. Want to join our team?

We would love to have you.

Pueblo Serena Social Team, Submitted by Carol Stienke

Photos by Laurelyn Borst & AnaMaria Erickson

Vintage House Delivers.

Vintage House Delivers program is here to help you by connecting your shopping list, or prescription pick up, to a volunteer shopper. Click on the delivery request button below, or give us a call, 707.996.0311.

Need a Ride?

If you are 60+ and no longer drive, myRide can provide no-cost transportation throughout Sonoma Valley. Whether you need to go grocery shopping, meet a friend for lunch, get a haircut, or attend a class at Vintage House, our vetted myRide drivers are there to help.

https://vintagehouse.org/

Heirloom Gardener John Forti Our Homes

“My goal is not to live in the past but to be present and participate in the betterment of my corner of the world. Experience my yard, my neighborhood, my watershed. The very parcel of land we dwell upon is an artifact, a living collection that, like an heirloom seed, requires our engagement; it is a diverse habitat, housing the microbes, fungi, bugs, wrens, rabbits, foxes, herbs, and oaks that have deep roots in the very plot of soil we occupy.”

Artist Mary Azarian

June

The

The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World

22, 2021 by John Forti

Submitted by Ann Hollister

Happy Halloween from the Editors LMdV & CB Twilight Zone Halloween at Clubhouse 2018

Thank you to our Serenan delivery guys, Jim & Kent. We appreciate you!

END of the SUBMITTED ARTICLES for SERENAN MAGAZINE CONTENT

Art by German Rubio

Latin Lingo Dutch Brush Master

ALMA MATER

CARPE DIEM

CAVEAT EMPTOR

DE FACTO

E.G.

ET CETERA

ET TU BRUTE

EX NIHILO

IN MEDIAS RES IN VINO VERITAS

IPSO FACTO MAGNUM OPUS

NON SEQUITUR

PER CAPITA

PER SE

POST MORTEM

PRIMA FACIE

PRO BONO

QUID PRO QUO

STATUS QUO

Across

1. Shaggy Scandinavian rug

4. Colgate rival

9. Common Market inits.

10. Sled dog

11. “Casablanca” pianist

12. Ms. Williams in aquamusicals

13. Ancient rival of Athens

15. First word of the Constitution

16. Aleppo’s land

18. Word in a simile

20. Quantum theory pioneer Max

23. Wet lowland

25. “Smoking or ___?”

26. Gauchos’ weapons

27. Big deal

28. Doesn’t ignore

29. Tennis match part

Down

1. Remainder

2. “Awright!”

3. High points

4. Dark

5. “From ___ with Love”

6. “C’___ la vie!”

7. Bias

8. Phoenician trading center

14. Action on the side

17. Kournikova and Karenina

18. Court order against antisocial behaviour

19. Mop up, naut.

21. The “C” in U.P.C.

22. Masseur’s target

24. Bass, e.g.

The headline is a clue to the answer in the diagonal.

October 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.

TRIVIA TEASER

T Time

1. What company is represented on the New York Stock Exchange ticker by the letter T? a-Target, b-Radio Shack, c-AT&T, d-Kodak.

2. Who played the title character on the TV cop show "T.J. Hooker"? a-Jack Lord, b-William Shatner, c-Erik Estrada, d-Burt Reynolds.

3. In what city could you ride the commuter rail service known as the T? a-San Francisco, b-San Antonio, c-Boston, dMiami.

4. What is the middle name of Captain James T. Kirk on "Star Trek"? a-Taylor, b-Thomas, c-Timothy, d-Tiberius.

5. In what country would you find the headquarters for the T-Mobile telecommunications service? a-Germany, b-Norway, c-Canada, d-South Korea.

6. White blood cells known as T-cells get their name because they mature in what part of the human body? a-Teeth, b-Thalamus, c-Thymus, d-Tegument.

7. One way of investing your money is with the purchase of T-bills. What does the T in T-bill stand for? a-Tax, b-Tangible, c-Transaction, d-Treasury.

8. What 1962 instrumental hit with an edible title was the highest-ranking song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by Booker T. and the MGs? a-"Bread and Butter," b-"Cotton Candy," c-"Green Onions," d-"Sugar and Spice."

9. T-Bag was the nickname of a villain played by Robert Knepper on what Fox TV drama series? a-"Oz," b-"24," c-"Touch," d-"Prison Break."

10. What did the T stand for in the names of T.E. Lawrence and T.S. Eliot? aThomas, b-Theodore, c-Tyler, d-Terrell.

QUOTES

Riches don't make a man rich, they only make him busier. Christopher Columbus, discoverer of America in 1492.

By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination. Christopher Columbus, discovered the new world in 1492

Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear.

George Addair, Founder of the Omega Vector, a self knowledge program

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.

Francis Bacon: English philosopher, statesman, scientist and author

When you forgive, you in no way change the past -- but you sure do change the future.

Bernard Meltzer, radio host of "What's Your Problem" in Philadelphia

He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.

Lao Tzu: philosopher of ancient China

You have a clean slate every day you wake up. You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be. You just have to decide to do it. Decide today's the day. Say it: this is going to be my day.

Brendon Burchard, author, of The Millionaire Messenger.

Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, but a thing to be achieved.

William Jennings Bryan: American politician from the 1890s

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.

Edward Everett Hale, editor and author of 60 books

The Lighter Side

Leather

When a woman wears leather clothing, a man's heart beats faster. His throat gets dry. He gets weak in the knees and begins to think irrationally.

Ever wonder why?

She smells like a new truck!

Old man

He was eating lunch at a truck stop when three bikers walked in. The first pushed his cigarette into the old man's pie, then took a seat at the counter.

The second spit in the old man's milk, then took a seat at the counter. The third turned his plate over and then took a seat at the counter.

The old man left without a word. One of the bikers said to the waitress, "Humph, not much of a man is he?"

The waitress replied: "Not much of a truck driver either. He just backed his truck over three motorcycles."